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Grayson

RSS Herald? That is my cat Grayson, staring down a squirrel . A bit of background on Grayson. When she was a year old an ex boyfriend threw her against the wall (prior to Colorado’s animal cruelty laws were enacted—- hence the ‘EX’ part of boyfriend). I rushed her to the veterinarian where I was told Grayson should be mercifully put down because there was no way to determine how much damage was done to her brain from being knocked out like that. I couldn’t do it. I promised I’d care for her as long as possible until it became more humane to put her to sleep. That was fourteen years ago. She is very gentle, loves children, loves her tummy rubbed… But Grayson can’t find her toys once she hides them, and she can’t figure out how to play with feathers or string, so I believe that injury all those years ago stunted her brain growth. Grayson is a very special part of my life, she’s my companion while I work in my office. She comes to me for things like Mom I don’t feel good, or that thunder scared me Mom! For the past couple of months, Grayson has discovered the ‘Great Outdoors’. For a cat that never liked to go outside at all, was so frightened she’d run when the door opened, she’s decided that she suddenly likes it! Now, after nearly all her life, I have to be careful coming in and out so she doesn’t escape. Suddenly, at fifteen years old, she’s chasing birds and squirrels – and generally having the time of her life. She drives me crazy by meowing at the door until I finally decide its time for a coffee break and she can go play outside. But, I don’t mind. I simply smile, and basically let her do as she pleases. You see… Grayson is dying. She has chronic renal failure, and won’t live much longer. Now I’m sure there are many out there that say that’s not true! Grayson’s vet swears that cats and dogs can live for long times with special care, and special diets. I’ve researched Grayson’s condition thoughrally. I know that she can be given subcutaneous fluids, which are administered via a needle under the cat’s skin. Our vet even mentioned transplants. But, I’m not going to do that to Grayson. She wouldn’t understand me putting fluids in her or having to keep her on medications after a transplant. For that matter, I couldn’t do that to her anyway, it would break my heart to cause her pain. As it is now, I have a hard enough time watching her go through her symptoms, and I know she sees that. But every day that’s a good day is one more cherished memory. In my heart, I know that the day will come when Grayson will tell me its time, and I’ll have to end her suffering. I am praying though, that Grayson does it her way and just goes to sleep dreaming of squirrels. The best resource I’ve discovered is the Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Center at http://www.felinecrf.com. Thanks for listening. Kathy]]>

Microsoft Word 2007: Help! My mouse won't work right!

Microsoft Office 2007 Word. He couldn’t highlight text! He could click on some things, but not all menus. And despite everything he tried, the mouse wouldn’t select the text. He turned to me for help. Since this was a new situation for me – one that I hadn’t heard of – I searched Google for an answer. On Lockergnome.com, I discovered there were many people experiencing this issue. A fix was posted, which was copied in part from a Microsoft Knowledgebase article. What happens sometimes, is the Data file for Word 2007 becomes corrupted. Usually due to a defective, or incompatible addin. The suggestion is to delete the registry key. Most of us don’t like to work with the registry, however, in this instance, the fix was painless, and I was even able to apply it to my client’s computer remotely. To delete the Word Data registry key, follow these steps: 1. Exit all Office programs. 2. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK. 3. Locate the following registry subkey, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running: • Word 2002: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice10.0WordData • Word 2003: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0WordData • Word 2007: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0WordData 4. Click Data, and then click Export on the File menu. 5. Name the file Wddata.reg, and then save the file to the desktop. 6. Click Delete on the Edit menu, and then click Yes. 7. Exit Registry Editor. 8. Start Word. If Word starts and works correctly, you have resolved the problem. The problem was a damaged Word Data registry key. You may have to change several settings to restore your favorite options in Word. If you want to escape problems in future use the Office For Mac UK. (This is an excerpt from Microsoft Article ID: 921541) Hope this helps if any of you experience this issue. Happy Computing, Kathy Ritchie]]>

Disaster Preparedness

NOT be one of those that never reopen. Plan your recovery before its needed. To see the supplies that Ready.gov recommends please visit http://www.ready.gov/business/plan/emersupply.html Common sense tells us, that businesses should keep copies of their most important files offsite. Personally, I use several methods but most notably, I use Carbonite’s online backup service. For about $50 per year, I’m assured of complete recovery of my files in the case of disaster – or if I reformat my PC (as I did recently) and need to restore my files. Also, dvd’s of my information is stored in fireproof safes, and the really urgent information is easily grabbed as I’m running out the door. Be prepared. Your equipment should be insured. Don’t use a rider on your homeowner’s policy, you should have business insurance that covers your equipment. All of it. Make an inventory of all the software you have, whether its installed or not, list your peripherals List your books. If you have a radio in your office, list that! List EVERYTHING! Take pictures of your equipment, store your receipts with your inventory, OFF SITE. My Office inventory is electronic, and is stored offsite, AND backed up regularly. Keep your inventory up to date. When you prepare your inventory, don’t forget about your various logins and account access codes and passwords. I have a book of keycodes, kept in my fireproof safe. For my more sensitive logins, those are encrypted on a flashdrive in the safe. Keep this list as up to date as possible. During severe weather, surges often cripple your equipment, which is why it is vital your equipment be protected with high quality surge protection, and if you lose power suddenly, having an uninteruptable power supply (UPS) can give you the time you need to save what you’re working on and shut your equipment down. High quality UPS systems also include surge protection. Include your PHONES on the surge protection. Often, your telephone is one piece of equipment that is forgotten about when it comes to equipment protection. Visit Ready.gov for more information about disaster preparedness for your home and your business. Become familiar with what you need to do, and what needs to be on hand. Stay alert to the news, and be prepared. Wishing you safe, Kathy Ritchie]]>