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Well, the regular schedule didn't last long... However, I will plead (miserable little pleader) that there hasn't been a great deal happening over the past couple of weeks. Thanksgiving came and went. I spent most of the Thursday and Fridy on the computer playing Lords of the Realm, and the other 2 days just goofing off.

Well, it's taken almost a whole year, but I've finally finished the 3 books that I got for Christmas last year. I was given the 2nd trilogy in the Deryni/Camber series, written by Katherine Kurtz. It was so long since I'd read the first series that I had to go back and read them again before I could start on the new ones. By Jove, was it worth the effort! Ms Kurtz writes a pretty mean story and I heartily recommend her books to anyone who likes a good tale. The Deryni are a human race with magical abilities, and the series follows their relationships with 'normal' humans and the king and kingdom of Gwynnedd. A fascinating mix of magic and politics, intrigue and religion. Superb stories!

CPi had their Quarterly Business Update this past Monday. At these events they pass on company info, recognize people for their efforts and generally allow the consultants to get together over some food and drinks. Well, following on from the Oracle class I did, I knew that my presence was required in order to be 'recognized'. So, in due course Jim Coffey, who did an Access class, and myself were introduced to the throng and invited to come forward. As we did so, Cyndi was scrabbling in the closet next to the podium. When she emerged, she was transporting (carrying is the wrong world) these 2 HUGE balloons, about 3 feet across each, complete with netting and a little gondola basket underneath. Talk about going for maximum embarassment value! Tucked into each basket was a little gift - a handheld GPS unit.

Now, I know what GPS is, but I wasn't quite clear on what on earth use it could be to me. I checked on the Internet, and finally found a web-site that had a short article on potential uses for GPS. It listed flying, boating, hunting and other outdoor pursuits. That just really sounds like me. NOT! I don't wish to sound ungrateful, guys, but I cannot think of a more inappropriate gift. They knew that I spend a lot of time on the computer; I spend a lot of time on the web-site or playing games; I'm heavily involved in playing and coaching soccer; my resume even lists my interests. Nowhere does it mention anything even remotely outdoorsy. Well, I've read the book and I know how to use it, I just can't think of anything I'd use it for. You can be sure that even just siting here I can tell you exactly where in the world I am though - 45 deg 24.24 min N, 122 deg 40.06 min W. I'll never be lost sitting here again!

Today saw the first frost in the area. It was definitely a touch white on the grass and roofs. Most evenings have been cooler, but that's the first time it's actually dipped below freezing. It's generally reckoned that the winter will be worse than last year, which was consideraby milder than usual, and quite likely harder than usual. We'll see. Time to get studded tires fitted to the cars...

Last weekend we went and bought some more lights to put on the house for Christmas. Our friends over the road, The Boston's, have their house lit up like, well, a Christmas tree. It seemed that every time I came back from work this past week it had grown some more lights! The people next to us also have loads of lights on their house. We may have to go out and buy some more. Don't want to let the side down and all that - our house looks quite boring in comparison.

Well, time to go watch a movie.

Well, that's enough for this week. I'll catch you all next week.