Heisenbug Fixed!

I successfully updated my operating system to Fedora 20, which bears the name "Heisenbug". I had failed on the release date Tuesday because the automatic update tool was outdated, and because my system would not retrieve a security (GPG) key for a software center called RPMFusion-non-free. Tuesday I solved the first problem, and last night either I or the Fedora updates solved the second problem. It turned out to be simply finding the command to download a key, after the system failed to do so. I fell asleep in my chair while the update was in session, and awoke to see its completion.

In other news, I now think of Scott Pilgrim v. the World as a classic holiday movie. Like White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, and Miracle on 34th Street, I watch it over and over.
I think it's more, too, than a crush on Mary Elizabeth Winstead's version of the character Ramona Flowers. It's more like finding oneself in a world of confusing meaningless confrontations.

saving Father Christmas

I went Christmas shopping today. Today the Winter Solstice was cold, dark and rainy. At each store I visited, the sales staff was super, the crowds manageable, and the merchandise well-laid-out. It was a shopper's dream. I started the day with my shopping 30 percent or so complete,but finished it over 85% complete. I need to stop by and get one thing already chosen, and also to have a bit of inspiration to give something that my late mother would have called "right thoughty". I am confident that I will solve it all. Then I will solve the gift-boxing as well.

My wife got some good news today, and we were happy to hear her news. My own days lately are filled with nostalgia for Christmas past, which is, I suppose, understandable this particular year.

We went tonight to the movie "Saving Mr Banks", which we both enjoyed. I expected to enjoy it, but it was better than I would have predicted. The Disneyization of the story was less annoying than I had thought it would be. Then we went for chicken pho at Pho is for Lovers, where our meals were well-prepared and quickly-served.

Around 3:30 p.m., I pulled into Towne Lake Park in McKinney. It has a public restroom near its parking lot. The tree right by my car was filled with American goldfinches. I took pictures, but in the dark light, the images showed just hints of gold among through the Winter Solstice light.

Today I was reminded how much of the glue of civilization is comprised of good people who, without making huge salaries or getting any fame, just make life livable and a bit gracious.
It reminded me to always wear the amulet of courtesy. It serves me well.