A perfect day for hanging out and enjoy food, friends and various infusions.

I have a few more shots to snap off on the second roll of film and then I will do the whole develop scan and post for everyone's enjoyment.

Thanks so much to everyone who come by and added to the general merriment of the day.

There was much talk of Patch Adams and Tesla, great Harmony from that wonderful pair of beach vagabonds, luscious foods and various amounts of alcohol.

Jen's dip was fabulous and I must have the recipe!

My dear aunt Maureen came up from Connecticut to enjoy the festivities and great thanks goes out to her for her ability to withstand the abuse given by us all. She may even come back someday.

Mr Blair surprised us all with his ability on the grill that would not work in addition to cooking by flashlight and the heavenly Brats on Potato Bread.

I must thank Phyllis for her fire starting skills as well as everyone else for the fire pit upkeep. It was a great night for sitting around the pit. Great to see her and Ken in his cool shirt after so long.

It all added up to a glorious time.

I should have written down the ingredients for the punch because it went down easy and I have only a mild headache today. LOL. The effects of Rum Punch in the summertime is a glorious thing.

I may have to invite people over next weekend as well with all the alcohol still here. What does a non beer drinker do with a cooler full of beer anyway?

 

 

I was going to arrange them the right way but, getting error message so, as soon as that is all figured out I'll do that but, for now they are in there.

http://pandafan.tabulas.com/gallery/bbq-aug-2008/

 

Thanks again for everyone who stopped in!

 

NO ANTI VIRUS/ ANTI SPYWARE PROGRAM IS 100%

 

What don’t you people get about that?

How can that be made any clearer to you?

Do I need to really break that down into 2 year old language for you?

 

Yes, you are purchasing a product and paying for it (that is essentially what “purchase” means). If it was also supposed to bake you a cake you should have asked that prior to your purchase.

 

That product does a great many things for you should you actually use it correctly. Here are a few pointers for you just so we’re clear on how to use your antivirus and/or anti spyware products correctly:

a.       Install upgrades to the product when needed

b.      Update virus and spyware definitions ALWAYS not when you get around to it

c.       Scan your system a lot. Probably more than you want to take the time for- get over it.

d.      If an error is found you might want to call someone before working on the computer for a few days or weeks when you might have the time– DUH.

 

#1 Favorite Question and answer I would like to give you when you call

            “Why didn’t this protect me?”

                        “Because you’re an idiot”

#2 Favorite Question and answer I would like to give you when you call

“How can I pay so much for a product and then not get a problem resolved without additional charges?”

See above idiot and also: “Because $49.99 does not include a small Indian or Philippine Technician that lives in there waiting for you to be an idiot and fixing it for you” “Maybe we should make sure it can bake you a cake too?”

#3 Favorite Question and answer:

“Why don’t you guys have a fix for this, isn’t this what I’m paying you for every year?”

“Well here’s the thing in a nutshell. You don’t sign my checks and neither do these guys putting out the viruses. Heck, I’d be happy to have a straight line to them to find out when they will be putting these out there for you to download. Also, if they could tell me exactly what it does and how it works and how to fix it then I would be more than happy to make sure I was able to update your computer for you with that information so you were safe. I’m sure I could also let them know you would rather not have your credit card number stolen and as well that they could build this thing so that it does take just a simple no charge fix”

also – “Let me bake you a cake because you’re so darn special!!”

 

So Mr and Mrs Special cake eaters:

Here are the things we’re working on right now and I’ll also list a few pointers for you on what NOT to do with your computer.

 

AntivirusXP2008

AntivirusXP2009

MSAntivirus

WinDefender

Bloodhound

Bluesod

Hacktool

FakeAVAlert

Misleadapp

 

Basically if you see anything on your computer like the above reference information…you’re paying to fix it. Make the call now before it gets worse.

 

Also, the following items should be taken seriously when seen on your computer and not yet detected by your “special” software program that you update daily to keep yourself safe:

 

Email proxy errors

Intrusion alerts

Pop up boxes from “windows” program to notify you your computer has been infected and to download/scan/go to web site

Desktop background changing color or missing photo

Homepage changes

Webpage changes when you are on the internet (takes you somewhere else)

Slow running computer or internet connection

Freezes and/or restarts

New or different programs added to your computer

Missing Control Panel, mouse errors, dll missing errors, missing drivers

Email errors for emails you didn’t send

Strange sounds

Pornographic pop ups

 

Top 10 things you shouldn’t do with your computer:

#1. Porn

#2. Websites you don’t know-even My Space, You Tube, etc has issues!

#3. On line gaming portals for multi users

#4. Download files: Music, movies, unknown person sharing files

#5. Porn

#6. Active X entries of unknown website

#7. Instant Messenger

#8. Did I say Porn?

#9. Email – especially Aol, Yahoo, Google need to be VERY careful with

#10. ANYTHING FREE – if it’s free you probably shouldn’t use it, visit it, try it unless someone you know or trust completely has already done so without issue.

 

Basically as our lives intermingle with technology to a greater extent we are putting ourselves at risk to a greater extent. Those with the smarts to make you miserable are also out there to a greater extent making it highly likely that at some point in time you will be infected in some way. Accept the fact now. Build your defenses as best you can and try to enjoy what you can for your computer use. All you can do.

You are no more special than anyone else and I shall not be baking you a cake either. Get over it.

 

Pics in the gallery:

http://pandafan.tabulas.com/gallery/october-mountain-state-forest-2008/

 

So my trip was not only a great mini vacation but also a celebration of sorts as well for the Mazda 626. It turned 100,000 miles when I got there and got out and about. It’s the little things in life sometimes that you have to look at and enjoy. I bought the car in Dec 1995 with 4 miles on it so, to still have it at this point is good in most respects. The fact that it continues to provide me with vacation adventures is fabulous as well. Honestly though, this one gave her a good kick in the butt. She still held out for me and did a fine job and I have a few nice shots of her to make her feel good since I can’t afford another one at the moment. This trip made me yurn for a  truck again though.

 

So, the Yurts at October Mountain State Forest are great. Although Yurt #1 only has two sets of bunk beds – the bunks are wide – enough for two regular sized folks. It had the lovely electric lighting and fan but, the outside light was only available by Mr. Park Ranger and then, it was turned on for your visit so – I was told that like everyone else – I opted for no light at all outside. There was no large deck on this one but, it was okay and it wasn’t the finely manicured and tailored Yurt area like Otter River. They also had little heater in the Yurt and if only I had put that baby on before going to bed last night it wouldn’t have been so dang bad when I was awakened at 3am by a low cell phone battery. The dang thing beeped all morning because it was too darn cold to get out from under the sleeping bags until some light hit the sky and well, until the coffee was brewed and all of that.

The thing about the State Parks during off season is the quiet. There was 1 RV and 1 other tenter both nights. An additional tenter and a camper truck combo showed up last night. That’s it. How nice. It also adds to that whole available hot water too. Plus this time of year there are no Kids. I don’t mind kids, in fact I like them but, when I’m on vacation in the woods I like the sound of nature, that’s all.

 

So a bit of a review of the camping area and then we’ll get on to the Park itself.

 

October Mountain State Forest

Lee, Massachusetts (Berkshires-South)

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/octm.htm

47 campsites on 3 levels.

Level 1 = Bath House and RV and tent camping area along with Check In Station. (If they aren’t there, the Headquarters is about 500 yds down the street).

Level 2 = Bath House and tent camping. If I was tenting I would consider the 40-50 numbers in this area since they are all in the pines with nice layer of soft pine needles and along the brook is nice to lock out some of the other noises.

Level 3 has the 3 yurts and only 2 of those are open to on line reservations, 1 is walk up only, and two tent areas. One of the tent spots is actually kind of cool with stone steps up to it. Both are next to the brook so, that’s nice too.

 

The Bath Houses were clean and checked regularly and always stocked completely full with items and the hot water for the shower was just simply wonderful and long lasting. The Rangers were all very nice and accomodating and helpful. That's also a benefit of off season. They knew exactly who I was when I walked into headquarters. Funny. Funnier still to be asked if I needed this or that or the other thing. I don't know if that's typical or just because I am of the female persuasion but, they realized pretty quickly I have done this before. Still cute of them to ask.

 

The information boards down by check in station on Level 1 and by Bath House Level 2 had maps and information that you should definitely stop by at take a look at – some interesting maps not available on line. Still, with the size of this place, there could be a lot more (my only gripe is that the place was HUGE and needs more detailed maps…I would love a week there). There is a slight hum you hear all the time and my guess is that it’s from the large power station near by. There’s also some odd jet engine in the back yard type of sound about twice a day that I have no idea where it comes from.

 

The place is filled with Red Squirrel, Chipmunk and Screech Owls (I think they are at least). There were lots and lots of different types of frogs all around the place which is probably due to the variety of available habitats. They only have the occasional Black Bear and they don’t even have Bear Safe Dumpsters so, it’s not like Mohawk where they come right up on the porch and say hello.

 

The various spots and trails are too numerous to list and certainly a two night stay doesn’t get you a great deal of time to explore but, I did what I could and will have pictures in the gallery as soon as I feel anything from my hips down again enough to get the film developed.

 

Trail Map

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/OctMtn.gif

 

One of the more popular trails (other than The Appalachian) is Shermerhorn Gorge. I almost did it. Twice even, once from each end but, it was best to not push my luck. I did take a ride out the first late afternoon to see what that side of the park had to offer. Started at Woods Pond and Roaring Brook Rd. Nice little pond, fairly good dirt roads, well marked parking and trails. There were a few times the Park Map came in handy so, don’t leave home without it. You do a lot of gate number look outs to confirm where you are here so, become familiar with that on the maps.

 

The second day I did the loop going out Rt 20, up Becket Rd, Over the Appalachian, visited Buckley-Dunton Lake, up County Rd and onto West Branch to October Mtn Reservoir.

Then I decided to take a quick jaunt with just one camera hand held on the Interpretive trail through Washington Mtn Marsh Trail. That was a mistake. I should have brought the pack filled with camera gear. Still, had a nice hike that I have to say is simply lovely accommodations for motorized or wheelchair accessibility. To a point of course, it gets sketchy after a while but, is clearly marked for those with such items so, no worries. This is also where I flushed up something. I am telling myself it was a good sized deer but, my mind keeps telling me to keep telling myself that. About 4 feet off the trail in some pretty dense thicket at the base of a hill I woke something from a very deep sleep that I heard basically gasping and breathing heavily as it lumbered up the hill. I of course shat myself stiff and then walked two more paces to realize it only went about half way up the hill and that got it moving again all the way over. I never heard a hoof of any kind. That’s the thing that haunts me on that one. In a pine forest with a rocky ledge hill and no hooves to be heard when spooked. Humph. Yeah, okay, it was a deer. Maybe it was a deer with slippers on? Times like that I think a Bear bell would be handy. I try not to be too quiet though so, someone was way too happy to not have anyone coming through for a long time I guess. Or you know maybe he was full and snoozing off the afternoon. Which helps too so, that’s fine. I’d say it could have been a hermit man with sneakers on but, if so the guys needs to get in shape because the huffing and puffing didn’t sound so good.

 

After that I went back out West Branch and over Lenox-Whitney to Shermerhorn Rd and visited Felton Lake. Which brought me the other end of Gorge Trail and the second – “nah…I won’t push my luck” thought. And then back down around to Woods Pond from the other way on Roaring Brook.

 

I completed a nice big circle and did some nice easy trails. With a 4x4 I would have to stay a week. With a good set of feet I might have to stay two. I would definitely go back and do it again and spend more time when it’s warmer weather. 2 rolls of color and 4 rolls of Black and White so, lots of shots to enjoy to come.

 

Bon Voyage and Tally Hoo and all of that - can you picture the WB cartoon?

I am putting up the pics from the recent festivities in QTown. Fun was had by all. Food was simply fabulous. Great to see everyone and spend a nice day by the pool and all of that.

 

Enjoy the pics!

http://pandafan.tabulas.com/gallery/lobster-steamers-or-bowls-of-meat-anyone/

 

 

 

It's all Chucks fault .

Thank you.

Okay so, good times were had at the local by all and although no one brought a camera there's still that good old stand by of crappy cell phone pics.

Enjoy.

 

http://pandafan.tabulas.com/gallery/the-local/

 

 

 

 

 

For the locals really but, everyone is welcome to read

 

I went into QTown center this morning to find quite a few interesting things I have not seen previously.

The Jury Room. Cool looking Orange and Black marquees on the corner across from the Court House. When did this arrive? Has anyone been there? How's the food?

    Open since May? Good gosh where have I been hiding??

        http://www.patriotledger.com/entertainment/dining/x120336481/TASTE-TELL-The-Jury-Room

    Delmonico's? Seperate Scotch Bar? Cool.

    14-ounce rib eye for $27 - In Quincy!? lol

Alba. Moved across the street to the old bank building? That must be nice considering the only complaint I had about the old place was not enough room around the tables. I'm thinking there's lots more room now but, who knows? Anyone?

Thomas Crane Library. Fall Book Sale this weekend. Again, I wont be around so, I won't be making it. Someday, maybe.

What else is going on there today though? What with all the lighting and equipment and tents being set up on the front lawn? I couldn't find anything in the calendar. Interesting. Even more interesting that the closed off that parking along the street. Thanks. The only day I've gone to the Post office in like 6 months. Like it wasn't hard enough to drive around the block repeatedly to get a space already!!! Argh. It is however why I ended up parked and looking at the Jury Room so, there ya go.