Computer Burbs Redux; Wrist Action; Outdoor Kitties; Potpourri

I wrote a couple of journal entries Sunday, but when I went to upload them Monday night, the laptop burbed AGAIN. Window XP would load, but certain functions would not work. And of course, one of those was the restore utility. Whenever I tried to shut down the system, a message would pop up saying that Norton Antivirus was not responding.

When I first encountered this type of situation it was soon after I'd installed Norton Security. When it happened several more times, I decided not to re-install Norton. I next bought ZoneAlarm, and everthing worked find. But then I realized it offered firewall protection but no antivirus help. So back to Norton I went.

At work Tuesday, I checked the Net and found a number of references to problems between earlier versions of Norton and XP. Apparently, Norton becomes overactive and wipes out some needed system links. This more or less confirmed my suspicions. I read some software comparisons, and all gave the highest marks to Norton.

In the past, I've kept Norton alert levels on high, and it has made it clear that you can be under almost constant attack and not realize it. Finally I determined that Norton 2003 might be worthwhile. After work, I treked to BestBuy and left with 2003. It loaded quickly, but the updates from the Web took a while. So let's hope this works.

I've watched how I used the wrist, and there are somethings you should not do. Opening a twist bottle top is a definited no-no. This morning I didn't take my pill, and in mid-afternoon, I began to have problems again. But I took one as soon as I got home, and the wrist feels better.

The outdoor kitties are still here. And now I know for certain they are living under the house. Which gives them a fairly save haven. I've been placing some food on my back steps, and it quickly disappears.

Tuesday when I got out of my car, I heard a very shrill "Meow!" I looked in the back, and there was a wee kitten. At most maybe a month or so old. It was very upset. I put out out some food and water and hoped for the best. Oddly enough, during the night I woke up and heard the growl that a mama cat makes as she deals with her kittens. Maybe the growl woke me. Or maybe it was some cat deity letting me know that the kitten was now safe.

Bumpersticker seen on the way home. "My border collie is smarter than your honor student."

Have you ever noticed the label on a shoe box that lists the sizes for various locales? A size 10 for the US. Then indications for the UK, and other places. I need to look this up.

I've finished the newest Harry Potter. The last time I looked at the page for it at Amazon, there were almost a thousand reviews. I was amazed at how easy I found it to become immersed in Harry's world. Maybe it's the visual effects of two wonderful movies that you keep seeing in your brain. I found the ending a bit contrived. And for the first time, I was irritated with Dumbledore.

PAX!