Well … I have a new computer … and all the agony that goes with learning new procedures. It is a Nantucket sleigh ride and it isn’t done yet. I read somewhere that you never really know what you don’t know and boy-oh-boy am I learning.
Of course, learning is the big thing right now (age hasn’t made me dumber, just slower) … and making decisions about what to hold onto, what to discard, and what to attempt to recreate. Were you aware that you can now rent computer programs instead of downloading from a disk onto your hard drive?
I thought I wanted to get Microsoft Office rather than use the Chrome Doc program since I’ve been using Microsoft for years and so have a hold on understanding how it works. Then I had to decide between buying and renting. To buy was ~$250. To rent was between $60 and $70 a month. Office 2003 was what I had been using, so that meant it lasted 16 years, or between $960 and $1,120 per year at rental rates and, since I plan on at least another decade, between $9,600 and $11,200 in the future. Of course I’d not get updates if I bought. But I’ve been able to do what I wanted without updates for the past 16 years.
Another way would be to learn the Google options for word processing, spreadsheets, and (I hope) the publishing program I know how to use.
See what I mean about decisions?
What would you do?
Mark is trying to teach me about the brave new world of computing. Seems I’ve been living in prehistoric times and now must run to catch up since the way I am used to doing it is no longer viable. Whoooooeeeeeeeeeee boy !!!
Among the data I lost were my address list, phone list, email connections, the draft of my book, and ALL my genealogy research notes and trees and pictures.
I had failed to backup the computer for three months or more. I know better, but …
Oh well …
We don’t yet know if it was the motherboard or the hard drive that died. That will make a difference in how much data Mark is able to retrieve for me. Wish us luck.
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We are moving into Robert Louis Stevenson mode … “In winter I get up by night …”
I’m up at 0515 to start the coffee, pour juice, and lay out the morning supplements for Paul and myself. Paul and Kamille have to be out the door by 0630 … school and work.
I have hung an array of crystals in my east window, so I look forward to sunrise, whatever time, and the rainbows which fill my room when the sun king hits the crystals.
Chicken morning check (and garbage feed) is after 0630 now and will gradually get later. In between first chores and chickens I have breakfast, tell Kamille and Paul “Cookie Day” (as per CookieMonster), and plan my day.
And that will be my weekday mornings for the next few months.
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And speaking of chickens … last evening I brought in the first egg from the new, white layers. Excitement.
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Yesterday was a busy day. I did the August Tailgate sharing beginning at 1100. This time the fresh stuff was zucchini (with instructions on how to “share” with neighbors and friends such as leave it at the front door, ring the bell, and run or toss it over the fence … of course, most of us will cook it for ourselves, but it made for good laughs), eggplant, cucumbers, cob corn, cantaloupe, and strawberries – strawberries – strawberries. The berries were a bit late this year. We got them about a month earlier last year. We are enjoying sliced, fresh strawberries for breakfast and over ice cream. Tomorrow morning I will make jam.
Volunteer work with the food share programs is slowing however. No more lunch packing, and there are only two or three more days of Tailgate fresh produce to go … August, September, and possibly October. Then weather will close in (with snow if we’re lucky) so staying home will be the rule. I should be able to get some knitting done … maybe even begin spinning again. I have a stash of fiber in lovely colours which promises to be enjoyable.
About 1300 I went to a radio friend’s house and the two of us went with the organizers of the upcoming TinMan Triathlon to assess the routes. They were checking for obstacles to running and biking. Ken and I were looking at radio station sites. It was a pleasant time. The weather was clear and warm. Cross your fingers that is how it will be for the event.
Autumn colours were showing here and there, and Ken is a good companion.
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Last saturday, for their final “fling” before school, the family went over to the Lava Beds. In the past, I would have liked to go with them but I no longer enjoy hiking for any extended time.
And I’ve seen the Lava Beds. Several years ago, George and I were over there for a long day doing amateur radio stuff and sightseeing. It is high desert, feels desolate, and has an interesting history with the stories of Captain Jack and the Modoc wars.
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Have you ever seen an epileptic seizure?
They can be very frightening to watch. An interesting aside is that the actual seizure isn’t frightening for the one having the seizure. Maybe because they aren’t “there”.
The ones I’ve seen begin with a startled look, followed by a tonic phase during which the body goes rigid, and then a prolonged clonic phase during which the body jerks about. People who have this condition often have what is called an aura, some kind of a warning which they recognize and which allows them time to lie down.
When the seizure is over, the one experiencing it often drops into a soft sleep.
I’m sure I’ve told you the family dog has epilepsy. Monday was particularly difficult. He had three seizures in a short period of time that morning. Not regular ones. Rather severe ones. He cried out as the seizure began, and during the follow up (which is called postictal) he stumbled around without control of his legs, banging into furniture etc., for what seemed like an extraordinarily long time, looking startled and fearful . He wanted to be with people (his pack) as he recovered.
The vet advised upping his seizure medication and he settled until late afternoon when it happened again … twice. None since.
I don’t know why I’m telling you this other than if you ever see a seizure, don’t be afraid. Don’t interfere, other than doing what you can to prevent injuries during the thrashing period. And be supportive both physically and mentally post-seizure.
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The issue with water flow for the hydro seems to have been settled. It was not a WIN, but a downstream neighbor is taking the ruckus to the Watermaster District, the state Water Control Department, and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers and we will learn to live with whatever happens. Due to climate change drought conditions, and the current Deputy Watermaster, the hydro system will be unusable most of the year.
More than forty years was a good run with hydro power. I am so glad Mark got the solar in place and he plans to add wind. That way when the sun shines we will have solar. When there are clouds it is most often windy so then wind will be the source. And with good battery banks, we’re all set.
The other water problem has yet to be settled. Availability of water for maintenance, keeping roads passable for fire equipment, has yet to be solved. The optimal solution (use of water from the agricultural reservoir) is still under negotiation and I am researching two other possibilities.
As part of that project, I got invited to the sunday evening soireés at the home of the President of the irrigation association. I’m not clear on what is involved in these evenings and so am not really excited. However, I will go at least once or twice in order to make a judgement and possibly facilitate further interactions.
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Yesterday, while I was out, I noticed something interesting.
Last fall the oak trees held onto some leaves as the turned brown and died. That was unusual. In the past the dead leaves have dropped so the oak trees were bare for winter. This past spring, new leaves budded … just not where there were still dead leaves attached. Left the trees looking strange, dead in spots and vigorous in others.
What I saw yesterday is that the trees are LOADED with acorns. I know that when plants feel threatened, they produce strong seed crops. Maybe last year’s strange Autumn stressed our oaks. I think I will gather acorns later and scatter them out here. With climate change, maybe we can begin to see a firewood lot up here. Such a grove won’t be ready while I’m still around, but planting trees is not for next year anyhow.
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A while ago I found a book of poems printed in 1965, written by a woman named Ona Jane Meens. It is an interesting book physically. It is small (5 x 7.5 inches) and the cover is red suede. I had no idea who she is or was. The author signed the title page, but without a dedication, so I could only guess at its origin. My guess was the author had been a friend of George’s mother so I googled Ona and sure enough … she had been active in the WCTU. Mother Dibelka had been active with the WCTU as publicist, writer, etc.
I remember a story Mother used to tell about being at a conference of that organization and noting that on the speakers’ stand was an older gentleman who was obviously an “Old Granddad” and a woman wearing a hat adorned with “Three (White) Feathers”. For those of you too young to know about the WCTU, it was a 20s and 30s organization triggered by prohibition … the Womens’ Christian Temperance Union … whose rallying cry was “White Feather, White Feather” as they waved white feathers in the air. In addition, the references were to top whiskey brands of the day … Three Feathers and Old Grand-Dad.
Mother enjoyed a laugh every time she told that story.
But how I got the book ??? Still haven’t a clue.
I’ve been skimming it occasionally and a couple of the poems (which the author calls “thoughts” … sound familiar?) are intriguing. One I really liked I’m using as my thought for this week …
With myself I must keep friendly.
With myself I must agree.
So I guard my thoughts and actions
So myself approves of me.
So … ‘til next week …
P.S. Because I no longer have an email list, I cannot send out blog reminders. I hope you can find me.