Memories Are Made of This

As I posted recently, I was visiting family in Minnesota. Aside from the catastrophic event with the Interstate 35W Bridge collapsing, the trip was absolutely wonderful. Although the highlight of the trip was quality time spent with family, I also had the opportunity to see some of the sights around Minneapolis and St. Paul.

It seems that I have always been the "family photographer", clicking away with my 35mm camera -- when I remembered to bring it along or had room in my purse or carry-bag for it. However, that problem was solved a few months ago with the purchase of a Kodak EASYSHARE V610 Dual Lens Digital Camera. Not only is it small enough to easily fit in my purse or a pocket, the 10X zoom made it a perfect accompaniment for snapping pictures of active family members or to zoom in a bit on Mother Nature at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory (Images reduced in size to 25% of original):

Nesting Duck at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

As beautiful as the new housing developments and outdoor malls are in the still rapidly growing communities outside Minneapolis, I preferred the beauty of Summit Avenue in St. Paul. The 100 year old Cathedral of St. Paul, modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, was absolutely breath-taking. The Cathedral has a massive copper dome, incredible stained-glass, and beautiful woodwork. Although it is likely difficult to get a bad picture of St. Paul's, I am quite pleased with the results of my effort:

Side-View, Cathedral of St. Paul, Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota

Almost as amazing -- or perhaps even more so because it was such a stunningly beautiful day -- was the view from the front steps of St. Paul, particularly this shot of the Capital Building:

Capital Building, St. Paul, Minnesota

Another feature I particularly appreciate about the EASYSHARE V610 is the 2.8 in. (7.1 cm) high resolution color display with wide viewing angle. Instead of cut off heads or other missing parts, the display provides an incredibly clear view of the scene, making it easy to nicely frame the picture.

Not to be overlooked, of course, are the beautiful prints I have been printing on my Windows Vista compatible Kodak EASYSHARE 5300 All-in-One Printer to send to family to share the memories.

Of course it goes without saying that the family pictures are even more special but I will keep those memories for sharing with the family. I hope you take the time to make memories of the special times in your life.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Interstate I-35W, Minnesota

I have been in Minnesota visiting family. My daughter took me to the airport last evening for my return flight, leaving at 6:50 PM. After I checked my bag, we all exchanged hugs, kisses and tears. Shortly before 6 PM she and her daughters headed for home while I started through security.

Since the gate for my flight was at the other end of the huge Twin Cities airport, I spent much of the remaining time before my flight on the walkway. Not long after I reached the gate, we were allowed to board the plane. As the plane was taxiing toward the runway for take off, a man in the seat behind me told his seat companion about the collapse of 35W. Within minutes we passed over the bridge and I saw first hand the devastation through the window of the plane.

Although not very familiar with the incredible Minnesota highway system, I knew 35W was a major highway and recalled being on it when we were touring St. Paul. It wasn't the highway that I expected my daughter to be taking home, but could not help having doubts. As smooth as the NorthWest flight home was, I was relieved when we were finally allowed to turn our cell phones back on and I heard the voices so dear to me.

Knowing what I went through, my heart goes out to the families not as fortunate as I.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Announcing WinPatrol 2007, Version 12

It looks as though I have returned to town just in time to help celebrate the newest update to WinPatrol, including the return of Scotty's bark to Windows Vista. As shown on the left, a new Scotty the Windows Watchdog image inside his own Orb has been used. This image will provide added visibility of Scotty for Windows Vista users with the default dark theme.

What else is new in Version 12? Bill Pytlovany has added two additional reports that will assist WinPatrol users in evaluating what is on their computer(s).

1. HijackPatrol Log
   The new HijackPatrol Log button on the options screen will create and display a style of output familiar to many online helpers. HiJackPatrol.logs aren't exact duplicates of the popular HijackThis log or meant to replace them but the format should be familiar. HijackPatrol logs will also contain additional information which is routinely monitored by WinPatrol.
   
   
2. SpreadSheet Log
   Important details will be output in a CSV(Comma Separated Value) format popular with spreadsheets and many database programs. WinPatrol users will be able to sort all their system data in any format they want.

Also improved in Version 12 is additional information such as File Type Associations and Hidden file locations in the WinPatrol System Monitor:



References:

What's New and Download Link: WinPatrol 2007, Version 12
Compare WinPatrol Free / WinPatrol Plus: Why Plus?

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...