The real index of civilization is when people are kinder than they need to be. -Louis de Bernieres, novelist (b. 8 Dec 1954)
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| Illustration:
Leah Palmer Preiss |
Hello Reservation Desk at Villa Vicente! Thank
you so much for the lovely, charming, charming birthday card! I had to
look at it the next day as I couldn't remember if I'd read it or not!
Great hike, [surprise peak hike in Summerland], great group, great fun. Next week, Christmas picnic (see Jim French's email) Enjoy, Aart
I
do apologize for not being in touch sooner but life, particularly of
late, has been a whirlwind of social activity. Two dinners this past
weekend, (Saturday, down the street, at the home of Guillermo and
another Nancy! Sunday, here, with good friends, Pamela and Bill, and
Sandy, [Norbert, her husband is away, in Malaysia, doing some sort of
geo-technical work, on an ocean-going vessel.), and, another, Pamela.
Then Lady Dar had me helping find Christmas decorations to ready the
house for our Open House this coming Saturday. In between step-ladders
and extension cords I've been riding the stationary bike and attending
React sessions at community pool. Did two hours of deep-water walking on
my birthday as a present to myself.
Yesterday, Ragin' Bull
drove up to stay until Monday and be the "muscle" on the door to keep
out the riff-raff on Saturday! Beforehand, we hope to install the three
new ceiling light fixtures Lady Dar scored, on sale, naturally, last time she was in Vancouver! At any rate, loads to do, not even counting getting ready for coming trip to Tinsel Town!
In
this regard, we are planning to leave on Thursday, December 15th,
driving straight south, crossing into Trumpland at border crossing just
out of Osoyoos. Have never been this way before but it is far quicker
than going via Vancouver. We'll be back in known territory once we pass
Ellensburg, making for Yakima and beyond. Unfortunately, won't have time
to stop for any tasting! Along Columbia to Portland to stay with
friends, Marilyn and Michaelo, that night.
Then up early to stay in
either Redding or Williams, depending on weather/traffic, etc. Hope it
is the latter as we will pop by Coffaro on the 17th to say hello and
collect wine I have there. Then into Berkeley to stay with Spider People
that night. If you will have us, we thought we'd like to stay on the
night of the 18th as well, but don't worry if that is being too, too
pushy. Then, assuming you agree, we'd be off with brown bags, bursting
with delicious sandwiches, for Tinsel Town, on the morn of the 19th,
leaving you to do bed linen for next round of freeloaders, Canadians or otherwise!
One
of the chief reasons for "extended" stay is that Lady Dar heard from
Amos and he and Patrizzia would like to get together while we are in
your neck of the woods. We thought we might all go for lunch somewhere,
depending on your schedules, etc. At any rate, we can decide something closer to time.
So
there you have it! Let us know what you think and we'll plan
accordingly! Greetings from Ragin', preparing his fabulous omelleto for
our brunch, and Lady Dar, trying to calm The Devil Cat Duke! Cheers, Il Conduttore, Desperately Seeking Confirmed Reservations! Pic: Basket Kitten makes basket cases out of owners of Burns Street Cat Emporium!
Our itinerary and Boris and Natasha's bedroom! We
look forward to entertaining our visitors from the peaceable realm of
the north for two nights! We will roll out the welcome mats and set to
work in the kitchen, pineapple pizza coming right
up! Our only fixed obligation during your stay is a house concert at 3
on the 18th at the small home of a local friend and harpsichordist;
there is a another larger concert that night which thankfully we have
not committed to, and it will be our pleasure to
spend the time with you instead. We think it's a good idea to get in a
visit to Obamaland before it becomes Trumpia.
Of course, recounts are
ongoing and the Electoral College, our little bit of 18th century
institutional debris, has not yet met, so we remain
ever so slightly hopeful that our apparent fate can be averted. To
those in the National Security Agency and others who are reading this
email, I should note that we will peacefully accept whomever is
inaugurated in January as our president regardless of personal
preference. We don't want to raise any suspicions among any of our
blind ccs. And of course we have a feline here so those prefer to inhabit a space ruled by the dominant species will feel very comfortable. Stay in touch as your voyage proceeds! the Villa Vicente staff.
Hello Reservation Desk at Villa Vicente! Thank
you, underpaid and overworked staff, for replying so quickly. Much
appreciated, it goes without saying! However, Lady Dar has a number of
demands that she requires be met before she condescends to stay:
Darjeeling Tea for breakfast, served in bed, at four minutes past 9:00
am, at precisely 85ºC, with gluten-free toast, slathered with home-made
persimmon jam. A strapping young Adonis to scrub her back when she
showers, acres of warm towels to dry her lily white skin and designer
clothes to wear once her toilette has been completed. A Rolls, and
chauffeur, to take her into SF to shop and then an escalator to bring
her up to Villa Vicente. Please advise at your earliest convenience.
Ever, yer 'umble and so, so obsequious Servant and Knave, Patrizzio! Pics: Duke decides what will be for dinner! Etta, where's the steak? I don't know, I just like the Xmas lights!
Hi again, Bridge People!
We are hosting bridge this evening. So far, only Spumoni has replied to
say she will play. Please let me know if anyone else wishes to join in
and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hello Patrick, I think we have 4, You,Corinne,Pam and myself. Spoke to Mike during our hike today, and he is going to Mariola's Choir performance. What time? 6.30? Jos
Hi Patrick, Turned out I am available, so I will join you tonight. Cheers Mike Hi Patrick, My apologies for my tardy reply. I am going to take a pass tonight if that us alright. I have been out each night this week and I need to rest up for your Christmas party this weekend😊 Pam
Hello Naramatia, et al! Pamela,
you were missed and not because of your questionable bidding and lack
of short term memory, with respect to vulnerability, but due to the fact
it turned out that we needed a mediator. With your legal training it
would have been terrific to have you arbitrate the awarding of bridge
prizes! Josinta and Ragin' almost came to blows when they discovered
that a fabulously expensive vegetable chopper was up for grabs! Michaelo
was the Big Winner although he is a rather timid bidder and should
certainly go for game more often. Still, he is just recently back from
Cuba and quite obviously seemed a bit rum-soaked to me!
At any
rate, a more than wonderful evening with more than wonderful friends so
thanks to one and all for coming. Fondestos from Ragin', drownin' his
sorrows in my malt cabinet, as I scribe! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Bridge Wars! Duke plans to play in 2017!
Pat Good news, Hopefully see you over New Years. Have a wonderful Christmas in "tinsel town" Mick PS saw Bill and Denise at Teahouse in Stanley park yesterday, they send their regards. Lock the door by phone; What's in your emergency kit?Great gift ideas!!! I feel like I don`t have any safety stuff....follow the link for what should go in kits, do you and mom have one, you'll need cat food in it :)
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