Some Techie Bits to Finish the Week
Unless you've been completely out of touch this week, you've probably heard that Apple has a new toy soon to be available. I don't need one, but it would be so fun to have one. I'm all about the toys. However, it's always best to wait and let them work out the bugs before dashing out to buy the latest and greatest. Must be sensible... at least a little bit...
***
Speaking of toys, I have an iPod touch. I love it. It does exactly what I want it todo. I have my contacts and calendar on it also my todo list (Things) and my podcasts, audiobooks, etc. What do I dislike? The onscreen keyboard. I just can't get used to it. However almost everything I use on the iPod can be updated through my connection to my iMac. I try to type in my Mac and sync whenever possible.
Then I have my cell phone the LG Env3 which I use as a phone and a text messenger. Best thing about it is the 2 different sets of keys - the outside number keypad and the inside qwerty keyboard. They are excellent.
I have found that division of labor is the best thing in the world. The batteries on each of these devices last quite a long time. I LOVE the keyboard on the env3 for texting, I love the screen resolution on the ipod for looking at my calendar, etc.
All the complaints people have when they try to combine these 2 types of devices - I don't have those problems. So I carry 2 devices - they're in my purse. It's not an issue 99.9% of the time.
I used to think I could make all these things work on one device. But the battery life sucked and they were kludgy. Someone may eventually get it all to work well together. In the meantime I'll stick with my separate systems - it works better for me.
*** I really love my iMac. It has taken some little effort on my part to learn various things about it like keyboard shortcuts, but all in all it's a great machine.
However, I'm not a fan of the Safari browser. It doesn't do fonts right for me. So I use my Firefox browser nearly all the time. There has been the occasional download that doesn't work correctly unless I use Safari (rather like some sites don't like anything except IE). Since I don't download much it's seldom an issue.
So I have all these bookmarks in FF and I wanted to sync them to Safari (just in case - in case of what I still haven't figured out it just seemed to be a good idea). I downloaded Xmarks to do this. It did work to sync everything but created a "typing lag" that was driving me nuts. It would sometimes type normally and other times I'd type an entire word... wait.... then it would show up. So I dumped Xmarks. Seems to have solved the problem.
**** Well, I'm off to get thai food for dinner. Then I'm going to have a glass of wine and try to forget this last week which has been a royal pain all the way around.
I'm going to see if I can actually do some other stuff besides troubleshooting that would be a novelty. Getting to my blog reading would be even better. But first - dinner!
1
It's always neat to read what other people are using, how well it works, and what they think about it. I was offered a Blackberry Pearl when I started my current job; I gave it back. I just want a phone that will make clear phone calls.
Having said that, I can easily see the utility of a PDA for those who are out & about all the time. I spend most of my time in the office, so I don't need all the other stuff.
Posted by: Rev. Paul at January 29, 2010 08:16 PM (k85eb)
2
I have the same LG and I like it for the same reason. I recently ran into a problem with it shutting off when I slid it open or closed. Adding a piece of paper behind the battery solved that. It doesn't do much PDA stuff, but I keep a simple life, so I don't need much. I used to keep everything on on HTC and a Treo before that.
And I'm a PC guy.
Posted by: _Jon at January 30, 2010 08:14 AM (QIrTA)
3
Rev Paul - I didn't really need a PDA type device until I ended up doing meeting set up for a professional group I belong to. So much extra detail descended upon me with that little job... I had to find a way to organize it and keep it handy. Now that I've finally got a handle on it, I'm so much less stressed about it. LOL.
_Jon - I had a Treo (LOVED the calendar but the phone and battery life sucked pond water). Then I had a Blackberry which has the suckiest calendar ever, so-so phone and really bad battery life because it's always checking mail (a feature I didn't need). That's why I gave up and went back to separate devices. Now things do what they're supposed to do and do it fairly well. I like that.
I had heard about the Env3 and the "turn off" issue. So far I haven't had a problem with it, but thank you so much for the tip! I'll remember that if it starts happening to me.
Oh and I do use a PC - but that's now nearly exclusively for work only. It makes my life so much easier (working at home) since I separated the home/work computers.
Posted by: Teresa at January 30, 2010 06:02 PM (ZCuP9)
4
I never use anything that has an operating system that ends in dot zero. I'll wait a little while, but I NEED a new toy. In the meantime, I think I'll snag a nice .357 lever action carbine.
Bwahahahah!!!
Posted by: Yabu at February 01, 2010 07:29 AM (VxNeS)
5
Yeah the dot zeros are never the thing to buy unless you have time and money to waste.
I like your second option - it has much merit. LOL
Posted by: Teresa at February 01, 2010 11:46 PM (ZCuP9)
Giving Vegans and Vegetarians Everywhere A Bad Name
PETA seems hell bent on making themselves into the butt of all jokes. They have people working overtime in this endeavor. Either that or they have decided "any publicity is good publicity" and "I don't care what you say, just spell my name right".
Today LeeAnn linked to the first PETA related public relations idiocy. Go read it - especially if you need a laugh.
Then blogless friend Mirmie sends this gem. Yes folks, they have gone completely and utterly insane.
An animal rights group wants organizers of Pennsylvania's Groundhog Day festival to replace Punxsutawney Phil with a robotic stand-in.
I know a few vegetarians and vegans. They seem to be sensible people. I know people who subsist on a diet of ding dongs and soda. And others who try not to touch carbs even with a 10 foot pole. I have no issue with anyone's diet as long as they let me eat what I want to eat.
PETA thinks they know what's best for everyone and they want to be in charge of what you eat. I wonder what they'd say if I decided I wanted to be in charge and I insisted everyone had to eat steak at least once a day!
Wouldn't they have a cow over that... so to speak.
If you'll excuse me, in honor of these two delightful media excursions PETA has made today, I'm headed to my kitchen to get a chuck roast cooking in my slow cooker. It should be an excellent meal. I'll drink a toast to PETA while I'm eating it and thank them for the reminder that it was time to get dinner started.
Posted by: Richmond at January 27, 2010 08:19 PM (qxxwc)
5
A steak a day?! I'm in! Doing the avoid carbs thing
Posted by: patti at January 28, 2010 01:31 PM (ykXWv)
6
There's something wrong with People Eating Tasty Animals? Who knew?
Posted by: MGA at January 29, 2010 09:42 AM (H6j6d)
7
Someone should point out to them that vegetarianism/veganism is unnatural, that'll provoke a few people. I prefer to remain as nature made me, an omnivore.
Posted by: Jan at January 29, 2010 02:42 PM (XHOAD)
8
I'm heading over to McDonalds. Ticks off both vegans and French at one time.
Posted by: Cappy at January 29, 2010 09:36 PM (7ooA8)
9
I'm glad we were given the good sense to know that animals are tasty. I can't handle nuts and berry sandwiches. (And yeah, I know someone who ate that very concoction last weekend. He looked anemic and he's usually kind of in a bad mood)
Posted by: Da Goddess at February 01, 2010 06:02 PM (7NJrO)
10
I know a girl who eats mostly vegetarian because she doesn't like meat. I've known her since she was born and even as a very young child she didn't like meat.
Oddly enough, now that she's in her 20's she does eat chicken and fish occasionally, but just prefers not to. That is the kind of vegetarianism I can understand. (after all - there are many veggies I don't like so I don't eat them I see no reason to fault someone for not liking a particular type of food).
Posted by: Teresa at February 01, 2010 11:50 PM (ZCuP9)
It's All About the Water - Or Not
The rain is coming...
Warning! Warning! Danger Will Robinson!
We have about 8 inches of snow on the ground even after several days of mid 30's temps. It's heavy wet packed snow.
Rain is coming tonight - 1 to 3 inches. Temps going up to the 50's.
Warm, rain, frozen ground, melting snow - what could possibly go wrong?
Joy.
Maybe I should stop at DSW and buy rainboots tomorrow so I can wade back into my house. That's always assuming the house isn't simply washed away.
I think it's too late to build an ark.
Ho-hum.
****
In other news my daughter called tonight to chat for a bit. Me: How's your brother? Her: Oh he's fine, I saw him yesterday, B (his girlfriend) is in Florida. Me: Florida? Her: Yeah, I think she's down there with her mom. Me: You know, you got the short end of the deal in the mom department. I never take you places.
***
I think I'll go read now. It's shaping up to be a very very long 2 days. If I survive until Wednesday things might slow down a bit. We'll see. Wednesday is the current goal - just get to Wednesday then we'll worry about the rest of the week.
1
My kids used to complain that we never took them anywhere exciting (apparently interstate car trips, the zoo, planetarium, etc didn't count). Then we moved to Alaska - in fact, we drove up here - and they've been on planes until they're as tired of them as we are. I don't hear those complaints anymore. Now the younger one complains that we haven't been on a long cruise ... sigh. I told her she's welcome to buy tickets for her mom & me.
Posted by: Rev. Paul at January 25, 2010 12:44 AM (k85eb)
2
Ah... so this is the attending winter weather everyone told me I didn't want... yep, you can keep it.
Posted by: Pam at January 25, 2010 07:33 AM (UxUrZ)
3
slogging to the barn in hip waders in 10-9-8- min.
Posted by: patti at January 25, 2010 07:39 AM (ykXWv)
4
Not worried about the water. But the frost heaves are going to ruin the springs in my car!!!
Posted by: MGA at January 26, 2010 09:19 AM (H6j6d)
5
Rev Paul - sadly my children were deprived... I really didn't take them anywhere. LOL.
Pam - I think I'd rather have this than hurricanes!
Patti - give your horse a nice petting for me.
MGA - OMG I forgot about that - yes the frost heaves have been really bad this year. I want to keep my car for another 100K - but at this rate it will simply shake apart in the next month or so... geeze!
Posted by: Teresa at January 26, 2010 06:35 PM (ZCuP9)
If you want to get things done in Haiti - don't bother with the big organizations - they're all sitting at the airport along with all their supplies while the Haitians suffer. Someone told them that it was too dangerous to venture out.
This is what can be accomplished when you get a bunch of people together who don't know the meaning of the words... "we'll wait til it's safe".
If you have a few dollars to spare, they can use any help. They can use all your prayers.
1
Well there you go. We can click to donate at the Red Cross all day long, but if the planes can't land - or the supplies sit piled at the airport - we get no where.
The individual American - strongest, smartest, bestest resource on earth (especially if they are military Americans!)
Posted by: patti at January 24, 2010 12:44 PM (ykXWv)
2
Rock on. It's on my list now. My other charity is www.wishforhaiti.org have some contacts in my hometown that adopted kids from that orphanage...
Posted by: Richmond at January 24, 2010 04:59 PM (7Wq1a)
3
Do you that "Wisiforhaiti.org" has refused to donate the money collected on behalf of "The house of the Children of Lack" (the orphanage) unless the orphanage agree that they become owner the land and the orphanage? want to know more email me
Posted by: Rodolph at September 29, 2010 01:44 PM (627Hf)
4
Rodolph, sorry, if you have an issue with them then you need to set up a blog and start talking about it there. My post was on Team Rubicon and their work and my donation to them.
A comment on a comment of an old post is not a forum for complaints you may have about an organization. And I'm not going to argue about it either. I have other things to do. So I will post this and that will be the end of it. Any further comments arguing with me will be deleted. I don't have time for it.
Posted by: Teresa at September 29, 2010 02:55 PM (TeQXy)
A Couple of Really Cool Things I Ran Across Today
First - if you know someone with diabetes tell them to keep their eyes peeled for this upcoming epic improvement in their daily lives.
If you have a camera - especially a DSLR but I'm guessing even point and shoot users might get some real value from this - go watch the first one. It's a short introduction and looks promising. I subscribed, you may want to also.
1
My father in law has diabetes but he is so set in his ways I bet he'd never make the change. But hooray for those who are going to benefit!
Posted by: patti at January 22, 2010 07:54 PM (ykXWv)
2
I am diabetic and already get stuck enough. If I can get a new meter that performs as described, without having to buy both test strips & lancets as well ... that will be a savings and a physical relief. Thank you for posting this link.
Posted by: Rev. Paul at January 22, 2010 08:09 PM (k85eb)
3
That is awesome! I hope those hit the market soon, I know a lot of diabetics who would benefit. Asthmatics, too.
Posted by: Julie at January 22, 2010 09:00 PM (1UTuR)
Lame, Lame, Lame
Yes I've been so lame on posting lately. There have been far too many things going on and not enough time to do them.
Major melt downs of things I thought were completed. Lots and lots of work.
By the time I reach the end of the day I'm too tired to think.
So, there it is. I hope things slow down and stop falling apart. It would be nice to have a break. If not I just keep working through it until it all gets done.
I Did My Part
I voted today. Now we await the outcome.
It's snowing here - again - the roads are slick. Even with my 4WD I had issues on my road. The polling place is straight up a steep hill.
By the time I got there (about 10:30am), I was number 598 on the electronic ballot counter. There were lots more people behind me. It's not even noon yet! It was a steady stream of cars headed up the hill.
There was only one thing on the ballot. The Senate election.
That's pretty damned impressive if you ask me.
I'm very happy to see such a terrific turn out. Nothing is worse than apathy and no voters.
1
It's fair to say that the other 57* 49 states are watching intently. Go Scott Go!
* ObamaKount
Posted by: Rev. Paul at January 19, 2010 12:34 PM (0DZhf)
2
Not that every election isn't important, but isn't it thrilling to vote in such a high profile, meaningful election? This election is quickening the pulse of every pol watcher the country over...
Posted by: Pam at January 19, 2010 12:51 PM (UxUrZ)
3
It ranks second only to the one time I got to vote against Teddy Kennedy in the last Senate election. Just being able to vote against him (even if it didn't "work") was something I will always treasure.
Posted by: Teresa at January 19, 2010 02:46 PM (ZCuP9)
4
I don't think just the other 49 states were watching this election. I think the rest of the free world was watching to see if America is still the bastion of liberty and freedom that they believe in and desire to come to and make their new home.
Posted by: dLarry at January 19, 2010 08:38 PM (clEU0)
5
THANK YOU! for doing your part.
Tried and tried to figure out a way to vote in that thing, but I'm still breathing so being down here there just wasn't a way to work it out
Now watching returns and holding my breath - face is pretty blue now...
Posted by: patti at January 19, 2010 08:55 PM (ykXWv)
I'm off for a one night jaunt to Cleveland again. Just like last year. It's some face time - people I work with only over the phone and email - and this, while inconvenient as far as the travel goes, is a good thing.
Luckily for me I am NOT flying out of Logan this weekend as once again the Prez has decided to grace the city with his presence. I'm hoping for only a short airspace delay going to the Providence airport rather than the total airport shut down that accompanies AF-1 landing.
Our favorite commercial is one of the Not too Light Not too Heavy commercials with the paint balls. I don't watch TV, but the boys call me in when it's on so I can watch it. We laugh hysterically.
Posted by: Bou at January 17, 2010 10:13 PM (wEvt/)
5
one of those rare ads that have me rushing back to the tv to see the punch line, no matter how often i've seen it!
Posted by: wRitErsbLock at January 19, 2010 11:24 AM (F096N)
Guess We'll Find Out Next Week
If you haven't heard, there's a big election coming up next Tuesday in the State of Massachusetts (or Massachusettes if you happen to be Martha Coakley).
Here is a little observation from my husband (since he mentioned it the other day, I've been looking too and I have to say I agree with him)...
There are almost no "Coakley for Senate" signs posted in the yards in this area. None on the roads I drive on! My husband said he passes one house with a sign. One!
To understand how incredible this is, you have to have lived here for a little while. These people take their signage very seriously. Every election has them posting signs - usually many signs for the same person (in case you miss the first 5 or 6). I have seen anywhere from 5 to 10 signs in the yards of the local Democrats announcing to the world who they want to be elected.
I have seen Scott Brown signs, but all the usual suspects who had multiple (one might even say prolific) signs out for Deval Patrick and Obama/Biden... their lawns remain silent!
Does this mean anything? I have no idea. It could mean that the Dems will have to come up with quite a few extra dead voters to get Martha elected. Or it might be that it's just too cold for these peeps to head outside and pitch signs in the snow....
1
it's not like brown is the second coming of reagan, but schweet baby jeebus would it be great if he wins...and is eventually seated
Posted by: Mr. Bingley at January 15, 2010 07:24 AM (jii9y)
2
I'm waiting with excitement and hope. Now, this election is being billed as potentially ending the 60 vote thing. Even in Brown wins it will not keep the Dems from their 60 votes. They'll just trot good ol' Biden, the useful idiot, in to cast that 60th vote.
Posted by: patti at January 15, 2010 10:04 AM (ykXWv)
3
Biden can only vote in the case of ties...assuming he's still alive. Anybody heard a peep out of him recently?
Posted by: Mr. Bingley at January 15, 2010 12:30 PM (jii9y)
4
My husband has been saying all along that there is no way the Dems would let Brown win...
I'm not holding my breath on a fair election - not in this state - but wow I have been so amazed at the lack of any interest in Coakley after the primary was over.
Yeah, thank heaven the Senate isn't tied in this idiocy to take over the health care system - they might have to exhume Biden or at the very least have him text his vote in from wherever they're holding him...
Posted by: Teresa at January 15, 2010 01:16 PM (ZCuP9)
5
ooo true - momentary brain fart - GO BROWN!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: patti at January 15, 2010 01:40 PM (ykXWv)
6
oh and patti i love the zappa quote for a blog title!
Posted by: Mr. Bingley at January 15, 2010 02:11 PM (jii9y)
Posted by: Cappy at January 15, 2010 05:11 PM (yrqrQ)
8
I was at a friends house on the northshore (that's just north of Boston for you out of towners) seting up a friends new computer. The television was on in the background. During the news cast and prime time tv there were back to back to BACK ads saying how Scott Brown wanted to poison the drinking water, rape women and children and only Martha would personally bake an aple pie for every American once she got to Washington. (Okay, I made that last part up. I don't really remember an ad that said Martha could or would do anything. What I'm wondering is if the population of Massachusetts has finally gotten tired of their politicians subverting the voters will. Think about the times in Massachusetts where the citizenry has petitioned the state via referendum only to have the pols find a rule that allows them to ignore the voters petition. Anybody remember Mike Dukakis' "temporary" income tax increase? Y'know, the one the pols said they couldn't give back because the state treasury surplus might be temporary? If everybody remembers just how badly the entrenched System Lords have treated them, Coakley is about to become a speed bus under the Obama bus.
Posted by: MGA at January 16, 2010 09:15 AM (1vgXk)
9
MGA - I have seen those ads (now I mute them)... Good grief!!! I guess they borrowed the slurs from the Sarah Palin tear down. Especially the rape one - that's just the stupidest thing I've ever seen.
Posted by: Teresa at January 16, 2010 10:11 AM (ZCuP9)
10
Oh good grief! that was supposed to read "speed bump" not "speed bus." Repeat after me, "Preview is my friend."
That's what happens when you get a man trying to multi-task
Posted by: MGA at January 16, 2010 11:09 AM (1vgXk)
11
My theory on the Brown victory is that, since Kennedy was a given for the last 40 years, the gears of the Dem machine had rusted in place, and they didn't start oiling it up again until it was to late.
Posted by: Harvey at January 22, 2010 05:16 PM (QExRX)
12
Harvey - it was a very very odd thing. I have no idea what the Dems were thinking. A very badly run campaign indeed. Maybe they thought since Coakley was a woman and a Dem - everyone would just vote for her... I just don't get it.
Posted by: Teresa at January 22, 2010 06:20 PM (ZCuP9)
Do I Dare Think - Nearly Back to Normal?
Not sure if I should be cautiously optimistic or if this is the lull before the storm.
Refrigerator is fixed. Yay! Turned out to be the thermostat. Whew! I think we've got a few more years before having to decide whether to fix or replace the thing. It's working now and that's excellent. The repair man was terrific. Very professional, had all the stuff he needed, knew exactly what he was looking for, fixed it without complaining about how hard it all was, didn't talk to himself, just did his job and did it well. Took him 40 minutes to diagnose, pull things apart, fix it, and put it back together. Most excellent!
After complaining to the eye doctor's office about the prescription change on my contact lenses, they ordered me a new set of the correct strength for my left eye. It was delivered today (that was fast). I just had to drive over there (again) and exchange my 4 boxes for their 4 boxes. That will be the last time I think. I'll be looking for a new eye doc for next time.
The heater is still working. We decided to hold off calling the repair guy to come back and fix that annoying noise when the blower starts up until my husband can look at it. It may be something he can easily fix. In the meantime, the heater is working - that's the important thing.
We have yet to hear from the window people. They were all gung-ho when my husband first called. Then... nothing. He'll try calling them one more time. He can't wait to say "Remember me? I called you at Thanksgiving!". After that I guess we'll go looking for other window repair companies.
Now I'm just tired. Time to step away from the computer and give the eyes a rest.
1
We're all holding our collective breath for you ... in the meantime, don't talk about how well things are going. :^p
Posted by: Rev. Paul at January 12, 2010 11:24 PM (k85eb)
2
Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed but we've had four straight days of Rosalie being 100% sound
I just love seeing that horse trot big and strong.
But:
My right passenger breaks are making nasty noises, again
My disposal has a hole in it
And something is going on with my Gus's skin - his coat is usually shiny and beautiful - right now he is dull, itchy, and uncomfortable. Vet gave him an antibiotic (maybe a staph infection) and I am going now to get him a moisturizing shampoo and some yogurt.
Posted by: patti at January 13, 2010 09:16 AM (ykXWv)
Our heater isn't working and I don't want to deal. Fortunately it is only 62 degrees in the house. I'm tired of being cold, however.
My washing machine broke and I took the day off work for the guy to fix it and he didn't show. I'm pissed and I let a lot of people know. I'm looking for a new repairman after this guy comes out on Friday.
I'm glad the weekend is coming...
Posted by: Bou at January 13, 2010 10:12 PM (wEvt/)
5
. I have a brand new furnace, and the annoying loud noise of the blower goes with the territory. Call it "progress", but at least we're warm, right?
Posted by: Susie at January 14, 2010 01:17 AM (q3r2/)
6
Oh man Bou - that's why I hold my breath every time I try to get a repair guy in!!! As for 62 in the house - it would kill me I think. My fingers would fall off. heh.
Susie - oh ours has always made noise... no this is a different noise that I can't explain in words, but if you heard it, you'd say "oh it's not supposed to do that" LOL. It's very short in duration about 2 seconds and only as the blower is turning on. Almost like 2 pieces of metal are vibrating against each other.
Ah well - it works so that's the important thing.
Posted by: Teresa at January 14, 2010 08:43 AM (ZCuP9)
So Where Did I Leave Off? [updated]
Oh yeah, last Wednesday... that was before the heater decided to stop. Called the oil company who sent out someone right away. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the circuit board and he didn't have one. So he hard wired the thing. That meant we had to use a manual switch to turn the furnace off and on. New guy got here on Friday and replaced the board. Now it buzzes every time the blower starts. Guess I'll have to call them again tomorrow. Oh joy.
*** UPDATE: Well, after a phone call, it turns out that the eye doctor herself
wrote the prescription the same for both eyes... right after telling me
that nothing had changed. Sheesh.
The scripts are close in strength, but not quite the same. The office lady suggested that was how it was supposed to be so I tried it. I've got a pair of the lenses in and I'm feeling seasick. I can NOT do monovision (which is one eye not corrected quite to the level of the other eye) so everything looks off to me. I called and requested that they please change the contacts back to the previous prescription - I can't deal with this! Good Grief!
***
Tomorrow will also be the day that I go back to the eye doctor's office. The office staff have finally done it - pushed me past being understanding about mistakes.
Last year it was the 4 extra visits to get a new pair of glasses. They would call and say "your new glasses are here, you can come pick them up!" I'd drive all the way over only to be told "oh sorry, they're defective, we'll have to send them back". Since the defect was on the lens itself and was easily seen, I was not happy to find they made me come all the way over to the office (about a 10 mile trip) before even checking the glasses - especially after the first time it happened.
This year they gave me an appointment on January 4th. When I arrived I was greated with "We never do Monday appointments, yours is tomorrow, January 5th." Got to the appointment Tuesday (which apparently suited them), eye exam done, new contact lenses ordered. They arrived yesterday.
Today I opened them... They ordered 2 years worth of lenses for the right eye instead of 1 year of lenses for each eye. (my eyes are not the same prescription) Now I'll have to drive back over there, return half the boxes and have them reorder a set for my left eye.
In the meantime I have no contact lenses to wear and I'm stuck with glasses. I think I'll be looking for a new eye doctor. As nice as the doctor is, I can't take the staff incompetence any more.
***
As an extra special way to top off the weekend, I got home from the grocery store today to find that the refrigerator compressor has now died. Therefore I will be calling the refrigerator repair guy to get him out here and see how much that will cost to fix.
Luckily I don't keep much food in the refrigerator. I was able to move the major portion to the small bar refrigerator we have downstairs. The freezer is still working but if it had died we could always put the frozen food outside where it's well below freezing.
***
We're still waiting for the window repair guys to get out here and put new glass in the basement window.
It's just a thrill a minute here. Stay tuned to find out what else might collapse. The possibilities are endless.
1
Cold weather always seems to bring problems. Then again, maybe problems come with warm weather but they just seem more tolerable. Fortunately, it looks like most of the problems are solvable with that vital ingredient, money, so throw a little more at the problems and maybe they'll go away (well okay, not the doctor's staff; that's going to require some time instead but they say "time is money"). It sounds like you've got it all under control. I'll stop rambling, now.
Posted by: MGA at January 11, 2010 08:15 AM (7Oz9U)
2
My optometrist appointment was back in October and I just received my contacts last week... those wheels don't turn well anywhere, I guess.
Do you have a home shield that takes care of the costs...? We don't, but my SIL does - she's saved a ton of money with it...
Posted by: Pam at January 11, 2010 10:26 AM (UxUrZ)
3
MGA - yeah the colder the weather the more problems. LOL. Figures.
Oh I'm throwing money around right and left. Of course the reason for all this is because I was actually thinking of taking a vacation. Heaven forbid. I'm not allowed to go anywhere at all it seems... as soon as I even THINK of it all hell breaks loose.
Posted by: Teresa at January 11, 2010 11:15 AM (ZCuP9)
4
Go anyway
You turn off the heater?
Can't you just put the fridge stuff in the garage? ours is about as cold as the fridge... Ya know - freezer stuff on the porch, frige stuff in the garage. Of course, if we put anything like outside we'd have bears within hours
Posted by: patti at January 11, 2010 12:09 PM (ykXWv)
5
Does the Eye Doctor know how far away you live? Does s/he
understand the mileages her/his staff has caused you???
Can you email the doctor or some how bypass the staff to explain
that you are about to leave??
Send Al Gore to southern california to help break the drought!
Posted by: Sine Nomine at January 11, 2010 01:36 PM (YhbVU)
6
Don't worry, the Government will soon solve all your eye care problems.
Posted by: Mr. Bingley at January 12, 2010 07:32 AM (jii9y)
Looking Forward to the Beachfront Property
I think I need to really start fighting these eco-friendly people who want to stop Glowball Warmening.
We are up high, we are about 40 miles from the coast. We are at just the right place to end up with lovely beach front property if we can get all the polar icecaps to melt! My property values would increase exponentially.
I have been inviting my southern friends to head on up here where it's warmer. I'd like to be able to offer them some beachfront sunbathing. That would be a very nice treat for them after all the frigid cold they've been dealing with.
Let's stop these "eco-friendly" people. I don't find them friendly at all. They are trying to make my life colder and more dreary.
So here's the deal... bury the signs.
Bury them deep. We don't want others jumping on that ridiculous bandwagon.
1
I figure, after the Lower 48 becomes too warm for habitation, Alaska's climate will be just right. But before folks start packing, remember this: we'll have border security that actually works. Admittance by invitation only - and you, T, are invited.
Posted by: Rev. Paul at January 06, 2010 05:03 PM (0DZhf)
2
I'm so in favor of glowball warmering I'm making plans to increase my carbon footprint by a factor of ten - just sayin....
Posted by: patti at January 06, 2010 09:48 PM (ykXWv)
3
I'm only about 4 miles as the crow flies from the ocean but we're up about 150' so we really need to start working on those glaciers.
Posted by: Mr. Bingley at January 07, 2010 09:07 AM (jii9y)
4
Um... hello? Sitting just off the coast at 7 ft sea level here... LOL!
Posted by: Pam at January 07, 2010 10:26 AM (UxUrZ)
So, T - since you've been warmer up yonder than we have in NC all darned week,is my bedroom at your house ready yet? Just sayin'...
**blink blink**
Posted by: Mirmie at January 07, 2010 12:56 PM (swoBe)
6
Ready and waiting for you Mirmie... just hop in the car and head on up (it'll be faster than flying...)
Posted by: Teresa at January 07, 2010 01:18 PM (ZCuP9)
7
Virtual packing going on even as I type...and if you're sharing your usual Travel Karma - I'm definitely driving. YIKES!!
Posted by: Mirmie at January 07, 2010 04:12 PM (swoBe)
8
LOL - might be a good idea to wait and make sure my central heating will work. It does get a tad chilly at night without it and the blower has decided to stop.
Posted by: Teresa at January 07, 2010 06:29 PM (ZCuP9)
9
I'll give you a low bid for your beach chairs, Pam!
Posted by: Mr. Bingley at January 08, 2010 07:01 AM (jii9y)
10
I put a call into Al Gore only to find he is vacationing in the Caribbean.
Posted by: Yabu at January 09, 2010 08:03 AM (VxNeS)
11
Argh. I think it's too bad that "Glowball Warmening" has got such a bad rap. I think it's been mis~labeled and mis~handled a bit.
I think there really should be more emphasis on recycling and being "green" because it really does effect our own living environment. I live and work in Los Angeles, and I can actually *see* the air on most days. On rare days, it's clear and you can see the hills. Other days, not so much...at all. I can feel the air's effect...heavily
I've also experience this in other places I've lived.....from Seattle on down to SoCal.
So I don't understand why people are cringing about trying to be green, when it really really does affect the air we breath.
I know there is a lot of anger and resistance, but I just don't understand why. It's not that hard to just think about mini conservation things we can do...and it all adds up to cleaner air, healthier living.
Ok...end rant. I'd like to know your thoughts.
Posted by: DogDontPurr at January 10, 2010 04:32 AM (1KC4A)
Monday
A little bit more than half way through the day and there are already several people I'd like to strangle. However, tops on my list... the Optometrist office person.
A few weeks ago I called and said - hey I need an appointment I'm almost out of contact lenses and that means it's time to see the Doctor.
She gave me 2 options. January 4th or January 17th. Okay - fine. I chose January 4th because I was out of lenses (they never give me enough to cover the year which is annoying just by itself).
This morning I get up extra early, get out the door, get my Starbucks, then head to their office. I walk in only to find...
"Oh we don't ever do appointments on Monday, you are booked for tomorrow."
I bit my tongue and didn't yell. I have no idea if she was the one who did the appointment or if it was someone else. However, my note that I am entering in my calendar for next year will say... "repeat the date and time (while sitting at my computer entering it directly into the online calendar) but also confirm the DAY with the moron making the appointments!".
Good Grief. As if I have time to waste driving back and forth to this place.
Last year I had to go back and forth 4 times just to pick up a pair of glasses. You would think that after the 2nd time the glasses had a problem they would have checked them out before calling to tell me they were ready to go... but no. I had to go over there each time to find out that there were flaws in the lenses from the factory and they would need to be sent back. The last time they called, I asked them to check specifically and tell me the lenses were fine before I went out.
And this is only the minor issue of the day. Sheesh!
Posted by: Teresa at January 05, 2010 11:54 PM (ZCuP9)
3
Yeah, I've had those sorts of appointments before - drives me nuts! Yes lady, I wrote the date and time on my calender as we made the appointment on the phone and I KNOW I got it right. In fact, once it happened when they had actually written me one of those little appointment cards so when she said "it's tomorrow" I just whipped that little card out and said "IT'S TODAY!" Man, that one felt good.
Posted by: patti at January 06, 2010 01:45 PM (ykXWv)
4
Oh how I wish I had one of those cards in this case. Oh well. I do live in a Green Acres type atmosphere here. I try to live with it gracefully, but there are times...
Posted by: Teresa at January 06, 2010 02:27 PM (ZCuP9)
Retrospective
I started this post several times. This is the best I can manage so it will have to do. It's not in-depth, merely a surface look. Some people are really great at this type of writing (see Bou's post linked below) - I am not one of them.
****
If you stop to think about it (which I seldom do) quite a few things happen in 10 years. Bou has a post with a recap of her life in the 2000's.
Wow!
I'm not even going to attempt something similar. There are a couple things that occurred in the past 10 years that I simply do not want to revisit in writing - I don't even like to revisit them in my head.
Therefore, I'll stick with some quick highlights of good things that happened in the preceding decade. Let's see if I can sum up 10 years in a few sentences.
Daughter graduated from college, is gainfully employed, lots and lots of friends, and has a terrific place to live. One can hardly ask anything better.
Son graduated from high school, joined the Army (saw quite a bit of the world from on high in a Chinook), is now in college, has a part time job, and a lovely girlfriend.
They've done well and they are terrific people. That's a wonderful thing to be able to say.
Husband was employed, laid off, finished his Master's degree, found a new job. (we breathe a sigh of relief!)
I have been employed, took up blogging (almost 6 years ago) and later photography (this earned me the title of Stone Wall Czar).
My husband and I moved half way across the country 4 years ago which has been a fun and interesting change of pace.
I've met many a blogger - just check my sidebar. People I would never have met before the internet came along and brought them into my life. They have all made the world around me so much better. Some have become very close friends - that's a wonderful marvelous thing.
To sum it up in a single sentence... Life has been pretty great.
1
This was such a nice, positive, uplifting post...it has been great meeting you, traveling with you, and having you (in concert with others) rescue my azootik when I get into hairy, intoxicated states.
Hope the next 10 years are even better.
Posted by: Erica at January 02, 2010 01:33 PM (YKEDK)
2
I couldn't imagine trying to do a retrospective of the past year, let alone a decade. I've been having to replace certain wetware data storage with vital info, such as who does Patrick's voice on Spongebob Squarepants and where I left my green socks. However, you did it peachy and I'm proud to have gotten to meet you.
Posted by: LeeAnn at January 02, 2010 01:49 PM (n2UcJ)
I have to think awfully hard to remember stuff from this year, let alone the last ten. Plus the years run so fast now I can't remember what happened last month versus what happened in '06...
Maybe blogging will help me keep things a little straighter in my head
Posted by: Patti at January 03, 2010 02:00 PM (ykXWv)
4
Sounds good. I can't do a retrospective because I can only piece things together and repeat things I've heard at odd moments like Rain Man. Srsly. Mind like a steel sieve.
Posted by: dogette at January 03, 2010 03:13 PM (7RpYP)