Why do they have to make things so effin' difficult?

I really don't like Western Digital right now. I have three external Western Digital drives, and one Seagate, in separate enclosures. To save space, to free up USB3 ports, and to use less electricity, I got a 5 bay HDD enclosure. It was supposed to be a NON-RAID, but hey, they sent us a RAID version.

After some half-assed instructions from the seller, I contacted someone I know has great advice, Alan and I tested the 5 bay enclosure with two drives (The Seagate, and the system HDD from my old computer). They spun up without a problem. YAY!

So, Alan and I started breaking down the Western Digital enclosures (thankfully we were careful),  plugged the HDDs into the 5 bay enclosure.  I suddenly get messages that I have to format those drives to make them usable?  Oh Hell no!  So, Alan put the WD drive into the Seagate enclosure.  Same message. 

I did a quick internet search... "Western Digital MyBook/Elements drives not working in new enclosure".  That was when I started saying naughty words. Turns out Western Digital hardwired encryption in the "data bridge".  We plugged the WD Enclosure card back on to the drive, and TA DA! All data available and readable.

What I have to do, is copy all the data to another drive (fun fun) insert the WD drive into the 5 Bay enclosure, format the drive, and then copy everything back, as there is no way (that I know of) around the encrypting process.  Says it's going to take at lease 11 hrs to transfer one drive. That's only if there isn't something that can't be copied while I'm asleep and stalls it all.

Why do they have to make things so effin' difficult?!?!

I don't know why, but I have been enjoying these scam buster videos.

Again, I can see how someone not computer savvy could be fooled with the scammer's antics.

You get hit with a very realistic looking Windows/Microsoft page, with a warning, saying your computer had been blocked, and Call this number! Don't try closing the window because it will cause irreparable harm to your computer. They of course provide a toll free number for you to call. They will help you get to either fastsupport dot com, or other website, and have you download and install GoToAssist or LogMeIn. After this happens, they are remotely connected to your computer.

They open Event Viewer, and claim all the alerts and errors are spyware or viruses.

Then they open MSINFO, which will show things have been stopped, claiming spyware or viruses have stopped them.

Then, they will open an elevated command prompt, and run dir :/s or the TREE command, saying they are scanning the computer. If you listen carefully you will hear them typing something and then OMIGOD NO, in red letters it will say at the command prompt, you have XXX amount of viruses.

Next step, they will type in NETSTAT, and it will list your IP and every placed you're currently connected. Some of those addresses with be 'foreign', aka not your computer's IP address, and tell you that this is proof hackers are connected to your computer.

Then they will open NOTEPAD and list a bunch of fake services they will provide, cleaning the system, install free security/virus software, but charge anywhere from $99.99 to sometimes over $1000.

If you question them, they will often run the SYSKEY command, which they will use to change the system password. If you don't pay the money, they won't give you the password. And if you don't have a recent back up, or calling them on a Virtual Machine, you can be stuck for it.

Again, you might roll your eyes and say "How could anyone be so stupid?", it's not stupidity, it's not knowing.

Scamming is illegal, no matter where the scammers are located, it's illegal.

Sometimes, having a legacy subscription is better

I use Skype, mostly to call the U.S..  I have an subscription that is no longer offered, and as long as I continue to renew it, it can't be changed.  600 minutes direct to phones all over the world per month, and free Skype to Skype calls.

I did notice my rates went up, so I logged into their support chat. Found out that all yearly rates have gone up, and since it's not by a helluva lot, that's fine by me. But he did mention that my subscription was 'no longer supported, did I want to update'.  I told him "No thank you, I was told by R**** (person I dealt with before) said I could keep my legacy subscription, as it was 'grandfathered in', as long as I continue to renew it."

I could almost hear the crickets chirping after I typed that out. :D

So much for the surprise.

I ordered a 'surprise' holiday gift for our household, and the merchant, instead of packing the two items in a box, as they had done prior, they shipped them in their store shelf boxes. Surprise blown, as the person it was for was the one that accepted delivery.

I filled out their online form, and they replied with long schpiel about how quality of service is their priority. Then asked this:

> For our records, could you please provide photos showing the product's packaging?

I replied "What packaging? The items were shipped in their store shelf boxes, rather battered, with shipping labels slapped onto them."

I'm on the bike to nowhere. :D

Did a full 12mins on the stationary bike this morning.

Might not seem like a lot to able bodied, but I started with a slow pedal speed 5 minutes, adding 10 seconds a day. Also, I upped the resistance slightly, but not to the point that the pain was unmanageable.  I had to take a break for a few days because of umm 'chafing' (the seat is not very comfortable.)

The shin issue is still annoying me, but doesn't bother me when I'm on the stationary bike, because the foot isn't flexing heel to toe, which is what is causing the shin to cramp.

It's been a week since last physio visit

And that 'shin' pain is still there, and if anything, it's worse. Yes, I can 'medicate' it away, but I've been in the process of reducing pain meds, so I really don't want to start taking them on a regular basis.  Might have to, though, as it's really interfering with my daily routine! Those who know me know that I tend to push through pain, and keep going, but sometimes this pain brings me to a dead halt.  It's not the knee giving me pain, but the muscle on the right side of my right calf, paralleling the shin bone.

If it keeps up, I will call physio, and see if I can be 'squeezed in' before the 25th, or shortly afterward.

Short of anything untoward happening

I am finished with Physiotherapist. I do have a 'penciled in' appointment for the 3rd of January, but unless there's something wrong, or goes wrong, I probably won't need.

The Shin Cramps: turns out the cramping is because of properly walking heel to toe. The muscle along the tibia is getting a work out, and it's not so much cramping, but just angry muscle from being used correctly.  Matt did some acupuncture on the area, and it was funny watching the needles vibrate as the muscle complained, then settled down.  Instructed to 'roll a tennis ball' firmly over the area. Also, if I lift the foot, and allow the leg to just dangle a bit, the pain/cramp subsides.

I also asked Matt about how much time it's taking, as a few people claimed that in two or three weeks, relatives/friends with total knee replacements were out doing stuff like mountain climbing and hiking. He slowly shook his head, and said "Not a chance. Takes 6 to 8 weeks for the surgical incision to heal. Mountain climbing or hiking would tear it open after two or three weeks."  MAYBE if what they had was laproscopic, but even then, the surgeons instructions would be minimum of 4 to 6 weeks. He also said that my recovery is well beyond average.

So, I can keep doing the rehab exercises as needed (yes, I need them in the morning as the knee/leg is typically quite stiff), and then have occasional reviews with Matt and Mr Skinner, but for all intents I've been set free!

I still have a ways to go, but it will be done by daily living now.

3 Months post op

Mr S is very pleased with my recovery, even though I am frustrated.  He said I was being to hard on myself, and the fact that I am at what it normally takes 6 months to get to at 3 months shows all the hard work and effort I've put into  my recovery. 

He was a bit concerned about how the surgical scar has turned into a keloid scar.  It's much thicker, and more livid than he would like. I showed him other scars I had that were from deep cuts, and although they are faded, they are also keloid scars.  There is a treatment for it, and if it doesn't work, it can lessened with laser treatment.  (On an aside, the reason I have such good skin is the same reason for the keloid scarring.. a goodly amount of collagen.) 

The knee is stable, the leg bends only a half a centimeter less than the uninjured knee now.  And I am developing strength back into the leg. Also lost another 2kgs.

The hypersensitive spot on my knee, just keep rubbing it. It will settle down.  As will the involuntary twitching of the leg.  I told Mr S that I have been having trouble sleeping, and although that is normal, he was concerned how often it was happening. It's because of the pharmaceuticals.

Medications: turned out that the last prescriptions I got were slightly screwed up.  I wasn't given one of them, the slow release version, which is why I have been having shitty nights sleeping because of pain. The only one they filled was the quick release one, which would wear off in the middle of the night. This was rectified and I now have the correct dose of the correct medication.

I was sent home with an admonition. Even though my knee/leg feels better, do NOT overdo it.  I've recovered well above average, and I don't need to muck it all up by doing too much, and screwing it all up.

Onward...

Matt the physio has recommended I not use crutches, unless heading somewhere there is a lot of people, then use both of them as a visual cue to people that there is a reason I am walking slowly. He told me I have to learn to trust the new knee. I have to break myself of the habit of leaning towards the left, and start putting equal weight on the right leg. Wing and I went for a bit of a walk at the pet store, and the shops. And I'm "Post Physio Visit" sore as usual. Should pass in a day or so.

Also showed him my right hand, the one I fell on when I was in Denmark two years ago.  After examining it, he said I had sustained a scaphoid fracture.  The only thing that could've been done for it, was what I did for it. Wear a wrist brace to limit movement.

I see Mr Skinner next week for my 12 week post op check up. 

Two weeks off for good or bad behavior

Saw Matt, the physio/nicest sadist ever.  I can bend my knee to 120 degrees unassisted. I showed him that my left leg, the uninjured one, and the right knee both bent back the same amount.  Then I showed him how I could put my feet, sole to sole, with knees bent.  He agreed that I might be as far as I can go for now, but for 11 weeks post op, it's excellent recuperation.  I have been told to leave the crutches home, unless I go to a crowded area. Not so much for my need, but the need of a visual cue for those who think I am walking too slow for their liking.

But now we have to work on the tendons on the right side of the knee and calf. It's not stretching enough to be able to lay my leg flat. I have been sent home with new exercises.  I will keep up doing the ones I have been doing, as they will keep my progress heading in the right direction.

Just because you don't like the answer doesn't mean it's wrong

A guy made an announcement on an Olympus users page, to not use the Panasonic 100-400 lens, as it would grind and cause metal shavings.  I told him we had tried that very lens on 3 different Olympus M43 cameras without any problems.  I even got one for my birthday.

I told him I even bought the ex demo, showed him photos as proof that there was no problem metal shavings when mounting the lens.

He then said he tried several of them, and they all did the same thing.

I replied that if the same thing happened with several of the same make and model lens, the problem is more than likely the mount on his camera body, NOT the Panasonic lenses.

He was not happy with that.

Another learning moment

Standing around, not walking, makes my knee very painful the next day, more painful than if I had been walking around the same amount of time.

Wing and I headed into Camera Electronic, and got my birthday present. We were in the store a little over an hour, most of the time just standing in place

Then, I forgot to take anti-inflammatory/pain meds before going to bed.  Up at 4am with very sore knee.  Lesson learned.

Out with the old, and not so old, too.

The past few weeks Wing and I have been doing massive 'spring cleaning', rather like a small version of "The bonfire of the vanities" type. Going through closets/cupboards/bookcases/nooks/corners and sorting, dusting, and throwing a lot out.

We have never been the type to keep something just for the sake of keeping something. I had been giving so much stuff away and selling things cheap, that I had gotten concerned for my well being emails (rest assured, wasn't planning on doing something to myself, just unloaded things that were in good to excellent condition, but wasn't being used)

What was funny, though, is when Loki came out of my office, and stopped dead in his tracks, crouched down slightly and started looking around.  Yes, we changed his known universe without consulting him. *laughing*

That one one tough physio session, but with a lot of Q&A.

Turns out the twitching of my leg at night is normal, as there's always nerve damage during the surgery.  The feeling of rug burn on one part of my knee is over-sensitized nerves. To get it calmed down, I have to rub it with cold, warm, and textured things at different times.

Bending: Didn't have much improvement at all, but when Matt worked on the knee, I showed him the only place it was 'catching'... directly on top of the knee cap.  Off to the leg press, and gave it 20+ weighted bends to as far as I could go. (Pain level 4).  Then was shown new exercise, 'Split Bend'.. right leg curled behind me, foot resting on a surface, while holding onto a stable surface, bend knee and slightly sit back with the hips to increase the degree of knee bending.  Was not fun, but I went from 114 degrees of bend to 120.  Matt is still aiming for 130 for my next review.

Here's hoping!

The "Car Accident Insurance" scammers are baa-aaaack?

Wing  answered the phone the first time, but they were speaking with such heavily accented English, he ended up hanging up.

He headed out to his mom's house to check to see why the DVD player wasn't working right. 5 minutes later, the scammers called back.

"Hello, I am calling from the Automobile Accident Insurance hotline, about the accident you have a few years ago.."

I replied, LOUDLY in an anguished voice "I was cleared of vehicular manslaughter! Thanks for f**king reminding me!" and before I hung up I heard her stuttering and stammering.

The scammers phone number is 02 9456 7122

Moving to a different part of rehab

I have pretty much plateaued out with the post-op rehab exercises, and I'm now moving into the harder yards of weights and stationary bicycle.  These are needed to get more flexing done, that will get me to 130 degree bend.

Worked out on a leg press, and Matt was rather impressed with my flexibility. I had to have the seat moved fairly close to the foot rest to get a knee bend that felt like I was taking it as far as I go.

Then, same thing with the stationary bike, but more for smooth movement and flexing. 

Something more than 'Thoughts and Prayers" needs to be done.

“Evil is evil and will use the weaponry that is available.” Senator Cruz. Exactly! So, stop making guns readily available!  All these mass shootings have been done with AR 15s and similar weapons that have NO business in civilian hands. They used to be banned, but thank GOP for letting that ban lapse. Ever since, the mass shootings have been increasing the body count.

People use Drunk Driving is illegal but it doesn't stop drunk driving. Red Herring/strawman argument. Drunk driving laws & penalties have reduced the number of drunk drivers/drunk driver fatalities. Just because it doesn't stop 100% of them doesn't mean those laws/penalties should be gotten rid of. Schooling, testing licensing, registration and insurance. If you have to have this for vehicles, which weren't specifically designed for killing things, then the same criteria needs to be applied for guns, which were specifically designed to kill things/people. Universal background checks. Closing the gun shows/private sale loopholes on background checks.

A lot of people are trying to claim it's a mental health issue. Not always. Sometimes it's an anger issue. Texas shooter was angry at his ex mother in law. Orlando shooter was angry about his own sexuality. One of the college shooters was angry that women kept saying no to him. Another was angry that his professor was failing him. Even it it was mental health, OTHER countries have mental health issues too, but they don't have mass murders with AR 15s or similar weapons. Why? Gun Control laws!

Even if it was mental health, then contact you Republican rep, as they are the ones that orchestrated removing the ban on people with mental illness history from buying guns.

"A well regulated militia".. that is the part that is ignored from the 2nd amendment, compliments of NRA propaganda. (go read up what Chief Justice Warren Burger said regarding the scam the NRA did regarding this)  You want to be part of a militia? Head to a recruiters' office.

Australia used to have the same "Guns are part of our lives!" attitude. And the same weak gun laws that varied from state to state. ONE mass shooting, Port Arthur, in 1996 is all it took to change gun laws nationally.  It wasn't easy, but it was done. And yes, the same complaints about "our rights!"... screw that, what about the rights of the people being slaughtered? "The right to LIFE, liberty and pursuit of happiness." 

And before someone lays "You're just a gun hating libtard!" or othersuch...I enlisted and was in the Army. My DD214 says Honorable Discharge. I see no need to tote an AR 15 or ANY weapon into a McDonalds

With the last Adobe product going subscription only

Now that Lightroom has gone subscription only, no longer offering a stand alone, many people are looking for alternatives again. 

So far, I find AlienSkin Exposure 3, On1 Photo Raw, and Topaz Studio to be the strongest contenders.  Exposure 3 and On1 have a feature that Topaz doesn't at this time. The ability to have different versions, virtual copies, of the same image, with different edits, without filling your HDD with multiple image files.

On1 had more tools/Effects than AlienSkin, but AlienSkin works faster on older computers, or with machine with only 16gb of memory. 

All three have plugins that work with CS6 (there is a way to get them to work with CS5. Download trial version of Photoshop CC, install On1/Alienskin/Topaz, and then copy/paste the plugins from the CC plugin folder to CS5 plugin folder. If you get any error message about a specific DLL missing, copy it from the Photoshop CC directory into the CS5 directory. Nothing says you have to uninstall the CC trial version, so leave it there to install updates)

My personal favorite is On1 Photo Raw, followed very closely by AlienSkin Exposure 3. I do like editing my RAW photos with these two, and then in Photoshop, using the Topaz Studio/Labs plugs to add extras.

7 weeks post op Physio visit

Although I didn't go backward, not much improvement this week.  Discussion was regarding how the skin/scar over the knee was painfully tight when trying to bend it as far as I could, and how the hamstring on the right side of the back of the knee was still stiff.

Matt looked, and my knee is a bit swollen, but nothing to worry about. As he had said before, progress is an up and down thing, and can be affected by the cold (Photo session under the Narrows Bridge at night, in the rain), and other things (like dipsy woman opening her car door without checking her sideview mirror for oncoming traffic, making Wing slam on the brakes to prevent her car door from being taken off, jamming my knee from the sudden stop. NOT HIS FAULT!)

Matt worked on the scar area, and also moved the lower leg, getting the prosthetic to slide a bit easier. The good news is, not as much 'clicking' when I walk, meaning the muscles/tendons aren't getting caught on anything.

He said overall I am progressing well above average.

Have been given a few more things to do to help with both the tight scar and tight tendons. Go back again next week.

Form two lines, please

On the left, those who have compassion for the pain I'm in because I followed physios' instructions.

On the right, those who want to nag me about doing too much, again.

There was a Canon Collective event yesterday, and since the Shelly Jetty is a flat area, easily walked (as both my physio and surgeon recommended I start taking meandering walks). Wing brought a chair, so I wouldn't have to stand the entire time. But that got rained out, so we went to the Narrows Bridge to at least be under cover from the rain.

Unfortunately, the wind coming off the Swan River was cold, and the scar over my knee stiffened up in the cold. Followed by the hamstrings.

This morning, it was (no joke) torturous to do the bending of the knee, sliding heel back as far as possible. I did all 10, but I was biting my lip to do them.

It always hurts the day after

My knee always hurts more, and I'm a bit unsteady, the day after appointment with the physiotherapist.  He worked in the scar dead center on my knee cap, because the scar is a bit drawn and tight.  While he did it, and the rest of yesterday, it felt so much more flexible.

This morning, oh dear. I was hobbling and limping like I was doing a few weeks ago.  I know the treatment of the knee is necessary, but dayam it hurts afterward!

Six weeks post op

Saw the nurse practitioner first for a quick check. Mostly to make sure I was handling the recuperation. Checked the scar, pronounced it well healed. Then out to the waiting room.

Was called in by Dr S. He was quite impressed with my recovery to date. Discussed pain management. All doses have been reduced by half (yay!), except one of the anti-inflammatories. Will use those until they're gone. See him again in six weeks.

Last, but not least, time to see Matt, the physio. Asked me where did I feel binding when I bent my knee. Showed him the area on top of my knee cap, and the tendons on the right side. The scar is a bit drawn on top of my knee cap, so Matt worked to stretch it out a bit. Did the same with the tendons. Matt said have Wing take me somewhere the walking surface is flat, with light pedestrian traffic, and start taking meandering walks for the next stage of rehab. With and without the crutches as soon as I feel confident enough to go without them.

First full day without

Today is the first morning I have gotten up without having taken slow release pain medication before going to bed.   I noticed I was more restless last night, as the pain was enough to keep me from sleeping as well as I had been the past few weeks.

Also, doing my morning rehab exercises... let's just say I had to grit my teeth more than once.  

Had breakfast, and took morning doses.  Took quite a while for the pain to start ebbing, but it's manageable now.  I will be seeing Dr S tomorrow. Will see if I should just be on lower dose of the slow release pain meds or just daily supplemental pain meds.

5 Weeks (and a few days) post Op

It now time to work the scar on my knee. Using a skin moisturizer, I apply it to either side of the scar, and on it. Then  I massage down the sides of the scar, pushing it gently to the left, and then to the right, making it shift at least 1 cm from center.  Then I bend my knee until the scar turns white from the stretch, and then apply moisturizer directly on it.

The goal is to make the scar pliable, and have it stretch to give me full mobility.

Another day, another physio visit

Saw Matt today, and I told him what happened to my knee after the last visit. He looked a bit sheepish and said "I guess we were a bit over enthusiastic because of your progress."  He listened to what I said happened, and how many days the pain and swelling laid me up.  He said that chances are that most of the adhesions I had under the skin and scar had been released and broken, which led to the swelling.

The good news is, even though I couldn't do much in the way of rehab exercise sets for almost 4 days, I haven't 'relapsed'.  I was able to bend my knee, unassisted, to 105 degrees, and after some massage therapy on the tight tendons, and on the scar, I was able to bend it back to 109. 

Oh yeah, Matt said my scar is marvelous. :D

I get to go back next week.

Much relief

The swelling on my knee has gone way down, and the bruised coloring is fading.  It's still more painful than it was prior to last Tuesday, but no where near as painful as it was Wednesday through Friday.  I was able to do all of the rehab exercises, although I don't think I pulled my heel as far back as I had before Tuesday.  And I slept better last night than I have for most of the week.

Yeah, it's bruised

It took a few days, but the bruise showed up on my knee.  I really don't think it was Matt's intention to have my knee get swollen, sore, and bruised with that one manipulation, but I will request he not do that one again. 

Have to go refill two prescriptions. Of course these two run out over a week after getting the OTHERS refilled. *sigh*

That might have been a bit much

But whatever Matt did to my knee on Tuesday, it still effin' hurts!  I mean back to what it felt like 3 weeks post op.  I slept for shit last night, and when I got up this morning, my knee was very painful and stiff.  I've gone from doing 5 sets of exercises a day, to not being able to do them at all yesterday, to barely pushing through the pain to get 2 done today.

I think I'm going to request Matt not flex my knee to that point again.  It doesn't do me any good if it sets me back half of my recovery time to date.

Ummm, ow

Physio appointment today.  Did my knee bend, unassisted, to 104 degrees. Not bad, as I was told the mark we were aiming for was 100 degrees.  After some massage, and acupressure treatment, I was able to bend it, unassisted to 108 degrees.  I discussed the pain I get on top of my knee that comes and goes.  Matt said that was probably due to adhesions that are being broken, but then reform, under the scar tissue.  When the rest of the surgical sealing tape/bandage falls off, I can work on the scar to make it more pliable.

Then, Matt worked on my quads and hamstring muscles to loosen them up. 

Of course now I am one hurting unit.

Go back next week at the same time.

On1 2018 Beta

Yes, I know it's beta, and there will be bugs.  And we have been asked to submit the bugs.

The stand alone loads noticeably faster than v2017.  It now can do Panorama stitching.  It does line up the images perfectly, and does stitch/merge them.  However, it doesn't blend the edges. Even on photos that were taken on a tripod specifically to be stitched together.  (Submitted this issue as a bug).  When you click to make the pano, 7 images doesn't take a long time, but when I made a 360 degree pano, it took a long time for it to finish.  (submitted this as a concern)

An old problem has reared it's ugly head again.  Even though during the installation of 2018 it asks if you want to keep older versions, you really cant.  You will get "Could not complete the Browse in Bridge command because Photoshop was unable to find the Javascript plugin."  It also happens with other commands/scripts.  I have found the only way to get rid of this error is to remove previous version. 

Also, I still use Phototools Professional v2.6.  Yes, it's older, but it has tools and overlays/textures I can't duplicate or replace in newer On1 products.  In CS6 it will start to launch, but then close down.  The only way to fix this is to remove ANY On1 Resizing plugin. Remove the resizing plugin, and it works.  Since I can resize with Photoshop itself, or with Alien Skin Blow Up, this poses no great hardship.

Seriously, what the hell

I have Adobe CS5 Extended. I have had it for a long time. I upgraded it from Adobe CS3 Extended.  For years, I have been using it without any problems.  Although I have CS6E, I use CS5 to tutor those who have it, and to test plug ins to see if they will work with earlier versions.

Today, I started it up and it says "NOT A VALID LICENSE NUMBER".  WTF?  Ok, figuring it was a system hiccup, I get both boxes with the license/serial numbers.  I put in the one for CS5E. All good.  Then it wants the serial for qualifying product, CS3 E.  Invalid serial number.  I double checked to make sure I didn't mistype. Nope, but the interface still says invalid serial number. I type it in again, STILL invalid number.

I head off to Adobe site, to my account to check to make sure all my info is correct.  Imagine my surprise when the ONLY product listed is ONE instance of CS6E.  Bizarre considering I have CS6 Master Suite, too.  And CS5, and CS3, and 4 different versions of Photoshop Elements.

Seeing no way to rectify this problem myself, I start up help chat. Was told it would be a 4 minute wait. Ok, no problem.  Then it said 3 minute wait. Good, good. Then it jumped to 20 minute wait. Huh?   Then an hour.  Then down to 15 minutes.  Then back up to an hour.

I don't have time to futz around waiting.  Let's just say I got it working again. I look at it this way. I legally own my copies of CS3E and CS5E. If Adobe doesn't want it to play nice, I, like a good mommy, will MAKE it play nice.

Rehab exercises

I have 11 Post knee replacement exercises to do every day.  The optimum amount would be doing the set 5 times a day.  I normally get at least 4 of them done.

I have noticed that the first set I do is more for working out the stiffness. It's rather surprising how stiff I get just from sleeping.   Subsequent sets are achieving the necessary bends and stretches.

This morning, my knee was both stiff and a bit puffy, so I put on the thigh to ankle compression sock, and it does help. I've gotten two sets done so far today.  Hoping to get all 5 sets done today.

Date with the Physiotherapist

I went in at 4pm.  As we were walking back I told him that I think I had been on my feet, without the crutches, a bit too much yesterday, as my knee felt thick and stiff around 6pm last night.  After recounting everything I had done, it turns out I was on my feet for almost 3 hours without a break.  Didn't do any damage, and I was still able to do the rehab exercises today, but my knee did feel thick.

I was asked to bend the knee back as far as I could. 95 degrees, unassisted. Matt gave it a massage to relieve the swelling in my foot (swelling is normal) and worked the knee joint and knee cap.   He then asked me to bend it back again, as far as I could. Over 100 degrees of bend.  For comparison, last week it was 85, then 94 degrees.

Was told to limit the amount of time I am standing without the crutches to 30 minutes, then take a break.  Repeat as necessary. 

Oh, and it turns out being able to put my own socks on actually is a milestone, as it shows more mobility in the knee. Who knew?

Got a new bed yesterday

Queen sized, lower than the double. I thought I would have difficulty sleeping in a new bed, but nope. It was so comfortable. I went to bed, pulled the blanket up, and next thing I knew, it was morning. I did have a brief wake up when Wing came back from his gaming session, but I slept almost 9 hours in total.

Wing and I went for a few short walks yesterday, which probably accounted for my good resting last night.  Headed to City Farmers to get cat food for our 4 purr kids.  They had a great sale going on, so we stocked up.  I really like that they paid attention to what their customers were saying. I had been asked why I hadn't been around for a long time, and I told them honestly that it was less expensive to go to grocery stores, as one or more of what we used was on sale.  I was told that was one of the reasons they brought the prices down.  And because of that, we go there now, instead of the grocery store.

Then we headed to Coles, and walked around there for about a half hour. It's slow going on crutches, but at least it's going. When we got back, I was rather surprised at how tired I was.  Had a light supper, and went to bed before 9.

The knee is still stiff, but the pain level is being managed with proper medications.  I understand what Dr S said that the majority of the rehab is pain management, because if you can't do the bends/stretches/exercises because of pain, it would take even longer to recover.  But I have learned to not over do it, and I learned the hard way by over doing it.  So, this patient must be patient.

I am very thankful for my family

Both Wing and Alan have been fantastic. I still tend to try to do more than I should, but Alan puts a stop to it quick fast and in a hurry.

Wing also is there whenever I need something.  I can't bend my knee back far enough to put a sock on the right foot. Same applies to other articles of clothing.  And he's there for me.

I kept apologizing to the both of them, because I go through moods (Nurse Practitioner and Dr S said it's due to pain meds) where I feel like nothing but a burden. 

Alan kind of put it perspective by saying "Mom, the way you took care of us after we was sick, or hurt,  and after surgery, let us do the same for you now."

Blessed be the rain, for it makes one sleepy

In bed for 8hrs 45 mins. Actual sleep time, 8 hrs 11 mins. I haven't felt THIS rested in weeks.

Got up at 5:51, did the usual morning waking routines, and got into my rehab exercises right away. Was able to do over 20 of each one. Not bad seeing as I was lucky if I got 10 before muscle failure.

Still wish I could inform Samsung Gear that "No, I can't step it up.".. not for a while, yet.

What the hell

Out of the blue, my Windows 7 computer decided that the OS wasn't genuine... after 2 years.  I tried reactivating, and no joy.

I headed to Microsoft Help, started a session with a tech. He rebooted the system with all by MS services disabled.  After 2 hours of nothing he did working right, he left and had me continue a download to try later. 

5 hours later, the download is still going, so I'm getting bored.  I open up Control Panel, click on system. Sure enough, still saying not activated. I clicked on ACTIVATE and I got "Your copy of windows may be counterfeit. Go online to fix this." (got this with the tech, but he would just close it down)  I clicked on it, opened the link in IE. I saw a button that said "VALIDATE".  Clicked on that, and suddenly Windows 7 Ultimate is activated.

Maybe I should work for MS support?

9 Days Post-Op visit w/Nurse Practitioner and Physio

Had the surgical dressing removed, and was told it was healing nicely.  I had some problems with the medications, and those problems were addressed and taken care of. I have been told that rest, and pain management are paramount for my rehab. Since my liver is so efficient, it filters the medication out a bit quickly, leaving me in pain for an hour or more between pain med dosages.  I have been given a different pain medication to take when that happens.  Still have to take blood thinners, anti-inflammatory, and unfortunately something to ensure regularity. I'll just leave it at that.  Took new dosing schedules and went to see the physio.

Pat is everything a physio can be. A nice sadist.  He massaged, bent, pushed, pushed even more.  I could take it. He said 'no higher than pain level 5'.  I am very fortunate, that all tendons and ligaments are fine. It was just the bone/cartilage. My reward for all the torture was his massaging my foot, pushing up past my knee to reduce the swelling, then fit me with a mid-thigh to ankle compression stocking.  He also reiterated the need for pain management being key to doing the exercises.  So, no more 'toughing it out'.

Message assimilated. :)

Soon

Took antiseptic shower with the pre-op soap. Needed a bit of help reaching around my back, so called Wing for assistance. He obliged. Skin feels a bit tight now.

Necklace my grandmother gave me, rings, earrings, bracelet, and citrine in a box to keep them safe at home.  Have my overnight bag packed.

My stomach is churning with stress/anxiety right now.  I should go to bed now, and try to get some sleep, as I will be getting up around 4am to get to the hospital by 6:30am. 

It's starting to get real..and real scary

Had a phone call from the anesthesiologist as she wanted a full run down of my medical history (or as near as I can fill her in on) and for what will be happening on Monday.  

It seems I will be given an epidural, and then general, as a way to cut back on the amount of general to be used.   By keeping me numb from lower back down, the less general anesthesia is needed, and it will clear the system faster for a quicker recovery.

I will also be given an arterial jab as a better way to keep an eye on oxygenation and to keep an eye on my blood pressure. 

This is the first time I have had to have major surgery.... and I have no problem admitting I'm scared.

What is it with eBay or Amazon sellers?

If you sell something, and it's crap, or not quite as you have described, I will say so.

Two different sellers, two different e-markets.

Amazon seller sold a used CD. I had no problem with it being used, as the seller said it was in "very good" condition.  It arrived, and the surface was obviously scuffed and scratched.  I was able to rip the contents to my music directory, and with audio tools, remove the clicks and hisses.   I gave her a 3 star rating.  She kept sending me messages, claiming I had buyers remorse, and there was nothing wrong with the CD.  The kicker is this: it got tapped by AQIS for having a foreign substance on it, and I took photos of the notice, the bright yellow and black AQIS tape, and the report.  Sent them to her. She changed her tune, and said I was expecting too much. 

eBay seller.  I bought a silicone case for my S7.  It arrived, and it was so loose and flaccid, my phone would fall out of it.  I emailed the seller, included photos showing how it didn't fit on the phone.  He offered me, I kid you not, 50 cents refund. "That is one helluva scam. You sell something for $5, and even with photographic proof showing it's faulty, this is your offer?"   I reported him to eBay, and my money was refunded by eBay.  I then gave him a neutral feedback rating, stating "Didn't fit phone, phone would fall out. Money refunded".   Seller sent me a message, I am presuming is whining about the neutral rating, but tough shit. He was damned lucky he didn't get a negative rating. 

Do not fold, bend, spindle or mutilate

More pre-op things.  Visited a physio to get some pre-op exercises to help stretch, and to see what sort of mobility/stability my current joint can handle.  Umm, ow?

Then off to the EKG.  I have a heart! Who would have thunk it? Normal sinus rhythm.

Off to radiology.  Enter the folding, bending, spindling.  To get clear xrays (yes, plural) of my knee joint, my leg had to be twisted into position. To say that hurt would be understatement.  Do this for about an hour.  Then xrays of the spacer between my vertebrae (4, from different angles), and a chest xrays (two).

I'm quite sore now... and wonder if I'm going to glow in the dark!

Some of the Pre-Op tests done

Blood drawn to check for Hep B and C (both will come back negative) HIV (also will come back negative), throat and nasal swabs (not fun) to test for MRSA, and one other liquid test in a little jar (I shall leave that to your imagination).

A few days off, then off for EKG, and Xrays. 

Surgery scheduled

Arthroplasty (knee replacement) is a go.

Discussion with Dr S, informed consent form filled out, pre-op XRays and tests scheduled.  Meeting with 'joint specialist' on Friday to discuss what pre-op exercises I need to be doing.

Because of asthma, and weight, I will be in ICU after surgery for one day, as a precaution.  Then into my room, and rehab commences almost immediately.

The ongoing MalwareBytes Saga

After uninstalling, reinstalling, reactivating over and over again, I ended up getting error that I had exceeded the allotted number of activations, so I had to open a different support ticket, giving them the information regarding the above mentioned 'over and over' section.

Just shits and giggles, with version 3.1.2 installed, I decided to try to compatibility modes.  I started at the top with Vista, V SP1, V SP2. No joy

Server 2008 and 2003. No joy

XP, XP SP1, XP SP2. No joy

Windows 2000. Nope

NT 4 with SP5. Nope.

I was ready to give up, but just for laughs, I tried Windows 95 compatibility mode. And holy crow, the UI opened!  I was able to navigate all the menus, no problems.  I tried Win 98/ME compatibility. It also worked.  However I noticed that although the system tray icon says that Ransomware protection is on, the UI will say it's unavailable. Some online searches showed that it will do that because according to posts on the forums, there was no ransomware with Windows 95/98/ME or XP.

I thank my foresight for deciding to upgrade Windows 7 to Pro version, as the Home and Premium would have only had compatibility to XP and above only.  95/98/ME weren't included in Home or Premium.

So, I ended up figuring out how to get it to work, not their in house techs.

So, it's working now.. and Alan said "If it ain't broken, don't fix it!"

This is why you pay for insurance

We had some nasty storms a few weeks ago, with strong winds, and driving rain.  It overloaded the gutters, shorted out two lights, fried a fuse on the electrical panel, and caused some gyp-board damage.  We have never made a claim before.

We have to pay the $200 excess, but are getting more than 1k of cost of the electrical repairs back.  AND we won't have our rates raised.

Waiting to hear about repairs to where the gutters overflowed and damaged the gyp-boards.

If there had been any doubt about the decision for knee surgery

This morning I saw sparkling water drops on some pretty purple blossoms, and I noticed both my small Geraldton Wax seedlings (still called seedlings until they reach 1" across the base) were in danger of being swamped by weeds.

I pushed the camera out of the way, pulled the weeds out about 2ft diameter around them both, making sure to not shake off the morning water droplets.  I then proceeded to take macro photos of the blossoms.  I stood up from my squat, and it was all I could do to hobble back into the house.

I know, I know... we are supposed to suffer for our art, but dayam, my knee was killing me! Nope, no doubt now.

Geraldton Wax Blossom

It's on

I have been doing a lot of reading about my knee. It's not going to get any better. It might be a bit better than it was 4 weeks ago, but it's not going to get any better. If anything, it will degenerate and get worse. My knee hurts, I'm less active because it hurts. I'm less active, my weight goes up. Weight goes up, knee hurts worse, then I'm less active...round and round. Discussed things with Wing, bouncing the good, the bad and the ugly of knee replacement surgery. The risks, the benefits. My expectations aren't to be a marathon runner, just to be pain free.

Called the  Nurse Practitioner from Dr S office , and she called me back today. I told her about how I read everything I could get my hands on, understood the risk/benefit.  I go in for paperwork, blood tests and a few other test to make sure I am in reasonably good health. X-Rays to make sure which prosthetic will be put in.

I even have a tentative date for the surgery.

I told the NP that I was scared... she said that she would be worried if I wasn't.

From the MWBs forum

I have been instructed to run MBCleaner... again. And do another clean install.. again.

My response is as follows.

My eyelid just started twitching.. I have to ask, please don't take it personally, what is uninstalling MWBs with MWCleaner for the (checks) 21st time going to fix, that the first 20 times didn't?

Typed too soon

After Malwarebytes completed the scan, and I quarantined what I didn't really want or need running, I apprehensively shut it down.

Seems I was right to be apprehensive, because when I tried to start it again, it wouldn't.  Tried rebooting to see if that would 'fix' it like it did last night.. nope.

Have sent info to tech support.

buggah.

Silver lining?  I actually got to do a full system scan, and all is good.

Maybe I should be their tech support

After 18, yes 18, things from Malwarebytes tech support that didn't work, and about the same from a MBWs forum, also didn't work, over the course of two weeks,  with both places blaming OTHER software, and having me uninstall that OTHER software, for the problem of MWM 3.1.2 user interface not opening, both places offered the same solution.

To reboot in safe mode and turn off self protection. Any takers as to where that worked or not?

I tried to do that, but it would not switch off in safe mode.  Even after stripping out all other security programs (CryptoPreventer, MSE) it would not start unless in safe mode.

That being typed, this was the solution for me.

1: Used MBCleaner to remove 3.1.2.  Rebooted

2: After login, installed 3.0.6.  Didn't check for updates. Put in license and ID, set up exclusions again, just in case. Went to Protections and was able to shut Self Protection off.

3: Updated to 3.1.2.  Double Clicked desktop Icon, nothing. Nothing in system tray again.

4: Rebooted.

5: After login, system tray icon was there with red triangle (for never having run a scan). Double clicked desktop icon, and chewed on fingernail.

User interface loaded up.

I am a lateral thinker.. they are linear, or just can't be swayed from their checklist script, even when you have told them every step you took, including the ones that just told you to do.... again.  But being a lateral thinker, I was able to come up with a solution.

Timing, huh?

Anyone else other than myself find the timing of Facebook trying to foist their fake 'malicious software' scanner/malware on me, less than 6 hours after I removed CryptoPreventer and Microsoft Security Essentials as instructed by tech support at Malwarebytes just a wee bit more than a coincidence?

Well, that was a first

In the ongoing saga that is Malwarebytes latest version not working right, I used their cleaner tool to un-install it yet again, rebooted yet again, and was greeted by "This Windows 7 installation isn't genuine" 

WTF??  2 years after I built this beast, and installed a freshly purchased LEGIT copy? (even MS Assure support gave me the thumbs up about it being genuine... although I can't understand why someone with a hacked and cracked version would be contacting MS support).

I sorta held my breath until Windows login was complete, and check my system... It was a futz message, because according to SYSTEM, it is a legit activated copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. 

Non-violent protest only works if opponents are honorable

White Supremacists, the KKK, the Alt-Right, and Neo-Nazis have a long history of acts of violence.  They also have zero honor. How could the police, who seem to taser, shoot, pepper spray anyone that looks cross-eyed at them, NOT be there to protect peaceful counter-protesters?

Then you have Racist enablers/Apologists, and general all around asshole making excuses, or trying to say it was faked (Yes, that asswipe Alex Jones is at it again)

Let's not forget the orange idiot saying "on many sides"... Really?  Uhh, no. Regardless of what that crappy FAUX SNOOZE pandering author said about Neo-Nazis being 'left wing', the above mentioned groups have always considering themselves right wing conservatives.  Also, President Shit for Brains, you demanded a Muslim ban when one man ran his car into a London crowd.  Where's the White Supremacists, the KKK, the Alt-Right, and Neo-Nazis ban?  Oh, right, can't ban them. They're your supporters, you lame, weak, POS.

Then you have the f&$king racists that voted for the Orange Menace. You know, the ones who get all upset when you call them out on it, either cheering the violence, or trying incite more, or saying the ones killed and injured, well they some how deserved it.

WTF is wrong with all of you? The police: if a bunch of North American Gunhumping Ammosexuals intimidate people with open carry, you let it slide. Peaceful protesters, you look like you're ready for a military conflict.  You have been videoed strutting around with your SWAT gear, intimidating citizens. You have used plastic barriers to corral unarmed young women and pepper spraying them when they have done NOTHING WRONG!

It seems the police are only interested in pulling a 'show of force' if it's against unarmed peaceful, sometimes even compliant, people. 

So yeah, you caught the guy that murdered that young woman by using his car.  And if it hadn't been for the peaceful protesters that videoed the incident, I wonder if the murderer would have been caught at all.

Filed under "Are you f**king kidding me?"

1st off, absolutely EVERYTHING else works perfectly on my computers' current set up. Sure, there are occasional hardlocks (like when I'm processing a HUGE image in On1 and watching a DVD/BlueRay on the other monitor) but everything works.

Which takes me to the topic of the subject.

Malwarebytes:  I had been using the Premium version 3.0.6. It started having problems with web protection layers shutting off and not going back on, AND you couldn't get rid of the notification that said layers were off so turn them back on. 

Which lead me to update to version 3.1.2.  Everything seemed ok... until I noticed I couldn't open the user interface. Double click desktop icon? No.  How about the system tray icon? Nope.  Run as administrator? nope. Run the the gamut of compatibility trouble shooting? Nope.  Uninstall with MBCleaner/Reboot/Reinstall? Nope

Ok, let's make a new user account. Double click on desktop icon.. YAY, it worked! I enter my legit license and ID. Seems great! Tweak settings (exclusions, when to schedule a scan). Close the user window down.  Log off that new user, go back to original user account, and start going through things I want to clone over.  Shut down computer.

Start up next day, log in new user account. Double click MWB icon.  Uhhh, not opening?  Just to make sure I tried again. Not opening.  Repeat all the above steps. Nothing.

I'm always one for keeping the PREVIOUS version of programs, just in case.  So, I uninstall using MalwarebyteCleaner, reboot. Install version 3.0.6, and TA DA!  It starts up. Enter ID and license, and immediately the web protection shuts off again, and can't turn it back on.  Rebooted,  and login to new user account, 3.0.6 starts up just fine, again, web layers not on (oh yeah, and MWBs said this was due THEIR server not communicating with the program last year) but everything works.

Restart computer. Login to my regular account.  v3.0.6 works find, with same caveat.  I install latest NON beta version.  And once again, the user window will not open. 

After doing all of this, I finally sent support ticket to MWBs. Waited two weeks, and didn't hear anything back.  Just for giggles, a few days ago I restarted my computer in SAFE MODE. Login to my regular user account. Wait a while for everything to load and settle. I see the MWBs icon on system tray. I double click it.  Imagine my surprise when the user interface opens without a problem!  Restarted in safe mode again, logged into new user account.  Same thing.

Rebooted, regular start up.  Again, the user interface will not load.  Off in search on google for this problem. And I found the exact same issue posted by someone else.  So, I go through all the same steps, use some other tools and send them the reports.   Yes, I know I am being 'naughty' by convincing a program or two to work. Why? Because I bought it years ago, and during reinstall on this machine, the license won't validate. It's no longer sold or supported, and it's the ONLY way I can get it to work is to 'convince it'.  I didn't make the world, I just try to live in it.

So, I go through all his hoops. MBCleaner, MBCheck, FRST64, over and over. Even installed beta version of MBWs... and now, not only will it not start if I click on desktop icon, the SYSTEM tray icon has vanished, even though Task Manger says it's running.   I reboot in safe mode, and it works. Restart normal mode, nope.

Here comes the "Are you f**king kidding me?" part.. one of the possible solutions is to format the the drive and reinstall everything.... Are you f**king kidding me?

Did I mention my son, who has Windows 10 Home version on his computer, is having the same problem? And Wing who has Windows 7 Home Premium pre-installed on his HP is having same problem? Figure the god damned odds of me wiping my system to reinstall everything?

Now I know..

When I get up in the morning, before I get out of bed, I get one of my knee compression bandages and slip it on my right knee.  It makes getting around a bit easier.  However, wearing it all day seemed to cause my knee to hurt worse at the end of the day. I think it's because the compression bandage doesn't prevent the lower leg from going too far forward or too far back, but I digress.

Got up this morning, put on the compression bandage, got the moggies fed and watered, Keito given his insulin injection.  Time for me to use all the hot water for a change aka got a shower.  Walked around in terry robe, no knee compression bandage.  After about an hour, I found myself holding doorways and leaning on a wall. Looked at my knee, and saw it was a bit puffy. 

Back to the mid-thigh to mid-calf leg/knee brace.  Yeah, knee feels better, but I feel a bit chilly, as the brace is worn over leggings. Leggings aren't the warmest thing to be wearing in cold rainy weather. 

Now I know for sure.  When at all possible, put the big rig on.  

Some tech support is better than others

And when I get that better tech support, I thank him/her for all their help.

Replacement start menu shell,  been using it for years. My desktop user account was screwing up so I created a new one. Problem is I forgot how to input the license/serial number.  I just could not find where.

I submitted a ticket.  D gave me clear concise answer.

I said "Thank you, D."

D replied "You're welcome. I don't ofter get thanked." 

Kind of sad, yes?

Here, have a clue

There are some people that don't know what's going on with my knees (yes, plural) but with my right one being much much worse.  I have arthritis in my knees, it's a family trait. But, when I was 18 I injured my right knee, and about 18months after that, I developed degenerative arthritis in it.  It's been giving me trouble off and on for 40 years. My right knee has a head start on the left.

An accident last October pushed the remaining meniscus out, turning it from being an annoyance, to a borderline crippling injury. I have NO cartilage between my femur and tibia/fibula. None. That means I had bone on bone grinding when I was walking around, for months before I got to see a specialist.

Yes, I have had two rounds of drain the fluid, and synovial injections. I am on a 'diet' of anti-inflammatory and Panadiene Forte (as needed) It has made it possible for me to do normal daily activities.  HOWEVER.. walking for 30 or more minutes on uneven paving, or a walkway that slants down towards the street is a tad uncomfortable, the way giving birth is a slight pressure. 

I'm lucky if I get 3 uninterrupted hours of sleep at night. It's more like I take 2 naps at night, which means my ass is dragging the next day.  Rinse and repeat since October LAST YEAR!

I could take the Panadiene Forte more often, but I really dislike the head packed in cotton feeling it gives me. So, I walk slow. And it f&$%ing hurts to do so... read above, about the bone on bone grinding. And my left knee is causing trouble because I am favoring my right leg. My left leg, which is still partially paralyzed/unresponsive because of nerve damage from disc collapse, isn't handling the extra work very well, and THAT knee is starting to get worse.

You know that "On a scale of 1 to 10" for pain measurement?  I'm on a constant 3 at the very least, to "wanting to rock back and forth crying". Add a good sized dollop of depression into the mix, and you might have an inkling of what I am going through. So, when I mention I walked for 30 mins to get somewhere, your flippant comment and eyeroll makes me want to punch you square in the face, or just scream at you.. but I do neither.  But I do wish you could feel what I'm going through for just a few weeks, see if you'd be so cavalier and flippant afterward.

Aaannnd another one

Yesterday, I had a (too) close encounter with a Trump fan, replete with ethnic epithets and Trump sound bites.

I recovered.

Today, after lunch with my mother in law, my son and I got to the counter to pay, with Wing and his mom close behind. An elderly gent shoved his way between us to demand he pay his bill RIGHT NOW. Ok, fine.

Then, as my mother in law, who comes up to my shoulder, moves up ,a woman behind me almost hip checks her to get up to the counter first. My son, Alan, and I just looked at her, and figured let the rude person go.

As it was noisy in the restaurant, I went outside.

Imagine my surprise when this woman came out, and started talking to me. "Well I never! Some people! Can you believe how I was being served?" (I gave her a blank look) "That server said that *flicking her fingers back towards mother in law* woman was in line before me. Can you believe those people?"

Me "Uhh, that woman is my mother in law, and we were there before you, but an elderly gent got between us. Oh, that was my son up there ahead of you, too."

Her eyes got wide and she gave me one of those false laughs.. "Oh, it doesn't matter now." (aka, oh shit, I put my foot right in it) and she scurried off.

I didn't say another word, but am quite sure the look I gave her spoke volumes.

I wouldn't have said anything, but she lied. Flat...out... lied.

If it wasn't for the fact it's my only laptop powerful enough

Dear Sony; you #%@%$#&%#$ Suck, did you know that?

Yeah, yeah, I know you closed up your computer division a few years ago, but you did it on the sly, AFTER flooding the market with reasonably priced Sony Vaio laptops.  You did this knowing you were closing up the computer division. Too bad that warning didn't come with the purchase, right?

Moving on; this is the same laptop that had the disastrous Windows 10 upgrade attempt.  After a few months, and several hours online with Microsoft Assure remote help, I got the Windows 8.1 on it running correctly again. (deep sigh) 

Moving on again;  The preinstalled Sony software stopped working right. So, even though they no longer supported the Vaio, I emailed them anyway.  Suggested I uninstall it, and reinstall it.  Problem: this laptop came with Win 7 preinstalled, but Windows 8 ready.  Good thing it was Win 8 ready, as it running Win 7 would cause hardware incompatibility BSODs.   Tracking down the right Sony Vaio Care, and Sony Control Center was NOT easy.   Too many versions, updates to version, backward compatible version, and naming the %#$$@$# files with nothing but numbers?  Really? (downloaded and saved them with descriptive names).

FINALLY, for now, Sony Vaio, with Windows 8.1 Pro 64bit, and Sony utilities function as they should.

Tidying up the computer

I just ran Belarc Advisor on my computer. I didn't realise just how many programs I have installed. Strange thing, though. Even though I have Adobe CS6 Master Collection installed from a legally purchased copy, it says "Trial"? Hmm, odd.

Nevertheless, I am going to go through the list and programs I'm not using, well, out with them. Not going to go by Advisor's list, because it tagged something I used just yesterday as something I hadn't used in over a year.

Solve one problem.. and another crops up

There is something boned with my user account on my computer, that causes problems like Malwarebytes user menu not wanting to show up (it's still running, though, I get the alerts). I was also having a problem with On1PhotoRaw crashing the computer.

So, I decided to make a new user account, and re-recreate my user profile. But what it did was totally bollux up my default user accounts' browser profile.  I guess Cyberfox didn't like me cloning the profile? 

Also, I can't get the mouse to be lefthanded in the new profile. Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard will not install. I think that is because I'm not using a microsoft mouse. After I get over the urge to bury my arm up to my elbow in the monitor. I will hook up MS mouse and see if that 'fixes' this problem.

The reason I don't just make a list of programs, serial/license/registrations is some of what I have installed is 'legacy'.  A few of them aren't made anymore, so no longer supported.  Or have new versions out that don't work as well (had that issue with piccure. It works better than Piccure+ on certain images, but they no longer support it, so can't get my serial/activations reset)

I do know that one day, I will have to do exactly that, wipe and reinstall everything, but I'm not looking forward to that.

It wasn't *too* bad

Yesterday was the first time I had been out on photoshoot since Sydney trip.  I managed it well enough, was rather tired and sore, but not overly so.

Not until this morning.  Creak, crack, wince, hobbled my way to the TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN ROOM.  After about 10 mins of imitating a centenarian, I was a lot less stiff.  Still kind of achey, but overall, not too bad.

Australian Dart – a variety of fishing bird/cormarant. 5D4, 100-400mkII, 1.4x teleconverter

Love my bank's fraud protection

I got a text message from my bank, saying there was an odd charge to my credit card, and did I recognize it.

I looked, then searched, and nope, no clue, so I texted back NO.

Got a phone call from the bank, three step verification, so it was legit.  It seems that the unknown charge was a 'feeler' to see if the account was active, because almost immediately afterward, there was a $1000+ charge on my card for a hotel in Paris, France!

Since I'm nowhere near Paris, that was squashed/denied, my current card canceled (just got through shredding it, too, just to be safe), and a new one will be issued.

And to the fuqwit that tried to commit fraud, I hope they catch your sorry ass.

Better than I expected

Don't get me wrong, I loved my Tamron 24-70 f/2.8, fast to focus, and the image quality was excellent, but I kept finding myself trying to zoom past the 70mm mark. It didn't quite have the reach.  So, instead of ruining the lens by accidentally over torquing the zoom ring, it was time to get lens with longer reach.

At PhotoExpoLive2017, I purchased the 24-105mkII.  One of the things I was concerned about was losing that one stop. Well, I didn’t have to worry because the bokeh even at f/4 on the 5D4 was great.

Canon 5DmkIV, 24-105mkII, ISO 1600, f/4, 1/60exp.  No noise reduction, edited in On1PhotoRaw 2017

In with the new, out with the old

Attended the #PhotoLiveExpo2017 at Novatel, in Perth, yesterday. Bought a new lens at a discounted price. Wing had a bit of a snit about it until I told him I was selling my Tamron 24-70 to fund the purchase.

Went to #CameraElectronic to pick up the new camera batteries we bought at the event discount prices. Got a small bag to carry a 50mm lens that's large enough to hold the 24-105mkII when I want to swap.  Told Sam I was selling the Tamron (which I just picked up after a scheduled thorough cleaning).  I had a price in mind, and Sam's offer was right in that ballpark. So, instead of the hassle and problems of having to deal with idiots trying to lowball me on the price, or mansplain as to why I should sell it to them for less, I got a CE store credit.

Problem solved.

Follow up with Dr S

First off, ow. The exam to see if the 2nd SynVisc injection is working hurts like hell.  Pull, push, bend, flex. Check to see if there is side to side movement.   Even with the swelling I had on Sunday (furniture seats are 'fashionably' low to the floor. Kind of feels like squatting, instead of sitting.

Dr S said swelling is down, side to side movement is reduced.  I told him how I sit when the knee starts feeling spongey (that means there is fluid building up again). And I've stopped trying to keep up with people who can walk faster.  I can walk faster, for a while, but then I will pay for it big time the following week.

I go back and see Dr S in a month for another follow up.

Again, the art of the politely worded complaint

8 weeks ago, I purchased the full version of DFX Audio Enhancer. I really liked the plug-in I had gotten with DIVX years ago, and wanted to use its features with all my audio/video programs.

Turn the clock to 8 weeks later, they announce they have a NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION!  And yes, was vastly improved.  They offered a discount for those who registered previous versions.

My issue was this: 8 weeks after my initial purchase, they came out with this. 10 Days AFTER I could have gotten refund for buying the now defunct version, and repurchase the new one.  Oh, they offered a discount, but for me, it wasn't a discount, it was paying double!

Their support staff agreed and gave me new license/key for the new version. 

Old fashioned treatment, but it works

I stubbed my toe last week, but that isn't the problem. The problem was I couldn't find the toenail clipper and impatiently tried to use fingernail clipper. It didn't cut the nail, but it did twist it, causing a lifting of the toenail from the nail bed.

I noticed (well, Keito noticed) my big toe was a bit..to protect the squeamish, icky.

Old fashioned remedy: Large enough container to hold hot water enough to cover my food.  Regular table salt, about a 1/2 cup.  Immerse foot. VERY gently, started from base of toenail, press. Gradually work your way to top of toenail.  Don't be surprised if you see air bubbles. Repeat.  Empty pan of water, refill, and do it again, but this time the 1st time you press, you shouldn't see air bubbles.  BUT it will sting like hell! When water is cooler than your foot, take foot out, empty water. Dry foot with clean cloth/towel. 

Feels better already.

There are definitely more fish in the sea.

You know, everyone goes on and on ad nauseum about Adobe Products. Why? It's not like they are the end all be all of image development/editing.  'Industry standard'? Adobe itself labeled themselves that, and it stuck.

Here is a list of equal, if not better, programs to use.  True, not all the Adobe plugins work with them, but many do (mostly the ones that were made to be used on more than one photo editing program)

Affinity - Non-destructive (you know, technically, as long as you don't SAVE the image, overwriting the original, they are all non-destructive) editing program, has both Mac and Windows version. Has features that you have to buy plugins to get the same result. Mixed bag on plugins made for Adobe products (ie Nik tools, they work but with cavaets) Full on camera raw editing, updated by Serif when new raw formats are available.  You do have to make a new 'pixel layer' when you want to do multiple edits on different layers, as Affinity doesn't do it automatically.

TopazStudio - Fully featured, non-destructive, camera raw editing. Has a free and a pro version. Works perfectly with TopazLabs plugins, as you would expect. TopazLaps and StudioPro isn't free, BUT you buy it once, and all your updates are free, even to new versions.

Alienskin Exposure X2 - again, non-destructive camera raw editor (I donated 5Ds, 5D4, 7D2 raw files to during development) Fully featured, and again works flawlessly with Alienskin Plugins. 

TwistedBrush Pro Studio - Not only an excellent art program, but a much underrated photo editing software. Again, I helped by testing and donating CR2/ORF/RAW files to improve the camera raw edits. You can use some adobe compatible plugins, but alas only 32bit.  Because of that 32bit limit, file size can cause the program to crash. Ken Carlino is looking into getting a 64bit version written.

ON1 Photo RAW 2017 - Crammed packed with features. Not only a raw editor, but great as a stand along photo processing/editing program. With layers, brushes, gradient tools, filters and presets, even a way to make your own custom presets and filters, you could use On1 as a plugin for Photoshop, or use it as a stand alone.  It's latest version even has lens profiles to correct for aberrations and distortions, BUT unlike DxO Optics, you can choose to not apply the lens correction (DxO forces correction for fisheye lenses) You can, if you choose, do all your edits and effects, and punt a high res JPG to a different photo edition if you want to use a specific plugin in a photo editing program.

Capture One - Also a fully loaded editor that until the latest version was so so slow. Again, non-destructive layer editing,  and as great as CO is, it can be a bit overwhelming.

Corel PaintShop Pro X9 - Non destructive layer editing, but you do have to make new layer as it doesn't make them automatically. (import image, duplicate layer, use a plugin. Duplicate result on another layer to keep doing other edits) Many of the plugins made for Adobe will work with PSPX9, but again, with a few cavaets. As with Affinity, you can use plugins that were made for generally any photo editing programs.

I know I've left a few out, but that was because I had iffy results, or that they decided to go the Adobe "rent me" method.

“Selfie-Centered”

Street Photography, Perth W.A.  Canon 5DmkIV, Tamron 24-70

Almost 8 years worth

I have 8 years worth of emails, photos, correspondence from my dad. I never delete anything from family. I might have lost a few due to hard drive failures, and caught between back ups, but I have most of them. I have been going through them, and it's a sad/happy/sad feeling because as much as many of them make me smile, I know there will be no more, and then the grief comes.

The distance, and not having the daily seeing of someone, lessened the initial grief, but I have found the last few days it's hit me in larger and larger waves.

Dad's funeral

 

Actually, no funeral.  He has been cremated already.  No flowers, but if you wish to honor him, make a donation to a local animal shelter in his name. 

City of Live Oak: Shelter animals need good homes

He is going to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, full military honors. 

I can't tell you how much I do NOT want that orange idiot attending or officiating. Draft dodger Donald is not welcome, not by a long shot.

RIP Dad

Richard E Tomac, aka Pop aka Dad, passed away Friday, July 7th, 2017. 

So, so, conflicted as to how I feel. Very sad that he is gone, but relieved that he is no longer suffering. 

Cancer really really sucks.

I am so glad I am a file hoarder

I updated Samsung Magician from 4.5 to 5.1, software for my SSD. Ever since then, I keep get "WMI is Disabled. Enable Y/N".  I went to the Samsung site, only to find they don't archive older versions, even though there was a link to version 4.9. All it did was lead to their home page, not a download.

Clicked on "Everything" and searched for Samsung Magician on my computer.  Woo hoo! I had saved the 4.5 zip file.  Uninstalled 5.1, reinstalled 4.5 and ta da! No more WMI error.

Sometimes I wonder why I bother

I fixed our running toilet. Took photos of the valve assembly, got the right washers. No more running toilet.

Have really figured out ways to save water, like when filling dishpan, letting the cold water go into percolator, instead of letting it just run until it gets hot, using a bucket of water used to clean the bird feeders then pouring the bucket of water in the potted trees, etc etc.

And even with 1/5 less water usage since last month, the friggin' bill is higher this month because the the &#%$@# Water Corporation raised their $#%@%$# rates again!

I just read one of the vilest blog posts

And I am not going to give that freak any more web traffic by linking to it.  HOWEVER, I will quote and synopsize her post.

For all intents and purposes, this freak wants to make a saint out of a woman, who in a fit of bigotry, murdered her own two daughters for NOT being bigots like their mother.  This is a female "American Taliban", who is following NO version of the New Testament ever printed, but is following some bastard sect.  

Friends, I invite you to ponder the image above.  The beautiful woman is Christy Sheats.  The Texas wife and mother who is being vilified in the media for shooting and killing her teenage daughters.  It makes for a great headline in mainstream media but what goes unsaid is even more powerful.

A devout Republican and gun rights advocate, she no doubt discovered that both of her daughters had been promiscuous and were sleeping with black boys and she took it upon herself to put an end to that cycle.  She was brave enough to stand up and say ENOUGH!  Not in MY house! And she should be lauded.

Race mixing is not only an ungodly thing, it causes such confusion and humiliation.  Not only for the children born of this sin, but for the grandparents who would have to carry this burden. Mrs. Sheats was the picture of elegance and I know she would not want to have to explain to her friends why she was carrying around a yellow mixed baby that her promiscuous daughters had created.

Rather than be forced into this life of depravity and sin, she chose to go down grasping her weapon in the name of God.  As far as I am concerned, she is a martyr for Christ.

     “It would be horribly tragic if my ability to protect myself or my family were to be taken away, but that’s exactly what Democrats are determined to do by banning semi-automatic handguns,” she wrote in March, along with an anti-gun control video.
She was just your typical wife and mother, doing everything she could to protect her children from the promiscuous and sinful life that they had become sucked into.

Before we slander her name or make her out to be a villain, I think we should take a moment of silence and appreciate her bravery and her devout Will to die for Christ.

A martyr indeed, my friends.  And Glory be to God, as always for HE is in control.

Yes, full on American Taliban.  She is a symptom of one of the problems in the U.S. today.

How stupid is Amazon shipping policies?

I get an email from them, so they know I'm on Australia. The fact that my account says I am in Australia, and my email address ends in AU, and my default shipping address is Australia seems to be something they're missing.

Back to the email. I get email notice that I can get a new Kindle Paperwhite for $30 off.  Ok, since my kindle is getting old, and I have noticed it needs charging more often, it's either get a new battery for it, or a new one, I think "Sure, sounds good to me."

So, I go to Amazon, order one, and case to keep the screen safe.  Add it to shopping cart, go to check out.. and get hit with "DOES NOT SHIP TO AUSTRALIA".

Really?  REALLY?

So, having it sent to drop address and to sent to me.

No changes for the better

Called my mother.  Step-father is still hanging in there.  This really isn't what you can call a good thing, as there is no chance of recovery here. Do NOT give me any malarkey about miracles.  They have jokingly saying he's waiting for the 4th of July.  He's always loved fireworks.

No matter how much you know what's coming, there is no easy way to handle it, is there?  I'm still having trouble processing it, as he was always such a strong force of nature.  Seemed unstoppable. 

Of all things, I am glad I mended fences years ago.  As heartbreaking as what our family is going through now, regret would have just eaten away at me had I not just let go of anger and hurt, and just moved on.

Cancer still fucking sucks.

A variation of the 'bait and switch'

There are people out there doing something called 'bitcoin mining'. They have found some sort of way to use specific graphics cards to make this easier.

Because of them, just about all computer stores that have these cards have deliberately jacked up the prices of what the have in stock to increase their profits.  I'm not saying higher prices on new stock because the manufacturers/suppliers are pushing up their prices, but on already in house stock.

I had one company try that bullshit with me.

The card was, with shipping and 3% PayPal surchage, $311.  They had 5 in stock. Order one, and when I checked back, their counter said 4 in stock, meaning I had successfully purchased one.

I get email this morning from the store. "Unfortunately, the cards you are after are not currently in stock and there is a major shortage Aust wide as everyone is after these cards for bit coin mining. We expect a shipment in this morning"

Anyone surprised that they're charging $90 more? 

I have said it before, and I will say it again... next time you try to screw me, kiss me first.

Found the same card on ebay for $30 less than what they were charging, NO paypal surcharge, AND free shipping

The news no one wants

As much as a gut punch the news was, I would rather be informed than get blind sided.  Cancer fucking sucks.

It came back with a vengeance. My stepfather is in hospice, palliative care only.  He has made the decision of pain management only, no feeding tubes, no machines, no heroic measures.

I'm.. confused at how I feel.

Part of me is 'dad is dying', and it's a kick to the gut.  He was the ONLY one who comforted me when my sister died, at the wake.  If it hadn't been for him, I would have lost my eldest son to drowning, and not have 4 beautiful grandchildren.

The other part... angry that he's giving in, because my mother, although with a few creaking joints, is in good health, she needs him.  I know she is a tough old gal, but she needs him.

Yet another part is relieved because I know he's been fighting cancer for decades and he is TIRED.  So very tired. And he deserves to rest on his own terms.

Cancer fucking sucks.

Why do they have to make it so damned difficult?

Yes, I know that 123Cheese is gone, defunk, vanished into the bitstream.  That isn't the difficultly.

The difficulty is this: Photobookshop dot com dot au, Photobookclub dot com dot au, and The Designer all use the same program. Same layouts, same menus, same EVERYTHING... BUT, they can't read each other's finished products (and two of them are different branches of same freaking company!) due to encryption. Really, guys? Do you really think there is a black market in trading photobook formats?

So, how do I fix the problem of getting my 123Cheese photobook into any of the other.  The slow, tedious, repetitive open each of the pages in 123Cheese, screencap the windows, save as jpgs. THEN 'rebuild' the books in one of the other programs.

Doesn't that sound like fun?  (voice heavily dripping with sarcasm)

I got one 100 page book done, but need to take a break.

Short, SLOW, excursion out today

Just to the shops to pick up a few items, then off to the pet store to get some grain free food for Keito. Wing went to the fish monger to get supplies for tonight.

I pit-stopped in K-Mart to pick up some cheapish leggings to wear.  I have been wearing the hinged knee brace under my pants mostly to keep it out of sight, but the back of my leg itched like crazy.  Wearing the brace over the leggings stops the itching and, as a bonus, seems to make people a bit more tolerant/sympathetic as to why I am walking slowing. 

Knee still aches, but nothing like it did two days ago. That can be chalked up to 50mls of fluid drained, and pain killers.  Don't think the SYNVISC has started working in just two days.

Still feel very tired, though. I zonked out reclining in my chair.

Talked with Dr S yesterday

Not just about the knee and how to treat it, but what this whole thing is doing to me.

9 years ago a calcified disc between two vertebrae collapsed, needed surgery to fix it.  I adjusted to my limitations after the back surgery.  I didn't like the fact that dancing, both teaching and performing, was no longer possible. It hurt, as I loved it.  But I adjusted. I took up photography again, and could go out whenever and where ever.

But this. Even trying to type this out, I'm trying not to lose it again. I hate this.  The not being able to do even what i used to do. I can't even go for a walk in the park because it just hurts too much (bone on bone grinding leaves me gasping in pain sometimes). More than once, I have finished cooking dinner by resting my elbows on the counter to hold myself up.  I am so tired all the time. I also find myself crying, not just because the knee hurts, but from frustration, but because I feel I am a burden and a disappointment.

Dr S understood, was very compassionate, and told me that chronic pain/inability to do usual activities is very wearing on the body and spirit, and how I felt was normal. 

Here's hoping the 2nd round of SYNVISC will give me longer good result.

Keito, still going strong!

 

“Hey! Where’s my dinner!”   If it wasn’t for him having to have an insulin shot after his morning feed, and having three scheduled feeds through the rest of the day instead of just two feeds and letting him graze on kibble, and the way he chases after “The Red Bug” aka laser dot, you wouldn’t know he was a 14yr old moggie with diabetes.  Vets have said his heart/liver/kidney/lung functions are fine. No sign of arthritis, sight and hearing is fine, and even his teeth are good conditon.

This still irks me

RedFox AnyDVD HD - To me, this was a great shell game.

A year or so ago, ONE person left Slysoft, all the others stayed. 

Then Slysoft was 'shut down', then was reopened a nanosecond later as Redfox 'Project'. Exactly the same software, slightly different logo (they only put a black mask on the Fox, I kid you not, that was all that was done). They insist they're NEW company, but Slysoft forums still work, as does Slysoft software checking for updates. So yes, it was a name and possible location change, but they were no longer going to honor Slysoft license holders.

Here's the rub: I had gotten the life time updates option for Slysoft.  'Redfox Project' graciously offered a 20% discount for Slysoft lifetime license holders.

To me, this is like if the FORD company decided to rename to CORD, and every FORD owner was told their extended warranty, lemon laws, or contracts weren't going to be honored.

I did end up getting the lifetime license again, as I do NOT do subscription software if I can avoid it.  Here's hoping they don't pull another shell game.

The Babylon 5 Universe just got smaller.. again

Stephen Furst - "Vir Cotto" has died at age 63.

The Vivid Sydney 2017 Festival

 

#VividSydney, #VividCanon ,  #VividToronga

As much as I enjoyed Vivid Sydney

I'm in a funk about it. I had so looked forward to photowalks, climbing up to high spots to get long exposures, to put my Alpine PULSE to work for making timelapses.... *sigh* 

I've gone through the photos I managed to get...  but still disappointed that I was only able to do about 20% of what I had planned.

Maybe it's just me

But when I install a new version of a program over an older version, I always make sure I have the previous version, or versions, available just in case there is a problem with the latest.

Someone on a forum asked "How can I roll back to the previous version? (with the only other info is that the current one is bad, has problems and the problems haven't been fixed in the latest version)

I said he should be able to just reinstall the older version to overwrite the newer.

He left a snarky reply "If I had the older version, I doubt I would be on here to ask about rolling back."

So I left equally snarky reply "Your original post didn’t mention you didn’t save the previous version before overwriting with a new version. *shrug*"

Dear Charity caller

I know what charities I donate to, and I really don't appreciate whoever gave you/sold you the names of people who do donate. 

When you call my house, and I damned well know I have never donated to you, and even say to you "I've never contacted you." and you agree, I will hang up on you after I say "I donate to who I want to, and don't appreciate the dinner time call." 

*CLICK*

My timing can be diabolical

While Wing  and I were meandering back to the hotel after visiting the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. He would stop to take some street shots, I would do the same but elsewhere. To save some wear and tear on my right knee, I walked to the elevator to take it up to stories to the boardwalk.

Wing walked up the stairs, and he must have done it after I had gotten on the elevator and didn't see what i had done.

The doors silently opened, and I step out, silently, saw he was tapping out a text message.  I knew it was a "Where B U?" to me.

Before he hit send, I said "I'm right here."

He said "OH JEEZUS!!" and jumped back.

Accidentally overdid it yesterday

And it well and truly wasn't my fault. Each leg of the trip the terminal was at the furthest end of the fekking airport! From Perth, to Melbourne and then to Sydney. And of course the baggage collection was at the furthest spot from where we disembarked.

Ok, then to the hotel/apartment.  Given slightly wrong directions as to which building was the hotel. So, turned around headed back to the right one.  Then, headed to Darling Harbor to catch ferry to Circular Quay. Was given wrong directions as to which dock we were supposed to be at, and was sent the opposite direction.  THEN we got correct directions and had to head waaaay the hell back the other way.

I broke out my google maps for pedestrians, and was able to find the Museum of Contemporary arts, and was only a little late. Photographer graciously allowed me to attend the 2nd session.  Came back to hotel after a light dinner. I was exhausted.  I fell asleep in strange place and didn't wake up until almost 8am.

The overdoing showed up today. Was able to visit the Sydney Aquarium. But dayam it was all I could do to NOT just plunk my ass down, with my leg stuck out.

Gonna take it easy for the rest of today. Process some photos, get dinner ready for Wing

100% Edited in On1Photo RAW 2017.5 Pre-release

This was an image that I knew had issues. Noisy, lighting all over the place because of cloudy skies during a rainy sunrise.

On1 develop the raw image. I made sure I had clipping visible, and reduced the white levels, but not entirely, as it is a sunrise image, so a small bright spot is to be expected.  I then went to Lens Correction. On1, like Adobe Camera Raw, picked the wrong lens. The lens used was the Tamron 24-70, but they both seem to want to choose the Sigma 24-70. Easy enough to manually select the Tamron. All distortion and chromatic aberrations gone without any need of extra adjusting.

Noise Reduction: I have to say I am finally satisfied with how On1 handles noise reduction.

Then I went into EFFECTS.  Used Dynamic Contrast, customized setting.  Used Local Settings, a brush, to boost the details in the center of the rocks, making a more detailed path to the ocean. Another brush, to darken the clouds just a slight amount to bring out some details. Last was a Local adjustment, gradient, on the rocks to give them a bit of warmth.

Exported high res jpg into Photoshop, resized and watermarked. Saved.

I am quite pleased with the results.