"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. ...But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself."
~ Friedrich Nietzsche
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Testing Again
You may have noticed that we've been down for a while.
We've transfered to a new hosting company and - doesn't it figure - the posts won't publish.
Keep watching! We may actually get up and running again today.
Have you tried Google Chrome yet? I do love new stuff - but, as I'm pretty loyal to Firefox, I wasn't too sure I'd like a new browser.
Obviously, there are pros and cons - especially if you're working outside your comfort level. New stuff can be intimidating, and this browser is definitely different from the others that I've used.
For a new release, it doesn't seem to be as 'buggy' as some - can you say Infernal Exploiter? I downloaded it and immediately started working. The first job was importing all of my Firefox settings: Favorites and Bookmarks, Search Engines, Saved Passwords, and Browsing History. No muss! No fuss!
Not all of the passwords imported properly, which was a bit of a problem. I have so many passwords for so many sites that, short of writing everything down, I'm dependent on that function.
Chrome offers a clean, uncluttered window. Nothing visible that you don't need; although . . . I miss my toolbars! Presumably, as Chrome progresses, Google and Alexa, et al, will offer compatible toolbars.
There is a Bookmark Toolbar - something I never used because it just piled stuff I rarely need at the top of my window. Not with Chrome! This toolbar lets me keep only the bookmarks I use the most, right up top where I can get to them easily. Pretty cool!
Speaking of cool . . . There are so many great features. (I'm still playing!)
At start-up: Open your favorite home page, or the pages that were open last, or - and I love this idea - create a list of pages that open each time. When I'm editing, there are several sites that I automatically need. How great to have them open up for me, every time!
Saved Passwords: Chrome creates a table that shows the sites for which you have a password, as well as your Username. Need to see a password? Not a problem. Select a site from the list and click "Show Password". Rather than expand the table, the password appears right below the button.
Favorite Sites: Each time you open a new tab, you'll see thumbnails of the sites that you visit most often. Want to access one of those sites? Simply click and drag it to the top of the window! Voila, new tab!
Instant Bookmarks: No need to go through 12 steps to bookmark a site. Just click on the Star icon, to the left of the address bar, add a title, choose a folder, and you're done.
Desktop Shortcuts: Have an application or website that you use often, but don't want to hunt through your bookmarks every time? Click on the Page Control Menu in the upper right corner and select "Create application shortcuts..." You can add a shortcut to your desktop, start menu, quick launch bar - or all three (3).
Crash Protection: Each tab that you open runs separately from the others, so if one application or site crashes it won't take everything else down with it! Love that feature.
There is, for me, one problem: When I close the last open tab, the entire Chrome browser closes. I'm accustomed to my browser leaving open a blank tab. Maybe I need to look a little closer at the settings; might be missing something.
Obviously, I'm still getting to know Chrome and, as I tend to be a bit change-resistant, it may take me a while to completely give up other browsers. We'll see. So far, I'm pretty impressed.
I haven't had very kind thoughts about the governor of Alaska - pretty much since I first heard about her. And my opinion just keeps getting more and more negative.
For whom, exactly, does McCain think Sarah Palin has appeal? Seriously!? Oh, that's right - those who believe that humans are more important and take priority over every other species on the planet.
Despite strong scientific, ethical and public opposition to aerial hunting, Governor Palin has…
* Proposed paying a $150 bounty for the left foreleg of each dead wolf.
* Approved a $400,000 state-funded propaganda campaign to promote aerial hunting.
* Introduced legislation to make it even easier to use aircraft to hunt wolves and bears.
From: Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund
I urge you to watch this shocking video. Chances are pretty good that - if McCain is elected - this woman will be President before the 4 years are out. Can our animal friends afford that?
I DON'T THINK SO!!
As much as I don't trust Obama and crew, I truly cannot abide the thought that this morally reprehensible person could ever reach a position of national power!
For anyone in doubt - the bible was written by man to control man's behavior - just ask King James. Mankind has evolved since those days - or at least some of mankind has.
Please! Stop buying into the nonsense that organized religion and questionable politics keeps foisting upon us! Think and live beyond yourself!
Help save the planet! For all the creatures who are trying to survive here!
I am always looking for special products to complement our one-of-a-kind designs. Cuddle up under a Cozy Afghan, with a tasty tub of popcorn - or a yummy basket of goodies. What about a personalized gift for your graduate, paired with a Twin-size Afghan in his/her new school colors?
We've got great gift ideas for Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, your favorite Aunt and Uncle, Godparents, Brother or Sister - everyone in the family. Even Fido and Fluffy! But, I'm still on the prowl for truly unique baby gifts.
Just imagine - a complete layette set, in your favorite colors, with a matching future-heirloom crib afghan. It just doesn't get any better than that!
When I first read this headline - Angry Argentine commuters torch train in rush hour - it struck me as rather counterproductive. I mean think about it - you're angry that your commute is delayed so you destroy the train that's supposed to get you to work? Then, I read the story.
We're pretty spoiled, here in Phoenix. Our public transportation is reasonably reliable and fairly inexpensive. I can't imagine living in a city or country where you don't know if you're going to get where you need to be.
Although, I'm not certain that destroying the train is a practical solution. You know?
I've decided that it's time to start my Christmas wish-list!
Although there are a number of items that are always on my list - shoes, handbags, watches, yarn - Sony Vaio has captured my attention this year; particularly the NR series. There are so many models, with the speed and storage that I need, without the sell-your-first-born-to-buy-this price tag. Heck, they even come in different colors - Silver, Granite Silver, Wenge Brown, and Silk White!
I'll probably have to settle for a working battery for the laptop I have - but it never hurts to wish!
Well, despite the buslines' best intentions, I made it home again! My 18-hour trip actually took over 24, with a lovely 5 hour layover in Albuquerque. My feet and legs were so swollen, I wasn't sure I'd ever bend my toes or see my shins again.
I did get 2 seats to myself, once I finally got on a west-bound coach, for the long trip from Albuquerque. As we started getting close to Phoenix (about 50 miles out), there was an accident (or something) along a 2-lane section of south-bound I-17 which - literally - brought traffic to a stop.
Oddly, I also lost my cell service at the same time. So, I couldn't message or call home to tell Mark what was going on. Then, as quickly as everything stopped, traffic suddenly cleared and we were on our way.
It's always nice to get home - sometimes it's just a lot more than nice!
Anyway . . . The wedding was so beautiful. Not as beautiful as the bride, of course. My two daughters have phenomenal taste and each picked a gown that suited her perfectly.
And the venue . . . !
Room after room of beautiful Victorian architecture and furnishings - The Tapestry House is just incredible.
With the little lights in the trees and stylish gardens, the view is perfect from every direction. And the house! Oh, my stars!
It took me about 30 seconds to decide that I had found exactly where I want to retire. Just beyond description!
And the claw-foot tub, sitting in a bay alcove off the bridal suite just cries for a good book and a lazy afternoon.
Then, there was the food! The crepes alone were worth several hundred words of praise! Not to mention, homemade drop biscuits, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and ham, turkey and cranberries, breads, cheese, fresh fruit, . . . Yum, yum, yum!
It was wonderful to see my kids again. Every time I go back, it reminds me how much I love Colorado.
It seems that our Internet connection has crashed and burned. It was out the entire time that I was away and, as today was a holiday, will not be up before tomorrow.
So, you'll notice (if you are one of our subscribers) that suddenly there are a bunch of new posts here, dated the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
No, you've not lost your mind. I just had to wait to publish until I had reliable service back.
As the title says - I'm in Fort Collins, Colorado. Given the stories I heard from fellow travellers, I guess I was very lucky to have made it. Although, there were some, shall we say, interesting moments.
To get from Phoenix to Fort Collins requires 2 changes and 3 different buslines. Phoenix to Albuquerque is Greyhound - and seriously crowded. An agent in Albuquerque told me that the East-West routes are always packed. She wasn't kidding.
That leg of the trip was cozy, to say the least. I told my seat-mate "It's hard to be strangers in these seats." Very nice - quiet - lady, by the way. But being that cramped was hard on my bad knee - just no way to stretch and get the pressure off the joint.
That was a rather scary leg - we were nearly run off the road by a crazy truck driver and got caught in a rainstorm. Now, the rain wouldn't have been that detrimental - if the driver's wipers had worked and if the emergency hatch in the roof had had a good seal. The rain started and I could have sworn I felt drops on my arm! Thought I was nuts until another passenger asked me if I was getting wet. Leave it to me to pick a seat that 'leaks' - you know?!
In Albuquerque, I changed to the Americanos busline for the overnight trip to Denver. (Bus was an hour late, which surprised me.) Very nice buses - curtains and comfy seats. But I nearly froze to death. The air conditioning runs down the windows, onto the seats; so you're either comfortable and frost-bitten, resting your back against the window, or you have an armrest in your back and only semi-freeze. I brought my newest afghan creation with me. Unfortunately, it's just a smidge larger than a lapghan - so, either my shoulders were warmed or my legs. Not both.
When we got to Denver, over an hour late, there was a fence blocking access from the entrances to the rest of the bus station and a really long line of people along the fence. Apparently, although I thought the convention was over, Obama was in Denver and they were checking everyone who came into the city. Not a quick check, either. Every bag was opened and searched. Then, every passenger was scanned. I was extremely glad that I had a 3-hour layover.
Just when I got to within 6 or 7 people of being searched, 45 minutes later, the head of security waved me, the woman in front of me, and about half of the people behind me through, with a "You're good. Go catch your bus." Within 15 minutes, they had removed the fence, tables, and all evidence of a security set-up. What a pain!
With all of that, I still managed to get in to Fort Collins within 15 minutes of our expected arrival time. Although I missed the rehearsal, I did manage to make the rehearsal luncheon - some of the best Italian food I've had in many years!\
And one of the most kick-a** margaritas I've ever had.
We've been thinking about rearranging the furniture. My wireless card doesn't seem to work as well from my recliner as it does from the table next to the chair. Since I don't actually bend that way anymore, something's gotta give.
Since we're planning to move the TV to a different wall, it seemed like a good time to do a little redecorating. Among other things, I fell in love with some home theater sconces. These are absolutely great!
The styles include an "Admit One" movie ticket, "Take One" clapboard, stars, popcorn, movie camera, and comedy and tragedy masks. Or create a custom design just for your family's home theater. They're wall mounted and can even be connected to a dimmer.
I may have to get the restroom sconce to hang over my bathroom door. It's just too fun to ignore!
I realize that I'm a little late to the party, but a friend sent a link to a very disturbing YouTube video today Kill and Destroy. (Although there are no graphic images, I've chosen to offer a link, rather than embed the video.) This is, in my humble opinion, important viewing.
After watching Kill and Destroy, I started researching the information it put forth. I am - without question - not an Obama supporter - never have been, but I prefer to have my facts straight before I blithely post something. Let me tell you - it was not difficult to find information on this topic!
A quick Google search turned up thousands of related pages and sites. Some of the most compelling, though I'm not sure I agree with her politics, come from Illinois nurse, Jill Stanek.
I have never trusted Obama or virtually anything that comes out of his mouth. It is my opinion that we couldn't do worse for this country than putting this man in the White House.
My daughter has been married less than 3 months and now her brother is walking down the aisle himself. Okay, actually his fiancée will walk down the aisle, he'll wait for her at the altar.
I didn't think that I would be able to make it, but found out today that I should be able to go. Needless to say, I am excited and frantic!
What do I wear? do I have anything to wear? If you'll recall, I went through the same agony right before my daughter's wedding - and that worked out okay. So, hopefully, this one will, too.
The one thing I am absolutely sure of? I am taking extra batteries for the camera and I am saving pictures to disc the second I get home. No more missed opportunities and lost pictures for me.
My apologies for the current 'state' of this blog.
Apparently, I made a format change a few days ago that, shall we say, altered the way the blog appears. In an attempt to correct that change, I fear that I have made it worse. Which wouldn't be that unforgivable, if my Internet connection was faster and more reliable.
Sadly, it takes quite a long time to upload and test the corrections.
So, please bear with me. I promise - it'll be all 'purty' again.
Ooooh, we're getting close! (I hope) - Cross your fingers?
(drumroll) . . . Voila!! - the moron {pointing at herself} has finally figured it out. And - no I won't tell you what I did to make the oops; it's just too silly for words.
The news these days is filled with stories of recession, job loss, and consumer financial problems. We're all feeling the pinch - at the pump, at the grocery store, when the utility bill is due. But what if you're a business owner?
Are your receivables taking a hit in these tough economic times? Does it seem like the monthly payments coming in are getting smaller and smaller? Have you considered debt collection agencies?
Before you place your problem accounts with an agency, make sure that you find a collection service that understands and respects your business - and your relationship with your customers. Companies and consumers frequently experience highs and lows in their cashflow. A slow-pay today could be a shining star next year. If you can't work with those accounts, and maintain relationships, you risk long-term damage to your business and your reputation.
As with everything in life and business, always do your research.
Does anyone else remember the song?
Anyway . . . The wedding was so beautiful. Not as beautiful as the bride, of course. My two daughters have phenomenal taste and each picked a gown that suited her perfectly.
