Monday, May 31, 2010

Just A Few Pics While I Gather My Bloggy Thoughts









Thursday, May 27, 2010

Fog Rolling In


Tuesday, May 25, 2010

MaxiPad

I have been meaning to sit down and write about my experience with my iPad for a while, but only just got around to it.  Let me preface this by saying that I don't own stock in Apple, know anyone who works at Apple, Apple has not paid me to say this, (but I do eat apples). So here goes...
I waited until Apple came out with the 3G and WiFi version on April 30th rather than the WiFi only version that was available 2 weeks earlier.  And I am so happy that I did.  In the month I have had it there has not been a single time that I was unable to get service.  It shows me which WiFi networks in the area are unlocked, and if there are none it connects to AT&T 3G service.  Here's my pros and cons list for my new limb (I can't be without it). 

PROS

Ease of use: I can't speak to how easy or difficult it would be to use the iPad if you have never used a Mac or an iPhone.  I happen to have a Mac at home and access to an iPhone, so I had no trouble with the operating system. 

Applications: I can't speak highly enough about the applications that are available.  I can read books with color illustrations, play games, take notes, draw, and many other things.  Perhaps my favorite app is a Netflix app that lets me instantly watch anything that they have set up to watch that way.  It is part of my Netflix subscription and is really fantastic.  That leads me to the next Pro...

Display: The display is AMAZING!  The colors are brilliant and my photos look amazing on it.  It is large enough to get what you need done, but not so large that it is cumbersome.  The glass display is so sensitive that the keyboard is a breeze to use, pages in books are easy to turn, and games are pretty natural. 

Questions? It's got answers: Okay, I couldn't think of what to call this Pro.  What I mean is that by using the internet, maps, calendar, etc I am never without an answer to something I need.  I can pull up a map and get driving directions to where I am going, including a little dot moving as I move.  The internet is quick and easy.  I thought it might be slow because sometimes browsing the net on the iPhone can be a little slow, but I was wrong.  It is FAST.  Deliciously fast and easy to use. 

Who knows what else: I haven't even figured out everything I can do with this baby yet, and as time goes on there will be more and more apps to use.  There are tons more pros about it, but mostly it is awesome because it has so much potential as well as immediate uses.

CONS

These are less of Cons than they are things I would improve on.  And suggestions to a buyer.

Fragility: Okay, I know it is not as fragile as I think it is, but it is not something you want to drop.  My suggestion: When you buy the iPad, buy the case.  You will regret it otherwise.  Also, get the Apple Care Protection Plan, it's worth it.

Flash player, or whatever: I know there is some deal with Apple and the people who make Flash Player or something.  I have no idea what.  All I know is that sometimes I want to watch a video on a website and I can't because it doesn't have a Flash Player.  This isn't too big of a deal though, because I can usually get what I need with the You Tube app. 

Price: It is definitely a splurge and a luxury item.  I don't think you can walk away for less than $550, bare bones, and what fun would that be?




Monday, May 24, 2010

Valley Views

This picture is from a beautiful vineyard that my mom used to work at.  It takes a while to get there, but it is so worth it.


Friday, May 21, 2010

The Brig

After seeing Wicked again over the weekend, I stopped by the Marin Headlands and took these pictures at the now defunct military base there.  They even have the old Nike missiles that were put there to protect the coast during war.  It's kinda eerie seeing them.















Thursday, May 20, 2010

Belongs In London


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Sunset Over The Mayacamas

I actually considered not stopping to take these pictures because I was so tired. I'm glad that I did.  Sometimes it is nice to get away from the constraints of the clock and just "be".





Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Following My Leader


Monday, May 17, 2010

Very, Very Exciting!

I have officially sold my first (and second!) pieces at my Etsy site.  And they went to London no less!  LONDON.  I am so excited about what is in store for this little side business of mine.
Anywho, here are a couple of my recent creations.  And as always, to see the entire collection, just click on that button over on the sidebar.





















































Tell your friends!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Friends In Cool Places

I recently attended a three day symposium for my work that was held in San Francisco.  Now, it's not that San Francisco is that much longer than my regular commute, it's just that the symposium days started at 8:30am.  My co-worker lives in a town on the bay, and she kindly let me stay with her and avoid the commute.  Man, is this place beautiful.  There is nothing like waking up to cranes wading through the low tide.  Her adorable dog didn't hurt either.  Anyhow, here are some pics.  










Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Somewhere Over The



























It rained here.  In May.  MAY.  I can understand this kind of behavior elsewhere, but in the Bay Area, it is fairly uncommon.  It has also been particularly cold.  Many mornings I have woken to the sound of the fans running in the vineyards.  The fans circulate the air to keep the vines warmer.  Sometimes they also spray the vines with water if they think that there will be a freeze.  It seems counterintuitive, but because the ice is at about 32 degrees, it is often warmer than the air, which may be much colder.  And the grapes don't suffer.  It's amazing the kind of stuff you learn when you live in an agricultural area.  Anyway, I know none of that was about rainbows, but I saw this and had to snap a shot.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Promises, Promises

I know I said that I would have some posts up soon, but I lied.  
I am going through some stuff right now, which makes the blog low on my priority list.  
You can help just by thinking of me and wishing me well.  
I sincerely value everyone who reads Adventures, so thank you.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Sorry

Sorry for the lack of posting lately.  I have been super busy and on top of that, I am feeling crummy.  I will get my shit together this weekend and have some new posts up for you soon, including my review of my new iPad.

Monday, May 3, 2010

King Of Hearts