H-XM-1996

Christmas 1996 Greetings to All:

My Gosh, Christmas will soon be upon us! Today’s mail served as a reminder – for the first time the mail did not consist of bills, someone wanting to sell something, or donation requests – there were cards from those we are delighted to hear from!

It’s been an eventful year, especially for Mary as she lost her mother, age 92, this spring. Her mother had moved into the Home. Julia and Mary had decorated and fixed up her room to make it more comfortable. We thought she was doing fine, she didn’t have to worry about a thing, and Karla, who had been looking after her and her own home continued to pick her up and take her out and about when she wished. Then it seemed so abrupt – they called that she had been rushed to the hospital during the night , but about 2 hrs later she died! Over and over ever since, Mary’s been trying to adjust. On an immediate basis she handled it quite well – she knew the time would come. But for days and months something would happen, her instincts were to call her Mom to share the thought. . . . Then is when reality would reach her. I told her, it will always be that way, even years from now. Only in time you can enjoy thoughts of past with a smile – their parting is accepted & it’s the good things the mind recalls.

We returned again for Alumni Banquet, combining the meeting of class mates and friends with tending to business matters.

I took that opportunity to take more things to the Oberlin Museum. I’d previously left off Artifacts, examples of 50 years of technology change. These new things were upgrades to the computer I’d left them the prior year. It was a good computer plus my prior HP flat bed scanner. This time I took a Laser Jet printer and a ZIP drive; this made it a full up system.

Mary decided to buy her brother Arthur’s half of their mothers home. So along with the privilege of being dual tax payers, there is now maintenance on a summer and winter home. The home town of Oberlin has been suffering a declining population since WW II. Farming technology no longer requires large numbers of people and many of the initial residents, who retired there – have taken permanent retirement -- now visited by returning relatives each Memorial Day. There are a lot of good houses, so the community is always pleased to have someone maintain and pay taxes on a property, even if seldom occupied. This last year even the remaining grocery stores merged – now there is one.

Mid summer Mary and Julia went back and spent about 3 weeks cleaning and fixing that house. Various cousins took Mary and Julia to Sales, where they rationalized something was needed. It was important and pleasurable for them to visit with cousins and friends, take them out to dinner or invite them in for a home prepared dinner in the “new” house. Many were friends of Mary’s mother who enjoyed the opportunity to visit of old times. Some took Julia out in the country to where her grandmother had gone to grade school, with them!

For me there were special persons, those I’d grown up, with that were missing, having recently departed. My cousin Max, classmate Cleo, & classmate Laural – all three within a year of each other. And they were not to be the last, cousin Lemoin’s wife died this fall, and Lemoin moved back to the Masonic Home in Wichita to be closer to their kids.

While Mary and Julia were rearranging the house I remained in Calif working on what seems an never ending task – a History of the 19^th BG, my outfit during WW II.

My activities of the year included a continuing running battle with the computer. ’95 had been the year of upgrading to 486DX/100 machines, not only mine but also the kids. ’95 was also the beginning of the battle with Windows 95. Some people never seem to have problems with it – but Julia said it right, “Daddy most people don’t leave the cover off their machines so they can change something every week – they believe that ‘if it works, don’t fix it’.” Twice in ’96 I lost the data on two hard drives – after already loosing one in ’95 – you’d think I’d learn. Each failure was associated with the use of compression – and juggling hard drives from one machine to another. Each time I learned how not to do it – but there is more than one way to bomb a hard drive. Most data I was able to recover from backup, or re-scanning hard copy – the big loss was time, lots of lost time.

In ’96 I started upgrading computers again. This time I changed to Pentium processors, first to 120 then to 133 meghz jobs. When I retired, I had upgraded to a then new 386 which used a 16 bit data path. The upgrade to the 486 provided a 32 bit data path with more speed. The 386 upgrade used then new 30 pin SIMs. (SIMs are a miniature mother board strip on which RAM memory chips are mounted, SIMs plug in edgewise to the main mother board and are a tremendous improvement. RAM = Random Access Memory, made of dynamic memory chips used by the computer while power is on, when off they go dead and all data is lost – which is why information is Saved on a Hard Drive.) The 486 machine with its 32 bit path went to a 72 pin SIMs. The Pentium chips have a 64 bit data path but rather than an even longer SIM, they require that the 72 pin SIMS be installed in pairs.

If your not too confused, we should mention the ISA, VLB & PCI card slots and the Cache memory. The ISA card has a 16 bit data path, as does the VLB card. The Cache memory serves to combine two 16 bits of data to make 32 bit data to feed in and out of the 486 microprocessors. (A 30 pin SIM has 16 bits of data and the other is address. A 72 pin SIM has 32 bits of data and the remainder is address.) The PCI slot is set up with 32 bits and does not need to go through a Cache memory to build the 32 bits – it’s faster.

When the Pentium went to 64 bits, the Cache memory was needed, to build two 32 bits into 64 bits. The Cache memory chips need to be faster than the RAM chips. As clock speeds go up the RAM & Cache memory must be even faster. Once you start using a faster machine, you wonder how you got anything done on a slow one.

Not all the improvement is due to hardware, much of the improved speed comes from new software. The old DOS systems operated on 8 bit software code, which was fine until the shift from character globs to individual pixels -- in order to do graphics and fine photos. Windows 3.1 used 16 bit software code (that of the 386 hardware). Windows 3.11 used 32 bit software code, more appropriate for a 486 machine, and used on LAN = Local Area Networks. Windows 95 and such things as WORD 7, permit operating with 32 bit code, to make use of the Pentium machines and the pending Internet.

The software was also packaged in bundles. OLE = Object Linking and Embedding was used to place things like photos in a text. There were several versions of this in a migration to “object oriented” programming which has also gone through versions. This places a wrapping about a software bundle, so it can be exchanged between computers and processors – like over the internet. The software object “container” tells what is required to make use of what’s in the package.

These software improvements are not immediately obvious to a user. For example WORD 6 and a TIF file of a photo seem much the same. However WORD 7, in combination with TIF5, provides a new format for storing photos, the result is a tremendous improvement. My upgrade to an HP 4c scanner included new software which produces TIF5 photo format, when these are inserted in a document they display a remarkably clear image on the screen – achieving a quality not available by print. Also the new format permits resizing a photo without distortion -- then Zooming the photo again when it’s displayed. There are many good and sound reasons to upgrade hardware and software if you doing more than writing a conventional letter. It requires experimentation and practice to reap what the machine and software are capable of doing.

At the first of ’96 I was still having so many problems with Windows 95 that I was reluctant to recommend it to anyone. Until I mastered some of the problems I spent hours and hours trying to determine the cause and fix. For example I had moved my scanner SCSI card from the left machine to the right one. (SCSI=Small Computer Serial Interface which permits accommodating several peripherals on one card (one port).) Later I tried to add a SCSI card for use with my CD-Writer. The machine would not recognize the new SCSI card? It’s not easy for the new Plug-N-Play, built into Windows 95, to find these I/O (Input/Output) ports as the cards were designed before Plug-N-Play. Windows 95 has a thing called the Registry. This is a bit like the clerk at the front desk in a hotel – all hardware is Registered in the Registry. Using the Control Panel (a Windows 95 software item) I was able to “see” that the old SCSI card that I had physically removed was still shown as present -- it was still listed in the Registry. I deleted it via the Control Panel, thus from the Registry, then asked the machine to find my new SCSI card – it did. It was as if the Registry had assigned a port to a card, like a crew to an airplane. When the crew had been removed and the Registry not notified, it would not assign a new crew to that airplane. This is not exactly how it works but is close enough to identify some of the problems.

I had also installed Windows-NT which I received as part of belonging to Microsoft-Developers-Network, for over $500 per year (which I discontinued for ’97), intended for professional programmers. I found myself with stuffed hard drives; Windows 3.11, Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 all operable in the same machine. Windows NT is an industrial grade thing that does more than I ever use. So I removed it and use Windows 3.11 only as a backup system. Our kids now also use Windows 95 almost exclusively. The upgrading process began to be old hat after completing the assembly of some 6 Pentium machines in ‘96.

The 19^th BG Reunion was held in Sept at Ft Worth TX. Mary and Julia had just returned from KS and I had been busy trying to put together hard copies of our 19^th BG history for the reunion. Mary has back problems but reluctantly agreed to drive there in the Taurus station wagon in order to haul the books. With only one day before time to leave, I noticed a Sale add: HP CD-Writer $5xx.00 after a $200 rebate. This was a rapid drop in price from $2000 a year prior. Early, the day before we were to leave, I hurried to buy one and spent that day and till late at night installing it and setting up our 19^th History so I could write it “as is” on a CD-ROM. I got all of what we then had on one CD-ROM. The next morning we loaded one of my computers along with other stuff and took it to the reunion -- so I could demonstrate the CD.

After the reunion we drove back via Oberlin, KS and left the computer; a Pentium 133 with 32 meg of RAM, a 1.6 gig hard drive, & a 15” monitor with the Oberlin museum. The intent being for them to make it available to the public to look at CD presentations – and to document museum items and stories.

When we returned to CA I intended to quickly clean up the files and put the 19^th History on CD. Only things never are as easy as would seem. 95% of the photos were those from the old scanner, they printed fine but could not be seen on the screen. I found that for auto CD writing it would be necessary to restructure the entire index of material. After much persistent effort I now have the 1944-1946 time period reasonable well completed, and it fills one CD-ROM. I now have the 1940-1943 period about half done, and the 1947 and on barely started. Eventually there will be 3 CD-ROMs.

On the way to Ft Worth we stopped at Pecos TX where I’d been stationed and at Pyote, TX to see the 19^th BG museum there. When the 19^th BG returned from the Far Pacific they moved to Pyote where a then “restricted” B-29 base was being set up. Those towns have also lost much of their original population, Pyote is down to 300 people! I reported on the Pyote museum at the reunion and later three fellows from the 19^th Association, Chandler, Hall, and Jacquet went there to look things over. Jacquet has since shipped me two heavy boxes of material the museum had received from widows to go into the museum. My task will be to go over the information and incorporate what is appropriate into the History.

While looking for “lost” photos, I came across the following which I inserted into “Model-T” stories I’d written several years ago. These computer toys make it fun to collect nostalgia – I hope you find the snow scene and prior times of interest.

Each of the kids are doing well. David and Mary’s business has picked up this year. Monica and Brian bought a condo and moved in this year. Julia is going to Australia at Christmas time to be with JR who is a pilot for the mining engineer who heads a consortium who’s projects range from Canada, Europe, Russia, East Indies, and Australia. He gets in lots of flying!

While I’ve been “playing” with the computers Mary’s been a main pillar in the Garden Grove Art Guild – serving as Treasurer, writer of their News Letter – and the one taking a behind the scenes lead in keeping the Guild Operational. Last night 12-13-96 was the Art Guilds Gold Brush Awards Dinner; I’m proud to announce that Mary won 1^st Place and the Juried Monthly 1996 “Best of Show” award.

Fig 1 Model-T #2 in Retirement 1943

This was the last I saw of it, Mother had it hauled away as junk during WW II

I was devastated, I had great plans on making a museum piece out of her – I’d become attached.

B-29 Maintenance Trainer

“She” was painted Red(mid)-White(top)-Blue(bot). Note the large “truck” tires in back, actually standard tire with bead removed inside a “blown-out” truck tire. Readily carried heavy load, and larger diameter gave extra “speed”. Normally full speed was about 40 mph, we could almost reach 50. There was a radio with speaker in the ceiling, probably the only Model-T in the county with a radio. The starter worked but was often cranked as we couldn’t afford a battery that would keep a charge overnight.

The open area in front of the Model-T was the site of a garden spot taken over by rabbit pens, then as a repair center for our Model-Ts. When I returned from WW II, and found my Model-T parts had been trashed as “junk” I discovered some left over yellow furnace lining brick and a mixture of housing bricks. In the garage was a half a sack of cement – starting to set up – and some metal pieces from the old furnace. I decided to use these “assets” and build a fireplace while waiting for school to start. I knew I’d need every dime I could save to go back to school so rather than buy a good sack of cement I hammered the half sack of cement into powder. Dad saw me using the “refurbished cement” and said it’s too old, it’s no good. I grinned and said, your probably right but it will last long enough to take a picture of it – as if it is a good fireplace. Neither of us expected it to last. However it did last for some 15 years before it crumbled to look more like a trash than fireplace – like the Model-T, it too was junked.

Landau family picnic about 1947

Ila Landau, Lola & Archie Hamilton 1955?

CHRITSTMAS CARDS

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book.

And every year at Christmas time I go and take a look.

And that is when I realize these names are just a part,

Not of the book they're written in but of my very heart.

For each name stands for someone whose path touched mine and then,

Left a part of friendship I want to touch again.

And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,

I really feel that I'm composed of each remembered name.

And while you may not be aware of any special link,

Just meeting you has shaped my life much more than you can think.

So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine,

Of names upon a Christmas list forgotten in between.

For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you,

It's cause you're on that list of folks that I'm indebted to.

For I am but a total of the many folks I've met.

And you are one of those I've met and never will forget.

And whether I have known of you for many years or few,

In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do.

And every year when Christmas comes I realize anew,

The biggest gift that life can give is meeting folks like you.

And may the joy of Christmas that eternally endures,

Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.

The Christmas Card poem was received in a card from George Savage, 19^th BG. It expresses so much so well . . .

This has been interlaced with preparing for the Holidays and upgrading the house. She’s had people come in and give her estimates to make various improvements. Last week they removed the old “French” windows and installed dual pane glass in sturdy white plastic window frames in their place. Next on her agenda is an upgrade to the over 40 year old main bathroom -- the sink has rusted out, to replace it means a cabinet rebuild job as well. She has excellent taste so I just stay out of it and let her take care of “her house.” Naturally she receives plenty of advice from the kids.

I just did my weekly download of market prices. This had been a good year for all who had “boats” in the water during this unique period of financial rising tide.

-----O-----

Now comes the time to say goodbye and wish you well. Each of you are very special and we hope to visit with you, in person, during the coming year.