Hi all,
I am using Ed's laptop and it is a nightmare. It has a touch-sensitive mouse pad that introduces random programs at will. I used the Word program yesterday, rested a part of my hand and immediately my word page shrunk to a postage stamp size and nested in the upper left corner and I couldn't retrieve it.

A few days ago, an electrical storm produced a 20-second power outage, not a big deal, but it was enough to fry the power supply. Ed, who must have been feeling lucky, never replaced our worn out surge protector. Since the mother board was toast, Ed bit the bullet and we bought a new computer. My BFF, Nadine, a techie superstar, told us Staples would transfer our data for free if we bought our new computer there. Don't get Windows 8, she said, and that was a joke, because no one sells 7 anymore. The Staples techie, a 20-something named George, said we shouldn't worry because the early 8 problems had all been ironed out. But there will still be a learning curve.

Since Ed doesn't want to transfer programs, he did pay Staples to have their guy do that too. We got an HP. Ed proceeded without input from me because he considers anything I have to say in this matter not only totally irrelevant, but extremely annoying.

This expense is a third in a disastrous string of events starting with the clothes washer that is currently doing only a cold wash. A replacement still not happening and the computer stuff sets it back more. Second event was an extremely expensive vet bill, almost $1,000. Then Ed lost his reading glasses. At the eye lab they offer a second pair of frames and you pay for the lens. I needed a replacement pair too. So four pairs of glasses plus Ed got a special non-glare coating and I need special lens for astigmatism or I will see two of you and in some cases, sweet things, that would be fine, and the bill came to $900.

And then I found Ed's lost glasses on the entryway to the house -- they had fallen out of a jacket slung over his arm. All we had to do was look down and we didn't. It's nice to have new glasses, but we would have waited.

As I type, the warmth from the heel of my hand transmits itself to Skype (not activated but the icon is just below the edge of the screen) and the program opens. I swear only the tips of my fingers are doing anything and this shit keeps happening.

So before I go ape, I am saying s'long for now. Thanks to Jon Dude for letting you know my situation.

Incidentally, I can't get my E mail on this thing because it keeps telling me that only the primary user (Ed) can introduce a "new" account and that is crazy because my account is not new and should be accessible from any computer.

kisses to all. I'm going to cry now.

Teal

P.S. Should have the working computer by Friday.