While New York experiences science-fiction spring weather (the actual all-time record-breaking max yesterday was 32°C – the forecast max for tomorrow: 15°C!) and we re-adjust tant bien que mal to the Big Apple, chafed by the "hum" – that constant background noise and vibration so characteristic of mega cities, but comforted by the vibrancy and exhorted by the very real notion that we are standing on the belly-button of the known universe, my poor laptop is agonizing in the heat, plagued with the multiple symptoms of a widespread decease that leaves no hope of recovery and has me looking at alternatives in a most inconvenient time.

The seasonal bloom is all around us, fragrant, impressive and colorful, in a Vancouver-like fashion if I may say so, with magnolias, pear and cherry trees competing for the welcome domination of our streets. Marie has been incredibly active and prolific and much beauty can be seen and read over at 66 Square Feet. She also has started a food blog in an effort to regroup all her food writing under one cyber-roof.

And as for me, well, I’m just doing my best…

"And far away in some recess
The Lord and the Devil are now playing chess,
The Devil still cheats and wins more souls,
And as for the Lord, well, he’s just doing his best…"

 Chris De Burgh – Spanish Train