Spell check
There are plenty of autos on Belvedere, but no auto-correct
There is a street in midtown known as Belvedere Drive. It is a block from my house. I stroll down it on my morning walk. It is on my route when I drive home.
Belvedere is derived from the Italian words “bel,” (beautiful) and “vedere” (view).
There are beautiful views on Belvedere, and there are street signs at every intersection. But when you reach the curve where it becomes Overlook Avenue, the sign suddenly reads “B-E-L-E-V-E-D-E-R-E.’’
I had never noticed it until last summer. I have no idea how long it has been that way. I know “E” is the most common letter in the alphabet, but it is slightly embarrassing. I guess that’s the editor coming out in me. Or the teacher.
I don’t know which city department oversees the street signs. Or if they have a proofreader. Not even Vanna White would have allowed them to buy that extra vowel.
Apparently, there are plenty of autos on Belvedere, but no auto-correct.
I have always been a decent speller. My generation learned how to spell without the benefit of spell check to do all the heavy lifting. We read books and improved our vocabularies the old-fashioned way – with dictionaries and crossword puzzles.
In my dreams, I am a finalist in a future spelling bee at the old folks home. I use my walker to cross the stage. I am prepared. I have had my nap and a glass of Ensure.
