The Blackburn Digest

The “personal computer” age started fairly early in the Blackburn household; Radio Shack introduced their TRS 80 in the late 1970’s, and DH adopted one in 1977-1978. Several upgrades later, DD adopted one of his retired computers (a Packard Bell, I think), and industriously launched what became one of the longest operating local BB’s (Bulletin Boards…… pre-Internet, verrrrrry sloooow connection on dial-up modems….if you remember BB’s, you’re over 30!). Not long after, DS adopted another computer from the ’stock-pile’ in the loft, and began teaching it new graphics tricks. There were now three lovable “geeks” in the my household. . .each adding to the ever-growing collection of cast-off motherboards, monitors and cable tangles in the stash as they upgraded to newer, more powerful systems! Meanwhile, other than a rudimentary grasp of the terminology (gained simply by osmosis), I remained computer-illiterate; my function was to identify creative ways to fund the new systems and peripherals constantly appearing on Wish Lists Learning to use a PC was waaaay down my personal to-do list! Well, think about it: there was a huge Embarrassment Factor involved in trying to master the mysteries of computer operation while surrounded by three in-house experts! Yikes!

I took one of my favorite T-shirts out of the closet a few days ago, looked at it, and then put it back on its hanger. The shirt is black, with white lettering proclaiming “I’m Blogging This”. I haven’t written a blog entry since late-March, and need to re-earn that T-shirt! (So much for “Blog 365″!)

A passing glance at what has been happening in my world since the last post:

- I have *started the ball rolling* on the hideously expensive dental surgery which will (I hope!) end my on-going war with my upper dentures! Oh, it fits fine - it’s just that the palate plate and my over-developed gag reflex (coupled with the ever-present Texas allergens) are making making me miserable:( This will be a long-term project, since it involves consultations, scans, impressions, more scans, evaluations and more consultations before the actual surgery.

It has been a good day, all in all, but I’ve sort of drifted through it in a sleepy fog. I’m just not getting enough sleep to “stay sharp”. (It’s making me cranky, too!)

DD & DS are both trying to cut back on their caffeine intake, so I made a quick dash to the market for Arizona Green Tea & a proper dinner. (Still have to get back into the habit of writing a 2-week menu & getting the main shopping done all at once!) I found an “Easter cactus”, loaded with bright pink blooms and buds, and brought it home for DD.

DD, DGD & DS all got mired in heavy traffic trying to reach Casa Blackburn this afternoon; a combination of early rush-hour and Spring Break drivers. I should have grabbed a nap while waiting - instead, I painted one half-inch scale chair and built another.

[If I forget to spell-check before posting this, forgive me; I’ve been awake for over 20 hours and am absolutely foggy brained!]

I suppose I should not expect a day which began at 3:30 AM to be “normal”, should I? DS was ticketed out on an early flight back to “Sand City, TX”. On ‘airport duty’ days, I need time to 1)actually wake up before driving and 2) reach his apartment on time while obeying the posted speed limits. (During daylight hours, I tend to add 5-7 mph over the limit. . .at 5 AM, I can’t spot the local police, sheriff’s, constables, state troopers!) This morning, I also had to add a stop at the first gas station I encountered (sadly, not the one with the lowest prices)!

Whew! I didn’t remember that it was St. Pat’s day until I walked into the market! Why is every store employee wearing a green bit. . .odd, sparkly green hats, green vests, happy little shamrock pins???? Uh oh - - -shamrocks! By happy coincidence, I happened to be wearing my olive green “Genuine Chevrolet Parts” t-shirt. Guess my Irish brain cells are misfiring:)

DS is flying back from El Paso early this evening. The end of the not-so merry go-round is, at last, within sight; unfortunately, he has a few more rotations to complete before he tuck the over-worked suitcase into a corner. (I’m sure he’s getting dizzy - I know I am!)

Since I haven’t done a proper two-week shopping in mumbletoolongmumble, I made a midday dash to the market for something which would cook quickly when we returned from the airport. Passed DD’s sleek & pretty Ford Escape Hybrid just after leaving the Casa. . . O.K., make that lasagna & green salad for four!

DS’s plane was delayed, but he still got some time to visit with his Sis and play with his Niece.

Sara’s first birthday was celebrated at a park near her home, with both sets of grandparents, lots of aunts & uncles and a host of cousins. We all had a great time (especially Sara, when she was allowed to grab a handful of her birthday cake! LOL!)

The weather was clear and sunny, with enough of a breeze to keep us cool. That breeze is the reason Sara & I are both sporting the “wind-swept look” in hairdos;)