Sorrowful chore

After lots of postponements due to a variety of reasons, I finally tackled the dismantling of my oldest Pentium computer. It has been idle for quite a while, and although it’s one of the earliest models, it’s still a perfectly functioning machine that served me well for over 10 years!  

I’ve tried to get rid of it by donating it, but no one I know wanted it. Its system unit (full tower desktop) is too bulky, while its monitor is too small for today’s taste for larger screens. It’s also not easy for me to deliver it to the dumping grounds that are setup twice a year in Manhattan for this purpose.  In any case, I still had to undertake the big chore of destroying its content.

Sometime ago I downloaded a special program to accomplish this task, but didn’t have the nerve to use it… and wondered why. Today I put all excuses aside, and got down to do the job. Inexplicably, I was hesitant to start the process, but when I did, somehow, I realized why I almost unconsciously kept postponing it.  It felt like …..performing euthanasia!  While, from time to time, I was watching on the screen the ongoing data and software blanking process, I felt sadness about the demise of a useful friend destined to the dumps!  The noiseless, but constant  agony lasted for 1 ¾ hour!  

So long my buddy!

Unusual activity

After a busy work week that usually keeps me stuck to a computer for several hours a day, this Friday I decided to get a break, and do something unusual outside of my environment.  I had plans to meet a friend for lunch and we both decided to attend first a cooking workshop presented by the Italian region of Campania in midtown Manhattan at noon.



Although I knew this was strictly a marketing promotion for both the region and the workshop presenter, Arthur Schwartz, I thought the occasion of actually being part of something that I had only occasionally watched on the food TV network, would be a novel and curious experience, and it was.

The showroom displayed many products that this southern region of Italy (with Naples being its largest center) offers, such as oil, tomatoes, wines, and cheeses, which form the basis for which its regional cuisine is known. What I didn’t expect was the actual anecdotal talk by Arthur, the self called “food maven” that I had met years ago, and recently stumbled upon while shopping at an international food store in my neighborhood.  He made a very delightful and informative presentation about the entire region, including some historical background, while preparing a couple of recipes with tomato sauce and giving hints about what to look for or avoid when shopping for some of the ingredients he was using.  His newest book on the cuisine of this region was obviously available, as were tastes of the various products and the two prepared dishes. The region is also known for quite a line of wines, and the one I tasted was excellent!  

The lunch that followed was also a delectable event. There was no specific choice planned ahead, and we just picked a nearby restaurant, which, very coincidentally, turned out to be known for its southern Italian cuisine and very fresh fish.  The place was crowded, both inside and in its outdoor patio, but we managed to get a table indoors and enjoy a leisure and delicious lunch. We actually were the last ones to leave the dining room at 3pm, and had an unexpected and interesting chat with 2 young waiters that were Albanians, and, to my great surprise, even knew about my family name and history. We surely live in a small world!

Peaceful time in NY

Half a year has gone by very quickly, it seems. It’s Independence Day time already and this long weekend, started since Thursday for many in the working population, is enjoyed by most either at or away from home. During a holiday such as this, a lot of people usually plan to escape from their daily surroundings, and travel to the beach, the country, or even abroad.

I, instead, thoroughly look forward to the peacefulness and relaxation that engulfs not only my apartment, but this city, especially the area of Manhattan where I live, when its frenetic life comes to a screeching alt! I always had such a pleasure, even before my retirement, since I’ve lived in the same building for the past 42 years.

Sometimes now, I hibernate for days (yes….in the middle of summer!) in my very comfortable air conditioned environment since I am lucky to be able to work and follow up on my many projects right here, in my own residence. This is what I’ve done in the past few days, but since yesterday I am also enjoying the gentle, non humid breeze that finally flows in from my windows exposed south and westward.

More thunderstorms and high humidity are forecasted again from tomorrow on, but, even when my windows are shut I can look out toward the greenery that surrounds my apartment even at its 7 floor height! Trees that were mostly non existent when I came to NY more than 50 years ago are now lining practically every street or avenue, and most high raisers are accessed through path and drive ways surrounded by manicured gardens and gurgling fountains.

A happy and glorious 4th of July to you all!