The Earthquake
We have heard from The Chair and our Editor, the good Drs Yates and they are okay. No damage at their home north of Napa at St Helena. Apparently other members in Napa and American Canyon (the epicenter) are–we hope– also okay; there has been no grapevine bad news as yet. The Society has about 15 Members in the immediate earthquake area and we have had a number of emails from other Members asking if everyone is okay.We also heard from Vamberry at 221B Cellars in Kenwood, Sonoma Valley. He said one bottle of wine broke and two glasses, but the barrels came through completely undamaged. Whew! That’s a relief!
The Weekly Forum
Our “Chips,” Ron Lies, writes in Chips’ Tid Bits this week expressing his heartfelt affection for the two friends and colleagues, Doctor Watson and Sherlock Holmes. For “Chips” their friendship has been a life-long joy and inspiration for him. And, as he always does, “Chips” has expressed his appreciation of the many hours of pleasure he has found from the friends in a way that makes us think and reflect.Where does the “Magic Moment” in the friendship of these two occur for you? For Buttons it has to be the only time the mask is stripped away and Holmes is revealed as having affection and emotion: when Watson is accidently shot.But the Canon is full of subtleties between the two. Perhaps you have observed those subtleties and have thoughts about their relationship, both the surface one and the one that exists much deeper.
My favorite–[even though it is very early in the relationship, and is so subtle and low key]– sums it all up beautifully: “No doctor, I should prefer that you remain.” And, yes, he does prefer–for a very long time.
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I really love one particular scene in MILV. Holmes confides in Watson that he is about to do something very dangerous and illegal to help those in need and our loyal and stubborn Watson does not hesitate in his reaction, because there is no way he is going to let his friend put himself at risk alone:
“Well, I don’t like it; but I suppose it must be,” said I. “When do we start?”
“You are not coming.”
“Then you are not going,” said I.
Now that the frenzy for the Treasure Hunt is over, I wanted to say that I’m glad that all members in the earthquake area are OK. Stay safe.