Tinsel Town's Independence Day Blues: Friday, July 4th!

The best way to be more free is to grant more freedom to others. -Carlo Dossi, author and diplomat (1849-1910) 

Hi there Both films sound great...Alex will read the first 3 verses of Autumn Rain and Pierre will conclude with the last three.

I particularly loved that one for it's references to snow and grain to connect to Grandma Dunn's Manitoba roots.
 

The Maya Angelou piece I found when Maya passed last week and I was reading her collection of work on her website....I thought it was quite fitting as for as small as Grandma Dunn was, she was quite a mighty tree! Love to all xo

Hi Tinsel Town Orators! Thanks for the specifics. Not that I wish to dictate BUT you might want to introduce both readings with the brief account of how you came across poems and thought of Mom's prairie upbringing, etc.. Very well put! (On your part, not mine!) Love, Dad/Patrizzio!

Good idea...consider it done! So let it be written! So let it be done! Identify quotation and your name will be put into a draw for the following: 

The traditions that have shaped the cultural landscape of Mexico are thousands of years old. Today, they are as vital as ever and are most vividly expressed in the southern state of Oaxaca. For the people of Oaxaca, tradition is not something to be dusted off each year on festive occasions. 

It’s a way of life and permeates everything they do. Paramount among these traditions, like a silver thread running through the collective narrative of the region, is the production and frequently ritualistic consumption of mezcal. For more than four centuries, in tiny cottage workshops scattered among scores of villages dotting the countryside, fathers have passed the lore of handcrafting fine mezcal on to their sons and grandsons. 

Behind each bottle of Pierde Almas is a time-honored recipe kept alive with painstaking care by the family patriarch in each successive generation. By referring to Pierde Almas as a “Mezcal de Autor” it’s hoped these master mezcaleros will be elevated to their rightful place, because although their numbers have dwindled over the years, these individuals remain as the true defenders of mezcal lore. 

Pierde Almas aims to honor them for their humble yet uncompromising resistance in the face of the wholesale industrialization that has entrenched itself in recent years among the agave plantations of Oaxaca. Pierde Almas still bakes their Agave Hearts for up to ten days in earthen ovens, and still mills them under a great stone wheel drawn by horses. Fermentation—even in these impatient times—is slow, careful and chemical-free. Distillation takes place in a wood-fired, serpentine copper alembic whose design hasn’t changed appreciably since the Moors occupied the Spanish Peninsula. Each glass of Pierde Almas is a hymn to their history and cultural heritage. After centuries of near obscurity, Pierde Almas is now honored to have the opportunity to bring this amazing elixir out of the villages and onto the world stage

 Mezcal Pierde Almas Espadín - $119.05

Young (less than one year old at bottling), handcrafted mezcal made of 100% agave (Agave angostafolia). The bouquet is slightly smoky with hints of aromatic wood and wild flowers. Its effect on the palate is long and lasting.

Jordan Cran | Spirits Supervisor | Legacy Liquor Store

Mezcal Pierde Almas Tobaziche - $188.05

Young (less than one year old at bottling), handcrafted mezcal made of 100% agave (Agave karwinskii). The bouquet is charged with strong tones of the flesh of the agave plant laced with aromatic (cedar-like) woods. On the palate the effect is sweet and long-lasting with strong traces of quince and anise seed. The aftertaste is very floral against a backdrop of clean, wet clay.

Lukas Sopuch | Spirits Team | Legacy Liquor Store
 

Mezcal Pierde Almas Pechuga - $313.45

Young, triple-distilled, handcrafted mezcal made of 100% agave (Agave rodocantha or Agave angostafolia). Every year, in the month of November, Pierde Almas produces an extremely limited offering of mezcals avocados: mezcals flavored with an infusion of heirloom (criolla) fruit, almonds, anise and, in this case, the breast of a turkey. It’s as if the ghost of an old forest of wild fruit trees were to occupy the senses, lingering long after the mezcal itself has been swallowed. 

Happy sipping. Cheers, Mezcal Man!        Pharoah to Nefretiri Poppa, are you getting into tequila?

Pharoah, (Yul Brynner), to his scribe! [Comes from Cecil B. DeMille's epic film THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. When the Pharaoh makes a decree it is sealed with "So let it be written; so let it be done." Yul Brynner utters these powerful words in the film.] I get to keep all the mescal! Hee Hee!!! I'll give you a teeny, tiny taste for being close. I try to maintain a catholic approach to all spirits! Cheers, Cecil B, {for Bad}!

Tequila is for sharing Poppa...I can't afford your fancy brands but a shot of chilled Patron Silver always brings a smile to my face! Pedestrian, Smiley Face, Pedestrian!

Fine! Next time I visit I shall drain the liquor cabinet as my revenge, for I am anything but pedestrian! High, (tightly drawn!), Strung Drama Queen?

People change Poppa...I'm even dating a Sagittarius currently. ..oh the sheer horror of it all!! You couldn't have picked a better sign! Easy going, generous, understanding, patient, selfless, patient. Need I go on? 

Hi Digitale! Would that be the Swimsuit Edition as you plan on staying at Best Western with pool! Truly sorry we won't connect. Perhaps in the fall. I'm hoping to take a quick trip south with Sarge and Whirlygig, probably in late September. Fondestos to you and Fingare. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
  
Hi Big Al! Thanks for alerting me to this scintillating site! Your message has been sitting in my inbox for about three weeks and I finally managed to "open" the envelope! Trust you are well.

Took in The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz, last night at Vancity Theatre. You may well be familiar with Aaron Schwartz, (I wasn't but ironically it was his downloading of JSTOR, at MIT, that led to his arrest!), but if not, documentary is certainly well worth seeing if the chance presents itself. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Sausage Man! Happy Independence Day! Chloë and I enjoyed honey/garlic sausages last night for dinner before she dropped me off at Vancity Theatre. 

Back at the Islay Inn to find Coriandre watching a recorded episode of Vera, a British police detective procedural, one we'd seen, (I suspect Cora Lee snoozed through much of it when we first watched episode in question!), instead of sending you a list of books! Since I knew I'd seen it, I brushed and flossed and went straight to bed to read Joseph Kanon's Istanbul Passage. Kanon is also the author of The Good German, a book I liked very much, the film, not at all! At any rate, I can hardly wait to pick it up, am enjoying it so much!
 

Thought you might like to peruse attached list, until Coramandel sees fit to send along her recommendations! The authors listed will be attending VWF, October 21st-26th. Change your plans and come on up! Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: I'm flying down for lamb tomorrow! Taking a hot air balloon. Collect me in Calistoga, if you don't mind! 

Hi again Bob! Really liked your watercolour sketch! Thanks for sending it along. As well, glad you liked Letter site. [Thanks!] Terribly fascinating if only one had more time! Since you are still on the mescal trail, thought you might like the following bottles.
 
Your extensive travel plans sound more than exciting. Am sorry we will miss Olivetti and Famiglia again! Was looking forward to meeting his wife and sons. Please pass along fond regards. I never really listened to Kraftwerk or the like. Did you enjoy concert? Thanks for the invitation, I'm sure we'd be delighted to accept. Will arrange things closer to date, obviously. Cheers, Patrizzio!

P:  Thanks for quick reply, I'm sure sorry we can't travel too.  I heard from Francesca also - they're committed.  Thanks for forwarding email from Bob, he sounds an all round good bloke. Would like the Tina/Trevor contact if you can forward this to them I'd appreciate it.  See y'all in October.  Love.
 

Plea for help from a fellow Ozzite! Hi TNT! Trust everyone is well. Enjoyed latest snaps from Ariane. On another matter, received this message from Stefano, in Harcourt North, near Bendigo, a day or so ago. In my reply I did mention that you have rented the same house in Neffiés I rented last September, this September. Stefano wondered if he would be welcome to stop there, at some point, as it is but three hours from Barcelona. Let me know what you think and I'll let him know. Thanks. Fondestos from Cora Lee to you both. She's just off on her day's round of meetings and volunteer activities. I'm off for a ride once France vs Germany is over! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Stefano: Latest Euro-regrets included. I've sent a message to T/T so I'll let you know as soon as I know.   Cheers, Patrizzio!

Sausage tonight on a pizza shell that I produce when I make too much dough. It looks like a tortilla but taste much better. Kate called and she and her boyfriend Bryan are coming over for a visit and pizza tomorrow night so that will be fun. 

Sunday I will now have rack of lamb and roast potatoes, recipe handed down from my Sicilian grandmother. At least 8 bottles open tonight to taste over the next few days, including a 2003 Bordeaux and 2005 to taste along with some of my Aca Modot and Ultimate Cuvee.......a Macon will proceed the red wine. I am waiting patiently for the list of books but yours will be interesting in the mean time. I miss Vancouver......I may have to make it a yearly jaunt.........Dave

Portrait of a Venetian Nobleman

Art: Vittore Carpaccio, c.1510

At first glance these are recent books so I will see if some of the authors have written older books in Kindle. I have to use my paper white Kindle!! Harvest time in October.

Magnifico:

MEANING:

noun: A person of high rank or position.

ETYMOLOGY:

Earlier magnifico was an honorary title applied to Venetian noblemen. From Italian magnifico (magnificent), from Latin magnus (great). Ultimately from the Indo-European root meg- (great), which is also the source of magnificent, maharajah, master, mayor, maestro, magnate, magistrate, maximum, magnify, mickle, mahatma, magnanimous, and hermetic. Earliest documented use: 1573.

Hi Paper White Sicilian and the Seven Kindles! Too, too bad about timing of VWF. I know harvest time is critical. If I wasn't already coming for the rack of lamb and roast potatoes, I'm certainly drawn by the 8 bottles of vino!

Just back from a decent ride. Out to UBC to follow my usual route. Started to spit as I was making for home but even that light precipitation had stopped before I reached the Islay Inn. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/534596972#.U7dBVBMvNG8.email

Both Chloë and Coriandre are doing shifts at Aunt Leah's Thrift Store this afternoon. I'm to collect Cora Lee at 6:15 pm and we'll go directly to friends, Catherine/Matt, for dinner. They live on the hillside above Spanish Banks, towards UBC, so their view of city and English Bay is nothing short of spectacular. Have an 8th Generation Integrity, (Chardonnay, Pinot Gris), Frizzante Style, 13.2%, chilling in the fridge, to take along. We'll toast their safe return from a three month trip through Bhutan, India, parts of Africa, ending in England where Matt, (originally from Glasgow), has relatives.

looking forward to meeting Kate and Bryan. Perhaps they can collect me in Calistoga on the way up from SF! Did Patrizzia drive to San Diego? Vancouver misses you. Do make it an annual excursion, especially since you now have an "in" at Cioppino's! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Here's a kindred spirit: One of my former students now practising law with an abiding interest in fetal alcohol problems:  

www.davidboulding.com

Hi again, Big Al! Thanks for David's website. I'm going to forward it to Chloë as some of the foster children in Aunt Leah's care have either been affected or touched by fetal alcohol problems. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Goils! This from Al Soroka, after I mentioned Aaron Swartz, activist for social justice, to him. Thought it might be of interest. Cheers, Dad/Patrizzio!

Vancity Aaron Swartz Blues: Thursday, July 3rd!

So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being. -Franz Kafka, novelist (1883-1924)

The gathering scheduled for this coming Sunday will be postponed until September. I will suggest either the 21st or the 28th of September. Please let me know if you have a preference. G
 

shoot, I was looking forward to this Sunday! I actually finished the book too I am open to either or at the moment VL
 

Lincoln, the autodidact

Photo: US Mint

Autodidact:

MEANING:

noun: A self-taught person.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Greek autodidaktos (self-taught), from autos (self) + didaktos (taught). Earliest documented use: 1534.

From this far ahead of time, I say both days fine with me too. Moe

At the moment both dates are open for me. best wishes Misha

Please, Sir, September 28th is best for me. Could I have some more, malt that is, as I spit on gruel? Cheers, Oliver!

Either would be fine for me. Thanks, ds

George, so far both dates are fine with me. As this is the first I've read about the new Galiano address, I have to ask if it is attached to a house, or will you be dwelling in a tent until you build something? Guy 

• Rhoda Maccormick
  

  
  

  Hi I am visiting Dinao in Switzerland, and she is possibly looking some place in Vancouver, any ideas? On another note, we walked the Camino for 7 days and there were lots of bikers. Maybe you would want to bike from St. John Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostella?

• 

  Patrick James Dunn Hello Ski and Dinao!
  

  
  

  Sounds like a great trip! Guess one would need a mountain bike, however. With respect to Vancouver, what does "some place" mean? When? Where? How much rent? Just Dinao? For how long? Any details? Cheers, Patrizzio!  

Hello Southampton Bound People! Thanks for the good wishes for both training and ride itself! Believe me, my goal is to finish. I suppose if I am aiming for anything it is not to be last!! At any rate, event is only about ten days away so moment of truth is fast approaching. Loved the bike atop your car. Just make sure it doesn't stay there all the while!!!

Just had an invitation to join friend, Stefano, in Europe, in early September. Unfortunately, already committed to dates in question. Hope he will be able to find someone as I don't think any of my friends are free for the times in question. 

At any rate, just wanted to send along recipe for Avocado Egg Salad I had intended to attach to last message but forgot to do so! Cora Lee is off doing The Stork with Agneta at Yoga in the Park. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Patricio, I need help! I need a travelling companion!  Plans I had to travel in September with a mate in Europe have fallen over because he has committed to old friends in trouble.

I have plans to drive from Barcelona to Central Italy and would dearly love someone to come along to share transport and accommodation and good times.

I am ticketed to arrive in Barcelona on 5 September 2014; ideally someone would join me on or around that date.  I plan to hire a car and drive east through southern Spain, then on to Italy.  I plan to attend an Italian Language school from mid-September, more than likely near Amalfi Coast. So, the travel component will be 8-12 days, depending on what we agree.  Beyond these, my dates (and route, etc.) are flexible.  I depart Rome for Vancouver 7 October 2014.

I travel for interest and edification.  I’m not a place scorer, but enjoy sights.  I don’t travel 5-star, but not in backpackers either.  I like comfort, and find it best to stay close to town – parking considered! As you know I have travelled for more than 40 years, and am pretty reasonable and companionable. If you know anyone who could join me, please get back soon.  It should go without saying that if you could join me i'd love it best. Stephen

  
Dear SOS, (Save Our Stefano)! Thanks for the simply wonderful invitation. Almost cannot imagine a more thrilling prospect. Other things being equal, I'd dearly love to join you, Stefano but with Whistler Granfondo, (September 6th), Cornish couple, Gayle/Derek, arriving, (September 16th, for two weeks and staying at The Annexe), and house/cat sitting at Madroña Manor, (September 13th-18th), I'm already committed for dates you suggest. 

Another real drag is the fact that Tina/Trevor, friends from Adealide, have rented the same house in Neffiés I rented last September. We would have been welcome to stop there, I know, but three hours from Barcelona! (I'm sure you'd be welcome so let me know if you'd like me to contact them. Well worth a day or so in area. Longer if it suits.) Hope you will be able to find someone as I don't think any of our friends are free for the times in question, but I will ask, nonetheless.

At any rate, am genuinely disappointed at missed On-the-Road opportunity. Selfish, I know, but wish that things didn't always seem to happen at the same time.  Cora Lee is off doing The Stork with Agneta at Yoga in the Park. Thanks again for thinking of me. I'll certainly be in touch if I hear of a possible travelling companion. Buona Fortuna! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Pat, Nice offer but September is taken. Yellowstone NP is tugging us away to all it's gei splendours and beauty.

Stephen sounds like a curious and passionate traveller. Hope he finds his travel mate. Wow, Italian language school on the Amalfi coast sounds wonderful.

I didn't want to copy Stephen after his request not follow up with multiple addressing. You can forward this to him for what it is worth. I wish him well. bob Meant to correct geothermal, though spellcheck, but the email zoomed off to the Island Inn. 

Hi Geothermal Man! Thanks for speedy reply. Much appreciated. Have forwarded your Euro-regrets to Stefano. On another matter, I have two bottles of Tequila in malt cabinet, ready and waiting. Sadly, already opened by juice-head dolts in my Non-Readers Book Club. Still plenty left, however, so come on over and eat a scorpion or two! Unfortunately, probably have to wait until September as chock-a-block until then. See you in September! Cheers, Patrizzio!

P, thank you both for your patience with scheduling this dinner for the homeless -- formerly of Kits. We look forward to hanging with you -- a welcome respite from the frenzy.

As you will have noticed I have postponed the NRBC gathering. Without that restriction on our schedule, what time would be most suitable for you and Corinne for dinner? As I said I can be there around 5:30 however if we planned for 6:30 it would allow me to stay and have a beer with the lads. Either way is fine. W

Dear Homeless People! Having dinner at 6:30 pm is fine with us if it will allow you, Beer Guzzler, to make your goodbyes with The Breakfast Club. Timing is for you, large cardboard box dwellers, to determine, so enjoy your last few snorts of Night Train! The Less Selfish Sisterhood, (Is that an oxymoron?), are welcome to arrive earlier, should that suit their marginalized needs. Just let us know so that we can erect a tarp on the patio along with a few soiled blankets/dirty sleeping bags and flea-bitten dogs. We thought you would all be more comfortable, eating Al fresco, given that this is now your norm.  In fact, I'm working on having a large dumpster brought to the grassy area off the patio. That way we won't even have to worry about providing a sustainable meal. Cafeteria style dining at its finest! 
 

Noticed the steely, "Don't mess with me" authority in your last NRBC missive: "will be postponed"! From replies to date, non-readers seem rather intimidated, cudgeled into subservience! Nice work on the sheep!!!

Let us know what time to open the rusty, dented cans of beans! Cheers, Mean Streets Dunn on behalf of Soup Kitchen Cora Lee! 

Hi Pat, hope you and Corinne are well. I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed this week's meeting is cancelled. Either way, if you are going to be home this Sunday, I would like to come by to drop something off for you guys sometime in the late afternoon/early evening. If you're not home that day no worries, I can always come by some other day Take care, VL

Hi Vittorio! Grand to hear you have read book, to no avail it seems! Yes, we will be home Sunday, late afternoon/early evening, so please pop by anytime. Great to catch up. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi, Patrick and Corinne: Finally acknowledging this message on which you copied me.   I was down the proverbial rabbit-hole for much of June.  In addition to wrapping up at Central, we had a visit from Sandy, and she and Karen and I went over to Pacific Rim for our first ever sisters-bonding trip!  The weather was splendid and we had a really nice time.  The rest of Sandy's family arrived about a week later, and there was a big family gathering at Greg and Lenore's home in Deep Cove on June 21st . . . see photo!

I started at Dunbar yesterday . . . had a send-off party at the Children's Library last Wednesday.   I made it conditional on being allowed to bring ALL of the baking, including chocolate mice and hedgehog sugar cookies.  This added to my general busy-ness, but I'm happy I managed it, since baking and me sort of go together!   See other photo!

Hope you had an absolutely outstanding Canada Day.  It was such a terrific day.    We missed you of course, but nonetheless had a lovely evening in Mum's beautiful backyard.  Coincidentally, it was my 56th annual chronological milestone that very day as well! 
 

Let's get together soon for another natter about India -- and pictures too.  Meanwhile, I hope you are having and continue to have a lovely summer. Love, Janet

Hi Head of Dunbar! 

Congratulations! Bravo! Wish I'd been invited to Children's Library send-off! Your baking looked divine!!! Great to see assembled family as well. Sorry we couldn't have been there either. Belated Birthday wishes, Edging Towards Retirement Girl!!! So much happening, no wonder you are were down the rabbit-hole!

Unfortunately, India natter will probably have to wait until September as we are rabbit-holing ourselves till then! Thanks again for summer wishes. Same to you, of course. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Folks: The arduous task of constructing the raised bed gardens on the mountainside has been completed—180 cinder blocks and 13 cubic yards of triple-mix soil carted up the hill by yours truly.

As this is our first garden out West, we will have to adjust to the growing times here. The tomato, eggplant and pepper plants (planted as seedlings) already bear fruit whereby in Ontario we would have to wait at least until mid-August  to witness the same amount of growth.

Anything that we planted from seed (beans, cucumbers, zucchini, etc.) appears to be growing at the same rate if not a bit slower than what we have been accustomed to seeing. 

Dear Constant Gardener et all Congratulations on your herculean efforts. Well Done! Bravo! Very impressive. Machu Picchu in nothing compared to Nanaimo Garden With a View! However, I note the mule deer in one of the photographs and can only imagine poor thing is exhausted after being forced to haul all 180 cinder blocks and 13 cubic yards of triple mix up the steep slope while you sipped, arduously raiding your elbow, I might add, G/T's in the shade!

When is your first Sativa, (or is it Indica), crop to flower? Have you adjusted growing times for these varietals? Sarge is keen to know. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Patricio, 

Denise Jennifer and I are already going to Italy in Sept. We are flying down to Florence and environs from London for a few days around Sept 17th and then flying back to London.

Sounds like Stephen would be good to travel with; hope he finds someone to go with.cheers, Bill.

Hi Jet-Setters!

Thanks for speedy reply, with respect to Stefano. Your own trip sounds wonderful. Cheers, Patrizzio!

I saw your message to Pat and I am glad you had a nice time Tuesday.........Pat is off with her sisters to San Diego and I am here in 105 degree weather a few days ago. I will have fun by myself since I know how to cook. We bottle next week so it will be fun..........mention to your wife I am waiting patiently for her recommendations on books.........have fun........Dave

Hi Sweltering Man! Have forwarded your message to Cora Lee so I'm sure she'll send you a list, forthwith! Have you tried any recipes from Cioppino's? Cora Lee is off doing The Stork with Agneta at Yoga in the Park. I'll walk her to her iPad minute she walks in door. Cheers, Patrizzio!

P: Thanks for quick reply, I'm sure sorry we can't travel too. I heard from Francesca also - they're committed. Thanks for forwarding email from Bob, he sounds an all round good bloke. Would like the Tina/Trevor contact if you can forward this to them I'd appreciate it. See y'all in October. Love. S

Loved your photos. Thanks for the invitation but we'll stay at the best western in North Vancouver with the pool. When we are featured on the centerfold of Sports illustrated, I'll let you know and autograph a copy for you. Marilyn

Hi Digitale! Would that be the Swimsuit Edition as you plan on staying at Best Western with pool! Truly sorry we won't connect. Perhaps in the fall. I'm hoping to take a quick trip south with Sarge and Whirlygig, probably in late September. Fondestos to you and Fingare. Cheers, Il Conduttore! 

Hello! Damian and Corben are so happy that you have supported their Earth Ranger cause.  Today, Damian's official card arrived so he feels quite important.  We have had a number of discussions regarding why it is important to protect wildlife over the past few weeks.  Damian even asked why Earth Rangers wants kids to fundraise.  So we discussed the importance of good habits that last a lifetime.  Deep topics for July 3!
 

Attached are photos of the boys from the last week at school and July 2 at Sun Peaks.

We are going up to the mountain on July 4 and return Sunday for a birthday party at the movie theatre.  We had a nice weekend in Merritt recently too, and Kim's boys, Mathias and Ronan, managed to get Damian and Corben confident enough to ride down hills, along dirt trails and try starting out without me holding the bike seats.  We are taking the bikes to the mountain for the weekend so hopefully we will continue the curve of success.

July 1 was beautiful at Sun Peaks too, and we were in the outdoor pool from 3-5pm.  They are now playing in our neighbour's yard.  Their granddaughter is over and it is 26 degrees with a nice breeze.  Yesterday, there was no breeze and it was 36 degrees in Kamloops when we came back from the 26 degree weather in the mountains!
 

Waterski camp begins on Monday for two evenings.  Hopefully the boys will enjoy it!

The school year ended with teachers being on strike.  It appears there are a number of road blocks ahead and I don't think there will be a contract by September 1.  I imagine we will be on strike for the first two weeks of September.... But as the BCTF says.... We must remain positive!

Thank you again for supporting the boys with their fundraising for MS, Heart & Stroke, and Earth Rangers.  They are learning a lot with these initiatives.  

Hi Ariane! Thanks for the newsy update and wonderful snaps! Lads look terrific. Take care of yourselves and perhaps we'll see you next time we are passing through Kamloops. Fondestos from Cora Lee to one and all. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Ayn! Thanks for sending the readings. Like them very, very much. Just a small point but have Los Horridos decided  which part of their poem each will read? Perhaps an indication of voice change just so that I can let Karen know.

Just back from seeing, SAGRADA - THE MYSTERY OF CREATION:

Arguably the most popular building site in the world, the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona is still a work in progress, 125 years after the first stones were laid. Designed by the controversial Catalan genius Antonio Gaudi, the Sagrada is a testament to Faith ... Faith in God, in the natural forms that so inspired the architect, and also in man, for Gaudi always knew this work would have to be completed long after his lifetime.

and The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz:

As a teenager, Aaron Swartz took the Internet community by storm with capabilities, intellect and understanding that matched its most seasoned members. He helped found or develop countless household-name technologies and companies—including Reddit—in the time it takes most people to finish college. 

Aaron was a pioneer in Internet activism, and stood at the forefront of the SOPA and PIPA victories. He looked towards a limitless future—but his life took a dramatic turn. In 2011 and 2012, he was indicted by prosecutors who charged him with a staggering number of felonies. Aaron found himself facing 35 years in prison, and at the age of 26 was found dead in his apartment, from an apparent suicide. As we hear from those closest to Aaron, this incredibly inspirational and moving story shows how one of the most promising minds of a generation found himself staring down a government prosecuting him under the very laws he was fighting against. 

at Vancity. Chloë had come by for a quick dinner so after we ate she dropped me off at the theatre and then went to see Maya and David! (I'll let her tell you how the evening went!) Could go on for ages about both films but both were simply marvellous documentaries, for different reasons, of course. Gaudi's creation is stunning and the fact that it is still very much a work in progress makes it even more fascinating. Aaron Schwartz's story is also an incredible one but much, much more disturbing in the sense that it illustrates just how fragile the freedom we take for granted is both so fragile and illusory. At any rate, certainly well worth seeing if the chance presents itself. Love and Cheers, Dad/Patrizzio! 

Didn't leave the Heartbleed Terrace until just before 3:00 pm and headed for UBC. My back was a bit sore, on the left side, so I'd done some pelvic thrusts and stomach crunches before setting out. (Used to do these very regularly when swimming but have not so, foolishly, I admit, Dear Reader!, since I started to ride in earnest. Note to self: continue this very helpful regimen!) Once I was actually on the bike, I felt fine so was pleased that this was the case. Proceeded out along Spanish Banks and then decided I'd stay on the flats, opting to leave the climb of the Foreshore Hill for another day. Did about 25 parking lot loops and then headed back towards home with just over 41 km on the clock so I knew I'd have my benchmark distance by the time I was back at The Islay Inn. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/534090702#.U7ZF_vtcwcY.email  

Home by 5:11 pm and jumped in the shower right away as I wanted to soak my back under a hot stream of water. Felt pretty good so, again, I was pleased. Just as I was toweling off, Chloë arrived and we enjoyed dinner together: some tasty honey/garlci sausages and overleft avocado/egg salad. She was off to see Maya at 7:00 pm so she dropped me off at Vancity before heading there. Once last film was over I walked back home over the Granville Street Bridge, enjoying the lovely evening.

Back at the Islay Inn to find Coriandre watching Vera, one we'd seen! (I suspect Cora Lee snoozed through much of it when we first watched episode in question!) Since I knew I'd seen it, I brushed and flossed and went straight to bed to read Joseph Kanon's Istanbul Passage. Kanon is also the author of The Good German, a book I liked very much, the film, not at all! At any rate, I can hardly wait to pick it up, am enjoying it so much!

No I have not tried a recipe. I did contact Dino, the owner and he told me the waiter that served us was his son. I had said he was a keeper. He said "enjoy the book".
Steak tonight, sausage tomorrow and lamb Saturday and of course pizza Sunday........too bad you aren't here...........Dave

Hello Pat,

Any social encounters will have to be post-seismic indeed, after all the toil and trouble of getting to Yellowstone on that long U-Haul Trail. First Oliver and his family are coming on July 28, for 16 days . I will escort them to Kaslo and then they are on their own with my camping equipment. You realize that you and Corinne were the architects of my going on the West Coast Trial with him. Who would have thought that the hike would have taken us this far? Anna and i are going for a week on Hornby Island in mid August, where she is threatening me with a cultish-flavoured green diet. I think i might become a project in the weight-and-see department. Also, Ellie and i are going to Mt St Helens to camp, next Wednesday. By Friday we will be in Portland for the Urban Sketchers Meetup. Have no idea what could be in store – all part of keeping busy you know. Just kidding. I have my eyes on a liquor store up in the Northeast of the city which carries artisanal Mescal (as made all in one village) too. Rarely take alcohol all that seriously but i have bee in my bonnet on this one. 

Beyond Wyoming and early September, the social fault lines will lead into Fall and a chance to try your hootch. Could we turn the tables this time and have you both come out for supper? It is long overdue!

The attached watercolour sketch is from last week, when Ellie and I camped near Lillooet. Saw oodles of sublime scenery when not snoring amongst the pines.

I have to confess that i am joining two others tonight who i managed to talk into going to the QE, months ago. We are going to catch Kraftwerk, ancient German rockers from the 70s, who pioneered electronic rock music. Can you rememer them through the synth sounds and hemp smoke? This will be different tonight though, while listerning to "We are the robots." Take care, bob