Problem solving day

May 16, 2007 (4:07am)
45º F, Cloudy with drips, N wind 18 mph.

Good morning,

12:24 pm

Well I started this at the above time, then discovered that my printer didn’t want to work. We also have been having several problems with this, so .... started to try and figure out what was wrong. After a couple of hours, I think I may have found most of the problems. The port replicator apparently is the source. After disconnecting it, then reinstalling some things, the current crop of problems disappeared. Printer is back and so is the LAN. Don’t know what I did to make it so grumpy, but for the moment it will be sulking unconnected to this. I did discover that I have something of a shortage of USB ports, so will pick up a hub one of these days.

For what ever reason, Margriet decided to get up about 5:30 A.M. this morning. I normally wait until an hour later than that to turn on the heat and get a new pot fo coffee going. Fortunately, I did have the coffee ready. Whew! It really was a surprise.

I spent a good share of the morning trying to get phone service for Guds Nordtre set up. I tried to do it on the web, but eventually afer going through about 6 "pages" the next one said there was an error with the system and it could not process my request, so I should call and 800 number. I did, only to find out it was the wrong one, after going through about 10 minutes of time-saving automated phone service, but the gal would transfer me. Again more automated stuff and a wait before I got a gal that said I should be on the web and not talking to her! Told her I tried that without success so she gave me a different website to open, apparently the one posted on their opening page is incorrect. Finally I did get through on the web, then spent the next hour + following the timesaving program. The site didn’t like me just getting the minimum service and kept trying to sell me more. I think I have phone service beginning on Saturday, but not sure as they will call of email me to confirm again on Saturday! Wonder how that will work - no phone or email. Oh well, modern technology will over come.

We took the truck yesterday, hoping to buy a new mattress and box spring. Well we paid for them, but they will not be in until next Wednesday. We will keep sleeping on an air mattress for a few more nights the way it sounds. I really have a tough time getting out of bed with it as it is laying on the floor. Joints ain’t got no lubrication in them at the first get-go. The air mattress is very comfortable to sleep on though. A lot better than those of many years ago.

I did manage to pick up a cap for the chimney of the little house. The one that was there was messed up and in the woodshed. It is a temporary arrangement until I can replace the entire chimney. Hopefully it will keep the rain and birds out of it. The chimney works well for smoke, but it leaks around the hole through the roof also. I have no idea where it came from, but can’t find parts to fit it. Looks like Leo extended it and couldn’t find the right parts either as it is cobbled together. Fleet Farm has the parts for about less cost than anywhere else we have looked, so will pick up the necessary parts one of the next time by. Never put one through a metal roof before so that should be an experience too!

Astrid and Onno, with family, what to come over here and we are trying to figure out a way to make it happen. Prices for tickets are very expensive right now, so are looking at some time in late fall or winter. By waiting that long, it looks like each ticket will cost about $300.00 less or so. For four people, big and small, that is a large difference. Astrid also sent some more pictures of the little squirts, getting to be big squirts now, too. Will include a couple with this.

Time to get a-going.

In Christ My Saviour,

Chris ><>

Pictures:

#1 - M&M in flowerland

#2 - Pim in flowerland

#3 - Onno in heaven on earth