The two computers have been repaired; wiped clean of problems. Wiped clean… so I have to build all new connections to Google Chrome (email), my blogs, etc., etc. One-and-one-half hours with my computer man and one-and-one-half hours at my Bank setting up a new checking account. Next: Contact my retirement provider, and Social Security, to reestablish automatic deposits. Today, before returning home, grocery shopping. Not too many perishables because I leave on Sunday for a seven-day Caribbean cruise. I’m eager to get away and hopefully forget my many problems in this trailer home and large yard. Speaking of “yard,”  the signs are down and I’ll use my time for cruise wardrobe, packing–and computer necessities. (Measly $5.00 in yard sale sells Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.)

I’m emotionally exhausted!! Not yet seven PM but I’m eagerly looking forward to “bedtime.” This evening, nothing on TV, or computer, for me.

Did you see the following message–published yesterday? I’m so angry with myself for being so stupid!!

I’ve been hacked–and I walked into the situation with eyes wide open.

If you don’t hear from me for a while (no blog messages), it’s because both my computers were in the hands of a hacker. Long story (and I’m told this happens “all the time”): A message popped up on my computer (while doing Ancestry.com) saying my computer had been hacked and call the listed phone number. I called…, nice man, concerned, helpful… and he soon had complete access to my “genealogy computer.” During the conversation I commented about using two computers simultaneously for “climbing the family tree.” He said that computer would be vulnerable, too. So he wanted to check that one, too, and soon had complete access to that computer, too. “Victor” was so smooth expressing concern for my identity. He wanted me to check my Bank account for unusual activity. So I was advised to check my Bank account while under the umbrella of his security. I did… and all looked OK. (DUMB, DUMB, DUMB!!) Then the “hard sell”: Buy “network security.”  Victor took me to Google web sites of women scammed out of $8,000.00 and $22,000.00; he wanted me to purchase SonicWall3600. Those prices were shocking and I honestly told him I couldn’t make that decision on a moment’s notice. The “hard sell” persisted and I became suspicious that I had been gullible.

Yours truly was polite, expressed grief about my situation, and taking Victor’s time. Tearfully told him “goodbye” while he insisted I would not have access to my computers after he logged off.

After hanging up from Victor, I phoned my computer man and explained. He hears that story every day!! When he heard I checked my Bank account, Tim said “call your Bank immediately.”  Thankfully, I got through to a real live person at the Bank and everything shut down on that account.

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Too friendly? Too trusting? During the one-hour-forty-five minute experience, I told Victor so much about myself: My age, my birth date, etc.  Imagine this: I was talking to my hacker; I was voluntarily providing details to the man who might “steal my identity.”  Victor  complimented me frequently: “You don’t sound like eighty-four years old. You sound like forty.”  Also: “You are so tech savvy.”  I enjoyed the affirmations and wrote them down so I could quote them later.

It’s a struggle to publish this message for two reasons: (1) Embarrassment at my stupidity, and (2) computer is acting weird. Almost impossible to prepare this, and previous, message. (Birthday message prepared several days ago, and “scheduled” for May 4th.) Looking at a draft of this message, “Why are some words appearing in blue and imply they are links?”  Furthermore, I find the following message attached to my blog. Is it “real” or is it another way the hackers are trying to get us interacting with them??

Important Message For WordPress.com Visitors

Data Security Breach Information

Date: Saturday, May 4th, 2019

We want to make you aware of a situation that has occurred which may be related to your personal information. Recently there have been several data breaches affecting Fiserv (a major provider of technology services to financial institutions) and Healthcare.gov (government healthcare provider). Files containing personal and financial information were reportedly compromised.

Names, Email Addresses, Credit Card Details, Social Security Numbers (SSNs), Addresses, Birth Dates and Bank Account Details were said to have been exposed in the attacks.

Due to the increased risk of identity theft, it is highly recommended that you to check your credit report as soon as possible for any activity you did not authorize.

According to the government, it can take up to 6 months and 200 hours of work to recover from identity theft.

Recommended Action:

1. Get your credit-check and verify all your records.
2. Compare data from your credit-check with all financial records. Report any unauthrozied activity immediately.
3. Change your passwords on all websites you frequent

To help protect you, you can access your 3-Bureau Credit Scores available today (4th of May) at no charge.

Please be aware that although your credit score is free for 7 days, a credit card will be required to validate your identity.

Received on Earth Day (April 22, 2019), photos from my first-born son,

(No narrative, just photos. Forty years since Mom saw son.)

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I’ve been hacked–and I walked into the situation with eyes wide open.

If you don’t hear from me for a while (no blog messages), it’s because both my computers were in the hands of a hacker. Long story (and I’m told this happens “all the time”): A message popped up on my computer (while doing Ancestry.com) saying my computer had been hacked and call the listed phone number. I called…, nice man, concerned, helpful… and he soon had complete access to my “genealogy computer.” During the conversation I commented about using two computers simultaneously for “climbing the family tree.” He said that computer would be vulnerable, too. So he wanted to check that one, too, and soon had complete access to that computer, too. “Victor” was so smooth expressing concern for my identity. He wanted me to check my Bank account for unusual activity. So I was advised to check my Bank account while under the umbrella of his security. I did… and all looked OK. (DUMB, DUMB, DUMB!!) Then the “hard sell”: Buy “network security.”  Victor took me to Google web sites of women scammed out of $8,000.00 and $22,000.00; he wanted me to purchase SonicWall3600. Those prices were shocking and I honestly told him I couldn’t make that decision on a moment’s notice. The “hard sell” persisted and I became suspicious that I had been gullible.

Yours truly was polite, expressed grief about my situation, and taking Victor’s time. Tearfully told him “goodbye” while he insisted I would not have access to my computers after he logged off.

After hanging up from Victor, I phoned my computer man and explained. He hears that story every day!! When he heard I checked my Bank account, Tim said “call your Bank immediately.”  Thankfully, I got through to a real live person at the Bank and everything shut down on that account.

“We just need to get through the next few days.”

Rain is the culprit. “We won’t be out of it until Saturday afternoon.”  Quite possibly, the weather will curtail visitors to my newspaper ADVERTISED yard sale.

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Hate to burden the reader with a discussion about depression. Sadly, it is my constant companion. Three-thirty-three and not one single customer. It isn’t raining; extremely hot and humid. ~~ Birthdays come and go. I think about family–family who have cast this old lady aside like I casually cast fallen limbs on the burn pile.

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Today’s depression–and frustration–stems from lack of helpers. Two weeks ago the RV repairman was here to assess the problem with the RV refrigerator. He knows repairs required but hasn’t returned. Leaky kitchen faucet on the “to do” list, also. ~~ I’m so ready to find my “Intentional Community”  where I can love, and be loved. Downsizing in progress (so I can move).

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May 1, 2019 – NATIONAL SKILLED TRADES DAY – SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ DAY – MAY DAY – NATIONAL MOTHER GOOSE DAY – NATIONAL LOYALTY DAY – NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PARFAIT DAY – LAW DAY – SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER DAY

Astute observation: Can’t hire “handy person” in Polk County; can’t sell quality items in Polk County! A plate-glass mirror for $10.00 is a steal? So the wrappings (from six years ago) came off and I will survey my image as I try on clothes (from six years ago). I’m preparing my cruise wardrobe. No place for the mirror in my trailer home. It will go to the Habitat for Humanity Resale Store.

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Opt for comfort, Lorraine!! Speaking of “comfort,” I felt compelled to turn on the air-conditioner (shortly after one PM). Taking clothes off and on is a “hot” project!!

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Should I have a different “top” each evening, for dinner?  An attractive black sweater, and a pretend leopard jacket,too?  I’m  vetoing  velvet, and pretty pullover with  ‘bling.” ~~ I hope I have enough “day” casual; I don’t want to buy more… and most of my “every day” is shabby.