Week in Review - 2019Nov22

Hunky Husband's new desktop computer and monitor have been set up at his computer desk and the data from his old computer has been migrated. My new computer was delivered Tuesday afternoon while I was in the far back yard "supervising" the planting of two gingko trees. Fortunately, HH was at home to hear the doorbell ring and sign for the delivery. After carrying 10 gallons of water to each of the new trees, I was too pooped to worry about setting up my new computer and monitor (delivered 10 days ago) until after dinner.

As I had played "musical desks" with the old computer, setting it up on my non-computer desk where I had previously set up HH's old computer while draining it of data, I was able to install the new equipment on my computer desk without much fuss (photo, below). Having now transferred the data from the old computer to the new, the old computer now resides at the downstairs desk. Since, unlike HH's old computer, my old computer has no problem with the new cheapie speakers, it will do to play exercise videos for me.

INSERTION OF 11/26/2019 6:12PM - Only 7 days later

As expected, and much like HH's new computer, this computer processes lickety-split! I'm trying out using the new, flat-layout keyboard that came with the computer. It seems very strange and it is harder for me to work with the keyboard under the desktop - where I cannot see it. If, after a couple of months, I don't adjust well to the new keyboard, I shall re-install the old keyboard. It came with a computer that I purchased at least 10 years ago...perhaps 15. I do OK, already, in plain text inputting. It's the numbers and special keys that are hard for me to find - especially since the layout is slightly different from that to which I was accustomed. (Comparison of keyboards in photo, below - older keyboard at top of photo.)

Wednesday, since I was supposed to give the new gingko trees 20 gallons of water, each, I strung all three four of our watering hoses together to stretch into the far back yard to complete the watering. While I was at it, I watered the walnut tree that was transplanted into the woods about three years ago, a couple of walnut saplings that I had planted in the near woods a few years ago (which have reached an astounding height of about 12" - yes, that is inches), a volunteer redbud, and the umbrella catalpa and pink dogwood trees that have been planted in what is now the edge of the woods within the past two years. Dragging around and coiling up 150' 200' (plus) of watering hose made me as pooped as had the carrying buckets of water the 100+ 150+ feet from the house to the new gingko trees!

Comments

[Ole Phat Stu]

Tip : put the trash can next to the printer ;-)

[bogie]

I hate the flat keyboards - and the shape of the generic mouse included. I didn't even give them a chance beyond the first 5 minutes when I got my new computer. Years ago I went to a Staples and tried out the various shapes and sizes of mice and keyboards. I liked specific Logitech models and bought the wireless variety. I transferred those to the new computer.

The flat keyboard and generic mouse from my new computer (which are also wireless) now sit on my printer stand, where I have the charging station and monitor set up for my work laptop. They are fine for that application since I don't use them often as well as not having much room for a keyboard there anyway. My printer has been relegated to the top of a file cabinet - thank goodness it is wireless.

[Cop Car]

Stu--Thanks for the hot tip; but, that is a recycle bin. (So there! ; )

As positioned, the recycle bin is accessible when I sit at the computer desk/printer stand and when I am in my reading chair - to the left of the recycle bin. Most of the recyclables are stuff received by USPS mail. (The trash bin is blue and situated next to my reading chair, at right angle to the recycle bin - also accessible when I'm sitting at the computer.)

Bogie--You are really good at working to get what you really want. Kudos! Unsightly as the spaghetti of wires is, and a pain to sort out at times, I prefer wired to wireless. I'm having a heck of a time finding wired speakers. (Note that my all-in-one printer can be used wirelessly - or - I could print on your dad's large LaserJet printer wirelessly, if I wanted; but, I connect to my all-in-one via USB port.)

I don't enjoy the hassle of replacing batteries and taking them to hazardous waste disposal; but, a few years ago I did buy HH a wireless mouse to use with his laptop. Unfortunately, the tank vacuum that I bought in September has a battery-powered light. The batteries are still in the wrapping!

I'm becoming accustomed to the flat keyboard and may well learn to like it better than the old keyboard. The mouse is a little large for my hand, so I may go back to the one I'd used for several years. I used to carry my own mouse with me when on assignment to a disaster relief operation.

[Liz Hinds]

What a tidy desk. Does it stay like that?
That is an awful lot of water. Good job you had a hose system.

[Cop Car]

Liz--Would anyone believe me if I told you, "Yes, it does?" (Please don't be that gullible, folks.)

This is the first time that I've had to carry so much water, so far to new trees. The first two trees that we planted (one sugar maple, one gingko) were in the front yard. We had so much rain that year that I had to bail water out of their holes for days and days. Otherwise, trees have been of a size that I could water them with a couple of buckets of water every few days. I counted that as exercise since there were usually at least two or three of the new trees each year. The nursery man said that I could get away with 20 gals, each new gingko, once per month - during the winter. During the growing season, it'll be 20 gals, each, once per week (depending upon rainfall or drought, of course).

[Ole Phat Stu]

If a cluttered desk (like mine) is a sign of a cluttered mind,
what then is an empty desk?
:evil grin:

[Cop Car]

Liz--Please see the photo that I added, showing my computer desk as it appeared seven days, nearly to the minute, after the photo showing the computer/monitor setup. The later photo is fairly indicative of the usual state of my computer desk.

Stu--An empty desk, in my case is the sign of a miracle, a tornado's passing, or system replacement. BTW: Who would credit you with a grin of any kind other than evil? *chuckling*

[Ingineer66]

I am not a fan of the new minimalist keyboards either. I like the old fashioned ones where you actually push down on the keys. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

[Cop Car]

Ingineer--I've gotten somewhat used to the flat keyboard; but, if I continue to use it I'll add little plastic, raised dots to the zero (at the top, not on the number pad, which gives me no problem but isn't much used), and backspace keys. Those are the two that I have the most trouble finding (and the dash next to the zero which marking the zero key will solve). I may also add them to the eff and jay keys as my old fingers can't feel the very slight ridges that were manufactured on them. BTW: Bogie wrote a nice posting about her computer setups and why she prefers wireless peripherals.

Thanks for the well wishes. HH and I had a lazy day, yesterday. We're invited to WichiDude & Dudette's home, tomorrow, where all of our local family will, I presume, gobble down her traditional meal: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, jellied cranberry sauce, black & green olives, rolls from her grandmother's secret recipe & butter, pecan pie, and chocolate pie (that's mostly whipped cream).

I hope that you and your family had/will have a delicious, delightful Thanksgiving.