What’s on your mind?

[Clix Pix]

A couple of times I have ordered something from Amazon which had amazingly speedy delivery -- overnight. I usually hadn't noticed this until having made the purchasing decision and ready to place the order. Uh....Overnight Delivery???!!! At that point, both times I simply decided, "OK, fine, even though I don't need the item THIS fast!" In the wee hours of the morn I would pry myself out of bed early enough (some ungodly hour like 6:00 AM) to peer though the front door's peephole to see if it had arrived yet, and usually it had, so I would quietly open the door, grab the package, stick it on a nearby table then happily return to bed, knowing that the package was safe in the house. When later I arose for good, that was when I would deal with the contents. In my case, though, these were not food items at all, no special attention needed immediately.

 

[Macky-Mac]

deliveries.....today is a bad luck day for me as UPS has updated tracking for a package from delivery expected today to "we're adjusting plans to deliver your package as quickly as possible".

And the post office has also changed their mind about delivering something that was mailed with delivery expected today.

 

[Clix Pix]

Ah, the dreaded "Package Exception" notice or something worded similarly or in another variation of the same -- meaning that I would not be receiving my package on the day it was expected, or I got the notification late in the day which indicated to me that the package may or may not have even been on to the delivery truck in the first place, or if it was along for the ride, which I suspect it was, the package was among others which for one reason or another unfathomable to me, were suddenly deemed unable to be delivered on the anticipated day.

One day in particular happened to be a very rainy Friday, and sure enough, when I checked, FedEx or UPS, whichever it was, stated on their site that they'd been at the door but "Customer Unavailable" or "Business Closed." Uh.....at 3:00 in the afternoon, I daresay it is highly unlikely than any business would be closed! Not to mention that I am a residential customer and indeed was very much available at home, ready to answer the door and sign for the package. No knock on the door, although I was on high alert. Unsurprisingly, no notice was left on the door, either. He was never here in the first place. Not too hard to figure out that probably the guy gave up early in his shift and didn't complete his full round of deliveries, and to be fair, yes, the weather was really bad, gushing down buckets at times that afternoon, which would have definitely hampered both driving and deliveries. The traffic congestion, regardless of weather conditions, is always heavy on spring and summer Friday afternoons, and was probably even more so, truly horrendous.

Thankfully this has worked out in the end in all situations, I usually got my package the following day, but it is really, really annoying, especially if one has deliberately stayed at home all day in order to grab the package promptly (the whole "porch pirate" scenario and such, y'know....).

 

[Apple fanboy]

Nothing worse than staying in all day rushing to the door every time you hear a car just to find out they aren’t coming. Still most of the time they do. DPD are really good as they give you an hours window and they usually hit it.
Because our village has no road names or house numbers we used to find a lot of deliveries couldn’t find us when we first moved here. But now they seem a lot better..

 

[Clix Pix]

Sometimes new delivery people are confused about the way our condo units/apartment units and building are laid out, and it is not unusual to have one's package delivered to another unit by mistake (either another unit in the same building or from time to time, the unit with the same alphabetical letter in the next building over).

Just the other day I was coming back into my building after having collected my mail or going shooting, doing something outside, anyway, and there was a delivery person standing in the staircase, looking confused, clutching a package destined for someone. I asked him which unit he needed, he told me, and I then directed him to the right place, one of the units at the end of the building. All of us here are also nice about delivering mis-delivered packages to our neighbors, too, as we can understand the problem.

Amazon is pretty usually good about nailing down expected delivery times and they even occasionally display a map showing the location of their truck vis-a-vis the customer's location with the notation that the truck is "Three Stops Away" or some such. FedEx and UPS aren't quite as precise but it's pretty easy to guess around the time they will arrive in the neighborhood, too, each day, as that tends not to vary by much.

 

[Apple fanboy]

The weather. It’s due to rain all day. I awoke to the rain.
So unless it slows up it’s going to be a day stuck in the house. One of the reasons I did my outdoor jobs yesterday.
My neck and back are sore. But sitting around all day won’t do me much good. Maybe I’ll put the waterproofs on and go for a walk anyway.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The weather. It’s due to rain all day. I awoke to the rain.
So unless it slows up it’s going to be a day stuck in the house. One of the reasons I did my outdoor jobs yesterday.
My neck and back are sore. But sitting around all day won’t do me much good. Maybe I’ll put the waterproofs on and go for a walk anyway.

How is your hand?

Raining here, too, - I have to head into the market, as I have ordered eggs (and tomatoes, and a few other bits and pieces), and meat (from the organic meat stall) and asked the French bakery to put aside bread (which I have paid for, in advance,) for me.

Therefore, I am up, (if not quite wide awake) awaiting the fruit and vegetable delivery (I have just put out one of their crates that I have had for ages, that they can collect today).

At least it is summer.

It is wet, but not cold (though I could do with some - not all - of the heat that I have been experiencing for the best part of the past two months), and, at least, it is bright.

Good God: I hate the dark and cold of winter.

 

[Apple fanboy]

How is your hand?

Raining here, too, - I have to head into the market, as I have ordered eggs (and tomatoes, and a few other bits and pieces), and meat (from the organic meat stall) and asked the French bakery to put aside bread (which I have paid for, in advance,) for me.

Therefore, I am up, (if not quite wide awake) awaiting the fruit and vegetable delivery (I have just put out one of their crates that I have had for ages, that they can collect today).

At least it is summer.

It is wet, but not cold (though I could do with some - not all - of the heat that I have been experiencing for the best part of the past two months), and, at least, it is bright.

Godh: I hate the dark and cold of winter.

Still sore, but only if I’m using it. Back and legs are worse.
I’ll take it easy today.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

My vegetables (and fruit) have been delivered.

I must say that I have never loathed a phone as much as I do my iPhone.

I deeply dislike the touchscreen, and detest how infuriatingly complicated trying to use this thing is.

 

[Apple fanboy]

My vegetables (and fruit) have been delivered.

I must say that I have never loathed a phone as much as I do my iPhone.

I deeply dislike the touchscreen, and detest how infuriatingly complicated trying to use this thing is.

Really? Not used to it by now.
My iPhone probably gets more use than my Mac. Sadly my work MBP gets the most use.
My mind is already at work after a week off. Might as well go log on and get started on the week ahead.

 

[rm5]

I must say that I have never loathed a phone as much as I do my iPhone.

I deeply dislike the touchscreen, and detest how infuriatingly complicated trying to use this thing is.

I don't like touchscreens either. I get it, it's convenient to have the thing in your pocket for when you need it, but I've never fully understood how to properly type on an iPhone, and also mobile interfaces for websites are extremely hard to navigate.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I think it’s horses for corses.
For casual browsing (like MR) the iPhone is fine. For any shopping I use the Mac. I like a couple of 27” screens for research or reading product details.

I really can’t stand touchscreens in cars. They are dangerous.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Anyway, back from (a drizzly) morning in the farmers' market.

I picked up my meat (oragnic chicken thighs, shin beef on the bone, some fillet steak, from the organic, environmentally aware meat stall), and bought some locally produced honey from a chap who keeps beehives in a scenic rural spot around 50kms/30 miles away. I also bought some of his home grown tomatoes.

Eggs, (free range, organic) chives, French onions, cherry tomatoes, spinach, salad greens, broccoli, cucumber, parsley and fresh garlic were bought at the excellent organic vegetable stall.

From the olive oil stall, I treated myself to pesto, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, semi-sundried tomatoes, a jar of anchovies, and olives; black Moroccan olives, and green anchovy olives.

The cheesemonger's for Gorgonzola (which was positively and gloriously oozing), Birbablu, Raclette, and some almost liquid Époisses.

The French bakery for my bread (which had been ordered and paid for, in advance).

Earlier this mornng, I received a fruit and vegetable (and herbs) delivery:

Aubergines (eggplant), courgettes, (zucchini), red peppers, carrots, celery, onions (the classic soffritto), garlic, potatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and chilli peppers, were all bought.

As was fresh basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and coriander.

Fruit included: Lemons, limes, pink grapefruit, apricots, nectarines, peaches and cherries.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Anyway, back from (a drizzly) morning in the farmers' market.

I picked up my meat (from the organic, environmentally aware meat stall), and bought some locally produced honey from a chap who keeps hives in a scenic rural spot around 50kms/30 miles away. I also bought some of his home grown tomatoes.

Eggs, chives, French onions, cherry tomatoes, spinach, salad greens, broccoli, cucumber, parsley and fresh garlic were bought at the excellent organic stall.

From the olive oil stall, I treated myself to pesto, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, semi-sundried tomatoes, a jar of anchovies, and olives; black Moroccan olives, and green anchovy olives.

The cheesemonger's for Gorgonzola (which was positively and gloriously oozing), Birbablu, Raclette, and some almost liquid Époisses.

The French bakery for my bread (which had been ordered and paid for, in advance).

Earlier this mornng, I received a fruit and vegetable (and herbs) delivery:

Aubergines (eggplant), courgettes, (zucchini), peppers, carrots, celery, onions (the classic soffritto), garlic, potatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and chilli peppers, were all bought.

As was fresh basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and coriander.

Fruit included: Lemons, pink grapefruit, apricots, nectarines and cherries.

Looks like you are set for the week. Enjoy.

Not done much this morning yet. A walk after lunch in waterproofs looks likely.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Looks like you are set for the week. Enjoy.

Not done much this morning yet. A walk after lunch in waterproofs looks likely.

Yes, given that the cupboard, fridge and larder were all more or less empty on my return from abroad, I am now nicely stocked up with the amazing produce of high summer.

 

[decafjava]

I don't like touchscreens either. I get it, it's convenient to have the thing in your pocket for when you need it, but I've never fully understood how to properly type on an iPhone, and also mobile interfaces for websites are extremely hard to navigate.

Well on the train the other day and was on the staircase as we were pulling in. There was a young teen sitting on the stairs below me texting on her iPhone. Now I was not reading her message but could not help but notice how her thumbs flew across the virtual keyboard. I am ok with typing but this was the fastest I have ever seen anyone text. Different generations I guess.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Well on the train the other day and was on the staircase as we were pulling in. There was a young teen sitting on the stairs below me texting on her iPhone. Now I was not reading her message but could not help but notice how her thumbs flew across the virtual keyboard. I am ok with typing but this was the fastest I have ever seen anyone text. Different generations I guess.

With testers starting at such a young age, I can see a lot of issues with their joints as they get older. And necks etc.
I just the one finger on a touchscreen. My thumbs just don’t work like that.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

With testers starting at such a young age, I can see a lot of issues with their joints as they get older. And necks etc.
I just the one finger on a touchscreen. My thumbs just don’t work like that.

Yes, fingers for me, too, no thumbs.

In any case, I don't use my thumbs on a standard keyboard, and, for that matter, my thumbs don't think that their job description includes getting acquainted with touchscreens.

But, @decafjava is also right: The kids - digital natives - have a different relationship with this technology, and seem to be perfectly adept when using touchscreens (give me a keyboard with resistance and decent key travel any day, over a touchscreen).

 

[Pezimak]

In the UK recently I’ve been thinking how much better Netflix content has got. Really some fantastic content on it, worth the extra price increase I think. I think between Pluto, Amazon Prime and Netflix and You Tube there is a ridiculous amount of great content. I watch full length documentaries (40 mins plus) on You Tube for example and they are really good.
I have watched some stuff on Disney Plus, recently I cancelled my sub and use my sisters account, but for me it’s bland, I watched that new Secret Invasion and gave up on the third episode half way through as I just thought the plot was stupid, good acting but that was it for me. Not fussed about not having Disney Plus I must say, I like Spider-Man and those films are on Netflix anyway.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Yes, fingers for me, too, no thumbs.

In any case, I don't use my thumbs on a standard keyboard, and, for that matter, my thumbs don't think that their job description includes getting acquainted with touchscreens.

But, @decafjava is also right: The kids - digital natives - have a different relationship with this technology, and seem to be perfectly adept when using touchscreens (give me a keyboard with resistance and decent key travel any day, over a touchscreen).

Not even on the space bar? I don’t touch type, but always use my thumbs when typing on a normal keyboard.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Not even on the space bar? I don’t touch type, but always use my thumbs when typing on a normal keyboard.

No, not even on the space bar.

Thumbs have other functions; they are very useful for securely reaching for and holding my adjacent mug of coffee.

 

[Lioness~]

A couple of times I have ordered something from Amazon which had amazingly speedy delivery -- overnight. I usually hadn't noticed this until having made the purchasing decision and ready to place the order. Uh....Overnight Delivery???!!! At that point, both times I simply decided, "OK, fine, even though I don't need the item THIS fast!" In the wee hours of the morn I would pry myself out of bed early enough (some ungodly hour like 6:00 AM) to peer though the front door's peephole to see if it had arrived yet, and usually it had, so I would quietly open the door, grab the package, stick it on a nearby table then happily return to bed, knowing that the package was safe in the house. When later I arose for good, that was when I would deal with the contents. In my case, though, these were not food items at all, no special attention needed immediately.

I also really love ordering from Amazon, they are providing lots more info, are way faster, quieter and more accurate around their deliveries than most other companies in that business. No whistles and noice, but occasionally there’s a tracker if I want to follow a delivery. Not much need of that myself though, I rather have the quieter and faster delivery without the Christmas party around it, I’m not 10 anymore.

Sometimes Amazon even get ahead of themselves, as today they delivered a package that wasn’t suppose to arrive before Tuesday. But suddenly just a notice that they had delivered, with a picture in the app of the package outside my door. Quietly, fast and simple 👍🏼

 

[rm5]

Yes, fingers for me, too, no thumbs.

In any case, I don't use my thumbs on a standard keyboard, and, for that matter, my thumbs don't think that their job description includes getting acquainted with touchscreens.

But, @decafjava is also right: The kids - digital natives - have a different relationship with this technology, and seem to be perfectly adept when using touchscreens (give me a keyboard with resistance and decent key travel any day, over a touchscreen).

I can only move my thumbs relatively quickly across an iPhone keyboard, but not as fast as most people. I suppose one of the reasons why people use their thumbs is because the device is being held, it's not flat on a surface. I still agree with you though, a normal keyboard is better no matter what.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I don't like touchscreens either. I get it, it's convenient to have the thing in your pocket for when you need it,

Agreed, that it convenient, but the convenience doesn't overcome the frustration of trying to use it.

but I've never fully understood how to properly type on an iPhone,

Neither have I.

I loathe touchscreen surfaces for typing (and I am someone who writes a lot, both personally and professionally).

and also mobile interfaces for websites are extremely hard to navigate.

Oh, yes.

A heartfelt and profound amen to this sentiment.

I agree wholeheartedly with this; I far prefer attempting to navigate websites with a proper computer screen and, above all, a proper keyboard (such as the one I am currently typing on).

I can only move my thumbs relatively quickly across an iPhone keyboard, but not as fast as most people.

Fair enough.

I suppose one of the reasons why people use their thumbs is because the device is being held, it's not flat on a surface.

Well, yes, but to be able to do this with any ease you still need large hands, especially when wielding those massive, modern, devices.

My phone is an iPhone SE, (as small as you can get these days - on my recent mission abroad, I had an enormous Android thing) but my hands are small; there is no way my thumbs could reach the spacebar, even while holding the thing; dammit, there is no way my fingers could reach that awful touchscreen while holding it.

Thus, instead, I hold it with one hand and type (while still making infuriating typos, grrr) with the other.

I still agree with you though, a normal keyboard is better no matter what.

Amen to that.

 

[Clix Pix]

Never got the hang of typing on an iPhone keyboard either.... I rarely type on either it or the iPad. When I do, I use just my fingers mostly. I much prefer a separate, real, external keyboard and I do have one that I sometimes use with the iPad if I'm going to be typing for a while (such as when we're in the midst of a power outage and I am using the iPad to check in on forums and also write emails).