Archive for ‘March, 2009’

AcerBaby

AcerBaby …. you sing that like Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt, 1953)… Anyway, fair warning, this is a technology post because I R a technology professional and general gadget afficiando.

My story, and I’m sticking to it, is that my backup laptop computer was having fits keeping up with my production laptop – not enough oomph and it has a loud and annoying fan. I didn’t want to get a new production machine. Not only is my current one fine, but Vista v2.0 aka Windows 7 or whatever they decide to call it is due sometime not too far off and I want to make sure to get something configured ok for that. I had been pricing inexpensive laptops for a backup machine and suddenly found out about “netbooks”. They have been around for a bit, but first I knew of them was several weeks ago. They are $500-$700 less than the “inexpensive” backup laptops I was pricing.

Called netbooks as the original idea was a very small laptop or a very large PDA – something for email and internet. But now, the netbooks are full fledged laptops in a very small footprint. After reading, and looking and dithering ad nauseum, I ordered an Acer Aspire One 10 inch with a 2 gb RAM upgrade. It comes with a 160 gb hard drive, Wi-fi, RJ45 (hard wire network connection), a multi-function card reader. No CD/DVD. It runs on an Atom processor which is fast, but low power consumption and low heat. The 6 cell battery reputed to go 8-10 hours. It will drive an external monitor.

Many are tired of hauling around 15 and 17 inch laptops – I would be one. I often take mine when on errands during “office hours” so I can check in.

As of today, the Acer, aka AcerBaby (it is sooooo cute!) is fully loaded with everything I run on my production machine. The screen is bright and clear, albeit small. It jumps on the internet via my USB aircard or available wi-fi. Its footprint is smaller than a sheet of paper at about 10 x 7 x 1. It fits in my messenger bag styled purse. It is much easier to type on than a Blackberry or iPhone AND I can do anything on it that I can on my office machine. I am happy.

Sitting on a sheet of paper above for size reference.

AcerBaby!

Sunset weather

Out with Karl shortly before 8 p.m. last night, I noticed magenta streaks through the trees to the east. We jumped in the Jeep and sat in our usual spot to watch the colors. Turning around to come home…

Snow on the mountains above the house. It was raining when we pulled in the driveway.

This morning, it is snowing…

Waiting for my own

When I dismantled the garden – actually, when neighbors Mike and Nancy traded me the dismantling for the fencing and raised beds, we moved some of the “debris” to a pile that had debris from making the RV pad. That pile of debris is going away shortly… But not before I move the Iris that got moved there accidentally.

In the meantime, I’ve been buying fresh flowers and this week there were Iris and Daffodils to be had.

Lovely, full of the promise of Spring and Summer while waiting for my own.

First Day of Spring

Happy First Day of Spring! I know – that doesn’t look like Spring. It was in fact, the last day of Winter…yesterday. Yesterday, was sunny and 40ish and I had errands in Bigfork, so we tacked on some beach time. This “beach” will be gone soon. As the snow pack melts and the powers that be allow the lake level to rise, the area that Karl and I enjoy in the winter will be under water. When the snow melts, it is all rocks, so now is the time to really enjoy it!

A beautiful day!

A gaggle of geese sat in the water across the bay. Suddenly, the volume of honking increased. They rose – circled – started forming the V – an incredible sight and sound!

If you have never read or seen the why of the goose behavior: The Goose Story

Picnic tables, campfire rings and camp sites wait for summer. Late Spring through early Fall, people who work nearby come to this park, bring their lunch and enjoy a quiet and peaceful time by the lake. The camping area is beautiful – sites from tent size to a few that will accomodate the largest RV – but all somewhat private with views of the trees and ferns. Paths from the sites, wind through the woods to the rocky shore of the lake. Even in the height of summer, when all are full, it is a beautiful spot.

Today, the first day of Spring, we start letting go of Winter.

Last Blast

Yesterday morning…

Today is the last full day of Winter according to the calendar. There has been snow – a lot of snow! – on the ground since December 14… a late start but made up for quickly. As it has warmed up and a lot of melting going on, I’ve been looking at the calendar, past emails, past photos – looking for the “proof” that all the snow will go away…someday.

Despite my anxiousness for green grass, wildflowers and Spring, yesterday’s snow was a beautiful gift!

This winter, I’ve snowshoed at least once and usually 3-4 times every day – enjoying the woods and mountains and trying to keep up with Karl

It has been a wonderful winter for playing outside. Each snowfall, every night of alpenglow, each sunrise and sunset are unique.

We have enjoyed them all.

Yesterday, might not have been the last blast of this winter, but it was lovely and a wonderful reminder to enjoy each moment of each day for whatever it might bring.