D.I.Y. (or not)

A few weeks back, my printer suddenly went on strike, showing this error message:

It did still work as scanner, but refused to print. I double-checked the error code online, and it does seem to be something one cannot fix from home. Of course, if Epson had happened to live next door, I could have contacted him... ;) However, I quickly realized that In Real Life, even if should manage to find a repair place, it would be not only simpler but also cheaper to just buy a new machine. (From environmental point of view, that's crazy - but it's how it is.)

But... How and where to buy a new printer just now, in corona times?? (Living alone, no car, and at the moment practicing self-isolation as far as possible...)

While ordering groceries with home delivery from my usual supermarket, it struck me that they do also have some technical stuff there, even if not very much to choose from. I checked, and found that they did have one kind of printer/scanner - which also happened to be on sale just now. I took a chance and added one to my order, hoping for the best (mentally prepared that with the sale, there might not be any left). But: I was lucky, and the printer was delivered problem-free with my groceries yesterday (at bargain price and no extra delivery fee).

It's a HP DeskJet 2630. Including setup ink cartridges it was less than half the price of a normal set of ink for my old Epson...

Today, I spent like half the day getting it installed. As so often, the instructions were not quite as easy peasy as promised... But, with a bit of trial and error, I seem to have it working with the laptop by cable now. (It's supposed to also work wireless but I've not tried that yet. Not sure I need that anyway.)

A Walk in the Woods

A bit chillier here again this weekend - but still mostly sunny, and good weather for walking. Today, I tried to think of somewhere "different" to go - but still not so far from home that I'd end up too tired to walk back as well. Without any specific plan I set off in a slightly different direction than usual; and along the way got inspired to make a detour uphill through a  piece of woodland where I don't think I've walked in years. It's not really far from civilization, but for just a moment, I one can get the illusion of it. I hope the video will work. Do turn on the sound - it was the birdsong that made me try a video instead of just photos... :)

Wood Anemone - Anemone Nemorosa

Once upon a time, and for over twenty years, I used to live on top of that hill. (Somewhere behind the buildings to the left in the photo below.) This summer, it will be twelve years since I moved down to live on "flat ground" though. (And never regretted that!)

Looking down on an older street which I then walked back down to the riverside level. You can't see it here, but at its upper end that street ends in a steep flight of stairs to connect it (for pedestrians) to the higher level of the hill. 

Beauty and the Beast

We've been blessed with another week of gorgeous spring weather here in Sweden: Blue sky, almost summer temperatures, and Nature at its most beautiful.

The dangerous downside to all this outdoors beauty just now is that it makes one want to forget all about the vicious corona virus, and all the restrictions involving keeping your distance to other people. This is the time of year here when we usually come out of social winter hibernation to spend more time outdoors, more time together with other people, and with lots of holidays ahead to celebrate. Like Walpurgis night (30th April) and 1st May (Labour Day), Ascension day, Pentecost, spring markets, high school graduations, 6th June (Sweden's National day), Midsummer, weddings, outdoor concerts, summer holiday travels and whatnot.  

But alas, while Sweden's corona-related restrictions so far have perhaps been less severe than in some other countries - every newscast still keeps reminding us that the restrictions that have been in place for a while now (like no gatherings of more than 50 people, and keeping your distance, and washing your hands, etc etc) are not likely to be lifted any time soon. However blue the sky may be, there is no magic spell to just declare life back to Normal. 


 

The photos of Beauty (cherry blossom trees) are mine.
The one of The Beast - "origin unknown"...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Magpie

On one of my walks around the old cemetery recently, I met a magpie (Eurasian magpie). I zoomed it in from a distance, and when I got the photos enlarged on my computer screen back home, I was amazed by the colours. (Usually thinking of this bird as black-and-white!) I also noticed that its feathers seem rather short - especially the tail. I got curious and started googling... My conclusion is that it must be in the process of moulting, i.e. shedding old feathers and producing new ones. (Any bird expert who disagrees is welcome to correct me if I'm wrong!)

Skywatch Friday - Cherry Blossom

After I had been to search for wood anemones yesterday, I also went to check on this little park with old cherry blossom trees. (The wood anemones in yesterday's post grow just behind the houses you see here...) While life in other ways may be restricted just now, Nature is not holding back, but offering the same splendour as usual. A feast for the eyes, and for the soul.