Mary, it sounds like you had a great day yesterday. I would love to take that River Gorge cruise. I hope you have a wonderful time in Maine and environs. When will you get home?  We'll miss you but envy you the cooler weather up there.  I haven't been to Maine either but would love to. However, unless my back gets straightened out, I doubt I'll ever get to.

Jane, I enjoy the Baadeck Yarn cartoons you post on FB.

Hi Jeanne and Mary Page.

I ran over to the club house to drop off some book donations for the free lending library there, and also to give a check to the Helping Hands group for their Back to School Drive.  I usually shop for the supplies myself, but I just don't have the energy to go WalMarting.  They were just as happy with the check though.

I've also done my back exercises but not much else.

For those of you who know Jaywalker (Jane), apparently her 2nd daughter who was fighting cancer has lost  the fight.  I can't imagine losing 2 children!  My heart and prayers go out to her.

Keep cool.  Sharon

I knowe she said Joy was close but I haven't seen where she lost the fight I will have to find out about that.

It seems like Jaywalker has been in both Seniornet and S and F long time. I guess I have not been reading about her daughters.  So Sad. My Sympathy goes out to her.
Maybe later she will be back here.

Indeed it is so very sad to learn of the passing of JAYWALKER'S daughter!!  I'm confident that many PRAYERS have been sent forward to her from friends of many years.  I've said the Prayers of the Repose of the Soul as I write this message and know that our Lord will bless JAYWALKER as she mourns her daughter's passing.  God Bless! 

Jaywalker's daughter has NOT passed away yet, she is  very weak, at home on hospice and heavily medicated. Her husband is by her side and posted on Facebook a couple of days ago what was going on with her, but she is still alive.It probably won't be long before the end comes.

Jaywalker, our hearts are with you.

Jeanne, the trip is not a river trip, but in the Maine harbor - but still should be cooler.  It's with American Cruise Lines.  This will be my third trip with them, and have been generally pleased with them and their services.  We've done one on the Columbia River and one on the Mississippi River (from St. Louis to Minneapolis).  We talked about the various excursions today, getting an idea of which ones we like to do.  Fortunately we've (Ann, Al, and I) have never felt we were "joined at the hip" and had to do everything together.  I won't be doing most of the walking tours, but might be doing some on my own.  Anyhow, we're off in the morning.

MaryPage, wish I'd known you earlier.  Our first trip to ME was a week on a schooner (the Isaac H. Evans) out of Rockland - we loved it.  The next time we went back we spent one or two nights at a B&B on Vinalhaven - this trip was on our own, on our way to Nova Scotia.  The third trip was also a schooner trip, with two of the grandkids (can't remember the name of the ship right now, but not the IHE).  So I'm really looking forward to revisiting some places.  Vinalhaven is a terrific place - we loved it, but I don't think we stop there.

We went to the museum (the Hunter Museum of American Art) today, and spent most of the morning there.  The traveling exhibit and the permanent collection are very nice, and we enjoyed it. Next we went across the street to a very nice art gallery (fortunately we didn't find anything we couldn't live without).  And we had a nice light lunch at the nearby coffee shop.  After driving by the sculpture garden, we came back to my apartment to hang out for the afternoon.  We talked about the various excursions offered and make some tentative decisions as to which ones we want to do.  Fortunately, as traveling companions, we've never felt that we were "joined at the hip" and had to do everything together.  I know I won't be doing any of the guided walking tours, but will probably do some by myself - and do a couple of the museums and bus trips.  Time will tell.

And a new wrinkle in travel, devices, technology, and old folks. I got an e-mail from Delta that I could check in.  I followed the trail through the different instructions, and got to the place where it asked if I wanted them to send the boarding pass to my mobile device, send me an e-mail, or send me something to print.  Since neither Margaret or Al could get my computer to talk to my printer yesterday, I said send
it to my mobile device and gave them my cell number, and clicked "next".  My phone promptly told me I had a text, and there was a square code thing-y that I assume will work for my boarding pass.  'Twill be interesting.

I'm sorry I indicated Jane's daughter had already passed, but the first posting I read wasn't clear. Later I read that she is in hospice and that it is imminent.

Mary, it sounds like a wonderful trip.  My kids get their boarding passes via their smart phones too, but mine is only semi-smart  , so I can't do that.

I just ordered a back device from QVC that is FDA approved for lower back pain from a variety of causes. It helps open the discs.  I will have 30 days to return it if it doesn't work, but cross your fingers for me.  It is the Special Value of the Day and only $35 if anyone else is interested. It is designed by a chiropractor and has no moving parts. If any of you are interested, go to QVC.com and click on the picture.

Sharon

QuoteMy phone promptly told me I had a text, and there was a square code thing-y that I assume will work for my boarding pass.  'Twill be interesting.

I've seen many "young" people do just that, Mary.  They show that square thing on their phone to the checkin woman as you go to enter the "walk to the plane" thing and she scans it with her hand held device like she does the same thing on the paper copy.  You'll be right up there with the young people and their "do everything" phones!!   

Beautiful morning here...after some strong thunderstorms last evening and night.  I skipped Knit Night as I had no desire to be anywhere but home with the strong storm and winds.

I need to walk.  Nothing much here...we have a joint 80th Birthday party for two guys from Ray's coffee, and I play bridge with both of their wives. They've been friends forever and I expect a lot of people we know will be there.

jane

MaryZ.  Now I get the Brochures from that Company all the time. Their Trips do sound good. For me though most seem to have the pick up places so far from me.
Another Co. I get is from Nova Scotia that sounds good but pick up is in Halifax. So harder to do them then for me to fly to UK and things much closer together.  Same great prices over there now on River cruises  And 5 day coach trips prices unbelievable. UK People travel a lot but the messes all over Europe is keeping the at home I think. I do things with my cousin and wife when there but at this time both are in the middle of getting their knees replaced.

It has continued to be hot and humid. Thank goodness for AC. I haven't done anything today. So sad for Jane's family.

My a/c failed on Tuesday, and I have been 5 days and 4 nights in the heat.  BGE HOME just left, having installed a brand new fan, which had to be ordered after their visit here on Wednesday and is under warranty.  Everything appears to be working and the apartment is cooling down as I write.  Another gorgeous day here on the bay, and I am one Cool Lady!
I have managed to keep fairly comfortable when in my easy chair, as I have a large floor fan turned right towards where I sit.
I thought Brazil did a great job with the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last night.  My one and only complaint is the usual one: WHY are we forced to miss so many nations entrances because of interruptions for commercials?  I feel it is unfair for me to grade the outfits the various teams wore when I actually missed so many of them, but inasfar as the ones I DID see, I thought the Cook Islands had the best.  I thought the ones our own USA team wore this year were great, but not in the top two or three.  I like pretty.  Our team looked young, healthy, exuberant and raring to go.  I thought the lighting of the Olympic Flame the most original and beautiful EVer!  How 'bout your thoughts?

I only saw part of the opening...I did like the USA outfits and liked some of the tropical countries with the bright turquoise with white pants, etc.   I didn't last long enough to see the lighting. 

We went off to Waterloo today and I bought a mini Ipad 4 but I'll have to go back Monday and have them help me download my backup.  All Icloud wants to show me are the backups from Ray's.  RATS!!

jane

Jane. Let me know if you like the Mini.  My IPad is either 3 or 4 years old now and with using a Amazon Fire and liking the size to put in purse I am thinking that maybe next IPad could be the Mini.

Looks like Staples have the Mini on sale for $379. Arn't the bigger IPad expensive. Saw them at $879 the other day. To high for me. Maybe closer to end of year all will be on sale.

The high end ones...with 256 GB and WiFi and Cellular can be over $1,000, but I have no use for all of that as I don't do high tech graphics or video recording, etc.  All of that is way beyond my abilities.  The mini 4 will fit in my purse and yet it's about the size of a regular paperback so reading books on it is no problem. 

I'll need to go back Monday and have them help me download my Ipad backup.  All it wants to show me on icloud is Ray's Ipad. 

Beautiful day here today...humidity much lower so I could breathe and had some energy.  When the humidity's high, I seem to tire out easily.

The birthday party last night was good.  Lots of people and it seemed everyone was having a good time.  I got home in time to watch the beginning of the opening of the Olympics.

jane

It has been nice here today also. Should dress for it and go take a walk. just been lazy today and so hate to change into clothes . Will do it tomorrow.
That is what I like my Amazon fire for. Size of a Paper back. (which I can't stand to use them.) Got to figure out how to put the IBooks from the library on it. Go onto my IPad easy but does it a different way on the Fire. I need to go over and have them show me how. Will do it tomorrow also
I have books I bought from Amazon on the Fire. Easy to do that.

We still don't have a Apple Store anywhere close to C/U. Crazy

Gorgeous day here on the bay.  The glistening waters out there are full of white sails interspersed with the long wakes of a few power boats.  And Somewhere out there on the Chesapeake, or in one of its many nooks and crannies (did you know the entire shoreline of this mightiest of estuaries amounts to MORE mileage than all of the left coast and east coast and gulf coasts COMBINED?), lies a small fishing boat (powered) with great grandson Ezra aboard with his grand uncle Steve.  For the second time this summer, Ezra's parents, Paige & Alex, have been indulgent with their 5 year old and brought him from Baltimore for a fishing lesson.  I think they are probably on the boat with him, as is his grandfather, Greg.  Please everybody reading this, say a little prayer that Ez catches his first fish today!  He learned about the rod & reel last time, but caught nothing.  Doesn't your heart twist painfully when you contemplate a five year old boy yearning to actually pull up a fish?  So does mine!  So pray already!
I have a couple of letters to write, and then will sink into my favorite chair and finish the Sunday paper and mebbe, actually most certainly, take a little Sabbath Nap.

Here's hoping Ez got his fish!

We've walked, and so now in with the AC on as it's so humid out there already.

Jeanne...our ONLY Apple store in the whole state is in a new shopping center in West DesMoines!  I went to an authorzed Apple reseller who has the ipads, Mac computers and does repair, etc.  I preferred this to someone at Best Buy who may or may not know the product. 

Ray had two buddies he used to work with coming by this afternoon for a visit. One lives here in town; the other is now in Savannah, GA.

I'll be watching the Olympics some today and then the first preseason pro football games is tonight.

jane

 

We saw a bit of the opening ceremony on the TV in the restaurant where we had dinner Friday, but not enough to really appreciate it. After dinner we went to the grocery and then came home and put it all away and collapsed. Didn't bother seeing if it was still on.  I'm not a big Olympics fan. I enjoy the gymnastics & a little of the swimming, but that's about it. In the winter I like the skiing and the skating.

I've been to SS & church. Then stopped at Lowes to pick up 3 plants to replace some that died in the horrible heat. I will try to get up early and plant them tomorrow AM before it gets too bad. I also put in a load of towels.   I didn't get to sleep till after 3:00 last night, so I may take a snooze too.

I have a small La Pan pad but I'm not overly enthusiastic about it. I keep thinking I will try to download an app that will allow me to download books from the library. Lori told me the name, but I'm not sure I remember it correctly. I think it was Overlord, but don't quote me.

My back has really been bothering me, so not doing much.  Sharon

It's Overdrive, Sharon, and I'd suggest going to your library with your device and having them show you how to do it.    I have both the Kindle and the Nook app on my Ipad, and most of our library's digital download can be done in either format.  I always cgoose Kindle, because it's so easy and I can return the book through my Amazon account if I finish it early.

I've gotten my sheets washed and dried and the guest room bed's sheets back on.  RAy slept there while he was coughing so at night.

Jane

We had our family reunion this week end...so I'm wore out today. Had 23 here for dinner yesterday...all gone now..but the changing bed sheets will be tomorrow.  Hi to any  looking in..Darlene

Ezra caught THREE fish!  A spot and two perch.  So he got to go out on the boat AND caught his first fish.  Huge day for a five year old!  Thanks for the wishing for him.
Oh, and almost best of all, Uncle Steve let him steer the boat a little bit when they were nearly back home.

Uncle Steve is the HERO....Ez caught 3 fish AND got to drive the boat.  That little boy is on Cloud 9, I'm sure.

Sharon.  As Jane Says. Take your tablet to the Library and they will set it up so you can get your books on there.  I do that now on my tablet as have enough on my IPad and the Amazon Fire is smaller and can put in my purse when having to wait in Appointments.  My library don't buy as many books now in LP for the shelves to nice to have on Tablet. You can keep renew them like with your card.
Can you believe My big fancy library had to shut down for 2 days because found bed bugs there.  Yuk.....

Well Another lazy Sunday for me today. Not as hot out but still high 80s and humid. So. Read the big Sunday paper. Same old news. That did not take long. Set computer to do a Full Scan. This takes about 3 hours. Took a hour nap. Now making a fast easy dinner.
Making Southern Fry Chicken. Just put one can of New Potatoes. Don't use them often but good when you roll them in the Egg,Panko that the chicken was covered. Popped into the skillet with the chicken. Will do some green beans but will most probably just have a piece of chicken and a salad. Rest will make 2 meals for later.
Watching some of the Olympics.  Only interested in the Swimming, Gymnastics, Couple of others not on yet.  As usual, China and Japan picking up most the golds. Have to say. They are good. But lots of time left yet.

Couple of my shows on TV  tonight. So that is my day . Feel a little guilty not doing walking but out a lot tomorrow. It will make it up.
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I am thinking of gettin a GPS device for my car. Any and all recommendations are welcome.

We have a GPS in our car.  Since we don't often go to new places, haven't used it much. It can be funny when it says "recalculating" which it does if you go differently than the last direction it gave. It depends on satellite coverage.

Quiet day here. 

Marilyn....if you have a smart phone, I've found that the google maps is our best GPS.  I've not ever had a separate one.  Ours were part of the car's navigation system, and the google maps is much better, imho.

The preseason Hall of Fame football game was canceled because of field comditions.  The announcers were stunned, it seemed.  I don't know how they're going to fill those hours now.   

We're watching  Olympic swimming.

Finally got a signal, in Castine, Maine. Lovely weather, nice people, way too much delicious food, lobster with everything. Nice to have some cooler temp. Seeing some olympics late.

Marilyn, I use gps on android phone with Google maps, too. Gives traffic and construction info too.

Who knows when I'll get internet again.

Hi Gals, Thanks for the info on downloading books. I really need to do that. I'm going to the library one day this week--as soon as I finish the last book that I am reading.

Marilyn, we have a Garmin GPS, but if you have a smart phone, take the other girls' advice. My kids do that.  John hates the GPS and calls it "Mother". I guess it is the tone of her voice.  Sometimes it does take you in weird directions to reach where you're going.  Ours is about 5 yrs old so it doesn't have all the bells and whistles some do.  I know that Tom Tom is a good brand also.

Mary, glad to see you pop in. Was wondering if you would be able to. Glad all is going well.

I just got in from planting 3 new plants in my pots where I had lost some. I took a pain pill and got out before it got too hot, but hurting big time now.  It was too early to plant mums and since 2 of the 3 pots are in front, I had to redo them.  This heat has been so bad and one of my drip systems wasn't working well and the ones in the front, I just didn't get watered often enough due to my pain.

I talked to both Melanie and Brian yesterday. Brian and family were leaving today for Europe. Flyiing into Ramstein Germany on an AF plane, then renting a car and going to hit the high spots in Germany, France, Brussels & Luxembourg.  This trip is primarily an early graduation gift to Braeden as he studied German and wanted to go there. Sean gets the extra benefit.

Melanie was all excited about their 18 day tour of Italy and Sicily that they are taking in Oct. This will be her first trip to Europe since she was 16. Sangmin has never been.  I do hope they have a good and safe trip.  Did I tell you that Melanie had another clear CT & so is cancer-free for 3 yrs! Such a blessing.

John had a fairly good tournament. Won 7 or 8 pts, but had fun too.

Our SS teacher has conned me into teaching the class week after next when he will be out of town. I've never done that. Hope I can do a decent job.  Sharon

     Cancer free is good.  I like cancer free!