My Adventure With Electronics

Everything needed upgrading. I couldn't properly see Google Maps unless I upgraded my browser, Safari. I couldn't upgrade Safari unless I upgraded my operating system. Why? Because I'm working on a 2005 model MacBook using a 2004 version of Microsoft Office, that's why.

I think it's time for a new Mac! I have been saving up just for this occasion. I knew exactly what I wanted...a new MacBook "something" with a disc drive.

I think I got to the Apple Store just in the nick of time. The only model they had with a disc drive was a 2012 MacBook Pro. They don't make Macs anymore with a disc drive. SOLD!

I also bought the One-On-One, which entitles me to a year of one on one help...by appointment. I had planned on taking just the free classes, AND they told me more than one person  could use the same plan, so I sold my plan to a friend and I would use that if I ever needed personal instruction. 

Now for the nitty gritty. I needed to have the data from the old, transferred to the new. No problem they assured me. And, they would install the new version of Word for me...no problem. And this is where the problems began.

I was told I needed an appointment to bring my computers in. I made an appointment. I brought both computers in for transfer (and was told I didn't need an appointment) only to be told my current OS was one level too old to do that, and I would need to upgrade the old computer to the next level OS. OK. So, I called Apple, told them what I need and they send it out to me.

I take my disc in, along with my two computers, hand them the disc only to be told they NEVER download ANY software. Not only that...without the One-On-One plan, the transfer can't be done...it's part of the plan. I was told I could not use the one I sold to a friend, so I had to buy one for my self. 

Are you still with me?

I should explain that I get sweaty palms and hyperventilate if I have to download software. I sat there for over an hour downloading the new OS, Snow Leopard, while they watched over me. By this time I was suspicious of everything they told me, because up to now, everything I've been told has not been correct. Finally, everything was ready for the transfer of data. I said good bye to my two computers and went home to my iPad.

Two days later I get the call my transfer is complete and I can pick up my computers. So happy to have them home. But...the problems aren't over yet.

The OS upgrade to the old computer does not support my old version of Word, and, since I don't have Word on the new computer yet, I HAVE NO WORD PROCESSING PROGRAM. I'm in the middle of a small project and the people involved need to be able to share the document...I need to work in Word. 

Hahahahahahahahaha! 

I have an appointment on the 21st to install Word. I will do it and they will stand by for support. In the meantime. I will go to a friend's house and use her computer, printer and email for the project.

I'm creating this in Notes on my iPad and will upload it to my on-line journal using my old computer. 

Bwaaahhaaaaahhahahaha!

My Gardens Are Exploding!

Just about three weeks ago I posted the progress of my gardens. You can scroll down to see those pictures, and also, compare what I'm posting today as compared to three weeks ago.

My front garden. The poor winter damaged azalea in the back still looks pretty pathetic. The 2 ornamental peppers have a lot of growing to do. When they are full grown, they will take up most of that space. I haven't weeded here yet today, but I will as soon as the sun goes around to the back.

The rest of the front garden. The phlox is ginormous and the bee balm is out-doing itself. The petunias in the middle are gallantly pushing themselves front and center. The ornamental peppers are doing great.

Now, for the back gardens. To the left of middle you see my neighbor's mass of corruption sort of bent to the left. I went in there and cut back all his mint that was invading my garden...that doesn't count the mint that traveled under the barrier into my side.

Another garden area just exploding. The bee balm has taken over. I can barely find the white phlox in there. The blue delphinium towers over everything. All my gardens will get a redesign next year.

The sedum has gone wild. The wild safflower (or what I think is safflower) has started taking over. I had to take out one pepper plant because it had no place to grow. My neighbor liked what I had done with the stones and the fencing, so they continued the stones on their part and put up matching fence sections. The back area looks so good!

This is probably a weed. It looks like it could be in the lily family, though. Don't know. I have two of them that I will let grow to see what they are.