As many of you know last month I lost Norma, my Pearl of the Orient, the love of my life. Norma was also the inspiration for many a Squirrel Pie tale. Norma claimed she hated me chronicling her madcap escapades, but then would turn around and do something just as […]
Jack Elliott – Squirrel Pie
We were all gathered at the bakery, each of us at a separate table; (it’s a virus thing.) Communication was not that much different as most of us are more given to talking than hearing anyway. I got up and shuffled to the coffee pot to get more caffeination. Others […]
“Why can’t we see our kids on our cell phone like Donny and Lou can?” asked my wife Norma, the Pearl of the Orient. It wasn’t really a question. It was a direction. I was too wise to object, as after all my lusting after a new trike to add […]
So far I haven’t tested positive for COVID-19 but I am obviously infected. Not with lung or nasal symptoms. But I do have the headache and I have become the grumpiest and most crotchety old goat in the Rainy River District. It seems to me that too many bureaucrats, government […]
It seemed like a good idea… at the time. The Pearl with her usual skepticism, had questioned the pile of wood chips partially blocking her access to the garage. “Elliott what is that monstrous pile of garbage in front of the garage?” she questioned with a visible lack of tolerance. […]
Our last morning. It is rainy and windy. A perfect day to pack and head for the airport. We have just figured out most of the electronics in this hotel room. You need your electronic pass card for everything from opening the drapes to getting the elevator to stop at […]
Today was a full day in Shanghai. It is a city of contrasts. It is the financial hub of China and is quickly becoming the financial hub of all of Asia. As well it is the hi-tech capital of China and Asia. So we started off our day by visiting […]
By the time the Emo Fair is over, you have a pretty good idea of how this year’s gardens have turned out. But with the Covid-19 cancelling this year’s fair you will miss strolling through the displays of award winning fruits and vegetables that gives you the answer. You also […]
Blueberries. In a pie, muffins, blueberry crisp, on your morning cereal, or straight up by the handful, right off the bush. You can’t beat ‘em. They are truly one of the real treats of living in the north. Of course anything worthwhile takes some effort. With blueberries it’s picking them. […]
How sharp are your powers of observation? Research tells us that you can keep your mental skills sharp by using them. Here’s a little exercise you can try. When out strolling the town, look closely at the properties and then guess how old or what generation the folks are that […]
Moose sent me an email the other day claiming that men are deep thinkers and supported that argument with the hypothesis that the pain of childbirth did not hold a candle to the male equivalent of being kicked in the groin. A good argument, but since he has never given […]
It dawned sunny and warm. Blue sky! Really our first, so it is time for the sunglasses. Our hotel in Suzhou was very nice and everyone has survived their illnesses so far. After breakfast it’s all aboard for more site seeing. Our guide Jackie launched into our morning Chinese class…All […]
