Friday 27 March 2015

Gerbil Cage Blues: Friday, March 27th!

History is a novel whose author is the people. -Alfred de Vigny, poet, playwright, and novelist (27 Mar 1797-1863)



Up to message much of the early morning away and then readied myself around 11:30 am as I want to go for a longer ride while weather held. Gerbil Cage loops from Olympic Village to Stanley Park then out to UBC, via Spanish Banks. 

Quite a cloudy day so the heavy overcast kept bike and pedestrian traffic on Seawall to a minimum. Blizzard of cherry blossoms every time I cycled past these beautiful trees. Could even smell them, first times in many years, on campus, just off Main Mall. Perfect temperature for riding. What a life! Pushed the distance to 105 km as I want to start increasing the distance in preparation for Penticton Gran Fondo, 160 km, this July. Looking forward to training there now that we will soon be living in the Okanagan! Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/730551607#.VRXtpxLaiLg.email

Back home to shower and change and then help Mme Coriandre with preparations for dinner. We had invited Falmin' and Sarge to join Clarisse and Dusty, as we'd not seen much of Clan Sutherlands over the last little while. Flamin' was just back from Mexico where she'd spent a week in Cancun with the Bel Ayr Brats, a very tight group of elementary school girlfriends, originally from Dartmouth. Rosie and I took on Coat Hanger and Sarge at bridge before dinner and they managed to have all the cards. The Sisterhood visited on the patio and readied grill for the steaks that Sarge would eventually cook to perfection.

After a tasty meal of twice-baked cauliflower, baked spuds and a mixed saladin, (Patrizzio), we played a few more hands of bridge. Prince Valiant popped upstairs and he took over for Rosita. We still didn't have many cards but he played the last hand very well so we went out on a winning note before everyone was ready to leave. After I 'd loaded the dishwasher Cora Lee put on last recorded episode of Blacklist and we watched Red deal with the latest array of villians. To bed afterwards adn I finished The Burning Room, Connelly's latest Harry Bosch. 

Hi Derek! Just a short note. I forgot to mention that snaps you attached did not display. Not sure what the problem seems to be as this has happened before. Cheers, Patrizzio!

That's odd! They weren't too impressive but will try again. May thanks for your email and photos. Just arrived home so haven't had a chance to read it in full yet. Will wait till I have a glass of red in my hand! Cheers 

Hi again, Derek: Don't know whether to be pleased or disturbed to learn that you need a large glass of red before you tackle one of my missives! Thanks for the wonderful snaps. All came through this time. Terrific shot of Gayle and Tris at zoo. Very, very impressive gate. Are you keeping gold in the house? Many blossoms here as well. (See below) Fantastic shot of St Petroc's Cross! Looks similar to some of the pictures I've seen of Stonehenge with rising sun behind monoliths. Fondestos to one and all. Cheers, Patrizzio!

winston in town. Anyone up for hosting? I am getting ready to vacation in Palm Desert; I will pass on bridge this Monday Regards: David Robert I am leaving for Paris,[Gents Our contact details in Paris, If anyone is in the neighborhood it would be great to see them Rue des Pyrenees, Paris, 75020–the 20th Arrondissement Ist floor on left-no apartment numbers. Bon chance Byron], on Tuesday so cannot host but will play if we find a host Cheers Byron So you, me and Winston so far. MrT can you host?  I can help you cook if you like. Byron I have to go to Whistler, but can be back in time to host. Whom do we have? Robert, Winston, Byron, Clive and......Clive Sorry, not back until the 2nd. 1 down, Roger Unjetlagged from Spain and now available - if I can get a lift from Robert please. Need sailboat crew if anyone interested! David Sure, I can pick you up no prob. Cheers, R.



Hi Clive et al: I thought that my wife's Book Club was meeting at our place on Monday but venue has now changed so I am able to host if that works for everyone. I just talked to Sarge, (He is in Whistler and said skiing was excellent.), and he is unable to play this week. In terms of numbers, is Winston aka Mr T? Let me know what you think about who will host. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

If there are no religious objections, I will be back in Vancouver and can host Monday 6th; failing that Tuesday. Cheers, Roger Clive has already offered to host.Hi Robert et al: I just wanted to make sure that it was convenient for him, given his Whistler trip. If bridge will be at Clive's place, I'd appreciate a lift as well. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick Thanks for this email. So interesting to hear about your Retired Librarians luncheon at UBC. How is Linda Joe--remember her very fondly. Anyways do take care--had physio this morning--went for walk along Spanish Banks -- headed to the pool this afternoon. Things are improving and I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel. Talk to you soon. Cheers Jo-Anne 

Hi Physio/Pool Person! Can certainly appreciate your rehab situation, Jo-Anne! Have been in it a number of times, for different reasons, but know about that light at the end of the tunnel. Bravo! Onward!! Fight!!! Linda Joe seems very well. She doesn't own a car and takes public transport everywhere. Lovely lady. I've always been fond of her. Keep in touch and we'll connect somewhere along the way. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
 

sounds like a most enjoyable and interesting luncheon. are you sure Krissy was not the one who sped away with the description of your outer ware? keep packing. matt

Well friends, I was hoping for yet one more get together before we leave. Alas, that is not going to happen. For those who are yet to leave after us on Sunday or those who left early, we wish you safe travels wherever you may go & a beautiful, healthy spring/summer! This sorting, packing & cleaning has taken over my life!! We plan to be on the island by May 11 & ready to see friends by the 13/14th. I would love to say we might stop in to see Vanc area friends but we are on a mission. Our family will certainly want us to be staying in the Sherwood Park/Edmonton area as long as possible. 

We will be house sitting for friends until the end of May in the area of French Creek on Morningstar Golf course in Parksville. My cell phone is 780-915-3776 but our Skype will be the best way to contact us, 928-257-1515 or by email of course. We hope to see many of you at the Yuman Reunion in July. As for the Penticton crowd, we may be back there en route to AB to arrange a move, whenever that may be. If there is a gap of time in between buying/renting? & a possession date, Penticton may be where we hang our hat, 1195 Killwinning St. We'll let you know. Stay in touch!! Cheers! Maggie & Frank

Hello from One Set of Packers to Another! Can certainly appreciate your situation, Maggie! Keep in touch and hope we can connect somewhere along the way. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thx for update. Off tomorrow to CA and then home via Jackpot, Nevada. ciao, m Hi Maggie! Travel safely. Trust you hit the jackpot in Jackpot! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Don't gamble but will be staying at the Horseshoe Casino there. Still seems to be lots to do. Part of the problem is that we don't own so bring a lot of stuff down that we take back with us. Since we are here for 5 mos, we really spread out like we live here full time. Even though we have been in the same Park Model fo 8 winters, we never leave anything we care about. It is the same stress every end of March. How can you pack up early, seems to be impossible. Will be happy to be on the road!!!!!!! Maggie
 
Hi there, Interesting about the Papal Bull. Ingrid either forgot to mention, or thought that Retired Librarians are too sensitive to hear about Racey Subject Matter, the Oscar Wilde gay/porn acquisition!! Great day for a ride. Sraa

http://news.ubc.ca/2015/01/12/wilde-times-rare-book-coup-for-ubc/

Hi again, Racey Subject Matter Woman! In fact, Ingrid did mention "Wilde times: rare book coup for UBC" but I simply didn't think it proper to mention this acquisition in same missive as Papal bull! Don't ever want to upset the Big Enchilada! Thanks for link, nonetheless. Fondestos to one and all. Hope we do manage to ride together in the not too, too distant future, Sraa! Cheers, Patrizzio!
 

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