2010 in Review

Refdesk has a list of "2010 best in * "websites that is as comprehensive as one would expect from this excellent site.

Some of my favs from the list are:
Google: Google's Top Searches - Year-end Zeitgeist for 2010
NPR: Best Books of 2010
National Geographic: Best Photography of 2010
New York Times, The: 100 Notable Books of 2010
New Yorker, The: The Best NASA Photographs of 2010
Popular Science: Best New Innovations of 2010
Time: 50 Best Websites of 2010

Home Again

I just returned from visiting my parents in Southern California. My mother had a re-do of her hip replacement surgery two weeks ago. Unfortunately, while she was in the pre-surgery waiting room she had a stroke. She has some major problems with her vision as a result, but few mental problems and no physical weakness.

It was great to visit with Mom and Dad. Brother number 3 (Bro3) and my sister were also there and it was a bonus to get a chance to visit with them too.

Be grateful for any time you can spend with your loved ones. Time is precious.

Vote in National Geographic Photo Contest (or submit your own)

National Geographic is running a photo contest. Submit a photo if you have one.
Everyone can vote.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

Wishing everyone in the US a Happy Thanksgiving.

Thing2's neck is really, really painful for her, and she isn't up to the two and a half-hour round trip to her family's event. So we are staying home today.

Here's something to make you smile.

Moving on and letting go of things

This is a close-up of the dragonfly tiffany floor lamp I am going to put on Craig's list again this weekend. We loved them, but we're over it now.

This week was unbelievable, yesterday in particular was a gem.

It started-off with a spat with Thing2. When I got to the office, my account was frozen and I was unable to log in to any computer... I won't bore you with the rest, but this was only the start.

However, today is a new day. I was planning to take all of next week off. Which gives today a light and free feeling -- even though yesterday's snafus mean time-off is more unlikely. (Denial, it's wonderful.)

It's summer... again

Yesterday and today have been the most beautiful November days I can remember.

We went to Ghiradeli Square yesterday and ate lunch at Lori's Diner while enjoying a beautiful view of the bay. It was sunny and the boats were out in the bay, closer-in there were children splashing in the shallow water, and adults out for a longer swim in the deeper water of the marina.

Today we stayed home and enjoyed the sunny warm weather. I washed-off the patio furniture in anticipation of a few more warm sunny mornings. Maybe I'll be able to sip my coffee and catch some morning rays on the deck tomorrow morning, if I'm lucky.

All in all, a most enjoyable weekend.

Does having sisters make you happier?

I was unaware of this recent study.

Sisters and Happiness - Understanding the Connection - NYTimes.com

“Having a Sister Makes You Happier”: that was the headline on a recent article about a study finding that adolescents who have a sister are less likely to report such feelings as “I am unhappy, sad or depressed” and “I feel like no one loves me.”

This article discusses possible reasons for the study's results. The article links to several studies showing similar results.

I am one of 5-children, 3-boys and 3-girls. I was close to my siblings growing-up, but not so much now. However, I know I can count on every one of them if I am really in a pinch. It's nice to know they are there.