When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth

Pardon me, while I scream.

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It would be gory, no question about that. No one who had actually seen it had actually told me anything about it. But even if it was (gory), I could handle it, right? I had seen Jurassic Parks 1, 2, and 3 (was there a 4?) and had come out shaken and stirred - but still in one piece. This time I didn't know what to expect.

Having heard that theaters everywhere were packing them in and that it would be hard to get tickets, we decided to do a matinee. It was almost full, but we found good seats next to a lively and close-knit couple who were clearly not thinking about dinosaurs. They were paying quite a lot of attention to each other, though, and I started wishing the movie would START ALREADY.

If you have already seen Jurassic World, you will know that it does not take very long for the scary bits to show up. 

As things heated up and extinct monsters made their debuts in front of us, the volume and the music built up, and up, until the fear in the theater became palpable. And then a dinosaur screamed. It was a scream like no other scream, horrific and meaningful (the intent being: somebody was GOING TO DIE), coming out of a gigantic mouth filled with sharp, crooked, messy teeth. I believe it had already eaten someone because - well, just because (you have to see it).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/14405058@N08/5969927281

Then the dinosaur screaming continued, at ever louder decibel levels, and suddenly I heard someone else screaming along with it. The screams came from someone sitting quite near us, and sounded like a woman. And then, I realized ... it wasn't just any woman - the woman was ME. This humiliating thing happened again and again; and then the largest dinosaur, the one who was the most dangerous, simply would NOT go away, and would NOT stop, and suddenly the woman who was me shouted, "OH NO, NOT AGAIN!!"

It was so embarrassing.

The only thing I can compare it with is the time my sister and I went to see JAWS for the first time, back in 1977. We were so frightened that we both found ourselves curled up and screaming on the floorboards of the theater (I think our husbands pretended they didn't know us). 

In any case, I thought this was a good, solid movie. And the lively close-knit couple next to us? Well, they got scared, let's just say, and walked out of the theater somewhat subdued. I think they were actually pale.

It was a great blockbuster summer film complete with suspense, amazing music, and all sorts of genetically engineered monster-like antediluvian horrors all leading up to the inevitable sequel.

It would have been perfect if only I could have gotten that woman to stop her everlasting screaming.


See you along the way!
the SconeLady


photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52957117@N04/7197846552">Dinosaur  Adventure</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14405058@N08/5969927281">Dinosaur Hall</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

Surfer Dude Makes A Comeback

"Ok, so let's meet at the north side of the Huntington Beach Pier, 8 am!" texted the rather stunning (surfing) son. "The waves are supposed to be decent by then."

So we got up early, packed some food and headed out, down the 91. It was a debut, of sorts. The recovered fractured collar bone, damaged during a high energy basketball game, was healed and ready for business at last. And we were keen to watch.

We found Huntington Beach charming as we drove slowly north on the CA-1. It was clean; quaint; filled with small shops just crying out to the SconeLady as she passed. And we came across the most amazing VW Bus simply plastered with stickers (I guess you would call them that). And hovering near the Bus was an elder surfer, utterly gracious, who may have been surfing and busing for ages. He spoke with The Rather Stunning in a friendly way, something about being 'too tired to climb a wave just now'. He opened up the rear door as we passed, and I saw the beautiful insides of that Bus. Woa! Almost a palace, in there. In the end, we concluded that he probably lives in it and surfs whenever the mood strikes. 

It would have been fun to hear more, but we had other things to do, our own surfer to watch - and he climbed atop wave after wave, getting his bearings and making up for lost time.

But eventually even the youngest most energetic of surfers will get tired or hungry, or both. So we gathered our belongings and went in search of a breakfast worthy of all that energy. What we came upon was the unexpected presence of a B.J.'s restaurant that actually served breakfast. We did not know B.J.'s restaurants served breakfast and were very excited about it. We found a table outside, and settled in.

Downtown Huntington Beach.

Adorable

Would you like to know what we ordered? (I always tell). Mine was the California Scramble, complete with eggs, roasted vegetables, cheese, country potatoes and sausage, with sourdough toast. Coffee. Of course. The rather stunning and his father had the 'short stack', and some sausage. All delicious, all satisfying. And the conversation was even better.

And just as we left, the cutest little VW Bug pulled in to a parking space just across the street. I probably don't need to tell you that I have never, ever, seen anything so cute where we live. Nor a VW Bus plastered with retro stickers and amazing inner decor, either. Clearly Huntington Beach is the place to be, on a weekend, with mild California weather and two kind men, one on either side of the SconeLady.

That's my very own personal version of Bliss.

See you along the way!

the SconeLady

Rick Steves Interviews the SconeLady

"Mom, you really should contact Rick Steves and share your travel blog with him," said the lovely daughter one day.

"Really?" said the SconeLady with some trepidation. "He probably gets scads of blogs and requests and - well, people telling him things."

"I know, but you really should contact him mom." And we left it at that.

The Digey Food Room, best scone in England!

But I couldn't get it out of my mind, now that it was rattling around in there. So finally I sat down to write to Rick Steves - travel writer, travel expert, travel everything, and told him about the SconeLady. About how she wanders around England in search for the tastiest scone in that lovely Land. My finger hovered for a moment over the 'send' key as I pondered (should I..?). But in the end, click! went the key, for good or ill. And then I waited. 

Presently, an email made its way to my inbox, with an invitation to 'chat with Rick on his show about your experiences searching for the perfect scone'!! I felt breathless, truly I did.

In fact, I was sitting in the passenger seat of the lovely daughter's van when the email arrived. "RICK STEVES!!!" I suddenly shouted.

"What!" she exclaimed.

"He wants to chat with me about SCONES! On his SHOW!" And of course, we both squealed and went a little bit crazy. "I knew it mom!" she enthused. The date was given, June 12, between 3:30 and 4:00 pm PT. I had some time. I could prepare.

So yesterday afternoon I sat in my 'perch', thinking of my beloved scones and waiting for the phone to ring. My notes sat before me just in case I panicked or my mind went suddenly blank. 

The phone did ring, and there was the producer speaking kindly to me, saying, "Hello, Scone Lady! Rick is speaking to two other people first, and then it will be your turn." And I was placed on hold.

Josh, quintessential scone baker,

The Digey Food Room

While on hold, I was able to hear the other callers, people just like me who would be sharing something exciting with Rick about travel. This gave me the chance to think how nervous they must be, and how this was not just happening to me alone. We were a TEAM of enthusiasts who were there to be enthusiastic about our travel adventures, and help to spread the enthusiasm.

Then all of a sudden, click! went the phone, and, "..now, we have the Scone Lady on the line. Tell me, Scone Lady..." and we were off and running!

Rick was so nice. I was able to remember almost all of what I had planned to say. He asked all of the questions I had thought he might and hoped he would. We even laughed! He was a true professional, helping me to relax and share my experiences without feeling overwhelmed.

Rick asked which scone was the very best I had found in all of England. I, of course, stated what all of my dear Readers already know - that it was found at The Digey Food Room in St Ives, created by their quintessential scone-baker, Josh. Rick shared that he has plans to be in St Ives on his very next trip, and would now definitely visit The Digey! Fabulous.

I don't know when this taped conversation will air, but no doubt someday soon I will be walking the distant miles, listening to the Travel With Rick Steves program, and suddenly will hear, "..and now, we have the Scone Lady on the line!"

And I will almost certainly squeal, and go just a little bit crazy.


See you along the way!
The SconeLady

(The dialogue here is approximate)

Things I Would Like to Say (If I Can Remember to Say Them) To Rick Steves

(Dear Readers, The SconeLady will be speaking with Rick Steves today! And tomorrow I will tell you all about how it went. In the meantime, below are some of the things I hope to remember to tell him):


It would be so much fun if a person (the SconeLady, perhaps) was able to speak with Rick Steves one to one, about traveling to some lovely spot under the sun. To ask him questions and find out what he would think of such a spot. To learn whether he has himself already been to it (probably!), and what it was he found there.

In this dream of mine there are some things I would surely say, dreamlike, of course, accompanied by laughter. These are some of the things that I would say:

"Hello, Rick, it's lovely to hear you!"

"I discovered scones, and travel, in New Zealand in the 1970's, and have been fascinated by them ever since."

"How did I become the SconeLady? Well, after a spinal surgery I wasn't allowed inside a vehicle for one year, so for physical therapy I walked 10 miles each day while listening to Travel With Rick Steves. After that year was over, I went on a walking tour in England, searching for the best scone in that lovely land - and then blogged about it! And that is how SconeTherapy was born."

"The best scone in all of England (at least, the best that I personally found) was in St Ives Cornwall at The Digey Food Room. It was more than delicious, it was stupendous. Josh is their amazing scone baker, and has been kind enough to appear on the SconeTherapy blog."

"The second best scone I found in England resides in Cambridge, at Auntie's Tea Shop - 1 St Mary's Passage. They have a wonderful Afternoon Tea. Again, absolutely delightful."

"What are the most important qualifications of a really terrific scone? Ok, here is my list:

• warm, just out of the oven
• just sweet enough
• of respectable size and weight
• brushed with an egg wash before baking
• baked in a hot oven, at intervals, all day long. No 're-heating' of scones. Ever!
• served with lashings of jam and either clotted cream, or whipped cream

"Be a scone seeker. Because everybody needs a little Scone Therapy now and then."


Watch this space, for tomorrow I will tell you all about how it went.

See you along the way!

the SconeLady

Apple Watch at Panera Bread

https://www.flickr.com/photos/39160147@N03/14638156181

Panera Bread was a busy spot today, filled with hungry patrons standing in a line and deciding what they would eat. A dark-haired baby just learning to walk stood staring up at my face, smiling. It is interesting how the tiniest mite of a child already knows how to look you in the eyes and win your heart. He was adorable. But the line got longer, and there was a long conversation taking place up at the counter and the customers started getting agitated. One hungry man was especially so, sighing and shuffling and making targeted comments he hoped they could hear. I wondered what was going on.

The key issue for me, actually, wasn't being in a hurry so much as being able to try paying for my food with the new Apple Watch! Nervously I checked to be sure the watch was ready to send its signal. To double click on the flat button on the right hand side of the face edge. To be sure the app was all set to go. And then at last, we were at the front of the line.

"Thank you for your patience," said the girl. 

"No problem! But will I be able to pay with Apple Watch?" I enquired. The wait would be worth it if I could just use my new toy.

"Oh yes, certainly," she said, so we began to order. Would you like to know what we ordered? (My enquiring sister will want to know). My current favorite happens to be their amazing Steel Cut Oatmeal, which is served with the yummiest crusty brown sugar blended with cinnamon, to absolutely die for. Plus fresh strawberries scattered on top. Plus milk if you wish. The SconeLady's husband requested the cherry danish, and we both asked for coffee. The muffins and bagels and scones and and soufflés at Panera are also superior, but you just can't fit in every item every time. 

I stood ready for my payment process to begin, and then double clicked on the flat button on the right hand side of the watch. I watched the watch. She watched her machine, and then - nothing happened! Well, there was a beep, but apparently not a productive one. There is only so much time you can take at the front of a line for fear of agitating more customers, so after two tries I caved and got out the iPhone. Of course, it worked. 

Certainly there was something of user error in this failure. Perhaps some crucial step I had overlooked. There are just so many of them in this new-fangled, upgradable tech-driven iWorld. But even without the fancy payment method, I still walked out of Panera Bread completely satisfied. Because there is nothing high-tech or new-fangled about the taste of Oatmeal. It will always be there, fresh, unchanging, delicious. 

Because Oatmeal will never need an upgrade.

See you along the way!

the SconeLady

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39160147@N03/14638156181">Panera Bread</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

The AppleWatch Made Me Do It

It has arrived! And several weeks early, at that. The above AppleWatch appeared on our doorstep yesterday and we have been playing with it ever since. To any Apple devotee, such a prospect is absolutely fun and never a chore. You just have to climb onto its wavelength, stand up, and hang on for the ride. I think I can handle this.

There is a certain amount of embedded Apple knowledge already present because we have used Apple products for years now. Apple has the happy habit of building on that knowledge base with each new device it creates, and this means that you don't have to relearn everything it offers. You just tune in to what I call your 'AppleSense', and apply it. 

And it's pretty, too, isn't it? It might look a bit big on the SconeLady's wrist, but for a good reason. When we went to look at the variety of Apple Watches a few weeks ago, I discovered that my eyes are more comfy with this larger display, therefore I did not order the more petite version. And I am happy with it. To this Goldilocks, it seems to be 'not too small, not too large, but Just Right'.

This particular wrist band is smooth, and pretty, and pliable. Luxurious. Once it is on, you forget it's there because it is made to almost blend in with your skin. Enough of those heavy metal watch bands that only weigh you down! You have to feel this one to believe it.

There are just so many things you can do with AppleWatch, dear Readers. Far too many to describe in one post. But one of my favorites is the Workout app, which keeps track of your mileage, calories, heart rate, steps taken, time sitting and standing, and more. In fact, I was sitting here writing last night when AppleWatch deemed it time for me to GET UP OFF OF MY NEST. It beeped a very sweet and soft beep, and buzzed a short little buzz, and I looked at it. It said, 'Time to stand! Stand up and move a little for one minute.' So, I did stand and I did move around a little bit. It is amazing how long a writer can sit and stare at their screen, never dreaming that they have been sitting and staring for such ages. So now, about every hour I hear the beep and feel the buzz, and drag myself up and at 'em.

Another exciting capacity of the AppleWatch is using it to pay for purchases at our local stores and restaurants. No digging in your purse to find your wallet and credit card and ID. Just hold your wrist over the activator, wait for the beep, and - voila! Each time I have used the iPhone for payment, the clerk has looked surprised and pleased that I wanted to try it. And then surprised and pleased that it actually worked! So now I will try it using the AppleWatch, and find out whether or not they will be surprised and pleased all over again. Tomorrow: Panera Bread, my first shot at ApplePay with AppleWatch. It could hardly get any better than that.

I can promise more on all of this later, as I look and learn and discover. But here is a short list of possibilities for you in the meantime:

• it's a watch
• it's a phone
• it's a camera
• it's an iPod 
• it's a radio
• it's a movie theater
• it's a text and email device
• it's your keys
• it's your credit card
• it's a computer
• it's a calendar
• it's weatherman
• it's a map
• it's a GPS
• it's a calendar
• it's a workout counter
• it's a step counter
• it's a calorie counter
• it's a heart rate monitor
• it can find your husband
• and HE can find YOU.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/88403964@N00/17111109088

The list is silly, really, only scratching the surface of what this nifty little thing can do. But let us think of it this way: have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a Personal Assistant? 

Well, you need wonder no longer. Your Personal Assistant is here.

See you along the way!

the SconeLady

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88403964@N00/17111109088">Apple -  Watch Sport</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>

No, Not Beef. BOEUF.

'Not just anybody's Boeuf Bourguignon. Julie Child's Boeuf Bourguignon!' said the girl in the movie. And for whatever reason, we all sat up and took notice.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/28531775@N06/4439087468

There was something arresting in the way she said it, as though she was about to have the most satisfying eating experience ever. And now you want to learn how to have it for yourself. I think a lot of us went immediately out and bought Mastering The Art of French Cooking. Did you? I certainly did (as a Christmas gift for the lovely daughter), and the first recipe I made from it was Boeuf Bourguignon.

Even spelling it is challenging, but you should really just try and make it, dear Readers. It is time-consuming, intense, confusing, and also jaw-droopingly delicious. Therefore worth all the time, intensity, and confusion. We had it again last night. So we know.

I hesitate to confess, but we haven't been able to locate Julia's cookbook these past few months, and therefore I had to flee to Google for her Boeuf Bourguignon recipe. I expected it to be an 'adapted' version of her cookbook version, but found that it was really quite exactly similar. The taste and texture revealed that nothing was wrong with the online recipe. And as a bonus, it was easy to read. Less complicated! Nice.

Boeuf Bourguignon with Basic Savory Scones

I adored the end result. There is something outstanding about 

• bacon
• olive oil
• butter
• beef (I actually used a roast rather than stew meat)
• carrots
• new potatoes
• white pearl onions
• mushrooms
• red wine
• beef stock
• tomato paste
• garlic cloves
• more butter
• more olive oil
• parsley, thyme, bay leaf, flour, salt and pepper

Together, they made magic. And it might be hard to believe, but it only took me 30 minutes to prep and throw all of this into the pot. Which went onto the Big Green Egg barbecue grill. Which took only 2 hours to cook to perfection. Which produced the most amazing sauce. I think it was the combination of the red wine, the butter, and the tomato paste. It went into the pot as liquid, and came out as this unforgettably monumental sauce. 

And oh please, do make the scones from yesterday's post. The merging of those two tastes was divine. And extraordinary. And now I am running out of adjectives. Again. 

Mortifying.

See you along the way!

the SconeLady

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28531775@N06/4439087468">homemade boeuf bourguignon</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>