Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Southwest Air FB scam
Posted via email from Don Peer
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Google Pus invitation
https://plus.google.com/i/zugqmrC3rUU:huQwwdYMAzg
Friday, October 7, 2011
If your PC picks up a virus, whose fault is it?
Posted via email from Don Peer
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Warning!
http://community.websense.com/blogs/securitylabs/archive/2011/09/ 20/_2200_We-are-going-to-sue-you_2200_-spam.aspx
Posted via email from Don Peer
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Supernova reaches its peak
Posted via email from Don Peer
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Spectacular photos of the Puyehue Volcano erupting in Chile
Posted via email from Don Peer
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Microsoft ships free malware cleaner that boots from CD or USB
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/microsoft-ships-free-malware-cleaner-that-boots-from-cd-or-usb/8712?tag=nl.e539
Posted via email from Don Peer
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Bowel Cancer Linked To Eating Processed, Red Meat
Posted via email from Don Peer
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I thought I was immune
And I was. That is until I bought the wife an iPad. Damn you birds!
Until just the other day, I had resolutely withstood the Angry Birds phenomena. I hadn't downloaded it and I hadn't even tried it out. I also hadn't yet learned that burning desire to know what tortuous assembly of blocks, planks and pigs awaited me on the next level until I began playing the other day when Google announced the game was coming to its Chrome browser.
If you too are subject to this same burning desire, but just don't have the requisite bird-flinging skills, here's how you can unlock all the levels on the Chrome version of Angry Birds.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Eat your medicine
The more processed a food is, the further away from it's natural state it becomes and the more nutrients are destroyed in the process. Why do you think things need to be "enriched"? It's because the manufacturing process has destroyed the vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients that were originally in it!
We have to get back to eating foods as they come from the earth if we are going to save our lives. Look at the the state of health our people are in! Fast food is killing us and the treatment of all the ills it brings on is making corporations rich. All at the expense of our very life!
Anti-Cancer Effects of Green Vegetables
Nutrition scientists have shown over and over that people who eat more natural plant foods—vegetables, fruits, legumes—are less likely to be diagnosed with cancer. But are all vegetables equally protective? If we wanted to design an anti-cancer diet, we would want to know which foods have the most powerful anti-cancer effects. Then, we could eat plenty of these foods each day, flooding our bodies with the protective substances contained within them.
So, which foods have the most powerful anti-cancer effects? Cruciferous vegetables.
This family of vegetables includes green vegetables like kale, cabbage, collards, and broccoli, plus some others like cauliflower and turnips (see the full list at the bottom of this post). They are named for their flowers, having four equally spaced petals in the shape of a cross, from the Latin word ‘crucifer’ meaning ‘cross-bearer.’
All vegetables contain protective micronutrients and phytochemicals, but cruciferous vegetables have a unique chemical composition: they have sulfur-containing compounds which are responsible for their pungent or bitter flavors. When cell walls are broken by blending or chopping, a chemical reaction occurs that converts these sulfur-containing compounds to isothiocyanates (ITCs)—compounds with proven anti-cancer activities.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Yowza!
As small as it may seem to those of us who take these things for granted, Anne has been washing the dishes and doing a little driving! Her abdomen and hands have progressed sufficiently that she is able to stand for a few minutes in the kitchen. When she first did it, I wasn't happy and told her to stop. She said with tears in her eyes, "This is something I can do!" It's a small piece of her life that she's been able to regain and this is more therapeutic than laborious.
Also, she's been driving herself to doctor's appointments. This is the result of two things: 1) healing and 2) weaning off painkillers. She was determined to stop taking the medications that impaired her and she's done it. It took a long time, naturally, but she now takes no narcotics.
So, we went shopping the other day and at both stores Anne rode the electric cart. It was such a wonderful relief to her we were able to spend as much time as we needed browsing the isles and picking out the items we needed or wanted! Next, the challenges:
Her hands are still the primary thing holding her back from having a "normal" life. They will sometimes be freezing cold and she'll be sitting in the house with the heat at 73 wearing her knit gloves. Then a while later they'll be on fire with heat and "pins and needles". The shaking is visible any time she needs fine motor skills and the lack of strength is apparent when opening a bottle or jar.
Then there's her overall fatigue. I had begun to wonder if it wasn't all the medications she'd been taking, but since she's weaned herself from those and still struggles to stay "up" during the day I have to conclude that it may be left over from the chemo/radiation. To this end I've purchased a couple of bottles of Co-Q10 and Ubiquinol (an anti-oxidant version of Q10). Hopefully it will help with her energy levels and, as a side note, aid the healing of her nerve damaged hands. We can only hope.
By the way, she had gotten visits from the Home Health Care nurses a few times after the family had left. the first couple of time it was an RN, but then they started sending LPNs who could only take her vitals. They weren't allowed to "touch" her in any way when she needed help! In the end she told them not to bother coming back. I thought this might backfire on us, but it ended up that they released her from their care and we were able to order the necessary supplies (which the first nurses had been using up) and have the insurance pay for them. This wasn't an option while we were supposedly being supplied by the Home Health nurses!
And, the setbacks:
It seems that Anne has developed Lactose intolerance along with a sensitivity towards spicy hot foods. This came as a total shock to both of us, as you may very well imagine, because we love quesadia(sp), papusa, bean & cheese burrito, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc.. Anne, as you know, was the spicy food lover in our family and I the "gringo." But our roles are not only reversed now, they're Topsy-turvy!
Because of her anemia (which is back) I feed her beef and chicken whenever possible along with a stock of G2 we have in the pantry. We're handling the lactose thing with Lactaid Fast Act, which Justus recommended as being the best product for this. So far, it's done a good job and she continues to enjoy dairy (albeit, in smaller doses). Which brings me to the Thank yous:
Anne's co-workers at Lena Juniper have been bringing dinners on Tuesday and Thursday. It's such a relief to to know that upon arriving at home on those days there is at least one thing I don't have to worry about! We've had roasted chicken (which she made sandwiches from for a week), pasta shells w/ asparagus (which I ate nearly every day), shrimp creole (she had it every other day between the pasta) and gourmet pizza. Delicious!
It is wonderful to have the help and caring, not to mention the watering of Anne's "jungle". I'm so bad at it, that it's a wonder that we hadn't lost any by the time Lujean stepped up.
We are ever so grateful to all of you for your support. Bless you and may love shine upon you.
Please keep those prayers and healing thoughts coming for Anne,
Don and Anne
-- --- Love is the music of life; Compassion is its melody; Kindness the chorus. - Don Peer ( o)==# Pray for Japan! _________________________ http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer http://www.MySpace.com/530803720 http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com Twitter: @DPeer2000 http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Finally back online
Now that I have rebuilt things into a different computer I can bring you all up-to-date:
Last week John was here and Anne suffered a lot of what she calls "gas pain". As most of you know, her lower abdomen has been completely rebuilt, so it's no surprise that the whole area still hurts. After all, we just capped 8 weeks post-surgery.
While John was here Anne worked really hard with John to become independent. She'd set a lofty goal to do so before he left which she thinks pushed her too hard. She ended up sick and in pain most of the day Sunday.
Monday: Anne and John went to see the neurologist about her hands. He told her that her hands would be getting better. This is just what she needed to hear and helped offset the frustration she's been feeling about it. Also, he was kind enough to give John a work slip stating that he'd been with Anne the entire week.
I came home at noon and took John to the airport. During the ride we discussed several options to help Anne in her progress. He caught his plane out of Reno and, after come fortuitous connections, arrived home safe, sound and early!
Tuesday was Anne's first day to be truly alone. She had some initial light-headedness in the morning and I checked her BP (112/62) and put in a call to her her GP. He now has us cutting her BP medication in half as he doesn't want to take her completely off of it just yet
Wednesday Anne went to her surgeon's and then rushed home to pick me up for my appointment. My GI checks my esophagus every two years to watch my Barrett's and I'm sedated for the procedure. Anne drove us home, taking the surface streets and doing the speed limit. She was fine with that, just not sure enough of her hands to do it at highway speeds.
Today: Anne's stoma was being Dennis-The-Menace and would only give "goobers". This was, of course, frustrating for her. When I got home it took quite a bit of coaxing, but I was finally able to get "Dennis" to co-operate. Otherwise, she says, "Lady and I were just being very quiet."
Don and Anne
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
_________________________
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Even clouds crash
Posted via email from Don Peer
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wild, wild space
Posted via email from Don Peer
Monday, April 11, 2011
Beware: Social Security numbers available online via indexed tax documents
Posted via email from Don Peer
Friday, April 8, 2011
Two in a row!
Anne had another good day with no major issues. Also, she showered herself and got dressed without help today! Independence is coming!
Jim, Anne and I were talking at breakfast this morning and concluded that if it weren't for her siblings and I she'd still be in a rehab center! NOT a scenario either of us want.
As for the nerve thing, I wasn't there to talk to the doctor and ask how bad it was. But my boss as in a horrific auto accident in December of '09 and it mangled his right arm pretty badly. It took 7 months to get movement to his hand. Now it moves pretty well. This from the the complete lack of movement he started out with!
Today he was telling me that his physical therapist (hand specialist) kept reminding him to think about moving his hand. Because, even if it seems like it's not moving, every time you think to move it your brain sends the signal down that path. And every time it hits a dead end the body adds on to the route in an effort to get the signal where it's supposed to go! Bless us all and the miracle of out human bodies.
Tomorrow Justus and Heather are bringing the boys over for dinner I promised them that we could play another "jam session" and they're really excited about that! Last time, James started off with the drum beat from Queen's "We Will Rock You". I put Logan on the Boom Whackers (tuned tubes) and I played bass. Then they switched places and we kept the beat going until it was time for them to go home.
Yes, there will be music in the house tomorrow!
Don
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
_________________________
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Anne@Home: week 7
Speaking of her hands - the nerve tests found that her right hand has damage in the motor nerve and her left has damage in the radial nerve. This seemed to surprise the doctor, she told me. Apparently he thought he'd find something akin to carpel tunnel. This nerve damage, however, was probably not caused by surgery. instead, it is most likely a side effect of chemo!
Helen returned home very early Tuesday morning. She and Anne spent a long time saying their goodbyes Monday night. We were very thankful that she was able to come and help Anne.
Jim arrived Tuesday afternoon and Emily, gratefully, picked him up at the airport after taking Anne to her doctor's appointment. We tried to take it easy on him that evening with leftovers for dinner, but then came time to drain and flush Anne. So, because he was going to be alone the next day, the first lesson was given. Then we all hit the sack exhausted.
Wednesday was a busy day as there were some "challenges" at getting Anne drained. The home health nurse couldn't get it done. Jim couldn't get it done. Anne couldn't get it done. So, they called the ostomy nurse and she instructed Anne to get to the emergency!
It was about 4pm when my phone rang, "Don't come running down here, Boyfriend, but I wanted you to know that I'm in emergency." "WHAT? What's wrong?", said I. "I can't get drained. They're calling me. I gotta go!"
This neo-bladder not draining is getting to be a real pain! It seems every other day there's some problem with getting the catheter into it. So I wrapped things up at work and headed down to the hospital. (My boss just about ran me out of the building when I told him.)
When I arrived, the doctor was struggling to catch all the "liquid" that was coming out. It seems like her neo-bladder had let go like the pressure relief on an old car's radiator! He called a nurse in and had her try a couple of different catheters, both of them too soft I could tell, without success.
Then he brought in an ultrasound machine and tried to find the bladder, which he couldn't. So he asked the nurse to feed the catheter in the few inches that it would go she so that he could see if he could find that and I spotted it before he did!
Then he tried again to find the bladder and was searching way over by her navel. So I told him it was closer to the stoma and about three inches down. THEN he finally was able to find it and see that there was still some fluid in it. Not 650+ cc's like it can hold, because it had obviously popped it's cork. But, still it was obviously there and not empty.
But, since Anne was still in pain from having had it stretched so much he gave her a pain pill and told us to go the her doctor's office. Which we did. Pronto!
Today, however, she had a good day. She and Jim were both relieved to report that there had been no challenges with her routine and that, bonus, the plumber had come to look at the hot water heater. He assessed the situation and took a couple of pictures, then waited patiently for the down payment so he could get stuff ordered.
Dinner tonight was black bean soup followed by rice noodles and curried vegetables. We celebrated the smooth day with a little drink and chatted later about John coming. We're hoping that he can arrive Monday evening as Jim leaves Tuesday morning and this will give him time for an "introduction" to Anne's friend, Dennis The Menace (as she likes to call her neo-bladder!
Also, she has asked me to thank you for everything you've done for her. The cards and letters; the visits in the hospital; the dinners provided; the friendly voice on the phone. She was in tears tonight wanting to write thank-you notes to everyone, but can't manage it because of her hands.
I assured her that we all understand the barriers she has in front of her and told her that I'd make mention of her heart-felt thanks to you in the email tonight. Rest assured that she is so happy to have your support in these dark days that it brings tears to her eyes just thinking of you.
God bless you and grant you your heart's desire,
Don and Anne
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
_________________________
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
You are what you see
~ Thomas Dreier
Posted via email from Don Peer
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Facebook-Infused Job Search Site Finds Listings From Your Social Graph
Posted via email from Don Peer
Monday, April 4, 2011
Walk and talk warning
Posted via email from Don Peer
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Anne@home
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
_________________________
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sexiest iPad photo editing app
Posted via email from Don Peer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
There's no place like home
Thank you for all your prayers and kindness. Please call prior to coming by for a visit, just to make sure that we don't overwhelm Anne.
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
_________________________
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Monday, March 28, 2011
Anne's return!
Anne was released from the hospital yesterday. Her checkout coincided with the arrival of Helen’s flight, so we both went to pick her up at the airport.
Arriving home, Helen jumped right in with helping Anne out. It was amazing to me how easily she took to working with her stoma. After all the problems that some of the nursing staff, I was sure that we’d be fighting with it, also. But, I think that Anne was more relaxed at home and things went more easily. (Although I did have some trouble in the wee hours; so we’re not completely out of the woods yet.)
Then she fixed Butternut Squash soup for lunch and Anne lay down for a nap. In her own bed! She was so happy not to have the constant background noise of the hospital that she went to sleep right away.
I brought Helen up to speed on some of the major issues we’d had and did an update on Facebook before starting a Netflix movie.
Speaking of Netflix – we’ve been having trouble watching streaming video on our new TV. When I called and complained to Netflix tech support they, of course, blamed ATT. So I called ATT TS and they “found something on the line” which he was able to reset.
Testing the results seemed to indicate at first that things were better, but then the “Retrieving …” started once again. By the end of the call, a tech was scheduled to come look at wiring up to the house. (I can stream without a problem on the PCs).
Today, the tech said that he couldn’t find anything and wanted to check things in the house. I reiterated to him that his TS person had said there was something outside the network, but he still wanted to check settings on our network. Anne let him in and, as you can imagine, he didn’t find anything wrong inside, either.
Next step, call 1-800-GeekSquad to get a tech onsite and test the TV and Blu-Ray players. I hope they send Justus. He’s the best they have and we, as usual, want the best!
Joy and happiness to you and yours,
Don and Anne
Posted via email from Don Peer
Time magazine's Top 10 lists
Posted via email from Don Peer
Sunday, March 27, 2011
This really puts things into perspective
Linked charts showing relative radiation exposure levels from sleeping next to someone all the way up to Chernobyl.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Last night never happened
Posted via email from Don Peer
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Why would you? Why would anybody?
Why would anybody in their right mind go through years of college and years of post-graduate work for a mediocre job with huge responsibilities, little or no respect and to become the object of derision? Teachers are blamed for everything these days and parents aren't held accountable for the kids they send to school!
How long would you work a job were you spend an average of 15% of your income just for supplies you need to do your job on a daily basis? Then, also on a nearly daily basis, you have kids that disrupt the classroom so badly that you can't even DO your job! But, when you try to get something done about the situation you told to "just deal with it." Which, of course, you can't or you wouldn't have gone up the ladder for help with the little urchin.
The sad thing is... the kids know it.
Survey: Teachers Concerned About Resources for Students With Diverse Learning Needs
A large majority of U.S. teachers believe that schools are not doing enough to prepare students with diverse learning needs for success after high school, according to a nationwide survey released today.
Fully 91 percent of the public school teachers interviewed for this year’s annual
MetLife Survey of the American Teacher
said that strengthening programs and resources to help “diverse learners”—defined as students with low-income status, limited fluency in English, or learning disabilities—become college- and career-ready should be a priority in education. More than half of the teachers (59 percent) indicated it should be one of schools’
highest
priorities. None of the other education reform strategies presented in the survey received as great a consensus among teachers.
The survey is the second in a two-part report on
“Preparing Students for College and Careers”
published this year by MetLife Inc. (MetLife Foundation provides grant funding to
Education Week Teacher
, specifically supporting its capacity to engage teachers interactively as a professional community.) The
first part
, published earlier this month, explores views on the urgency and components of preparing students to be college- and career-ready. The second part focuses on differences...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Setback!
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
_________________________
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Anne's setbacks
When her OT noticed the swelling in her feet she instructed Anne to sleep with her feet above her heart and called the doctor. He asked us to come in and upon examining her ordered the veins and arteries in her limbs checked.
Tuesday night Anne's sister, "Cheez", arrived and she's been a god-send. She got a "crash course" on Anne's care before bed time and was on her Wednesday. She took care of Anne all day Wednesday while I was at work and Anne tells me that Cheez is a "natural" nurse she did a very good job. The Home Health nurse came by today and went over things in more detail with us.
Thursday night I couldn't drain her at 2am and had to stop because of Anne's pain. By 6am she was leaking and I was able to successfully drain her, but then had to change her clothes and strip the bed before leaving for work. I encouraged Cheez to take Anne to urgent care to look at a redness I'd spotted inside her upper arm, which turned out to be bruising from the sonogram.
Friday morning, as I was leaving for work, I noticed that Anne had a stain on the front of her housecoat. I was nearly panicked, but she and Cheez promised that they'd get it checked out.
Anne called me at work in a panic and said that Cheez couldn't drain her and that she was in pain and going immediately to the doctor's office. I, of course, left to meet them there.
Doctor Lim and his PA were in surgery and she came down to drain Anne & examine her. The draining went without a problem, but she said that Anne had cellulitis around her urinary stoma. She took a picture of it with her iPhone and sent it upstairs to Dr. Lim, who was still in surgery.
He responded that we were to keep it clean and dry, but that there was to be no more antibiotics. Probably because she'd been pumped full of them after surgery, but that's just my opinion.
Today, Anne spent time paying bills and Skyping with her family. All of the siblings were online and Cheez was present in Anne's office for the meeting. Justus, Heather and the boys came by to meet Cheez and hung around while she went to the airport to pick up Dan.
After Dan arrived the grandsons were delighted with the comparison of their beloved dinner, Mac & Cheese, to their new relatives: Dan & Cheez!
As dinner was being prepared, Anne was in a lot of pain and laid down for a nap. She preferred to sleep through dinner and awoke later for a sampling together with her pain pill.
Please continue praying for her wellness and to rid her of this new infection!
Bless you and thank you for your support,
Don and Anne
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
_________________________
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Friday, March 18, 2011
Anne: Healing - day 9
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
_________________________
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A Clever End Run Around the Movie-Streaming Gremlins
Posted via email from Don Peer
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Anne: Healing - day 8
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
_________________________
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Monday, March 14, 2011
And you thought it was politicians...
Time and again we're finding out that behind the scenes big money is pushing their agenda upon the public. This time it's not the fake "grass roots" movement, but from a small sector of "philanthropists". With this country's education in such dire straights, these funders are like street corner drug dealers. Schools cannot afford to turn down their money and must, in exchange, accept the terms they proffer or go without.
Got Dough? How Billionaires Rule Our Schools
Sunday, March 13, 2011
A true waste of time
Ingenious, if I do say so myself...
URL Hunter!
An experimental game using the URL bar as the game screen.
Vehicles hacked
Oh, sure. Now we're going to need firewalls and anti-virus in our cars!
Security researches at UCSD and UWash have been looking at advanced ways of making mischief with computerized automotive systems, from messing with Bluetooth to inserting malware into the diagnostic tools. The most baroque and interesting attack they've demonstrated, though, uses a malformed MP3 that exploits a bug in the sound system (I'm assuming some sort of buffer overflow). Once they're in, the researchers have been able to control the car's locks, speedometer, brakes and engine.
Pray for Japan!
Just take a look at this! The tsunami came over 6 miles inland and the devastation is shocking. I just can't fathom what these unfortunate people are going through and can only pray for them to have the strength to make it through this disaster.
Published: March 13, 2011
Satellite Photos of Japan, Before and After the Quake and Tsunami
Move the slider to compare satellite images, taken by GeoEye, from before and after the disaster.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Anne, day 16
After getting her home and settled in, Lujean kindly brought dinner for us! Thank God, because my brain was in such a frenzy couldn't hardly think about eating and probably would have microwaved something just to fill our stomachs. But, instead, we dined on Mexican fajitas with all the works!
Shortly afterwards I noticed that either it must be getting early or the clocks are running late. Because we were both bushed and we still needed to figure out the pre-bedtime regimen. After about an hour and a half of work, measuring, changing and cleaning up, we finally crawled into bed exhausted. No sooner had my head hit the pillow that I was sound asleep. Boy was I glad that I didn't need to go to work in the morning!
Except for a pain pill in the night, we slept uneventfully until morning. After morning pills we went back to sleep until Suzi called. We had a very pleasant conversation about Anne's surgery and recovery. She talked about her sobriety (59 days and counting!) and told us she and her boyfriend are looking at getting a nice little house.
Then it was time for the morning regimen. More measuring, more changing and more clean-up. Afterwards, a simple breakfast of oatmeal and juice followed by a panicked call to the hospital. I was so ecstatic about bringing Anne home yesterday, and making sure that we had all her things, that I completely forgot about my guitar and harps in the closet! Fortunately, they were still there and I ran down to pick them up.
As I headed out, I thought I might have time to swing by the bank on the way and get back before the home health nurse showed up at 12:30. As I approached the major cross street (where I'd need to choose straight for the bank or left for the hospital) I noticed cars at the light in two lanes for straight-through and nobody in the left turn lane. Then, as I arrived at the intersection, the light changed and gave a green arrow for nothing.
So, I took the hint and swung into the left turn lane and headed for the freeway. After picking up my instruments I was on my way out when I ran into Min. She's the one that had been playing guitar for Anne nearly every day and I told her that Anne had gone home.
As we parted I heard someone call my name from behind me. I turned to find Seanna, my "red-headed, adopted, step-, half-daughter". She was there with a friend who's sun was in for a terrible infection in his eye socket and upper jaw. They were waiting for the decision as to whether or not he'd be needing surgery. I assured her friend that he was in good hands and that we'd say a prayer for him.
Arriving home I found Anne on the phone with a friend and reminded her that the nurse would be here shortly. Janine showed up as scheduled and was pleasant enough, examining Anne's sutures and stomas. Asking a few questions and then informing us she had forgotten some paperwork she needed signed before she could begin. I told her to take her time and, perhaps, catch lunch as that was what we intended to do.
I fixed curried lentil soup and taquitos while Janine was gone. Once she returned, and had her paperwork signed, the interview began in earnest. Several times she told Anne that she wouldn't have to ask about some detail or other once she had it and then shortly afterwards asked again. This, of course, really began to annoy Anne and it continued for an hour or so until towards the end she started saying "I won't have to bother you any more." After the third time I stood up and made like it was time to go. Fortunately, she got the hint. Because I think Anne was ready to throw her out.
Skype with Jane followed by a "surprise" nap. I say that because Anne had intended to call Margie, but was so tired that she didn't even shut down the computer after Jane hung up. She just kind of closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, as if to clear her head. I was sitting across the room, reading and the next thing I know Anne's waking me up! We'd both dozed off and it's now 6:30; she needs a pill & supper.
So, microwaved leftovers from last night for dinner. Isn't it funny how Italian and Mexican food is just as good, or sometimes better, after it sits overnight? The flavors seem to mingle and enhance each other while in the fridge. It must be some party in there! Hahaha...
Then, an attempt at some television, which failed miserably, and some hot Chai tea. Oh, how I've missed that! What a welcomed return to our old routine. This made the evening feel almost normal and was most enjoyable!
Again, with the regimen and tucking her in bed. Then a game of Plants vs Zombies and my email.
The 2:00 alarm just went off and I gave Anne her pain pill and some yogurt. She eats a little something with these strong ones to prevent stomach upset. But, now that I know I've been bending your ear for hours, I better get to bed myself.
I pray the lord our souls to keep... sweet dreams, everyone. I hope you're all as happy as I am!
Don and Anne
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Monday, March 7, 2011
Anne, day 13
Lady visited her mom, again, today. We went in this morning and stayed all day. Lady curled up on the foot of the bed and didn't get down unless asked. We even left the door open for a little air circulation and I kept a close eye on Lady lest she make a dash for the hallway. But, this never happened. She was content to just be close to Anne and watched as the staff and curious passers-by gazed in amazement.
Anne's strength is returning quite fast and she's up walking the halls two or three times a day now. Her favorite CNA is Tes, who is willing to walk with her out of the Oncology ward and even take an extra "lap" if Anne's up to it.
The pain is fairly well managed, but when she sometimes has "breakthrough" pain where she'll need an extra pill to get it back under control. The good news is that she didn't have any morphine all day today!
The physical therapist told Anne to stop using the railings to get in and out of bed. "You're not going to have them at home and you need to learn to do without them." This is harder than you think when your entire gut hurts whenever you move. Try it for yourself: put one hand on your abdomen so you can feel your abs when they tighten. Now try to get out of bed without using those muscles. I have to admit, that I ended up on the floor!
Keep the encouragement for Anne coming. It really lifts her spirit,
Don and Anne
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
http://www.Facebook.com/DonPeer
http://www.MySpace.com/530803720
http://DPeer2000.BlogSpot.com
Twitter: @DPeer2000
http://www.ThePeers.com
Posted via email from Don Peer
Friday, March 4, 2011
See at Laughing Cat coffee roasters:
Education can get you a lot further than that.
Posted via email from Don Peer
Anne, day 11
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
- Don Peer ( o)==#
Posted via email from Don Peer
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Droid Dream Malware Shows Android Attacks Are on the Rise
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“Droid Dream” Malware Latest Sign Android Attacks Are on the Rise
For a while now, the threat of mobile malware has been shifting from the realm of theoretical to the actual. However, the latest attack, known as “Droid Dream,” managed to take it a step further and resulted in infected apps making their way into Google’s official Android Market.
The attack, which cropped up Tuesday evening, was attached to multiple applications posted to both the Google-run store and various third-party app markets.
Although Google managed to expunge the 50 or so affected apps within minutes of learning of their presence in the store, the fact they made it that far indicates the game is changing. In the latest attack, the malicious code was attached to legitimate applications, but also was collecting identifying data from the phone and sending that information to a remote server.
Experts have warned for a while now that as smartphones gain traction, there will be an increasing number of attacks. Anti-virus firm Symantec says that threats have been increasing significantly in recent months after being quite rare, often limited to more proof-of-concept type exploits.
Not only are today’s smartphones the equivalent of a desktop computer, each one has a connection to not only personal information and the Internet, but also to a carrier billing system–putting would-be attackers one step closer to where the money is.
“For first time in history, a malicious attacker can send a packet of data and money goes flying,” said John Hering, CEO of phone security software maker Lookout Mobile Security. “Think about that.”
Already there have been attacks that cause an infected phone to send a premium text message, generating instant revenue for the attackers. Those attacks, against both Symbian and Android, have been confined largely to Europe and Asia–areas where premium SMS is more common and where carriers are sometimes less vigilant about monitoring traffic, Hering said. An attack in December, centered in China, took a significant amount of data from Android phones and sent it to remote servers.
That the phone has been seen as less vulnerable than the PC is largely an artifact of the fact that the devices have only recently gained powerful operating systems and fast Web connections.
“It’s not like phones are inherently safer than computers,” Hering said. “It’s just been more attractive in the past to attack computers.”
In general, Android malware has been attached to applications–often to legitimate applications–and posted to various third-party stores, rather than to the Google-run Android market. Indeed, sticking to the official stores has been one of two major recommendations from security experts (the other is to pay careful attention to what permissions an app is requesting).
Keeping up to date on a phone’s operating system can also help. Droid Dream, for example, exploited a security flaw that was closed with the Gingerbread release of Android. However, unlike on the PC side, users don’t always get to choose which updates they install, as carriers and device makers often get a say in which apps are provided to customers.
The Android attack is also sure to raise the question of whether an open platform is less secure than a more closed one and also whether it is better to have a curated market or one that is community-managed. Hering said it is not fair to say that Droid Dream suggests Android is more vulnerable, noting that both open and closed systems have their benefits. Open-source code does mean everyone can look at things, but it also gives the community a chance to report flaws before the bad guys do.
Naturally, there is also a market that has emerged for security software that can be installed on a device. Lookout and Symantec both offer phone products, and Hering said that Lookout’s software was updated within hours to protect against infected applications from both official and non-official sources.
Given how quickly Google removed the infected apps, it still makes sense for the cautious to stick to the Android market. However, it is clearly not a failsafe.
The other big recommendation is to not just blindly click OK to all those warnings that pop up when installing an app. On Android and many other platforms, users have to explicitly give an application permission to do certain things, such as access location data or make phone calls.
“If someone is downloading a scientific calculator and it wants to send text messages, it should raise some eyebrows,” said Vikram Thakur, a principal security response manager at Symantec.
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Posted via email from Don Peer
