JANUARY - A MONTH OF REPAIRS

January is turning out to be a month of repairs. It started with my truck, moved to my computer, then my generator and finally my solar charger. I'm sure that is about all I have that needs professional attention from time to time; I just prefer to spread it out.

Monday morning before the sun was barely up Tyler was here to look over the generator. On Sunday it would start but stopped within seconds and I couldn't figure out why.

Tyler soon had the cover up and panel off and was busy checking circuits and components.

Within minutes he had it running smoothly again. Seems the throttle linkage was stuck which can happen in extremely cold mornings especially right after mild wet days.

Once again we are enjoying the view out our windows knowing that our backup generator is working properly and ready to go when needed.

Got my computer back from the repair shop yesterday but after leaving it plugged in all night it won't turn on. Strange. Guess I'll be calling Costco support after breakfast.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

BACK IN BUSINESS

Just got my computer back, delivered right to my door by UPS. Now I just need to re-install a few programs and I will be back posting as usual.

See you tomorrow.

OUR DRIVE TO TOWN

I thought you might enjoy some winter scenes from yesterday's drive to town.

We are 10 km from town and the municipality does a fantastic job of keeping our roads open and well maintained.

This isn't our trailer but we drive by it on our way to town. It was used once last year. Such a shame for such a beautiful vintage Airstream trailer.

Our route curves past many ponds and lakes and we enjoy them all regardless of the season.

My favourite view on Bay Lake Road.

Ten minutes and we are in town ready to shop for groceries or other supplies.

Home again and what a beautiful sunny day we enjoyed.

Our view this morning as we enjoyed buckwheat pancakes and home-made maple syrup.

My computer is going in to the service department today, not sure when I will get it back.

Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.

WE SAW THE SUN

It's been weeks since we've seen the sun but yesterday ...............

the sun came out all day. It felt good to be outside once again.

Even with our afternoon temperature at -23*C it was still good to bundle up and walk the road.

Today will be much the same, not Florida but more typical of a January day up here. The trails are busy with snowmobiles and the town is full of sleds and trailers on their way through to their place in the bush. Yes, you can ride your machine right into town.

Time for us to clean of the panels and watch for deer crossing our pond.

Safe travels everyone.

NEW GADGET

Art bought another kitchen gadget! I was a bit unsure of it at first. The box was big and the instruction booklet thick...........hmmm. But it was on sale and about 500 reviews gave it a 5*.

So I went online and found a recipe specifically designed for the INSTANT POT and 

within a very short period of time, had a full meal in the pot. A little more delving into the instruction booklet and we were ready to fire it up. (plug it in and turn it on) It is electric.

The result was amazing. We had a 4 1/2 lb. chicken, complete with root veggies ready to eat in under an hour. We had almost 4 cups of super gelatin soup base as well. The actual cooking time was only 28 minutes. I was hooked. We ate some of the leftover chicken the following day and could not believe how moist and delicious it still was. I have also made an amazing pot of chicken lentil soup, which took about 18 minutes cooking time. Art is thrilled at the small amount of energy it consumes for the amount of food one prepares. 

We like it so much I think we will take it camping.

If you use one share with us your experience.

Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.

COSTCO SUPPORT

I bought my computer at Costco, November, 2014. I also bought the extended warranty for $69.00. I've had three occasions to call support and ask for help. Every time they have been very patient and helpful with this old fool.

This week a new issue occurred.  I couldn't get my computer to connect successfully to our TV screen, so I called customer support.

I love these people, friendly, patient, helpful and available 24/7. Health care for us old guys should be just as convenient and friendly.

Anyway, we worked together on the issue for over an hour. You know how it goes, they get permission to get into your computer while you sit there and watch things happen on the screen. 

After every attempt failed it was decided it wasn't a software problem but a hardware malfunction of the VGA port. (no idea what that stands for but it doesn't matter) So off to the repair shop.

Now we are 10 km from town back in the bush and winter has arrived big time.

No problem. UPS will drop off a box in two business days for me to pack my computer in along with the power cord. When packed, I call UPS and they will pick it up and deliver it to the service depot in Markham; no charge. 

Another 6-9 business days and the computer should be back at our house good to go.

Total cost: 0 

You can't complain about the service and support you get from Costco. Love the fact I can call customer help line any time day or night and I get an English speaking individual who understands my frustrations and walks me through the problem so I can get back to posting on my blog.

Costco ............ why would I shop anywhere else?

And our health care is slowly embracing modern communications and moving in the same direction. I wouldn't be surprised that a visit to the doctor's office will, in many cases, be replaced by telecommunications from home to the doctor's office.

 It's a remarkable age we live in.

Now if I don't post for a while, don't worry, I haven't died just don't have a computer that works.

Safe travels everyone.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Decided to start the new year with a hike up to the ponds. It was a perfect morning to be on the snowshoes, not too cold with a gentle cover of new snow still drifting down as we hiked.

Mary lead the way for the first part of the trail; I took over when we had to break new trail.

In about thirty minutes we reached the ponds and stopped for a much needed rest. Snowshoeing keeps me warm and gets the heart pumping.

Can you tell Mary is having fun.

Back home we are enjoying almond biscuits with Sherri's homemade jam. Delicious.

Thanks for stopping by and all the best in 2016