Computer decisions.

I need a new laptop. Remember, my Sony Vaio was stolen by the dastardly thieves who broke into my house. I can not decide what to do. I want a Mac. But do I need a Mac?



I hate making major decisions about spending money. I get this paralyzed feeling. I think the root of the problem is this: I don't have a lot of money. In fact, we live on a very, very, very small income. (I am not complaining. We may be "technically" living below the poverty line in rich American standards, but we live very well compared to most people on this planet. I have a nice home, food, clothes, shelter, running water, etc.) Back to my point...I don't often have discretionary money. Spending more than $50 is a big deal to me. When I have to make a major purchase (appliance, furniture, etc.) I want to be absolutely certain that the money is spent wisely. Whatever I choose is going to have to serve me well and last me a while. It is not as if I can replace it a year from now if I hate it, or it turns out to be a lemon.

So, back to the big decision...what's a girl to do? I have never met a Mac-user who didn't love their Mac. As one of my son's recently said:

"If you have a PC you are more likely to have repairs, you are more likely to have problems, you are going to have to deal with viruses. These things can be dealt with. Keep in mind that most PC have terrible inherent problems where they just crash for no reason and certain things won't work at all or whatever.

If you get a Mac you have a piece of equipment that you know will be useful for 4+ years. So you are making an investment. There are still nice functional macs from 2000 that are great. PC's from 2000 are delapidated and hideous. I would not get another PC to save my life at this point. I vote mac for reliability and peace of mind. But I am not the one to say that spending twice as much is a good idea."



And there is the rub...is it really worth twice the price to get a Mac? You know, if I bought a cheaper PC, I could use the money not spent on a Mac and get a spinning wheel.



But, if I buy a PC, am I buying a headache? Argh!!!

Oh, and just to tempt me further, yesterday Apple announces updates and improvements to the Macbook...all without raising the price! http://www.apple.com/macbook/

In which I complain (again) about aging...

Ack! I am more and more having to face the fact that my body is aging. I don't think of myself as old, but sometimes when I look in the mirror, I wonder, "Who is that person looking back at me? That's not my face!" Recently, I hurt my back and I walked around for days like a crotchety old lady. They think it is a bulging disc and it has pretty much put an end to my workouts...bleh. Another constant reminder that the old grey mare just ain't what she used to be is my eyesight, my perfect eyesight! It isn't perfect anymore. Distance vision is great, but it gets harder and harder to read and distinguish things up close. I have glasses that I used to wear as needed when reading or doing needlework. I am finding I need them now for just about everything! The world is getting blurry! What is even more frustrating is when I need them and I can't find them. Grrrr. Once, a few years ago, a friend of mine posted a photo on her blog of a lovely beaded chain she had made to hang her glasses on. Maybe that's what I should get? However, it must be a young, hip-looking eyeglass chain lest my ego be totally crushed by the fact that I am reduced to looking like an old spinster librarian!

Okay, so my whine is over. I haven't posted photos lately, so here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

Progress on my current sock project:





A prayer shawl I am knitting for a lady I know who is battling cancer:



Here is the lovely view we had a week ago at the river.



Daughter sitting on the pier.



The end of the day.

Sanctuary violated!!

"Home." It conjures up images of family, laughter, baking bread, refuge. It is a place where a person can feel safe. There are some things we tend to take for granted until they are taken away...health, life, safety. While my family was away form home Sunday night, someone smashed in our back door and robbed us! I still can not effectively put into words how this makes me feel. "Violated" is as close as I can get.

They stole some money and my laptop. Yes, my laptop with all my files, downloaded patterns, bookmarks, addresses, and many photos. (((sigh))) However, the thief took away a lot more than some cash and a computer. They stole from me and my husband the illusion of peace and safety. I know that it is a bad world OUT THERE. But here, in my home, I am supposed to feel safe! I can not tell you how creepy it is to think some stranger was wondering through my home, going through our stuff.

Ah well. What is a girl to do? I can tell you what this girl is doing...first, I am counting my blessings:

--No one was home when it happened
--No one was hurt
--Although they got away with some stuff, there was much they did not take (it truly borders on the miraculous...one can not help but wonder if God intervened and blinded their eyes so that they did not see certain things)
--The thugs did not go through my home and trash it

I am doing my best to remember that God is my refuge and my strength. Ultimately, I have to trust in His protection.

I am also sleeping with a big baseball bat under my bed!