I started this weekend thinking I might buy a new hard drive and spend a lot of time moving files around and reinstalling operating systems and so on.

But it was the best weather we've had in a long, long time. Sunny but not blindingly so, warm but not sweltering, breezy but no flying debris.

So instead, we spent lots of time outside, weeding and planting in the front flower bed. We also went to "Crazy Bowl" with Julie's firm (don't ask) and heard what I think was the best performance of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra that we've been to. The Phillip Glass concerto was more mainstream than I expected it to be, but it was very engaging, with interesting colors and lots of rhythmic energy. The Pines of Rome was rockin'. I never really thought that much about this piece, but it shows what a difference a really great performance can make. We're fortunate to have a world-class symphony just down the road; makes for a good time out.

Anyway, all this was a lot more fun than looking at progress bars inside all weekend. Unplugging for nearly 48 hours is an entirely healthy thing, and I think I'll make it a rule to do it at least once every few weeks.