Q: Unable to send mail

I checked all mail settings they are OK.  I deleted the account and set up a new one.  Still unable to send using the server Apple assigned to me.  What is going on?

I restarted my computer.  Opened mail checked activity under window.  Computer trying to connect to server Apple assigned to me but unable to.  Server is p04-smtp.mail.me.com.  What gives Apple!

Last time it worked was two days ago.  I tried all the steps recommended.  I called ISP to see if they were blocking SMTP traffic.  They are checking.  I was able to send mail using wifes gmail server.

Please clarify your last sentence: "For Info, my iCloud email is IMAP, your is POP3"

Finally after 2 days the mail send is working.  Either the ISP stopped blocking smtp if they were at all or Apple fixed their server if it was bad.  I don't know which happened.

After hours of checking settings, deleting mail account and setting up a new one, coordinating with my ISP to see if they were blocking my IMAP protocol my mail is now working.  I called Apple and they confirmed their server was down over one day.  I asked why they didn't report this as a system problem and Apple rep didn't have a good answer.  Normally I am pleased with Apple and I have been a loyal customer for 50 years but this upsets me.  I need to trust system status reports on the internet Apple!!!