A new Desktop: Dell Inspiron I3847-3538BK and Windows 10

Dell Inspiron I3487-3538BK

Dell Monitor E2414HM

Winter photos.

Last fall, I spent many hours in Chicago O'Hare lugging my everyday Lenovo laptop, which got heavier by the minute. I decided to seriously consider replacing that device with a MacBook Air when the time came -- before my next plane trip for sure. However, in the meantime, my office "workhorse" computer was getting old and slow.

I didn't really give serious consideration to anything but a Windows operating system: I still occasionally use the command line and feel most comfortable with the file structure that I know so well. My hard drive is simply organized (most personal documents, photos, music etc. under the "users" subfolder, others under my own "c:\data" folder.  All well labeled, logical and easy to remember.

When I made my last office computer replacement, I selected an HP laptop marketed as a desktop replacement, to be used as a laptop (e.g., do "office" work in the living room instead of being physically in the office), if necessary. The machine was actually fairly heavy and its use as a laptop was not very practical. I used networking (including old fashioned "sneaker net" more often than I actually moved the laptop from its permanent location on my desk. I considered the overall purchase a somewhat expensive mistake.

Once I decided on my specs (enough memory, 2 TB hard drive big enough for my photographs), the purchase was easy: $549.99 from Best Buy. with free delivery the next day. The initial set-up was as easy as I've ever encountered. Unpacked, plugged in and Internet connected in less than an hour. My one-year subscription to Office 360 ($50 for one desktop and another table installation) was quick to install and is a pleasure to use.

I was pleasantly surprised by Windows 10, after hating both Windows 7 and 10. The familiar XP Start Menu is back, with a different look that's practical and easy for novices to use. I got rid of the out-of-the-box icon clutter and gave prominent real estate to the icons my husband uses the most.

I did encounter a few minor hurdles. The plan to migrate my own data was too daunting without data migration tools so I brought the box back to Best Buy and paid $99 for Geek Squad to copy it for me.  Bonus: the migration of my iTunes music library was painless and perfect. No support call to iTunes required. I also messed around with user settings to make it easy for Bob to use the device: I long ago abandoned the idea of giving him his own login, since it is easier for me to manage only one user. I've wasted some time on small issues like desktop appearance.

I'm especially happy with speed and display. Overall, the transition has been easy and so worth the effort.

Pioneer Press - Sainted & Tainted 01.02.2016

http://www.twincities.com/opinion/ci_29330643/huge-egg-mess-back-seat-what-would-he

Sainted

I was recently hospitalized at the University of Minnesota Medical Center (UMMC) for the observation, evaluation and treatment of a condition that had been unmanageable for many months. After the implementation of a short-term strategy, I was feeling better within a day and was soon presented with a viable treatment plan for the longer term.

My nurse practitioner at Fairview Highland in St. Paul initiated the actions that led to my hospitalization, and excellent coordination between Fairview and the University ensured a seamless experience for me, the patient. Everyone -- doctors, residents, students, nurses, nursing assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacy and administrative personnel, housekeeping and food-service staff, transporters, volunteers -- was so kind, compassionate and competent. My world was changed for the better in a few days by the University of Minnesota Physicians GI Clinic, the UMMC Maroon Team, and the well-trained staff of UMMC Units 6D and 5A.

Because of the superior care I received, I was discharged in time for the holidays. The doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, administrative and non-medical staff work long hours under sometimes challenging conditions. Without exception, I was treated with extreme care, proficiency and good humor. The professionalism, expertise, and outstanding patient care at both Fairview and the University of Minnesota make me proud of the staff and volunteers committed to providing exceptional health care not only to Minnesotans, but to regional, national and international communities as well. They are among the best in the world.

Catherine Hennessey, St. Paul

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Winter photos.

I always enjoy the brand new slate of New Year's Day, but this year was different because I finally felt more like "myself" after being sick for so long.

New Year's Day fun at Hidden Falls Regional Park

During the several months I spent mostly on the couch, I measured the expected energy expense of every step before taking it. I sometimes reflected on the time I've wasted on useless worry, petty resentments, nursing hurt feelings, speculating about uncontrollable events.

As 2015 came to a close, I thought about the health challenges of the year and how solutions became clear in December. I was so grateful for the medical professionals, family and friends who took care of me, especially in December. My sister Marilyn visited and took on the management of my health; because of her skill  and expertise (well beyond her child psychiatry specialty!), as well as her insider MD understanding of almost daily blood tests, I made it through days of coughing and general illness and eventually got appropriate treatment for underlying Crohn's Disease.

My friend Dennis checked in on me every couple of days throughout the fall and came to see me in the hospital during the busy week preceding Christmas. Bob's daughter Sonia called or texted every day and brought entertaining reading material to my hospital room, cheering me with her kindness, humor and optimistic outlook on life. Son Chris texted, called, sent me a beautiful poinsettia, and visited me in the middle of busy workdays as he rushed to get through year-end business. My husband Bob sat quietly with me when I was too tired to talk or do much of anything but sense the peace of his presence. When I got home from the hospital, he prepared meals and generally made me feel comfortable and cherished, still driving me everywhere until I'm  strong enough to finally go out of the house by myself. Many other family members and friends called, emailed, messaged and prayed for me.

I have only one resolution this year: to fully appreciate each new day and the people who fill my life with interesting ideas, joy and fun. On January 1, I woke up early and almost jumped out of bed, well before 5:00 a.m. I washed a load of dishes an hour later and had brand new linens on the beds before I took my shower. Feeling full of energy, I washed three loads of laundry in the morning, so happy with Bob's New Year's Eve repairs on my old washing machine. We spent part of the day enjoying the outdoors: it's always fun to watch crazy Minnesotans waterski at Hidden Falls and visit some of our favorite all season destinations like Fort Snelling State Park.

I'm not sure how to beat that great January 1 start, so I started looking for a quote to help frame my resolution. Google came to the rescue with these quotes about optimism. Figured I can't do better than this one:

“What day is it?"
It's today," squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day," said Pooh.” 

― A. A. Milne