What’s on your mind?

[retta283]

I haven't done Christmas seriously since the late 1970s. Only 2 major Christmas's since then, 2005 (last Christmas with my parents' generation, one of the best times of my life) and 2019. 2019 was only because I had to take care of my nephew's property while he dealt with heart problems, but I got to stay with my grandnephews/grandnieces for Christmas and they loved it. I only enjoyed these two because I got to reconnect with family that I should've stayed closer with.

Even that I don't really celebrate the holidays, they do remind me of all the people I have known and been close with that are now gone or distant. Almost everybody I knew before the turn of the century is gone. It depresses me even that I realize it's simply life playing itself out in front of me.

Indeed 2021 will be no different than 2020 is right now. Just a continuation of the same catastrophe, the year is an arbitrary number.

 

[Clix Pix]

Kazmac, that's the model M1 MBP that I want, too, but so far have had no luck in actually scoring one in a store's inventory. I tend not to get up early, though, and often don't think to check the store's inventory until later in the day and of course by then they're gone. Our stores are no longer open for browsing; customers can go in only if they are picking up an order or have an appointment at the Genius Bar. I figure that maybe some time in January I'll manage to get my hands on the M1, but I'd really like to at least see and try one out prior to making the purchase. Doesn't seem as though that's going to be possible.

Got the camera out again and tried a different approach to what I had shot earlier, and this time at least came away with a couple of shots I actually like, so that's progress!

 

[MBAir2010]

Every Christmas, since i lived alone, i took the nikon camera out for a 4 hour walk to picnic point Madison Wisconsin and alway saw and photographed many eagles for ....oh over 14 straight years. Now im with family in sunny florida i need to be a family member this Christmas which will be weird even in 70plus weather

 

[Scepticalscribe]

@Scepticalscribe Many belated condolences 🤗 I hope you and decent brother are okay. May your fish be deliverEd.

Sending 🤗 @Clix Pix @Apple fanboy and everyone else in this thread. Not very holiday mood either. Older sis will be dropping off dinner for us tomorrow night. I just wish there was something we could do to improve mom’s pain. She‘s on a prescription NSAID as the opioids and other hard painkillers did nothing (Thank goodness for that).


@AVBeatMan - thanks again for the seek an M1 16gb / 1TB MBP at your local store advice. Sure enough local shop had that MBP configuration available this morning so I jumped. The M1 MBP is quite fast and I like typing on this. It feels more like the machine Apple promised at the One More Thing event.

So M1 MBA, Intel MBP and AirPods Max will be going back (Lesson learned, check the local Apple store VERY early for these configurations). Alas, AirPods Max are quite painful for me to wear. This stinks because I absolutely love them in almost every other way (Smart Bra case withstanding). To be fair, my naturally quasi-Vulcan ears never get on with over the ear headphones because of the cushion shape and my glasses. I tried so hard to make these work. 🥺 If mom’s Beats Flex are okay, I’ll get a pair for myself.

In more important news, starting to apply to jobs and attempting to help mom in any way I can.

I wish I could see Jupiter and Saturn...good luck to everyone trying to see them tonight.

Hope everyone is okay.

Thank you.

Decent Brother and I are both okay, we're cool, and are enjoying talking about politics (present) and sharing memories of our mother (past).

And yes, hopefully my fish will finally (and belatedly) be delivered tomorrow.

Best of luck to you and your mother dealing with your mother's pain; watching someone you love in pain is very hard, but good that your older sister will be dropping off dinner - hope you both enjoy it, if that is possible.

The very best of luck, also, with the job hunt.

Stay safe and sane and do take very good care of yourselves.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Kazmac, that's the model M1 MBP that I want, too, but so far have had no luck in actually scoring one in a store's inventory. I tend not to get up early, though, and often don't think to check the store's inventory until later in the day and of course by then they're gone. Our stores are no longer open for browsing; customers can go in only if they are picking up an order or have an appointment at the Genius Bar. I figure that maybe some time in January I'll manage to get my hands on the M1, but I'd really like to at least see and try one out prior to making the purchase. Doesn't seem as though that's going to be possible.

Got the camera out again and tried a different approach to what I had shot earlier, and this time at least came away with a couple of shots I actually like, so that's progress!

What I found is that they (MB's) become available throughout the day and not just at opening time. The one I secured came available at around 11:00 so even if you get up late it's still worth checking. Good luck.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Kazmac, that's the model M1 MBP that I want, too, but so far have had no luck in actually scoring one in a store's inventory. I tend not to get up early, though, and often don't think to check the store's inventory until later in the day and of course by then they're gone. Our stores are no longer open for browsing; customers can go in only if they are picking up an order or have an appointment at the Genius Bar. I figure that maybe some time in January I'll manage to get my hands on the M1, but I'd really like to at least see and try one out prior to making the purchase. Doesn't seem as though that's going to be possible.

Got the camera out again and tried a different approach to what I had shot earlier, and this time at least came away with a couple of shots I actually like, so that's progress!

I thought you were going to wait until the next version came out?

 

[Apple fanboy]

Every Christmas, since i lived alone, i took the nikon camera out for a 4 hour walk to picnic point Madison Wisconsin and alway saw and photographed many eagles for ....oh over 14 straight years. Now im with family in sunny florida i need to be a family member this Christmas which will be weird even in 70plus weatherView attachment 1699927

I’d rather be out shooting birds with my Nikon. But I probably need an underwater camera the amount of rain we’ve had.

 

[kazmac]

Kazmac, that's the model M1 MBP that I want, too, but so far have had no luck in actually scoring one in a store's inventory. I tend not to get up early, though, and often don't think to check the store's inventory until later in the day and of course by then they're gone. Our stores are no longer open for browsing; customers can go in only if they are picking up an order or have an appointment at the Genius Bar. I figure that maybe some time in January I'll manage to get my hands on the M1, but I'd really like to at least see and try one out prior to making the purchase. Doesn't seem as though that's going to be possible.

Got the camera out again and tried a different approach to what I had shot earlier, and this time at least came away with a couple of shots I actually like, so that's progress!

Our local store only has appointments too. The two hour courier delivery is very helpful (or dangerous 😋). I am now waiting on Return appointments to open up at this store.

I hope you can pick up an M1 MBP soon.

Glad you got some nice shots in this round of photos.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes on the job hunt.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Decent Brother - bless him - sent me a crate of wine, a number of different wines - as a Yuletide gift; unfortunately, I won't be seeing him (on account of Covid) over the coming days; apart from the years when I worked abroad at Christmas, - when he always stayed with my mother, (his mother, our mother), this will be the first Christmas - ever - when we have not wined and dined and chatted endlessly together, which we have not spent together.

Okay: There wil be our usual chats of at least an hour - very welcome, greatly apppreciated and much enjoyed, - but not quite the same.

And today, along with my crate of Belgian beers, a very large box of crisps - containing many packets of crisps (chips to Our Transatlantic Cousins) also made a welcome appearance.

 

[Clix Pix]

I thought you were going to wait until the next version came out?

I've got that "new Apple product itch" and it hasn't gone away...... Practicality tells me, "Wait until the redesigned model which is more equivalent to my 2018 MBP comes out," but curiosity keeps poking me to see what the new M1 machines are like right now, too.

AVBeatMan and Kazmac, I'll keep checking, as I have the feeling that once the Christmas rush is over that availability will ease up fairly quickly. I'm not in any rush......

Kazmac, I probably will do that with the two-hour courier delivery service, too, as that worked out really well the last time I tried it. Just makes sense to get online, see the machine configuration and specs that I want available immediately at my local Apple store and just right then and there order it to be delivered via courier within a couple of hours.... In terms of health and protection, etc., since I am in a vulnerable group when it comes to COVID-19, this seems the best approach now. No need to go anywhere near the mall or the store. I can play with the machine here at home and actually that is a more realistic approach to learning about a new machine anyway as opposed to a few minutes in the store..... Any problems arise, can just make the arrangements for returning it.

Also, yes, Kazmac, good luck with your mother's health situation and with the job hunt! A new year filled with hope is on our horizon....

 

[chown33]

...
And yes, hopefully my fish will finally (and belatedly) be delivered tomorrow.
...

I have to say, "May your fish be delivered punctually" sounds more like a secret code than something to be taken literally.

Or maybe a line by the narrator of a Monty Python skit, shortly before two Gumbys begin throwing haddock at one another in a duel, from 10 paces.

 

[kazmac]

I've got that "new Apple product itch" and it hasn't gone away...... Practicality tells me, "Wait until the redesigned model which is more equivalent to my 2018 MBP comes out," but curiosity keeps poking me to see what the new M1 machines are like right now, too.

AVBeatMan and Kazmac, I'll keep checking, as I have the feeling that once the Christmas rush is over that availability will ease up fairly quickly. I'm not in any rush......

Kazmac, I probably will do that with the two-hour courier delivery service, too, as that worked out really well the last time I tried it. Just makes sense to get online, see the machine configuration and specs that I want available immediately at my local Apple store and just right then and there order it to be delivered.... In terms of health and protection, etc., since I am in a vulnerable group when it comes to COVID-19, this seems the best approach now. No need to go anywhere the mall or the store. I can play with the machine here at home and actually that is a more realistic approach to learning about a new machine anyway as opposed to a few minutes in the store..... Any problems arise, can just make the arrangements for returning it.

Also, yes, Kazmac, good luck with your mother's health situation and with the job hunt! A new year filled with hope is on our horizon....

That “new Apple product itch” compelled me so much here. Of course, borking my iMac hastened the need for a new machine. Mom and I are also in a vulnerable group for COVID, so it is probably better that I return these via Fed Ex.

The MBP is very responsive and typing is quite nice. Not doing anything intense yet, but it’s nice to know I can.

I have to say, "May your fish be delivered punctually" sounds more like a secret code than something to be taken literally.

Or maybe a line by the narrator of a Monty Python skit, shortly before two Gumbys begin throwing haddock at one another in a duel, from 10 paces.

😂I bet that was a competition in the not quite upper class twit of the year contest.

Well, I would post the video but ye legendary fish slapping dance seems as if it was performed by the Bruces and not the Gumbys... (Very silly semantics)

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I am happy to report that my fish order (prawns/shrimp, snow crab, ordinary crab, monkfish fillets, smoked salmon, gravadlax, a fish mix (white fish, red fish - such as salmon & smoked fish), and some French fish stock, plus croutons) has been delivered and thus, has arrived safely.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I am happy to report that my fish order (prawns/shrimp, snow crab, ordinary crab, monkfish fillets, smoked salmon, gravadlax, a fish mix (white fish, red fish - such as salmon & smoked fish), and some French fish stock, plus croutons) has been delivered and thus, has arrived safely.

Glad to hear it. In other news a strange yellow orb can currently be seen in the sky. Not sure what it is or when we will see it again, but it made my lunchtime walk much more pleasant!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Glad to hear it. In other news a strange yellow orb can currently be seen in the sky. Not sure what it is or when we will see it again, but it made my lunchtime walk much more pleasant!

Yes, I, too, have caught a glimpse of that strange yellow orb hanging in the sky; must venture out (a trot to the local shop does not really count as a walk) to inspect it more closely.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Yes, I, too, have caught a glimpse of that strange yellow orb hanging in the sky; must venture out (a trot to the local shop does not realy count as a walk) to inspect it more closely.

Well don’t leave it too long. I suspect it’s presence will be fleeting!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Glad to hear it. In other news a strange yellow orb can currently be seen in the sky. Not sure what it is or when we will see it again, but it made my lunchtime walk much more pleasant!

Yes, I, too, have caught a glimpse of that strange yellow orb hanging in the sky; must venture out (a trot to the local shop does not really count as a walk) to inspect it more closely.

Well don’t leave it too long. I suspect it’s presence will be fleeting!

Well, I ventured out, well wrapped up, and had a walk (where I did manage to catch a glimpse of that great golden, more a pale yellow, orb, at an unsettling low angle in the sky, descending fast towards the horizon, and now, once again, completely obscured and blanketed by banks, and duvets of leaden grey, charcoal, cloud cover) and collected some healthy brown bread that had been held for me in a local bakery.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Well, I ventured out, well wrapped up, and had a walk (where I did manage to catch a glimpse of that great golden, more a pale yellow, orb, at an unsettling low angle in the sky, descending fast towards the horizon, and now, once again, completely obscured and blanketed by banks, and duvets of leaden grey, charcoal, cloud cover) and collected some healthy brown bread that had been held for me in a local bakery.

Fresh bread. Yum. I miss bread. Hopefully the sun might reappear tomorrow for another walk. I could even take the camera if we get some nice light.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Fresh bread. Yum. I miss bread. Hopefully the sun might reappear tomorrow for another walk. I could even take the camera if we get some nice light.

Agreed, fresh bread, yes, yum, indeed.

There won't be any for a number of days.

And today, I also collected some of the organic milk (and cream) that had been kept for me - deliveries won't resume until January.

A walk tomorrow would be nice, weather permitting.

This afternoon, toute seule, I am re-visiting memories - mostly happy - of Christmas's past, especially Christmas Eve; in our twenties, Decent Brother and I spent an embarrassing number of them socialising in pubs. A different life, and a different world.

In more recent years, visiting the cemetery on Christmas Day - first, for my father, and last year, for both parents - had also become a tradition, one that I doubt will be possible tomorrow.

Well, I'll salute them in my mind and memory.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Agreed, fresh bread, yes, yum, indeed.

There won't be any for a number of days.

And today, I also collected some of the organic milk (and cream) that had been kept for me - deliveries won't resume until January.

A walk tomorrow would be nice, weather permitting.

This afternoon, toute seule, I am re-visiting memories - mostly happy - of Christmas's past, especially Christmas Eve; in our twenties, Decent Brother and I spent an embarrassing number of them socialising in pubs. A different life, and a different world.

In more recent years, visiting the cemetery on Christmas Day - first, for my father, and last year, for both parents - had also become a tradition, one that I doubt will be possible tomorrow.

Well, I'll salute them in my mind and memory.

Well however you choose to celebrate enjoy. I’ll just treat it for what it is. Just another day. Nothing special. Definitely not one to celebrate or recall happy memories in the AFB household.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well however you choose to celebrate enjoy. I’ll just treat it for what it is. Just another day. Nothing special. Definitely not one to celebrate or recall happy memories in the AFB household.

First time at home by myself at Christmas; always, - whenever I was home, that is, for, I have worked abroad quite a bit at Christmas - until now, there have been one or both parents and Decent Brother around.

I'm fine; I have books, and beer and wine and crisps, and cheese (and bread); also fish and a full larder and freezer and fridge. And music.

And there is always the telephone. (Or email and Skype).

 

[Apple fanboy]

First time at home by myself at Christmas; always, - whenever I was home, that is, for, I have worked abroad quite a bit at Christmas - until now, there have been one or both parents and Decent Brother around.

I'm fine; I have books, and beer and wine and crisps, and cheese (and bread); also fish and a full larder and freezer and fridge. And music.

And there is always the telephone. (Or email and Skype).

And MacRumors!

 

[Clix Pix]

This will be my third Christmas wholly, totally alone. Many years ago when both parents were alive I was unable to get down to North Carolina to visit them for the holiday because we and they had a huge snowstorm and travel, either local or long-distance, just was not possible. We celebrated Christmas over the phone. Last year, a friend and I who usually got together for Christmas didn't because she was feeling unwell and we had just been together a couple of weeks earlier. This year? Well....the pandemic, of course.

I shall do pretty much as I normally do, along with having a nice meal and serving myself by plating the meal in/on my Spode Christmas plates and bowls, having started the day by drinking my coffee out of a Spode mug (actually meant to do that this morning but forgot and automatically poured the coffee into my usual orange LeCreuset stoneware one. By the time I remembered how I'd intended to enjoy my coffee, it was too late today, but I'll use the Spode mug tomorrow and on Boxing Day for sure).

Of course tomorrow and also later today there will be some texts, phone calls, emails.... I didn't bother sending Christmas cards this year so emails and such will have to do.

Last Christmas went fine on my own and so tomorrow will as well. It's just one day, after all......

 

[Apple fanboy]

This will be my third Christmas wholly, totally alone. Many years ago when both parents were alive I was unable to get down to North Carolina to visit them for the holiday because we and they had a huge snowstorm and travel, either local or long-distance, just was not possible. We celebrated Christmas over the phone. Last year, a friend and I who usually got together for Christmas didn't because she was feeling unwell and we had just been together a couple of weeks earlier. This year? Well....the pandemic, of course.

I shall do pretty much as I normally do, along with having a nice meal and serving myself by plating the meal in/on my Spode Christmas plates and bowls, having started the day by drinking my coffee out of a Spode mug (actually meant to do that this morning but forgot and automatically poured the coffee into my usual orange LeCreuset stoneware one. By the time I remembered how I'd intended to enjoy my coffee, it was too late today, but I'll use the Spode mug tomorrow and on Boxing Day for sure).

Of course tomorrow and also later today there will be some texts, phone calls, emails.... I didn't bother sending Christmas cards this year so emails and such will have to do.

Last Christmas went fine on my own and so tomorrow will as well. It's just one day, after all......

I just can’t wait for Saturday. Then it’s over for another year!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Once my fish was delivered, to be honest, I did not expect anyone (or anything) else to materialise at the door this evening.

Around half an hour ago, there was a knock on the door; a neighbour (who is also friendly with the cheesemonger) had a large box - actually, a massive hamper - and was cradling it in his arms.

When the cheesemonger was delivering goodies to him earlier, he had dropped in another hamper to be delivered to me, and thus, my neighbour handed over an enormous box with several different types of cheese, terrine, prosciutto, olives, chutneys, jam, salami, biscuits, and a few bottles of wine.

What an absolutely lovely human being.