New computer

The computer that operates my three online business’s was built in the fall of 1999. I purchased it early 2000. In computer lifetimes she is as old in technology as the first Apple we all drooled over when some of us were just youngsters in a exciting new times of the 80’s. This Compaq has served me daily, only once having to go the repair shop - a month before the 3 year service contract ran out. The hard drive was acting up and hence was replaced. Following that the last 6 years she has run like a perfect little computer with very little acting up. The other member of my household has gone through 3 desktops and 2 laptop computers. He must be really rough in his activities when online. No he just enjoys new gadgets…it’s a man thing. I still have plenty of storage space on this old baby. But as my artwork advances I no longer can put on new software programs. The manufacturers are not making for XP anymore. My XP is also just Widows updates. This computer real working program is Windows 98. I love this computer I know the programs inside out. Yesterday I became the proud mamma of a brand new laptop. Toshiba. 3GB of ram, 320GB memory. More than enough computer for anything I do. She’s fast, she’s slick, and the new programs on it already make my head spin. I’m just thrilled to now be able to go anywhere and do my work. I’ll no longer be tied to the home office. In fact all my updates and new listings for my products will be done at the local library or coffee shop that have wi-fi. Dialup is fine for home and old computers but gotta get with the new age and speed is the name of the game for me now. So the next few weeks I’ll be learning new things, new ways, and new products will be forthcoming. All I can say is “Watch Out!”

Volcano Ash in Anchorage

<--Volcano Ash on my car this morning! Living in Anchorage a mere 100 miles from Mount Redoubt an active volcano is exciting. South Central Alaska has been on volcano alert since January. The last few weeks the Mt. Redoubt has decided life needs a little reminder. So in the fashion of volcano’s she decided to huff and puff her way into the news. First the towns and cities south of Anchorage, Homer, Kenai where in the wake of the dangers…ASH. Ash has dangers. Not only to a person health; but also of going about your daily business. Ruins the paint on your car, damages the engines of cars, will scratch up your windows when you turn on the wipers. Harms home electronics. Airline passengers stand stranded as planes are grounded. Everything comes to a halt. Anchorage yesterday now stands in the wake of ash from Mt. Redoubt. At 3:20pm, March 28, 2009 an eruption towering into the air currents up to 40,000 feet floated over the 100miles in a dark cloud, raining tiny particles of Ash over cars, yards, and homes as it traveled north to Anchorage. I have experienced two different volcano’s activity here in Anchorage. My first experience was 1992 and now 17 years later. Gardens will be glorious this summer. Ash is a gardeners delight! Plus the scientists and geologists are filled with excitement of learning more of active volcanoes. As I woke this morning to gray skies and dusty dirty snow outside my windows. I am again amazed of the way Earth shows her growing pains. Anchorage Daily Newspaper has a wonderful website covering Mount Redoubt and her activities: http://www.adn.com/