Limited Internet and Lavender

Imagine that after all these years of using the internet that you no longer have access to it. Are we not dependent upon it? Isn't it a part of our way of life? Ponder this: how would you be affected if the internet were shut down for 3 to 4 months?

Our family uses it for almost everything: checking the weather; current news headlines (especially since we don't listen to the main stream media); research; downloading books; online educational classes; email; directory assistance; maps; travel arrangements; business transactions; retail; communication with family and friends, and of course writing (blogging). It is vital for businesses throughout the world, an energy and time saver; things get accomplished that might otherwise never get done through regular mail. It is especially essential for my husband and his communication.

Curious for me in this technologically advanced time in which we live, and given the fact that our home is located just 2 miles outside the city limits, our options for internet service is limited. The good news is that we were able to find one viable option: Verizon offers broadband and fortunately we are in the middle of that area. The not so good news is that we are limited in our usage as it is quite expensive: $59.99 per month for 5 GB. Each additional 1 GB costs $50!

Both of us have been extremely conservative over the last week; in fact I have barely used the service in order to yield to my husband's requirements. In less than 1 week we were amazed at how quickly 1 GB was used.

Example: one download from HP, an update for my husband's printer, doubled our usage in just a matter of minutes. Think of data files either being uploaded or downloaded to your computer, those continual anti-virus updates, internet sites that constantly refresh, other software updates, large photo files, document downloads... and in no time that limitation is consumed.

We are hoping for a better solution, but until such time, my access will remain somewhat limited. Besides, the scent of lavender fills the air, it's still summer, and our vegetable garden and the processing of those wonderful products require my attention. Not to mention that beneath this lane of lavender our little feathered friends stay concealed as they take their morning stroll around the garden with mama quail.