UMTravels

So, really, today is just about running errands and preparing for dinner with friends.

Oh — there is the computer hardware component of today: Graf came over, the disc enclosure is toast — $6.50 to order a new one. Ordered a 26″ monitor at the same time — doubles as an HDTV (including ATSC tuner) as well — guess that’s where the stack of CD/DVD players is going — into the office. There just isn’t room in the bedroom esthetically. Not with that big honking bed.

The other computer hardware problem was to rehabilitate the $50 laptop (took in partial trade on the unit I sold Curtis, who then didn’t like it and sold it to Jeff) into a car GPS unit. Didn’t realize it didn’t have wireless (but I have a spare USB unit) or a PCMCIA slot (that’s a bigger problem, means I have to bring my router) if I want travelling coverage. We managed to unscrew and re-screw the cover backwards — so the screen shows when it’s closed — I hope it doesn’t have some sort of shut off/sleep mechanism — that would not be good. The end plan is to have a system that will have Microsoft Streets and Maps running on a 13″ screen that I can also have email on — and guess that I could even do Skype VOIP while driving as well. Got to get some more memory in there — and I have that now spare 40gig drive to put into it — Graf is going to clean it up (tons of stuff has been spilled on it) and make it new again — maybe I should take him the pink paint!

Bread got started at 4:30 — and came out OK, but a little doughy in the middle — which Roushdi (whether true or not) said he liked.

Dinner was grilled oysters, salad with tomatoes from the garden, and a rack of ribs. The boys brought dessert for four — of which I had two servings and consequently didn’t sleep very well — the sugar is my guess. Weird dreams about travelling to Iraq with my father and brother Jon. Really, weird.

The movie of the night was Young Frankenstein — the movie – not the play, which they saw the day before. Early night for everyone.