Day 3919

Zoom must be really popular. During the past month I have received a number of invitations to join Zoom meetings, conferences, or reunions. I've never been a big fan of meetings. Most of my experience having meetings remotely has been limited to the occasional conference call and a few test drives with GoToMeeting. I might have had GoToMeeting installed on my computer at some point. It's not there anymore. As useless as most meetings are, I still think I prefer the in person variety better because there are always donuts.

At any rate, it's hard to ignore Zoom these days. After receiving another invitation to join a Zoom meeting, I finally became curious enough to download the app. I'm not sure how to use it yet, but it couldn't be that hard if school kids are using it.

Dawn was reluctant to get up this morning. Was she trying to tell us something? Sometimes I think these long walks we've been taking are too much for her, but she seems to really enjoy herself once we arrive at the park. She had lots of energy today and wanted to stop and smell every tree. Maybe Dawn is just fine and the walks are too much for me. I always seem to be the tired one when we return home.

It's hard to believe it's the middle of September already. I'm still uncertain about what to do for the rest of the year. A few astronomy groups are starting to have star parties again. I've thought about attending one, but there are all sorts of restrictions about masks and distancing. There are several interesting launches at Kennedy Space Center in October as well. I'm still not sure how my Air Force media accreditation actually works. I'm supposed to be on a list to receive information about upcoming events I might want to attend, but I haven't received any messages yet. I hope they give me some advance warning. It takes time to plan these trips. A trip to Boca Chica seems very intriguing, but how do I get someone to invite me? So many things to think about while I'm sitting here doing nothing.

I got the low-rez images of my visit to McDonald Observatory prepared to send to Sky and Telescope. I hope I haven't overpromised on these pictures. They seemed a lot more interesting when I took them last March than when I reviewed them again this morning. Oh, well. It is what is is. I'm sure the magazine can find something they like.

Janet wants to get an early start on our walk tomorrow morning. I hope the skies are clear. Walking in the dark is more enjoyable when you can see stars. I still need to go to REI and buy a headlamp. The days keep getting shorter and there will be many more pre-dawn walks. You've really got to watch out for bicycles in the dark. Cyclists get up early and they like to go fast. We saw a bicycle almost run into a jogger early this morning. Lots of swearing in the dark.

I'll see if I can figure out how to use Zoom tomorrow. If I get bored enough, I might even join a meeting or two.

Phantom is today's Dalmatian of the Day

Watch of the Day