So many of my fellow bloggers have used the Covid-19 restrictions as a source of inspiration for some outstanding posts during these troubled times. Me? No such luck. I continue to churn out the regular drivel that masquerades as blogging in these parts. Then, just to highlight my inadequacies, David (Birds of the Heath) posts a comment requesting a reciprocal link, between our two sites, due to our many shared interests. "Houston! We have a problem" What David asked is nothing outrageous or offensive, indeed, it is a nice gesture from a guy whom I've gotten to know via this cyber platform. The problem lies firmly at the point where my technological skills are stretched beyond those of a retarded monkey! Me and computers don't speak the same language? I don't know how to send a text message on my Samsung Galaxy phone - fact!!!! Take a photo with it - "you're having a laugh?" It would seem to me, being a complete dullard, that unless Blogger produces a "proper idiot's guide" on how to do it that little column on the right hand side of the screen will remain absent and my favourite blogs be just that. Steve G, Gavin, Stewart, Jono, Chiddy, Derek, BB and so many others would all appear for visitors to peruse, should they so desire. If only I wasn't so thick?
Then I have to take a step back and recognise what a blessing such inability provides. I don't spend my entire waking hours glued to a phone. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram - I don't give a toss. All that matters in my little world is the reality of life. Understanding the importance of family, real friendships and remaining true to myself, whatever the outside world perceives me to be, is what underpins who I am. Thick? Yes I may well be. Content? You'd better believe it. Unsurprisingly, this isn't how I expected this latest offering to turn out. I'm sat in my study, looking out into the darkness, whilst typing on the laptop. All the kit is prepared in readiness for a session out on the marsh tomorrow morning. Isn't it strange how the current situation has caused many of us to rethink priorities and actually realise how well off we are in comparison to others? All of a sudden we're glad for the grass on our side of the fence instead of jealously gazing at the lawns on the other side.
I've got several, half-baked, posts in my "pending" file most of which pertain to times gone by. I would think that it is a subconscious attempt to reconnect with happier times. There are fish, birds and. probably more telling, other people who have been pivotal in me getting to where I am today. Sorry if this latest offering is a tad heavy - it's a sad reflection of where we're all at in February 2021? It might not be much help to others, but it's now off my chest! Fishing tomorrow - whoopee!
Fortunately I don't have your anxieties with phones. Realising my shortcomings many years ago, I have stuck with my trusty £20 Nokia. It amuses people who see me using it but it makes and receives calls and texts, what more do I need.
ReplyDeleteI used to own a similar Nokia model but was persuaded, by Bev, to put my SIM card into her father's Galaxy when he passed away. What was she thinking? I use a phone to speak to people - end of! If I wish to listen to music, I have a CD player, Youtube or the radio, take a photo - I use a camera. The pace at which modern technology advances has left me way behind. I've no issues with those who embrace such gizmos and use them to enhance their lives. Just don't expect me to join in!
DeleteDyl, I wonder how many people have changed their lives entirely since laying hands on a smart phone? So ubiquitous have the items become that it's a given in some quarters that everyone in the world has one along with all that goes with them. Me? I've never gone past the use of a mobile except for emergencies. I'm on the internet via a PC. Beyond that; especially away from home, I live in a quiet unreachable bubble.
ReplyDeleteI've lost count of the number of occasions when someone just asks for my mobile number, and the look of puzzlement when I let on my level of involvement, which is zero. Once I sat in front of someone who had 'three!' phones on the go, as issued by their employer, so as to be reached 24/7 from all the worlds time zones. Why? because it was possible. No thanks!
I will admit that to take a photo and instantly upload it to the internet or send it and a message directly to a third party on the spot is a pretty handy thing at times, as Gav & Jono have illustrated with birds found while out and about. But unless one moves in these circles, which I don't, there's probably no need.
I'll no doubt need to get a smart phone myself or Bron will, simply because more and more day to day pieces of infrastructure are excluded to those who do not possess one.
May be it's an age thing, a resistance to change? I carry my phone in case of emergencies, not because my life depends upon being part of some WhatsApp group or needing to keep abreast of the latest idle chit-chat. I'm probably guilty of overlooking many of the positives that this technology has to offer but, I can't miss what I've never had and my life goes on despite these shortcomings.
DeleteHoping all is well with you and Bronwyn - all the best - Dyl