Tag Archives: Amazon Alexa

Apr2

Ho Hum Humpday

Posted on April 2, 2025 by iamkaren23

Don’t ask me why but I was wide awake at 6:30 this morning. This is NOT my norm. Consequently I found myself actually eating breakfast at 9:30 am, long before I usually do. My norm is lingering in bed with coffee for a couple of hours while watching a movie in Spanish and scrolling through newsfeeds and emails, throwing in a few games of Candy Crush.

I feel so disoriented. I hate when that happens. I think I’ll blame it on my protagonist. He was on my mind when I fell asleep last night. I’m doing the final edit of my third draft and I’m still trying to tweak that one part that just isn’t quite what I want it to be. YET.

It’s going to be another hot one. Yesterday the temperature soared to 89 degrees. My friends in Washington assure me that it’s warming up there too. In a little over a month I’ll be on my way back. And I don’t want to see snow.

The other day one of the members of our Conversation Club sent me a video of tranquil ocean waves. So calming and peaceful. He is currently somewhere in the Caribbean for a week, a professional musician and entertainer who is currently working on a cruise ship. One other member of our group, another musician, is on a flight to Barcelona today. He will be working on a cruise ship for 6 months.

Cruises. I have friends who love them. They’ve been all over Europe, Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean. Me? Nope, although I once did go on a cruise in the Puget Sound for a few hours. That’s more my speed. I’d rather vacation on the beach or in the mountains.

I’ve learned some really interesting trivia from my newsfeeds this week. Apparently Vincent Van Gogh didn’t cut off his entire ear. He only cut off the lobe. The Blue Lagoon in Malta attracts over 10,000 tourists every day, although it’s only 1.4 square miles. Steve Martin once received a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance. His instrument of choice was a banjo. And the East Wenatchee Macy’s store is not on the chopping block.

Do you know what alambre de puerco is? It has now become one of my favorite foods. When I put it on the translator it came up as pork on a wire. A wire? Shish Kabob comes to mind. Nope! Ricardo, the guy who cooks for me, sent me a pic. So I ordered it. And it’s amazing! Tender pieces of pork and delicious vegetables in a tantalizing sauce.

And now on to Alexa. Why can’t you trust atoms? Because they make up everything.

Yesterday was April Fool’s Day and today is Humpday. Double whammy this week. I guess that’s why the off-the-wall post today.

Feb2

Avocados and Audiobooks

Posted on February 2, 2025 by iamkaren23

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And I thought January was the month from hell. But it has now extended into February. World War III has begun with tariffs and retaliatory tariffs. A convicted felon can be president of a country but immigrants with offences as minor as traffic violations are still being deported. And a jet catches fire on the runway before takeoff. Thankfully all passengers were evacuated safely.

But back to avocados and audiobooks.

I limit my intake of bread here in Mexico as the sugar content is way too high. This morning as I tuned in to my online church service I realized that I would have to substitute something for bread as we were doing communion. I reached for a slice of avocado. I found my mind wandering to the price of avocados now that all these tariffs have been implemented. They were expensive enough last summer when I was in Washington. I wonder how expensive they will be this year. Will guacamole still be as popular?

These tariffs are ugly. How can people eat healthy foods when they almost have to mortgage their homes in order to afford to buy fresh fruits and vegetables? Sorry but I do not sympathize when it comes to the imported alcohol. As far as the fentanyl goes, we’ll just have to wait and see.

On to the audiobooks. I belong to a book club in East Wenatchee. While I can’t attend the meetings in person while I’m in Mexico, I am able to access the books through the North Central Washington library system. Sometimes I read the books but lately I have resorted to the audiobooks. Staring at a computer screen does not have the same comforting feel as holding a book in my hands. By listening to a book, it leaves my hands free to color, one of my favorite pastimes when it comes to relaxing.

I think it’s time for some humor, as corny as it may be.

Why can’t you trust atoms? Because they make up everything.

Thanks Alexa.

May4

I’m Here

Posted on May 4, 2024 by iamkaren23

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No, I’m not in Aguascalientes. No, I’m not in Washington. I’m here in Winnipeg. Except that we have Seattle weather here…..RAIN! And it’s cold. And I left my Columbia ski jacket in Washington.

Rita picked me up at the airport on Thursday and we went straight to VJ’s for lunch. Yep. VJ’s is always a must on my list when I come here. Best chili burgers anywhere!

When my kids were younger and in YBC I used to travel across town more than once a week as they bowled out of Windsor Lanes. How ironic that I’m now staying a mere five minute walk from there now. Of course my kids are no longer bowling and that alley house is no longer in existence.

Costco this morning. While I did find the granola I buy in Washington, protein bars were different. As were the cheese strings. And the yogurt. But I’m tough. It’s only for a month.

Laura, (my computer guru) and I went to Best Buy last night and I got a scanner. Now to connect with my son who is storing all the photo albums. I’m on a mission.

Here’s one from Alexa:

What’s the difference between a cat and a comma?

A cat has claws at the end of its paws and a comma is a pause at the end of a clause

Mar10

March 14

Posted on March 10, 2024 by iamkaren23

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March 14. Pi Day. The Greek symbol for 3.14 is π, and 3.14 are the first three digits of Pi. It’s hard to believe that a symbol for a mathematical concept has become somewhat of a national holiday celebration. But back in 1988, a man named Larry Shaw was working at The Exploratorium, a science museum in San Francisco. He declared that Pi Day be celebrated on March 14. Years later on March 11, 2009 the U.S. House of Representatives made it official by declaring that March 14 be National Pi Day. Students, teachers, mathematicians and science geeks are very much aware of the significance of Pi Day. I’m not as interested in going into all the detail about circles and calculus as they are. But it’s interesting to note that March 14 is also Albert Einstein’s birthday.

March 14. The Ides of March. This dates back to ancient Roman times when March 14 was thought of as a day of doom and gloom. Bad things happened on that date commonly also associated with a full moon. I first became aware of The Ides of March in middle school when we studied Julius Caesar, a play by William Shakespeare. A soothsayer warned Caesar, a Roman dictator, to “beware The Ides of March.” Sure enough, Caesar was assassinated on March 14, 44 BC.

That’s your history lesson for this month.

On another note, I’m down to my last month in Mexico before I return to Washington state. That means the snow and cold have less than a month to disappear before I get back. I’m afraid that hearing temps have soared up to 50 does not create the enthusiasm for me as it does for Washingtonians. I’ve become accustomed to 80s. At least I have a closet full of warm clothes awaiting me.

Alexa:

What’s the difference between a cat and a comma? A cat has claws at the end of its paws and a comma is a pause at the end of a clause

Have a great Sunday!

Sep20

Countdown

Posted on September 20, 2023 by iamkaren23

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Less than three weeks and I’ll be back in Mexico. I finally booked flights the other day. While I prefer to fly inland to Guadalajara, the direct flight to Puerto Vallarta from Sea-Tac caught my eye. A bonus is that I can fly out of Pangborn here in Wenatchee so I can avoid TSA at Sea-Tac. Now we just hope there is no hurricane barreling up the coast.

This morning was my last writers’ group meeting until April. I’m really going to miss this group while I’m gone. I know. I’ve said that before. But everyone is such a great source of encouragement and inspiration. Two of our members are currently on the verge of publishing books. New people are coming to our meetings and our membership is growing. And we all write in such a variety of genres too. Today’s pieces ranged from science to memoirs and everything in between.

I spent the weekend with friends in Leavenworth. On the agenda was binge-watching Virgin River. This season isn’t quite as riveting but it is addictive nonetheless. Now I need to finish off the second season of Lincoln Lawyer and I’ll be ready to head south. In Mexico I tend to watch very little TV. When I do watch, it’s primarily in Spanish. Many of the programs and movies I watch are geared towards kids. I’ve never been able to get into the soaps that people recommend for practicing vocabulary and grammar. Of course I’ve never really gotten into soaps at all up here. The only exception is Guiding Light. I got hooked on that when I was pregnant and on bedrest and watched it until the show was cancelled back in 2009.

Today is a rather dreary rainy day and I think fall is here. The timing is actually perfect because I need to sort through clothes and decide what to take to Mexico. So I’ve gingerly moved my fall clothes to the front of my wardrobe along with some warmer hoodies. It will be hotter flying into Puerto Vallarta than into Guadalajara so I’ll have to figure that one out. Footwear will be easy. I’ll have to choose between pairs of New Balance. I think back to the days when I had a walk-in closet with shelves full of shoes. Now it’s just tennis shoes and sandals.

I registered for an online writers’ workshop out of New York. It happens next week and I remembered to put a reminder on my calendar for it. The topic is about writing powerful emotions. Now I just keep my fingers crossed that a conflict with the time won’t arise. New York is three hours ahead of Washington. I am sent a copy of the recording if I do miss it but doing it live is always better.

The Autumn Leaf Festival happens this weekend in Leavenworth. I’m debating going to the parade on Saturday but that will depend on the weather. I’m not quite sure how she does it, but Alexa seems to forecast better than the local weather apps. I’ll have to check with her later.

Happy Humpday!

Aug22

Oh No! They’re Gone!

Posted on August 22, 2023 by iamkaren23

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In my last post I mentioned how the view of the mountains relaxes me and makes me feel at home. Well that was very short-lived. The smoke has rolled in and it’s time to get out the n95s again. The air is thick with smoke and the hills and mountains are now memories.

We went on a shopping marathon for a couple of hours today. Costco, Safeway and Happy Crop. Yes the groceries came first. But it was interesting to see who was at the pot shop today. No young people at all. Just us old people looking for comfort from the aches and pains as we age.

I’m looking forward to Tai Chi tomorrow. I really missed those classes when I was away in Canada. None of my friends up there are into that, although a couple are into walking. Right now it’s way too smoky out there to walk outside so I appreciated the walk through Costco today.

I dropped down a level in Duolingo. I just couldn’t find that half hour a day while I was away. It was more like only 5 to 10 minutes. But I’m back in there now and am determined to make it back up into the diamond league again this week.

There was an interesting article in my CNN newsfeed today about how airports have evolved into shopping malls with the advent of numerous restaurants and stores vying for space. Dallas got the award for the longest walk of just over two and a half miles to the gate. Of course security screening takes up an abundance of space as well. With the limited food options available on flights there is a demand for more restaurants. Air Canada…are you listening? I’m tired of your bottled water and juice when what I really crave is coffee. Starbucks is always a must when I’m in any airport.

I wonder if there are any deserts left in California today. Hurricane Hilary literally drenched the air and left quite a muddy mess. Floods and landslides are predicted for Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The weather is definitely getting nasty on both the Pacific and the Atlantic sides. And then the rest of North America is a smoky mess due to all the wildfires.

What will I be dodging when I head back to Mexico in October? Hmmmmmm…………..

You have outdone yourself with this limerick today, Alexa. Corniest one ever.

I once met a ninja who sings

When in through a window he swings

He picks air guitar

With his throwing star

But a concert is not what he brings.

Hope you’re having a marvelous Monday!

Jul21

Two Days

Posted on July 21, 2023 by iamkaren23

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Wednesday morning I attended the writers group at the Wenatchee Senior Center. I just love this group and will miss them when I’m away. I’ve met some fantastic people with amazing stories to tell about where they’ve lived and travelled. They have truly inspired me and I am so appreciative of their encouragement and support. Now if only I could take them to Canada next month and to Mexico in the fall.

I went into Leavenworth yesterday to see another production by Leavenworth Summer Theater. This time it was Cinderella and it’s one of the best I’ve seen yet. The characters were all so well-cast and the music was fabulous. This time the venue was the outdoor stage at the Fish Hatchery and thankfully the heat had subsided and it was quite pleasant being outside.

Last night I also had the opportunity to see the Space Station fly over and that was exciting for me. I’d never seen it before. The sky was so clear and the stars were all shining brightly. A big change from when the skies are smoke-filled from the usual wildfires at this time of year.

And speaking of wildfires, I received an alert on my phone a half hour ago that helicopters were dipping into the river near the bridge to get water to fight the fires. I even got the warning in Spanish on my other phone that still had my Mexican chip in it.

Today is Thursday and that means it’s Tai Chi day. This class is most beneficial for working on balance, and at this age I do have concerns when it comes to balance. Neuropathy merely complicates things and I am grateful for any type of exercise that may help when it comes to fall prevention.

According to the display in the car today, it was a balmy 106. I guess earlier in the week when we had one day of only 84 that was just a tease. I’m staying home in air-conditioned heaven tonight.

I have this crazy Barbie theme on my Alexa this week. Really corny jokes. Where is Barbie’s boyfriend from? Ken-tucky.

Apr5

Getting Settled

Posted on April 5, 2023 by iamkaren23

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What do you mean I’ve been back for ten days already? I just got here! On Monday I finally got down to AT&T and got my American number for 2023. I also got a new phone. So now I’m playing around with all the new features. Amazing how phones change so much in three years.

I also went to Walmart on Monday for the first time in six months. Never did get there in Mexico. No need to with my corner tienda. Time to start buying things in packages again. Time to start filling up shopping carts again. It’s very different up here. I always go through reverse culture shock especially when it comes to shopping.

I haven’t started teaching fitness classes again yet. I decided to take a few days and just breathe a little. There are still a few things I want to do first. I want to check out the Senior Center in Wenatchee. It’s a much larger facility than the one in Leavenworth and has a lot more activities.

I also have a couple of Zoom meetings coming up. I haven’t started any university courses yet but that’s on the agenda. And now that I’m back in Washington I can actually go to some events in person now. It will be nice to meet the people I’ve been chatting with online.

It’s been great getting together with friends again. We always have lots to catch up on. So much goes on in six months. Right now I’m cutting back on my writing so I can spend time with friends.

Alexa’s joke today: What did the pecan tree say to the psychiatrist? I think I’m growing nuts.

Happy Humpday!

Mar12

The Times They Are A-Changin’

Posted on March 12, 2023 by iamkaren23

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It’s almost thirteen years ago since I arrived in Culiacan. Back then I made a point of proudly telling people I was Canadian. A year later I moved to Guadalajara. Still proud to be a Canadian. I didn’t want to be mistaken for an American. But it’s 2023 now and I stopped bragging that I was a Canadian long ago. Here in Aguascalientes I call myself a gringa and my neighbors know I live in the USA when I’m not in Mexico.

When Covid was declared a pandemic back in March of 2020, I sought asylum here in Mexico. I was given another six month tourist visa. In September 2020 I got as far as Leavenworth, Washington. USCIS said as long as I flew in I could come although I am not an American citizen. That was also the earliest I could obtain travel health insurance during the pandemic that would cover me for Covid.

In March of 2021 it was decision time. Return to Mexico? Hot summer weather coming up and no vaccines available. My 180 was almost up. I wasn’t keen on returning to Canada to quarantine. And I also had nowhere to live there either. The CDC came to my rescue and issued a Level 4 Do Not Travel To Canada Advisory. Once again I successfully sought asylum in a foreign country during the pandemic.

Here we are in 2023. I watch what is going on in Canada with Trudeau and the Liberals. I watch a country falling apart at the seams. Of course, that all began when Justin Trudeau’s father first took office back in the 60s. He has merely taken over where his father left off. Trudeau makes Trump look like an angel.

What is going on now in Canada scares me. I believe it’s every bit as dangerous as Covid. And I wonder what my chances are of once again seeking asylum in the USA. Awfully tempting to try. Define “refugee.” Lots of connotations there.

Where does chocolate milk come from? A dairy cacao! Thank you Alexa.

Have a great Sunday!

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