I asked Smart Guy to take a picture of me talking to Norma Jean on iChat today. Ever since I went to visit her in February, I've talked to her this way two or three times a week, and it seems like we are right there together. She's sitting on her back porch in sunny Florida, while I sit at my desk in sunny Bellingham. I like to use the headphones because she can hear me much better, and only my part of the conversation is able to be heard in the living room. Sometimes I think Smart Guy isn't really listening to me, but then he will chime in with a word or two, and I know he's at least partially engaged in the conversation, too.
But it's really between the two sisters. Ever since I was there after her husband Pete died in February, I can be there like this and it doesn't cost us a thing! We also occasionally use Skype or FaceTime, but the quality of iChat on our iMacs tends to be the best. I visit with her, the dogs, and with her son Peter who is staying with her for awhile. He's doing all kinds of work on the house before he intends to go off to California to seek his fortune. (He was laid off in October from his job in Michigan.)
Tomorrow I'll be hiking with the Senior Trailblazers, and we have an amazing weather forecast. I don't know what exactly is going on with this La Niña business, because we don't usually see something like this weather forecast in the first part of December:
Don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining! It's going to be a great day with a bunch of great people, as usual. I've now been hiking on Thursdays with my friends for three years now, and although I keep going back on many of the same hikes, they are always an adventure. Tomorrow's post should tell the tale. Until then, I'm wishing for all good things to come your way.
:-)
I've always wanted to give video chatting a try - just never got around to doing it. It sounds like fun. It sure beats emailing to catch up with family. Chatting live would be much better.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely picture of you and Norma Jean! Larry and I keep in touch this way, via Skype, when I am in England and now, whilst I am here, I can keep in touch with my family over there. I spoke to Dylan the other day too, which was nice. I don't think he could understand where I was!
ReplyDeleteOur temperatures are going to plummet tonight as well. Today was just gorgeous.
Happy Birthday for tomorrow DJan
x's from your friend Star
What a great way to keep in touch. That sounds like a lot of fun so I should stay away from that since I am so gabby. The house could fall around me and I would just keep talking.
ReplyDeletei have skyped with a few blog friends overseas and done a few interviews through video chat...it is really cool...enjoy the mild weather while you have it...
ReplyDeleteWe skyped with our grandkids occasionally when they lived in Colorado. Then something wasn't working right, but before we could get it fixed, they moved here!
ReplyDeleteI wish more people would video chat. I have been enjoying video chat from the beginning and like it immensely. I can't get my kids to use it though. Like you, I have an iMac.
ReplyDeleteSmart Guy took a great photo of you and you sister.
Wonderful way for you two to chat! :)
ReplyDeleteSkype and other programs are amazing. My wife likes it when she talks to my daughter.My wife likes to visit and this seems more like visiting.
ReplyDeleteYou're sending all your snow our way. We had 15 cm last night.
OMG!!! Sunny Washington--who'd a thunk it ?? lol
ReplyDeleteI don't video chat either...I'd never get away from this soul sucking box!!!! lol--it's hard enough now.
The Irishman says they'll find my cold dead fingers clutching a mouse at 103...I don't have the heart to tell him that there probably won't be a mouse by then. lol
I haven't quite got to video chatting yet.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day tomorrow - and let us know how it went.
This is too funny, I mentioned video chats in my post today. I have only used it a few times but it is a great way to communicate. Glad to hear you and Norma Jean can keep in touch this way.
ReplyDeleteOur forecast looks almost identical to yours. It is weird weather for this time of the year. Oh well, we'll just enjoy and not question why.
Isn't technology wonderful for keeping families close? I know that I felt a lot less lonely up in Belgium when I finally convinced my parents to install Skype on their computers! Not just the occasional video calls, but sometimes just chatting with my dad (in writing) for a few minutes in the middle of the day.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the hike tomorrow! I'm still trying to find a group to go out with on Sunday ;o)
Granddaughter Amanda, in Washington, skypes with her little sister Alivia back here in Ohio.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire my need to get out and about with more seniors. As soon as hubby is on the mend I'm going to move in that direction.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter video chats with her hubby since he's back in UK and she's waiting for her Visa to join him. His family is here but his job is there so they will settle there. I have chatted a few times too. Did google and Skype .
Living in Italy and all family elsewhere, I use Skype or iChat always. How lucky we are to have such technology at our disposal to keep in touch. It's great that you stay in touch with your sister. I'm sure she treasures it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great way to communicate for sure. Technology sure does help keep people together. I love the photo of the two of you. Enjoy your hike, tomorrow. I know you will.
ReplyDeleteI thought something looked familiar. It just occurred to me that the rocker and foot rest at Norma Jean's is identical to the one up at Frank's family cottage.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun it must be to chat like that. I adore that picture of you two chattin' it up!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a fun on the hike tomorrow. I just came in from doin' chores and it's cold out there baby!!!
God bless and have a beautiful day and a safe hike!
My sister in Minnesota skypes with her daughter who lives in England, but I have never tried anything like that. I do have a MacBookPro so I probably have ichat...but would have no clue how to use it or who I could talk with on it--LOL!
ReplyDeleteThat is so nice that you can chat with your sister like that regularly. Almost like them being there. Wow!
I hope you have a wonderful hike with the gang. It's gotten colder over here. Maybe your warmer weather will drift over this way. ;)
My dad likes to video chat so he can see the kids. My sister and I use FaceTime so our kids can talk to one another-for the under 7 crowd it's a pretty big deal! I never even considered using headphones, though. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice you're having pretty sunshine for your birthday. I hope you're having fun; I'll be back to see the pictures later:)
Technology is an amazing thing and can certainly bring people together more easily. How lovely that you and Norma Jean 'see' each other weekly. My son will be travelling overseas in December and we are hoping to be all set up so we can Skype and stay in touch.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your hike tomorrow ~ :)
Btw, I also wanted to say thanks for the lovely things you said about my art on Rita's blog. xo
ReplyDeleteI dunno, DJan. Temperatures in the 40s would kill me, no matter how sunny. Lol.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to take a look at iChat. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Skype too. It really makes me feel like my granddaughter is always there for us to talk to. She never feels like she's lost touch with us. Technology is amazing.
ReplyDeleteDid someone say it was your Birthday - HAPPY HAPPY DAY ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY!
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice perk to your week to ichat with your Sister. Aah, I love technology - that's what keeps me ticking. NICE
Have a good hike, although its done by the time you get this and Happy Birthday DJan :)