The beast is built, but it still sits idly. The reason. I have, of course, changed my mind. I decided to go down the Vista route and I have therefore purchased Vista Ultimate. It is the OEM version (no manual, one machine install only and no on-line support from microsoft) but it is a fraction of the price compared to PC World et al. It would be similar in principle to the disk you would get if you were to purchase a complete system from a manufacturer (normally termed recovery disk or something like that). It will hopefully arrive tomorow and then we shall see. I have also downloaded all the latest drivers for the other bits onto my dongle and everything is ready to go. I merely await the postman (or delivery company). I am again, of course, not holding my breath.

Away from the geeky tech world that I sort of inhabit, I had the most pleasuarable of experiences today. My daughter had rung up asking if we could babysit (see previous entries re:insufferably cute grandaughter) so of course it was a yes (she and her other half are building some sort of rockery for the other Grannie). Baby duly arrives, and, as she who must be obeyed is busy doing work for her business I was appointed chief babysitter. We played with all the noisy things, we had an orange (most messy and sticky), we went for a walk. Then she decided that enough was enough and it was time for a nap. So with her asleep in my arms I watched the telly. I can safely say there is nothing like holding a sleeping baby to bring a feeling of utmost calm and peace to yourself. I think maybe that world leaders, fanatics (are they the same thing), and other such types should have sleeping babies placed in their arms and hopefully instead of ranting and destroying each other (and the world) they would experience calm and contentment. But probably not. I think you would be hard pressed to find a mother willing to let George Dubbya hold her most cherished or allow some ranting cleric within 10 miles of  a tiny tot, but I think it is quite a good theory.

Well must go, peace and well being to everyone........(fades to the sound of the coke advert jingle "I'd like to teach the world to sing......."