Reinstall OS/Restore from time machine, stuck on iCloud setup

i had to erase my hd on my 2011 MacBook Pro (high Sierra) and reinstall the OS. This went fine.

When I logged in I was prompted to enter Apple ID and password for iCloud to work. I did this, but now I’ve had the pinwheel spinning on that login box for over an hour (it’s got the preferences box behind it, with the login hanging down from top).

when I check activity monitor, I see a lot of resources related to photos, though I didn’t know just activating iCloud would need this much time if the pix live on the cloud, and I didn’t change anything before the crash to have em stored to my hd.

ill leave it open with screen brightness turned down, but any idea what is happening? I’m able to surf web just fine.

Thanks yall

jon