Just back from the poetry meeting, which has left me in a good mood and ready once again to face the Most Intractable, Irascible, Annoying, Want-to-pound-my-head-against-the-wall Wireless Network that hates my laptop. Spouse's machine is talking to the Web just fine. So I can send email, send in book reviews, etc. Can Not talk to my printer (which is attached to my laptop) from Spouse's machine. Arghhhhh.

Tried reinstalling the wireless card. 2X. The first time, I got a link but it's so damned slow I can't get online. The second time: Nada. Can't detect a bloody thing.

Once I get this review in I will try:

* blowing the dust out of the laptop. It's dustier here than Pepperell, thanks to forced hot air heat. Maybe I've got so much crud inside, it's affecting the connection. Or something. Maybe.

* wave some bones over laptop, then over DSL box. Sprinkle chicken blood copiously. Chant bastardized Latin loudly.

And if that doesn't work, I guess I'll start pricing new wireless cards.