One of the pieces of planning software we use frequently to brainstorm and plan out projects is Mindmanger (see our 2005 post here). Recently in September, we upgraded our software to the current version 7. A couple of months later in November we got a notice that new version 8 had been released. Rather than pay again for a new upgrade only 2 months after the initial purchase we called up Mindjet product support number to see if we could upgrade to the newest version. The support representative tersely informed us that we had missed the cutoff for a courtesy upgrade by a couple of weeks. We don’t begrudge software companies for trying to generate revenue and keep their products current, especially a small company like Mindjet. It would have been nice if they informed purchasers that a new release was imminent to avoid upgrade fatigue. On the service side, because they are a small company, they should display more flexibility in working with companies like ours who are loyal users and want the new features provided in the software upgrades. Instead, because of their lack of service, this is one software product we will no longer upgrade.
Monthly Archives: November 2008
2009 Calendar
Our 2009 Calendar is now mailing out. This year’s version features images of the beautiful vistas, landscapes and plants of Utah’s national parks.
A Beautiful Southwest Sunset
The Delicate Landscape Arch
As always, if you would like a free copy of the calendar, email us your name and address and we will send one out to you.
The Apple- Tracing a Plant’s Origin
There was an interesting book review in the Financial Times today about a common plant and iconic fruit, the apple. The Story of the Apple, by a pair of botanists, Oxford’s Barrie Juniper and the University of Washington’s David Mabberley, chronicles their search through cultural, historical, and DNA evidence to trace the apple’s origins. Their best evidence points to the forests of Kazakhstan. This is removed from the biblical areas of the middle east and fertile crescent, where temperatures do not get cold enough to help apples properly germinate. It is fascinating to ponder the rich past of such a commonly cultivated plant and leads to curiosity about the sources of other plants we take for granted.
Current Project- Napa
Here is a progress image from a large tile patio we are in process of installing for this Napa backyard renovation. The material itself is a unique product from Tile & Stone Concepts in San Rafael, which is custom cast concrete from molds and then colored. The advantage to this custom product is that it can be manipulated in a variety of sizes and applications and color can be custom tuned to the project color palette.
Current Project- Night Lighting
Here’s an image from a recently completed project in Mill Valley. We were performing an uplight adjustment on this kinetic stainless steel sculpture, the focal point of the front yard.
Current Project- Mill Valley
We are wrapping up on this landscape project that complimented a recent remodeling project on this modern Mill Valley residence. The owner found a great stainless steel sculpture that moves with the wind to accent the project and front yard space.
