Java Threat

 I do not usually pay too much attention to these computer threats because they are usually cured before we even know they exist. But not in this case. Oracle the makers of Java are lazy about getting a fix out there. I understand this is not the first time. When they found the threats to their system in the past they waited to "fix" them once a year in October! That is not acceptable. To be safe remove Java. If and when they fix it we can reinstall. If you want to know more, google Java threat 2013.
Barb
To completely uninstall Java from Windows 7 or Vista:

1. Click on the left hand Windows circle on the bottom of the screen
2. Click on Control Panel (visible in the right column above)
3. After the Control Panel window is open, click on Add/Remove Programs. If you do not see Add/Remove Programs, look at the right hand top side of the Control Panel window where it says, “View by: Small icons” Click on “Small icons” (or it might say “Large Icons) and click on “Category”. Under “Category” you will be able to see the “Uninstall a Program” option.
4. After you see the list of all of your programs, find Java.
5. Highlight Java and choose Uninstall. Windows will prompt you to confirm. Say yes.

Missed me?

I haven't been doing a whole lot except association presidential duties, a little house cleaning and laundry, walking 2 miles a day and catching up on some crafting.
The pool hall scotch doubles competition started tonight with a new format. Butch and I are both participating. Every time I do this I alternate between feeling I should play more and feeling I should play less or not at all. I cannot play with Butch as he is out of my league. He would be humoring me if he played with me. I am never in the mood to be humored nor am I one to go practice alone. So a ready solution is not apparent to me. Most likely I will plug along as I have been not playing much and doing my best not to embarrass myself on Thursday evenings.
The sunshine has returned at least for a few days. They do say another cold front is on the way come Tuesday or Wednesday of the coming week. We will enjoy and appreciate the sun and warm while it is here. It is winter even here after all.

Last Sunday we went to The Riverside over in Mission Texas, a restaurant and dance hall along the Rio Grande River. It is a favorite of  our friends Donn and Peggy Gordon who go there every Sunday after church for a tenderloin. It is one of the few places you can find a good tenderloin in the Rio Grande Valley.

The picture below is in the dance hall. The band was very good.

This is the courtyard right on the river. Chimney RV Park is in the background. In the past there has been quite a bit of illegal alien and drug cartel activity in this area but that does not seem to be the case this season. The hotspots are always changing.

Winter time mode

We are in a winter state of mind; wearing blue jeans and sweaters, making cold weather meals like chili and ham and beans. The good news is that winter doesn't last long here and we soon will be back to a summer state of mind. A little taste of winter isn't a bad thing, only different. For those who have just arrived it never seems fair but if they can stay long enough they too will return to the north with a sun-kissed face and a warm heart.
Regardless of the weather we are still getting in our 2 miles a day of walking and sticking with South Beach eating practices. Butch is only about an inch from his goal. I think that transfers to 2 or 3 pounds. I have 13 to go having lost 22. It still seems like the right thing to do and the results are gratifying. The list of things I can do easier now continues to grow and that is what keeps me on the right track. I know the hard part is still ahead and that is keeping it off. I quit smoking  29 years ago and still label it as one of the most difficult things to do. Many of the mindsets I used to accomplish that goal will be what I use now to keep off the weight. My doctor wanted to start me on cholesterol medication last summer and I said I wanted to try diet first. So that will be part of my consideration as I get further into the hard part of controlling my weight in the future.

Our thoughts

Our thoughts are very much with the Kelley family these days, as they have been for all the months Dan was fighting for his life. He put up the bravest battle of anyone we know and his stamina throughout was inspiring.
Visitation is tonight in Terril Iowa and the funeral is tomorrow morning and despite being back in our routine here in the valley our thoughts and prayers will be in northern Iowa with the family.