The Great Computer Caper

Posted on by

The Great Computer Caper: A Tale of Cords, Confusion, and Cat Interference

There comes a time in every digital wanderer’s life when their trusty old computer begins to sound less like a machine and more like a wheezing accordion. Mine had started sighing audibly every time I opened a browser tab. It finally laid down its virtual head to enter sleep mode never to awaken again.  It was time.

Chapter One: The Seduction of Specs

I entered the electronics store with the confidence of someone who’d Googled “best computer for bloggers” exactly once. The sales associate greeted me with a smile that said, “I’m about to upsell you into oblivion.” Suddenly, I was knee-deep in acronyms—SSD, RAM, GPU—and nodding like I understood any of it. I picked the one that looked sleek and promised “lightning-fast performance,” which I later learned was code for “you’ll need a dongle for everything.”

Chapter Two: Setup or Summoning Ritual?

2+ Thousand Computer Wires Mess Royalty-Free Images, Stock Photos & Pictures | Shutterstock

Unboxing the new machine felt like opening a treasure chest—until I realized it had no USB ports. My printer, camera, and external hard drive stared at me like abandoned pets. I bought adapters. Then adapters for the adapters. Banner tried to chew one. Balboa sat on the keyboard and activated Siri in Spanish.

Chapter Three: The Migration Mayhem

Transferring files was less “drag and drop” and more “drag and sob.” My old computer refused to cooperate, like a jealous ex. Passwords were forgotten. Cloud backups were mysteriously missing. At one point, I considered hiring a teenage hacker or just starting a new life as a forest-dwelling poet.  Even after desperation forced me to JustAnswer  it took the technician 2 days to help me find my Lightroom app.

Chapter Four: Victory (Sort Of)

Eventually, everything was set up. The screen was crisp, the speed was glorious, and I could open ten tabs without hearing a death rattle. Sure, I still don’t know what half the icons do, and yes, I accidentally sent an email with a cat emoji signature. But I’m back online, baby.

______________________________________________________________

Have you survived your own tech upgrade saga—or are you still tangled in cords and confusion? Drop your story in the comments and let’s commiserate.
And if you’re looking for cat-proof cables, adapters that actually work, or a chair that won’t judge your posture, check out my favorite finds below. Banner and Balboa approved (mostly).

_______________________________________________________________

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through this link—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you’ll enjoy too. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping keep the storytelling flowing

🪑 Chair of Champions

Ergonomic Synthetic Leather Gaming Chair
When your computer setup feels like a medieval quest, this chair is your throne. With diamond-stitched faux leather, a massaging lumbar cushion, and a retractable footrest, it’s built for bloggers, gamers, and anyone who’s ever Googled “how to sit like a human.” Banner may still try to chew the armrest, but at least you’ll be reclining in style.
Check it out

🖥️ The Comeback Computer

Gateway 23.8″ All-in-One Desktop
This sleek machine boots up faster than your cat can knock over a coffee mug. With a vivid Full HD display, AMD Ryzen 5 processor, and enough ports to make a dongle cry with joy, it’s the perfect upgrade for bloggers, creators, and digital wanderers. Comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse—because cords are so last meltdown.
Explore the specs

💼 The No-Frills Workhorse

15″ Windows 11 Laptop with Intel Pentium J3710
If you’re looking for a reliable laptop that won’t break the bank—or your back—this slim, featherweight machine delivers the essentials without the drama. With a crisp 1080p display, 256GB SSD, and 8GB RAM, it’s perfect for blogging, browsing, and battling inbox chaos. No flashy lights, no touch screen tantrums—just solid performance and a battery life that lasts longer than your average Zoom call. Bonus: it’s light enough for Balboa to nap on without triggering a system crash.
See the specs and snag the deal Here

Available at Welcominghaven.com

 

 

 

Autumn in the Haven

Posted on by

🍁 Autumn in the Haven: Where Cozy Begins

There’s a hush that settles over Taunton when the leaves begin to turn. The air sharpens, the light softens, and even Banner seems to nap a little deeper, curled in a sunbeam that flickers through golden branches. At Welcoming Haven, autumn isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling. A slow exhale. A velvet dusk.

This year, we’re celebrating the shift with our Autumn in the Haven collection: a curated blend of textures, tones, and tiny joys designed to turn your home into a sanctuary.

🕯️ Light the Season

Start with scent. Our Aroma Candles are infused with notes of cedarwood, clove, and a whisper of orange peel—like a forest kissed by firelight our Alpine Forest brings the outdoors inside. . Banner insists the “Vanilla” candle smells like breakfast in a treehouse. We don’t argue.

Affiliate spotlight: Fall Candle Set – “Smells like a forest kissed by firelight” – Apple Cider, Hot Cocoa, Maple Latte, Pumpkin

🛏️ Nesting Instincts

Balboa has claimed the Velvet Headboard as his personal throne. Rich in texture , it turns any bedroom into a retreat. Pair it with our Bath Sheets—plush enough to rival a cat’s nap pile—and you’ve got the makings of a perfect autumn cocoon.

Affiliate spotlight:
Velvet Headboard – “Where dreams fall like leaves”


Bath Sheets – “Wrap yourself in a cloud kissed by pine”

🍽️ Gather & Glow

Whether you’re hosting friends or just plating up a solo snack, our Ceramic Plate Set brings rustic elegance to the table. Think speckled glaze, earthy tones, and a shape that feels handcrafted—because it is.

Affiliate spotlight: Ceramic Plate Set – “Serve up autumn with every bite”

 

🐾 From Our Haven to Yours

This season, we invite you to slow down. To savor the rustle of leaves, the flicker of candlelight, and the quiet companionship of a cat curled nearby. Autumn in the Haven is more than a collection—it’s a moment. And it’s yours to create.

Explore the full collection here, and let your home tell its autumn story.

Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and that fit the cozy, nature-inspired spirit of Welcoming Haven. Thank you for supporting my small business and helping me keep the candles glowing and the cats purring.

 

 

Hot German Potato Salad

Posted on by | 2 Comments

Hot, Not Haute: My Love Affair with German Potato Salad 🥔❤️

Forget the cold, mayo-drenched blob masquerading as potato salad at your average cookout. I’m here for the warm, tangy, bacon-kissed glory that is German potato salad. It’s comfort food with a passport—and I’ve been hooked ever since I tried to impress a German boyfriend with my culinary skills. Spoiler: the relationship didn’t last, but the recipe sure did.

Why I Love German Potato Salad 🥔

Yes, it’s hot—meaning it’s served warm, not spicy. I’ve been making German potato salad for years, ever since I dated a German guy and tried to master his homeland’s cooking, so he’d have a taste of home.

I don’t like American potato salad. You know, the cold, mayonnaise-laden stuff? Won’t touch it. But German potato salad? That’s a real weakness of mine.

German vs. American Potato Salad

Let’s break it down:

Feature American Potato Salad German Potato Salad
Temperature Cold Warm
Main Dressing Mayonnaise Vinegar-based with bacon fat
Texture & Flavor Creamy, mild Tangy, savory, slightly smoky

I’m sharing a recipe from Allrecipes titled “Authentic German Potato Salad” by Angela Louise Miller. It’s a solid version, but I’ve made a few tweaks over the years. I’ll share those in the notes below.

Hot German Potato Salad- Photo Deb Neumann

Authentic German Potato Salad

Submitted by: Angela Louise Miller
Tested by: Allrecipes Test Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

  1. Boil the potatoes:
    Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water (1–2 inches above the potatoes). Bring to a boil and cook until easily pierced with a fork, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Cook the bacon:
    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, fry bacon until browned and crisp (10–12 minutes), turning as needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cool. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
  3. Sauté the onion:
    Cook diced onion in the bacon grease over medium heat until browned (6–8 minutes).
  4. Make the dressing:
    Add vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil.
  5. Combine:
    Add the cooked potatoes and half the crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir and cook until heated through (3–4 minutes).
  6. Serve:
    Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with remaining bacon, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

My Notes & Tweaks ✍️

  • Potato skins: I never peel my potatoes. I like the texture and flavor of the skins but go with your preference.
  • Vinegar: The original recipe calls for white vinegar. I first made it with apple cider vinegar because that’s what I had—and it worked beautifully. Both are great, just different.
  • Sugar: I skip the white sugar. It wasn’t in the version I learned, and I don’t think the salad needs the extra sweetness.
  • Parsley: It’s probably a lovely touch, but I rarely have fresh parsley on hand. Still tastes amazing without it.

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. I’m hooked. It’s my go-to side dish for chicken schnitzel, and it never disappoints.

 

 

Your Birthday Is in September—Are You Special?

Posted on by | 2 Comments

 

🎉 Your Birthday Is in September—Are You Special?

Calendar page for the month of September. Closeup, top view ...

stock

According to Good Housekeeping, the answer is a resounding yes. They’ve compiled a list of 21 reasons why September babies are extra special. I won’t spoil the whole list, but a few fun facts caught my eye—and I couldn’t resist sharing.

🍼 Fact #1: September Is the Most Common Birth Month in the U.S.

Let’s do the math. September is the ninth month. Human gestation takes about nine months. So what was happening in the U.S. right before January? Ah yes—holiday parties, mistletoe mischief, and New Year’s Eve revelry. It all adds up. Conception abounds!

1,300+ Baby New Year Stock Illustrations, Royalty-Free ...

 

 

🎂 Fact #2: September Babies Have a Better Shot at Reaching 100

The article doesn’t explain why, but statistically, more people born in September live to see triple digits. Maybe it’s all that autumn air and birthday cake?

Father Time And New Year’s Baby (Old And New Year)

🚌 Fact #3: You’re Likely the Oldest in Your Class

Thanks to the September 1 school enrollment cutoff, many September-born kids get an extra year before hopping on the big yellow bus. That means a head start in height, maturity, and maybe even snack negotiation skills.

School Bus - Customizable Clipart Image

🍁 Fact #4: September Folks Are Less Prone to Mood Disorders

Could it be the crisp fall weather, golden leaves, and pumpkin-scented everything? Whatever the reason, September babies tend to be a little sunnier in disposition.

😮‍💨 Fact #5: But… You’re More Prone to Respiratory Issues

September giveth and September taketh away. Asthma and other respiratory conditions are more common among those born this month. At least you’ll be cheerful while catching your breath?

☀️ Fact #6: Born on September 16? You Share a Birthday with Positive Thinking Day

Coincidence? Maybe. But if you’re a September 16 baby, you might just radiate optimism. Or at least have a good excuse to fake it.

🍕 Fact #7: My Personal Favorite—September 20 Is National Pepperoni Pizza Day

That’s right. You can celebrate your birthday with pizza and cake. Two major food groups, one glorious day. Yum!

 

77,000+ Pepperoni Pizza Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty ...

🎈 That’s a Wrap

If you want to see all 21 reasons, check out the full article in Good Housekeeping. As a February baby myself, I can’t vouch for the accuracy—but I might be just a teensy bit jealous.

So here’s to you, September stars. May your month be filled with joy, deep breaths, and extra slices of pepperoni pizza. Happy Birthday!

photo credit Deb Neumann

 

 

 

Where Were You That Morning? A Tribute to September 11

Posted on by

🕊️ A Morning Like No Other

Do you remember where you were on the morning of September 11, 2001?

📺 “Is This a Movie?

I remember it vividly—not in the way you recall a birthday or a vacation, but in the way your body remembers shock. I turned on the news, expecting the usual hum of morning chatter. Instead, I saw flames, smoke, and chaos. For a moment, I thought it was a movie trailer. Something surreal. Something scripted. But it wasn’t.

http://t1.gstatic.com/licensed-image?q=tbn:ANd9GcRySpddvMmJFPuEyCE2SFMWlzGpdI9kqGiJW_aYUNf5XSyKYZOcZc-GIsfX10aaraG0

Internet

🧊 Numbness and Silence

It was horrifying.

I remember how I felt. Numb. Just stunned. My mind couldn’t catch up to what my eyes were seeing. The towers—those iconic pillars of the New York skyline—were collapsing. Lives were being lost in real time. And across the country, hearts were breaking in unison.

🤝 A Nation United in Grief

In the days that followed, grief settled over us like a heavy fog. But so did something else: unity. Strangers became neighbors. Flags waved from porches and overpasses. First responders ran toward danger with a courage that defied comprehension. And in the quiet moments, we lit candles, whispered prayers, and held each other close.

Twenty-four years later, the pain hasn’t vanished. But neither has the resilience. Every September 11, the Tribute in Light rises over Manhattan—twin beams piercing the night sky, echoing the towers that once stood tall. It’s a symbol of remembrance, of hope, of the promise to never forget.

🚒 Heroes in the Ashes

To the families who lost loved ones, to the heroes who gave everything, and to the millions who carry the memory of that day in their hearts—you are not forgotten. Your stories live on in our reflections, our ceremonies, and our quiet moments of pause.

Fred George, Ash Wednesday, Dusk, 9/12/01, New-York Historical Society, Gift of Here is New York

Today, I remember. And I honor.

 

Raising the Flag at Ground Zero - Wikipedia

Raising the Flag at Ground Zero- Wikipedia