Back in business! I could tell ds was not looking forward to the prospect of trying to figure this out. He said he had this problem until he upgraded to the "flash fiber" that is available through our electric co-op now. He thinks I should probably upgrade also, as do dgrands, b/c my internet IS extremely slow. However, since I do no streaming of movies, etc, and no gaming, I am satisfied. If I upgrade I will also up the price, and I don't want to do that. Besides the fact that FB is often full of people complaining that the flash fiber is out at random times.
Anyway -- I kept clicking and trying things and voila -- it is working.
I printed a receipt I want to take to Belk on Thursday to swap shoes I ordered online. They are the right size, but do not fit. I am taking dmom to the pain clinic and it is just across the highway from the mall, so should be easy to at least do a return, even if dmom doesn't want to spend much time at the store.
Are malls disappearing in your areas? Belk, a large regional department store (based in Harriet's neck of the woods, I believe) is the "anchor" store of this mall. The other anchor store is empty right now. It was an electronics chain, where I bought this computer (but not the printer). I don't really know what is in between the two stores -- I never shop in person anymore, so I admit, I am one of the many people contributing to the failure of brick and mortar stores.
Our little town square is dying -- there are three boutique-type stores for women's clothing, but almost nothing for men, except Wmart. There is a rumor that we are getting some kind of men's store. Lots of empty buildings, and soon to be two more empty lots as they tear down buildings that are condemned. One is an old jail. There is another huge empty lot where several stores burned a few years ago.
It's really sad. They are also tearing down the elementary school where my dgrands are the fourth generation in our family to attend. It was probably built in the 1930s. My mom, dh, and I all had the same lady for a first grade teacher there! Soon they literally will have "Paved paradise and put up a parking lot." I understand progress -- the new building where dgd's class is has better access to technology, larger classrooms, just everything you'd hope for in a brand new classroom... but it was so sad to see that old building come down.
DGS is already in the new building at the middle school. They tore down that older building before I retired from teaching. Again, dgs followed his dad, grandparents, and great-grandparents to that school. The old gym is still standing, and they use it as an auditorium for class plays and things, but I don't know how long that will last. It's a beautiful red brick building, tall white columns in front and glass brick in large windows on each side.
Anyway. At least nostalgia tonight isn't making me cry. I mean, I really had a long ugly cry last night. It's just hard to explain. I mean, I guess it's just normal. It's not like I go along miserable all day long... but when I think about the future, I just -- can't. I can't imagine ever feeling different than I do right now. I don't really mind being alone so much, and it absolutely terrifies me to think about ever merging my life with someone else again, but it makes me sad to think I'm going to feel like this forever, too.
Now I'm crying again.
I'm sorry.
CATHY -- OBVIOUSLY -- one does not have to be productive to visit in our little village. Look how long they've let me tag along...
k
