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In other news, my favorite computer, an HP laptop, has a virus or malware attack..still trying to figure out exactly which it is. Arrgh. After hiring others to fix these things in the past and learning from them, along with countless hours talking to customer service people from previous computers (this one NEVER gave me trouble before), I know a thing or two about battling viruses and malware..but probably not enough to fully tackle it since it's still not completely gone from my system. I've used Microsot Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, Malware Bytes, Sophos Virus Removal Tool and SuperAntiSpyware programs, along with the my less-than-great McAfee (that never caught whatever it is in the first place)to kill off some of the problem. It is better..but still, it is SLOWWW. So, if I don't figure it out in the next week, then it goes to the computer doctor. That's never cheap.
Luckily I can do my work on my other computer, which is just fine (thank God). I'd been getting into the habit of using my laptop in my bedroom when I got my new mattress set because it was much more comfortable to work from than sitting at a desk. So, now I'm back in my office and using my desktop there. I have electronic drawing tablets in both rooms, so I can draw anywhere, so it doesn't really matter where I work. The cats pile in my office as I work, and keep me company as I draw or type. Here is what they do:
My gardens are looking good, flowers are blooming (tulips) and my peonies, Asiatic lilies, Anemones and others are wakening and showing their sprouts. The goldfinches, woodpeckers (downy, hairy and red-bellied), chickadees, mourning doves and house finches are practically living at my feeders. The male goldfinches are now bright yellow again, so pretty. I rigged up a spy/pinhole camera so I could even see the birdfeeder from my bedroom tv, which is fun because they have no idea they are being filmed. My kitty Farrah loves sitting on the bed, "chasing" birds, glued to the tv! So cute. The birds sing in the tree right outside my office windows, and even look in at me, as if to say, "We need more seed out here!". And at times, I think they enjoy teasing the cats ;)
Business is good and improving steadily. I spend from morning to night working on my stores, drawings and researching things (when not repairing computers). There is a huge amount of work to be done, but I do it all eventually. It's a passion, doesn't feel like work to me, I love doing what I do. Seeing the business grow gives me such huge encouragement. There's no time to relax and get complacent. I keep my head down and keep working, 24/7, to learn more, to be more. It's an additive process. A huge amount of time and energy goes into doing the work that is done..but I don't mind at all. A full pot of Starbucks Breakfast Blend coffee and a waffle with pureed strawberries for breakfast every morning..then it's marathon work time! When I'm sick, I just sleep, not able to do much, but the minute I feel better, I do something, anything, to get work done. I've always been a workaholic!
Mom's busy with her gardens, which look spectacular. Flowers everywhere! I love her big tree peony, which will bloom in the near future..it's gigantic, red and showstopping! Dad is enjoying his retirement - reading, working on projects, spending time with his beloved cats and listening to his radio shows. My parents are healthy..after a rough year (health-wise)for them last year. I feel so grateful that they are ok and happy.
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