Making Coffee

Prior to COVID-19, I never had a coffee maker but visiting cafés is on hold for now.  I love this one because it is so easy to use.  

Here are the simple steps: 

1) fill the tall steel mug with water;

2) pour that water into the coffee maker's tank;

3) place the plastic cup and filter into the coffee maker;

4) add the ground coffee;

5) plug in, switch on, wait.

Ok, very simple right?  

Well, here are the various scenarios that have happened (with some disastrous results):

1) I've forgotten to add the water;

2) I've added the water to the mug but forgotten to pour it into the tank;

3) I've added the water to the tank but forgotten to add the coffee;

4) I've added the coffee but before putting in the plastic cup and filter;

5) I've added the coffee and water but forgotten to plug it in;

6)  I've plugged it in but forgotten to switch it on.

Now, with my coffee I have a toasted bagel with peanut butter.  

Here is my latest scenario regarding the toaster (which luckily has no separate pieces):

1)  I've forgotten to plug in the toaster;

2)  I've spread the peanut butter on the bagel prior to toasting.

The problem is:  I need a cup of coffee in order to be alert enough to make a cup of coffee!! 

Childhood photos

Today, at 71 years old, I have been given photographs of me (and my siblings) that I have never seen before! It has been wonderful to see these glimpses of the past.  

I thought I would share some of these "new" photos here along with others that I have.  (Captions are beneath each picture.)

My sister Diane at left, my brother Nelson in the middle, and me (Doris).  I am not sure of our ages.  This is my all time favourite photograph of the three of us!

This one is dated 1952.  I am two years old. This is my second favourite group photo.

Again, this one is not dated but I just love our expressions and Nelson looks like a real little scamp!

Nelson, Mum (Mabel), Diane and Doris - 1954

Dad (Ronald), Nelson, Diane and Doris - 1954 (on my 4th birthday)

A rare colour photograph of the three of us!

Nelson and Doris with Santa!

Front row:  Mum (Mabel), Grandpa (Thomas - Mum's father), Dad (Ronald)

Back row:  Nelson and Doris

Update on the Cooper's hawks and the trees

If you recall, the administration of the cemetery where the hawks were nesting had marked two trees flanking the "nest tree" for felling but actions were taken to allow the hawks to fledge safely and take to the skies.  See earlier post here 

Below is a photo of one of the young hawks that was taken in late October.  I haven't seen the parents or the other four juveniles but that is not a cause for alarm since this seems to be their pattern.  Actually I hope this guy has decided to migrate as the weather is quite cold now.

Some interesting activities have happened regarding the trees.  For one thing, red tapes have been taken off some trees and put on others.  It seems willy-nilly to  me and I can see no reason for the change of targets (in terms of the condition or location of the trees).

As for the two trees mentioned earlier, they have not been felled but did remain marked (red tape on trunks) until a film crew arrived on November 6th to film a scene involving a burial.  This in itself was interesting and I tried to discover what the TV show or movie was, but I could not find anything to indicate that.  However I read on the Internet that the show "Transplant" is currently filming in Montreal.  In any event, I noticed that the red tapes were removed!  I figured it may have been just for aesthetic reasons and that they might re-appear after the actors and crew, etc. had left.  But they have not been put back and suddenly red tape has appeared elsewhere on the grounds (see photos).

This is a pole.  It hold up wires and a light.  It does not normally get "felled".

This is a metal pole.  It holds up a light.  

Again, not something that is normally cut down.

I would like to think that someone is making a statement about the killing of so many trees that has occurred within the cemetery and on the surrounding grounds.  I hope the cemetery authorities get the message!