A Kitsilano Christmas - 2016
Sunday, December 25, 2016
 |
| The Fuji X-E1 |
Our first Christmas in Kitsilano brought happy memories of the past with sudden unpleasant happenings in the present.
To begin with the latter I must cite that this is the first
Christmas Eve dinner in which my oldest granddaughter Rebecca, now 19, did not
attend. We all missed her and believe that this old codger really missed her more
than anyone might know. Until recently (perhaps two years ago) we shared a bond
that has faded but that I suspect (living in hope) will one day joyfully
return.
 |
| The Mamiya RB-67 Pro-SD with Fuji colour Instant Film |
A couple of last minute presents at Lee Valley Tools brought
the sudden surprise that our most dependable 2007 Malibu’s engine bit the dust.
To me it seemed like the breaking of the timing chain. The folks at Dueck on
Marine told me that this was not the case but that the car needs a new engine
at around $6500.
Two days ago Rosemary and I went to look at cars at Dueck’s.
I took the unenviable task of going to the shop to retrieve stuff from our car.
It was sad to see it up on a platform seeming so new looking and shiny.
 |
| Lauren, 14 with Pancho |
At one time this situation would have left us in deep
financial trouble with lots of angst and worry. That is not the case now. Now
it is a task of pleasing Rosemary with a brand new car of the right colour.
We have looked at the Chevrolet Cruze as our almost certain
choice because after so many years of dealing with Italian repairmen who should
have all be called Tony (three fiats and one Maserati in that stressful past) I
have a comfortable fit with all the folks at Dueck’s Service Department. I know
them all by name and they all think I am a tad odd (I welcome that!).
Meanwhile Rosemary and I are spending a quite, mostly in bed
Christmas Day. I am waiting for Rosemary to make a decision. The prospect of
having a brand new car come 2017 is not all that unattractive.
Please note in our 2016 Kitsilano Christmas photographs that
Lauren is holding a clarinet. Lauren plays the violin (by her choice) and is in
her 7th year at the Arts Umbrella Dance Program. She plays clarinet
in her high school band.
One of the many gifts that I found for her are most
important and special. One CD features George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The
other CD is Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and the Clarinet Quintet. I am hoping
that Lauren will shut the door of her bedroom and listen to these on what used
to be her mother’s ghetto-blaster.
