MAC

I do not believe what MAC users tell me. They are not easier to use at all! Up date this, log into that, back-up something else ... and on and on.

For about a month, 2 of LA's MAC/Apple products have been dying. Her iMac (computer) and her iPhone (cellphone).The computer worked it's way from the "pin wheele of death" to the "blue screen of death" in about 2 weeks. We tried a number of different things to help it out, but it died! The HDD needed to be replaced. The iPhone battery has been discharging early and not holding a charge for more than 2 hours.

Not a prob with a PC.  Open the case .. pop out the old HDD .. pop in the new one ..reinstall the OS .. and Bob's your Uncle! No, MACs are a little different, and needed going into the shop. The folks at the apple store wanted $350 for a 250Gig HDD. I could buy a new Laptop for that! We found a place to do it for less than $200, and that with a terabyte drive. I installed the OS, which too over 2 hours.

Rogers was very understanding about the phone, and agreed to allow for an early upgrade for both of us to iPhone 4. The problem there .. they were our of stock and had no idea when they would be getting more. Apple would not tell them when to expect a shipment.

After 3 weeks of calling, waiting, waiting, and calling, we have the phones, they are set up, the iMac is working and all is well.

Did I say that I don't like MACs?

10 Days

I was admonished by my favorite oldest niece yesterday for not posting anything new in a while. Between being sick, a show and an open house, it's been kinda busy.

We did a new craft show the beginning of the month. It was sponsored by the West Toronto Beading Guild, and was the first year for the show. And.. as with most first shows.. it wasn't that good. We covered the cost of the table, which is always good. LA used the other money that we earned to buy gifts. I didn't come home with any more money in my pocket than when I left. I would do it again because it is growing. LA is not so sure.

We had an open house last weekend to see if we could generate a few sales that did not happen at the craft show. A few folks stopped over and we sold a few things. That is our last event for 2010!

Just when it seemed it was a time to rest the phone started ringing for other things. We now have two bead stores wanting to put "Heavy Metal" components for their store. Good on us! In 2011 you will find these items at Beads of Colour in Dundas, and Rainbow Minerals in Ottawa.

So, it does not look like we will be taking a break over the holidays. Time to tie up some loose ends, and make sure all is in place for 2011.

We are haveing a small Open House on Saturday. Please stop by for Tea and chat!

Traveling

Yesterday I had the chance to travel to Upstate New York. I got to travel through Buffalo where I 90 was closed for 2 hours last week because of an accident and snow fall. Yep, they got snow! Something I've not seen yet in Toronto. I packed extra food, water and blankets in case the same thing happened this time. I was safe though. The roads were fine.

There was some  snow around St. Catherine's and then again between Rochester and Syracuse, but not much. Not like growing up in the Ottawa Vally where we would get over 10 feet a year, and snow drifts 4+ feet high. I am grateful that I learned to drive in those winter conditions. It makes days like yesterday a breeze.

Today I will be traveling back through those areas. I've not looked at the weather yet, but the problem areas were calling for up to 6 inches yesterday and over night. Lets see what happens today.

NOT NOW!!!

I have a busy week coming up. Today I spend the afternoon at the hairdresser's. Tomorrow we have a 'show' on the set of one of LA's movie/show contacts. Saturday we are in Mississauga for a show, and next Monday I drive down to see my friend Linda and pick up some supplies are are being delivered to her place. She lives in up state New York. I can save a lot of money on duty and taxes by going over to get the supplies. Yes, it is cheaper than paying the taxes!

So, after 3 weeks of watching LA with her cold, helping her get over it, and working at not getting it myself, 2 things have happened. The first is that she has gotten better, but it took a long time. The second of course is that I now have it! Full nasal sinuses, sore throat, chesty, headache, slight fever, and generally feeling like poop.

There is never a good time to get sick I'm sure, but the holiday season is one of the worst. So I will drink my fluids, get as much rest as I can, wash my hands often, not kiss anyone, stay away for the babies in the family, take extra vitamins, and keep my cold mist humidifier full and going. I may even whine a little to get some TLC :)

The Circle of Life

On November 8th LA's niece had a new baby boy.  November 24th the niece's paternal grandfather passed away.

Mike has been battling cancer for a number of years. He knew that there was not too much the doctors could do for him because of the positions of the tumor. He lived as independently as he could, fighting those who wanted to make things easier for him, because it took away that independence. Not long ago he sold him home, and moved into a center.

He is with his wife Joan now who passed a number of years ago. May they both travel in peace.

Battle of the Blades

Last evening a group of us , well we were only 4, went to see the last night of competition for The Battle of the Blades. For those who don't know this CBC program, it is a kin to Dancing with the Stars but with a Canadian twist. It's a mix of professional female pairs or dance skaters, partned with retired NHL hockey players. The boys have to learn figure skating on skates with toe picks, as well as all the figure skating moves and tricks.

We had seats at the middle of the rink so that we could see all of the action. LA and her friend Nancy moved up to 2 empty seats right next to the ice, and I'm sure can be seen in the program.
  

Tonight they crown the champion, and I'll be in Guelph at 8PM and will miss it. Poop! TG for PVRs

There is a new man in my life

Yes, a man! He's so cute, I couldn't help but love him.He was a week old yesterday.

The Beav - What's in a Name?

Last month we were at the Canadian CreativFest in Toronto. After meeting Caroline from the West Toronto Beading Guild, Laurie-Anne found a small strip of beaver pelt on the floor. (One of the vendors two booths away was selling scarves made from strips of coloured Canadian Beaver. One of the coloured strips had come away for a scarf and been tracked to where we were standing.)
The three of us then spent the next 2 hours making double entendres about the beaver. It was a blast!

This is Laurie-Anne. She will be recurrently mentioned in the blog. Now you know what she looks like.

News from the Beaver Weaver

I'm going to be taking a course in 2 months on blogging, and it was suggested that I start with the blogger to learn the basics. So here it is! We'll have to see where it takes us.

The Beav