dn's Sweet Potato Hummus

Last month, during our Canadian Thanksgiving, I sampled a store bought "Sweet Potato Hummus" at a family gathering. I was surprised at how delicious it was and decided to try and duplicate the recipe.

As usual, I found numerous versions online. Most were quite similar with slight variations in the spices and quantities. The recipe that I finally decided to use as a base starter for my version is from Betty Crocker

I adjusted the tahini and spice quantities downwards. Tahini can make a recipe bitter if you add to much. I also felt that the spices called for would be a little too overpowering and I didn't want something quite as spicy as this sounded. I also added more garlic and the zest of the lemon as it brings extra flavour.

The first time I made this recipe, I used Tahini. I always have cumin in the spice cupboard and had recently bought some of the spices - smoked paprika, coriander and sea salt at a local bulk food store to try in some other recipes, so I was pretty much ready to give it a test.

It smelled delicious but the taste was even better! The flavour was smoky and not overpoweringly hot or spicy. I only gave it a quick taste that first day as many recipes suggested that the flavours needed time to blend and recommended refrigerating overnight before serving. They were right! It was even better the second day!

I took some to a couple of friends for sampling - along with some of my homemadepita chips and a few celery sticks. I received this message later that day: " OMG that dip should be served at restaurants!"

I tried the recipe again this past week. This time, I used cashews rather than tahini. I wasn't sure about the quantity of cashews but guessed at 1/2 cup. It worked perfectly! The other thing I did differently this second time, was saving the liquid from the baked sweet potatoes to re-add in place of any additional water needed at the end of the processing. I measured the liquid that I added to the raw sweet potatoes so that whatever liquid was left over would be concentrated and loaded with the flavour from the sweet potatoes. It would therefore add to the overall flavour - not dilute it like plain water would.

I gave samples of the dip (along with some homemade pita chips) to several people to try. They all thought it was YUMMY!! One of the people admitted they really weren't a fan of sweet potatoes but was willing to give it a try given that they liked the other ingredients. I talked with them a couple days later and they said they were surprised at how delicious this was! They really liked it and wouldn't have known it was sweet potato if I hadn't told them!

Sweet Potatoes and Yams are readily available at very reasonable prices during the autumn and winter months, so why not take advantage and try a new recipe!? Sweet Potato Hummus is a great addition to your holiday gathering or any time of year!

So here is my version of "Sweet Potato Hummus" You choose whether to use tahini or cashews!

dn's Sweet Potato Hummus   

1 orange-fleshed sweet potato (about 1 lb/454g)

1 lemon

1 can (19 oz/540 ml) chick peas, drained, rinsed

1 1/2 Tablespoons tahini OR 1/2 cup cashews

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoons fine sea salt

1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika

3/4 teaspoon ground coriander

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

3 - 4 Tablespoons water - as needed

 Peel the sweet potato and cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Place in an oven proof dish and add 1/4 cup water and a pinch of salt. Cover and bake in 350F oven for about 30 minutes or until fork tender. Allow to cool slightly. 

Drain the excess liquid into a small bowl and reserve. If you pre-weighed the sweet potato you don't have to bother measuring by cup - otherwise mash and measure to know how much you really have. You should get approx 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 cups.

Zest the lemon then juice, removing seeds. You should get about 1/4 cup lemon juice.

Add the cooled sweet potatoes, zest, lemon juice, chick peas, tahini/cashews (either or - NOT both!) garlic, sea salt, smoked paprika, coriander and cumin to a food processor. Cover and pulse a few times then blend till smooth (about 2-3 minutes), stopping to wipe down the sides a couple times. Add reserved cooking liquid, 1 Tablespoon at a time - processing in between each to thoroughly combine till desired consistency. (Note that the amount of liquid/water needed will vary depending on the amount of sweet potato and lemon juice added.)  

Transfer to a sealable container and chill several hours or overnight before serving to allow the flavours to blend. Serve with pita chips and raw veggies. Makes about 3 cups.

Notes:

- When I made this, I used part of a sweet potato as the ones I had were well over a pound. The piece I cut off, was about 19 oz/540g so I ended up with a bit over 1 1/2 cups when mashed.

- Baking the sweet potato in a covered dish gives it a nicer richer flavour than boiling or microwaving it. Well worth the extra time to do it in the oven!

- If your sweet potato weighs less or measures less once mashed, you may want to reduce the spices just a smidgen - i.e. scant measures rather than the full ones listed, This of course, depends on how spicy you like things! You can always add more spice but you can't take it out once it is in so give it a taste to make sure before adding more!

- When I zest a lemon, I go pretty much to the white flesh with my zester so get quite a bit more zest than most people do.

- Cut back a bit on the salt if you use salted cashews.

- Also, I believe something would be lost in the flavour if you used sweet paprika rather than the smoky variety.

Enjoy!

dn 

I Will NOT Play This Game!

If you have any type of online presence on social media sites, you've no doubt seen some of the crazy games that are spreading. These aren't the same as game invites that have you using special game apps or boards to play games with your friends. Those can be annoying all on their own!

What I am referring to are the "status" type games.

One that I've seen a fair bit of is the "Giraffe" A rather ridiculous riddle is posted which is specifically designed to confuse the reader into submitting a wrong answer. You are asked to "private message" your answer to the poster. If you get it wrong (majority do) then you have to change your profile pic to a giraffe for 3 days and repost the question to your friends/followers. In other words, you have to spread the humiliation.

At least with that game you are aware that it is a "game" and have the option to take your chances of becoming a giraffe.

There are however, far more embarrassing games out there just waiting for you and your friends to fall into.

Case in point: An online friend who is known for posting some rather interesting updates and rants recently posted this status: "I am gonna confess, support me!"

Hmm, was this a joke? I wasn't sure, but given their past comments, I wondered if something they had said had gotten them in some kind of trouble. So, I responded: "What did you do now?" There were a couple responses from others, but nothing from the poster. Odd. Later that day, I received the following private message:

"You should have never commented HAHAHA! You fell into the trap. This is a game. The person who likes/comments has to choose one of the following to post on his/her timeline.

1. I've been in 42 relationships

2. I think I like someone, what should I do?

3. My mom arranged me for a blind date

4. Someone invited me to be a prostitute, what should I do?

5. I forgotten to wear my underwear today

6. I am gonna confess, support me

7. I still love my ex

8. I just got me some good good

9. I think I'm going gay

10. I'm pregnant

11. I want another baby

Note: you should not explain anything, just post and leave it for at least a day. Im also a victim lol"

Seriously?? I knew my friend had not created this joke and was just following along with the "rules" as they had been given. Trying to be a "good sport" and laugh at their own naivety to fall for the trap. Get it over with and move on.

What was I supposed to do now?

I knew in my heart that I could not play this game and that I needed to explain my reasoning to my friend. I took some time to think about how to express my opinions. I sent this response (slightly edited to protect privacy on both sides) the next morning:

"Good morning – Given your comments of late, I assumed this was some kind of reference to that and further comment was to follow. It NEVER occurred to me that this was a game.

One of the things I pride myself on is a great sense of humour and can enjoy a good joke or knowingly choose to participate (or not) in things such as the giraffe thing that was going around.

BUT to be honest, I don’t find these type of blindside games funny at all. The possible status updates are suggestive, humiliating and some are in very poor taste.

I’ve given a lot of thought to this. As someone who has been teased, and humiliated by people (some who knew me and some who didn’t) my entire life, I can not in good conscience subject myself or the valued friends I do have here to this game – especially those that are minors and those who have stuck by me through some very difficult times. Good natured teasing and jokes are one thing but I will not knowingly participate in someone else being humiliate/embarrassed.

If you feel this makes me a party pooper/poor sport so be it but I will not play this game. I do value your friendship, Hopefully, you will not hold this against me and our friendship can continue as it has."

My friend messaged back that all was good and that they totally agreed with what I said and the post had been removed. Our friendship was solid.

That meant a lot to me to know that they understood and recognized the potential problems with these kind of games.

What consenting adults do to tease or prank each other among themselves is one thing - but it throws it into a whole other world to bring those games into public view via the internet. Personally, I've never been a fan of the blindside type humour that has become so prevalent in our society. It is nothing new of course, but this type of humour has become more rampant in recent years. A sad commentary on our society that people must be humiliated to empower others.

Social media has lowered this "humour" to a whole new level with the blindside style posts/games. These posts are deliberately designed to reel you, your friends, family and followers into their cesspool of humiliation, If they got caught, then so should you! Let's all jump in the quicksand! No one gets hurt right?

WRONG!

By participating in these games, we are demeaning not only ourselves but potentially our friends and loved ones who also care about us. We are not required to stoop to the low brow humour of the depraved minds who create these humiliating games. We have the right and the responsibility to stand up for ourselves and our friends. If the people who do choose to participate in these games are not understanding in our desire to step away, then we are far better off without them in our lives.

Standing up for ourselves and saying no isn't easy. It takes a lot of courage. Sometimes you lose friends in the process but you regain and maintain your self respect. You become a stronger person.

I've proudly hung this "pyramid people" poster in my home since I bought it back in the late 80's: 

From this image it may be hard to tell, but there is a look of fear and disbelief on the purple guys face that is priceless! It is as if the person is saying "How dare someone walk away from the crowd! We need the strength of the minions to survive!"

The look of pure joy on the little red guys face as he walks away from the pyramid gives me strength to face whatever comes my way! It reminds me that I am a unique person who is capable of making my own decisions and I will not be drawn into group mentality.

I found this image online a couple years ago: 

For me, it is a symbol of unity. We are standing together - side by side - all on the same level. A hope that someday we will all find a way to get along as equals - regardless of our gender, orientation. race, religion or beliefs. A time when there is no bullying, or a need for humiliating other living beings.

May all of us find that peace.

dn

The Chill Is In The Air

Winter is practically knocking at the door. It has been lurking nearby for a while now - dropping little white hints (or in some areas of Southern Manitoba BIG white hints) of what will be covering the landscape all too soon.

With the exception of the last couple of weeks, we'd actually been having a lovely Autumn. The temps had been mostly seasonal or a bit higher. Not a lot of rain and winds more or less behaved, Many of the leaves tried to stay on the trees till our Canadian Thanksgiving on October 14 - then promptly began to fall en mass.

The weather had been so nice, that I'd only had to pull out my mid season jacket a couple weeks ago. Until then, I'd been layering with a hooded fleece and a lightly lined wind breaker. Granted, there were a couple mornings that I did add a very light pair of stretchy gloves but only because it was a long wait at the bus stop! This past week, I had to pull out my heavy autumn jacket and slightly warmer gloves.

I know that these chillier days will seem downright balmy compared to the temps we will be experiencing in a month or so, but at the moment, it feels darn cold! Adjusting to the cooler temps sure doesn't get any easier as we age!

On the plus side, the nights have been cool and perfect for sleeping with the window open. Okay, I admit I sleep with the window open at least a little bit almost year round - even in the dead of winter unless there is a really brutal north wind. On those nights, I close the window and turn on the ceiling fan so the air keeps moving.

Over the last few years, I've been leaving my down blanket on the bed later into fall and saving the warmer down duvet for the real dips in temp. I'd rather throw a light fleece blanket on top than pull out the duvet sooner than necessary. That way, if I get too warm in the night I can throw one layer off.

This year, I'd also been able to resist turning on the heat in my apartment far later than usual. Even though the cost of heating is included in my rent, I tend to leave it off until I really need it. I'll put on a sweater or better yet, bake something or cook an oven meal! The warmth of the oven heats up my little apartment quite nicely!

Until about 10 days ago, I'd actually been able to leave my windows open 24/7. That may sound like a lot of cool air coming in, but in reality the air flow is somewhat limited as our windows are the crank style that only open a few inches. Not nearly as much "fresh" as I'd prefer!

A week ago Friday night was cool and even with the down blanket and the fleece throw, I wasn't as cozy as I'd like. Sure I could have gotten up and closed the window, but I knew I wouldn't have slept nearly as well.

When I got up on the Saturday morning (October 19), the apartment felt almost nippy. Perfect for my morning workout but the high for the day was only 6C and even with the windows shut, I knew I'd feel the chill after a shower. So, after my workout was done, I switched the heat from off to low and raised the thermostat from its lowest setting up to 65F. I heard the heat click on as I hit about 60F so the place hadn't been too bad.

I haven't actually kept a written record of how late I've turned on the heat over the years, but I suspect this is the latest I've ever waited! If memory serves, I think I usually give in around the first week of October!

I also relented to the down duvet last weekend, though I suspect I may have switched to the duvet a bit prematurely. I've thrown off the duvet and grabbed a fleece throw to cover me a coupe nights since! I'll leave the duvet on but I may have to turn the ceiling fan on some nights even with the window open!

The summer clothes have been moved to the back of the closet and the warmer winter clothes are now at the front. I haven't pulled out the winter coat and boots but have a sinking feeling those may be needed sooner rather than later.

My annual "squirreling" of various supplies to fill my pantry, freezer and household needs over the coming wintery months is more or less complete. I've defrosted the deep freezer and reorganized its contents. The Christmas baking is already in progress.

So, the cycle of preparing for changing seasonscontinues. Some of us are being dragged reluctantly towards it and its limitations to our lives while others are anxiously dreaming of what is to come.

A close friend continues to try and lure me to the wintery side of life but their zest for winter is bordering on the White Witch love of the snowy season. Admittedly, a promise of making a snow person (a la "Calvin and Hobbs" style), mirth and hot cocoa does sound tempting. I may take them up on that offer depending on the weather conditions of the day. I certainly won't be hibernating all winter - though a part of me would love to! I will still be running errands, doing some grocery shopping and hopefully some walking for pleasure if the sidewalks aren't too icy and I don't have to traverse snow-banks at intersections and bus stops.

We all know that winter "officially" begins on December 21, but those of us here in Manitoba know all too well that winter tends to arrive much sooner! As it is now, we are currently in what I like to call "Post Leaf - Pre-Snowbank Season". Snow will be arriving before we know it. When the snow stays on the ground for more than a few days, you might as well accept that it will be there till spring!

CBC Manitoba weather forecaster John Sauder has generously passed this information along to me. The data was gathered by Environment Canada. As you can see from #4 in the info below, the first autumn snowfall of 2 cm (almost 1 inch) or more which stays on ground for 7 days or more is roughly defined as the start of the snow-cover season.

Oh joy! Given how long and never-ending this past winter was, let's hope that Mother Nature will go gently on us this year. If we are really lucky, this will be one of those later years for our first real snow-covers! Yeah, yeah, I know - but I can dream!    

dn

Thankful For Autumn

The season of Autumn may last three months on the calendar, but in reality it's true duration is much shorter - especially here on the Canadian prairies.

Our first frost may come in late August and there is often snow on the ground before Halloween. The frost and the inevitable advent of snow make the season all too short.

So with that in mind. we should appreciate and partake in as many of the traditions of Autumn as we can while we are able.

Autumn isn't just harvesting crops, cleaning up the garden, raking the leaves and stocking the pantry for winter.

It is also about the tastes, the scents and the beauty of the fleeting season.

The seemingly endless possibilities for preparing and serving squash, pumpkins and apples. The sumptuous tastes of fresh tomatoes. Fresh potatoes, carrots and onions just waiting to add flavour to so many recipes!

Fragrant aromas and flavours emerging from kitchens as breads and baked goods come out of hot ovens!

The cool crisp air, accentuated by a wood burning fire - if not from your own home, then hopefully the scent of a neighbours wood fireplace wafting nearby!

Even shorter, is the beauty of the fall colours!

Some of our leaves were starting to turn in early September. By late September, the changing colours of the leaves was switching into high gear.

I wanted to go for at least one long fall walk in my tree lined neighbourhood and a nearby park!

There were a few days that I had other commitments and couldn't go for more than a short walk. The weather wasn't exactly cooperating for a picture taking walk either. It seemed to be cloudy, windy or both most of the week. Then there was the day of rain on Saturday (Sept 28). I thought about going on the Sunday, but after all of the rain and fallen leaves, I was concerned that the ground may be slippery in places and I really didn't want to take a fall in the fall. (or anytime for that matter!)

So, I waited till Monday morning (Sept 30). A few clouds to start, but skies were clearing. The sun was shining, temp was about 16C and the wind was light. The battery in the camera was charged and I was heading out the door a little before 10AM. I headed towards a nearby park on Wellington Crescent - taking pics along the way.

There is something about Munson Park that just draws me in - especially in the fall.

Munson Park is a long narrow strip of land that runs east/west between Wellington Crescent to the south and the Assiniboine River to the north. The park was named after J H Munson, a lawyer, who was the first to build a home on that strip of land.

Wellington can be quite busy and noisy, but the many trees and bushes along the street side of the park help to reduce the sound greatly. Yes, you can still hear some traffic sounds - especially the buses and any horns or sirens - but for the most part, I am able to block them from my senses and imagine that I am walking in a country wood. I try to focus on the natural sounds. The leaves fluttering in the breeze. The water lapping the shore. The birds singing - and yes, the sounds of the Canada Geese as they make their long journey south.

It isn't a large park as far as parks go. And it isn't as manicured or landscaped as many of our city parks. That may well be a large part of what draws me there - especially in autumn. As beautiful and picturesque as the stately homes in the area can be, the beauty within the park is more reminiscent of a walk in the country or through wooded grounds of a rustic estate.

Various packed dirt paths meander along the riverbank and occasionally veer off to meet the paved paths nearer to the Crescent.

The paved paths are okay, but my favourite ones are the packed dirt trails near the river. They are slightly uneven, but if I - as a legally blind gal with no depth perception - can navigate them, then most other people can as well. Admittedly, I haven't tried to do it in the winter or when they are wet and slippery, but in decent weather they are pretty easy to navigate! The dirt paths are also more likely to be semi covered with fallen leaves so you really get to hear that "crunch" under your feet as you walk!

I walk slowly through the park, surveying my surroundings. Admiring the beauty of the colourful foliage. I stop frequently to take pictures from various angles - trying to frame the vast contrasts in colours of the trees, shrubs, bushes, plants and grasses.

I allow myself to get lost in its' beauty, its' sounds and the scent of fall. I breath in the autumn air. My surroundings draw me into its embrace and takes me back to the days growing up on the farm or going for walks in the woods at my favourite camp of youth. Sweet memories from the past merge with the present as I roam the park.

A temporary escape from the hustle of a hurried city.

I took many photos in my 2 1/4 hour walk. Most were taken in duplicate but that way I am assured of getting the shot I wanted. I was so glad that I went when I did, because the next day (Tuesday, October 1), we had incredibly strong winds that blew a great many leaves off the trees.

Thankfully, I have my memories and my pictures of a September Morning.

I returned to the park this past Wednesday morning (Oct 9). Many more leaves had changed colours and fallen but there was still so much beauty to behold! I just had to put another slideshow/montage together to showcase the Beauty Of Autumn!

Alas, the weather is changing with cooler weather, strong winds and rain.

Mother Nature's colourful landscape is quickly fading from our outdoor surroundings now as only the heartiest of leaves remain aloft. If we are lucky, we have taken a few moments to commit the scenic views to our cameras - or at least to our memory.

Yes, the external beauty may be all but gone, but there is still much to be thankful for as we savour the scents, aromas and flavours of all this short but bountiful season has to offer.

Happy Thanksgiving!

dn

Autumn Chipper's

Autumn is here and that means it's time to bake some cookies! So why not take advantage of the flavours of the season?

This recipe is based on one from the gals at Mennonite Girls Can Cook, but of course I made my own adjustments! I reduced the brown sugar slightly, added some more spices, toasted almonds and upped the quantity of chocolate chips!

The other most noticeable ingredient difference between their recipe and mine is that I use Butternut Squash rather than canned or fresh pumpkin.

Canned pumpkin is readily available this time of year, but it can vary greatly in price. I recently saw a tweet from a Canadian cookbook writer lamenting the cost of a can was $4.99! I have no idea what brand or where they were shopping, but I suspect it was an organic store as most major grocers have it for under $3/can in the weeks leading up to Canadian Thanksgiving (2nd Monday of October).

But why spend the money on a canned product when a cheaper, fresh alternative like squash is so readily available? Why not take a little extra time now and cook up some squash to freeze for use throughout the year as a baking ingredient or a vegetable?

NOTE: When the spices are added, you can NOT taste ANY difference or notice any difference in texture! It is purely a matter of choice whether you use pumpkin or squash for this recipe or any recipe that calls for canned pumpkin.

Once it is cooked and mashed, it is a simple substitute for any recipe that calls for pumpkin. I prefer using Butternut Squash as it has less waste than many other squash varieties and also has a great texture and flavour when cooked. It is very simple to prepare either for eating right away as a vegetable or to freeze for later use in baking or as a side dish. The peel is thin and can be removed with a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Once you've peeled, seeded and cubed the squash - give it a rinse in a colander, then place in a dutch oven or large casserole dish. Add a bit of water and a dash of salt. Cover and bake in the oven at 350 till tender (easily pierced with a fork). I generally do 2 or 3 squash at the same time but the quantity is up to you. Cooking time will vary depending on quantity but check after about 20-25 minutes. Drain any excess fluid and mash. Cool slightly and divide into individual 1/2 cup portions. I put the servings in zippered snack bags, flatten and seal - then lay on a cookie sheet to freeze before transferring to a zippered freezer bag to store in freezer for later use. Freezing and storing them flattened takes up far less space. The 1/2 cup portions are perfect for a single vegetable serving or to calculate how much you will need for any recipe.

Now back to the cookies!

I gave samples of this cookie to several people and it got great reviews!

Autumn Chipper's

1 1/2 cups block margarine, softened to room temp

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups white flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves 

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp salt

2 cups cooked and mashed squash or 1 15 oz can pure pumpkin 

2 cups quick oats

3 cups dark mini chocolate chips (I prefer Foley's*)

1 cup chopped almonds, toasted**

Method:

- Beat together margarine and sugars till light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and combine thoroughly.

- Combine the flours, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger.

- Alternately add flour mixture and pumpkin - beginning and ending with the flour mix. Beat well.

- Add oatmeal, combine just to blend.

- Lastly mix in chocolate chips and toasted almonds.

- Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls, onto parchment lined cookie sheets and bake at 350º for 15-18 minutes.

- Remove immediately to cooling rack. Makes about 10 - 11 dozen.

- Cookies freeze well.

* Foley's can be found in small bags in some grocery stores in Canada but I prefer to buy it in quantity at Costco. A 5kg box is generally around $20 but SO worth it!! The flavour is dark, pure and intense! If you can't find Foley's, try to find a really good quality dark mini chocolate chip.

** To toast Almonds: place almonds on a microwave safe plate and set to medium high for about 4-5 minutes - stirring every minute or so till toasted. These can burn very easily so watch carefully! Allow to cool completely before adding to the cookie batter.

Enjoy!

dn

PS

Here are links to my other "pumpkin" recipes:

dn's Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Muffins/Loaf

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Ice Cream (one of many variations to this ice cream recipe)

Somewhere Between A Luddite And A Techie

There was a time in our not so distant past that we had to wait for the mail to be delivered to find out what was going on beyond our doorsteps or our neighbourhood. It could take weeks, months or even years to learn of events in far off places.

A telegram, brought either good news or horrible news. The same with a long distance phone call. Both were expensive ways to communicate.

Now, we live in a world of technology with virtually instant communication. We can email, text and message almost anyone anywhere and often get a response within seconds. We can watch live coverage of what is happening almost anywhere in the world. We can get answers to questions on practically any topic just by doing an internet search.

How much we embrace technology is a personal choice, but it is really pretty hard to completely resist all that technology has to offer. Some are in whole hog and have to have all the latest tech gadgets. Some give it a wait and see how everyone else likes it. Some barely dip their toes.

My parents never owned an answering machine, VCR or a DVD player. They only got cable in the 1990's. They were truly part of a fading generation - back to a simpler time.

Some of my senior friends have jumped on the technology train and love being on the internet.

We all know of at least a couple of people who do everything on their tablets and smart phones - no cable connection, home computer/laptop or even a landline phone. For them, it is all about mobility.

On the other hand, an acquaintance refuses to get a computer or a cell but loves having some of the premium channels that cable TV has to offer! They haven't got a recording device so they try to adjust a social life around what they want to see!

To each, their own.

I've had cable TV since about 1980. I got my first VCR in 1987. My first answering machine was purchased later the same year.

It was fall 2006 before I got my first computer. (I'm now on my third one!) I got an mp3 player and a digital camera in the following years.

For some reason, I've never gotten around to buying a DVD player. I own several DVD's but just watch them on my computer. I'll probably get one at some point, but it isn't a "must have" for me.

I got my first e-reader two years ago and love the ability to adjust the font to a size I want. Not everything I want to read is available in e-editions, so I still buy some books or use my library card from time to time.

This summer, I ventured a bit further into the techie world, as I bought a Kindle Fire HD. With it, I can continue to read books but will also be able to keep in touch a bit easier via email and social media if I am travelling. (I'll write more about my experience with the Kindle's in a future post)

I've come a long way in the land of tech, but I certainly haven't embraced all of what a true techie would want! As I expressed in my last post (Unexpected Disconnect), I've no desire for a cell phone or a Blackberry. They are so tiny that I really doubt I'd be able to use one effectively without getting unduly frustrated with the screens and touch-pads. Nor am I willing to deal with sorting out the complexities of various contract and payment options for service. I highly doubt that I'd use it enough to justify the expense.

I've nothing against those who embrace the smart phone technology. It certainly has its place in our modern world.

Unfortunately, with all of the advances in technology, the art of human interactions and conversations seems to be lost on many. They don't seem to understand that most of us don't want to hear their side of a personal or business call while out in public. Or that there is real value in talking face to face with someone, sending a message with more than 140 characters or ... gasp ... writing and mailing a real letter in an envelope! This is becoming more of a challenge as some schools aren't even teaching cursive anymore. Personally, I have a hard time reading any cursive and my own cursive was always a disaster -  but I digress.

Don't get me wrong. I love being able to communicate with friends and family throughout the world with technology. I've used abbreviations, emoticons and hashtags in tweets and messages.

As much as I love my technology, there is so much more to life! Things to be experienced and learned beyond the tech gadgets. Just by turning off the technology - even for a little while.

I'm not suggesting you revert to a luddite - only that you step away from the electronics once in a while to see what is beyond your devices of choice.

So, why not give it a try? Turn off the devices while you're on the bus, in line at the coffee shop, the grocery store or in any public place.

Slow down and take the time to observe your surroundings.

Enjoy the view, the scents, the flavours and the atmosphere.

Have a face to face conversation with the cashier, the server or with someone nearby. Acknowledge the person and don't forget to say please and thank you.

You just may be amazed at how much better your day is when you step back from the tech and observe and/or have a bit of conversation with a real person. It may make their day a little brighter. You may make a new friend.

The world is truly bigger and more spectacular than our technology will ever be.

There is a happy medium between luddites and techies.

It's a balancing act - but so worth it!

dn