I've been out of commission for several days. San Geraldo and I have very old laptop computers. We've each used ours for years as desktop computers by plugging in a large monitor, and external mouse and keyboard. But they're old and tired and, even if they weren't tired, they can't keep up with the memory hogging applications and peripherals we now use. They freeze and jiggle and lock-up. The fan on mine runs constantly and the laptop will still overheat if I don't turn on an external fan stand.
So, The Dowager Duchess bought us new desktop computers!!! She's amazing, I know. We are so lucky to have her and her generosity is the least of the reasons.
We are now the proud owners of brand-new, super-duper, iMacs... with all the bells and whistles. Thank you, again, Dowager Duchess.
We have spent the last several days "migrating" what we can from our MacBooks to our new iMacs. It's never as easy as it's cracked up to be. San Geraldo's migration went a little more smoothly than did mine. The people on Apple Support have been great. I spent about six hours chatting with them!
But I've at least got a wonderful, powerful, sleek and beautiful new computer. Oh how I love the bells and whistles. Now I just have to get up to speed on some new software, and figure out where everything is on my Spanish keyboard.
Last night we had dinner with Tynan and Elena — a belated birthday dinner for The Goddess. We went to El Rio, which has become another one of our regular haunts. I glanced across the long space and noticed the signs on the restroom doors.
"Oh my, God," I said. "I used the women's room last time I was here."
"What?!?" Elena laughed. "You did not!"
"Yeah, I used the one on the left. The one on the right has a picture of a guy with a handlebar mustache. Obviously, the men's room."
"Handlebar mustache? What are you talking about? That's a girl with pigtails!"
We went for a closer look. I won't tell you who was right. But when I pulled out my camera, our waiter Francisco, laughed and told me, "That happens all the time."
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| THE UNIVERSAL SYMBOLS ATOP THE DOORS ARE A DEAD GIVE-AWAY. |
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| I REALIZE IT'S MORE OF A SHAVING BRUSH MUSTACHE THAN A HANDLEBAR... |
The video is a stretch but, well, it's "bathroom session."
Brand-spanking-new-computers!! How nice!
ReplyDeleteGood to see that it was you for a change making a 'faut pas' instead of poor SG!!
That singer is from the Canadian band 'Barenaked Ladies'.
Jim:
DeleteYep, that's Ed Robertson on guitar. I make plenty of faux pas myself but, since I tell the stories I focus on San Geraldo!
Six hours on the phone! I guess it was worth it. Yes, I've not understood symbols at times. What is that sealed bin like device next to the toilet?
ReplyDeleteAndrew:
DeleteWhen I was 19, I was in Italy for the first time and I though that "sealed bin-like device" in my friends apartment was a urinal!
wow I am jelous about your new computer it is better than my Lenovo and Toshiba... You have an amazing mom.
ReplyDeleteGosia:
DeleteMy mother is unbelievably generous. The new computers are such a HUGE improvement.
Okay, but what about the emblem above the girl with pigtails? That's a dead give-a-way.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteI tried to explain to Elena that the "international symbol" contradicted the guy with the mustache. But when I made her take a closer look, I saw the pigtails.
Delightfully tacky
ReplyDeleteJohn:
DeleteAnd the restaurant itself is not at all tacky.
So funny....Ha, Ha on you for picking the wrong restroom. And congrats on the new computers. I overmaxed my old wireless router, had to get a new one and reconnect everything. All went fairly smoothly except one printer, and then my microcell to connect my phone to the towers around us (that are too far away) died as well. Not a fun week for technology. But I'm up and running again!
ReplyDeleteLinda:
DeleteSo glad you're up and running. The new computer has been exciting. The problems have not. But I'm up and running now and it's a joy!
Now we need a blog post from San G!
ReplyDeleteKudos to the Dowager Duchess for a lovely and useful gift! (And you are going to chortle over the coincidence.)
This guy has done a great cover, love the song and Barenaked Ladies!
Jacqueline:
DeleteNo blog posts ever from San Geraldo. He might try to confuse you all with the truth.
That's not a cover. That's actually Ed Robertson from the Barenaked Ladies. They did a wonderful series of "Bathroom Sessions."
I have more than once had some near-misses on whether to take a left or a right. When I'm focussed on my goal I don't do well in places too clever with their signage.
ReplyDeleteMarty:
DeleteA couple of times when we were traveling, my mother was so engrossed in conversation that she walked right into the men's room with me.
What a hoot! Mustache, indeed! But who has time to study these things at such a time? I went into the men's room once because of the regular man / woman signs; got confused because I was wearing jeans and not the skirt pictured! :D
ReplyDeleteJean:
DeleteAnd she could also just be a guy wearing an overcoat!
You lucky dabs, new iMacs. What a wonderful woman that Duchess!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Mitch.
Thanks for your lovely comments about Meg.
Much Love
Di
xoxo
Di:
DeleteI can't believe how limited I've been (for years) with my old computer. Now that I'm up and running, everything is so much better and faster and clearer. As for Meg, she is truly exceptional. You (and she) have done a great job... and you've been very fortunate!
You'll have to tell us more about the bells and whistles because getting new toys is so much fun. DD is a real hon, isn't she.
ReplyDeleteRestrooms (Washrooms in our world) can be quite challenging sometimes. Urinals usually assist but you never know.
Ron:
DeleteIn the States we called them restrooms, washrooms, men's rooms, etc. But the best was when I was in a restaurant in England with my brother-in-law (more than 40 years ago) and asked him where the bathroom was. "Why? Are you going to take a bath?" he responded.
opps
ReplyDeleteSpo:
DeleteThey're both one-seaters, so I don't know what difference it actually makes...