We are getting into that time of year again where you start checking off the signs that Winter is on it's way...

Crisp evenings and cold mornings - check
Extra blankets on the bed - check
Set the clocks back - check
Dig out the ice scraper for the car - check
Get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday - check (yay!)

Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7, is out. I have been somewhat interested in following it as I am in a technology job, so it makes sense for me to experience "new stuff". I was less interested in Vista, after it quickly became apparent that it was not really catching on as Microsoft had hoped.

Windows 7 seem to be poised to be better received, and after installing it on my 4-year old laptop, it seems very nice, and pretty quick. I also have a version of Linux on the laptop, configured in such a way ("dual boot") that I can choose either operating system when I start up. Linux Mint 7 seems quite comparable to Windows 7 in many ways, and was actually easier to install, as far as drivers and so on - that was kind of surprising.

Pretty interesting compilation of visual effects in movies over the years...

Had a very nice day yesterday, my wife and I did a mini "road trip". We saw our daughter's new apartment, and visited for a little while with our son nearby. We then drove up to the Cleveland area to visit for few hours with our in-laws, who we had not seen since last Thanksgiving. They also had a mutual friend visiting them at the time, so that was a nice bonus. The weather was pleasant, the traffic was pretty light, so the whole things was pretty hassle-free, and definitely enjoyable.

I got a new car a couple of weeks ago. Now when I say "new", I mean "new to me". I have never owned a new car, and don't expect to. Not that important to me. I do like cars (I watch "Top Gear" whenever I can), and I sometimes think it would be nice to own something more "flashy" or "sporty", but I realize I am neither flashy nor sporty myself, so what's the point?

It's a 99 Honda Civic, first Honda I have owned. I like it; it drives nicely, has enough room and is very good on gas - in fact, the first time I calculated my mileage I thought I must have done it wrong. But after another fill up I confirmed the first calculation - and it's almost Prius-like, around 37mpg with a mix of driving. Granted, I drive like an old lady, but still.