Tag Archives: humour

ESSENTIALS

humour, snack, thoughts and observations, , , , , , ,

We all have essentials–you know, the absolute thing or things you can’t do without.

When I was single and surviving on my own–my two things were ketchup and dark chocolate. I discovered that if I plopped a decent dollop of ketchup in pot-roasts, hamburgers and pasta sauce, it brought the taste level up several notches. My Italian best friend, Rina and I were in perfect agreement about our secret ingredient. When her Nonna discovered our secret, her eye-rolling looked like an out-of-control seizure, accompanied with rapid Italian spewing from her lips. Rina and I spent a lengthy session in her cozy kitchen, making pasta sauce from scratch. We each brought home a few jars of Nonna’s treasured sauce and it wasn’t until years later, that we tried to remember exactly how she did it and what she actually used. At the time, we only knew her sauce tasted tons better than Heinz. And being young, we both felt Nonna would always be there for more sauce.

Both Rina and I graduated into more elaborate dishes and the Heinz was retired as our secret ingredient.

Home-made pizza–crust and made-from-scratch tomato sauce. . . .

Nonna would have danced with joy. . .

Which brings me to my second essential—chocolate. And not just any chocolate, this is the Belgian dark chocolate, at least 72%.

Bakers all have failures. Let’s face it. We’re all learning, especially if baking powder was accidently omitted; an oven temperature set too high; a heavy hand stirring the ingredients. For someone learning to bake, there are a slew of pitfalls to be avoided–cakes that sink in the middle; cookies needing something to make it better;, cupcakes that never grew to adulthood but stayed the same as when it first went into the oven.

This is where chocolate comes to the rescue. Drench any pastry with chocolate and it will be a guaranteed winner. I don’t have too many failures but I still enjoy melting pieces of dark chocolate bars on top of cupcakes just out of the oven. If the cupcake failed to rise, no one would notice with a chocolate bar melted on top. No-one except a crass, rude person who doesn’t appreciate really good chocolate bar cupcakes.

When all else fails, there has to be a back-up plan. Mine are doughnuts and not just any doughnut, it has to be a Yonnie’s. AND, if it’s a foodie emergency, Yonnie’s is just down the street. . .

A Yonnie’s regular doughnut dusted with fine sugar. . . .

Or a Yonnie’s fritter drizzled with a bit of glaze. . . .

Rina and I did survive with cooking lessons from her Nonna and my Mom. We are both older, wiser and married, sharing our culinary skills with our granddaughters, who are far away from home and experiencing life on their own.

Over a coffee at Yonnie’s, Rina showed me a text from her granddaughter: Hi Nonna, My housemate Leesa swears all I need in our cupboard is Heinz ketchup and Belgian dark chocolates. But I told her I really can cook and bake. . . .thanks to my Nonna.

We laughed as we remembered our early days on our own. Some things never change. But some things do.

POCKETS and MORE

humour, thoughts and observations, , , , ,

Everyone has a destination; a place they need to be, a mission of sorts–appointments, errands, family, friends, coffee somewhere. . . .

I was asked–not where I planned to be–but what I planned to bring. Specifically, what would be important to have in my travel bag or small suitcase. I had to think long and hard about a few things. My trips nowadays, are my neighborhood walks. These merely require pockets, not travel bags or small suitcases. Well, maybe a fold up grocery bag I tuck into my pocket. You know, for essential items, if I pass Urban Grocer or Red Barn on my walking route.

Obviously, I’m not cramming a Yonnie’s doughnut into my pocket, but I will need change to pay for it! I’ll have to ask for a paper bag ’cause you can’t rush eating a Yonnie’s.

And, if the walk becomes an adventure–as who knows where these old stone steps will take me or whose door I end at! A gal definitely needs deep pockets for nourishment and water. . .the doughnut helps but a body needs fluids if the day becomes much warmer than when I started.

I will have my iPhone as it has a superb camera. And if I’m lost, I can always call home, just like ET!

My jacket pocket is deep enough to tuck my notepad and pen–to capture impressions or bits of a possible story or a forgotten item on the grocery list. . .or that elusive ending to my who-dunnit. . .

Crows make great sentinels–they’re always on guard and alert, especially if their nest is close by. But in my opinion, today, this fellow is merely deciding which direction he should be flying and of course, where the best snacks are. . . .

My iPhone has the very handy program of identifying unusual plants, flowers or trees. The peeling bark of this tree had me pondering if arbutus trees do this? It turned out this was a ‘paper bark maple tree’. I have never seen this before and it’s quite amazing !

My route took me past the Marina where I watched this Mama SeaGull teaching her Baby to fly off the rock. She kept flapping her wings and taking off, but he just watched. Finally, Papa SeaGull appeared, gave his son one look and Baby flew after him. Boy, this little guy figured out which parent he cannot annoy. . . at an early age!

This was so cute, tucked in the tiny trunks of a small tree. I like to think it’s a fairy’s house with a rooftop garden!

This is one of the recently installed 2026 Art on the Avenue. I do like this one. It’s very detailed, rather whimsical and I think he’s a lumberjack, doing his best to save our natural forests–I think that because one hand is holding a small tree for replanting, while the other hand has a grip on an axe. AND he is wearing sturdy lumberjack boots. . . .

This is a jig-saw puzzle of cupcakes and doughnuts–I thought immediately of my California friend, Eva.

Eva, this is for you–what a fun puzzle to assemble!

Almost home and this pair of shoes , in a shop window–brought me to a stop. I love the pattern but how does anyone dance gracefully in these? Are there lessons before you walk out of the store? Does one sign a waiver to the shop so they can’t be sued for any injuries to the buyer’s body as they trip into the world?

I bet I’d be 3-inches taller if I could wear them. . . .

Pockets and my nifty walking route have got me home. My fruit and nuts snack sustained me at the half-way point and my Yonnie’s doughnut the rest of the way. Pockets are a definite must for any destination–deep ones, strong ones, in pants, shorts, vests, hoodies and jackets for any walking. And in skirts and dresses for those other occasions.

Let me end with a whimsical moment—I spotted this on my walk home. What do you suppose this was for? I thought it was perfect for a gnome’s home. . .

Happy Summer, Everyone. Stay cool and hydrated—AND remember your sunscreen.

somewhere, somehow, sometime,

humour, snack, thoughts and observations, , , , , ,

Somewhere, Fate hands me a silver bowl, loaded with all the nifty things I want to do, but there are only 24 hours to do them. My day–like everyone else’s day–only has 24 hours, so how the HECK am I going to enjoy my bowl of fun and pleasure before it all expires?

According to one of my helpful neighbors, “Forget eating and sleeping, Honey. This is your golden opportunity to shed a few pounds, be the energizer bunny and enjoy your fantastic bowl loaded with stuff from your wish-list.”

Okay, I like writing. Mostly fiction. The kind of stories where there are bodies, a sleuth, a bizarre mystery and ample fuel stops–that’s spelled desserts–pointing the way to a clever solution. Well, I made it into an Anthology, appropriately titled “Murder on the Menu.” AND it’s written by 6 crime-writers who all have creative, devilish minds filled with murder and mayhem. Somehow, I’m included among them. We are collectively the “Second-Act Sleuths.” The 6 short stories will grab your eye-balls and never let go. This is the book you won’t be able to put down unless it’s a dire emergency.

Then, there’s all the other books I want to read, start to read and absolutely don’t want to read. Do you do this? Since I only have limited hours, I can start with one fabulous book–even though I can’t finish it in my allotted time, but I will ’cause it got me hooked. . . .somehow.

Did I mention I like desserts? I can nibble my way through the appetizers and main courses, but desserts crushes my resistance like a tank rolls over a Porche. I’ve always wanted to be beside the baker at my favorite Italian bakery, watching him create the light, buttery almond croissants, the flaky little cream-filled horns, those delectable cannoli and the unforgettable chocolate almond cakes.

There is absolutely nothing that compares to a slice of moist, dark chocolate almond Torta Caprese or the mouth-watering tray of Cannoli. Nothing imperfect would ever pass through the kitchen door as I would volunteer to be quality-control. However, I would probably starve for a taste, since the baker never makes a mistake, except maybe. . . . sometime.

My neighborhood is a bonanza of flowers and blooming trees. Taking a leisurely walk, the magnolias are magnificent, but once they burst into full bloom, it seems their days are numbered. The pink and white Japanese cherry blossoms already lined the boulevards in late Winter/ early Spring. Now, magnolia and cherry blossom petals “snow” on the lawns and sidewalks. That’s a sign that Summer is fast approaching. . . . somewhere.

Besides the magnolia blooms above, there is also the spotted tiger toad plant and the deep pink, hanging clusters of peiris.

Somehow, my favorite store, Good Things, is open and ready for me to peruse its contents. I have fond memories of the treasures I was able to photograph before they were sold to some discerning buyers . .

This has been a curiously note-worthy experiment of what can-be-done in 24-hours. Has it made you wonder what you would do if given the opportunity? It’s been an impulsive, yet fun moment, with no time to plan. BUT, I discovered I do love to read and enjoy my desserts.

I have an hour left so I’m going to enjoy a cup of caffeine plus a Yonni doughnut or two. Perhaps, a honey lemon cruller or a cinnamon sugar ring or . . .both?

So, somewhere, somehow and sometime—what do you plan for a spontaneous 24 hours? Don’t think. . . . just do. . . . .and ENJOY!

DASHING INTO FEBRUARY

humour, thoughts and observations, , ,

Well, for Heaven’s sake, here we are in February. Whatever happened to January? I think, as we gain another year of wisdom, that the days pass like Autumn leaves blown by the wind. And it seems, Life can be fascinating if we pause to look.

A few days ago, I wanted to photograph the signs of early Spring. As I checked my condo’s garden, I spotted this among the rocks. . .

A very tiny Mario, the familiar figure of the early hand-held computer games. . .
Do you remember him?

Well, that was a promising start. All I had to do was keep an eyes out for anything small and unusual. This next was from a previous walk but you do have to look up as well as down and all around!

Now, aren’t you glad you looked up to see this cheerful mushroom sheltering a smiling elf? And all nestled in the gnarly trunk of an enormous oak tree. . . .

From past walks, I loved to take photos of bird-houses as some owners were quite creative. I often wondered how many birds actually took advantage of the free housing. . . Of course a few were just decorative. . . .but I did see that the townhouse was definitely occupied with its slightly larger separate entrances on the other side.

Oak Bay had a number of artistic and innovative art pieces scattered about and displayed for a few months. A few were quite good and elicited some strong opinions.

This “Thinking Man” got a lot of attention as his left hand is cradling a cellphone and his right hand is propped on his chin while smoking his cigarette. What made it controversial is his choice of “seating!” His sneakers were the real deal painted over with silver paint. And despite all the laughing criticism, he’s still visible for a few more months on a side street off the main drag. . . .

A few years ago, this copper finch was displayed against the scenic waters of McNeill Bay. It was even more impressive when the sunlight reflected off its surface.

I really liked this lair of foxes. The whole piece was crafted so lovingly and reflected the theme of “Family” very well. My fave Italian Bakery, Ottavio, is across the street on the right.

I do enjoy seeing tiny things tucked here and there–if they were intentional, these surely got some attention.

The last photo of a tiny lizard was a photo I never expected to get. I was told my area had a lot of tiny lizards scurrying in and out of the greenery. This was the first time I actually “captured” one scaling up a telephone pole. . .The Cow Bell does work for the back gate of this house. The Gnome Home was taken in the Summer–the “owners” even had a cozy chair for two on the shady side!

It’s really fun to take photos that unexpectedly fall into your path. But it’s difficult to think how to compile them into a theme or a part of the story my rambling brain tries to tell. On my walks I like the interaction with passerbys who sometimes point me in a direction I hadn’t thought of going. I call this next section– Smiling Faces in Odd Places!

I didn’t expect to see this on the trunk of a palm tree. I think the owner has a sense of humor, don’t you?

This was one of the cat art on a hydro pole. It was also one of the pole arts that was not vandelized. What sort of stupid, inconsiderate, boor would even think of vandelizing fun art that took skill and time to be appreciated. . .

Isn’t it amazing to find watchful eyes in unexpected places?. . . .

I did show this one before but the expression on the cat made it one of my faves! Honestly, art can be found anywhere and this little gem was found on the back of a door in the ladies’ washroom! And with a few squiggles of a pen. . . .

Signs of an early Spring have sprung up in multiple gardens in my city. Originally, I had planned to find evidence of this but got distracted, so here they are.

The snow-drops, purple crocuses and the yellow daffodils are popping up from the earth. Nice to know Nature moves along despite politics and world affairs from afar and nearby. . . .

It’s’s probably a lot of attitude that makes us look at Life with a big grain of salt and that cheeky look that says Heck with you. I like Me . I’m content and enjoying my moment. . .

I wish all of you a warmer February filled with blue skies. Thank you to my friend Pedometergeek who writes her own blog, nbsmithblog.wordpress.com and pointed me to Charlie Mackesy’s “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” as well as its sequel, “Always Remember the Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm.” I highly recommend it to all my Readers, especially if you’re suffering from the Winter blues.

But most of all, thank you for following my blog. In the words of the Mole and the Horse to the Boy, quoted from Charlie Mackesy’s sequel “Always Remember the Boy, the Mole. . . .”

“Be in the moment, it’s all we have. This Life, seize it.”

FROM “HONEY AND HUGS”

Uncategorized, , , , ,

I’ve always had a warm spot for Pooh-Bear and one of his besties, Piglet. Somehow, he always knows the right things to say. AND in this crazy world of ours, this is a very wise observation. . .

This is shared from “Honey and Hugs” (found on Facebook)–a wonderful collection of Pooh-Bear’s interpretation and observations in his 100 Acres Forest home.

AN EARLY MORNING. . . .

thoughts and observations, , , ,

I love my early morning walks the best. Not because it’s cooler or even quieter, but because I’m always amazed at things I see and can photograph. I can be attracted to gardens or store-fronts or even a simple bloom that must be photographed or it’s gone forever.

The deer population had been quiet–meaning unseen–on my walks, although the gardeners have remarked how much of their gardens had been treated as a buffet for the four-legged wildlife. Much as I sympathized with munched upon gardens, I marvel at their survival instincts. I wasn’t quick enough or close enough to photograph a Mama Deer with her very young triplets or another family with their new twins. On another early morning walk, I did see several young bucks taking their chances being hit with an errant golf ball. I think the second guy felt no one would hit him among the trees. . . .

I enjoy spotting the unusual among the garden plants in stranger’s gardens. I admire the creativity of so many who do their best with very little.

These were handpainted plates mounted on a worn fence and tucked behind some lavendulas and tiny daisies. Another fence had ‘musical roosters’. I recognized the sax-playing bird on another owner’s property but had never seen the guitar playing buddy. His guitar isn’t clearly seen as he’s turned the other way. . . .

Since I was exploring lanes and side streets I wasn’t familiar with, my walking route was rather convoluted. The short street I was walking on took me back to the water view, which changed constantly.

The centre art piece is called “Cosmos” and is one of the newly installed 2025 Oak Bay Street Art at McNeil Bay. Cosmos is likke a giant pinwheel and often caught spinning by the sea breezes. The “Copper Bird” is an art piece from 2021-2022. It was an amazing sight when caught by the sunlight.

Signs always fascinated me. It can say so much with only a picture or a few well chosen words.

The last photo is a well-worn sign with a faded raven and the words, “The Coven.” It intrigued me as no one was in and the sign on the door simply stated “By Appointment Only.” As a writer, my brain was buzzing a million miles a minute. Was it really? Could it be? Rest easy my friends. It is a very clever marketing ploy by a trio of creative and professional hair stylists. . .

It’s true that if you stand still and keep looking up, people will stop and look up too–even if there was nothing you were actually looking at! BUT, there have been times when I would have missed completely moments like the following:

I’ve seen many birdhouses but this is the first multi-housing one. Who would have thought our feathered friends would be having problems finding their nesting place?

An old-fashion cowbell at the high back gate but with the cow attached! AND, yes it does have a very loud ring . . .

This house had an old-fashioned bi-plane hanging from their tree. It was made of recycled coco cola cans and looked amazing.

I’ve often wondered if the deer could actually read this sign. I think just looking at the grumpy face would be enough to deter them. . .or maybe not.

You don’t have to get a crick in your neck looking up. You can also look around and see some pretty entertaining things.

Everyone makes their home their own. I’m convinced the first is a retired fisherman. The second homeowner has a gate that is distinctive and marks the garden and home behind it as his. AND even the gnome’s home has his comfy bench to sit on to enjoy his early morning coffee. . .

Another fun walk to almost end my week. I feel very blessed that photographic moments are there for my camera to capture. No matter which direction I walk, the opportunities are present–you only have to see them.

A JUNE WALK

thoughts and observations, , , , , ,

So far, June has been a month of blue-skies and sunshine. It wasn’t difficult to decide on a walking route–choose the one with the cool breeze, a water view at the end and a place for coffee plus an almond croissant. I knew the route I would take–it would take me past a few of the recently installed Avenue Art 2025.

One of the first pieces installed is titled “Modern Man Thinking.” It is a very provocative and controversial piece constructed of stainless steel and cleverly assembled. I noticed the Tin Man’s boots first—very detailed–then the cigarette he held to his mouth and the cellphone in his other hand. It was my Singalong buddy who pointed out what the Tin Man was sitting on. I couldn’t stop laughing. . . .I hadn’t noticed . AND here I thought my neighborhood was too conservative!

It appears there is no common theme for the art pieces this year. Each piece is quite individual and completely on its own. The first is an acryllic face I named “Ice Maiden”; the centre piece is two fish locking lips and heck if I know what that means! And the last piece is named by its artist, “Butterflies in Flight.” There are a few blank places left so it will be fascinating to see what will be installed there over the next few weeks.

Moving through the Village, I remembered the three strange flowering plants that had been planted by the Village clock’s container. And yes, my new iPhone identified it as “Tower of Jewels.” This is a biennial, native to the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco and now surviving in my neighborhood.  This photo was taken in late April–now, the blooms have fallen and it is all green. I think the bees are giving a huge sigh of relief as the zillions of flowers were quite challenging . . .

As I continued onwards, I marvelled at the many creative ways home-owners made gardens from very little. Not all the homes along my route had big front yards , but I liked what was done with the space available.

A tiny corner off the sidewalk. . .what a wonderfully, peaceful bench to sit and think. . . among the colorful flowers.

Small plants in colorful ceramic pots–resting on a bed of pebbles–very eye-catching.

These hardy purple flowers are thriving very well at the edge of a gas station–hot as blazes with hardly any soil.

I think even my brown thumb can manage this!

Outside the gates of this home that has security, I saw this rooster playing his horn very confidently in a tiny patch of purple flowers..

There’s something about gates that I’m attracted to–this one has a crane–I would love to see the garden behind. . .

I was walking past and had to return for another look. Yes–it definitely was a tiny blue ceramic frog enjoying his stump time in the hot sun. . .

The Dogwood Flowers, BC’s provincial flower, are all in bloom now. They are so magnificent when it fully covers the tree.

I do enjoy the whimsical humor of home-owners. They have definitely recycled a bit of tree stump!

Almost home and the many flowers, along my route, are all blooming well. I enjoy the colors, the warmth of the sun, that bit of breeze. These are just a few of the blooms–they are at their peak and will be enjoyed by all the walkers who pass by.

Passing my fave store called “Good Things,” I had this urge to enter and explore. I was glad I did as this cluster of unique houses made a fantastic photo op.

Perfect ending to my walk. I was almost home and I had walked off that delicious almond croissant. Tomorrow would be another day to explore another direction and hopefully more photos.

A Mother’s Day Walk

humour, thoughts and observations, Uncategorized, ,

This fantastic grafitti is there no longer . Progress took over. But I loved seeing it when I took a walk a few months ago in a different direction and felt compelled to photograph it before it disappeared forever.

Reaching into my pocket, I reached for the first of my fortune cookies I had packed for a snack. Munching away, I read my fortune and laughed out loud. Destiny or Karma really knew how to gently scold . . . .

My fortune read: Do not despair. Embrace new changes.

Karma had perfect timing. . . .

The deep pink camellia petals was so picturesque as I ambled around the corner to the Library with my bag of books.

I was anxious to see what Anthony and his Creative Team did with their Spring display at my fave stop, Gardenworks–and they didn’t disappoint. This was an outstanding display a month or so ago–always filled with eye-catching displays, Gardenworks gives its creative staff free rein and customers truly appreciate the artistic creativity.

It was hard to decide which direction I should explore as I was just beginning to use my new cell-phone camera again. I opted for a stroll along the Avenue to check for photo ops. AND as usual I found a few. . .this beautiful dogwood tree in bloom. . .

These gorgeous eye-catching towering plants called Towering Jewel, was newly installed in the centre of the Village.

Before I knew it, the camera and my feet took me through the Village and on a street I knew well. It had my fave house–a house I always felt should have a writer’s den in the tower.

There’s my den–just below the green pointy roof. . .

At least, that’s what I always think whenever I pass. . .

This beautiful Guardian of a consignment store found a new home immediately. I thought he looked quite comfortable in the midst of all the other treasures. And I’m so glad I snapped a photo when I did. . . .

This is one of the many artwork displayed along the Avenue–a family of foxes, enjoying the view.

I had to make a rest-stop and this was cleverly drawn on the inside of the door–such a cheeky looking cat and I’m sure, a cheeky artist!

Homeward bound, I marveled how life goes on–with or without you. It felt good to discover new things and rather disconcerting how progress can destroy the familiar. Reaching into my pocket, I unwrapped the last of my fortune cookies that I had brought along for a snack. Reading my last fortune, I had to laugh–Destiny or Karma really knew how to make a mere mortal laugh. . . . .How did she know?. . . .

IChanges brings positive vibes–embrace them.

I must say, Karma did recognize my mood at the beginning of my walk, but at the end–on the home stretch–I was feeling much more positive. Mother Nature, artists and things can change a person’s mood very quickly. and for the better. It was a fun walk and I had some great photos. .

I hope my Readers did too. . . . .Embrace your day with a smile—that’s Me, not the fortune cookie!

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR

thoughts and observations, , , , , , ,

It’s that time of the year again. ..already.

Whatever happened to the rest of the year? Do you find that time zipped past so fast that the growth rate of your grandchildren are your only clues that this happened?

I was asked the other day–by a lady who is so organized that she had already set up her two fully decorated real trees and had done her massive amount of baking—“Are you ready for Christmas?”. Thank goodness, my friend had a sense of humor and had answered the question that her tree would be decorated Christmas eve by her family coming from out-of-town. As for me and my family of collectable gnomes, I asked, “Does putting a sprig of holly on Simon’s hat count?” Simon is my woodland gnome.

Norbert, Simon and Homer look ready to burst into song, especially “Rocking’ Around the Christmas Tree” (that’s not up yet). . . .

At least, one saving grace this Christmas is the lack of postal lineups and the cards sent to family and friends. But the downside of that is the time saved on this task did not spread to other tasks. I found that I liked writing personal notes on my cards to family and friends who are far away. AND if you ever received a card with just a signature, it means you’re off their list next year because they can’t remember who you are and why you rate a card. But that’s okay–I already eliminated them from my list as I couldn’t remember who and why either.

I love the Christmas lights. It’s really pretty driving home when it’s dark seeing The Village and boulevards all lit up. The workmen had been busy weeks before, stringing up lights in impossibly high places while other busy elves placed lights around all the store-fronts and doorways of the Village businesses. The lampposts at the beginning and at the end of the Village route, were also wrapped in lights .. The candy cane lights were actually three canes, each holding a lighted ornament. . .

Shop windows and indoor displays are always a favorite of mine. It’s amazing to see the creativity of the merchants’ front windows. I like to see the bits and pieces as well as the whole picture. . . .

Anthony at Gardenworks never disappoints. He is phenomenal in his annual Christmas displays. And all his other artistic and creative displays throughout the year.

My favorite Christmas camels in Nicholas Randall’s window.

This was part of a planter display shared by two clothing stores.

I loved the sight of this Holiday spirit with the holly in the basket, a “topper” with a red band and a bicycle—parked outside a Village merchant. . . .

I don’t know about you but the more Christmases I go through, I learned this one truth. Don’t panic and just go with the flow. It only took me a few decades to figure that out. When I’m organized, a number of things can go wrong like the year the power went off as the turkey was cooking. That’s when you know Murphy’s law is about to fall on your head. Now I bake for our visitors and I put up a few Holiday decorations.

Another beautiful tree decorated by Anthony from Gardenworks. . . .

Hubby and I are ready–at least as ready as can be. Meanwhile I get to wish all of my Readers, a very Joyous Holiday Season. May your homes be blessed with the laughter and love of Family and Friends. May all your dreams and wishes come true in 2025.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANNUKAH! and a HAPPY, HEALTHY 2025!

And oh yes, may you always have a bowl of dark chocolate cherries in brandy by your side.

MY 2021 NEW YEAR LAPTOP

Uncategorized, , , ,

I have gained more white hairs than Santa has on his entire face and head since I got a new computer. I’m not exaggerating. My computer hates me.

My desktop died two Christmases ago and I got a laptop to replace it. This was my new start in a New Year. It would give me more space on my desk. I had visions of me tapping away in my neighborhood coffee bar, writing that great Canadian novel.

Scratch that lofty thought out the window. This laptop had its own agenda. Remember that diabolical doll called “Chuckie?” That’s my computer.

The first thing happened while I was typing merrily along and everything froze. I truly mean froze—nothing moved—neither cursor nor keys. I gently tapped on the enter key and then I tapped a bit harder, a few more times.

Well okay, maybe I tapped a tad too hard as Hubby shouted that he “heard that” from the next room. When nothing happened after all that pounding, I did what we all do in those uncertain techie times, I turned the computer off, waited 2 minutes and then turned it on again.

It worked. Perhaps, this was a glitch. You know, new tech toy, new operator.

Then, the laptop got quite creative. It began to switch bits and pieces of my writing in an egg-scrambley way. I had cleverly killed one of my characters by having his ex-wife push him into a vat of rising bread dough. (He was the baker and owner of a fancy bakery). Well, Chuckie had switched pieces of written bits around when I checked my progress. It was the baker who was attacked by a vat of rising bread dough that was somehow dumped on his ex-wife. Mind you, this was kind of creative too, but it wasn’t what I intended.

Today was the ultimate attack. Microsoft had another update—a 4-minute one. So I left the computer to “shut off and restart” when it was done. As usual, extra bits were added to improve on things I never use but are all part of the Window 11 package.

The scenic view on my screen was spectacular. But, there was no access box for me to sign in. In fact, there was nowhere and nothing for me to access—just a big screen with a big picture. I hauled out the manual I had downloaded and printed out when I got my laptop. There was nothing that even remotely resembled my problem.

Hubby came to my rescue. “Hold your finger on the power/turn-off button for 30 seconds. Then turn the computer on again.”

It was a miracle. It worked.

At least the computer behaved. I was able to sign in and check my email. However, when I tried to reply, the keys didn’t type. The keys weren’t locked, they just didn’t type.

Back to the darn manual. It wasn’t any help at all. I couldn’t even tap out a “help” to Microsoft.

Finally, in exasperation as well as desperation—I turned everything off and unplugged the power cord, the printer and the internet. Then, I plugged everything back and turned Chuckie back on.

Holy macadoodle, it worked. I suppose after 4 hours of hasseling me, Chuckie called it a day. I know I’m exhausted but keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the computer continues doing what it should be doing, being a normal laptop tomorrow.

I’m going to call it a day too by baking a pan of Dark Chocolate Brownies and melting my Godiva dark chocolate bar on top—after all, chocolate makes everything so much better. . . .