Calgary Betty Hughes Blues: June 30th!

Life is a jest, and all things show it, / I thought so once, and now I know it. -John Gay, poet and dramatist (30 Jun 1685-1732)

That's it... the house where we camped outside and my allergies were so bad that my eyes were sealed shut so Uncle Emil got hot wash cloths and unglued my eyes...good times! Grandma Daniels had a great garden and I loved her little fridge.

Say hello to the Kentonites! Saw both boys this weekend and they send their love. Alex and Sam were up in Los Olivos wine tasting for a couple days with the rest of the pending wedding party.

Hi D, Glad you two are all right and on your way home. Do you want me to go to MEC for you? If so please remind me what you were wanting. Night from my 30+ hot humid home of firery heat!!
Hello Patricio, hello Corinne, You are still travelling, and have time to check email and reply! Awesome. You are most generous in offering a roof over our heads Sunday night. But what I did not mention is that we are back to having a 4 legged hairy and shedding mongrel in our lives J, so we booked a hotel room in Osoyoos which is pet friendly (obviously) and Bogart can shed to his heart’s content J

You always have interesting experiences such as the nursing textbook for instance, pretty neat. Enjoy the rest of your journey back, and see you in only a few days, yoohoo!! Ciao you two Yda

Hi Little Yda and the Imperiales! If you wish to stay in the pet-friendly place, in Osoyoos, that is fine, of course. However, your "hairy and shedding mongrel" is welcome at the Burns Street Stopping Place, (latest contender in place name contest!), so let us know what you want to do. No matter your decision, we will see you on Sunday afternoon, whether you stay overnight or not. Furthermore, we expect you for dinner so that is that!

Long drive from Kenton to Calgary. We left at just before 8:00 am and endured smoke, a pall over the sky for the entire day, from the terrible forest fires in northern Saskatchewan, from Virden to an hour or so before Calgary. Cora Lee was starting to feel a tightening in her chest by the day's end, such was the persistence of the smoke and haze. Nonetheless, we persevered and arrived at Betty's home, (close friend of the Durston's), shortly after 6:00 pm. Soon as we unloaded Mme Coriandre set about preparing a wonderful dinner of pickerel filets, fresh asparagus and rice, along with a tomatoe/boccanccini/fresh basil salad. I opened a white and a red and we sat outside on the back patio deck to enjoy the delicious meal.

After the terrific dinner, I cleared the table, did the dishes and am now trying to keep in touch with the rest of the civilized world. This being my stated aim, let me know if you and your pooch and Arne are staying on Sunday! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Kenton with Caitlyn, Judy and Addie; sun clouded by smoke Monday evening; Kimbo and Judy welcoming the Penticton Freeloaders! Alexander, (eldest child), with Katarina, his girlfriend, an engineer with Ducks Unlimited! Kimbo, youngest, (also studying to be an engineer), pretending to be a rabbit! Betty and Lady Mary in Calgary! 


HI Corrine and Patrick I hope your travels are going well. As you can see by the email that I sent to Pam – we are VERY interested in renting your home the entire time you are in India… We would go directly to Phoenix in December. This would give us ample opportunity to get to know the areas and make a decision as to where we want to live in the Okanagan. Please let us know what we can do to make this work. One thing we didn’t discuss was my cat… she is part of the family and travels with us everywhere... I hope that doesn’t discourage you from letting us rent. She is tidy and doesn’t scratch furniture… she doesn’t care where she is – as long as it’s with us…. She’s a tortie – I think you know their personalities :)

I have cc’d my home (gmail) address; as I am sending this from my work address – I will always answer my home email first as I am not always online with work…I’m excited about this – as if we can get this organized with you; we will feel so much more grounded…Look forward to hearing from you..Thanks Louise

Hi Louise and Henryk! If you wish to stay, with your Tabbie cat, that is absolutely fine! However, we don't want any rent. Instead, work from Henryk and cat as Louise will be wine-tasting!! If that is acceptable, we can discuss what we'd like done. I suggest, if it works, as far as your schedule is concerned, that you come to Penticton early in October and we either do the work together then or show handy man, Henryk, what we 'd like done: basically shelves/insulated wine storage unit in garage and in-house vacuum installed in crawl space. Other than that, place is yours. So let me know and we'll plan accordingly.

Happy Canada Day to all my bridge buddies! I’m in bridge withdrawal and wondering of we can get a summer session started next week – Monday?
I had one short game on the cruise (which was fabulous! – not the game, the cruise) and am now back adorned in my red and white for the country’s birthday.
 

I think Byron returns soon, but not sure when – rumour has it that he was venturing to Greece – at least that was what I was told. Not the place to be in these uncertain times! We might be able to raise Robert, David Mc, David T, John and/or Les, as well as yours truly. Any takers or hosts???? Clive

Return to Rivers Blues: June 29th!

A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral. -Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author and aviator (29 Jun 1900-1944)

Hi Lynette! Yes, we had a lovely visit with Shirley and Darryl. The magnificent thunderstorm just made it better, viewing lake from their screened-in porch!

We will certainly be in touch regarding house-sitting, so thanks. Must away as have a few more things to pack before we head out to Winnipeg. Quite looking forward to walking the hallways of Daniel McIntyre after 50 years! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Corinne, How is life in Penticton? Have you even had time to get settled in yet, with your Winnipeg diversion a few weeks ago?

As mentioned, we are headed to the Kootenays on Wednesday and heading for home again on Sunday July 5. This is very short notice, and sorry about that, but if you are home Sunday (late?) afternoon, we'd love to swing by for a glass of wine or lemonade ;). We will be headed to Osoyoos for the night before continuing the home journey the next day.

Please let me know if you are in town even and have no better plans!!!Love Yda
 Hi Yda! We left Falcon this morning and stopped in Winnipeg. I had a tour of my high-school with a number of my home-room classmates at 9:00 am. On Friday we had our 50th anniversary reunion luncheon at an iconic Winnipeg restaurant, Rae & Jerry's Steak House. Loads of fun. Learned that a tour of the school was possible then and since we were planning to start our drive home on Monday, anyway, decided to take advantage of being in city. Then lunch with a close family friend.

Visited Chapel Lawn Cemetery on way out of Winnipeg, where Mom and Dad are buried. Then stopped in Rivers where I spent many summers as a child, small town where Mom was born. Stopped to take a few pictures of my grandparents' house and had a tour of the house as the new owner invited us in. Tina even gave us a book that belonged to my Mom, a nursing textbook with some of Annie's study notes inside, a nursing textbook! 

Before we left we went to the family plot in cemetery there. At moment we are in Kenton, 20 km from Rivers, for the night, with cousins and will drive to Calgary tomorrow, to stay with a close friend of Corinne's parents. Back to Penticton on July 1st. You are most welcome on Sunday. However, please consider staying overnight unless you really wish to stay in Osoyoos. Plenty of room and you can help us unpack after wine-tasting! Anyway, look forward to seeing you both. Let us know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Clara and Dusty this morning just before we left Falcon; classmates; my grandparents' house in Rivers, near Kenton. Even had a tour of the house as the new owner invited us in. Tina even gave us a book that belonged to my Mom, a nursing textbook with some of Annie's study notes inside,a nursing textbook!

Falcon Lake Granfondo Blues: Sunday, June 28th!

Often the accurate answer to a usage question begins, “It depends.” And what it depends on most often is where you are, who you are, who your listeners or readers are, and what your purpose in speaking or writing is. -Kenneth G. Wilson, author and professor (1923-2003) 

Thanks for your email. I'm glad you had the visit with my brother and Shirley. I too hope for one of those wonderous thunder storms that are so unique to the prairies. It sounds like your reunion was fun; as well. See you later in the year. I would still love to stay at your house.....probably from November 12th until your return. Talk soon.

Hi Vinnie the All-purpose Flour Philanthropist! Thanks so much for starting off my campaign! You are the first individual to contribute and certainly very much appreciated. At this point, I really don't have any specific monetary goal in mind but any amount will help Aunt Leah's. Also part of raising public awareness. You may have seen some of what follows but in case not:

Had a simply wonderful day yesterday when I rode out to Brereton Lake around 11:30 am. We had been invited to the cabin of one of my Daniel McIntyre classmates, Greg Lampert, when we reconnected on Friday at our home-room, high-school, Daniel McIntyre, 50th reunion at Rae & Jerry's Steak House. The Wind Gods smiled upon me for most of ride and I literally sailed along with the their considerable help generating a 25 kph AVG, an almost unheard of pace for me. About 5-7 km from Brereton itself, I had to ride into the wind but was able to maintain the rate so was more than chuffed! Even saw my first black bear as it scampered across the road and into the bush, just before Lily Pond, a small lake one passes en route to Rennie. At any rate, very good "sprint" training for the coming Penticton GranFondo on July 12th, not that I'll be doing any real sprinting in that event. More a matter of survival and simply finishing the 160 km route!

As well, friend, Lynette, (She is the mother of Chloë's friend Maya), had put us in touch with her brother, Darryl, and he had invited us to their place at Moonlight Bay on West Hawk, at 2:00 pm. After visiting with Greg and Gloria were were an hour late but Shirley and Darryl were very gracious about our impolite arrival and we had a lovely visit in their remarkable home. We sat downstairs in the screened in porch room overlooking the dock and Moonlight Bay itslef. What a setting! Shortly after we arrived the thunder started and then the heavens opened. Shirley and Cora Lee had to move from their seats near the screened wall as the rain was pelting down and there were whitecaps on the lake! Nevertheless we spent a most amicable couple of hours visiting and getting to know one another. Everyone, other than Cora Lee, enjoyed some incredibly tasty cinnamon buns Darryl had purchased at the grocery store in Keewatin, a small community on the outskirts of Kenora.

Thanking them for their welcome and generous hospitality we left around 5:00 pm. On the way out we had to dodge large fallen branches and once back on the paved road we noticed that the hydro/telephone wires beside the road had been brought down by a huge tree which had obviously been blown down, not far from Penniac Bay, not far from the turn-off to Falcon Lake. Rather exciting, to say the least. Needed a bottle of wine once back at Ace Bay to settle our nerves!

Off shortly to do one more ride here before packing the car. Hope to manage 140 km, variation/elongation of yesterday's route, but we shall see what we shall see. Hoping to try out my "double" bladder camel pack. I have enough room in knapsack to carry two bladders so I want to see how this configuration works as constant hydration over 160 km is a critical issue, especially when one is barred from touching the  Dreaded Burning Ground at aid stations along the route! Day is starting to heat up so must away. Thanks again, muchly, for your donation. Fondestos to you and Donna Florida from Lady Mary. Cheers, Rizzzzzzzzzo! Pics: Brereton Lake and Moonlight Bay!

Hi Chloë and Goils! Buona Fortuna with walk! Hope you are feeling well enough to participate. Glad you liked the link, etc. I've already received my first doantion from David in Berkeley! I will probably try to do a shorter version once back in Penticton, akin to sort Ryan posted for Scotiabank run/walk.

Had a simply wonderful day yesterday when I rode out to Brereton Lake around 11:30 am. We had been invited to the cabin of one of my Daniel McIntyre classmates, Greg Lampert, when we reconnected on Friday at our home-room, high-school, Daniel McIntyre, 50th reunion at Rae & Jerry's Steak House. The Wind Gods smiled upon me for most of ride and I literally sailed along with the their considerable help generating a 25 kph AVG, an almost unheard of pace for me. About 5-7 km from Brereton itself, I had to ride into the wind but was able to maintain the rate so was more than chuffed! Even saw my first black bear as it scampered across the road and into the bush, just before Lily Pond, a small lake one passes en route to Rennie. At any rate, very good "sprint" training for the coming Penticton GranFondo on July 12th, not that I'll be doing any real sprinting in that event. More a matter of survival and simply finishing the 160 km route!

As well Lynette had put us in touch with her brother, Darryl, and he had invited us to their place at Moonlight Bay at 2:00 pm. After visiting with Greg and Gloria, (They both said to send along best wishes and hellos to you!), we were an hour late but Shirley and Darryl were very gracious about our impolite arrival and we had a lovely visit in their remarkable home. We sat downstairs in the screened in porch room overlooking the dock and Moonlight Bay itslef. What a setting! Shortly after we arrived the thunder started and then the heavens opened. Shirley and Cora Lee had to move from their seats near the screened wall as the rain was pelting down and there were whitecaps on the lake! Nevertheless we spent a most amicable couple of hours visiting and getting to know one another. Everyone, other than Cora Lee, enjoyed some incredibly tasty cinnamon buns Darryl had purchased at the grocery store in Keewatin, the small community on the outskirts of Kenora.

Thanking them for their welcome and generous hospitality we left around 5:00 pm. On the way out we had to dodge large fallen branches and once back on the paved road we noticed that the hydro/telephone wires beside the road had been brought down by a huge tree which had obviously been blown down, not far from Penniac Bay, not far from the turn-off to Falcon Lake. Rather exciting, to say the least. Needed a bottle of wine once back at Ace Bay to settle our nerves!

Off shortly to do one more ride here before packing the car. Hope to manage 140 km, variation/elongation of yesterday's route, but we shall see what we shall see. Hoping to try out my "double" bladder camel pack. I have enough room in knapsack to carry two bladders so I want to see how this configuration works as constant hydration over 160 km is a critical issue, especially when one is barred from touching the  Dreaded Burning Ground at aid stations along the route! Day is starting to heat up so must away.  Fondestos, Love and  Cheers, Dad/Patrizzio The "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Aid Stations" Penniac Pedaler!

Hi Pat and Corrine see you tomorrow there will be five of us for supper so whatever you want to bring let us know if you need us to prepare anything Dallas
 
Hi Dallas! Thanks for message. Don't worry about preparing anything but thanks for offer, of course. How is Judy?

Perhaps the best and longest run here in the Whiteshell this visit. Left at just after 11:00 am and had decided I'd stitch together all of the shorter runs I've made over the last few weeks. In the end, all worked out wonderfully, starting with the South Shore loop, then into Falcon town-site, then the West Hawk loop. Next it was the hill into Ingolf followed by the run towards Rennie, turning right before there to retrace my ride to Brereton. Just past the small grocery store there and then it was back towards Rennie. Through the town, such as it is, and on for two km before turning around. Had had to battle a pretty strong head wind most of way, right from the get go but my slogging had paid off as now I could unfurl my cycling sails and breeze along. Pretty happy about how my legs felt and they held me in good stead from Toniata to home as due to the twists and curves of the road by this time I was back into the damnable head wind whistling right out of the west, screaming, uninterrupted with nary a wind break, funneling down the Trans Canada, smack dab in my face. Pleasd as pucn I was able to keep my AVG from dropping and I whooshed into Ace Bay with an AVG of 24 kph, a record for me over this distance. AS well, my dual bladder camel pack, along with my water bottle provided me with plenty of liquid so I plan to replicate this hydration package during the GranFondo itself. Grand training run so Penticton here I come! Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/818164048#.VZC9uQGWudo.email

Home to shower and change and then enjoy a wonderful dinner. It was George's 63rd birthday so Barb had prepared a lovely meal. After he opened his presents I started to load the car. WE have to leave by 7:00 am tomorrow morning as I plan to go on a tour of Daniel McIntyre, high school, with a number of other classmates, at 9:00 am. Then we will have lunch with Vera Keys, friend you may remember form Mom's memorial.

I assume we will be knocking on your door around 5:00 pm, or earlier. Would like to stop and pay our respects at Chapel Lawn since it is right on the way. Look forward to seeing everyone. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Lovely to read of the prairie and Canadian shield summer report, leaves me quite nostalgic. Peaceful travels and continued visits with friends and family. Love to all. Adrian, Anu, and Faelan Live from a sweltering Cortesia

Hello Sweltering Cortesians, et al! I assume you are sitting outside, nekkid, on your new/old deck chairs! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Wish I had two bladders myself sometimes! So you now have to worry about dodging major branches in major storms, a far cry from the security of Granville but you walk out your door and you are ready to ride through the country. I know you love that.
 
I have a cold, but will attempt some laps this morning. Sorry about Canada's loss to England; I was trying to boot the Maples Leafs home but it's so tough to score at that level of competition. Tootaloo. I remember Maya, by the way; is one of the ladies pictured her? Cactus

Hi Vinnie! Sorry to hear you have a cold. Know precisely what you mean about two bladders!!! Thanks for cheering on our women's team. I was disappointed as well. No, Maya, was not in any of the snaps, only Gloria, Greg's wife, and Shirley, Darryl's wife. Maya now lives on the Sunshine Coast working in the pubic library there! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Brereton Lake West Hawk Blues: Saturday, June 27th!

Let us face a pluralistic world in which there are no universal churches, no single remedy for all diseases, no one way to teach or write or sing, no magic diet, no world poets, and no chosen races, but only the wretched and wonderfully diversified human race. -Jacques Barzun, professor and writer (1907- )

Hi Greg! Thanks for email and directions. Much appreciated. We have been invited to a friend's place at West Hawk, at 2:00 pm this afternoon. Turns out that he, Darrly Gunnlaugson, and Greg, my brother-in-law, curl together. Discovered this yesterday, before reunion.  At ant rate, I'll ride to Brereton beforehand to have a quick visit, if that is still okay. I'll arrange to meet Corinne at ER 77 and I'll put my bike on the car rack there as I'm not sure gravel would be easily negotiable on my road tires. As soon as I post this I'll give you a call to confirm. Look forward to seeing you both. Cheers, Patrizzio! Sorry Pat - just got this.  By all means come. Greg

Hi Gloria and Greg! Once again, terrific to reconnect at the DMCI reunion. Thanks for the invitation to and simply wonderful visit at your stunning Brereton Lake summer home. What a remarkable setting and how magnificently you have furnished and finished it. Congratulations indeed! We both apologize for swooping in and then dashing off but at least we had a delightful hour or so together. Do hope our paths will cross again in the not too, too distant future.  Until then, stay well, keep in touch and we'll see you both soon, in one hemisphere or the other, I trust! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hello Heat Wave West Coast People! Had a simply wonderful day today. I rode out to Brereton Lake around 11:30 am today as we had been invited to the cabin of one of my Daniel McIntyre classmates, Greg Lampert, when we reconnected yesterday at my home-room, high-school, Daniel McIntyre, 50th reunion at Rae & Jerry's Steak House. 

Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/816890474#.VZAHoNDozaE.email

As well, Lynette had put us in touch with Uncle Daryl, and he invited us to their place at 2:00 pm. After visiting with Greg and Gloria were were an hour late but Shirley and Darryl were very gracious about our impolite arrival and we had a lovely visit in their remarkable home.

We sat downstairs in the screened in porch room overlooking the dock and Moonlight Bay. What a setting! Shortly after we arrived the thunder started and then the heavens opened. Shirley and Cora Lee had to move from their seats near the screened wall as the rain was pelting down and there were whitecaps on the lake! Nevertheless we spent a most amicable couple of hours visiting and getting to know one another. Everyone, other than Cora Lee, enjoyed some incredibly tasty cinnamon buns Darryl had purchased at the grocery store in Keewatin. 

Thanking them for their welcome and generous hospitality we left around 5:00 pm. On the way out we had to dodge large fallen branches and once back on the paved road we noticed that the hydro/telephone wires beside the road had been brought down by a huge tree which had obviously been blown down, not far from Penniac Bay. Rather exciting, to say the least. Needed a bottle of wine once back at Ace Bay to settle our nerves! Trust all goes well. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Please forward snaps to Darryl as I don't have his email address.

Thanks so much for the pictures. Was good to see you again as always. Have a good trip back and have fun unpacking. Stu and Wendy 

Hi Wendy and Stuart! Glad you enjoyed the snaps! Trust all goes well. Thanks for safe travel wishes. See you in Penticton soon, I trust! Cheers, Patrizzio!  
 
Dear Friends and Family! For the second time, I'm riding in the Penticton Granfondo (160km) category on Sunday, July 12th. The course features more than 1,000 m of elevation gain along the South Okanagan’s most scenic roads. The ride starts with a ride up Vancouver Hill, rolls along the highway up to Summerland for the Swagman King of the Mountain (KOM) Challenge, before proceeding back through Penticton and onto Oliver, B.C. Riders should expect some fast, flat sections alongside several lakes, and rolling hills punctuated by some >7% pitches West of Oliver. The route continues through the White Lake Grasslands Protected Area – a beautiful, remote area that’s home to White Lake (white mineral deposits precipitate from its waters during hot summer months), as well as the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (an internationally recognized facility for science and technology research related to radio astronomy). The Granfondo passes as many as 34 of Canada’s top wineries.

This year I'm riding for Aunt Leah's Place a non-profit organization that provides much needed service to young adults aging out of foster care. The link below is to their donation page:

https://auntleahs.org/support-us/donate/one-time-checkout/

If you wish to donate, click the "I am making this gift in honour of someone" button and fill in my name, (Patrick Dunn), so that it is possible to track how much I am able to raise for this very, very worthwhile cause. Essentially, this is a third party fundraising event!

As well, the Aunt Leah's Thresholds staff who manage a house for the youth in their care are asking for any gently used bikes for 6-11 year olds, boys or girls, and/or a scooter. They are also asking for donations of gently used or new helmets for four children and four adults. The house currently has two adult bikes, donated last year, but would welcome a few more adult bikes for new participants or staff to ride along with their clients. If you prefer to donate over the phone, please contact Chloë Dunn, Aunt Leah's Volunteer and Events Coordinator, at 604-525-1204 x224. Tax receipts will be provided for all donations.

Thank you all for your time and consideration. Onward! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Rae & Jerry's DMCI Blues: Friday, June 26th!

He who sings scares away his woes. -Miguel de Cervantes, novelist (1547-1616)

I believe the greatest gift I can conceive of having from anyone is to be seen, heard, understood, and touched by them. The greatest gift I can give is to see, hear, understand, and touch another person. -Virginia Satir, psychotherapist and author (26 Jun 1916-1988)  

Hello Patparazzi! I’m torn between laughing and groaning re you last set of pics!. Glad to hear that everyone is O.K. other than a scare and some bloody hair!!






[Pics, reaching Machu Pichu at the end of our four day hike] Sounds like you’ve barely had a chance to unpack at all given your full schedule. I am pleased to see that you are making the most of your time as always and having fun biking and travelling in your new climes. We had an absolutely amazing time in Peru and are very thankful for the wonderful weather, fantastic sights, very well organized tour and great company as in our hiking companions. 

[At the fiesta with our homestay hostess] We were with a young couple from Denmark who were both 22 as well as a couple from limerick, Ireland who were both 27....as Colleen pointed out their ages added together still added up to less than our age haha The tour was very well arranged and our guide for the four days hike on the inca trail was fantastic cant even begin to describe here but will tell you and show you the pics and share the fantastic memories as soon as possible. Just about to play scrabble with Colleen...will catch up soon!  
 

[Resting on top deck on our Lake Titicaca cruiser] Cheers, Al and Col. xoxo 
 
Wonderful ride this morning. Left St Michael Road just after 8:00 am and it was lovely and cool. After making my way around Victoria Crescent I headed over the Red River to cycle to U of M and past campus onto King's Drive and then Cloutier Drive as far as it went before hitting the Perimeter Highway. Retraced my spokes but instead of returning to St Vital I stayed on Pembina Highway to ride along the south side of the Red, past Wildwood Park where my cousin, Sally, and family live. Then on to Jubilee and a block or so later, at the Bridge Drive-in, (An iconic Winnipeg ice-cream spot), I took the pedestrian/bike bridge to Kingston Row. 

[Home stay pet Donkey] 
 
Yesterday, around 9:00 pm, when we drove by,  the line-up there was unbelievable, more like a soccer crowd than orderly lines of people waiting for cones and milk shakes! Soon on to Dunkirk Drive and then took St Vital Road past St Vital Park to take St Michael Road back home. Pleased with ride although I would have liked to have repeated route in order to log 100 km + but not enough time. Have to get ready to attend my 50th high-school , Daniel McInyyre Collegiate Institute, Grade XII home-room class reunion, at Rae & Jerry's Steak House, another Winnipeg food landmark, at 1:00 pm. Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/815477016#.VY10402LSOE.email

Wayne Sutherland I have some mail here for you. Megan Sutherland We could use Clara and dustys mailing address in Falcon Lake.

Hello to Clan Sutherland from all the Falcon Lake Crew! Trust all goes well with everyone. We are getting ready to leave, early Monday morning. Had a wonderful high-school, home room class reunion, in Winnipeg, today. Turned out that there will be an opportunity to take a tour of school, Daniel McIntyre, at 9:00 am, so we'll have to leave Falcon around 7:00 am to be there on time. Needed to be on the road anyway, although we are spending first night in Kenton, near Manitoba/Saskatchewan border, in the right house this time! Next night in Calgary and then home on July 1st.

Sarge, you could give any mail to Chloë as she is coming up for the weekend, leaving Friday after work, I think. She is going to help with the Garage Sale, getting rid of all the stuff we should never have moved!

Invited to Maya's uncle's place at West Hawk Saturday afternoon. Turns out that he and Greg curl together. Discovered this this morning, before reunion, as we stayed with them on Thursday night. As well, hope to ride to Brereton Lake, about 50 km from Falcon, beforehand. One of my classmates has a cabin on the lake. I'll arrange to meet Cora Lee at the small store there and I'll put my bike on the car rack at the end of the ride. The cabin is on an unpaved road and I'm not sure it would be easily negotiable on my road tires.

Guess we'll see some of you on the GranFondo weekend. Look forward to visit. Cheers, Patrizzio!

A few pics from reunion and 70th wedding anniversary bbq: Sally Watson with Cora Lee. Sally and her husband, Bob Lawler, are very close friends of Ted and Elaine Keating. Greg Wilson, (L), Andrew Ostrander, Erika Kinn and her daughter Amy. Erika owns a B & B in Summerland not far from Dirty Laundry and they will drive out on July 6th so we plan to visit them shortly thereafter! Spumoni's/Giorgio's families. 

Patriçio, mi amigo querido, Allow me to relate a fable … Once upon a time, a famous cyclist decided to hang up his helmet and long underwear and embark on a life of leisure. Thus, he decided to buy 400 cases of single malt whiskey. When he showed up at the warehouse in his spouse’s smart car, he was appalled that the load would not fit!

Who’s fault is this? Hmmm … a multiple choice quiz …
1) The wife for owning a smart car
2) The vendor for failing to load all the cases into the smart car
3) Alexander the Great … for no particular reason
4) Magellan, for the same reason as Alexander
5) The guy who brought a smart car when he needed a semi-trainler

Patriçio!!!!! This is not a “mail client” problem. You are sending “full size” pics - which is completely unnecessary - unless you think that everyone will want to print 11 x 17 portraits of your pics and frame them. Unlikely!!! You are filling up peoples mailboxes, which will affect their other mail (until they delete your’s, and who would dream of doing that?

We discussed this, and to the best of my recollection, I showed you how to export photos out of iPhoto to a reasonable size for email attachments. CASE IN POINT

The first photo is your “original". Over 3 megabytes. The second photo has been reduced to 138K. That is less than 5% of the original size!!!!! …. and it still looks fine on the screen, no?

So … when you export photos (for email) out of iPhoto, select Max dimension of 900pixels and Jpeg quality “medium” More important, are you Mayor of Pentiction yet?


Hello Ragin', Mi Querido Crítico Más Duro! I am writing this from the travelling Mayormobile communication pod here in Falcon! Am able to keep in touch with City Council this way! While I thank you for your astute comments, file size is a direct result of editing I've been playing with of late. Please allow me some creative leeway, meager though my efforts be! Trust you are well in spite of legal wranglings and jpg fussing. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Pat - quick directions to our cottage before we head out the door. North from the second set of railroad tracks on 307, past the drinking water sign after your first glimpse of the lake, turn left on ER 77 - a gravel loop road to access cottages in parts of Block 3 & 4. We are almost a kilometre down that road - lot 14A block 4. Sign out front, blue Tacoma truck and grey Mazda 6 in the drive. You are welcome anytime - we should be around until about 4pm Saturday and all day Sunday. If you phone ahead we are sure to be there. Hope you can make it. Greg

Jimbo Kelekis Blues: Thursday, June 25th!

The nationalist not only does not disapprove of atrocities committed by his own side, he has a remarkable capacity for not even hearing about them. -George Orwell, writer (25 Jun 1903-1950) 

An iconic Winnipeg eatery opened its doors for the last time Wednesday, January 30th, 2013. The restaurant has been running in Winnipeg for more than 80 years and has become a fixture on Main. Chris Kelekis began his business in the food industry with a pushcart from which he sold popcorn and peanuts. In the 1920s he owned and operated various fruit and confectionery stores in the city's West End.

In the 1930s he redeveloped a Model T Ford into a wagon and with his daughters' help, they covered many outdoor events in Winnipeg such as sporting events and fairs. From this wagon, he developed others and "Kelekis Chips" were a fixture in the city wherever there was activity. The restaurant moved to the well-known Main location in 1946.


Hi Goils! Sorry to learn that you are not feeling very well, Chloë! Lack of Vitamin D according to Rosita! At any rate, hope you are feeling better soon. Could be worse. Judy, from Kenton, just had surgery yesterday. Dallas said operation went well but she was very sore on drive back home! 

With respect to transfer for Nicolina's shower present, I might need a few things, Nuun tablets and chain oil, from MEC, when you come up to Penticton to help with garage sale, if I'm not able to find them at MEC in Winnipeg before we head home. Pretty sure store will stock them, however. If not, gas money or designer dog treats from Winnipeg Winston!

Am sending this from upstairs window in middle bedroom as this seems only place signal reaches the A-frame. Nana is snoring gently as I scribe. When I came in at 6:30 am she was snarky and said that she might want to check her messages. Twenty seconds later she was back asleep! Must away as I want to pack up my bag for the next two days. Hope to leave around 9:00 am as we are collecting Jim Sutherland for lunch. I wanted to take him to Kelekis Restaurant on North Main but when I searched it on Google discovered it closed in 2013. Think we'll go to the Peasant Cookery instead and stiff Carly on the tip! Love, Dad/Patrizzio!

Pics: Some of the crafts at Farmer's Market yesterday. As well, I bought a ticket on the Rubber Duck Race, to be held on July 1st. At the head of the lake, near Huskie The Muskie, I gather, there is a strong current and all the tiny ducks are released into this stream. Each one has a number, corresponding to each ticket, and first five across a given finish line are the winners. Need to be back at Burns Street, by July 1st, waiting by the phone, to hear how much I won! Also bought your Mother a new "wheat" bag, black plaid to match counter top, at one of the stalls. She was so comfortable with it, around her neck, last night, that she fell asleep with the light on, glasses on the end of her nose and her book grasped tightly in her hands! Of course she went to bed before she had heated it up in the microwave so Lady May summoned Carson to do the work! I guess Falcon Lake really is the country retreat of Downtown!!! 

thanks patrick. still recovering from the golf extravaganza. catherine successfully rode bike with leg boot. is there a category for this in the Penticton Fondu? take care matt.

Hi Glasgow! Must have been some Extravaganza! Pleased Catherine is making progress. Don't believe that there is a category in Penticton GranFondo but perhaps she would be interested in The False Creek Leg and Boot Piccolo Cheese Fondue. One rides the Seawall, from there, around Stanley Park and back, and then the first person to eat their mini-fondue without losing their bread cube off the long fork wins! Bit like bobbing for apples!

When back in Falcon will have to load the car on Sunday. Bought an in-house vacuum from one of Greg's fishing buddies, (Al Gray owns the Vacu-Flo franchise.), after we had lunch, at Peasant Cookery, (Carly wasn't working so no chance to save money on non-tip!), with friend, Jim Sutherland, this afternoon. Now we have the hose and fittings to mule home. Vacuum itself and a "garage pack" will be sent out by bus as these weren't in stock. Now I'm looking for help with installation in the crawl-space! Pretty slick unit as it is the self-storing model. Hose re-tracts into tubing so no storage issues. Separate garage unit to vacuum up broken glass from in front of insulated wine-storage locker I plan to build there, along with lots of other shelving. One of first projects, I hope, when back. Again, desperately seeking handy-man help. Where is Mr Fixit when you need him! (I wonder how Wayne is as he suffered some pretty serious lung complications after a nasty snowmobile accident.) So plenty to do, aside from trying to prepare for GranFondo, (Gran Fondue according to you, Matt Garrey!), not much more than two weeks away!  

Off to my 50th high-school class reunion at 1:00 pm Friday. That should be fun. Gather you are baking in Vancouver. Warmer than Osoyoos I hear! Good time to be in Winnipeg. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

 

Kenora Farmer's Market Blues: June 24th!

Patriotism, n. Combustible rubbish ready to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name. In Dr. Johnson's famous dictionary patriotism is defined as the last resort of a scoundrel. With all due respect to an enlightened but inferior lexicographer I beg to submit it is the first. -Ambrose Bierce, writer (24 Jun 1842-1914) 

Hi Patrick Thanks for all the news - no I didn't see jeans pics - can you give me her married name as nothing comes up under jean weaver. Will catch up soon xx P and m

Hi Pénélope! Will recount this version of your name below but Jean's married name is Homsy. I told her that her daughter looked very much like her when we met, just out of Liverpool, in 1970! Hard to believe that was 45 years ago, Grandmother!

[The New bulbs are in! Signs looking great! They were on warranty, so all good, no extra cost. Fingers crossed... hope these ones are going to last!]

With respect to your name, back in Penticton, I had been out riding in the evenings, after the heat of the day begins to wane, and have simply headed for OK Falls as it is a relatively easy 50 km return ride, (with a few dipsy-doodles thrown in to make that distance), given that Mme Coriandre becomes quite fussy if I'm back after 9:00 pm and dinner is jeopardized! A few Wednesdays ago, around 8:00 pm, I was on the return leg, climbing McLean Creek Road, just past Meyer Family Vineyards, when a couple passed me. We exchanged pleasantries and I thought that that was the last I'd see of them. However, I started to gain on the female rider near the top of the hill, (Peach Cliff Mountain, I think, but a stunning rock face whatever its name happens to be!), and decided I'd see if I could catch up.

Once I'd crested the hill it didn't take me long and I was soon cycling beside them. I asked if they were training for the GranFondo, this coming July 12th, but the young woman said that they were too busy with work. Of course I asked what they did and she said they were both wine-makers for Intersection Winery, south of Oliver. Couldn't believe my ears as we know the owners! Bruce Schmidt, one of the partners, is the third husband of Ginette Bertrand, Andrew Sredzki's first wife! Not sure if you remember or not but she called you Pénélope, (pronounced to rhyme with canteloupe!), when I introduce you to them, during your visit to Winnipeg, and I've never forgotten this! We have seen Ginette and Bruce a number of times in Vancouver and I'm in touch with Ginette via email and Facebook.

At any rate, I soon learned that Pénélope and Dylan Roche were married with two sons, 3 and 6. She is originally from Bordeaux, he from North Van and they met in NZ, both working at wineries near Napier! Believe they spent 7 years in France after that and then Dylan worked at Stag's Hollow, in OK Falls, for 7 or 8 months before going to Intersection, near Oliver, south of OK Falls. They also make their own label there, Roche: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Rosé. For a number of logistical/chronological reasons we have never visited Intersection but plan to do so over the coming summer. Perhaps we should wine-taste there when you are over in September and you can meet your name double!

Needless to say, it was quite a wonderful ride home, particularly since I drafted all the way along Skaha were the headwind is always ferocious! Invited them in for a drink as they live but a few minutes away, up towards Naramata, on Cambie. Not sure exactly where. They were pleased to pop by but only to say hello and have a glass of water as they had to be home as their baby-sitter had school next day. Anyway, a lovely, lovely couple and I hope we will see more of them in the future. Both are very, very decent cyclists but I think they don't have as much time to devote to the activity with work and family. I certainly had my work cut out for me just to keep up and I certainly don't normally average the pace they set, 30 kph +/-, on the flat, heading into the wind! Stats for ride:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/814058152#.VYs-bBKMliw.email

Anyway, I think the wedding was somewhere near Beirut. Looked like a pretty gala affair. Off to the Farmer's Market in Kenora, about 40 minutes from here, not far over the Manitoba/Ontario border. On the way we go past the turn-off to War Eagle Lake where Corinne's sister, Pam, and her husband, Greg, have a fabulous property right on the lake. Will probably have lunch in Kenora as there is a very attractive boardwalk there with a number of restaurants overlooking the complex of water known as Lake of the Woods, very well known for tremendous fishing. The intertwined lakes reach into the US. Fondestos and Cheers, for now. Patrizzio!

Hi patrizio I have made contact with jean and she is coming to London on 3rd September so I will have a lot of news when we meet in the okanagan! Hope you are enjoying your new home - did you give me the address and tel no? If not please do so I can send you a card xx

Hi again, Pénélope! Great that you re-connected with Jean. Will be terrific for you to meet up before you head to Canada so you can fill us in! Cheers, Patrizzio!
P, thanks for keeping us in the loopage. Building project and the share cropping is keeping me hopping here but all is good. The wild dog is herding us around, nipping at our heals.

Keep me posted as to your plans to be in the lower mainland. Maybe we can get together. Jane and I would like to visit Tummler's Reach but it may be fall before we can get there. Let us know when you are heading to India. Safe travels/riding. Fond regards to all, G

Hi Galiano Ganja Man! Pleased to hear that the cash-crop/share-cropping is paying for your "monster home" project. Any snaps of work to date? Is Morita nipping at the cuts and scrapes of your healed wounds, inflicted by nails and re-bar, or have you smoked too, too much home-grown Paregoric to spell "heels" correctly!

We will be in Vancouver around July 14th as Lady Mary is off to New York on the 16th so I'm chauffeuring her into town. Since I'll be in Vancouver anyway, I decided I'd stay for the weekend to take in the Folk Fest so I'll be around, at least until Monday, the 20th. Perhaps we can arrange to meet up at some point. Anyway, I'm sure we'll be in touch before then. Here is ur new house phone number in case I've not passed it along. In October, we will be in town around the 16th +/-, as we are volunteering for the VWF from the 19th to the 25th, leaving for Inja on the 27th!

Had the following from Robo Man, in case you have not been in touch lately, so all seems to be going well for him. Not sure when trip to England is happening

Around 10:30 am we drove to the Farmer's Market in Kenora, about 40 minutes from here, not far over the Manitoba/Ontario border. On the way we go past the turn-off to War Eagle Lake where Corinne's sister, Pam, and her husband, Greg, have a fabulous property right on the lake. Will probably have lunch in Kenora as there is a very attractive boardwalk there with a number of restaurants overlooking the complex of water known as Lake of the Woods, very well known for tremendous fishing. The intertwined lakes reach into the US.

As it turned out, after we scoped out all the stalls under the Big Roof, we decided simply to have some of the wonderful chips produced by an iconic food truck, The Chip Man, and sat at a shaded picnic table to eat our picnic lunch. The Sisterhood took off after polishing off their tatters and went shopping across the street at the many boutiques which lure the tourist crowd. While Dusty and I were "attacking" the wonderful cinnamon buns The Goils had picked up for us at the market, a friendly chap asked if he could join us. I said there was a $5 fee so he thought that wasn't too bad!

Turned out he, Roger McCraw, (Quick Draw!), is a JP and was just on his lunch break from a court session. Extremely interesting, wonderfully friendly gentleman. He lives on the Eagle Lake First Nation reserve just outside of Kenora. One thing led to another and I mentioned Joseph Boyden. Turned out that Roger had met him a few weeks ago, in Ottawa, at an event having to do with the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. Exchanged email addresses so perhaps our paths will cross in the future.

Bit of shopping in town and then home by 3:00 pm. Suited up as soon as we'd unloaded car and headed out just before 4:00 pm. Made for the South Shore and when I'd completed the first loop I had an AVG of 24 kph. Was quite pleased and decided I'd dipsy-doodle around Falcon townsite to log enough distance to give me 51 km if I did another South Shore loop. The road winds through heavy forest and brush and so is sheltered from most of the monster head winds. Felt pretty good as I pounded away so I'm hoping that my legs are starting to get in GranFondo shape. Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/814058152#.VYs-bBKMliw.email   

Into The Peg in the morning, domani, seeing a number of friends and family members. Cora Lee's niece, Marlo, and her husband, Ryan, have installed a number of new doors, patio and front, and we'd like to take a look at them as we want to put a door in study to gain access to patio and perhaps replace front door, although latter is not a priority. Plan to pop by MEC here as I will need more Nuun tablets by the time we are back in Penticton. Want to have plenty for training rides before GF and for event itself. As well, it is believed that when Dusty was clearing out the corner of the cabin where he is doing some shingling he threw out my chain oil and an expensive spray bottle of "green" deodorant Cora Lee insists I use for my clip-ons. Both were in a box with rags I was using to clean my Trek and I think he thought everything was destined for the dump. Even checked the two "bear-proof" garbage collection huts around the bay from here where he had made a run yesterday but garbicians had been and gone! Glad he is not near my malt cabinet!!!

Hoping to log a ride Friday morning before my 50th high-school, home room class reunion luncheon at 1:00 pm. Fondestos and Cheers, for now. Patrizzio!

Pics: Some of the gorgeous flowers in Dusty's garden; Tireless worker. You need him on your construction site! Going to the Farmer's Market; Mosquitoe Protection Program! Quick Draw and Dusty; take a cruise; float planes are a fact of life here.

Hello Bakery Delivery Man! Sorry to miss you as well but delighted we will see you toward the end of August! Just have to blink our eyes and that time will be here before we know it! Hellos and best wishes from Clarisse and Dusty, and Mme Coriandre as well, of course, all watching Wheel of Fortune as I scribe! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello!!! I can't believe you have moved away! I hope it went smoothly and you've settled in okay. I can't imagine packing everything up, what a grand effort that must have been! I am heading to Penticton at the end of July, will you be around if I try to pop by? I am going with some girlfriends to a VRBO accommodation up Naramata Road. We are bringing our bikes and plan on doing some riding between wineries! I hope to talk and see you soon! Much love, E

Hello Aquitaine! How lovely to hear from you and learn that you will be in the Okanagan at teh end of July. We'll be home. If you come up early you are more than welcome to stay for a night or two so think about that!

Had a long ride, for me at least, this past Sunday so I'll be ready for you and the rest of your Babes! Hellos and best wishes from Clara, Dusty and Lady Mary! Look forward to your visit and catching up, let alone all the never-ending wine-tasting! Fondestos and Cheers, for now. Patrizzio!

hi patrick, thank-you for this. congrats to dusty and cora on an unbelievable milestone. get those kms in! love to all. do you have an e mail for greg ;take care matt

Hi Glasgow! Pleased to hear that NY was wonderful, with Sascha and Daniel, her boyfriend? What a golf getaway that must have been with Sir Andrew and The Sadistic Surveyor! Sorry to hear about Hop-Along but she can relax in Penticton, between wineries! Had a short note from Whirlygig and he seems to be doing well with the addition to his place. Clara and Dusty thank you for your best wishes and send along hellos and warm greetings as well, to you both. Cheers,  Patrizzio! Hi again, Glasgow! Forgot to include Grogg's email address. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Pat got your message and yes you are welcome to stay anytime. Drop us an email the night before and we'll be ready. Enjoyed the pics that you sent very much it was nice seeing Sally and family good to hear that Filmer is doing better. Just got home from Winnipeg tonight Judy's surgery went well, she is sore but doing ok the drive home was long for her I think. Anyhow see you on the 29th and ya a bbq would be great see you soon Dallas Clara and Dusty sure look good forgot to mention that before.

Hello Kenton! Very pleased to hear that Judy's surgery went well. Not surprised she is sore and found the drive tiring. Best wishes to her. Hope she is feeling a lot better soon. Glad you enjoyed the snaps of Sally and family. Will chat more about them when we see you. Hope to pop around to their place, either tomorrow or Friday to say hello and goodbye.

Thanks for having us again. Much appreciated. We'll bring everything for dinner so please don't make any other preparations. Will probably call on Sunday if I don't send a message. Fondestos and Cheers, for now. Patrizzio!

Hello Quick Draw! Lovely to meet you this afternoon and chat so amicably. Thought I'd include Clara's/Dusty's wedding picture, taken 70 years ago, in Dauphin, as well. You are always welcome in Penticton if you are planning on visiting BC. All the best, Roger, and I do trust that our paths will cross again in the not too, too distant future. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi D, Did you transfer $100?? What's the extra for? Night. Love you. xx 
 

 

  

 

Dustman Cedar Shingle Blues: Tuesday, June 23rd!

It's like, at the end, there's this surprise quiz: Am I proud of me? I gave my life to become the person I am right now. Was it worth what I paid? -Richard Bach, writer (b. 23 Jun 1936) 

Hi Zircon! Sorry that it has taken me so long to send along a message. Before I go any further, I wanted to thank you again for allowing us to stay. We certainly enjoyed the visit, brief though it was. 

We have decided that we won't be heading back to BC until Monday, June 29th, so you are off the accommodation hook! Thanks again for the offer of staying on Sunday but we want to be here in order to celebrate George's 63rd birthday that evening. Will drive into Winnipeg on Monday to have lunch with a close family friend, Vera Keys, who met my parents in the 1940's when both families lived in Favourable Lake, a fly-in mining camp in Northern Ontario. Will spend the night back in Kenton and then drive to Calgary to spend the night with Betty Hughes. She won't be coming to Falcon until later in July so it will be fun to have a visit with her. Too, too bad you aren't still in Calgary or Cochrane as we could have had another bridge night!

[Patrick James Dunn Congratulations Jean! Your daughter looks just like you when we met, just out of Liverpool, back in 1970! All the best. Cheers!Jean Homsy Thank you, kind words and you have quite a memory. Glad to see all is fine with you. Xx Patrick James Dunn Hard to forget those days! Fairly significant news for us is that we sold our place in Vancouver, in February, and bought a small bungalow in Penticton, the heart of BC's wine country, in the Okanagan. Moved in May 29th. Come and visit when next in Canada. Penny is coming with her amore, Madcap Mike, in September! Corinne, on our patio, with close friends, Polly and Mick, visiting from Vancouver, the weekend before we took off, driving to Winnipeg. Cheers!!!]

Trust all continues to go well with you and your bakery/theological duties. (Interestingly appropriate combination!) Please send along fond regards to the All-Purpose Flour People!  Cora Lee sends along best wishes to everyone and encourages you, James, to visit, whenever possible, as do I. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Snap: Pajama-clad Zircon!                    Thank you so much for the news update. I am sorry to miss you on the way back through. I am planning a trip west to see Mark--toward the end of August. I will be driving my old car out to Victoria to hand off to him, and then flying home. So a stop in Penticton is definitely in the offing. Safe travels. Love you both. Jim PS I will deliver your freezer pacs  when I see you. Freezer pacs are like west coast umbrellas just keep them in circulation. Hi Bakery Delivery Chap turned Freezer Pack Guy! Please fill them with cheap Alberta gas!!! Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Goldilocks People! I want to thank you all, again, for allowing us to stay and for delicous dinner. We certainly enjoyed the visit, brief though it was.
 

At any rate, we have decided that we won't be heading back to BC until Monday, June 29th, so we were wondering if we might impose on you, yet again, that night. If you agree to have us stay, we'd like to bring something to bbq for dinner. Let us know how many people and we'll plan accordingly.

Trust all continues to go well with you and your busy, busy lives. Cora Lee sends along best wishes to everyone and encourages a visit, whenever possible, as do I. Will chat more about that when we see you, of course. (Very selfish, on my part, as I need all the engineering/handy-man help I can get for the wine storage unit!) Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Snaps: Dinner with Sally/Filmer/Kaitlyn and Travis this past Thursday at their place in Wildwood Park. Last in series, Rocky X! 

Hi Lynette, et al! Sorry that it has taken me so long to send along a message. Before I go any further, I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful visit and delicious lunch you treated us to. Called Darryl last night but have not yet heard back from him. Will call again, later today and hope we can arrange a visit at some point.

Trust all continues to go well with you and your painting duties! Cora Lee sends along best wishes to everyone and encourages another visit, whenever possible, as do I. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: I think Cora Lee already passed along Jane Lucas' contact information and dates of our trip to India but if not let us know and we'll provide all the details. Snaps: Visit at Burns Street Social House! Compost inspectors; my lunch at Dream Cafe. Fire-pit dinner and farewell! Lunch with Noreen this past Thursday at the Peasant Cookery.

Hi Colin! First message bounced as your email couldn't handle picture file size! Pared down snaps. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Young James Dean and Mighty Grigor! Sorry that it has taken me so long to send along the snaps I took of you in your Grad suit, Dustin. At any rate, I hope we will have another chance to chat over the course of our stay at your parent's place. As well, I can further edit any of the snaps if you want. In addition, I plan to send pictures I took of you, Cody and your parents, at anniversary celebrations but will wait until we are back in the city as process will be easier then, due to WiFi connection here. Cheers, Uncle Patrizzio! PS: Did you hear back from Al, Greg? I was hoping to drop by his office on Thursday or Friday. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

Hi Wendy and Stuart! Grand to see you both at the various anniversary celebrations! We expect to be back in Penticton on July 1st. We hope to see you both there, at some point. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thanks Padricchio. We should be able to catch up on 14th July, tragically that's all as R and I will be cruising t Alaska 27-5th. I'll call your local cell before we go. Thks fr news of Gregg, I'll call him - d you have his cell? And for Sarge too.
Love t all at Falcon Lake too. S

Hi Stephano! Just a bit of an update on our stay in Vancouver. I didn't realize that Cora Lee doesn't fly out until the 16th so we probably have both the 14th and 15th to connect. Perhaps we can arrange something over the next little while. Not quite sure, as of this writing, where we will be staying so need to dovetail that with any plans we make with you. Not a big deal but still has to be figured out.

Here are Sarge's cell number and Grogg's home number. Say hello to both of them when you call. You didn't mention how Kathleen is faring. Hope much better. Fond regards from everyone at Falcon. Cheers, Padricchio! Snaps: Some of Dusty's garden and him, hard at work this morning! 

Hi Sara, et al [Apologize for dove-tailing/piggy-backing messages. No excuses but plenty of reasons! Time and Internet access, primarily.]!

Must away as I want to go for a longer ride today, to Ingolf, a small community about 30 km away but has a number of fairly steep hills so a good workout awaits! Trust all goes well with you. Cora Lee sends along best wishes to you and Dermot. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Lads! Of all the people I sent this message to your email client cannot handle file size for pitturas. This being the case you will receive fewer snapoloas!

For today's outing, left shortly after 3:00 pm and rode into Ontario as I made, as mentioned, for Ingolf, a tiny resort past West Hawk, taking the turnoff to the east shore of Caddy Lake and past the Fish Hatchery where Greg Ziemanski, (my brother-in-law), grew up. John, his Dad, was in charge of the place for many years. Enjoyed the ride but not the ferocious head wind, 19.3 kph, (Shades of Iona on a bad day!), and it seemed to be in my face most of the time! Home by just after 6:00 pm. Still, a great calibration for the 140 km ride I hope to do, probably this coming weekend, before we head home on Monday. Must away as Lady Mary is starting to fuss, worried that I won't be ready in time for the rustic peppers she's doing on the bbq, along with Clarisse's hamburgers! Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/813114574#.VYnutqcjZWc.email

Trust all goes well with you two. Cora Lee sends along best wishes to you both Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thanks for your email. I had a lovely visit with you and Corrine. I look forward to a taste of winter in Penticton. Adrian and the boys had a 4 day visit with me and just returned home a few days ago. Yes he liked the chairs and will make good use of them. Hopefully you have heard back from my brother by now but if not call Shirley's cell phone. Enjoy the rest of your Winnipeg/Falcon holiday.
Cheers, Lynette                                                   Hi Lynette! I called Darryl again this morning but no reply so I called Shirley and reached her. Darryl is away fishing at The Pas so that is the reason we hadn't heard from him. They will both be back at West Hawk for the weekend so we hope to connect then. Glad you enjoyed a good visit with Adrian and his boys. Terrific that chairs are useful.                       Hello. I do hope you follow up with a visit to Westhawk. Thanks for emails and photos.

Continue to relish being here, aside from food, hootch, company and weather, particularly with respect to cycling. Trust all goes well with you, Lynette. Cora Lee sends along best wishes. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Some of Dusty's flowers and the tireless Great-grandfather shingling this morning! Corinne's rustic peppers.

Hello Duhlink! Trust you and Madcap are both well. Not sure if you have seen Jean's latest posts on Facebook but pics are of wedding, somewhere near Beirut, I gather, of her daughter!

Sorry that it has taken me so long to send along a message but we have been on the road since June 15th. Again, hope all goes swimmingly with you two. How are Mad Max and his cousin? Your Goils? Cora Lee sends along best wishes to everyone, as do I. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Rachel is actually far better behaved than many "normal" children/young adults, (Not your grandchildren, of course!), we have encountered, over the years. Wonderfully loving and affectionate most of the time and more than a delight to be with.

Hello Vittorio Vittoria! Trust you are well. Hope summer is progressing as you envisaged it might. Cora Lee sends along best wishes to you, as do I. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Pat, Thanks for the photos form Falcon Lake. Corinne's parents look extremely well as does everyone else in the photos. I'm assuming the temperature is reasonable if you're able to ride.
 
I've been working full-on for days with students studying for Provincial exams but things tapered off today and I'm actually free tomorrow. Started scraping and sanding down at the back today for painting tomorrow. Next is the roll roofing job on the carport followed by various carpentry work and further house painting.
 
Have had a flurry of contacts with old friends in England recently, including Jim Brownlee who is organizing a walk from Seaham to Hartlepool for a group of us. Jim recently did the Via Ferrata climbing at the Lake District and he's still running and in very good shape by the sound of things. Jim Crowe is another who is still running - intervals on the university track where he is studying Chinese. He contacted me yesterday about the name of the electrolyte tablets as he was suffering from cramps.
 
My fitness program has definitely taken a back seat with the lack of available time for recreation. Must start doing some walking so I'm able to keep up in the UK. Ray  

Hi Raymond! Pleased to hear that you are doing well, busy as ever with tutoring and house-chores. How is your garden? When are you off to England? Great that you will see Jim and other friends. Would appreciate you passing along fond regards to both Chris and him. Hello to Jim Crowe as well, in Chinese, of course! Had a short note from Whirlygig and he sems to be doing well with the addition to his place.

When in Winnipeg, on Thursday, I plan to pop by MEC downtown as I will need more Nuun tablets, (Are those the ones you mentioned to Jim?), by the time we are back in Penticton. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!