We’ve had a couple of technology issues lately.
The trackpad on one of our laptops quit working, and the local computer repair shop is closed due to Covid exposure. While debating whether to wait and fix or buy a new one, we decided to go old school. We ordered a mouse and pad, which surprisingly works quite well as long as you don’t try to use it as a ‘lap’top. 🙂
We also hit the point where we have to change cell phone providers and upgrade our phones from iPhone 6 and 7 to 12. We’ve tried AT&T and Verizon. One bar of service and continual dropping of calls just plain gets old. We’re hoping T-Mobile will be better. If not, we’ll be going old school again and have to reinstate a landline that we got rid of about five years ago. Who knew we’d ever miss the stability of that old landline.
One chuckle was a WordPress post I did for Master Gardeners about ‘crab apple’ trees. Either I fat fingered it or spell check ‘helped’ me because when the email post notice came through it was ‘crap apple.’ 🙂 I was able to fix the post and FB but couldn’t do anything about the email, and I did get a couple of responses to that one.
To finish my weekend off, I had to deal with a troll on the MG Instagram account. With all that is going on around us, I just couldn’t imagine a person taking the time to go off on a tirade about a plant and a historical comment about it. I don’t know if I’m the only one or not, but with Covid and current events I feel mentally tired and don’t go looking for added drama.
On a positive note, I have two plants that are getting ready to bloom on my porch and a completed sewing project.
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- Walking Iris bud which is one of nine right now.
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- First Amaryllis of three. This one is 21″ tall.
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- Joy Tree wall hanging panel that I used some gold thread to embellish.
I’ll finish with this thought – an IN friend’s husband has an appointment this week to get his first vaccine shot. 🎇 Here’s hoping everyone who is interested in the vaccine can get on their state list soon. In the meantime, stay safe. 😷
NewEnglandGardenAndThread 
Somehow it seems that difficulties with “stuff,” electronic or otherwise, seem to come in waves. Always a pain. Good luck with good it all sorted. On a happier note…you will soon have two beautiful flowers to brighten your home, and that Joy panel is a beauty.
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See, another reason we should live closer – I could ask Clif questions. 🙂 Yes, I am excited for those blooms, and I liked the way the Joy panel turned out.
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It’s so good to see you here! I feel that my week can now begin. Your plants seem as joyful as your fabric tree; that glow of green always quickens a gardener’s pulse. I sure hope your tech problems are over — at least until spring, when problems might not seem so overwhelming. You are so right that you are not the only one exhausted from everything going on. We do NOT need more drama. I too have been thinking that it’s time for a landline again because I’m very tired of the phone drama. You stay safe too!
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The plants are happy, happy, and I will certainly enjoy the flowers. I was so relieved to get rid of that landline, the political calls, and its monthly bill. However, here we sit with two cell phones and a monthly bill, and if we make a call we have to announce that it’s probably going to drop. When I called TMobile about switching, he had to call me back three times when the call dropped. At least I didn’t have to explain why I wanted to switch. 🙂
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That’s one way to look at it! Indeed, who would have thought that the landline would look good again? Next stop: party lines!
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Personally, I haven’t visited my Facebook page, don’t want to hear all the chatter on either side. I know what you mean about electronics failing at the same time, the same goes for appliances!
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I avoid all comments that aren’t from family or friends on Facebook, but Instagram has always been a nice soft landing kind of place. I think my tolerance for unnecessary drama right now is pretty low. 🙂
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Your sewing projects are lovely. I love that Joy Tree.
One of my neighbors got her first vaccine shot on Saturday. It’s trickling down.
I hope you have a lovely week.
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Hooray for your neighbor – that is great news. You have a good week too!
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Judy, I love your Joy Tree! I feel your pain on the technology! I’m glad the mouse worked out for you. I had to replace an ancient lap top in July. Took a while to get used to the new one but I’m happy with it. We still have our land line but every time it rains it’s all static and half the time doesn’t work at all. Luckily my cell is reliable at home and most other places. Good luck! Henry and I are eligible for the vaccine starting today but getting it is another questions. The health department has quit taking appointments for now (after I spent a day and a half hitting redial and not getting trough). It seems like they are overwhelmed all over the state.
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I’m thinking we are going to have a learning curve with these new cell phones since ours are labeled as outdated. 🙂 I think you may be experiencing an appointment issue that we may all encounter if it is done by phone. My friend in IN was able to log on to a website and set up a time. At least with a website, you have a chance at it. NH residents have already been told not to call any agency about the shot, that we have to wait for further announcements. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you and Henry!
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Oh Lordy! How many times do I long for the simplicity of old school technology! Well, except for the inconvenience of being tied by a cord to a desk phone, sent to the library for research on random things that capture my curiosity, hand copying documents that I need duplicates of, ordering catalog items by phone or through mail order, and communicating with out of state relatives by expensive long distance or posted hand written letters. Guess we just can’t win!
I’m sorry you ran into so many issues, but you solved them and kept your charming sense of humor!
Your Christmas wall hanging is lovely, I imagine the gold thread twinkles in various lighting throughout the day!
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You brought up so many things that we just took for granted in the ‘old’ days. Now, we have Google. 🙂 When I was in school, I’d take the bus to the library, check in at the reference desk and then try to find answers in books that were 10-30 years old. I think we grew up in an era where you just didn’t throw things out like we do today, and it is challenging to accept that phones and computers have an expected life of maybe two years. I think my age is showing. 🙂
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I’ve learned a new term today – “fat-fingered” – on two blogs this morning!
On social media this weekend, one of my posts inspired 99% likes and laughs, and 1% trolling. The complaining party had a problem with my implied consent to censorship. I did not engage with her comments, but another friend did, so I deleted it. No way am I giving that kind of negativity an audience and a platform from which to address it.
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I’m glad I could help with introducing you to ‘fat-fingered.’ 🙂 We have family that lived in the town of Gorham. When I try to type Gorham, the program usually tries to change it to Gotham. I laugh the first time, but by the third time, I’m not seeing the humor so much. 🙂 Social media can be such a benefit, and it can also cut to the bone. If this had been my personal account, I would have deleted it immediately and not given it a moment’s thought. Since, it is a volunteer group, I tried to do as little without encouraging any further response.
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Good Morning Judy. Technology is always a pain!
And drama of any kind is not needed at any time… and especially in our current standings!
Your Joy Tree is beautiful…and I so needed to see it this Monday morning.
Your amaryllis is much taller then mine. I hoping for a Valentine Bloom!
Enjoy the day my friend…
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I was behind a NH car a couple of weeks ago, and he had one of those license plate holders that makes some type of statement. At the top it said “support search and rescue,” and at the bottom it said “get lost.” I must admit thinking about that when I had to reply. 🙂 I planted three Amaryllis the same day. This one is a giant, and the other two are about one inch tall so I’m thinking I may get blooms spread out which will be a good thing. 🙂
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Too funny… about the license plate!
And we are on a Bloom race!
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Your plants are looking wonderful. I am continuing to “avoid politics and the news”. My hubby gets so wound up by it all, so I hear quite “ENOUGH” from him about the world as a whole. I’ve been following our state vaccine “tracker” website and was very upset that they didn’t get to the Long term care folks immediately. Last week I decided maybe I can “help” in some way and signed up for the state Volunteer program. I hope they use me in some way to register people, direct traffic or something to facilitate mass immunizations. Technology is changing so fast. We had enough of the cable tv last summer and shut it off, using just the internet and streaming service with Amazon. Your tree project is beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.
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For sure, a ‘little politics goes a long way these days. That is so nice of you to volunteer, and they are in for a treat with your organizational skills. Interesting to know how to turned off the cable. I think more and more folks will be doing that as costs never cease to rise. I like that little tree panel, but it doesn’t rate compared to your gorgeous projects. I did a small embroidery piece today, it had 33 thread changes. It took me a little while. 🙂
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When tech is good, it’s very, very good but when it’s bad, it’s horrid!
My brother and SIL in Atlanta booked their vaccines yesterday and will get them on Wednesday. Nothing for us just yet. Stay well 🙂
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You are so right. It is like when you car won’t start. It’s just suppose to work every time until it doesn’t. 🙂 Hooray for your brother and wife! You stay well too until we get on that list as well.
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Judy, your Walking Iris and Amaryllis are sights to behold. Bet you check them daily looking for a bloom! I would! 🤗 The Joy Tree wall hanging is nothing short of perfect.
Good luck with ailing computers and cell phones. WTH, apparently we can’t have enough things go wrong at the same time. 😳 But Steve the electric pole is holding strong. Yaaayyyyy!
As for the ‘troll’, let her crawl under a bridge and stay there.
I do LOVE the “Crap Tree”! 😂 I’d like one in my back yard. 🤗
So glad your friends husband in IN is in line for his Covid Vaccine. One thing they can check off their list. We’re on a list here. No vaccine here yet. Our PCP’s office has no idea when to expect it, nor do they know where we’ll go to get it. I expect it will be at Fred’s Garage. We can get our oil checked at the same time! A two-fer!
Gloomy, cold day here. But no snow or rain that will turn to ice!
Stay well my friend….and warm.
Think positive, Test negative.
Ginger
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I replied to this and laughed the entire time only to realize it didn’t post. I think technology has something against me this week. So, thank you for the multiple chuckles, and I can say that Steve is standing tall doing his job, and if I run across a ‘crap’ apple tree in one of the seed catalogs I will be sure to have one sent to you. The next time I have to deal with a troll, I will for sure be thinking that I should direct her to the closest bridge, and first thing tomorrow I’m calling George our local garage owner and ask if he’s giving out shots because we need a car inspected and could save time as well. I also think you have a new slogan there – think positive, test negative. I like it. 🙂
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Judy, I am surprised that your 6 and 7 worked at all considering they aren’t built to last more than a few years. At least you know how to go ‘old school.’ I was watching an episode of Billions last week when a cyber-attack sent traders scrambling, as they tried to figure out how to access the market, ‘old school’. As much as I love technology, I am convinced that it will eventually be our downfall…Re the Troll, make sure you have ‘comment moderation’ set and that crab will go to spam or pending.
On a positive note, Florida is slowly, ever so slowly dispensing the vaccine. Some of my neighbors have received their first shot and others have appointments. I go on-line every day to check for openings. Hopeful that it will happen soon.
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Those phones have hung in there, I guess like we have. 🙂 I think you have a very valid point about technology and its potential to be our downfall. Thanks for the suggestion on the Troll, I just took care of it. Congrats on the potential vaccine opportunity. I hope you get a couple of appointments soon. It looks like NH is gearing up for the end of this month for the first group of residents.
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Sorry to hear about the technical troubles. Doing anything in these times is difficult. The simple act of talking to a person at a counter never seemed like such a luxury until now. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to argue on an Instagram account over a plant. What’s wrong with people? I’m glad your plants are getting ready to bloom. They are pretty just being green.
I have one friend who is going for his first shot today.
I’ve never like the trackpads, I tend to accidentally move the cursor and start typing elsewhere in my document. I use a Trackball, that I can hold on my thigh or on the arm of a chair when I use a laptop not on a desk.
Take care and stay safe.
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Hooray for your friend, and may you and the Editor be not far behind. NH starts the end of the month with the first wave which will include my husband, but I’ll have to wait for the second wave. As always, if we lived closer, I would have brought my lawn chair, blanket, mask and sat in your driveway asking for advice. 🙂 Yesterday, he had his email hacked, and after a good hour or so I was at least able to change the password. We’re waiting 24 hours and hoping when we go back today, that it is functioning. Trackball is something I wasn’t familiar with. Is it plugged into your laptop or wireless? Tell me more. 🙂
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The trackball is wireless. The one I use has a little Bluetooth receiver, but I think you can get them that just pair with your devices Bluetooth signal. I’ve used them for years. They were great when I was traveling as plane and train tray tables don’t offer enough room for a mouse.
Here’s a link to mine, but there are others and you might be able to find this one for less – https://www.staples.com/Logitech-M570-Wireless-Trackball-Mouse-910-001799/product_886654
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Glad you have some plants about to bloom Judy. Technology. Argh ! When it works it is nice. Try to ignore the trolls and barking dogs. Spring will get here. Did I say spring will get here ? Please feel free to remind me when I whine.
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Hi John – the calendar says 67 days until spring. We can make it, right? 🙂
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Oh I do think so. Right now the forecast has gone from partly sunny all week to partly funny it was supposed to be partly sunny. I do have seed sorting to do. So I will be busy. That and repaint the kitchen.
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I have an iPhone 6sPlus and my fingers are crossed that it continues to work. I envy the new cameras on the recent upgrades but spending that kind of money for something I don’t really need seems a bit nuts. Your tree wall hanging is lovely and that bloom looks promising. It’s so nice that you have a way to find your happy place in the current world of trolls, typos, and tyrants.
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Every time the 6 and 7 upgraded we wondered if they would survive, but they did. We would probably still be using them except by transferring to a new provider, they needed to be upgraded, but I’m going to really miss that home button. Because of this past year, we are finding bits of happiness in places and experiences that are new. I hope you know you spread a lot of joy and smiles with your short stories. I know posts about your travels were really your blog bread and butter, but your stories have made a positive difference for a lot of people including me. Thank you. 🙂
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Wow, how nice of you to say that! I am really enjoying this new endeavor of mine and it’s so heartwarming to know that my efforts are appreciated. I don’t think my blog really has a “bread and butter”… it’s mostly a mish mash of stuff. That being said, I’m looking forward to when I can write about travel adventures again.
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Hello again from Idaho. It is a new year and looking forward new growth manly plants.Exciting news one of my orchids a flower bud that will be the first time for me. I had my annual yearly exam last week. I was happy my hospital was doing to stop the pandemic. We were given new masks. My caregiver was given a band and if you didn’t reason you didn’t into the hospital. There was very few people on my floor. I saw a new doctor who was with me for over an hour. He listen to my comments on what happen over the years. My WORD for this year is BE KIND it has been PEACE. A comment on the current on the currents events. I remember what happen in Germany. I have been saying for a long time our political events is so like how Hitler to over Germany. SO BE KIND TO EVERYONE. STAY SAFE!
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Hello Idaho from New Hampshire. Glad you had a good annual visit and that your orchid has a new bud which will perk you right up for sure. ‘Be kind’ is a good thing to remember and practice. I was in line at Dunkin Donuts a week or so ago, and the person in front of me paid for my coffee. I was so shocked and pleased by that, I asked to pay for the man behind me. I drove out enjoying my coffee and the experience. Our current events are quite disturbing and upsetting. I’m hoping they are like the pandemic and will even out as this year progresses. In the meantime, stay well and enjoy those blooms.
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I dislike changing phones and computers. There’s a learning curve involved and it’s stressful to learn the new way to do the old things. Botheration, I say. You’re dealing [dealt] with a troll? Honestly my patience with troublemakers is at an all-time low. Don’t know what I’d do about the troll, but I probably wouldn’t be too nice about it.
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Amen to the challenge involved in changing phones and computers. I just get so use to how they work and that they work every time that when that comes to a screeching halt, I have trouble digesting it and being able to work through all the choices involved in buying new ones. That’s exactly how I felt about the troll – really, you’re all over me about a plant. 🙂
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Lovely wall hanging, Judy. I’m all about seizing any joy that comes along lately 🙂 … which is why I just don’t get some people who seem to be spoiling for a fight. Life is too short for that at the best of times.
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Thank you. 🙂 Yes, with all that is going on down here right now, it just blew me away that someone wanted to get snarky and nasty over a photo and description of a plant. If it had been my personal account, I would have hit delete so fast the keys would have stuck together. Take care, and hope the vaccine is coming your way so you can get back out on the hiking trails and the water ways. 🙂
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Tech can be helpful or frustrating or both, that’s for sure. We left Verizon and its high prices for Total Wireless, which uses the same lines but is less expensive. So far, so good. As for drama, between last year and last week, it’s been grim!! I’m happy that the Saints and the Browns won yesterday and I’m hoping for Ohio State tonight. Hockey’s starting and so sports gives me something else to focus on. I’m staying away from news most of the time as I’m so disgusted with both parties (or all parties) and the rioting, et al everywhere. Looking forward to the vaccine getting to those 65 and older. Had my second shingles shot and my flu shot. Now taking January to get finances, taxes, etc. in order. Reading a lot of fiction and a bit of non-fiction. Walking. Blogging. Helping my parents. 🙂
janet
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I love a learning moment, and you provided one because I hadn’t heard of Total Wireless. 🙂 We have a brick wall in the living area and another area where there is a concrete wall which I’m guessing doesn’t help us with coverage. My husband enjoys sports, and I think it is a good break from the confusion surrounding us on all sides. We’re reading a lot and have been organizing end of year documents and shredding like crazy too. I’ve been walking on the treadmill. There are no photo ops like you have, but at least the body keeps moving. 🙂
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I’ve noticed in this house that people I’m talking with on the phone will say something about the static (which I don’t hear) or have other problems depending upon where I am in the house, so we may not have perfect coverage either.
I understand about the treadmill and we had one back on Ohio. When I want to get a good exercise walk, I walk along the canal where there aren’t many photo ops. The Preserve is more for photos connected with bits of walking. 🙂
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It takes a long time for the walking iris to finally bloom. I’ve been waiting a long time for mine to flower.
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It certainly is a process. I can’t wait to see your photos. 🙂
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Oh, crap apple made me laugh! I didn’t know MG had a WordPress blog as well. I enjoy looking at the IG posts. Can you give me the link for the blog please? I’ll enjoy reading your posts.
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I felt bad, but I couldn’t fix it so I had to laugh. Glad to share, but it is mostly reposting of gardening webinars and other info. I don’t write posts because it would be a full time job, and I’m a one-person social media committee. 🙂 scmga.wordpress.com
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In the current climate a good laugh is a good thing. 🙂 I’ll check it out. Thank you.
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Glad to hear it’s just the one troll. There seem to be so many at home these days.
Looking forward to a good spring and less technological issues. Have fun out there!
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Yes, only one thank heavens, and I’m definitely counting the days until spring. 🙂
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Sounds like you are staying busy. Bet you are glad we are having a milder than usual winter since you couldn’t escape down South. Flowering plants are just what we need to keep our faces to the sun. I have a Hippeastrum that is taking forever to grow, I’ve had it a month and it is still only a foot tall, but it has started to send up a second bud, so I will forgive it the wait. I also pulled a pot of snow crocus out of the garage and have it greening up in a sunny window. Looking forward to seeing them bloom. I need all the cheer I can get!
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You are so right about appreciating a milder than normal winter. I bought three bulbs the same day. One is growing and the other two are still less than 2″ tall. Kind of funny. Yes, we need blooms and cheer to help us get to spring. 🙂
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Sometimes ‘old school’ feels really comfortable! Can’t wait to see your plants in bloom, Judy! They look so happy in the sunny windows on your porch. Here we have Cyclamen in bloom in our sunny dining room windows. My husband is working remotely from our dining room, so we consider the plants his cheery coworkers.
Here in Illinois, vaccines are still being administered to group 1a (doctors, nursing homes, and long term care facilities). I completed the paperwork for my parents about three weeks ago. So, we are hoping that they will get their vaccines very soon! Take extra good care of yourself, Judy! Hang in there, my friend!💗
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I have one Cyclamen, and it is challenging me because it dries out quickly. I’m going to repot it today to see if that will help. I love that your husband has plants in his working space. I’m glad your parents are on the list and hope it turns around quickly. We’re having system problems with the 1a group getting their second shot so I hope they get that fixed before the larger groups start. Fingers crossed.
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Just stay away from an AT&T landline. You’ll go from bad to worse and never be able to get it undone! Hang in there. 🙂
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Good to know. It is strange to even think about adding a landline again, but paying for cell phones that can’t make a reliable phone call is crazy. We’ll see if the third try is the charm. 🙂
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Computers and phones have a habit of stalling, or worse still, breaking down completely, at the worst possible time. I began to hate our landline because we only ever got calls for sales or political questionnaires, and always just as we were about to sit down and eat a meal!
Most of Australia went back into a short Lockdown just before Christmas as the cases in some states were rising. It meant many did not see family and friends at Christmas, but I think we are all philosophical about it now.. …at least vaccines are on the way this year.
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That is exactly why we got rid of our landline in the beginning. But, here we are with cell service together with wifi that doesn’t allow us to make a call that doesn’t drop several times. Every time we make a call, we have to announce ‘if the call drops, please call us back.’ I think of the old commercial when cell phones started out – ‘can you hear me now.’ 🙂
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Dear G-d, a troll on a gardening site. Scary times indeed. We’re right behind you with the cell phones. Both of ours are at least four years old now, so we’re overdue to upgrade. I did change cell providers last year for the same reasons as yours (lousy reception). We’re now with XFINITY mobile, which has worked out very well for us. Good luck with your own new changes. – Marty
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That’s what I thought – really, you want to argue about how a moss was used a hundred years ago. Talk to the hand. 🙂 Ooh, I hadn’t thought of XFINITY mobile. Glad it’s working out, and I’ll let you know how our upgrades and change go.
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I have just had to look up ‘Walking Iris’ on google as I had never heard the name before. I am pretty sure they are not available here in the UK. I look forward to seeing a photo of yours in bloom!
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Except that the postal folks would get me, I’d send you a plant. 🙂 I’ll be sure to post photos.
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There may be an award for crap apple typos! Who wants a crap apple salad! 😛
Sorry to hear about your tech troubles. I hope you get the phones worked out. I am mouse dependent. No pad, any flat surface will do, but mouse dependent.
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Thank you for the good laugh out loud moment on the crap apple salad. 🙂 I love it – mouse dependent and on any surface. Okay, I like that.
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It is a good thing that you have plants that provide you pleasure since your electronics are giving you challenges. Hope you get it all sorted out and in a good way.
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It’s certainly been an experience dealing with two cell phone companies who are attempting to get every last dollar out of me. -)
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It sounds like it is something no one would want to deal with.
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