A new pair of shoes very often requires a day or two of adjustment. A new car can ignite a learning curve which takes months before one is fully aware of all the so-called bells and whistles. But a new computer (in my case a MacBook Pro 14-inch, 2021) expands its novelty and accommodation to astronomic levels. The only thing I find that preserves my sanity when familiarizing myself with a new computer is the abiding belief that “there has to be a way to do this!” Granted the proclamation hardly qualifies as a certain imperative. Yet somehow, in spite of the initial obstruction and bewilderment, I have found I am able to surface from the murky depths of obscurity to a passably useful adaptation of the new instrument.

What it is that propels the technology upgrade in light of such grinding impediment most certainly has nothing whatever to do with fashion or sheer newness. Though it is reasonable to trivialize automobiles for their sometimes unconvincing new models, I’ve repeatedly learned that every awakening of technology is legitimate and warranted. It gives self-destruct an entirely digestible connotation.

Computers are entertaining. This fortuity is exceeded only by their inexpressible and ever-increasing utility. It is my further personal luck to have reached a station in life when it is no embarrassment to unite practicality with amusement (a diversion I associate in particular with writing and editing photos). Obviously in comparison to the evolution of technology, the improvement of human nature is glacial. Yet while we haven’t any nexus between human improvement and technological advancement, this doesn’t diminish the mechanical advantage afforded by the electronic sidestep. Time and again I reel from the chasms over which I am conveyed by technology.

If I were compelled to divulge every critical detail accompanying the purchase of a new computer I am bound to record my disfavour with shopping malls. Shopping malls are seemingly the most common venue for Apple products. And for everything else being marketed in those architectural vaults. I won’t guess the commercial reasoning.  But I will disclose my discomfort hobbling long distances with a stick and being in the midst of masses of entry-level high school students. Malls are not for the elderly. I persist to deal “in person” for my electronic initiatives only because I seek to profit from the knowledge of the Apple employees who I believe with some degree of entitlement label themselves “Genius“.  And to a degree they are.  They certainly facilitate the transition from an old device to a new one.

Today we witnessed another remarkable feature of shopping malls. I here speak of the criminal element. After we had parked our vehicle in a remote location at the far end of the mall (Hudson’s Bay entrance) we saw a shabby small vehicle back onto the sidewalk immediately adjoining the doors at the entrance. Two beings (presumably male) inappropriately clad in what appeared to be winter parkas with the hoods over their heads hurriedly entered the store.  After we had also entered the store, we heard a woman (presumably a store staff member) shout in the direction of the two parka-clad beings, “Can I help you carry that…“. The chaps were carrying two large boxes (similar to microwaves) out of the store towards the waiting car.

We did not remain at the “scene of the crime” but instead continued walking to the Apple store on the first level where we concluded my collection of the new computer.  On our way back to the car, we encountered a female staff member in Hudson’s Bay.  She confirmed it was she who had shouted at the men carrying the boxes.  They got away. But she said the staff got the license plate number of the get-away vehicle.

What however astounded us most was what followed.  The sale person looked at us and said, “Are you from Almonte?”  Turns out she is also from Almonte and that she recognized us. Furthermore she identified herself as the owner of property on Main Street W which formerly belonged to two separate individuals whom we know; and, which property adjoins another owned by individuals whom we also know. Oddly enough, neither of us knows this woman nor have we any sense of why she knew us.

Since returning home I have confined myself to learning how to handle this new computing device. Though the introduction has not been without its usual challenges, I am more importantly convinced once again of the signal improvement of the device. I do of course recognize the simple nature of my use of computers.  Yet I am never disappointed with each new one. Some of the changes are significant; many others are refinements only.