Suzanne Stengl's Blog, page 7

In like a lion

March has arrived, and although it’s not a roaring lion, it’s still winter. In like a lion, out like a lamb? We can always hope.

 I am glad to turn the calendar page in the kitchen. My calendar shows snowy images for January and February, but March is a spring image – a cabin by the water – water without any ice on it – new greenery. A cabin in early spring symbolizes escape.

I need to escape. I think I will do a restart for 2017. In January I had to wear that air cast. Air casts are made of plastic and not the best thing to use on an icy sidewalk. I miss walking outside.

Calgary forecast for March 1

In February, I’ve been going to physio, getting back the mobility in my foot – and still not walking on the icy sidewalks.

I never learned to skate. I think I would not be so afraid of ice if I could skate. I can ski, though that’s not happening this year. Skiing is easier than skating. Falling in soft snow is so much more forgiving than falling on ice.

And then there was the flu. About the time the cast came off, the flu hit. The one that apparently lasts for six weeks. I am on the tail end of that. Along with the flu, February brought my computer that ransomware virus. But, on the bright side, I wanted a new computer anyway. Now, I have more RAM and a faster processor.

 Perhaps March will give *me* more speed and a faster processor because I have not been moving with any speed, or processing well lately. I’ve been avoiding work on the novel. My creative well is empty.

But this morning, I woke up feeling rested. I made tea and turned the calendar page. March will be a better month.

How’s the weather where you are? Do you have a lion out there, or a lamb? Do you rely on your phone for your calendar or do you have a paper calendar too? What is the image on your calendar for March?

Winter scene from bigstockphoto.com #160284302

Winter forecast from Environment Canada

The post In like a lion appeared first on Suzanne Stengl.

Backup: Learning the Hard Way

I used to think the important thing about backup was remembering to do it. And then, along came OneDrive (and iCloud and Dropbox) where you have the ability to sync your files to the cloud, and then forget about them.

The problem is—these services are not backup. Not really. These services are mirrors. Mirror backups create a mirror of the source file.

This is wonderful for when you are at the library with your laptop and want to work on a book that sits on your desktop at home. Plus, with mirroring, your backup is clean. There are no old and obsolete files.

Not only that, with mirroring, there is a Version History. If you don’t like the paragraph you edited, you can login to OneDrive, right click the file, choose Version History. And pick the version you want. If you accidently delete a file, you can still find it in the Cloud recycle bin – where it’s generally kept for 30 days. Basically, whatever you do on one computer migrates, automatically, up to the Cloud. Isn’t that wonderful?

Yes, it is, as long as you are the one who changes the file. But what if it’s a virus that the changes the file? What if it’s a ransomware virus?

The ransomware virus encrypts your files—they migrate to the Cloud—and overwrite what is there. Once the ransomware has encrypted the file, there is no Version History. No more backup.

This is what happened to me: It was a dark and stormy night. A perfect storm. I was tired. The email (supposedly) from USPS was well written. They were trying to contact me about a parcel. I was expecting a parcel. I clicked on the attachment . . .

foolish foolish foolish

It went something like this:

When all your files are encrypted, the virus gives you a screen with instructions for where you can go to pay in BIT coin for the key to unlock your files. In my case, I shut down the computer before everything migrated to the Cloud, and to my external hard drive which was plugged in to the computer. I was able to salvage some files, but I lost a lot of them.

Backup is the noun. “You made a backup, didn’t you?”

The verb is two words. “If you have not yet done so, you should back up your data.”

Notice that the noun is more popular than the verb. Does this suggest that a backup is more popular than backing up?  Probably.

How to backup your data.

It is a generally accepted rule that your files do not exist unless they are in three places: your hard drive, the Cloud, and an external hard drive.

It’s fine to use the Cloud for the convenience of mirroring but you still need an external hard drive. And, you MUST disconnect the external hard drive from your computer after you have made your backup.

The virus crossed to the external hard drive and wrote over it as well.

Even better, keep the hard drive backup in a Safety Deposit Box in case your house burns down.
 
You might also want to use a REAL cloud backup service like Carbonite or Jungle Disk. They may not be completely up-to-date but it’s better than losing everything.
 
Antivirus Software
Of course, we all have antivirus software. But we need to listen to it. When I clicked on that attachment, my computer’s antivirus said “Do you REALLY want to allow this program to make changes to your computer?”
 
I have seen that warning so many times, and I was tired. The antivirus could have said:
 
Are you frigging serious?
 
Are you crazy?
 
Have you lost your mind?
 
And I still would have answered, Yes.
 
In Summary
Back up to an external hard drive, on a regular basis, and then disconnect that drive from the computer.
 
Store the backup in a Safety Deposit Box in case your house burns down.
 
If you use cloud backup, make sure it’s a Real Backup, like Jungle Disk or Carbonite. Or if you use free cloud backups/mirroring, drag and drop to them, but don’t sync to your computer.
 
And never check email when you are tired.
 
How do you back up? Are your files in three places? Have you ever encountered a ransomware virus? Do you check your email when you’re tired?
 
tired woman from iStockphoto.com_000009864226

The post Backup: Learning the Hard Way appeared first on Suzanne Stengl.

Oh, What a Beautiful Day!

I’ve been approaching reviewers on GoodReads, trying to get some buzz going for my latest book, THE THURSTON HEIRLOOM.

After all the bad stuff happening to me lately—my broken foot, virus on my computer, virus in me—I finally got some Good News. This morning, my very first review showed up for THE THURSTON HEIRLOOM. Yay!

The post Oh, What a Beautiful Day! appeared first on Suzanne Stengl.

Bones are healed

This morning I got the OK to remove my air cast. Yay!

Physio starts on Friday.

The post Bones are healed appeared first on Suzanne Stengl.

RV Show

Yesterday, I went to the Calgary RV Show with author friend Amy Jo Fleming. I had been wanting to go, but I had been unable to convince Rolf it was a good idea. Since he’d already accompanied me twice, in previous years, he didn’t think much would change. That is, he didn’t think I would ever be able to make up my mind about buying an RV.
 
Since I still have the air cast on my right foot, I couldn’t drive myself.
 
And then I was having coffee with Amy Jo last Wednesday when she asked if I was interested. Definitely! Amy Jo and I are both in Dreaming Mode. We both dream about driving across Canada. And we both are wondering if an RV is the way to go.
 
When I say “drive across Canada”, I mean from Alberta to Newfoundland. I’ve already driven as far west as Tofino on Vancouver Island. Several times.
 
According to Wiki, a recreational vehicle (RV) is the term for a motor vehicle or trailer “equipped with living space and amenities found in a home.”
 
The first decision to make is: a trailer or a motorized version?
 
Trailers come in all sizes. If the trailer is light, your car or SUV might suffice for pulling power.
 
We saw a hard-sided “pop up” and watched as the salesman quickly closed it up and reopened it. All in a matter of a few minutes. You’d hardly get wet if it was raining.
 
But, if the unit is heavy, you would need to buy a truck. If you already have the truck, there is one less decision to make.
 
Our CRV could pull a light trailer. But then I worry about the potential wobble of a trailer when you are driving. Apparently, there are hitches that reduce the wobble so that it’s like you are all one unit. And then, with a trailer, you have the convenience of detaching the trailer in the campground and going off with your vehicle for hikes or groceries.
 
But, if you are traveling through hot weather with a trailer, you cannot simply pull over for a snack or a nap. At least, not without turning on the AC to cool the unit off first.
 
If you want something larger and heavier, and don’t have the truck to pull it, then you might want the “motorhome” which can be anything from a camperized van to the huge Class A motorhome.
 
The general breakdown for motorhomes is, in order of size, Class A, Class C and Class B. (I wonder who comes up with these designations?)
 

Class A – It’s like a large bus. Think of it as the Arizona-mobile. It uses lots of fuel but once you get to your destination, it would be very home-like. It’s probably difficult to take through the Tim Hortons drive-through.  
Class C – Smaller than the Class A, this unit has that portion that extends over the cab. This is a sleeping area. The unit obviously has less room than the Class A and still uses a lot of fuel.
Class B – This is the smallest of the three and the most compact. It does not have that over-the-cab extension so it’s more aerodynamic, and thus, more fuel efficient. It might also fit in your garage.

There are other options, like:

The Toy Hauler: You pull it with your big truck. Inside are your sleeping and cooking quarters, as well as room for your motorcycle, quad, dirt bikes or smart car.

No. Not for me.
 
And then there are various sized truck camper toppers. Again, you need a truck. Obviously.
 
I suppose my first decision is not really trailer or motorized. The first thing I need to know is:
 
What do I want it for?
The Class A would suit a winter relocation to Arizona.
 
Summer camping in the Alberta parks might be better served with the smaller Class C, especially for getting up narrow winding roads.
 
But if I want to drive across Canada – spending time on the road and in the campground – then I want something aerodynamic and still somewhat roomy. Is it possible to have both?
 
The big fear Rolf has is that he will be stuck in the unit for hours on end, driving off into the distance. You might as well fly to Newfoundland, if you want to go at all. He would really rather be on a bicycle. See www.rolfstengl.com.
 
Travelling with Rolf is much like spending time with that character on American Pie who was always talking about how great band camp was. She started every sentence with “In band camp…” With Rolf, every sentence starts with “When we were bicycling…”
 
Last summer, we sat on the tarmac waiting for four hours for the lightning alert to be lifted before we could takeoff. Rolf said this is why he bicycles.
 
There is no doubt a compromise between travel time and parked time. And time when you are not on your bicycle. I may never figure it out. But if I had to choose right now, I would go with the Class B.
 
This is the Gemini from Thor Motorcoach.

I like that you can get in bed from either side. Often, in these compact motorhomes, the bed is arranged so you have to crawl over your partner to get to your side. I also like the big sky light that shines over the table where I might sit and write. There’s a fair size bathroom and even a shower, although I think campground showers are just fine.
 
My big beef? The television. I mean, televisions, plural. There’s a screen in the bedroom, one across from the couch, and, one outside. You lift a hatch, and there is a television!
 
Really? I would use that room in the outside hatch to store my camping propane stove. I’d set the stove on the picnic table and cook my bacon and eggs out there.
 
And, inside, I need a little shelf for my traveling library. I would bring several Mary Stewart novels, some Lee Child and William Deverell mysteries, the Complete Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the Chicago Manual of Style. And maybe some copies of my own books to leave along the way.
 
All in all, Amy Jo and I had an excellent time touring the RV Show. We debriefed at the Lazy Loaf & Kettle over sandwiches and coffee. And we did some more dreaming.
 
Do you own an RV? Have you ever rented one? What kind? Motorhome? Trailer? Fifth wheel?

What books would you bring along for your traveling library?
 
RVs from www.Depositphotos.com #20098003_l-2015
Class A motorhome from www.Depositphotos.com #6059633_l-2015
Class C motorhome from www.Depositphotos.com #104701412_l-2015
Class B motorhome from www.Depositphotos.com #10949868_l-2015
Class B motorhome, Gemini from www.thormotorcoach.com 

The post RV Show appeared first on Suzanne Stengl.

The Happiness Advantage

I came across an excellent TEDx video, only 12 minutes long, about THE SECRET TO BETTER WORK.

Not only is Psychologist Shawn Achor hilarious in this presentation, he presents some truly useful research.

Consider this:

It is not reality that shapes us but the lens through which your brain views the world that shapes your reality.

And then he goes on to talk about how we can change that lens.

Conventional wisdom says: I will be happy when I am successful. Unconventional wisdom says it’s the other way around. “If happiness is on the opposite side of success, your brain never gets there,” Achor says.

He says we need to find a way of becoming positive in the PRESENT, and then happiness leads to success. It’s Not the other way around. It’s Not success leads to happiness.

There are ways to train your brain to become more positive and Achor gives us that list.

I hope you listen to this. It’s definitely worth the 12 minutes.

The post The Happiness Advantage appeared first on Suzanne Stengl.

Going Stir-Crazy

I’ve just finished my Starbucks Bacon, Gouda & Egg Breakfast Sandwich and now I’m sipping my grande latte while I people-watch at a little round table that wobbles. My air cast is up on a chair. My walking stick is collapsed and sitting on the table.

I got Rolf to drop me here, just so I could get out of the house. I told him to come back in two hours. After twenty-two days with the air cast, I’m going stir-crazy.

The worst thing about this air cast—on my right foot—is that I can’t drive. I never realized how much I depend on being able to drive.

I suppose I could get my right leg up over the car’s console and I could learn to drive with my left foot. But with winter road conditions the way they are, I’m not sure it’s a good idea to practice that new skill right now.

I wonder if I could drive if I was in Australia? I’d be sitting on the right side of the car, so does that mean I would be using my left foot on the accelerator and the brake? Oh well, it’s not the time for a vacation to Australia anyway.

Before settling in at Starbucks, I hobbled around Chapters, checked out the new trinkets and the Christmas sale items. It’s amazing what does not make the cut for Christmas shoppers.

And, on the way to Starbucks, we stopped at the post office. So I actually accomplished something today. I mailed two copies of my latest book THE THURSTON HEIRLOOM to Publishers Weekly. I might be one of the lucky few to be chosen for a review.

By the way, if you have read HEIRLOOM, you are welcome to leave a ‘review’ on Amazon.

Go here.

You don’t need to be a professional reviewer. Most of the reviews on Amazon are from regular readers. All a review needs is 20 words—more if you get carried away—but 20 words are sufficient. Grammar is irrelevant and I love to get feedback.

I also love lattes, and I love being out of the house.

This barista has a booming voice, so no matter where you are in the store you can easily hear when your order is ready. The barista is also good at telling jokes and interacting with the customers. I’ve always thought it would be fun to be a barista. Maybe, if this writing thing gets me down, I can become a barista.

I wonder if I’d get free lattes?

Maybe I could become a Reviewer of Baristas? I’d never give anyone a “1 star” or even a “2 star” barista review. At the very least, I’d give a “3 star” because all I care about is that the drink comes close to what I ordered.

3 stars: for a hot drink when I ordered hot (don’t care if it’s a regular latte, a flat white or a mocha)
4 stars: if it’s the right drink and it arrives fairly quickly.
5 stars: if it’s the right drink, prepared quickly, my name is spelled correctly on the cup and I get a “How is the foot?” and a friendly nod.

The star system only goes as high as a 5, but I am about to give 6 stars: because a Frappuccino was left on the bar and the barista offered it to the lady with her air cast propped up on a chair.

Life is good.

How about you? Do you care if you ordered a Frap Lite and you get whipped cream? Did you really want the whipped cream anyway? Do you browse the sale items at Chapters? Ever found anything neat on the Christmas sale table?

The post Going Stir-Crazy appeared first on Suzanne Stengl.

Getting healthy – the Fitbit and the Air Cast

Right about the time I published THE THURSTON HEIRLOOM, my good friend Anna Marie suggested a reward. This would be for publishing, and for my birthday (the 27th of November) and for a Christmas present to myself.

Since THE THURSTON HEIRLOOM involves an amethyst that looks like this—

I decided on a purple-banded Fitbit that looks like this—

I bought the Fitbit Alta, Anna Marie and I became “fit buddies” and we started cheering each other on in our fitness efforts. However, the best laid plans often run into snags.

I found I was walking more, but I was also limping. More and more. A minor detail, I thought, and I hobbled on. Until I couldn’t.

After the Christmas rush, I was finally forced to make time for a doctor visit which involved, first, an X-ray of my foot. The X-ray only showed swelling. Then, second, came the bone scan which shows stress fractures of the third and fourth metatarsals and cuneiform. In other words, I broke my foot. It was probably the time I did a quick rollover of my ankle while rushing about the kitchen. It turns out kitchens are dangerous and I will try my best to avoid them in this new year.

Fortunately, they have invented the air cast. It looks like this—

Apparently plaster casts are only used for really bad breaks, and for non-compliance. I will comply . . .

I can take it off for sleeping and for showers. It was time for a shower this morning and that proved challenging. My good leg is strong, but not really strong enough for the one-legged standing of a long shower. I used my walking sticks for hopping around in there but I will have to work on something easier.

In the meantime, Anna Marie and I will continue our fitness efforts, though my steps probably will not be as high as hers. Since the air cast boot is made of plastic and since the sidewalks are often snow-covered, there is a risk of slipping if I walk outside. So, my walking needs to be indoors.

The other minor issue is that this is my right foot, so I can’t drive. Fortunately I have a hubby and friends who are happy to chauffeur for January. At least, I hope I only need this thing for a month.

Have you ever had an air cast? Or a plaster cast? Do you use a Fitbit to help motivate you to step away from your desk?

The post Getting healthy – the Fitbit and the Air Cast appeared first on Suzanne Stengl.

New Year’s Eve in Canmore

Last night, we rang in the New Year with friends in Canmore. Standing on the balcony, we watched the fireworks go off over the town at midnight. Glasses were clinked, more cake was consumed and 2017 was officially welcomed.

Happy New Year to you!

The post New Year’s Eve in Canmore appeared first on Suzanne Stengl.

On Christmas Day in the morning

My sons and their families were at our house last night to celebrate Christmas Eve with our traditional “Deli Night” of Westphalian ham, tea sausage, zwiebel mettwurst, Appenzeller, Camembert, meat salad, herring salad, Caesar Salad, Tilsiter cheese, buns (especially “salt sticks”), various salamis and devilled eggs.

There was also a “Happy Birthday” cupcake and a blue candle for Bob’s first birthday. And Crave gingerbread cupcakes and lots of other desserts.

After the feast, we opened gifts. Bob needed help opening his tool set. He was more interested in practicing walking, exploring our house, and digging in the coffee tree. (Yay for dust busters!) I also gave him a book—Pride and Prejudice, a board book about counting—to introduce him to the classics.

This morning, we are all quietly celebrating our own Christmas Days.

Last night, Christmas Carol brought two kinds of homemade granola: Coconut Granola with  Fig,  Almonds & Rhubarb, and Crazy Town Granola made of oats, almonds, Heritage flakes, Chia and other stuff. There is also a jar of strawberry blueberry Cereal Topper.

So this morning’s quiet breakfast was the Crazy Town Granola and strawberry blueberry sauce in my Denman Island cereal bowl with a cup of Admiral Grey from Tea Traders.

At the moment, there is light snow and it’s minus 15. The walks have been shovelled, at least for the first time today. All is calm.

I’m looking forward to some writing time before meeting Rolf for a lunch of leftover deli. Then maybe some jigsaw puzzle time and maybe a walk in the snow. Supper will just be the two of us and stuffed turkey breast, cranberries, baked spuds and veggies. And some of the Hornby Island Wild Blackberry Dessert Wine.

Tomorrow, on boxing day, the whole family will meet again for “Lasagna Night”.

I hope you are all enjoying a peaceful Christmas Day.

The post On Christmas Day in the morning appeared first on Suzanne Stengl.