All the Christmassing is over, and I'm still alive and functioning. I ate too much, as I expected I would. So now it's time to lay in a supply of Lean Cuisine and try to lose some of the extra weight that I truly don't need.
It really wasn't all that bad, because I tried not to think too far ahead at any one given time. Just do what's on tap for right now. That seemed to work. I'm tired, but I really feel well enough to get some sewing done. Sophie, however, is not cool with that. Any time I go near the sewing room she comes after me and bugs me with her pawing and nosing until I come back downstairs with her. Then she snuggles back up in her nest on back of the sofa. Maybe the holiday season reminded her somehow of PopPop, and now she needs some special attention. I know she misses him, even though she can't tell me in so many words.
For the pillowcase instructions I promised, click on this link. I don't remember where I got these instructions. I was thinking they came from the internet, but I don't see any indication on the sheet of a website, so now I'm thinking a friend gave them to me, but I can't remember which one. Anyway, I've made lots of pillowcases using these instructions, and I can tell you they're fast and easy and make lovely pillowcases.
And now for the Kindle report I've been promising.
When I finally found time to sit down and learn to use mine, I found that I didn't need a degree in engineering to use it, as is the case with most electronic devices. Its ease of operation is a definite advantage. Almost as easy as a real book, honestly.
Ordering books is easy too. But I have to admit that as I was perusing the bookstore, I made a misclick and ordered a book I hadn't planned to order. But I started reading it before I explored "returning" it, and decided it was entertaining enough to keep. The book is Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich. Halfway through it, I haven't found anything spooky yet, but it is really funny. So I'm not sure how you return books you've ordered by mistake--or even if you can.
The Kindle is very light, making it easy to hold. If you have any kind of condition that causes pain in your hands or arms, as I do, this is a definite plus.
For eyes that need extra help, as mine do, the Kindle is just the ticket. No matter what book you're reading, large print is always an option with the click of a button. In fact, you have several choices for font size. I've found that with the Kindle, I don't need as bright a light as I do with books.
And no matter what size print you choose, there's no scrolling up and down or back and forth to read a page. It's all right there on the screen, then one click of the "next page" button brings up the next screen.
Probably as a consequence of all the above qualities, I find I can read much faster with the Kindle than with a book. And for readers like me, who love to read in bed, it's perfect. No propping up an unwieldy book with pillows.
There's also the advantage of having access to any book published for Kindle, which I think is most of them, almost instantly. No trips to the bookstore or waiting for the mailman to arrive. Most books cost $9.99 to download, but some are even less expensive.
But as much as I love my Kindle, I'm far from ready to give up on paper books altogether. I still have a fairly high stack of real books in my to-be-read supply. And I know there will be some books by favorite authors that I'll want on my bookshelf. And there's just something nice about holding a real book and turning pages that's nice, at least until you hand starts cramping or your arm starts hurting.
I hope this report helps those of you who've been contemplating getting an electronic reader. Of course, everyone is different, but I have no regrets about buying mine. And if I did, I suppose I could return it. So if you think you'd like one, I suggest you give it a try. And if you do, be sure to let me know how you like it.
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On 12/28/2009, Pat said ...
Looks like just what I "need!" I'm finding the larger print and the more light the better. I know my husband would not mind having books stacked all over, but I'm like you - there's just something about a paper book...
On 12/28/2009, LaurieC said ...
I'm not sure I have ever posted on your blog, but have read it often. My feelings about the Kindle are pretty much right on par with yours. I got mine for a birthday gift - nothing I had ever thought of owning, but I find it really easy to use and read with. It does not replace the feel of a book, but reading is easy. It will be great for traveling, and I drop it in my purse whenever I have an appointment so I can read while waiting. It fits much better than a paperback!
Blessings to you in the New Year. You have handled the challenges and sadness of 2009 with grace and are an inspiration.
On 12/28/2009, Helen said ...
I LOVE my Kindle! Not as a "replacement" for "actual" books....but as a wonderful enhancement. You can return books ordered by mistake...there is a line to click at the order acknowlegment point before you return to home. The credit takes a few days to be issued, but cancellation confirmation is immediate. I don't use the Kindle for book club reading though....the lack of page numbers (uses "locations" instead) makes it hard to quickly refer to different passages for discusion when a page # is referenced.
On 12/28/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
My freezer door looks like that grocery photo - Lean Cuisines top to bottom. That said, we've just ordered 4 Chicago pizzas for New Years Eve from Lou Malinati's. I lived in a Chicago suburb for 7 years as a teen and love Chicago pizzas. Will take a break from Lean Cuisines for that!!
Thanks for the pillow case instructions.
Will you need to move your sewing or cutting station to the dining room to keep Sophie happy?
Call me old fashioned, but I'm not ready for Kindle as long as the public library and intra-library loan are in business.
Hugs! Barbara
On 12/28/2009, Melinda said ...
I just downloaded the Kindle for IPhone app from ITunes and bought one book. Although the screen on the IPhone is small, it is easy to read. Since the app is free, I thought this would be a good way to test out reading electronically instead of with a book. I listen to books all the time, but sometimes I just want to read. It is great when waiting in lines or waiting at the doctors. Have fun with your Kindle.
On 12/28/2009, Lavender Dreamer said ...
Thanks for the Kindle info. I would love to get one and think I would really enjoy it. I check out books from the library though and that doesn't cost anything. For traveling it would be great! Hope you have a restful week!
On 12/29/2009, Rae Ann said ...
Maybe I should look into getting a Kindle after all! It sounds just like what I need.
The pillow case was darling!
On 12/29/2009, Kai said ...
First of all, I am DELIGHTED to read that you are planning to sew, spend quiet time with lil' Sophie, and allow Stouffer's to take care of your meals for a bit. Lean Cuisine & I are old friends, & I could LIVE on the fish & rice one or the butternut squash ravioli! Sooooo yummy. I like almost ALL of them! Second, you are so generous to give us the pillowcase instructions! THANK YOU! I intend to try one, and if I find I can actually DO it, I'll be making so many of them because cute/pretty pillowcases are my secret weakness! I could have a hundred and it wouldn't be too many. I buy sets of solid colored sheets so I can buy (now MAKE) all sorts of different cases! Finally, the Kindle. Sigh ... I can't EVER justify buying one (tho' I think they are AWESOME) because I have 2 - yes TWO - 5-LEVEL bookshelves with the books DOUBLE SHELVED (one row behind the other) of unread books. Not to mention the overflow on TOP of the rows of books and on the floor. Oh, the shame of it. Heehee - I'm not REALLY ashamed. I just think of myself as 'rich in reading material.' But I'm glad to know the Kindle is a GOOD thing just in case I ever DO run out of books to read.
On 12/29/2009, Dandelion Quilts said ...
I loved reading about your Kindle. Mom and I talked Dad into letting us get him the Nook from Barnes and Noble. He doesn't have it yet, but did get to test one out in the store. He is an avid reader, like you. I think he will like it.
On 12/29/2009, Debra said ...
One thing I have noticed lately is that all the electronic gizmos have helped me clear out the clutter. I keep so much more on the computer than I would in file cabinets and bookcases. It is really changing the way I store information & what I allow to come into the house. So, consequently, I don't need all the furniture or storage space once needed for normal living. Of course the style of this house contributes to that too.
I have vaguely thought about the Kindle but since I was lousy for listening to books on tape, I doubt I would actually sit down and read from a Kindle. I do think if I could get Wes to use one, he might enjoy it. He reads all kinds of articles on his IPhone & that screen is pretty small.
I know you are ready to take a break. You certainly deserve one. It's been a long year.
xoxox
On 12/29/2009, Rian said ...
Thanks for the review on the Kindle. I think I'd like it because I could read in the dark without having to turn on the light.
I'll be joining you in Lean Cuisine-land in a week.
You have traversed a remarkable path this year, and, as LaurieC said, you have handled it with grace and inspiration. May the new year bring you a rebirth.
On 12/30/2009, Laurie said ...
I do like the idea of the Kindle being light and easy to read. But, like you, I'm not yet willing to part with my paper books, so it will be a while before I get one. I'm glad you like yours!
On 12/31/2009, jabner said ...
I just love reading your blog, so wonderful and full of fun and all the things I enjoy. I appreciate all the wonderful time you give doing it. Thank you.
Oh!, I think you might of gotten your pillow case information from 44th street fabric, as I just read it this morning and it was really the best I have read. Bev is wonderful and has the best fabric line around. I will be back..Jabner
On 01/01/2010, Loree Tanner said ...
I have a Kindle and i DO love it, BUT, i still like my books, and have a great stack of TBR books that i have to have, and really do love going to Barnes & Noble to look and feel and read. It is just hard to give up paper altogether, the feel and smell of them and all the things added to them in the beginning and ads for different books in the back of paperbacks, I also got all the equipment to try to have the thing read to me and could never figure that one out!!! just beyond me apparently. but i do read thru them much faster, got the latest diana Galbadon book, (close to 1000 pages and had it finished in NO time, worried that it was condensed, but have seen NOTHING that shows or says that the Kindle books are condensed, i do NOT like condensed)
On 01/06/2010, Judi W said ...
If you enjoyed Plum Spooky you should read all the Stephanie Plum novels -they are hilarious. Great/silly characters - easy reading for sure! If you go to www.fantasticfiction.co.uk you can look them up in order of publication.
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