Chris is more and more interested in yearbook photography that he's been doing as an after school activity. For a while he'd been using a camera handed down to him from Uncle Peter but he received it with a broken battery cover that we wrapped with rubber bands to keep closed.
He lost the cover (on purpose?) sometime during the second/third week of April and we ordered him a new camera on 4/17. The next day K heard from Peter who said he had switched cameras and his old one was coming to Chris. It was too late to stop shipment on the one we'd ordered so now we have 2.
CNet rates the Canon from Peter a little more highly than the Samsung we bought. The company we purchased it from would charge a restocking fee to take the camera back plus we'd have to pay for shipping again so we'll put it on eBay and see if we can recover some of our costs.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Camp Minisink
Chris decided that he wanted to go to camp at Camp Minisink in Port Jervis, NY. His decision wasn't so much about what the camp offered as it was that he could come home on the weekends.
The plan is that he'll go a month to Minisink in June and then spend the balance of the summer at Kadimah.
The plan is that he'll go a month to Minisink in June and then spend the balance of the summer at Kadimah.
Greek Easter
After accomplishing so much during our Millville stay last week I was a little bummed that we would take a break and stay in Jersey City this last weekend.
It was Orthodox Easter on Sunday and we had the Johnsons over for an early celebration on Saturday. It was great to see them and my disappointment about staying in Jersey City quickly melted when they arrived.
We've got decisions to make about where Chris goes to High School and one of the possibilities is to send him to Public School in Hoboken. We talked to a Real Estate agent on Sunday who cranked our requirements through the MLS and came out with 6-7 condos to look at. We couldn't get inside to see any of them that day but did walk around and look at the outside of many of them.
It was Orthodox Easter on Sunday and we had the Johnsons over for an early celebration on Saturday. It was great to see them and my disappointment about staying in Jersey City quickly melted when they arrived.
We've got decisions to make about where Chris goes to High School and one of the possibilities is to send him to Public School in Hoboken. We talked to a Real Estate agent on Sunday who cranked our requirements through the MLS and came out with 6-7 condos to look at. We couldn't get inside to see any of them that day but did walk around and look at the outside of many of them.
High Finance
Right after tax day we were looking at a pretty dismal long term financial picture and decided that we should take money out of savings to pay off debt. It's obvious that this is bad juju if we let it just build up again so after more than 50 years I decided to do a budget! Always hated the idea of budgeting.
If you go through the process of projecting expenditures by category Quicken gives you reports that show how far you stray from your projections. I've done the up front work to set up the bookkeeping and we've stopped using credit. Even though I've just started it has been an education. It's made me pay attention to more things including calling the repair man whenever we have a problem.
If you go through the process of projecting expenditures by category Quicken gives you reports that show how far you stray from your projections. I've done the up front work to set up the bookkeeping and we've stopped using credit. Even though I've just started it has been an education. It's made me pay attention to more things including calling the repair man whenever we have a problem.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Drops the First Letter
I have had a problem with my Apple MacBook Pro for some time. When changing focus from one application to another the first letter typed is often ignored. Judging by the complaints I've read on the web I'm not the only one who's experienced this problem and Apple has updated the BIOS code several times trying to squash this bug.
For the last month I've seen a boot ROM update listed every time the updater runs. This last time I noted the BIOS version in System Profiler (MBP21.00A5.B07) before the update and after and found that the update wasn't being installed.
I drilled down into the instructions and found that after the system had been shut down that you need to press the power button until the sleep light starts to blink. Then you let up on the button and voila - updated BIOS. BUT NO!
The next thing to try to remediate the problem is to run the BIOS updater application (MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update) in the utilities folder. I did that this morning and got a pop-up that advises the system will be shut down upon clicking continue. When I clicked continue it ran an install and then shut the system down.
I held the power button until the sleep light started to blink and then let go. This time I got the Apple logo with a progress bar beneath it and when the system came up the BIOS version had been changed (MBP21.00A5.B08).
More later on whether this fixes the problem.
For the last month I've seen a boot ROM update listed every time the updater runs. This last time I noted the BIOS version in System Profiler (MBP21.00A5.B07) before the update and after and found that the update wasn't being installed.
I drilled down into the instructions and found that after the system had been shut down that you need to press the power button until the sleep light starts to blink. Then you let up on the button and voila - updated BIOS. BUT NO!
The next thing to try to remediate the problem is to run the BIOS updater application (MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update) in the utilities folder. I did that this morning and got a pop-up that advises the system will be shut down upon clicking continue. When I clicked continue it ran an install and then shut the system down.
I held the power button until the sleep light started to blink and then let go. This time I got the Apple logo with a progress bar beneath it and when the system came up the BIOS version had been changed (MBP21.00A5.B08).
More later on whether this fixes the problem.
NYSE Letter
On Friday I got a letter from The NYSE stating that they will have work for me for 9 months after the deal is complete. That would mean I'd be severed in the early summer of 2009. Implicit in the offer is that "at will" employment could be in the offing after the 9 months depending on performance.
I don't know what to wish for. Working for NYSE until I retire might be comfortable but putting the severance in my pocket and then finding the next job would be a big boost to my finances.
I don't know what to wish for. Working for NYSE until I retire might be comfortable but putting the severance in my pocket and then finding the next job would be a big boost to my finances.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Toenail
Chris had an ingrown toenail on the big toe of his right foot. It had become infected and was painful so we took him to the podiatrist in Millville on Monday 4/21. He had been through something similar with the other big toe a couple of years ago and the solution had been to deaden some of the nail bed to keep it from happening again so we were expecting something similar this time.
Fortunately the Dr. just excised the infected part and saw no need to do anything further.
Fortunately the Dr. just excised the infected part and saw no need to do anything further.
Breath Cleansing
We couldn't stand the smell any longer so Rocko went to get his teeth cleaned on Monday 4/21.
While we were there we told the Dr. that he's been alternating between diarrhea and constipation for several days. He took a fecal sample and gave us recommendations for diet and an anti-diarrheal.
The dog came back with much improved breath and has been eating chicken and rice for several days. His BMs have gotten firmer and we've run out of pills but now he doesn't want to eat the regular dog kibble.
While we were there we told the Dr. that he's been alternating between diarrhea and constipation for several days. He took a fecal sample and gave us recommendations for diet and an anti-diarrheal.
The dog came back with much improved breath and has been eating chicken and rice for several days. His BMs have gotten firmer and we've run out of pills but now he doesn't want to eat the regular dog kibble.
Progress
We spent 5 days in Millville from the evening of the 18th to the 23rd and I feel like we really accomplished a lot.
We left Jersey City early on Friday and made an evening of the 3rd Friday celebration in downtown Millville. The weather was beautiful and it was crowded.
On Saturday we'd planned to go to The Cape May Jazz Festival with the Baaklinis but they backed out when they found out it was an indoor affair. I didn't think C would want to come but he surprised us both when he told us he was coming. His interest didn't last but he was a good sport and didn't nag to leave. We liked all the bands but were especially impressed with the Charles Walker Blues Band and I bought one of their CDs.
Finished off the day in Cape May with a putt-putt golf game. I thought it would be payback for Chris because he had behaved so well but he wasn't that interested. On the other hand it was a turning point for me as I was unseated from my long winning streak. Mom took the competition by a stroke!
Repaired the broken handle on the toilet in the hall bathroom.
Cleaned a lot of upholstery on the boat and mounted a USB jack on the console to connect the heading sensor but didn't have the laptop with me to see if it would work. I'm eager to try it out this coming weekend.
Meanwhile K cleaned the top deck and has the starboard hull waxed with a good start on the port.
This year I asked the boat yard to paint as usual but Chris and I replaced the zincs ourselves. It was pretty easy and we can probably do it ourself from here on out.
I was surprised that the big zinc above the keel was $90 at the marine store so I shopped the web to get an idea of prices and it looks like we can get it for almost half the price at BoatZincs.com. Next year...
Discussed the swim platform with Ken and he won't admit that they're responsible for the damage. When the platform was re-attached they used round head screws in the coutersunk holes and cracked the fiberglass. We'll have another chance to discuss it when he presents the bill.
We left Jersey City early on Friday and made an evening of the 3rd Friday celebration in downtown Millville. The weather was beautiful and it was crowded.
On Saturday we'd planned to go to The Cape May Jazz Festival with the Baaklinis but they backed out when they found out it was an indoor affair. I didn't think C would want to come but he surprised us both when he told us he was coming. His interest didn't last but he was a good sport and didn't nag to leave. We liked all the bands but were especially impressed with the Charles Walker Blues Band and I bought one of their CDs.
Finished off the day in Cape May with a putt-putt golf game. I thought it would be payback for Chris because he had behaved so well but he wasn't that interested. On the other hand it was a turning point for me as I was unseated from my long winning streak. Mom took the competition by a stroke!
Repaired the broken handle on the toilet in the hall bathroom.
Cleaned a lot of upholstery on the boat and mounted a USB jack on the console to connect the heading sensor but didn't have the laptop with me to see if it would work. I'm eager to try it out this coming weekend.
Meanwhile K cleaned the top deck and has the starboard hull waxed with a good start on the port.
This year I asked the boat yard to paint as usual but Chris and I replaced the zincs ourselves. It was pretty easy and we can probably do it ourself from here on out.
I was surprised that the big zinc above the keel was $90 at the marine store so I shopped the web to get an idea of prices and it looks like we can get it for almost half the price at BoatZincs.com. Next year...
Discussed the swim platform with Ken and he won't admit that they're responsible for the damage. When the platform was re-attached they used round head screws in the coutersunk holes and cracked the fiberglass. We'll have another chance to discuss it when he presents the bill.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Media Center
The Media Center PC we use in Millville first decided not to load the TV program guide and then started to "blue screen" and reboot repeatedly. Last Friday I attacked it with an arsenal of software. Wiped the disk and reloaded everything.
I was glad to have the original disks from Gateway with all the drivers. It would have been just that much more tedious if I'd had to go looking for each of them individually. The worst part was getting the codec installed. The program didn't like the one that came on the CD so I used DirectShow Decoder Filter and the video is perfect.
It now downloads the guide without problem but I don't think I have the right one. I know Comcast is in the midst of doing a channel re-alignment so it's possible that the guide I have either leads or lags the update. I'll look into it in more detail this coming weekend.
Right now the box is stable and my fingers are crossed.
I was glad to have the original disks from Gateway with all the drivers. It would have been just that much more tedious if I'd had to go looking for each of them individually. The worst part was getting the codec installed. The program didn't like the one that came on the CD so I used DirectShow Decoder Filter and the video is perfect.
It now downloads the guide without problem but I don't think I have the right one. I know Comcast is in the midst of doing a channel re-alignment so it's possible that the guide I have either leads or lags the update. I'll look into it in more detail this coming weekend.
Right now the box is stable and my fingers are crossed.
Tax Day
Today promises to be less stressful than last year's 4/15. I e-filed the taxes over the weekend and the only thing left to do today was muster the cash needed to pay. Of course that's the most unpleasant part.
I confess that there was cash sitting in the company checking account that should have been used to make estimated quarterly payments but parting with that money would have made it harder to deal with the times we got into a cash crunch.
The downside, of course, is that the underpayment penalty is huge. It doesn't feel good to have just pissed that money away. If I go back to consulting there will be a concerted effort to make the quarterly payments.
After comparing prices of the stand alone and on-line version of Turbotax I chose on-line. The big differentiator is that electronic filing is free if you do it on-line and somewhere in the $20 range if you use the workstation based version.
The thing I don't like about the on-line version is that you can't list multiple components for your input. For example, when using the stand-alone program, if you have multiple sources for mortgage interest you can put each one on a line and have the program use the total. From what I could see this isn't available in the on-line version.
And, I'm not sure how this works on the stand alone, but if you check the box to maximize your SEP IRA contribution it will show the additional deposit to be made. Then, if you go back and change a number that effects your self employment income it will change the amount you have to deposit to the retirement account without warning you. I think the user should be warned with big blinking red lights if this happens.
But, all in all, I welcome web 2.0.
I confess that there was cash sitting in the company checking account that should have been used to make estimated quarterly payments but parting with that money would have made it harder to deal with the times we got into a cash crunch.
The downside, of course, is that the underpayment penalty is huge. It doesn't feel good to have just pissed that money away. If I go back to consulting there will be a concerted effort to make the quarterly payments.
After comparing prices of the stand alone and on-line version of Turbotax I chose on-line. The big differentiator is that electronic filing is free if you do it on-line and somewhere in the $20 range if you use the workstation based version.
The thing I don't like about the on-line version is that you can't list multiple components for your input. For example, when using the stand-alone program, if you have multiple sources for mortgage interest you can put each one on a line and have the program use the total. From what I could see this isn't available in the on-line version.
And, I'm not sure how this works on the stand alone, but if you check the box to maximize your SEP IRA contribution it will show the additional deposit to be made. Then, if you go back and change a number that effects your self employment income it will change the amount you have to deposit to the retirement account without warning you. I think the user should be warned with big blinking red lights if this happens.
But, all in all, I welcome web 2.0.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Boat Sheds Shrinkwrap
We left for Millville Thursday night and I "worked from home" on Friday. That Friday we cut the plastic off the boat. Chris did most all of it. Our goal for the afternoon was to just get the canvas up. We installed radar last year and now the canvas hangs down around the antenna because it was mounted on top of some of the snaps that had been used to attach the canvas. We'll talk to Eva and find out what she recommends to correct the problem.
In addition to the standard waxing and painting this spring there is an exhaust leak to be repaired on the starboard engine and the swim platform needs fiberglass work where they overtightened the screws last season. I noticed also that a teak board on the port gunwale had split. Maybe this gets put off to next season.
On Saturday we drove out to Balic Winery in a real downpour. We tasted some of the same wine that we'd had at Tuckerton and came away with a bottle of Alexander that Great to have with dinner that night. Unfortunately it had turned. I look forward to the other 2 bottles; Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Velvet.
There was no hot water so Kevie coaxed me downstairs to take a look at the HW heater. I had installed an X10 control box to turn the water heater off and on by remote control and one of the wires had arced where I spliced in the control box. Sunday I went off to Latorre hardware and bought a junction box and some romex. After mounting the box and running the replacement cable I buttoned it up and believe I've got an installation that won't burn down the house anytime soon.
In addition to the standard waxing and painting this spring there is an exhaust leak to be repaired on the starboard engine and the swim platform needs fiberglass work where they overtightened the screws last season. I noticed also that a teak board on the port gunwale had split. Maybe this gets put off to next season.
On Saturday we drove out to Balic Winery in a real downpour. We tasted some of the same wine that we'd had at Tuckerton and came away with a bottle of Alexander that Great to have with dinner that night. Unfortunately it had turned. I look forward to the other 2 bottles; Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Velvet.
There was no hot water so Kevie coaxed me downstairs to take a look at the HW heater. I had installed an X10 control box to turn the water heater off and on by remote control and one of the wires had arced where I spliced in the control box. Sunday I went off to Latorre hardware and bought a junction box and some romex. After mounting the box and running the replacement cable I buttoned it up and believe I've got an installation that won't burn down the house anytime soon.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Echo Hill
On Saturday we drove to Worton, MD to check out The Echo Hill Camp. It was gorgeous with expansive views of the bay. And there was lots to do on the water including swimming, sailing, skiing, fishing, and wakeboarding.
We talked to Chris about what he liked and what he didn't. He liked all the stuff to do but was turned off by the tent living. Nor did he like the outdoor communal showers or that he would be away from home for a month missing out on beach weekends.
After we left the camp we took a 20 minute detour to Rock Hall and Waterman's Crab House. We'd been there by boat before and Kevie was anxious to open crab season. She had her regular 6 large. These were imported from Louisiana but tasted like the real thing. I had a softshell crab sandwich and Chris had a burger. Afterwards we walked around downtown Rock Hall and Kevie got a Waterman's sweatshirt.
It was a fun Saturday. Even if Chris doesn't choose Echo Hill it was still worth the trip.
We talked to Chris about what he liked and what he didn't. He liked all the stuff to do but was turned off by the tent living. Nor did he like the outdoor communal showers or that he would be away from home for a month missing out on beach weekends.
After we left the camp we took a 20 minute detour to Rock Hall and Waterman's Crab House. We'd been there by boat before and Kevie was anxious to open crab season. She had her regular 6 large. These were imported from Louisiana but tasted like the real thing. I had a softshell crab sandwich and Chris had a burger. Afterwards we walked around downtown Rock Hall and Kevie got a Waterman's sweatshirt.
It was a fun Saturday. Even if Chris doesn't choose Echo Hill it was still worth the trip.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Financial Planning
Chris came back from the school bowling trip several weeks ago pumped to get a cell phone. Others on the trip were running around with their phones taking pictures, etc. So we looked at the cost of a monthly plan which turned out to be $40. I told him if he could save $80 over 2 months that would be proof that he could handle the payments and he told us that would be NO PROBLEM.
For the last 3 weeks he has saved and sacrificed drinks and snacks in order to come up with $10/week. We could tell that it was really getting to him. On Saturday he started talking about an xBox Live subscription ($10/mo) and we told him that it was either that or the cell phone. He jumped at the opportunity to abort the cell phone savings and handed over the money for 3 months of xBox Live.
I liked this outcome for a couple reasons. First, it laid the ground work for a lesson in money management. If you over commit yourself the consequences can be misery. Second, his mom and I weren't subjected to the pleading, "Can I please have..." He knew that the choices were his and he made them.
For the last 3 weeks he has saved and sacrificed drinks and snacks in order to come up with $10/week. We could tell that it was really getting to him. On Saturday he started talking about an xBox Live subscription ($10/mo) and we told him that it was either that or the cell phone. He jumped at the opportunity to abort the cell phone savings and handed over the money for 3 months of xBox Live.
I liked this outcome for a couple reasons. First, it laid the ground work for a lesson in money management. If you over commit yourself the consequences can be misery. Second, his mom and I weren't subjected to the pleading, "Can I please have..." He knew that the choices were his and he made them.
Camp Minisink
We drove to Port Jervis Sunday morning for the camp tour. Even though Mapquest estimates 1:40 minutes from Jersey City we left early so we weren't racing the clock and got there 45 minutes early.
Joe was the counselor who took us around. He's a nice guy and very enthusiastic. Just the type to do a tour. We saw the bunks, bathrooms, athletic field, lake, etc. and though Chris didn't say a word the whole time, he told us on the way home that he liked it. He liked Joe and his dog and the open dining hall. When I asked him if there were any activities he was interested in he said that he'd go swimming. It is frustrating trying to get him interested in activities that don't involve video games.
Joe was the counselor who took us around. He's a nice guy and very enthusiastic. Just the type to do a tour. We saw the bunks, bathrooms, athletic field, lake, etc. and though Chris didn't say a word the whole time, he told us on the way home that he liked it. He liked Joe and his dog and the open dining hall. When I asked him if there were any activities he was interested in he said that he'd go swimming. It is frustrating trying to get him interested in activities that don't involve video games.
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