Monday, March 22, 2010

Springtime Survey

With the arrival of Spring and summertime just around the corner, it's time to take a look at things outside the home and make sure everything is up to snuff, so to speak.

I just put out four solar lights. I've had them for years, still in their original box. Amazingly, they work, to an extent. I probably should get new batteries for them since it's been years that I actually purchased these. They charge, but the lights only stay on for a few hours and not all night.

It's about time to take the cover off the patio bench that I've been protecting from the rains. I'm not sure I want to do it just yet. Besides, I actually need to get a pad for the bench. Any ideas of a place to get good but inexpensive bench pads? I can't afford much.

Another part of the yard that needs attention is the fence. Fortunately, it's not too bad. I noticed a couple of boards that need a hammering to keep them secure. The good news is I don't need major repairs or a new one. If I did, I'd have to start researching companies. I'm not actually up on what wood is best. We use to have redwood that was colorful; now it's just brown boards. There's probably something better.

I'm glad Spring is here. I just hope it doesn't heat up too much this summer. My house tends to overheat during the summertime.

Software, from Workflow to Website

I mentioned in my last post that I'm finally using an up to date computer, which also means I've been very busy setting up the computer. There's been a lot of hours dedicated to finding replacement software for programs that worked on Win98, but are no longer compatible with the new operating system. It's really a long process as those who have gone through this know.

When you're in this position, you look for solutions like website software. It all depends on what you need, and how your computer will be used, whether it's for personal or business use, or maybe even a combination of the two.

There are lots of choices out there. The main thing is to make sure you have a good virus program already up and running as well as an excellent spyware and adware system. Also, be very careful when installing. If you don't do custom or just fly through the installation, you're liable to find yourself with a number of unwanted programs.

I'm still setting up my computer and trying to find things that work. I desperately need a good composer program, something like Netscape's old composer. I've found a few things, but they aren't as reliable or easy to use as that composer was.

Good luck to all of us in our hunt for software that works.

Game Fun

My biggest news of the month is that I've finally joined the modern age of the computer. My last computer purchase was a decade back, and until a week or so ago, I was utilizing Win98, which just wasn't supported by anyone anymore. It was hard to even find virus scan protection for it, and on almost any site I was having access problems. Then there was the slowness. I just couldn't take it, especially the 5-minutes it took to boot my computer (and I'm not exaggerating).

Now though I finally have the latest thing; well, closer to it anyway. I have a ton of space and a bunch of memory. Everything has been moving fast. I'm just in computer heaven about it all.

As a result, I've been considering doing some computer games. I'm looking for recommendations. I know there are places where games are located, so whether it's a trusted website or an actual game to purchase, I'm in the 'maybe' stage of getting a couple or finding places to go. Nothing grotesque or horror, though. I'd like things like the ancient centipede and pac man.

We all need to have fun, and a few computer games or arcade sites might provide the occasional distraction.

Bullock's Woes A Reminder

I have lots to write about here; it's just a matter of getting to it. One of the things going on in the news is the marital woes of Sandra Bullock and Jesse James. He's admitted to cheating on her while she was making the film that just earned her an Academy Award. Personally, I never understood the attraction between these two. I adore Sandra, but I have no clue what it is that she sees, or saw, in James, who was unimpressive last year on Celebrity Apprentice.

No one knows what will ultimately happen in that marriage, but it's a reminder that a relationship, any coupling, requires a lot of work, and you just can't take anything, or anyone, for granted.

Dating today is hard stuff. It seems like you have to look around carefully at dating sites. Can you trust what you see, be it the online word or those eyes staring in your face? That's the 100 dollar question.

Sandra is apparently hiding away right now, and I don't blame her. I just hope that her future is bright and that she finds the sunlight again.
 
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