Category: Here And There

Deal Alert On 8GB Micro SDHC Card With Adapters And USB Reader

buy micro sdhc card reader

Tech and media items are getting smaller and smaller every day, while their capabilities are getting larger. Take removable media, for example. In the beginning there were only one or two types, including compact flash. As the technology and need evolved, more types of cards were introduced including SD, microSD and microSDHC. Are we supposed to have a different reader for each? Are we supposed to buy new media each time we upgrade our camera? Not necessarily.

Thanks to items like this Kingston 8GB Micro SDHC Card with Adapters and USB Reader, one card can now work with many different devices. This package combines a single card with dual adapters and a USB card reader, making it the perfect accessory. It’s versatility makes it ideal to share between devices including digital cameras, laptops, mobile phones and more. It even comes with a keychain, so you can always have it ready to use.

Buy.com has the Kingston 8GB Micro SDHC Card with Adapters and USB Reader on sale for $19.83, a 50% discount from it’s usual $40 sell price. It’s also eligible for free shipping.

Mar 13, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Mail Call!

my mail

Upon arriving home last night one of the first things I encountered were two GIANT piles of mail and packages. Both the kitchen and dining room tables each had a pile. I usually get our mail but since I was away RB got it. I couldn’t believe how much of it there was, until I remembered that RB had also been taking in my parents mail. He had thought to split the mail, ours on the kitchen table and my parents on the dining room table. My parents pile included a lot of mail and two boxes, one of which seemed to contain commercial kitchen parts. I couldn’t understand why my Mom would be ordering frymaster parts for her built in stovetop fryer until she reminded me that she’d gotten a new stove a month ago. I have to finish opening and sorting our mail tonight. My Dad is going to have so much fun opening all that mail. I’ll never understand why my Dad loves to open the mail, it’s a fascination he’s always had. He actually rushes out to the mailbox to get the mail before my mother. In the end it’s usually bills so I’m not sure why he does that. Who gets the mail in your house?

Feb 15, 2010 | 12 comments | View Post

Mysterious Neighbors

tall grass

Do you have any mysterious neighbors? We do. They bought the house a number of years ago. They were good neighbors, the kind that don’t bug you about things and don’t have wild things going on at their house at all hours. This couple came and went and about all we saw of them was them getting in and out of their cars before and after work. A little over a year ago the couple moved, apparently to a house up North. They did not put their house up for sale. At first they came down from time to time to check on the house. Then, they stopped coming. Grass and leaves are everywhere, even in the rain gutters which have no gutter protection. The weather has not been kind to the house, which could really benefit from vinyl siding and replacement windows. The mailbox broke in the storm two weeks ago and was in pieces on the lawn when I left. We don’t know what’s going on with the house. We know nothing about the people that used to live there. At one point we wondered if maybe it was some sort of relocation house for witnesses or something. If anyone ever does move in there they’ll have a lot of work to do. I can only imagine how bad the yard is with the most recent snowstorm.

Feb 12, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post

Nervous About Tomorrow

flights delayed sign

I’m supposed to fly out to Florida tomorrow and I’m getting a bit nervous. We had about two feet of snow over the weekend. Flights today are delayed or canceled. On the news they’re showing people waiting around in airports like they’re on line for front row Broadway theatre tickets. There’s now another snowstorm in the forecast for tomorrow evening. Driving down is not an option as the truck won’t make it. An electric bicycle would stand a better chance of making the trip uneventfully. Plus, the schedule just doesn’t have time in it for a road trip. I think I could handle a delay but am worried about a major one as I will have CJ with me. I don’t want to be sitting in the airport for hours and hours with him after RB drops us off. And I’d hate to have to ask RB to come back and get us at a later time. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, feel free to join me!

Feb 08, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post

Only A Few More Days To Florida!

map east coast i95

I’m so excited - I’m going to Disney next week! I’m really looking forward to seeing CJ’s reaction in the parks as he’s really into Mickey and Pooh. He and I are flying out on Tuesday. My parents, as well as my brother LB3 and his girlfriend Diva, are driving down. They left last night. I have a close relationship with my parents but always worry a little when they travel, which is often. You know what I mean right? Stuff happens. I’ve often thought it would be awesome if I could use gps real time tracking to keep tabs on where they are. Until there is an easier way I rely on phone calls. I’m a little worried because that area is expecting some severe weather, which makes driving a camper a bit less fun. Fortunately, my Dad will be sharing the driving with my brother, which should make the long drive easier and quicker. At 7:30 am this morning they were in Virginia and my Mom was eagerly awaiting checking out some outlet stores that she always stops at. I’ve never met anyone else who know where every outlet and mall is, no matter where she is. She’s like a 411 for malls. Do you know anyone like that?

Feb 05, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post

Who Remembers The Bag Phone?

motorola bag phone

I did a bit of closet and drawer cleaning and emptying recently when changing the bedroom furniture. At the bottom of my closet I found my first mobile phone – a bag phone. It’s the size of one of my purses! I still remember the day I got that phone like it was yesterday. I was so amazed that people could talk to other people on a phone like that. A long time has passed and phones have become smaller and more powerful. We’ve upgraded a couple of phones over the years. At first I didn’t know what to do with the old ones so I threw one or two away. There was no publicity on what to do with old phones. After all, the phones themselves were so new that noone could imagine how much more powerful and advanced they’d become. There are alternatives to throwing old cell phones away now. Consider cell phone donation, for example. You could be helping someone that really needs it. You’ll also be getting rid of some clutter and potentially keeping something out of the landfill for a while longer. Have you ever upgraded a cell phone? What did you do with the model you were replacing?

Feb 05, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Growing Up Faster Than An Eyebrow

moustache trimmer

Here’s something that I don’t think I’ve never mentioned. RB has a unibrow. Not only that, directly out of the middle of it grows a long hair, which we call his feeler because it waves around like a tentacle. It’s nothing a few hair removal wax strips wouldn’t take care of. But, it doesn’t bother him much so he usually leaves it alone, despite the fact that we tease him about it.

Recently TJ noticed that his eyebrows were looking a bit like his fathers. Finally proof that the boy who can’t see things in front of him isn’t blind! Anyway. I asked him if he wanted to come with me to the nail salon because they do eyebrows and facial hair removal. He said that he didn’t want to do that – I’m guessing because he’s heard me say that I hate the plucking. I asked him if he wanted me to check into hair removal cream. He said he didn’t think so and that he’d think about what he wanted to do. Two days later he’d decided on a solution to his problem. Rather than spend money he decided to use one of the moustache trimmers in the bathroom. He said he chose to do that because it was quick and easy and it wouldn’t cost anything because we already had it. How practical! I offered to do it for him but he wanted to do it himself. He did a nice even job and didn’t take off anything he wasn’t supposed to. I’m thinking I’m going to get him a smaller eyebrow trimmer of his own just to be safe. He’s growing up so fast, faster than the speed eyebrows grow it would seem.

Feb 01, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

Not All Pharmacies Are Created Equal

neon pharmacy sign

I know from past experience that all prescriptions are not created equal, no matter whether you have a prescription plan or not. This week I had to get a prescription refilled and learned that not all pharmacies do things the same. Due to the dosage of thyroid medicine that my doctor has me on, I have to take two pills per day. Many years ago I only had to take one but I need such a high dosage now that they combine two lower dosages. I transferred my prescription to Target last week. When it came time to pay for it they charged me double the usual price because there were 60 pills. The difference was $4, which I know is not a lot but it’s the principle. No matter what type of insurance you have, whether it be a great medical plan or an affordable dental plan, I have one piece of advice. Know your coverage. And your pharmacy.

Feb 01, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

Deal Alert For Gamers - PS3 Racer Steering Wheel

buycom ps3 racer wheel

We’re big on video games in my house. One of RB’s favorite types of video game is racing games. One of the first things he got way back when he first got into racing games was a steering wheel. If you or someone in your home is into racing games and has a PS3 then this sale on the PS3 Racer from MadCatz is for you.

The MadCatz P3 Racer steering wheel only works on the PS3. The measurement of the full size wheel is 10.30” high x 11.30” wide x 14” long. The wheel turns a span of 270 degrees. It looks like the unit comes with a system to keep it in place while playing, through the use of detachable lap and table mounts. The product has two analog pedals – gas and brake. There is a built in PS3 home button, 10 action buttons and 4 contoller port LED indicators built in.

The MadCatz P3 Racer Steering Wheel regularly sells for $99.99 and is currently on sale for $23.99. It’s also eligible for free shipping. Go grab one before they’re gone and put it away as a Valentine’s Day gift for your favorite gamer!

Jan 26, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

Good Visit With The Cardiologist

cardiology clipart

I went to the cardiologist yesterday for a checkup. I love the doctor but his waiting room is frequently crowded, between the patients, their belongings and maybe even a couple of portable oxygen concentrators. If you aren’t busy it’s a pretty safe bet that someone near you will try to strike up a conversation about anything, from CPAP machines to soap operas. I was lucky and I got in within ten minutes. Turns out it was a smart idea to go early. My ekg was fine and he said that my cholesterol and other bloodwork were spectacular. he said he’s very proud of the weight loss and general status of my health. He did suggest I follow up with my pulmonologist to discuss the status of my sleep apnea and possible changes to the machine or the CPAP Masks. In the end the doctor was so pleased that he said I only have to come for a check up once a year now. Yay!

Jan 25, 2010 | 4 comments | View Post

Don’t Ride If You Don’t Know What You’re Doing

My son TJ has been thinking about blogging so I’m letting him guest post a couple of times to see if he likes it. Please say hi to him.

*****

we the people envy bike

Me and my friends went for a bike ride to the local skate park. When we got there we decided that we were going to shoot some film for a video that we were going to post on YouTube. We were riding up and down the ramps for most of the day and pulling off dangerous tricks. My friend, who did not know what he was doing at the time, attempted a tailwhip and flipped over the bars. He hit the ground and the bike landed on him. For the past week now he has had neck pain. When he told me this I ordered him a neck pain pillow and told him to go for back pain treatment. He really should be riding.

Jan 20, 2010 | 15 comments | View Post

Boys To Men

I have been married for 24 years. My youngest brothers, LB2 and LB3, were part of my wedding party. They were my handsome little ring bearers. We had a simple wedding as we didn’t have a lot of money. The boys looked just as handsome in their suits ad they would have in tuxedo vests. Now the boys are grown and in relationships of their own. One is engaged and the other contemplating. I look at the picture on the wall in my hallway and marvel how quickly time has passed and the boys turned into men.

Jan 19, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

How My Two Little Brothers Got Me Into Trouble With The Police

bank vault door

LB2 and LB3 are quite a bit younger than me. Back when they were infants I took them everywhere with me, including work. I had a part time job cleaning two banks a couple of evenings a week. The pay was decent, which was important since I’d just bought a new Mustang convertible. The job wasn’t hard. Everything was provided for me including all janitorial cleaning supplies.

One night I had both of the boys with me. Since we were locked in I didn’t worry much about the boys, they had a couple of toys and could amuse themselves playing on the carpet. Or so I thought. As I moved between areas of the large lobby cleaning LB2 made a remark about men at the door. Being a bank with an ATM, I didn’t think much of it. Then I looked up. What did I see? About a half dozen police officers in front of the main entrance, guns drawn. I couldn’t imagine what they wanted and they certainly didn’t look like they were making a delivery for the industrial cleaning supply company.

I went to the door where I was ordered to open the door and surrender. WTH? I was authorized to be in the bank. It wasn’t like I had access to the bank vault or money - the greenest thing I had access to was a couple of green cleaning supplies. After opening the door and being frisked and questioned we figured out what had happened. One of the boys had pressed the silent alarm button under the teller counter. Everything was straightened out and all ended well. I never brought the boys with me to clean the bank again.

Jan 18, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

That Window Cleaner Commercial Live, Minus The Window

I saw the funniest thing yesterday. I walked past the dining room and saw the cat positioned behind the curtain at the corner of the patio doors. He was watching something very intently. I walked over and saw that he was watching a bird on the porch.

The bird seemed to be trying to get out of the porch, into the backyard where his bird friends were pecking around. Now one of the screens on the porch needs to be redone because a corner came loose, leaving a flap. That area is five feet from the doorway, which is just a doorway open to the back yard, no door. So I figured the bird would just fly out. The bird couldn’t get out, he kept flying into the screen. He wasn’t hurt or anything, he just couldn’t get out. I felt like I was watching that window cleaner commercial except there’s no window.

Jan 13, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

Paint? Check.

bedroom windows

I am very excited. My bedroom hasn’t been complete in a while. Over a year ago we had to replace one whole wall, including replacement windows, which have remained uncovered sincebeing put in. See, if the walls weren’t finished I didn’t want to put curtains over anything for fear the work would never get done. I have hated not having curtains in there.

It looks now like the bedroom may finally be finished, or at least closer to it. A friend of mine offered to give us a bedroom set. I told RB that before we put new furniture in there we need to finish and paint the walls. he agreed. Yesterday I stopped at Home Depot and picked up the paint. We’re actually going to use a little color for the first time ever. My brother has offered to help us pick up the furniture on Saturday. Keep your fingers crossed with me!

Jan 12, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post