Storms and clearings

I really don't know where the month of July went, but it was a busy one.

Beside hosting a younger relative visiting NY for the first time, I had to adjust my life and daily routines also due to the sudden loss of my old desktop, which is my trusted assistance for every thing I do, search, read, write, keep books, watch news, correspond, and even play with occasionally.

The new machine I've ordered is a real power, but its new operating system (which I am not fond of, but had no choice about it to obtain a free upgrade for the new one expected in the fall) requires much attention and an additional learning curve, as well as new versions of all the other applications. Most of the peripherals I have became operative very quickly with no problems except for the scanner. This unit, even though of the same manufacturer as the computer, needs a driver that is no longer available or supported by the vendor, thus it must be replaced by a new one.

Although it's fun to try new things every day, it will take quite a bit of time to get back to the full level of operation that I was used to on my old pc and update all my backlogged data. One new addition is the use of Skype, which comes very handy for international calls. I've ordered a webcam that will augment the enjoyment of conversing with people I deal with when I talk to them.

The weather in NY has been strange this year during this usually hot summer month. We have had, instead, a couple of weeks of lovely temperatures, but daily thunderstorms are back again, with the sun playing peekaboo, and producing high, and annoying humidity.

During one evening this week also had quite an experience due to an emergency situation caused by steam that affected the electrical grid in our building. The NY electrical company worked on our corner for several days in open trenches to replace some old pipes and eventually the digging and steam did hit phone and other wires.

The flickering of lights in our building produced an alert and the Fire dept. stepped in to solve the problem and avoid a possible explosion. Our system was completely shut off for a few hours, during which time I had the feeling of being back in Albania, where, for several years, I had similar experiences on a daily basis due to lack of energy in that country.

In the midst of all this I also go back to the pool for aqua aerobics, plus special hot water exercises, and physio-therapeutic sessions, which are a great help to my osteo-arthritis. No time to even think of any rest or vacation!

Happy Independence Day

I've been offline for a while because my desktop failed me a few days ago. It has served me well for a long time and now I'm anxiously waiting for my new computer to arrive. I have researched what I want and need, and ordered a complete a new configuration, which hopefully will provide me with certain facilities for a long time ahead.

Meantime, unfortunately, I'll have to deal with the Vista operating system, until the new Windows 7 OS will become available in the fall, and have to load and use all new application software to match the latest level of bits of the newly ordered system.

Nothing much to report, except that I continue to be busy catching up with all medical checkups (so far good!), and hosting my young relative from Italy, who, like everyone else, has been fed up with the lousy weather we've been experiencing so far.

Today, however, is a glorious Independence Day, with sunshine galore, perfect temperature, and a lovely breeze. New York is 'heavenly' quiet in my residential area, but I know that downtown and the west side of Manhattan are gearing up to accommodate the huge crowds for tonight's firewall display along the Hudson river. Enjoy the holiday everyone!!