Bye Bye La Pocatière sur Fleuve Blues: Monday, June 2nd!

"And like a screeching harpy screaming up from the sulfurous depths of Hell, Kim Kardashian has sensed our happiness and seeks to destroy it, destroy it, DESTROY IT! According to the Daily Mail, Kardashian is 'cutting deals left and right' to 'minimize expenditure and maximize profits for herself and the rest of the family' when she gets married to Kanye West! By auctioning off everything from video rights to wedding photos, Kim stands to make $21 million from the wedding -- in other words, $3 million more than she made from her 72-day marriage to Kris Humphries! And that is why Kardashians get married." Ann Romano; One Day at a Time; The Portland Mercury (Oregon); May 21, 2014.

If Galileo had said in verse that the world moved, the Inquisition might have let him alone. -Thomas Hardy, novelist and poet (1840-1928)

Thought you might like to read about our latest point standing by one of the top Canadian/BC wine critic John Schreiner...see attachment
 

Hi Ginette: Thanks very much for sending along the review of the 2013 Appassimento. Sounds simply wonderful. Congratulations to Bruce on having such acumen to produce such an exciting wine, something that is surely breaking new ground, so to speak, in the wine industry in the Okanagan. 

With respect to Andrew, not sure if you have been in touch with him, of late, but about three weeks ago, or so, he suffered a number of "small" strokes. He called, as he is wont to do, before seeking medical attention and both Corinne and I thought that he was completely "loaded" so difficult was it to understand what he was saying, slurred speech, rambling on, etc. Apparently, at some point, he was drinking a glass of water and his tongue wouldn't work, contents spilling all over him. This made him realize that something serious was wrong, obviously!

At any rate he ended up in hospital where stroke diagnosis was confirmed. He called from there, two weekends ago, and explained what had happened. He called again, this past Saturday, and he is back home. He is to have an NMRI this week and is currently undergoing speech therapy, etc. Fortunately, I gather, he seems to have a fair bit of sick time so, for the time being, he will still be paid. Except for his impaired speech he is otherwise unaffected, as far as I know. He seemed fairly stoic about what had happened and will be "taking things one day at a time", as he put it.
 

Sorry I didn't pass this along sooner but we have literally been inundated with visitors, (Brisbane and La Pocatière, Quebec), over last three weeks and don't seem to have had a moment to think. Again, according to Andrew, "this was a wake up call." Whether he will change his life style, (weight loss, exercise, drinking habits, smoking cigarettes, [I didn't know about latter!]), remains to be seen. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Yes A. called me on my BDAY and filled me in! Sad 

Hi Pat and David! I trust I have not caused you to do something you truly wished to pursue BUT I do believe the proposed day trip would have been little less than exhausting. At any rate, we can chat about alternatives once you've had a chance to "get the feel" of Vancouver. Furthermore, please don't feel you will be taking up our time. We are delighted to spend the days, or parts thereof, as appropriate, with you. That being said, we imagine you are happy to explore on your own as well. Both Corinne and I feel much the same when we are travelling and staying with friends.

Chloe Alexis Dunn via Rebecca Coleman

New Facebook Pages Interface Launching June 5

Rebecca Coleman runs down the highlights of the New Facebook Pages Interface coming to everyone June 5.

@RebeccaColeman | Social Media Marketing

 

Not sure about museums, galleries, etc., but we belong to the Vancouver Art Gallery and we have guest passes so we'd like to offer them to you, should this be of interest. While Vancouver cannot compete with SF, per esempio, with respect to collections, etc., the VAG has the largest, permanent collection of works, anywhere, by Emily Carr, (Funnily enough, part of her training was at the SF Art Institute!), so this may well be worth a visit.

In case her work is not familiar to you, as both an artist and writer she was "heavily inspired by the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.  In 1898 Carr made the first of several sketching and painting trips to aboriginal villages, visiting Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island, home to the Nuu-chah-nulth people, then commonly known to English speaking people as 'Nootka'. While on holiday in Alaska with her sister Alice in 1907, Carr again came into contact with indigenous peoples in remote villages and determined to use her art to document the sculptural and artistic legacy of the aboriginal people she encountered there."
 

Other very significant collections of indigenous work at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, downtown, and the Museum of Anthropology, at UBC, again, should this be of some interest. A host of other "outdoor" things to do might include simply taking Seabus, from downtown, to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver; SkyTrain, above ground, light rapid transit, out to Surrey, just to see a bit of outlying countryside, gondola up Grouse Mountain for a panoramic view of Vancouver or a trip around False Creek on Aquabus, on and off at different locations on route. These last suggestions are really intended to give you a look at the city from different perspectives , like looking at Seattle from Space Needle or London from The Eye, the giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the Thames. Fun, of course, if that is of interest, but not necessarily to everyone's liking.
 

There is small batch distillery, (another one just across False Creek), and a sakemaker on GI and a host of craft beer breweries, (GI on GI), close to us, if tasting is something you might wish to do. (Sorry we are unable to  take you to the Okanagan. You'll have to stay for two weeks, next time!) Some, or all, of these suggestions might make more sense after your overview tour. Again, much depends on your interests and pacing. Just a walk along sections of the extensive Seawall can be most pleasant, whether you want to go all the way around Stanley Park or not.

Anyway, time to suit up for my ride so will leave you with these suggestions. Cora Lee is at a yoga class, on the edge of Stanley Park, conducted by Agneta. She and her son Ezra, popped by yesterday, with his wife, Suyin, and three month old granddaughter, Kirtana. Cheers, Patrizzio.

Pics: Agneta and family; Carol, this morning, before Coriandre drove her to the airport.

I forgot to address your comments about the wine (of secondary importance at this time - don'tcha know?). You are quite welcome for the small additional discount - we thought it the very least we can do since you are going to host us in just a short time, but we're happy to hear that you think our wine is a super bargain! As far as waiting to pick up your wine in the fall when you and Sarge and Whirlygig (who's that again?) make a possible venture south, that would be fine. If it ends up that you don't get down this way after all, you can call on the Berkeley connection at that time. Sound good? Pat
 

Hi Pat, Shewa has made some changes to her schedule- so we are available for June 6 Friday. Not sure of the kids- possibility of Reem and Aminat attending but will know soon. By the way, I was thinking of you when I heard that brutal attack on the cyclist over the weekend- I hope you were not with the same group. Take care and see you soon. egn

Hi Eyob and Janet! Terrific that Shewa was able to rearrange her work schedule to allow you both to join us this coming Friday. Don't "force" your "head-strong" children to do anything they might not wish to entertain. Just tell them we'll have more fun without them! Seriously, if they decide to join gathering, just let us know so that we can plan accordingly.
 

Corinne and I will bbq something, (Difficult children, perhaps?), so if you, Eyob/Shewa, wanted to contribute a salad or vegetable dish, of some sort, that would be lovely. Janet, your desserts are always fabulous so can we ask you to bring some confection, gluten-free if that is not asking too, too much? Of course, let us know if you both have other suggestions/ideas. Completely flexible with respect to menu.

At any rate, lovely that we have finally been able to arrange another evening together. Any time after 6:00 pm, Friday, June 6th, (Just to be doubly sure we all know date in question!), let us say but even that is not fixed if people have work constraints, etc. Let us know if this needs to be adjusted, somewhat, but we'll be here, from late afternoon on so come when you can. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Excellent. Yes, I can definitely bring a dessert on Friday and will see you shortly after 6 p.m. Looking forward to it!!!! Janet

Patrick, These are beautiful pictures- adorable baby. Yes, the salad is no problem- any recommendation as a favoured by the house? By the way, what was the malt your lost last time you had a bet with Corinne? My nephew introduced me to some American bourbon last time I was in San Francisco for a wedding- could that be? See you then, egn

Hi again, Eyob! With respect to a salad, any type you prefer is just fine with us. Thanks. With repsect to the malt, I cannot remember because I have never lost a bet with Corinne! I lose all the arguments however, even if I'm right! 

That being said, it might have been a bourbon as I am quite fond of that as well. We can chat about such things on Friday. Look forward to seeing you then.  Janet said she would be arriving after 6:00 pm. Come when you are able. Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: If there is no street parking close by, call and we'll let you into underground parkade as we have an extra space.

Hi Inja Goil! Great! Thanks! Call if you cannot find a place to park. Sometimes there are plenty of spots on the street. I plan to "steal" one myself, after 4:00pm so that we will have two inside, for you and Eyob, but one never knows! Should be fine, no matter what.

Had a fab ride out to Queensborough Bridge today. Glorious day as I'm sure you enjoyed it as well. Have registered for the Granfondo in Penticton on July 13th, 160 km, so need to log the distance! Among other things, we can talk about bike routes and your biking on Friday! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Stats for today's ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/512782425#.U40i5arCWkE.email

Hi Sarge: Sorry you can't join us. We'll have two table so if you want, pop up when your AGM is over. Elaine is playing but she isn't sure how long she'll last as she is still recovering from very severe bronchitis.

Had a fab ride out to Queensborough Bridge today, via UBC, Marine, Kent, back along River Road and then up Cambie. Glorious day as I'm sure you enjoyed it as well. Have registered for the Granfondo in Penticton on July 13th, 160 km, so need to log the distance!

Are you and Flamin' still planning to come up that weekend? Riding? Just golfing, wine tasting, shopping or all three? I have talked to Peter and I'm driving up earlier to "train", probably on Monday, July 7th. Want to ride Fairview Mountain, in particular, and a few other stretches I've not done before. Anyway, let us know. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

I forgot to address your comments about the wine (of secondary importance at this time - don'tcha know?). You are quite welcome for the small additional discount - we thought it the very least we can do since you are going to host us in just a short time, but we're happy to hear that you think our wine is a super bargain! 

 As far as waiting to pick up your wine in the fall when you and Sarge and Whirlygig (who's that again?) make a possible venture south, that would be fine. If it ends up that you don't get down this way after all, you can call on the Berkeley connection at that time. Sound good? Pat

Patriçio, Reconfirm bridge Wednesday - a que hora? Reminder to fwd Big Al’s & the other guy’s email address. cheers/bjp Branko Get your pool entries in!! World Cup Game #1 2014.06.12 13:00pst Arena de Sao Paulo Croatia <> Brazil

Hi Admiral Barnacle and Big Al! Have include Al The Plumber's email as you can see. Don't have Paolo's but I'm sure Spanner Man can provide it so that you can send along pool entry forms. Thanks for Dram snapolas, Enforcer! On the dishwasher front, apparently Reliable phoned to say part was in. 

Chap I talked to said it was already at Imperial outlet so not sure why they called. Anyway, at your convenience. Scullion Patrizzio is used to washing dishes by hand and it is only Imelda who refuses to compromise her lily white hands and needle sharp nails so she  throws everything into dishwasher!
 
Bridge is at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, June 4th, Admiral. See you then and talk sometime this week, Pipe Wrench Al! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Pics from Dram! Al, please forward to Paolo and send along his email address to me as well, for future tastings!!!!!