Cody's Electric Avenue Blues: Sunday, August 31st!

Language is like soil. However rich, it is subject to erosion, and its fertility is constantly threatened by uses that exhaust its vitality. It needs constant reinvigoration if it is not to become arid and sterile. -Elizabeth Drew, author (1887-1965) 

Arugam Bay, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Nadienka Wyss We finally made it!

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  Patrick James Dunn Hi Nadienka! Not sure where you are but it looks simply fabulous. Don't want to spoil your holiday but have some shocking news! Sarge suffered a massive cardiac arrest early this past Monday morning! Wonderful news is that he survived and is now awaiting open-heart, triple by-pass surgery!

Good Lord that must have been a big shock for all. Not something one would expect, particularly since Wayne does not appear to have a typical heart attack profile. At least the later news sounds very upbeat and I am sure once the bypass surgery has been done and he has had suitable convalescence he will be able to return to a normal life. 
 

I must admit I find it strange that the hospital allowed so many people into his room so soon after, what appears to have been, a major heart episode. I would have thought quiet and rest would be the order of the day. Please send Wayne our best wishes for a speedy recovery and also our best wishes to Michele. Must have been a great shock for her.

We are off to Southampton in a couple of hours. We weren't planning on going up again until returning from Vancouver but I managed to get tickets to see the Lion King at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton so thought we would go up for a couple of days. Gayle has always wanted to see the production (not me particularly!) and we missed out on tickets when the show came to Plymouth. 

When we get back we have to finalise things with the estate agent then it will only be a few days before we have to head to London for our flight to Vancouver. We will go up the day before and spend the night at the airport hotel since the flight leaves at midday.

I had my first physiotherapy on my back on Friday. She did some deep massage and a number of exercises, which I am supposed to do a couple of times a day, and it has appeared to help. Went on a long walk yesterday but after two and half hours my back was aching pretty badly so I guess I will have to settle for more frequent shorter walks for a while. Unfortunately, it also aches after being on the bike but it could be the bent over position I have to take while cycling. 

Anyway, the X-rays showed no deterioration of the spine except for the healed cracked vertebra I sustained when I fell off the ladder a few months ago and the evidence of the broken ribs I had when I fell while on skies in Vancouver that winter when I foolishly raced Mark down a x country hill in Whistler! None of these injuries would relate to my back problems they tell me!

I just finished my breakfast of poached eggs on toast so will now go and throw a few things in my overnight bag before heading off. Hoping the traffic will be fairly light. Will stop at Honiton on the way up for coffee and a pastry. Honiton is about half way so good stop off for some refreshments. Fifty percent of the shops in Honiton are antique shops so a nice place to browse.This is pretty much the last week for visitors since the schools are back next week. Cornwall should return to a more peaceful state! Best wishes to all, Derek

Michele Darrow-Sutherland Wayne feeling back to normal self - trying to figure out how to get sprung out of hospital - also he's trying to find a bridge game among the other patients on the unit!!

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  Chloe Alexis Dunn Did you call Dad?
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  Nicole Marie Tell Pat to come and play some bridge.
  Tomorrow morning at 9am
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  Patrick James Dunn Let's talk later today but otherwise I'll be there! Four No Catheter!

Pat, We were shocked to hear about Wayne's heart attack and we wish him all the best with his surgery and recovery. He has always looked so fit and strong that it must have taken everyone completely by surprise. Hope Michelle is coping. It must be nice for her to have the support from your family and relatives from the east.

Sylvia and I are staying in Vancouver, Washington with our very good friends, Lesley and Bob. Great time in Oregon and I'll give you the details when I return later in the week. Ray and Sylvia 

Patrick, Thanks for the e-mail. Please convey our best wishes to Sarge, Michelle and their family. This is truly difficult for them. From the tone of your letter, it appears that there is reasonably good hope for a good outcome. We wish him all the best.

I didn't follow much of the details of the other people you mentioned. One of these days I want you to send me a crib sheet of the real names of all of the people you refer to by their nicknames.

I will write or call another time about our good visit to Vancouver in early August. Except for the customs both ways and the traffic around Seattle going back, it was very nice. Again, our best wishes to Sarge and his family. Best wishes, Mike

Hi Ski and The Great Ronaldo! Trust all goes well with you two. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Some of the trophies in Abbotsford Hunting Lodge!
 
Hi Pat and David! Shocking news! Sarge suffered a massive cardiac arrest early this past Monday morning! Unfortunately, it shouldn't have even happened inasmuch as Sarge has been exhibiting classic, tell-tale symptoms for over a year: indigestion and shortness of breath. Since he has a familial history of heart disease, (Both his father and grandfather died of heart attacks and his sister suffered a mild one about a year ago!), why he never pursued further diagnosis remains a mystery to one and all. However, not really the point at this stage of the game. Nevertheless, one wonders if this terrible event might have been prevented or at least ameliorated with medical intervention sought sooner.

Trust all goes well with you two. Still hoping for a trip to California. Fondestos and warm regards from Cora Lee to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Zircon! Cora Lee and Chloë took of for the PNE this afternoon. They wanted to see The Pointer Sisters on stage this evening and were planning to wander the grounds until show at 7:00 pm. I just returned from a great ride, (left at about 1:15 pm), out to UBC along Spanish Banks and then, via Marine, on to Kent Ave to Boundary and Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park. From there it is but a relatively short jog to the Queensborough Bridge. Crossed over it to land on River Road in Richmond. Took it back to Cambie kyTrain Bridge and once back in Vancouver retraced the route back along Marine to arrive home at 6:44 pm. Very pleased with my AVG over the same distance as the Whistler Granfondo but I know that the terrain will be far more difficult this coming Saturday. Nonetheless, a good training outing and a dry one. The rain just poured down between 10:00-11:30 am so I didn't think I was going to be able to ride at all, at one point. However, once truly heavy downpours ended, sky turned blue, although there was quite a bit of cloud cover, with the dark ones, fortunately, for me, over the North Shore mountains. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/579932739#.VAPRa7mtooI.email 

Quick shower, some digitating and then a bite of supper. Cody, Cora Lee's nephew from Winnipeg arrived at around 9:00 pm so we visited before he showered. He left about 10:00 pm to go downtown with friend he had driven with from Kelowna. Cody will be here until Tuesday or Wednesday so that means Whirlygig will have the Murphy bed in Cora Lee's office when he comes to town on Friday! We now spit on inflatable mattresses here at The Islay Inn! Perhaps we can persude Robo Man to ride over to Convention Centre with us when we register on Friday. I'll be keeping well back from him, coming and going, as we collided last time we went to the VeloSpoke Bike Expo, pre-GF, two years ago and I went down near Admiral Barnacle's moorage at the time!

Shortly after Cody left to go carousing I talked to Megan, Ryan's girlfriend, (He was driving as they had been at the hospital. All well on that front.), and confirmed that I was to be at Royal Columbian by 9:00 am on the morrow to play bridge! Apparently Sarge's boredom quotient is very, very high! A good sign, inasmuch as he is obviously feeling much better. However, I certainly hoped process to assign surgery date wouldn't drag on for weeks and weeks. As you might recall, Paul Whitney had to wait for over three weeks or so! Unlike me, or you, Sir, Sarge, is not a patient person!!!!
 

A few minutes later, Chloë phoned. She and Coriandre had had a wonderful day at PNE and Pointer Sisters were terrific. However, when they returned to the car, it was gone! Had been towed! Glad I had decided not to celebrate my ride with some hefty snorts of porch cleaner so I piled into Titanium Green right away and as I was parking in front of loft, The Sisterhood were close to the entrance of the building. They had walked along Wall from the PNE. They clambered into the car and related their tale of woe as we made for City Impound Yard at 425 Industrial Ave, not all that far from where one crosses Main at the end of Olympic Village. I've ridden past it many times when dipsy-doodling, en route to pick up my car at Coastal Ford. At any rate, I counted three Buster's towtrucks bringing in their haul in the time it took to have the car released. A license to print money: $91 for towing charges, $50 for ticket, too close to sidewalk, whatever that means!

On way back to our place, Chloë called to say that bridge was off as Sarge had been scheduled for surgery at 11:00 am on Monday! He will do almost anything to get out of having me for a partner!!! Had a message from Ryan that night but didn't actually read it until next morning: "Pat, Dad saw the surgeon late tonight. His surgery is tomorrow. He is second on the list. 11 am or thereabouts. So no bridge. Ryan" Of course this is simply wonderful, wonderful news. Don't need to tell you that the sooner the better for all sorts of reasons. Still, a serious operation and Sarge will not be out of the woods until it is over. Barring complications we all trust it will be as Corey posted: "Dad is scheduled for open heart surgery this morning at 11. Piece of cake!"

Trust all goes well with you. I was planning to send you this message when I finished my ride and noticed, via an email notification, that I had you as a new follower on Twitter! I thought we were already connected on that system. Anyway, not much to follow, on my part, as I just subscribed to see what all the fuss was about, a year or more ago. I can barely keep up with my traditional email and simply cannot be bothered to text. Fondestos, in absentia, from Mme Coriandre to you, James. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Prince Valiant! Fabulous news indeed! Some bridge after surgery? Sarge can be dummy!!! Everyone, all the friends I've contacted, send their best wishes to him and family. Talk at some point. Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
Hi Whistler Wonder Woman! Trust all goes well with you and arrangements for your Dad. Fondestos from Cora Lee to you and Dermot. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Polly, Mick and Ragin'! Not sure where everyone is but wanted you to know about Sarge's near death experience! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Kjell and Gianna! Jane will know some of this but here is the rest. Trust all goes well with everyone. Buona Fortuna with move, Gianna! Fondestos, in absentia, from Mme Coriandre to you both. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Patrick, Just a quick reply early in the morning. (I got the gist of the message on the phone from Jane before reading your email.) What a miracle Wayne is still alive! What a thin line between life an death! Every day is a gift. And we're getting reminded of it ever more often (I'm thinking of Paul, and others I know). Comes with the age, I suppose. Anyway, please give my deeply felt get-well-wishes to Wayne, and give Michele a hug from me. I suppose you have now heard all there is to hear about Jane's move to the island. For myself, I plan to come over in the first half of October, to stay for a couple of months. Hope to see you then. Fondestos & bestestos, Marcello 

Hi Pat: Thank-you for the email, I am so surprised to hear about Wayne. I guess we are all subject to our bodies breaking down. Wow! Imagine if the lady in the fitness room had not gone back for her nametag!!! Well it sounds from your email, that he is stabile and waiting for the next step - is it still triple bypass surgery?

I am glad you were able to fit in your ride, you are in shape! Ron and I golfed today in the most beautiful place, Baddeck Forks. He golfed in Dundee yesterday which has vistas of West Bay on th Bras d'or lake. The weather and scenery are so beautiful. I love every day looking out at the Bras d'or. I am heading out for a swim soon, the water is pretty nice, but still a little chilly.
 

Keep me in the loop and thanks for the email. I want to see your Murphy bed when it is installed, it sounds really nice. Take care, Rhoda 

Hello, This is a friendly reminder of your bicycle service appointment booked
at West Point Cycles on West 10th. Ave. for, Tuesday the 2nd of September .

As long as your bicycle is delivered anytime before 11am on Tuesday, we will have your service completed by 5pm. You are welcome to drop it off today if that is more convenient. We will be closed on Monday 1st September for Labour day. Our hours of operation are 9:30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. If you have any questions or concerns about your appointment, please email us at: west10th@westpointcycles.com or call the shop, 604-224-3536. Thank you and we'll see you soon. West Point Cycles
 

Great White Hunter's Abbotsford Blues: Saturday, August 30th!

 When you say that you agree to a thing in principle, you mean that you have not the slightest intention of carrying it out. -Otto von Bismarck

Hi GiggenFlugelheimer and Carlos The Jackal! I spoke to Margot yesterday and clarified registration. She sent me last registration number so all is well on the Fondo Front. I will forward number to Peter Bourne.

Wayne Sutherland New Westminster I was at the Weight Room last Monday and after finishing my work out I passed out on the floor. I have to personally thank Irene Lin who some how noticed me on the floor before going to the locker room and raises the alarm with four members who came to my rescue and performed CPR as I was not breathing and had no pulse. Sean McGowan Rob Krause, Bill Robinson and Bryan Pyatt. I owe my deepest gratitude to them as without them I would not be looking forward to triple bypass surgery which is what the doctors say I need. I am currently at the Royal Columbian Hospital waiting for surgery. I will up date you when I have more news.

Plan to go for a short ride out to UBC shortly. This afternoon we are off to Abbotsford to see The Great White Hunter, friend Henning, now despoiling the jungles of the Philippines, here for a couple of months to have his teeth cared for and replenish ammo supplies! Long back-story so will save it for some of the punishing grades to Whistler! Trust all goes well with the younger members of Team Jackal! (Thanks again, Carlos, for the tickets and Margot's support.) Talk soon. Fondestos from Mme Coriandre. Cheers, Il Conduttore! Pics: Raccoon Man with Zoo Keeper!
 

Hi Peter and Piston Man: Sorry you can't ride, Dionysios! Here is the code required to register:GFWGF-BTWW BoniMaddisonArchitectsXXXX The entire string, as is, needs to be entered. Let me know who will be the fifth member of Team Jackal! Buona Fortuna and Cheers, Il Conduttore! Pics: Taken last Wednesday just before leaving Squamish for Whistler and back! Stats for today's ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/578788170#.VAJEbRTZ4CI.email

Hi Patricio, So relieved to hear that Sarge is going to be o.k....WOW that was really unexpected although these things often are.
 
Anyway we are back in Burnaby for the weekend as Jake is in a soccer tournament which starts today and runs all weekend. I will taking my folding chair as I am fairly certain that I will not be up to standing for the whole
game...still treading the road to recovery very slowly and cautiously. They really werent kidding when they told me my procedure recovery requires 6 - 8 weeks.....the last laugh is on me who was certain the I would be able to defeat the odds and be back to my old self in half the time....just past the two week mark now and far from recovered but feeling better each day and grateful that I have the liberty to lay around and not have to be back at work or really do much of anything except whine lol

If you happen to be in town Monday one of our all time favorite bands Trooper ( who rumour has it that they used to reside in this VERY house back in the 80s ) is playing a FREE concert at Swanguard Stadium at Central Park here in Burnaby from 11 - 3 if you would like to join us...please let us know.  In the meantime give our love and support to Michelle and to Wayne as well....we are so glad that things are going so well. Lotsa Love, Colleen 

Hello Sylvia and Raymond! Shocking news! Plan to go for a short ride out to UBC shortly. This afternoon we are off to Abbotsford to see The Great White Hunter, friend Henning, now despoiling the jungles of the Philippines, here for a couple of months to have his teeth cared for and replenish ammo supplies! Long back-story so will save it for next ride together. Trust all goes well with your Oregon holiday. Talk soon. Fondestos from Mme Coriandre. Cheers, Il Conduttore

Thanks for the update Patrick. It is pretty amazing what the medical people can do nowadays so I am sure Wayne will be okay in due time. I checked your stats for your test runs to Whistler and must say I am impressed. Mags' son Scott is going in the same race and it is his first. His name is Scott Gingles if you happen to meet him. He is the fellow we bragged about you to.

It is pouring rain here so not too good for the Farmer's Market but we will head off anyway as the produce is at its best right now. Cheers, Dawn

Hello Claire de la Lune and Groggage! As you discerned, shocking news indeed!

Hello Digitale and Fingare! Shocking news that you both can relate to!

Hi Gayle and Derek! Shocking news! Trust all goes well with you two. I apologize for not addressing your full and newsy message. Will do so when things settle down a bit. Fondestos from Mme Coriandre to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Laura, thanks for a lovely evening and all the wonderful food. It was great to connect with Tommie, Min and to meet Edi. Hope to see you soon, Hugs Corinne

I'm passing along the attached invitation from Shelter Point to their "open house" planned for Saturday September 13, 2014. So if any of you are planning to be in Campbell River and would like to attend please RSVP to Patrick as soon as possible and let him know.

Our groups cask # 188 continues to age gracefully at the distillery. Its hard to believe that its nearing its 3rd anniversary. I have a small sample that was extracted on March 2014,so I think we should have a little tasting opportunity next month. ( details to follow) Kevin

Loudon Wainwright 

"Far and away the most candid diarist among the singer-songwriters who... brought confessional poetry into popular song...Mr. Wainwright wrings more human truth out of his contradiction than any other songwriter of his generation." ~New York Times
With 22 albums to his name, a Grammy win, two Grammy nominations, and countless roles in TV and films under his belt there isn't much that this veteran entertainer can't do. With his sharp wit and shrewd lyrics he moves his audiences from laughter to tears and back again. From his humble beginnings as "the singing surgeon” on M*A*S*H to his 1972 hit novelty song, "Dead Skunk" and a role as the original musician/sidekick on The David Letterman Show to the musical success of his children, Rufus and Martha Wainwright you could say he has become a bit of a household name."

The Gathering of Clan Sutherland Blues: Friday, August 29th!

The actions of men are the best interpreters of their thoughts. -John Locke, philosopher (1632-1704)

A fire this morning at the West Hawk Inn, an iconic stop in the West Hawk Lake resort area with a popular patio and bar, has seriously damaged the building but RCMP say are no injuries. Patrick James Dunn Must have been started by a spark from my wheels as I whizzed by at warp speed!

Michele Darrow-Sutherland·Wayne is sounding like his old self asking thousands of questions but not having memory of much . We got to meet and thank Irene, who found him and set off the alarms and the 2 of the RCMP Members who worked on him that day . There were several more Members involved in getting us to this day . We are eternally grateful

Hi Grumpster from Galiano! Too, too bad about Susan's delayed visit! What a complete drag, inasmuch, as it would have been terific to have you along, not only to ameliorate the loneliness of the long distance rider but also to share food, drink and cards with the Squamoids! In this very vein, we have been invited to stay overnight on the Saturday of the Granfondo. Do you know what Carlos has in mind? He is more than welcome to stay as well as is other person, (Matt?), from office. Not sure about "muleage" back from Whistler as likely only room for the Jackal, yourself and I as Ruthless plans to accompany Cora Lee. If necessary, that could probably be adjusted. In any event, I assume you, at the very least, will stay overnight. In any event, let me know who is doing what and we'll plan accordingly.
 

I will phone Peter this morning and let him know ticket is available. At this point, not sure if he will participate or another friend, Doug, I think, who rides with Lee and him.

Not much less than a week after GF  and we'll be heading over to Madroña Manor. I will probably go over on the 12th, day before Grogg/Lurch leave. Depending on timing, weather, etc., I'd like to ride. Let me know if this might fit with your schedule/inclination as you are more than welcome.

We can chat about trip to California over GF weekend. At one point, Sarge was keen to come along but, obviously, wine-tasting junkets won't be happening for some time now.  Will be in touch or call once I know more about last ticket. Fondestos and Cheers, Il Conduttore!
 

Pics: New Murphy bed. Prince Valiant and Megan, (In from Merritt to be with family.), moved in as soon as Ayn left for Tinsel Town! Happy Freeloader! Grumpy Hosts! View from Squamish Waldorf. Off to Whistler! Disaster Relief for Napa!

P, great news about Sarge. Thanks for sharing. Nice reconnaissance for the Whistler ride and even more impressive stats. Sounds way too arduous for a simple farmer from North Galiano...I like the post Fondo transport plan and night over in Squamish. I have forwarded that to Carlos and will see if that is amenable to him. Are you sure you can freeload again and freeload us freeloaders as well? Seems like you are asking a bit much of your generous hosts. Let me know how you visit to Sarge went. W

Hello Pat: Please see the email regarding the Fondo below. There are 2 codes listed for you and George. Perhaps George already used the first one to register
(string ending in XXX) in which case you should be able to use the second
one to register (ending in YYYY). Instructions for registering are attached. Let me know if you have any problems. Margo

Chasy, I think Margo may have misunderstood that we are looking for the code for the fifth and final available ticket. G

Hi Patrick: Here’s the last code: GFW-GF-BTWWBoniMaddisonArchitectsZZZZ
Have fun! Margo

Hi again, Giggster! Just registered for Team Jackal! Also spoke to Peter Bourne a few minutes ago. He will talk to Doug about who will ride with us. Got the feeling that Doug is very keen although Peter would like to do so as well. Peter is to meet Mike Berman on Saturday, late afternoon, so I know he was concerned about timing etc. Event starts at 6:50 am, as you probably know. Need to be at totem poles, Brockton Point, by 6:35 am, apparently. Will let you know more about last member when I hear from Peter and or about ticket code.

Must away as we are going to visit Sarge this morning. Need to be back in early afternoon as we are hosting about 17 assorted Sutherland Freeloaders for dinner this evening! Talk soon. Cheers, Oldest Member of Team Jackal! 

Hi Galiano Bumpkin! Not to worry about freeloading as you are sleeping on deck with bears and Carlos is to do renovation to bathrooms! You'll be sorry you didn't move to Squamish as you'll love Ruthless and Ricardo! Quick shower and then away to hospital. Will pass along your best wishes to a malingering Sarge! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

P, please give Sarge and Clan Sutherland my very best wishes. Chasy will be in touch with fondo code. W

Chasy, if Margo can send the code to either me or Pat directly. Thanks, G
Margo Please forward the remaining registration # information for the Fondo to Pat Dunn. thx Charlie

Hi, tks for the details, any news today? Did not hear from Michele yesterday.
Thinking of all of you from hot and sunny Round Rock Texas. Joanne

Hi Round Rock Gal! Just had some of the carrots you left for me as we are now back at The Islay Inn. Not sure if you knew this or not but he is now awaiting triple, open-heart, by-pass surgery! Latest on Sutherland Salient is that we had a terrific visit with Sarge today, around noon. One of the nurses mentioned, while we were in the room, that he may well have his date for surgery assigned later that evening. This remains to be seen, however. Nevertheless, we had a good, if short visit, and things are obviously settling down, at least from what things had been like even a day or so ago. 

My personal opinion is that most of the family need not be there all day, everyday, as even during our visit, (He has a private room.), it was just like being downstairs at their place with ten people, (Most of the Sutherlands from Nova Scotia are here now, Vivian, mother, Sandra, sister, Bobby, brother, Sylvia, sister-in-law), all talking at once. Sarge really needs to rest to be as best prepared as possible for coming surgery, whenever it is finally scheduled. He himself told the kids and others, while we were there, that he didn't want them to come back after the 1:00-3:00 pm "curfew on visitors", as he certainly knows how tired he is. Only Michele was to stay until 5:00 pm and then come back to our place.

I took a few shots to show people that he is alive, if not "well", it goes without saying. He can walk to bathroom on his own and move around a bit in room and really isn't in any noticeable discomfort, in spite of two broken ribs, sustained during resuscitation! When nurse asked him if he was experiencing any pain he pointed to Michele and said "Only from her!" He looks worse than he did when I saw him, unconscious, in Emergency, on Monday, as battering his poor face/nose/lip/eyebrow took as a result of his fall/collapse, hadn't had time to show bruising. Flamin' calls him Raccoon Man! These cosmetic injuries are the least of his, or anyone's worries, of course.
 

That, really, is about all. Cora Lee suggested he start knitting another sweater for Avery as he is going to be pretty bored until surgery, as, basically, he is "fine" otherwise, now that he has stabilized and is on certain medications. If things work out we will take some cards, over next few days, and play a few rounds of bridge, playing on a gurney, sipping purloined, over-proof medicinal alcohol from bed pans! We spit on hospital food, however. Four No Catheter! 

Must away as I want to go for a short ride and need to be back to avoid Cora Lee's wrath as we are hosting about 17 assorted Sutherland Freeloaders for dinner this evening! Talk soon. Fondestos from Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio! 
Thanks for the update xoxo 

Hello Lurkin' and Dom Pedro! More than shocking news which has left everyone reeling. Talk soon. Fondestos from Cora Lee to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

As mentioned, we hosted all of the Sutherland Freeloaders and hangers-on for dinner and it was a time for everyone to unwind, the terrible uncertainty of the last few days replaced with a much, much more positive outcome. Sad to report that, unfortunately, Prince Valiant seems to have inherited his father's penchant for malt, along with Alberto, (Nicole's father-in-law), so malt cabinet suffered from catastrophic incursions/depredations, almost too terrible to think about, and will, in fact, have to be placed on life support soon, if the remorseless hemorrhaging continues!   

Wayne Sutherland I was at the Weight Room last Monday and after finishing my work out I passed out on the floor. I have to personally thank Irene Lin who some how noticed me on the floor before going to the locker room and raises the alarm with four members who came to my rescue and performed CPR as I was not breathing and had no pulse. Sean McGowan Rob Krause, Bill Robinson and Bryan Pyatt. I owe my deepest gratitude to them as without them I would not be looking forward to triple bypass surgery which is what the doctors say I need. I am currently at the Royal Columbian Hospital waiting for surgery. I will up date you when I have more news.
Sylvia Sutherland Thanks to you both for a wonderful supper last night, hope to see you again before we head home.

Certainly glad to be able to help out and give everyone a chance to unwind. Really look forward to seeing you both before you return to Nova Scotia!

Hi Margot! Thanks very much for sending along registration code. Your help and efficiency are much appreciated. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Taken last Wednesday before I set off from Squamish to ride to Whistler and back, to scope out that leg of the route!  
 

Patrick, We are still looking for crew captains for some of our Food & Beverage shifts at our 27th Vancouver Writers Fest, 21-26 October. Please consider signing up for a shift or two as crew captain, we need you and we'd love to have your help! To sign up/bid for shifts, please log into your My Volunteer Page profile, update your registration for 2014 and sign up for Crew Captain shifts. Many thanks! Kathryn 

Hello Cruel Task Mistress! I just signed up for Crew Captain shifts for last day of Festival. I'll let you tell me what I'll be responsible for. I await with bated breath and assume it will be a replay of last year's Sunday Brunch/Tea, etc. Cheers, Lungs Quietly Straining, Scullion Patrizzio! 
 
Hi Patrick, Wow, what a shocker. Wayne is such a vigorous guy and apparently not carrying undue stress, who would have suspected this would happen to him? What great fortune the lady returned for her name tag. We’ll send our best wishes on Michelle. Please let Wayne know we are thinking of him when you see him in the hospital. I sure hope it wasn’t a stroke, as they can come with such debilitating damage. Hopefully it’s a relatively routine cardiac fix.
 

I had forgotten when you were getting back from the mosquito-ridden prairie. Obviously you’re back to your usual social whirl. Lynne and I spent the week of August 13-20 on our Island sojourn, visiting first with our travel friends Fred and Barb in Saanich on Wednesday and Thursday nights. I played golf at the Olympic View Golf course on the Friday with some old high school classmates, an event organized as an adjunct to our 50 year West Van High reunion which is being celebrated at Capilano Golf Club on Oct 4. 

We then spent two nights with sister Mary and bro-in-law Peter in Victoria, during which we endured a visit from my brother Jim but had a very nice time visiting the summer markets and also meeting our new great niece, new baby of niece Rosie. On Sunday we had a relaxing lunch with Peter and Mary at a fine restaurant in Deep Cove, then caught the Mill Bay ferry. We spent Sunday night visiting our friends Phil and Kirsty who recently cashed in their Arthur Erickson apartment on Cartier St in Vancouver for a suburban house in Mill Bay. We dined at a harbour restaurant near Maple Bay. 

Monday we drove up the island and visited sister Jane and bro-in-law Larry Monday and Tuesday on Denman Island, with brother Bill also in attendance. Very pleasant stay, lots of good garden food. Home Wednesday. We’re now totally paid up on family dues so all is well for awhile.

On Monday I’m heading to Vancouver for a golf game with pal Byron on Tuesday then joining Byron, Clive and Roger Nendick for a 3 day bridge retreat at Roger’s cabin on Hardy Island. Should be good for laughs and a bit challenging for the liver. The rest of our September is very full. Friends Karen and John arrive from Ottawa on Sept 7 for three nights with us. We head back to Vancouver on Sept 13 to meet our friends Hansgeorg and Daniela from Dusseldorf (Hansgeorg is an old schoolmate from Imperial College London 1978-79). Maybe we’ll be able to sneak away (or bring them with us) for a quick Island Inn visit as we’re staying at the Granville Island Hotel. 

We’re doing Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler and Mara Lake before bringing them home. We’ll have to send them packing early as we’ll be flying to Chicago on Sept 23 – I have a meeting there on Sept 24. Lynne will come and we’ll stay on for a few days to see the city. Hopefully I can get some Cubs tickets. I just had an invitation this morning for a consulting trip to Brazil which will happen sometime in October, followed by Madagascar in November. Other than that, life is quite relaxing. Thanks for filling us in on Wayne, Patricio. We’ll be praying for him. Cheers, Peter

Britannia Beach Long Haul Blues: Thursday, August 28th!

For many years, I thought a poem was a whisper overheard, not an aria heard. -Rita Dove, poet (b. 1952) 

 
 God D your legs must be steel!! Well done!! xx

Hi Loyal Fan! Thanks for congrats. I am pleased with ride and having ridden route I know it will be far "easier" on the day of event, inasmuch as I'll know what lies ahead and can pace myself accordingly. Of course, it will be great to have Giorgio and Carlos with me as Team Jackal makes its way to Whistler, attacking each and every hill!

[Colleen Teahan Waldron Do your part Pat

Patrick James Dunn Now that is Disaster Relief which I can really support!]

Just said goodbye to Ricardo as he is off to appear in Provincial Court in North Vancouver this morning. Ruthless is already at their cabin on Little Shushwap. All the kids and partners are coming for the long weekend so should be fun for everyone. Rikkster will leave later this afternoon, depending on length of time for trial.

Colleen Teahan Waldron OMG i u patricio

Patrick James Dunn Mutual, I'm sure!!!

I'm going to have some overlefts for breakfast shortly and then get ready to leave. We have been invited to stay overnight the following weekend, once Granfondo is over. Should work out nicely as I have always wanted Giorgio to meet The Squamoids! Not sure what Charlie's plans are but he is welcome to stay as well. Will find out once back home, over next few days and let Reservation Desk at Squamish Waldorf know how many rooms to have ready, what meals to prepare and which particular wines/malts to have on hand! Being a Freeloader isn't easy!!!

I gather Sarge is doing pretty well now, relatively speaking, so that is a relief, of course. I told Nana that she'll need to buy another Murphy bed as one from Parksville is already worn out. Never not been used from day it arrived! Love and Cheers, Dad! Pic: Hill out of Britannia Beach will be waiting for me!

Rebecca Frazier Great news!!

Michele Darrow-Sutherland:

Good news Wayne is awake alert and talking . He is trying to piece together the events and if you know him there are lots of questions to be answered. He knows he needs open heart surgery but that is the next part of this journey. We told him of all the love and prayers that have come his way . Thank you to everyone - we all feel your arms around us at this time

Hi Pat, Just checking in to see how Wayne is doing-talked to Ryan Tuesday night, and he thought that they were going to do a number of tests yesterday.
Praying for a good outcome! Thanks, Gregg

Hi Groggage and Lurchesca! This was just posted by Flamin':

Great news Wayne is being stepped down to cardiac care unit now. He is now complaining about the food and wants to go to the Seahawks opener next week. I told him it was being preempted by open heart surgery!! He is disappointed ! Thank you for all your love and prayers - God does listen .

I'm just back from Squamish, arrived at 2:00 pm. I was supposed to ride there on Monday with Whirlygig but everything changed when Sarge collapsed! Giggster, as other events in his life unfolded, had to return to Galiano on Tuesday anyway so our plans to ride to Whistler as part of route orientation and training for Granfondo on September 6th fell through. However, once Sarge was in a medically induced coma and all the family were there I decided I might as well do the ride anyway. This being the case I rode up to Squamish on Tuesday. Stayed overnight and then did the ride to Whistler and back on Wednesday. Had a grand visit with The Squamoids! 

Sky was clear when I went downstairs at 7:30 am so I called The Islay Inn to let chauffeur know she wouldn't need to hoof it to Squamish. I'm sure she was more than relieved as she really doesn't like the drive, hence having Little White along on Saturday for Whistler leg!

After I thanked Ricardo for stay and we made a few plans for event weekend, he left to appear in Provincial Court in North Vancouver. Ruthless was already at their cabin on Little Shushwap. All their kids and partners were coming for the long weekend so should be fun for everyone. Rikkster was to leave later that afternoon, depending on length of time for trial. I enjoyed a hearty breakfast of overlefts, beef with rice, and then got ready to leave. Left a note for Reservation Desk at Squamish Waldorf about how many rooms to have ready, what meals to prepare and which particular wines/malts to have on hand for Granfondo weekend! Being a Freeloader isn't easy!!!

 Left at just before 10:30 am and must say I felt pretty good. Was a tad concerned that my legs might be tired but turned out not to be the case even though the damnable head wind was a strong or perhaps even slightly more ferocious than on yesterday's return from Whistler. A some points, early in ride, I actually had to stand up to peddle descending some of the slight downhill grades!

Shoulder on hill into Britannia Beach is very narrow so had to be extra careful. Frustrating as one can't really get the benefit of free ride! However, just before climb back up there was road work, joint filling crew, so curb lane was closed to vehicular traffic. This meant that I could ride on the road all the way to the bottom of the Furry Creek hill. Made the climb out of Britannia Beach much, much more comfortable, as you can well imagine. Before I knew it I was in Lions Bay and really, really enjoyed ride from there to Horseshoe Bay, drinking in the breathtaking views. 

Very pleased to reach the Pasco Rd turnoff as by this time the huge, long, long semis hurtling by were getting to me and I relished the calm and relative quiet of Marine once I'd reached the roundabout at the top of the hill before one turns down into HB Village itself. After having the rides of the past two days under my belt, the return from HB seemed almost laughable although I certainly couldn't even begin to imagine grinding my way back up Westport, when I passed its intersection with Marine, if that had been required.

Quite enjoyed trying to up my AVG all the way back to Ambleside and was pleased that I didn't have to fight too, too many WV matrons between there and last hurdle up Lions Gate. Seawall from Stanley Park to Science World wasn't nearly as busy as I thought it might be so I careened along, feeling stronger and stronger the closer I came to home. Arrived home at just before 2:00 pm. Very, very pleased with the cycling and I know that simply understanding what lies ahead, what grades to expect, etc., will be of great help on day of event. As mentioned, Ruthless and Cora Lee will drive to Whistler to collect us, sometime between 1:00-2:00 pm, all going well. Ricardo will be golfing!!! Stats for day's ride:


http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/577391125#.U__PyX2biG0.email

 

Quite pleased with the cycling and I know that simply knowing what lies ahead, what grades to expect, etc., will be of great help on day of event. Ruthless and Ricardo have invited us to stay the night of the ride so that should be fun. Not sure what plans either Carlos or Whirlygig have for after the Granfondo but they are welcome to stay at the Squamish Waldorf as well. Ruthless and Cora Lee will drive to Whistler to collect us, sometime between 1:00-2:00 pm, all going well. Ricardo will be golfing!!!

Not much more than a week after that and we'll be heading over to Madroña Manor. When do you actually leave? Will you still be there on the 13th? Depending on timing, weather, etc., I'd like to ride over. I'll be in touch once I've had a chance to sort things out. We were barely back from Winnipeg when Ayn and Zircon arrived and then the terrible time surrounding Sarge's heart attack. Although open-heart surgery is nothing to sneeze at, certainly much more reason to be confident for a very positive outcome, unlike the nightmare of not knowing what organ damage he might have sustained when his heart stopped. Trust you are both well. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

We'll be heading over to Madroña Manor week following GF. I will probably go over on the 12th, day before Grogg/Lurch leave. Depending on timing, weather, etc., I'd like to ride. Let me know if this might fit with your schedule/inclination as you are more than welcome.

We can chat about trip to California over GF weekend. At one point, Sarge was keen to come along but, obviously, wine-tasting junkets won't be happening for some time now.  Will be in touch or call once I know more about last ticket. Fondestos and Cheers, Il Conduttore!
 

Pics: New Murphy bed. Thanks for helping The Sisterhood load it! Hasn't been empty ever since we put it together! Prince Valiant and Megan, (In from Merritt to be with family.), moved in as soon as Ayn left for Tinsel Town! Happy Freeloader! Grumpy Hosts! View from Squamish Waldorf. Off to Whistler! Disaster Relief for Napa!

Great news-thanks! I know how stressed and in shock we were-can't imagine how the family felt. Praying for a good recovery from the surgery.
 
We leave in the AM of the 13th, so hope to see you here on the 12th. I can pick you up from ferry if weather is nasty. We'll plan a couple of treasures from the 
cellar and a good meal! Tell Sarge we're saving some exceptional wines for when he is ready to sip again!! Good luck on the ride(s). Cheers, G&F

Hi Prince Valiant! Just spoke to Chloë and she mentioned that we could probably visit your Dad sometime tomorrow. That would be terrific. I presume we can chat about this tonight when you are back from hospital yourselves. See you later. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pat, I'll drop up tonight Megan and I are staying at your place. Ryan Sutherland

Hi Prince Valiant et al! I knew you were staying as I talked to Cora Lee when in Squamish. You need to thank Grogg for helping load Murphy bed in car! As well, please pass this, from The Millionaires, along to both your Mom and Dad: "Tell Sarge we're saving some exceptional wines for when he is ready to sip again!!"Cheers, "When there's just the four of us!", Patrizzio! 

Hello Pat! Thank you so much for reaching out.  I’m sorry I did not get your message on the day, and to be honest my time just flew by the last week.  It went slowly when I arrived and everything was so sad but when the funeral took place we were able to grieve a little better. 

We too spread Tylers ashes over the water, we chose a very private, quiet spot at Jericho Beach.  It was perfect.  Over looked the mountains and the skyline.  It was a gorgeous sunny day.  We managed a BBQ for him with his nearest and dearest.

Once again sorry to have missed seeing you all.  It just wasn't that kind of trip, didn’t manage much other than coordinating and hearing all his friends stories about Ty 😊

 Hope to see you in either Vancouver, Los Angeles, or London sometime soon!  Hope to catch up with Ayn in the near future.  Sad times all round.  The good go too soon. Speak soon.  Take care Pat and hugs and love to all xoxo

Thanks,  I plan to see Lauren soon here in LA xoxo 

Hi POB, (Print Oriented, or Parmagiana, Bastard!), and Donna Florida!

Trust you were able to wade through message without managing to drop too much Eggplant Parmagiana or Sagratino on the pages! Dinner sounded divine. I'll take Grogg's Lear next time!!! Have not heard of Jacuzzi Family Winery before or Sagratino varietal, for that matter! Looks like it might be a close relative of Petite Syrah and Durif!
 

Trust you are both well. Still toying with a trip to California, certainly after October 26th when VWF ends. More about that later when I've had a chance to dovetail with Whirlygig. At one point, Sarge was keen to come along but, obviously, wine-tasting junkets won't be happening for some time now.  Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Pics: Happy Freeloader! View from Squamish Waldorf. Disaster Relief for Napa!

It's Sangrantino sorry, if I spelled it wrong. Thanks for the Pics! Come on by and stay with us for a while, let's see if we can find some undamaged wineries!!!

 

P, thanks for the call. Delighted and relieved to learn the good news on Sarge. and that you felt good on the test ride to Whistler. I am pissed at myself that I did not stay another day and join you. You will be amused ed to learn that Susan, as predicted, delayed her visit until next week. We will see if that happens.

It just occurred to me that we should try to go to New Hampshire to ride. The riding there is like France, side roads everywhere, gorgeous country... And we would have accommodations at Dundee... And all of New England to explore.  

Wrightson is the weekend of the 17th - 19th October. The U Club -- San Fran tourney is rumoured to be the weekend of Halloween Saturday being the 1 November. John Lau has been in cancer treatment so our info source at U Club is not quite as precise. My thought was to go from Portland after the Wrightson -- ride around in California and show up for the Nob hill tourney...

Just sent Carlos a text and email to confirm that the ticket is available. I am sure it is but will know shortly. Carlos is on his way back from a work gig in Prince Rupert. More shortly, W  

Chasy, Pat has a taker for the last ticket. Please confirm it is still available.
Thx, G  Yes still available. I can get Margo to advise. Charlie P, Good to go. Carlos will get final entry code from agent Margot. Thanks for finding a taker. W