"Declan: Just put 'em the wash; they'll be grand." movie Leap Year or How-to Fix your iWatch

I did love that Leap Year movie. There were so many memorable quips to be quoted and a darling couple finding their way to love.

The joke line I loved best of all was "Just give 'em the wash, they'll be grand." In fact I suppose I have used that line more than any other I have ever heard from a movie.

I even washed the band.
Amazing!

Why? you ask. Well, I am the queen of spilled things. Once a waitress asked me how I could be standing beside the table in a booth before my full spilled glass of milked could run off the edge.

The answer was simple enough..."practice".  There you have it.

I cannot use bleach in the wash because a good "wash" will not take bleach marks out. In fact, most cleaning products contain bleach and I avoid those too.

But this last week I found out that giving my iWATCH, of all things, the wash can repair it. Did you know that?

My iWatch would not let me use what I called the stem on the side of the watch. I later found out that "stem" is not the right term. Apple calls that thing a "digital crown" ... I have no idea why. Searching for the totally wrong term on Google really does not work.

After a bit I notice that under all the recommendations that I call the Genius Bar at Apple or a certified Apple iWatch repair shop was a website that said "Fix your Apple iWatch yourself."  Could it be possible to fix it on my own? Really wouldn't that involve taking off the back and fiddling with whatever or whoever is inside there?

Reluctantly I found the website and read the article. Maybe I could save myself a trip to the Apple store and well, more money.

Imagine my surprise when I read the very short piece that explained that removing a leather watch band and holding the watch under warm tap water while turning the "digital crown" for about 15 second would cure the problem. Could it really be that easy?

People, you read it here...my watch is shiny, looking almost new and works perfectly. How wonderful is that. It seems that giving "'em' the wash" really does solve lots of problems.

Come to think of it the watch is waterproof and can be worn in the shower. Hmmmm, maybe I could wash it more than once every 2 years.

Have a wonderful day.

Oh, and Google, it would be nice if, "self help" appeared
closer to the top of the page. It may tick off you advertisers but your users would like it a lot..

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Retirement Lifestyle: New Computer Requirements

I have always had an Mac computer...since the beginning of Steve Job's computer life we have owned a Mac or Apple or iMac or an iPad or an iPhone, an iWatch, etc. (Is there more?) I don't think it is a religion but it might be. I do feel compelled to scoff at PC users as they do me. But that is not a religion is it?

Anyway, times they are a-changing for me. I am not that fired up about change most of the time and it is not necessarily welcome. So that "changing" did not happen overnight. There was a big bang that started it all. The chain of events went like this:

My computer (the big iMac) was smashed on the way home of Arizona and now has a big ouchy on it's upper right hand corner. In this particular case, the Gorilla glass just couldn't take the punch it received. In hide-site, I think that the security people at the airport opened my bag, unpacked my bag and then repacked my bag and did not secure the computer the way it was secured when we packed it. There was a note inside telling me they had taken a look but I think they did more than that. The suitcases shifted in the back of the van so when we arrived home and my grandson opened the back hatch door, the suitcase fell out. Thankfully it did not hit and kill the grandson. It did hit the concrete on it's corner. The suitcase was just fine but the computer was not. The suitcase cost less than $100 but the computer was well over $1000.


Yes, I called everyone imaginable but no one could/would help. Sooooo. I was in the market for a new computer. That was on April 25.

I have been thinking about this since. Because the really broken Mac still works fine, I had the luxury of time. But, my husband and I both knew that the Mac could not take another trip on the airplane. If I was going to write for the six months we spend in the desert in the winter, I was going to need something to write on.

Yesterday, we went to the local mall and we visited the Apple Store. It wasn't until I stood in front of the computers that I realized I did NOT want another computer. I wanted more.  I wanted the luxury and portability of an iPad and its touch screen plus the functions of my computer.

Bottom line, we bought a 12 inch iPad Pro and a keyboard that attaches. It is absolutely beautiful and will do just what I want it to do. When I opened the online Blogger App it was exactly the same as my computer. I felt right at home.

I did struggle a little bit setting it up. I forgot the passcode, had to learn to restore the device, forgot to write down the passcode a second time but I finally landed on my feet. We are set to go. So here I am writing on an iPad and not noticing any difference. Isn’t that wonderful?

Have your needs changed at all? Are you still using the same computer as always? How old is it? Is it a PC or a Mac? Keep me posted.

Have a beautiful day!

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My 6 Secret Semi-important iPad Hints

My friend Jack just bought himself his very first Apple iPad. He is like an older brother to me so I need to make sure that he has the benefit of my advice. He has been a PC user up until now. He had to let us know because he had been holding out for about 6 years. I suppose that in some weird parallel universe we had won...we have never owned anything but an Apple computer. I did own a Nokia cell phone once but that doesn't count...the iPhone had not been invented yet. Apple is kind of a religion with us I suppose. Anyway...

Water droplet Screen Saver

He is not the first of our friends to relent and every time someone buys one they beat a hot little path to our door. It just seems so confusing to them. But I will have to admit that the iPad is a bit of a mystery to me too. I haven't ever really taken full advantage of what it can do for me. I learn something new all the time, especially when I am teaching them. There are a few simple things that I need to point out to Jack so I thought I would make a small list right here on my blog.

1. Remember your iPad comes with a screen saver. It used to be droplets of water and they looked very real. Do not take the iPad to the Apple store and ask for a refund. There is no water and your iPad is not broken. It is all a mirage.
2. Your iPad can be used for mail, texting, skype and even taking pictures. It will not however add your contact list by magic. You will have to do that yourself. While computers are very cool they cannot really talk to each other unless you help them out.
3. Email and text messaging is wonderful even though young people do disdain it. You can talk to your iPad by touching the microphone on the keyboard. However, it does not make grammatical corrections and will often add goobledy gook when you want grandma's gone. It does not read your mind. You will have to make corrections. Read the directions telling you how to drag the cursor around in the text using your finger.
4. I love the new system 8 that allows you to send a voice text message. I don't know how to screw that up yet...I will let you know.
5. Don't get rid of your computer until you have figured out how to set up your email. I am still fuzzy about ip addresses and that kind of stuff but I do know it is on your computer somewhere...I wish that magic could happen there too but it just doesn't.
6. While your iPad is very cool it is always necessary to write your passwords down someplace with a pencil on a piece of paper, especially your Apple ID. You will use your email address as your user name and then a password that is yours alone. If you cannot remember your password please try to remember your address...both your home and email. It is sorta important. Refer back to the "magic" advice.

Welcome to the land of oz Jack. You know that Earl got his very own iPhone last year...I have not heard from him since. Talk to you soon.

Barbara

Related articles

• Making your ipad pay for itself or free is good!
• Technology: I can't find my iPhone 5! Yikes!
• Seniors and the wonders of the internet...finding out it's not magic yet!
• iPad Case with Keyboard cheaper online? Very Cool!
• The Snugg Case Gives iPhone 5c a Masculine Look
• 10 Things I Cannot Live Without...all available online!

The Snugg Case Gives iPhone 5c a Masculine Look

The perfect iPhone case...simple, practical and masculine.
Snugg 5c phone case  

How many choices do you suppose there are in the world of iPhone cases? I would hazard to guess that there is a unique case for EVERYONE! As a result, deciding what to use is very confusing.  Let me make it easy for you...especially if you are a male that just wants the case to be a protection and not make you look like a dufus!  I think I have the perfect choice for you.

I am a big fan of The Snugg brand because they are reasonably priced and do what they are suppose to do without a bunch of needless bells and whistles. It's a cell phone case people! So the Snugg people sent my husband a simple black case that protects his 5c and actually makes the colored case a little more grown-up and masculine. AND the sale price right now is a paltry $9.00 on their website.  

The surface of the iPhone 5c is slick and shiny. It looks pretty but when I handle it but I always feel like it might slide out of my hand. The Snugg case has a slight texture that makes the phone feel more secure in my hand. I think Apple was marketing to a very young, hip group of people so the colors are neon. The black case tones the phone color down and leaves just a few edges visible so the owner can distinguish their phone from everyone elses in the room. I also liked that I could put it on my husbands phone is less than a second. So I ask you...what's not to like?  It is absolutely perfect.

Thank you Snugg...this is another winner. 

Note: I have an Executive Ipad Cover and Stand that Snugg sent me last summer.  I would not give it up...it is perfect! Snugg products are also available on Amazon and if you have a Prime account, in many cases, 2 day shipping is free.

Computers: The Tire Went Flat!

I have been using the same computer for over 5 years.  When it quit working totally last week I took it to my Apple Genius bar. The very nice man plugged the computer in and we waited...a very long time. As we were sitting there,he began to talk about the inside of my computer.

I don't know about you but I had always visualizes drawers and files and maybe a little person running around sorting and classifying my material. Honestly, the inside of this wonderful machine is a total mystery to me.

There is a disk inside it I know because that is what was broken. But the Genius began talking about the disk going around like a wheel on a car. For over 5 years my wheel had been hitting the road. Actually, the computer was not working right for about three years if this new hard disk is any indication. The tire had no tread, threads or even air in it any more. Everything on my computer is gone never to be seen again.

What is the point of me telling you this. Well, just like a bad back or a infected sore on you back side, it is probably better to get it fixed when you notice the problem than it is to wait until the problem is so big that it cannot be fixed.

However, on a positive note, it really is kind of good to start all over again. I like that I can simplify my life on January 2, 2013.  It is a very good beginning for the new year.

Have a wonderful day and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

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iPad Case with Keyboard cheaper online? Very Cool!

Okay, I admit it.  I love the idea of shopping. I really don't need to leave the house to shop but don't tell my husband. He doesn't really know that yet...we have only been married 51 (almost 52) years!

For example, I need to tell you about a new iPad case with a keyboard I got this last week. I found it at a kiosk in the mall while I was dreaming of an iPhone 5. The kiosk featured all those cool accessories we need when we own the portable technology available today. My iPad case was not working like it should after a year of hard use so I began looking to see what was available. It is amazing how classy and functional the covers have become since the iPad came on the market.

The one that caught my eye was a iPad case with the keyboard integrated into the case. When I stand the device up, it becomes a laptop by linking the keyboard through a blue tooth. The one you see below is very similar to the one I found. Mine has a magnetic latch that shuts the screen off when it is closed. The keyboard is also attached magnetically so I can remove it and set the iPad a little further away. When I turn the keyboard off I can fold the case and hold it at the correct distance for reading my Kindle books. I had never had a keyboard. It turns out I wanted one and didn't know it. :)

But the deal is I could have stayed at home and gotten the same thing for less! When I looked at the adsense ads I was shocked when I realized that exactly the same thing and maybe better could be had for $30 less than I paid!  Darn!

.

We still don't have an iPhone 5 but my iPad now has a brand new life as a small portable computer. I love this new-old toy. Have a wonderful day.

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Magazines on iPad...some for free! Goody Goody!

I am loving my iPad more now that when I first was given it as a gift. This is my latest discovery...magazines for my iPad! We only have one TV and it is football season. My husband loves football. I love it in small doses. I cannot write or work all of the time. I need my iPad magazines so I can pass the ever darkening evenings that come with Fall. It turns out that it is true:  Necessity is the mother of invention (or discovery in my case). Here is what I have learned...iPad has MAGAZINES...LOTS OF MAGAZINES!

The iPad allows me the option of reading and storing my magazines. Paper is kind of precious or that is what I think. Now I can read my magazines and not have piles under the table and on the table and in the drawer of the table. It is all good.

However, there are a few things I have noticed. While there are many magazines that can be downloaded using the magazine App, not all the magazine for the iPad are created equal.

• Take Country Living for example. This magazine has been one of my favorites for many years. I love the pictures and inspiration for country decor. However......this App gives you just a magazine and nothing more. You can turn the pages, enlarge the pictures to a point but that is about all.  There is no scrolling the print down at all. If you enlarge a picture, you cannot see the print because it is not in a separate sidebar type of location.  I had this experience with Oprah on my computer.
• On the other hand, I downloaded Real Simple Magazine this morning and I was delighted. The ability to see menus from each section of the magazine and pick which pages I wanted to actually view just blew me away. I know I am behind the curve here but still, I was impressed.

Be aware that, while the App is free, most magazines are not. You can get each issue separately or you can subscribe for a year. The cost is considerably less and if you buy a particular magazine every month you might want to go that way. I suggest you look at each magazine before you purchase a years worth. Don't waste your money. The iPad version may not live up to the real magazine experience.

4 Free Magazine 
Fat Wallet listed a few free iPad app magazines you may be interested in. I am downloading all of these.

• Slate  Slate is a news provider of the sorts. It is not liberal or conservative...it is contrarian! That might be fun. 
• Flipboard  News feed
• Discover for Ipad A wiki magazine that could come in handy
• Website Magazine for Ipad If you are a techie or are in a small online business, this is may be what you need.
• Net-a-Porter  Free magazine about style + shopping. (I like this one.)
• More...MacRumors forum has a wonderful list of free magazines you might check out.

Honestly speaking, I have struggled with my iPad. It did not seem to me that it was very useful for anything but going online with a bigger screen than my iphone gave me. My father taught me that if all else fails, read the directions. I need to apologize to the iPad makers. Reading the directions would have been useful. But I am now beginning to understand how the device works! I still haven't read the directions...for that I am sorry. I will do that soon...I promise. Oh and my piece of advice is don't always follow your father's advice!

I thought if I was expanding my horizons, you might as well join in.  What do you know about my iPad that I should know?

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Are you safe? Nothing is "Private" Online

But when I received this Infographic called You Are Not Safe Online I thought it was a good reminder.  If you don't want to let the everyone to know your numbers, pay attention!

I read 1984 back the early 1960's.  It still haunts me.  But only in light of my world then.  The flat earth  was still round and all of my life was private.  No one watched my every move and I could shop without anyone knowing if I used cash and wore a disquise.  Boy have things change.

I have nothing to fear really.  I take the necessary precautions in my online life.  I do that sort of thing much like I lock my front door at night.  Humans are humans and always have been...some are good and some are bad!  But still...is this a good thing?  Here is a "picture" of how your online activities are shared.
Technorati Tags: consumers, data, facebook, NBC, Google, Wireless Information, Smart Phones, Apple, marketing, online safety


Created by: OnlineMarketingDegree.com

10 Things I Cannot Live Without...all available online!

Somethings cannot be purchased online
...family, friends, sunshine! :)

I am inviting you to think about this...10 things that you could not live without.  I am retired, 69 and live in a small space.  If you were wanting to shop for my favorite things this is what you would look for:

1. My microroplane zester...I yearned for one of these for years but just could not make myself buy one.  I even used a rasp from my husband's shop for a while.
2. The exfoliating gloves I use in my shower.  
3. My Kindle reader...this device has made it possible for me to read again.
4. My Apple iPad 2.
5. Girly shoes.  I love shoes.
6. The Pendleton blanket that belonged to my parents.
7. My NeckPillow by Tempur-Pedic 
8. Apple iMac 7-Inch Desktop 
9. Dyson Vacuum Cleaner  Really, I will never own another brand.  It is the best.
10. My iphone (4s is coming next)...I even take most of my pictures for this blog with it.

There you have it.  If I were to go shopping for all your favorite things was would you suggest?

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Related articles

• Quick Guide to Online Shopping (retireinstyleblog.com)

How I shut my computer down...humor!

Image by marcopako  via FlickrMy computer has decided that it does not like to be shut down.  It lets me close all the applications and very nicely allows me to look at the choices available for putting the baby to bed.  It will even tell me that this or that is not closed properly like all good little Apple computer will.  Then I can click the shut down icon and it will shut down, the screen goes blank and everything will be very quiet for a few second.

That is when I begin to sneak away from my desk.  I roll the desk chair back quietly and turn to the left so I won't bump the desk or touch the track pad.  Just as I am rising from my chair it will suddenly spring back to life.  I will hear a BONG and the computer will reopen as though it has been asleep for the required 10 hours.  Like a wakeful two year old I swear it would get up and follow me out of the room if it could.

On a few occasions I have actually unplugged the naughty machine, forcing it to be quiet for the required length of time.  I have come to believe that this computer may be a living force of nature that cannot be told what it will or will not do.  It is saying "yes I do know how to do the things you ask but I will never tell you how to make me do it."  Thank heavens I know where the plug is located...Apple put it in a very convenient location for a good reason I think.  Sigh!

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3 BEST FOR MONDAY! Wine, Technology, and Kitchen Tool

The Short Bucket List!
I did not think I would ever say this but it seems I am creating a bucket list!  It turns out there are things I want  but can't have right now.  The list only has one item on it at this time.  I think I'll just stick with the one for now.  It is a pretty big thing.  I want to go shopping for clothes with an obscene amount of money!

And Things I Want NOW!

There are things I want and I want them now!  But only the best please.

Apple's Magic Trackpad

1. Today I saw the new Magic Trackpad for a desktop computer.  I want it so bad.  I have been using a wireless mouse for several years now and it is beginning to click and drag.  I love the trackpad on a laptop but never dreamed I could have one for my desktop. I think I may not only want it but I also NEED one of these toys.  What do you think?  
2. I also need the best micro-plane there is and I need it now. Every contemporary condo kitchen needs beautiful and functional tools.  I have one of these utensils in our little doll house in the dessert but did not bring it home with me.  I did not know that I used it so much until I returned home to a drawer full of antique graters that my grandmother owned.  As an aspiring gourmet cook (giggle) I feel it must have a beautiful colored handle. I found one at Cookware.com for only $14.95 +shipping.  I need it now.
3. I want 12 or more bottles of Brazin (B)Old Vine Zinfandel wine...and I want it tonight. I love old vine zins and as a taster of wines, most of them very cheap, this wine is like heaven.  We had this wine for our Valentines Dinner at the Arizona Inn last spring and have talked about it ever since.  This last weekend when we were at the beach we found a bottle at the local Safeway store of all places.  After drinking our second bottle, I knew we were hooked for sure. (A list of local vendors is available on their website.) This wine is just so tasty I cannot get over it.  They said and I agree:

Brazin scoffs at lesser wines. The first sip of this decadent treat demands another – it's so shameless, so irresistible, so Brazin!

Don't forget Father's Day is coming and this wine would be the perfect gift.

There you have it...my 3 best for Monday.  1-2-3...how easy it could be.  Shopping is so much fun even when I am only dreaming.

Have a wonderful day!

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Computer Electronics Show and the Senior Citizen

Could it be that our laptops and personal computers are a thing of the past?  I have been using an Apple personal computer since the first model appeared all those many years ago.  I thought the laptop was a giant leap forward but did not see it as a replacement for my personal computer. Now the Wall Street Journal and all those people that know about trends are saying Bye, Bye Laptops and PCs.  Everything I use will be replaced with something entirely different according to them.  This is what they had to say:

As inflection points go, the Consumer Electronics Show that kicked off yesterday couldn't be sending a clearer signal: The era of the personal computer is drawing to a close. For an industry gathering that once showcased each new generation of desktop and laptop, this year's show is buzzing with every imaginable flavor of tablet, smart phone and mobile appliance. Welcome to the age of mobile computing. Wall Street Journal 

When I see something like this, I am always wondering how this will affect me and what I buy in the future.  The implications of the WSJ statement caused me to pause.

I am a senior citizen (69) that lives half of the year in Oregon and the other half in Arizona.  My technology needs are driven by my age, location, avocation (writing) and cost.  I have not jumped on board with the ipad....yet. When the device came out initially last spring, I could not see how it would work for me.  I had enough problems with my iphone keypad that I was a little leery.  I was not aware of the keypad dock at the time.  Now I know a new shift in the way we use technology is at hand.

The WSJ article talked about why we won't be buying laptop and will be going to the ipad type device instead.  According to the author we will be docking our ipads to a keyboard (ipad Keyboard Dock) and using external or Internet storage for data.  By doing that sort of thing, we have ended the fear of a crashed computer, gotten rid of the big tower or even a hard drive in our laptop and taken a load out of our brief cases or backpacks. For the senior citizen the ipad concept will be a real winner.  The kindle application, for example, allows the senior citizen to read with enlarged font  The touch screen is not only easy to use but can reduce the keyboarding necessary to arrive at the online destination.  Even my iphone does this for me!

The new data from Pews Research group says that 59% of the populations now uses their phones for online use. That is up from 25% only one year ago. It is hard for me to think of a time when I did not have access to the internet 24/7.  It has become such a way of life for me.  In fact in this day and age where seniors want to keep in close contact with family, the smart phones can be a link to busy children.  I don't worry about carrying a camera with me anymore.  My iphone camera takes such high quality photos I really don't find it necessary.  I had not thought of my use as particularly trendy but it seems it is.

Apple TV has been around for quite a while now.  I had never really paid much attention to it.  Then our son and his family gave us one for Christmas. We could not wait to get it set up and begin using it.  This device allows us to connect online with my flickr account as well as use Netflix and rent movies.  It replaces payper view TV totally (at least for me) and I think will reduce our cable costs eventually.
In the past in order to use Netflix you would sign up and have the movies sent to your house.  My daughter's family began using Netflix online through their children's Xbox setup.  I don't have an Xbox and don't even want one.  It is nice to have the Apple TV that includes the Netflix application as well as an interface between my computer that will allow me to stream photo slide shows and music through our amp.  At home in Oregon this will give us the full benefit of a surround sound system.  Really, for this senior citizen, it was a perfect gift.

So what are the new and not so new technologies that I love?  Here we go:

• The Amazon Kindle reader is old and yet so new to me.  I love the world that it has opened for me.  My age makes is a must have.
• Apple TV...great for the senior citizen that wants to have the advantages of a computer that connects to their TV.  Reducing cost is a good thing!
• The ipad and some of the peripheral tools that can be added...I don't own this one yet but it is definitely on the list of good stuff!  Location will not be important anymore!  I think I will probably be using it for writing too. 
• My iphone, its camera's, map/search/gps function, online possibilities, etc.

Technology has become a necessity on our lives. Seniors are going to find it more and more useful as time goes on. The trick is to find the right things that will keep them ahead of the trends. It is worth doing the research now to avoid the mistakes later. Welcome to the age of mobile computing!

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Related articles

• Remote support to seniors citizens by senior citizens (computerknowledge1.blogspot.com)
• CES: Has ASUS discovered the strategy to take down the iPad? (zdnet.com)
• It's the year of the tablet at CES (canada.com)

Magnifier for the vision impaired? How about a kindle?

Image via WikipediaI am not much for talking to other people on airplanes...no one likes a chatty seat mate.  Well I don't anyway.  My husband is the one that sits in the middle, will talk to the person next to him and really doesn't seem to mind.  So when the man next to him leaned across and asked me what I thought of my kindle, I didn't even register he was talking to me.  Then when I did realize he was talking to me, I found I didn't have a good answer.

You see, I have a love/hate relationship with my kindle.  I have always loved the feel and even the smell of a new book.  My idea of the perfect day is lunch and a trip to a book store.  I collected them on my shelf and lovingly touched them when I passed...old friends with familiar stories to tell.  Then one day my husband and I realized that we needed to send all those books out into the world so others could enjoy them.  The library benefited from all those years of collecting.  I reminded myself that I could visit them on the library shelves as easily as I could when they were stored in boxes in the basement.

Last August my son and I traded...he took my old iphone and I took his old kindle, books and all.  I have since bought many books and read each one with ease.  Another blogger (Wasted Days and Wasted Nights) talked about her kindle today and I liked what she had to say.

The Kindle lets me adjust the size of the text so that I can see it clearly without having to have my reading glasses.  It keeps my place for me automatically.  I can download books in less than a minute, never having to leave the chair I am sitting in!  There is a lot of free content for the Kindle.

I have found that being able to adjust the size of the text is an answer to a prayer...anyone that has impaired vision will realize what I mean.  The text can be made very big and eye strain is reduced almost to nothing.  It does act like a magnifier for text in many ways...but with out the cumbersome book or newspaper.  This means that I can read as long as I want without any problem...as long as I want!

One of my extended family members is visually impaired and has used a reader for many years. Hers is very expensive but will also magnify her hand writing letters or checks allowing her to remain independent.   I never really appreciated how this machine also allowed her to stay in touch with the world.  Now I get it...reading keeps our mind active and alive.  With a Kindle we are given access to some of the features of her large reader at a cost we can afford. 

The only thing I miss is the tactile feeling and the beauty of a real book.  But I keep reminding myself that really, there is no choice for me anymore.  It was do this or stop reading so much.  We all know that if you love the world that books open,  it would be very hard to give it up.  My kindle is now just a part of my life.  I download books in a few minutes no matter where I am.  The suit case is much lighter even though I have a whole world of books at my fingertips.

I just thought you would want to know.

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