A great conference

Well, I just concluded my 4 days in Las Vegas for the Microsoft Developers Conference at the Bellagio Hotel. It was a great conference. I attended 15 different seminars on a whole range of topics. My focus though was on development tools for software for Intel based PC's. It has been a while since I had been to a Microsoft conference and these events always are chock full of brand new stuff to learn. At this years event, Microsoft announced the release of their new version of their development environment, so there was a lot to learn.

There wasn't much spare time at this event, and I kind of like it that way. After all, if I'm here on business, we ought to get to business and then get headed home. About the only thing I got to do was get out one night and walk down the strip, check out a couple of the casino's that have been added since the last time I was here, pick up some supplies at CVS Pharmacy and then head back. This trip has had a lot of walking to it. I've logged over 8 miles each of the 4 days I was here, WOW!!! One of the other things that I thought was of interest while I was here was my first 'Hybrid' bus. It looked like it was straight of the mono-rail at Disneyland. As I update the blog, I am sitting at McCarren field waiting for my flight to board. I am so looking forward to getting home to Carol and the pups.

Now that I have this conference out of the way, I can start preparing for the Northern California Samboree which is being held at the Lodi Grape festival grounds. This was the first samboree that we went to 3 years ago and we are looking forward to returning to it. This time, I will be conducting 3 seminars on computers for RV'ers. I'll be doing 'Campin and Computin', my introduction to computers for RVer's as well as a session on Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. I'm doing these based on the input that I got back from folks at the first seminar that I did in Lancaster late last year.

Well, I guess that is about all for now. Take care all and remember... Happy campin! - Eric -

A very busy April

Hi there everyone,

Sorry it has been so long since I have updated the blog. I've been busy recently working on completing the second edition on my book 'Campin and Computin'. This second edition contains some stuff that I learned about since I came out with the first edition, but the big change to it is the inclusion of information on Windows 7 which is Microsofts latest operating system. Windows Vista never really took off the way Microsoft had hoped, and Microsoft got a lot of feed back from those that purchased Vista and made some enhancements and released it as Windows 7.

We have another Samboree we are going to at the end of April where I will get another chance to sell more copies of my books. I'm really looking forward to this because I now have had additional exposure to my product with the article that appeared in the April edition of Motorhome magazine. I've already seen movement in my sales through Amazon.com. I'm not going to say that I've sold 100's of copies, but the fact that I've probably sold 30 is a great thing. I'm definitely seeing that there is a calling for my books so if I can get some more time at various RV shows, that will bode well for Carol's and my efforts.

Though it has been a busy start to April, it's been a beautiful one as well. The poppy's are out in Amador county and all the trees are in bloom. So, Carol and I took the time one day while we were out an about to check out some local poppy's. At least my honey got a chance to check out some poppy's up close this year.

I am now making my way to Sacramento to Las Vegas. The reason for this trip is to attend a Microsoft conference on a new release of their populate development environment for developing user software. I haven't been to one of these conferences for over 5 years. It was very sad leaving my wife to care for her self as I passed through the security check at Sacramento Airport. Very rarely are we separated for more than 10 hours of the day while I go off to work. But, going to these sorts of seminars is a good thing. It helps me to stay up to date with some of the latest in software development technology. I will be in Las Vegas for 4 full days. Each day will consist of 30 different seminars that I can attend with various vendors there as well. Watching the presenters at this conference will help me with my presenting skills at the various RV shows in the future as well.

Southwest airlines has put up Internet bars through-out the airport terminals so you can powerup and dial in and surf the web while you are waiting for your flight. They're a pretty cool addition to help you pass the time while waiting at the airport. Southwest really knows how to run an airline, the others could take lessons from them, and should.

Life back at the camp site is going great for us. We have some new neighbors at the RV park. A very nice couple named John and Linda. The two of them are very nice, dog loving people so I'm sure we will get along great. They have been married 40 years, so Carol and I may learn a couple things from them along the way. The park is busier this year than it was the same time last year. Maybe folks are willing to spend a few more bucks to get out now that it looks like the recession is leveling out.

I'm nearing implementation on my project called VVIMS which stands for 'Volcano Vision Integrated Management System'. It will allow Volcano to bill for Cable and Telephone services on one bill. This project has been 3 years in the making, I'm sure my managers will be glad to see it get completed.

Well, that is about all for now. We are starting my decent into Las Vegas airport. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to make another installment later in the week.

Happy camping! - Eric