WARNING: This is not my typical blog post, and it’s not about Christmas in the Bahamas. But it will explain why there may not be another post. 🙁
My wonderful MacBook Pro has “died” for unknown reasons. Started it up just fine yesterday morning, turned around to pour my cup of tea, looked back and saw a black screen. We have tried every possible solution found on the Internet. Nada. Doesn’t make a sound and it doesn’t do anything. Only 2 1/2 years old! I began my retirement years and this blog with it. Will my retirement end with the laptop? Will the blog have to end without the laptop?
My mechanically gifted Captain even removed the back to take a look. Lots of dust inside. Disconnected the battery from the motherboard and put it back. Evidently there was a slim chance that might get it going again. Nope. Here in the Bahamas, there are no Apple stores, no Genius Bar, and no way to telephone Apple Support, who would in all likelihood tell me to take it to an Apple Store.
So, here it is, the Night before Christmas, and all through the ship, not a gigabyte was stirring, not even a chip. It’s easy to say that this is a wonderful opportunity to get “unplugged,” but I’m not feeling that way. I imagine that it would be a challenge for most of us to give up our computers, even for folks like me who did not grow up with this technology.
That Mac held a lot of our lives in it – ALL of my photos, important documents and information, and numerous spreadsheets (I’m a former math teacher, I have a spreadsheet for everything). Yes, everything is backed up on an external hard drive (about 2-3 weeks ago?) but that doesn’t help me here and now. That will only help when this Macbook is repaired or replaced. It was also my method of staying connected, especially through my blog. I’m not sure if I can continue doing the blog without my trusty (haha) Mac. I’ve always imagined that I would someday revisit our cruising and boating years through the blog, when we are old(er) and gray(er). I wrote it primarily for me, as a journal and record.
Now what do I do? First, I have to put it aside and remember that it is Christmas. It would be even worse to lose my Christmas spirit because of this technological stumbling block. So, off we will go to a lovely Christmas Eve party at Deanna and Sarah’s island home, followed by the candlelight service at St. James. Life and living is about people, not machines.
Second, I’ll try to find a way to do some sort of blogging using Al’s iPad. But I’m not making any promises. I’m using my iPhone for this, and it is not fun or easy. Humbug. (Can you sense how much I am struggling with this technological disaster?)
Michele Boulay
Michele,
My MacBook Pro died at 6 months old. I called Apple support since I had Apple Care and they overnighted a box to me. I was at the marina in Boot Key Harbor. They told me to pack it in the box and send it back. All overnight & free shipping. I had it back the following day, repaired with a new logic board. Apple is worldwide & I would imagine they service the Bahamas although you might need to get it to Marsh Harbor where there is an airport. The support was superb.
Michele SV Simple Life
watsons
Michele,
I called Apple Support from the marina’s phone just to be sure I tried everything, never expecting anything. Apple is amazing! In 30 minutes they carefully walked me through a series of keystrokes and dialog boxes (seemed like a secret insider’s approach to me) and the Mac is back! Truly amazing company with great support. Yeah! Michele MV Kindred Spirit
Roger Howell
Try the computer guy behind Sally’s shop on Man O’War. Perhaps his magic hands can fix it
Merry Christmas
Roger and Anne Howell
GB 36 Third Reef
Ashore in Maine for the winter, Bahamas next fall
watsons
Roger and Anne,
We were just having dinner with Sam and Kayda and in our conversation, discovered that they know you. What a small world! Sam and Kayda are dear friends of ours, too. It must be the cruising connection.
We seem to be on alternate years for cruising – we will probably be home next winter when you go again.