We met June 26 at Judith’s for a lively and delicious discussion of Lisa See’s “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women.”  Our group really enjoyed this immersive historical novel inspired by the true story of a woman physician in 15th-century China.   Through a compelling, complex plot and characters, the author  draws connections to contemporary issues (women’s diverse roles in life and in society, parallels between ancient Chinese smallpox variolation and contemporary vaccines).   We are so lucky to have our “Circle of Reading Women!”

Submitted by J. Currie

MOTO ladies indulging in fresh fish and chips at the Ship and Shore Pub in Deep Bay today!  Great fun in the sun at the beach today!!

submitted by Jean Russell

We had our meeting at Kathy’s on July 2nd and, as always, covered a range of topics and discussed some excellent books.

Submitted by Jo Graham

On a cloudy evening 7 WeeDrammers gathered at Jim W. to sample #’s 172 and 173  on our quest.  Jim’s selections for the evening met with great satisfaction from the group as did the incredible array of great appetizers prepared for the evening.  From shrimp to pork tenderloin(prepared to perfection) nacho chips and guacamole, wonderful cheeses, smoked salmon, lox with cream cheese, fruit, bread and crackers and two selections of dark chocolate, the ‘appies’ were a perfect compliment to the whiskies offered for sampling.

First up was from the oldest working distillery in Scotland. The Glenturret has a rich and proud history.  Having been visited down through the centuries by writers and poets, including Robert Burns, feted by Prime Ministers, Princes, and home to a long honour roll of skilled and dedicated distillers, The Glenturret Distillery has long stood proud at the heart of Scotch Whisky country since 1763, the oldest operating distillery in Scotland.

A sweet and spicy yet soft whisky, Glenturret Triple Wood presents itself as a robust and intriguing expression within the realm of single malt Scotch whiskies. distinctive fruity. Matured in American and European oak sherry seasoned casks alongside Bourbon barrels, the three different cask styles have been thoughtfully combined to create a whisky with an alluring golden colour and a delightful subtle character

Tasting Notes

Appearance:  The whisky pours a rich amber hue, hinting at its maturation in a variety  of casks.

Nose:  Notes of dried fruits, particularly raisins and figs, mingle with a gentle waft  of vanilla and honeyed sweetness

Palate:  A velvety mouthfeel, the flavours unfold gracefully, starting with layers of      caramelized sugar and toffee, complemented by hints of dark chocolate and                            spiced oranges.

Finish:  Long and satisfying, with lingering notes of oak and dried fruits, leaving a  warm, slightly spicy sensation on the palate.

Glenturret Triple Wood provides a memorable drinking experience that will appeal to both connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Its complexity invites exploration, making it a fine addition to one’s collection.

Coming in at 43% ABV, Glenturret Tripe Wood is available at The Landing in Nanaimo –  $97.00 before tax

A second selection from Gordon and MacPhail sample by our group was Glentauchers Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Distillery Labels).  It offers a delightful journey into the heart of Speyside, showcasing the craftsmanship and character typical of this renowned whisky region. Established in 1897, Glentauchers distillery has built a reputation for producing elegant and approachable whiskies, and this expression is no exception.  This selection was quite a different beast from the original sample from Gordon and MacPhail which was a cask strength selection coming in at a whopping 57%ABV

A 2008 Glentauchers single malt from independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail  was bottled in 2022 as part of its Distillery Labels series. Aromas of milk chocolate, cinnamon, orange peel and Medjool dates fill the nose, complemented by notes of stewed apples, nougat, almonds, treacle toffee and banana throughout the palate.

Appearance: displays a pale gold to light amber hue, hinting at its youthful vibrancy.

Nose: opens with a bouquet of fresh orchard fruits, notably crisp green apples and ripe pears, intertwined with a delicate floral sweetness. There are subtle undertones of vanilla and honey, adding depth and inviting further exploration.

Palate: a harmonious balance of flavors. The initial taste brings forth orchard fruits once again, complemented by hints of citrus zest and a touch of creamy maltiness. There is a gentle spiciness that develops, adding complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Finish: The finish is clean and refreshing, with lingering notes of fruit and a subtle hint of oak. It leaves a satisfying, slightly dry sensation that encourages another sip.

Glentauchers Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to quality and tradition. It embodies the classic Speyside style with its fruit-forward profile and gentle complexity, making it a versatile choice for both casual sipping and more contemplative enjoyment.

Coming in at 43%ABV, Glentauchers Single Malt is available at the landing in Nanaimo – $130.00 before tax

A sampling of the appies!  Wonderful

Thanks Jim!

Monday afternoon, June 10th, the weather gods smiled down on our group of 11 as we boarded the foot ferry to Protection Island. Captain Jeremy expertly docked the boat at the Dingy Dock Restaurant where our trek began.

Guided by Bryan Beazley, map in hand, we circumnavigated the Island, detouring at each beach access.
We were surprised at the number of homes, most with water views. Travel there is by golf cart. The signs and lawn decor were creative and entertaining.

Most of the beaches are rocky but contain very interesting geological features.
The park area near the pub is very nice. At 3:15 we arrived back at the Pub. The service was excellent and the food very tasty.

Graham Farstad, our lone kayaker, met us there after paddling around Newcastle Island.  All in all a very enjoyable afternoon with some great people.

Submitted by Wendy Hayes

No power, no problem!  Ten enthusiastic ABBA members powered through a blustery evening in May to finish games of Mexican Train, Blokus, and Rummy, despite an unexpected wind storm and power outage.  Hosts Bryan and Vicki Beazley saved the evening with handy battery powered lanterns that provided enough light to keep the fun going.

This was our last game before a summer hiatus.  ABBA will resume in September.

Submitted by Sharon Jackson

Book Club #2 met at Judy’s to discuss
“The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Daré.

14 year-old Adunni has just been told by her father that she is to marry and become the third wife of a much older man.  Her father sold her for rent money, some rice and a T.V.   Adunni, whose mother has recently died, desperately wanted to continue her education and live the life she wants.  This book is set in Nigeria in 2014, the year Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls.  

There were so many themes to discuss and we covered them all…polygamy, corruption, human trafficking, the importance of education for girls, and extreme levels of poverty for millions of people in the relatively prosperous oil-rich country.  We talked about the negatives of using a made up dialect and the author’s writing style “getting in the way of a good story.”  In other words, another great book club meeting!
submitted by Leslie Horsman; photo by Ann Lawson

It was great fun – delicious food, great company and lovely surroundings!  
The “Chef’s Choice” was indeed a good choice.
Another memorable MOTO night out!!

Submitted by Jean Russell