What I really need is a directional WiFi antenna. I've been meaning to get one and had really intended to do that before this trip. As I stand (the signal inside the car is too weak) in the parking lot next to our rental car (for the power from the inverter I did bring along) in the early hours of the morning, blogging, reading and writing email, I realize my tendency to procrastinate is a vice (Xenia, please learn from your father's mistakes--even if you did inherit this personality trait from him).

I have permission to use the WiFi in the building across the parking lot from our place here but just not the range with the network card in my laptop. Neither WalMart nor Staples have the desired equipment. And it looks like the closest Fry's is in Texas.