Magic Jack
So far so good on the Magic Jack, I did have a problem with it though, it seemed that I could not call the 2 main people I wanted to call, my Dad and sister. For some reason it would not complete calls to local numbers (in the 817 area code for me), I discovered this is a known issue according to an unofficial forum for the Magic Jack. When I would try to call my Dad or sister, it would ring 5-8 times then I would hear a fast busy signal then a dial tone. I could call any other numbers outside the 817 area code, I could also call any cell phone (didn’t matter what area code). So I decided to contact MJ’s customer service, it’s all on line, I contacted a very nice cs person, I told him what the problem was and that I had already tried using the upgrade on their website (multiple times) and tried every USB port on my computer. I was afraid he would try to get me to do the upgrade again or make me go through some useless processes, I know the problem is on their end since the MJ works for other calls. He was very polite, asked me a few questions, got 3 phone numbers that will not work for me, then he said I would be getting an email in the next 24-48 hours about this matter. After that I went to the unofficial MJ forum, I posted a message about this to their tech section, I copied and pasted the transcript of the customer service contact, I asked if anyone else there had this problem and found a fix or a workaround.
I quickly received a reply from one of the members, he suggested using this format when I called, instead of calling 817284****, to call *678*17284****, IT WORKED! I was able to call my Dad directly, then I called my brother in law, I didn’t try my sister’s number, but I have no doubt it will work with her number too.
So even if MJ doesn’t have a fix, I have a workaround so I am happy. It seems that the * codes (*67 and such) do not work on MJ’s system, at least not the way they work on regular phones. I don’t care, as long as I can call who I want. :)
Garden
Woohoo! I got my garden planted yesterday! I took my packets of seeds and started on one corner, I walked around and dropped the entire packets on the spaces where I wanted to plant them, then I took each packet and planted the seeds. I got them all planted and watered. I can’t wait to see the little sprouts peeking up from the straw mulch, patients! Here is a list of what I have planted so …
I agree — that was really neat. Amazing what can be done largely with your own hands.
You certainly have your own kind of adventure underway. I’m not entirely sure how I found your blog, but it’s been an enjoyable visit for me. Best of luck with your off-the-grid lifestyle
June 22, 2008 4:29 PM
Thanks Steven, I really appreciate your nice comment! :) I am certainly enjoying getting to live out my dream, I’m glad you enjoy reading about it, all I can say is that I hope I can inspire other people to take a leap and live their dreams too.
Wretha
June 22, 2008 7:57 PM