I knew it was coming, the inevitable hardware upgrade. I have not upgraded for over three years and that is a very long time when it comes to computer technology. The Macintosh I purchased at that time was just out of production and had gone on sale, so the technology was a bit outdated when I acquired it. No matter, three years of faithful service were provided at a reduced cost. The time comes though, to measure the economy of updates and additions against the purchase of new hardware. I have been considering this issue for the last six months and yesterday a new computer joined the lineup on my desk.

I think I shall give this computer a name, not something I have been in the habit of doing. During my time of deliberation I came to realize just how much time I spend in front of the keyboard. It might be safe to say that significant portions of my waking hours are spent in a digital world. I think, that until now, I presumed this to be a temporary state of being. However, an honest assessment reveals that I am truly wired. This computer will have a name. The inanimate objects that carry my reality through their veins will have names from this day forth.

I hereby christen the new G4 Marjory. The 7300 will become Alfred and the 5300 will henceforth be known as Pearl. Other members of the hardware family are Izzi the SE/30, Herb the P100, and Elspeth the P166. "The Teenager" uses the P166 and disliked the original name I had chosen for the machine, Hortense. She decided that Elspeth, a Scottish harp, would be a suitable name, and so Elspeth it is. The Commodore 64 has been hibernating happily at the back of a closet for so long that I believe the most appropriate name for it is Bear.

Pathetic isn't it, the naming of inanimate objects. The bright side of providing names for all the computers is that the other humans I live with might begin to understand what I am talking about. Once numbers are used in a conversation my housemates seem to become "technology deaf". I can not blame them. Perhaps my new taxonomy will engender a renewed interest on their part. Who am I kidding?

My recent ordeal at the local hospital has ended happily. I was given a clean bill of health; or rather my colon was given a clean bill of health. Well, so to speak anyway, in keeping with the situation. The outcome couldn't have been happier. Being in a high-risk category for cancer, the procedure needs to be done every three years. I can only hope that the same doctors, nurses, and staff are there for my next visit; they were nothing short of wonderful.

The winter drags on. Today is quite cold, the wind blows just brisk enough to chill the face. Most of the snow has slowly melted over the last three weeks. Yesterday we had a bit of a storm and there is a dusting of a few centimeters in sheltered areas. Otherwise the sidewalks and roads are clear.

Early spring in Canada affords a series of gratitudes. First one is grateful that the snow has melted a bit. Then one is grateful that the sun shines occasionally. One is cheered by the ability to walk out the door and as far as the car without having to pull-on and lace-up heavy boots. There is great satisfaction to be enjoyed by the mere realization that the roof is clear of snow and the danger of "ice dams" is over for another year. The list goes on and on. Oh yes, here in Canada we are "footloose and fancy free" in the spring.

The kitchen was warm and wonderful this evening. Attila arrived home with a craving for pizza. Such a request is usually met with great enthusiasm. Five minutes after he walked in the door the dough was mixing and kneading. Within a few short hours we enjoyed a slice of the best pizza I have ever tasted. This is not saying a lot, however, as I do not eat in restaurants and people seldom prepare homemade pizza for guests. My experience is rather limited.

There are times in life when food just tastes better and I am experiencing such a time. I have not enjoyed eating so much since I was a young woman. Every evening a new and tantalizing meal appears on the table. Last night it was Hummus with whole-wheat pita wedges, and a green salad with cheese dressing. I am eating less and enjoying it more. It might be that spring, although it is not visibly imminent, is having its lightening effect on my world.