New Phone

Just got the Droid Bionic to replace my old cell phone and iPhone. Still getting used to it but it seems more powerful even if not as easy to use as the iPhone. What's next? An android tablet to replace my iPad? We'll see.

eReaders

Having switched from the Kindle reader to the Kindle App for iPhone several years ago, I now find it hard to read on a normal sized page. Even the Kindle App for iPad (shown) presents such a large format I seem to get lost from row to row.

I think the smaller, more focused presentation of sentences and paragraphs on the iPhone screen allows me to read faster and with greater comprehension. I find myself turning pages faster and faster.

I also like the features of the Kindle App including one-touch dictionary, passage highlighting and note digest, and popular highlights from other readers. Text search is also very good. And for ease on the eyes, the use of brightness adjust works well for varying light levels including darkness.

I'm staying with my iPhone as my primary reading device at least for now. Having ny library at my belt at all times is just too good a thing.

New Business Opportunity or New Toy

Actually, it was justified as a time-saver and indeed, it really moves across the ground.

Vincent was able to learn the operation in about 15 minutes so I may be able to sit on the porch with a glass of lemonade while he does the lawn. Now if I can get him to carry the weedwacker I will have it good.

King of Snow Mountain

One bright spot for all the snow we've received this year is the fun we've had climbing snow mountains created in shopping center parking lots. If the mountain climbers rate the best by how many peaks over 20,000 feet they have climbed, Vincent and I measure similar stature by how many snow mountains over 20 feet we have climbed. I think the current count may be 5 or 6 but that is no small feat for a little guy.

I know we are in for a climbing expedition when he wants to wear his boots for a trip to Lowes or Wegman's. Keep climbing toward your dreams.

Big winner for speed and Best in Show for design

Here is the result for the Pack 87 Pine Wood Derby. Vincent came away with two trophies, a modest one for 1st place in speed for his Tiger Cub den, and the one shown for being voted Best in Show for design. I admit I helped him with the speed aspect by polishing the axles and lubricating the wheels with graphite.
But the design was all his as was most of the construction, sanding, and painting. All those aesthetic things that is involved with design. I think he gets that from his mother while I provide the engineering side.
In all a great event for the kiddos executed in a great way by a caring Pack. Hat's off to Pack 87 and congratulations to Vincent!

Before the big race

Before the big race

Sunrise behind New York

Sunrise behind New York

Flight from Newark to Philly

Steve Birthday

Manhattanville opening up

Wish I could figure out how to orient this the right way. But too cute.

Hey, macarena!

Condo next to ours at OC, Md

Interesting condo in OC. This one is just north of ours and is a v-shaped footprint. The rachet shape allows most condos to have beach view and balconies. Very creative architecture.