Thursday, May 10th, Day 60

The luck of having talent is not enough; one must also have a talent for luck. -Louis-Hector Berlioz, composer (1803-1869)

Road Runner

Hi Pat
sound like you are having a great time in tropical Darwin.. pretty hot and sweaty I bet.
Anyway, at one of your parties I met a guy who is a shipping expert.
I need to ship some sculpture to Ont. asap.
Do you recall his name? Ron 


Hi Mr Grizzle!

Here are the "transportation contacts"! Not sure if you met Gregg or John or both! Grogg is now living in Parksville and semi-retired so I'll let them decide who might help out, if you still need someone.

Mr Grizzle

Busy time here as we are off to Japan tonight. Just back from Harcourt North yesterday after spending a week with Kathleen and Steve. 


Edradour Single Malt Bottle!


Hi Yael!

Greetings from Westfield, Concierge's Desk! I'm taking advantage of free WiFi! Trust you and family are well! I just dropped off the empty single malt bottle that both Dale and Ben said they liked. Took it to the Mail Room and was told it would be delivered to your office. Glad it isn't full! Left it with our bags at Oaks Goldsborough in Darling Harbour when we left for Cairns/Darwin. Cora Lee is having a manicure/pedicure before we fly to Japan this evening. All the best to everyone. We'll see you in Vancouver when you decide it's time to ski at Whistler. Cheers, Coriandre and Patrizzio!

Greetings Patrice,
Are you back in Sydneytown?
Let me know your movements.
Regards, Tim


Hi Tiptoe!

Trust you are well! I just dropped off an empty single malt bottle that both Dale, Yael's husband, and Ben, Adina's husband, said they liked. Took it to the Mail Room and was told it would be delivered to Yael's office. Glad it isn't full! Left it with our bags at Oaks Goldsborough in Darling Harbour when we left for Cairns/Darwin. Cora Lee is having a manicure/pedicure before we fly to Japan this evening. We will meet back at Oaks Goldsborough at 5:00pm to catch shuttle there to airport. I'm just wandering around downtown until then. Have a monorail day pass. Send a message and perhaps we can meet up somewhere before then, as I'll be moving from free WiFi spot to free WiFi spot!

I did send a message before we left Darwin, as well as from Sydney, when we overnighted on May 1st/2nd, saying we would be in Sydney last night. At any rate,, when I had not heard from you I assumed that you were probably busy or away. Too bad as we had some fab Durif and Cab Franc! If we don't manage to connect, all the best to you and Kevin. We'll see you in Vancouver when you decide it's time to return to Canada. Fondestos and Cheers, Coriandre and Patrice!


Surgery with Dr. Pike: Hello Grace!

Greetings from Sydney! Trust you are well. I gather that the weather has not been all that spring-like since we've been away. For our part, we have had a remarkable time in both Hong Kong and Australia. HK and Darwin were both particularly exciting as we'd never been to either cities before. Leave for Japan this evening and will return on May 31st so June 14th would be suitable. I will be available for a follow-up appointment any time, starting Monday, June 3rd, I suppose. Thank you for keeping me on the list. I hope to be able to check my email in Japan, should you need to contact me before we return, but am not sure about regular access at the moment. I imagine I will be able to do so, that being said.

All the best. Thanks again. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Wednesday, May 9th, Day 59

We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian and writer (1906-1945)

P,

I thought these words might be useful on your travels.

Riding has been intermittent. Ray is busy explaining the new math and the other pelotonians are AWOL.

Mark has me building forms and pouring concrete. When can I retire?

Weather is breaking here. Better get home soon.

Regards to C, W

1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.

2. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.

3. Intaxicaton: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

5. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.

7. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit)

11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.

12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

13. Glibido: All talk and no action.

14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

17. Caterpallor ( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.

2. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.

3. Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

4. Esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.

5. Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.

6. Negligent, adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.

7. Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.

8. Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.

9. Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.

10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.

11. Testicle, n. A humorous question on an exam.

12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.

13. Pokemon, n. A Rastafarian proctologist.

14. Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.

15. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.

16. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men.

Tuesday, May 8th, Day 58

Since when do we have to agree with people to defend them from injustice? -Lillian Hellman, playwright (1905-1984)

Grandma Clara, Me and Mom...1979 I believe

Patrick James Dunn The beginning of The Sisterhood, Hotel Kits, pre-house fire. Memory Lane extraordinaire. Wonderful snap!!!




Hi Dad, Mom,

Sounds like your having a very restful and lovely time at S/K, I'm glad hope this down time will help your foot Nana.

I have meant to write earlier but seems I am always running out as soon as I get in. Grames is better, as of Friday they were dressing her and she was eating meals in the common room on her floor, she is still on oxygen and they are not sure if that will stop but still they are all happily surprised at her strength. 

No word from Lars as of yet, and yes car is parked downstairs and sadly has a full take of gas as I took it to the states the last time it was used, guess you can enjoy that ;) Branko got his beer, yes god he is an odd one, every time he comes into the brewery he wants to tell me weird stories and i always need to rush him off as lines form!!! As for June, I asked her how long she and her friend were staying b/c I wanted to figure out if I could put them at G & G's before Brian's parents come and I think she got offended b/c she never responded and she hounded me constantly for me to give her details on my whereabouts on the day of her arrival and phone number etc but whatever?? I guess they will be in your room.

I have an interview tonight at the Co Op finally, they sent an email last week and I responded straight away, so this will get me on a pre-approved list as soon as places come available, so will let you know how it goes.

Sadly no job interviews???? I am feeling quite frustrated and disappointed but am spending at least 1 day a week at Boys and Girls and will go 2 days starting next week as they have an event June 2nd which I am doing a lot for.

Maurice Sendak, the children’s author and illustrator best known for the 1963 classic “Where the Wild Things Are,” died Tuesday in Danbury, Conn., reportedly of complications from a stroke. He was 83.

The Brooklyn-born author, the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland, lost many family members in the Holocaust and spent time in bed with health problems as a child. After seeing the Disney movie “Fantasia” at the age of 12, an experience that influenced his work throughout his career, he decided to become an illustrator.

Love you both, Mags is so happy when I'm home and is feeling very needy!!! She needs you both to come home now. Chloe Alexis xxxxxxxxxx


Hi Goils!

I trust you are well, Chloe, since we've not heard from you in a bit. Ayn is the Facebook Queen! How is Mom? Nanan wants to know if Pierre is finished his coursework? What sor tof work is he looking for? Just to remind you, Chloe, the car insurance lapses on May 8th. I assume you will probably park Titanium Green downstairs. Have you ironed out details of June's arrival on May 20th? Did Brankio ever pick up his beer? Has Lars called about my bike? Not worried but curious! Give Maggs a scratch behind the ears. Love and Cheers to you both, Dad!


hi patrick .great note.just back from my medical re union in 
scotland.old farts united.!everyone still in the u.k. 
retired;everyone in the colonies still working.went to see hugo very 
enjoyable. but not as good as starbucks.[the movie].corinne take care 
of your foot.whats a guy got to do to get ham at easter?keep enjoying 
your hols ;matt


Hello Sluggards, Non-Peletonians, Surfer Dudes and Fugitives from Homeland
Security!

Foist and foremsot, glad to learn that Jerry isn't langusihing in Guantanamo
Bay! Seems, from what you reported, Big Al, that you were too, too busy
boozing and brawling to hook up with our friends in Brisbane. Is that the
case or did you manage to say hello? Sorry that we were not able to connect
ourselves.

Trust you are well back into the swing of things by now, Big Molly. Are you
riding with the lycra/lattte crowd yet?


Hi Patrice,

I'm sorry, but between Drinking and gambling and fighting and the ensuing
need to flee the country I was not able to connect with your friends!

I'm sorry that we were not able to connect also, but sounds like you had a
busy schedule and are having lot's of fun. I probably should have given your
friends a call but felt a little awkward not knowing them at all and would
probably have not been able to get together anyway as I didn't have a day
off, despite being grossly underworked I still had to stick around.

I enjoyed reading about your experiences in the Corvair and such and will
read on when I get a chance but for now wanted to respond before appearing
rude.

I had a nice day and a half in Waikiki on the way home and picked up where I
left off on my surfing by getting a one on one surfing lesson for an hour
and was quite proud of myself as I got up quickly and managed to ride a long
way and even was able to steer to avoid fellow novices. Unfortunately I am
back to the grind tomorrow on the show and have not had a chance to get out
for a ride yet. I do not feel too guilty though as it sounds like some
others have been slacking off as well!. I did have a pleasant surprise when
I got home from exercise class this evening as Whirlygig had dropped a nice
bottle of Arhdberg 10 year old single malt in appreciation of a welding
repair I did on his bike a while ago. His frame had cracked almost all the
way around the main tube and was about to completely break so it was good He
brought it when he did! He brought his son Jacob over when he brought the
bike and we had a very pleasant visit.

I need to email him and thank him now so I need to sign off but will get in
touch soon. Take care and give my best to all.

Cheers, Al


Hi Big Al!

Glad you are back safely! Don't worry about not contacting friends in Brisbane. I understand completely but thought if it worked out everyone would have benefited. While it would seem rather easy to get together, while travelling, when one is talking about being in the same place somewhere,in the world, the reality, (time constraints, modes of communication, transportation, unfamiliarity with local distances, etc.), is usually far more complicated than it would seem when one first thinks about the possibilty of meeting. Perhaps next time around.

I suppose you will be foregoing the Peleton in favour of surfing at Long Beach in Tofino now that you are 
showing off for Gidget! I imagine Whirlygig was releived that you were able to weld his frame before your change of sport! He might even want the Ardbeg back! Of course, he might take pity on you as you'll obviously need a drop or two to warm you up after being dumped by the rollers on the West Coast! Fondestos to Marilyn and The Young Brothers. Hello to the Peletonians and your new Surfer Dude Buddies. Buona Fortuna with work. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Carol Riera Ah Pat, you haven't changed a bit. Tomorrow I am going on a tour while Bruno slaves away. We will hike in a rainforest to then swim in a waterfall, after we will head to one of the nicest beaches in the Caribbean and finally we will top the night off by kayaking in bioluminescence Bay which glows because of little sea creatures. See ya one of these days! xoxo

Patrick James Dunn Can't seem to find Sylvaine! Ask her to send me a request to be freinds! Thanks. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Carol Riera Just click on my friends and you will see Sylvie Roy and you can friend her!

Patrick James Dunn Hi Choo-Choo! Thanks, Sylvie sent me a request. How did your exam go?

Carol Riera Exams done and we are in our hotel in puerto Rico. La vida es linda!

Patrick James Dunn Hi Puerto Rica! Trust your holiday is going well! Has been a busy time ever since arriving in Harcourt North, even though we are leading an idyllic life. Fondestos to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Monday, May 7th, Day 57

Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent than the one derived from fear of punishment. -Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

Alex in Palm Springs

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    Patrick James Dunn Denzel jusrt keeps getting handsomer and handsomer!
    

    
    
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    Ayn P He does indeed! Funny thing is, years ago while on RnR in Kenya, Melvin made the local paper with a similar pool shot so I had deja vu when I saw this.
    

    
    
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    Patrick James Dunn I suppose he inherited his photogenic genes, legitimately, from both his parents, you from your childhood, back in Steinbach with your watermelon!

Hello Pauline and Terry!

Trust you are both well. Sorry that it has taken me a bit to send along some of our thoughts and experiences at Kakadu. We certainly enjoyed Cairns as well. Not sure if we had mentioned that we were actualy staying at Palm Cove and found the community a delightful place, our day trips to the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef more than wonderful. (Given time constraints, Internet access, and the like, I have yet to pull together, "edit", the notes I made about those exciting excursions. I had plans to do just that, here at Old Oak, intended as a week of respite before Japan, but our days here have been almost as busy, (Not that I'm complaining!), as when we were moving about your glorious country. At any rate, should you be so inclined, please find my account, such as it is, of some of our time in Darwin and Kakadu. Thank you again for steering us in so many right directions. Unfortunately, relatively limited time and water levels made it impossible for us to see and do some of the things you had suggested. Notwithstanding, we felt we did experience enough to have obtained a real sense of this remarkable national park. Only hope that we are able to return again, at a different time/season, to see more of its wonders. Best wishes to you both. Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizzio! 

 Chemical analysis of new element Governmentium: (Gv)

The CSIRO has discovered the heaviest element yet known to science.

The new element is Governmentium (Gv). It has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
 These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lefton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons or protons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction normally taking less than a second to take from four days to four years to complete. Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2- 6 years. It does not decay but instead undergoes a reorganisation in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganisation will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass. When catalysed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.  All of the money is consumed in the exchange, and no other byproducts are produced.

Governmentium and Petit Verdot, one of heaviest varietals yet encountered on trip!

Hi Colin and Jo-Anne!

Thanks for sending along research on Governmentium, Colin! Enjoyed findings immensely! 

 Casablanca Film Still - P 2012

The open-air theater has been built on the land once earmarked for an elaborate movie museum.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled a new open-air movie theater in the heart of Hollywood that will begin operations June 15 with a screening of Casablanca as part of a summer series called Oscars Outdoors.

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    Patrick James Dunn Just another compelling reason to visit Tinsel Town and your new pad, Ayn! Nana will be beside herself as she simply loves teh so-called Deckchair Cinemas, (here in Australia), we've attended, most recently in Darwin. Apparently Falcon Lake was the first place in Canada to offer such showings, Perogies Outdoors, but had to be closed when the community ran out of mosquitoe repellent!
    

    
    
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    Ayn P We look forward to hosting our free-spirited retired Canadian familia!
    

    
    
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    Patrick James Dunn Free as in "free room and board?" If so, Nana will change our return frlight from Japan to have an extened stiop-over in LA!
    

    
    
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    Ayn P Of course!! Pierre will have a job any day now and will buy you the best wines that 7-Eleven has to offer!
    

    
    
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    Patrick James Dunn We are used to Cleanskins here, $3.99 each, so we dream of expensive 7-Eleven selections. Blush Gallo by the jug, an IV drip and Nana will be in Heaven!
    

    
    
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    Ayn P Blush will flow like waterfalls at the Valley Glen loft...just close your eyes and dream about it!
    

    
    
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    Patrick James Dunn Nana is already starting to slur her speech. Lecture Circuit is next so I'd better go for more firewood as it could be a long harangue!