Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Android Apps

My big sister got a really nice Asus Tablet like the one that I use, Mom now has a Kindle Fire and they both have been asking what Apps I use.  So here is my top 10 and why.

Netflix - for old TV shows and instant streaming this is great on both my phone and my tablet. I really like using this one at the gym on the exercise bicycle (Commercials kill me if I am watching TV, my mind spends to much time worrying how bad my body hurts).

Pandora - Currently this is my favorite for new music.  I tend to move from Pandora to Google Music where I have my music stored on the cloud.  On my phone I have an SD card with most of my music library since Internet streaming is not always available in the places I walk.

Alarm Clock Plus - I switched to this alarm clock so that I could wake to music.  I also like the nap timer, at my age its always good to have a way to grab a 15 minute nap when you can.

Lose It - I am as always trying to lose that last 25 lbs but this program balances your intake, exercise output and weight changes so you can make it work for you.  Now if I could just stick to my limit for more than 2 weeks at a time.

SuperNote - Don't use this a lot but its great for making quick notes you can even do it by just scratching a a note on the tablet with your finger.

Kindle - I am reading on my tablet about 95% of the time.  The Kindle is smaller and lighter but I like that backlite screen.

Google Docs - I store most of my important information here so that I can access statements, EOB's, Vet bills, Car repair bills and other documents from any one of my devices.  I added PrinterShare to my computer so that I can print from any device to my home printer from the tablet or phone when I need to. The other important piece of this is CamScanner an app that lets you photograph a bill and convert it to a PDF and upload it to Google docs with less effort than going to the scanner and scanning it into the computer and then uploading it to Google Docs.

SportsTap - This is just a great way to monitor you sports scores.  If your a fan the is wonderful.

Mint - I starting using this program with my computer and laptop long before Android but now that it is available on my phone and Tablet its just great.  I can monitor every one of my accounts look at transactions, and get warnings about large transactions by text.

Jorte - Calendar is a really wonderful set of widgets to display the Google Calendar.  Dorothy, Teddy, Edward, Elda, Mom and I all share our calendars so with Jorte I can know what everyone is doing and plan things easily.

Also on my phone and tablet but not often used, Facebook, Google +, Republic News, Google Sky Map, GM Stitcher (podcasts), MLB app, Google Catalogs, Blogger, and Worldscope Webcams.

For Gavin I keep All by Myself, Kid Mode, Talking Tom, Talking Hippo, Talking Rex, Talking Larry, Talking Ben Angry Birds and the Cat in The Hat.


Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas

The family is getting together at Oma's for Christma Eve and then back home for Christmas day. 


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Merry Christmas Revel

Turns out our new tile floor is too cold and hard even for Revel.  His new xmas present should help.


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Visit with the cousins

John our cousin from Colorado came for a visit to Oma's on Sunday.  The boys all had a good time despite all the age differences.  Lots of fun.




Gavin and Teddy taking walk

With both of the boys out of school they took some time to join Revel and I for our morning walk this morning.  I really like the setting for this picture.  I think both boys have grown remarkably since our trip to Colorado this summer.  It is a very exciting time for both of them and I am so happy to be able to be part of it.


Friday, December 9, 2011

Weekend in Solvang

Mom and i are spending a wonderful weekend in Solvang. We have had some great meals, did a lot of xmas shopping (wooden shoes for everyone :-)  ) and lots of good conversation. The weather is amazing, cold at night in 30's but 70 in afternoon. Might have to make this an annual trip.




Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Gavin watching

Took Gavin for short walk today weather is very cold.  It really is such a pleasure spending time with him.


Monday, December 5, 2011

Need to post more updates

I really need to be better about updating this blog.  Saturday we bit the bullet and took Gavin for a major haircut.  I am so glad we did, he was much better about holding still and the results were wonderful.  Its been three days now and no one has told us what a beautiful little girl we have.