Not much. How 'bout with you?
I can't say that there's been much of note happening around here. And I haven't been inspired with any deep, meaningful thoughts (at least, none that I can think of that would warrant a post). I honestly jot things down on Post-It notes when that light bulb comes on in (or above) my head. Alas, my thought cupboard is bare.
I noticed, however, that it's been more than a month since I last checked in. That just didn't feel right, even though no one is banging down my door to read what's on my mind. So let's see what I can muster.
Which reminds me...the Associated Press has updated their guidelines to basically make "more than" and "over" interchangeable to "indicate greater numerical value." That just doesn't feel right, either. There used to be a clear distinction. A previous listing suggested that "over" was generally used for "spatial relationships" while "more than" was "preferred with numerals." Is this an earth-shattering development? No, but it will surely make professionals bristle for a time. Sigh...we'll get used to it.
I recently struggled with a computer virus for more than a week. I must have been impatiently clicking something the night before we left to pick up our son for his spring break and got to a site with malware. All sensitive information and passwords seem to be intact, and I changed any that concerned me. The darn thing just slowed my computer down to a crawl! A combination of about six anti-virus scans run multiple times appears to have eliminated the problem. No real harm done other than, perhaps, a few additional gray hairs. Frustrating, to be sure.
Speaking of spring break, it was certainly nice to have The Boy here visiting for a week. None of us had any big plans, but relaxation can be a good thing. We did get him all stocked up on toiletries and snacks for the last two months of school. First year of college almost done! Where does that pesky time go? He also had his first birthday away from home. I followed my mother's lead and sent him a "care package," of course. I even baked him some cookies...from scratch! It really doesn't seem that long ago that I was the one receiving goodies from home.
Also speaking of spring break...our son doesn't have a car, and there aren't many people at his school from this neck of the woods, so we drove up to get him on the appointed day. It was kind of a shame he couldn't leave some of the bulky winter clothes behind, but they'll surely be needed yet a time or two. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to/got to drive him back up by myself when vacation was finished. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal to most folks. Four hours up; an hour to unload, freshen up, and spend some last-minute quality time together; and four hours back. The weather was pleasant, and I got to set the radio to my own preferred stations and volume. I was a little anxious, because I've never been much of a solo road-trip gal. But the trip went off without a hitch. Even at my age I can still reach personal milestones! Yes, I am proud of myself (even if it seems minor to everyone else).
After shopping for birthday gifts, I figured I'd complete the online customer satisfaction surveys promoted on some store receipts. Often, completion gains you an entry into a monthly drawing for cash or gift cards. Why not? You never know when luck will smile on you! I encountered a technical difficulty with one of the surveys. Nothing major, but I figured I'd let the vendor know about it, just in case they weren't aware. It only took me a moment to shoot off a quick email spelling out the issue. It just seemed like the polite and responsible thing to do. Not only did I get a personalized email reply thanking me for notifying them, but they also sent me a small gift card as a token of their appreciation. What a pleasant surprise to receive a little extra customer service. Thank you, Hallmark Gold Crown!
Other tidbits? I quietly remembered my dad on his birthday, celebrated Grammar Day in my head (since my computer kept me from sharing the holiday online), sprang ahead (I'm so glad that many clocks reset themselves), wished everyone a happy Pi Day, and welcomed the first day of spring. The snow is melting, but I'd be stretching the truth to say it really feels like spring. I know it will get here eventually...and be much appreciated across the country. My next goal is simply to avoid some of the March Madness that so thrills so many. To each his own.
That appears to be the news from our old homestead. What's up with you?
