Day 3921

I learned how to use Zoom today. I'm still not sure why you would want to use this software. The application has well documented security issues and is banned by several companies and many schools. Nevertheless, it is extremely popular and it probably the way we will all work together in the future. I can't imagine that I will make a regular practice of working together with anyone, but now I've got one more piece of software on my computer that I will probably forget about after a few months.

I don't like the new Blogger interface at all. I have to manually resize pictures after I have uploaded them and all the labels I already added seem to have disappeared. I can tell that this new interface has been designed for people who like to post short entries from their phones. People who write longer essays like me will have to work a little harder.

I wrote my contact at the Air Force today trying to find out some details about upcoming launches at Cape Canaveral. I still can't decide whether to attempt a trip to Florida this Fall. I don't take a lot of things seriously, but I am wary of the virus. I'm not getting any younger and the last thing I want at this point is to get infected after staying safe for over six months. On the other hand, I don't think the virus is going away soon and you can't stay locked away forever. I think Janet wants to travel even more than I do. At some point, we'll be making travel plans whether the virus is here or not.

Our only travel plan today was our regular walk in the park. When you do the same thing day after day it's funny how many little details you remember. We recognize individual ducks now. Most of the people walking dogs say hi to us as they pass. I've learned to identify a few more trees and I'm noticing that several of them are already starting to turn. I don't think we are going to have much Fall color this year. Some trees are going directly from green to brown.

The big event this morning was that the first of the White Pelicans have returned. There were only three this morning, but pretty soon there will be dozens of the large birds. They return every year around the time when the State Fair starts. Of course, there isn't going to be a State Fair this year, but the birds don't know that. I always make a point of photographing the pelicans because they are such spectacular birds. I already have plenty of White Pelican pictures, but it never hurts to take a few more.

I'm making slow progress with Dawn. I got her to come outside and sit in the sun with me this afternoon while Janet was gone. Usually, she won't leave the bedroom. We stayed outside for about thirty minutes and Dawn seemed fairly relaxed. It was a small step, but I'll take it. I think the key to winning Dawn's confidence is to be very patient. Of course, I've always thought that patience was the key to almost everything.

This week has gone quickly. It's time to make a shopping list again. I get groceries every week, but have lost all desire to visit other stores. I used to fill my car with gas every Saturday, but there is no need this week. I didn't go anywhere.

Puppies are today's Dalmatians of the Day

Watch of the Day

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