Bad Day at the Computer

Good morning! It’s been an “interesting” week! Last Sunday was a bad day at the computer. My primary computer for years has been an ancient Toshiba Satellite laptop computer. The operating system is Windows 7 Home version, and it’s so old the software installed on the laptop is Microsoft Office 2010 and Adobe Photoshop CS5.

One of the challenges with today’s computers is planned rescission. When Microsoft or Apple introduces a new operating system, the software developers use the new operating system features to enhance their products. Utilizing the improved features makes their software not work on older computers. For example, my old laptop computer is so old I can’t run the current versions of Adobe Photoshop software.

This cycle moved me, so I had to purchase a new computer to run the current version of Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Still, my old Toshiba works fine, and I feel very comfortable running my MS Word 2010, allowing me to write my letters, columns, and articles. I relate my love for my Toshiba computer to writers who still use a typewriter.

That’s the long introduction to what happened last Sunday. While Linda slept, I went down to my basement office to write. That morning’s agenda was to review and wordsmith the first draft of my monthly Barefoot Writer contest entry. The deadline was in a few days. My other writing project for the day was to start writing this column. I try to create a new posting for my blog and Facebook once every one or two weeks.

On the way to my basement office, I stopped in the kitchen to feed the cats and make breakfast. I made one of my favorite breakfasts – a Cup-of-Noodles soup and a bottle of Apple Juice. I know, Cup-of-Noodles soup is not healthy – too much salt, but it’s easy to make and tides me over until later in the morning when I make brunch for Linda and myself.

Sunshine, our newest kitten, had finished her breakfast by the time I had microwaved my soup. She followed me down the stairs. After putting soup on the table next to my computer, I sat down and reached over to turn on my desk lamp. At that moment, Sunshine decided to jump up on the table. The next thing I knew, my Cup-a-Noodle soup spilled all over the table and onto the laptop – what a mess! Soup and noodles were everywhere. I quickly grabbed paper towels and tried to clean up the computer, but it was too late. The laptop was dead. I pushed the start button, but nothing happened.

Now, I’m not blaming Sunshine. She’s a kitten and loves and wants to be with her daddy for cuddles, and it’s my fault for putting the Cup-of-Noodle Soup on the table next to my computer.

Affinity Computer to the Rescue!

I unplugged the computer, gathered the power cord, and put the laptop in my travel computer bag, my old work knapsack. I knew I would head to Affinity Computers in Sterling, VA, on Monday morning.

I’ve known Bill, the lead maintenance technician at Affinity Computers, for what seems like forever. Over the years, I have purchased most of my computers (including the Toshiba Satellite computer) from him. He has also helped out when I need maintenance or an upgrade. Including the time he removed the nasty “FBI” virus, which froze my computer. He had seen this problem before and knew how to resolve the issue. Within a couple of days, I had my laptop back working so I could complete an assignment that helped pay for the maintenance bill.

After describing the problem, he would survey the damage and get back to me.

So I’m writing this post from my “other” computer. I checked in with Bill on Wednesday, and he said my computer was next on his schedule. I got a call on Thursday saying they had dried and cleaned up the computer. The computer was running fine, but he could not get the touchpad to work. It appears the connection between the touchpad and the computer motherboard was fried. To fix that problem, he would have to purchase a new motherboard. I told them not to worry; I could live without the touchpad. I use a separate mouse all the time when writing and at home. He also suggested I had additional memory to make the computer run faster.

I picked up the computer on Friday, and it’s working like a charm! Thanks again to Bill and the gang at Affinity Computers. If you have a problem with your computer and need repair, I highly recommend you check out Affinity Computer on Old Ox Rd in Sterling, VA.

Randy and Angie’s Wedding

On a perfect fall day Saturday, I had the honor of attending Randy and Angie’s wedding at the Harris Pavilion in downtown Manassas. It was a beautiful ceremony on a wonderful day.

Thinking back, we’ve known Randy and Angie for as long as we have been members of BRUU (Bull Run Unitarian Universalist) – long before they got together.

They held the reception at BRUU, where we feasted on excellent Peruvian Chicken, rice, and Yucca. I found out that adding Yucca sauce to the rice is delicious. Linda and I even got up during the reception and slow danced to a song.

Again, thank Randy and Angie for letting us be witnesses to your wedding. We had a wonderful time, and I hope you had as good a time as we did. We both wish you have a long, happy life together.

P.B.S. Studios

P.B.S. Studios is a feature and content writer/photography/digital painting company that’s written and published over a hundred articles for newspapers, magazines, and online publications. I’ve also had many other photographs published as illustrations in commercial and textbook publications. I’ve also had many additional pictures published as illustrations in commercial and textbook publications. As a digital photo painter, I’ve displayed my work in shops, libraries, galleries, restaurants, commercial buildings, and banners (this year, in front of the Manassas Post Office for a bit longer.)

Check out the gallery section on my website, www.pbsstudios.com, to see digital photo paintings and other examples of my work. Please Note: All photographs and digital images are for sale, and some photographic prints and digital paintings are available on my Etsy shop.

If you have any questions or comments, use the Contact Me form or send me an email: psmolens@pbsstudios.com. I accept credit card payments on my square account, PayPal, check, or Money Order.