Apple Cake and

It is apple season, and I was thrilled with anticipation.

September is the one month of the year that I remember the old advice, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Obviously, I am negligent in listening to the wisdom of the words since there are twelve months of the year, and I recall them only in the ninth month.

However immediately after Labor Day I traditionally resurrect a well worn recipe for apple cake and yes, indulge.

I not only love making the cake (there is no need to even peel the amazing fruit) but it also provides an opportunity to share the joy of the season. I always invite treasured friends to welcome the autumn colors and join me for cider and apple cake.

However, this year the word apple is tainted due to an horrendous experience with a new purchase from an esteemed company.

For more than a decade, I have enjoyed the pleasure and efficiency of online shopping. It is convenient, done efficiently and I have been able to keep my digital equipment current.

After many pros and cons this year, I decided to upgrade one of my devices. I chose carefully and made the selection after serious discussions with the online supplier (whose name I will leave to your imagination.)

The purchase went smoothly and my credit card was billed before delivery. When the anticipated package arrived, I was ecstatic (it doesn’t take much to thrill me these days).

I opened it carefully and wisely, kept the original packaging.

After three days of wrestling with phone calls and “support” from the esteemed supplier, one and all agreed, the new computer had major problems. However, the solution was simple. Return it and a label was then emailed to me.

I was disappointed, but accepting. Accordingly, I rewrapped the device in its original box, printed the label quickly and sent it away as instructed.

However, it is now in the nebulous world of the missing. And no one except me is concerned.

I now spend endless hours talking to many people in various countries reaffirming order numbers, serial numbers, etc. and occasionally weeping.

And even if the issue is ever resolved, I doubt if I will ever return to the joy I once felt when I resurrect the recipe for my apple cake.