We’ll be heading into the year 2020 in 37 days. Before that happens our iMac will turn 11 years old. In computer years, that’s a very long time. Naturally, within the past couple of years, I’ve bitched and complained whenever dear hubby was within ear shot of how slow our iMac has become in loading pages, uploading or downloading pictures, Apps and other programs. I knew in my heart of hearts that the processor was old and tired trying to handle all of the ups and downs I was throwing at it. Falling on deaf ears, my hints were going unnoticed, or so I thought.
Much to my surprise, after discussing our Christmas plans or lack thereof, Nat very quietly suggested that we should look to buying each other a new iMac as a joint Christmas present. Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah !!!!!!!
Suddenly, the chorus of angels singing in my head came to an abrupt pause. We were now talking finances. Bummer. Trying to work out our future expenses (new tires for the car, brake job, golf club membership, regular household expenses) it became crystal clear the new Christmas present was going to be a bit tricky to work out. Trying our best, and being optimistic, we drove up to the Apple Store at Mapleview Mall, in Burlington, to have an actual look at the new iMacs on the market and get re-educated on the latest operating system, screen sizes, processors, etc. My God, they were gorgeous, but I had to face reality and tell myself the new bells and whistles were no longer necessary in our lives. I no longer create our own Christmas Cards, work with Photoshop, or other wondrous programs I could find. My days were now dwindled down to keeping our finances in order, working on this Web Site, a little gaming, and whatever else I can find to keep me occupied.
We had a great time consulting with one of the Apple staff and having her show us the bells and whistles we’ll get no matter what, the bells and whistles we’ll need and even the virtues of Apple Care. That’s one extra cost I’m convinced we will not need and will save us just over $200.00, which is an enormous savings when you’re talking all things Apple. I want the quality, but not the extra service which we’ve never needed in the past and I’m convinced won’t need in the future.
With all the information we could gather, Nat and I wandered around the Mall for a wee bit and then headed back home while stopping off in Grimsby for lunch. We’d have things to discuss further down the road when the time comes to make the actual purchase – with the Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise (as the saying goes!)
The time had also arrived for my monthly lunch with loving sister, Michele. We’d not been out for a couple of months due to other family matters, so we arranged a date at our usual haunt and had a great time. She caught me up on other family matters and get-togethers that I had missed, rehashed our 25th Wedding Anniversary dinner and I caught her up on our granddaughter and boyfriend on their upcoming trip to Australia in November for 3 months. Another great time and some time alone with someone other that my loving hubby.
On another little happening, and as I was in a deep sleep, I heard some bells ringing at 1:27 AM this past Friday. I kept listening and soon realized the bloody phone in the office was ringing off the hook and hubby was dead to the world beside me. I jumped up, making my noggin a little woozy, wobbly walked to the office as quick as I could, picked up the phone and whoever they were decided to hang up. God Damn!! Swearing under my breath I turned out the office light, attempted to wobbly walk back to bed but in such deep darkness, I had to hold my hand alongside the walls in order to avoid the stairs and return to bed. Still a little pissed, I let the bedroom door slam a little – oops!!!! Still, not a peep out of Nat. Lying there in such a deep sleep, pissed me off even more!! When I confronted him in the morning, he did mention he heard the door slam a bit – oops, sorry!!
This past Saturday evening Nat and I joined Susan and her family for a meal at Johnny Rocco’s in St. Catharines. As her oldest daughter, Felicia, and boyfriend, Kyle, were leaving for New Zealand & Australia for 3 months on the 27th we wanted to give them a send-off dinner to say our Farewells, Safe Trip, Bon Voyages and all that. We had a fabulous time and as I was sitting beside the two travellers, Nat and I had a chance to really talk privately to the two of them. We’re so impressed how Felicia has grown up to become a well-rounded, somewhat fearless, cautious and adventuresome traveller and Kyle has turned into a very intelligent, head-on-straight, sensible young man with deep affection for Felicia. The two of them made us laugh and we’re sorry they’re leaving as we’ll miss them very much. At the same time, we wish them the very best of times, a safe trip, a very Merry Christmas and New Year. Can’t wait for their safe return in 2020 to hear of their adventures, see their photos, videos, etc. and give them huge hugs. All the best you two.