Ring Doorbell

Yes, that's me (on the right in the top  phot with my computer guy checking out the newly installed Ring Doorbell

I gave myself an early Christmas present this week, Ring Doorbell.

Like you, I've seen the Ring Doorbell commercials where the owner of the house catches a thief stealing their Amazon package from the front porch. I was hesitant to order a Ring Doorbell when it first came out. I wouldn't know how to install in and I'm reluctant to order anything this new until they get all the kinks out. 

I decided to order Ring Doorbell last month when my computer guy was in trying to fix my latest Mac OS upgrade (Big Sur) which screwed up my Time Machine backup. During his visit he checked his Ring Doorbell because there was some motion activity. I was impressed. This is something I could use. I frequently receive Amazon deliveries.  I don't get too many other people showing up at my front door other than my neighbor Bob M. and the occasional driveway guy who has left over asphalt and is going to give me a deal (sure). I'm always reluctant to answer the door. And because Bill is hard of hearing he doesn't answer the door, thus worrying Bob (our neighbor) when I'm at work. Now I can check whose at our door wherever I am. At work, Philadelphia, Canada and yes, even Palm Springs California (if I ever get to travel again because of this COVID pandemic). 

I asked my computer guy could he install Ring Doorbell if I bought one. He said he could.  And he did.  Seeing all the work he put into it (Bill had screwed up our previous doorbell wiring) I'm glad I contracted with him to do it. 

I subscribed for five dollars a month to have a recording of all the activity at our front door. Well worth it. 

I also ordered an ECHO ("Alexa"). 

Oh, and by the way, I also got my new iPhone 12 Pro Max upgrade. That was somewhat of a bear to transfer the information from my previous iPhone but I did and I'm set now. 

Yours truly continues to stay apace with the Digital Age.

FaceTime Friends

Me in front of my computer where you'll usually find me when I'm home at Casa Tipton-Kelly

Well folks, things have finally settled down (somewhat) here at Casa Tipton-Kelly after the Computer/Internet Connection Disruption of the past few days.  I have the new modem-router hooked up but it's not perfect.  At least I have WIFI, even though it keeps defaulting to my previous, now defunct WIFI, thus screwing up my Bose Wave radio Internet settings.

But folks, life has returned to somewhat normal. The Comcast Service Guy is schedule to pay me a visit this Tuesday.  Hopefully we'll resolve the remaining connection issues and life can get back to normal here at Casa Tipton-Kelly so we can enjoy our usual quiet Christmas sans Christmas tree.

This morning I had three FaceTime calls.  One (as usual) to my Friend to the North (Toronto, Canada) Mr. Pat.  Always a joy talking to Pat and his little bear friends.

Pat and "Jimmy"

I didn't talk to my very first FaceTime Buddy Larry today but I am including him on this list because he was The First One.  Larry and I used to have much more FaceTime before I met Pat.  Both good friends and both enjoyable to talk to but just not enough time in the day (I'm ashamed to admit).  

Larry on FaceTime at his home (taking a quick nap)

A few weeks ago I was in Philly (as regular followers of this blog know). The day I left Philly Larry took me to his hometown of Claymont Delaware for their annual "Blessing of the Christmas Twig" Christmas parade.  I took loads of photos and videos which I have yet (be patient) to share with all of you.  Below is a selfie I took of myself and Lar at said parade.  Most enjoyable was the parade and Lar, I WILL post those videos . . . . I promise.

Larry and I, friends since 1951 and of course you see who is the Star. 

We actually were in the parade.  The last time I was in a parade was when I was playing the Sousaphone in my high school marching band.  Most enjoyable!  I LOVE being in a parade, as long as I'm not paraded naked.

This morning my Blogger Friend Dr. Spo called.  Always a delight to hear from wise, witty and wonderful Dr. Spo.  Unfortunately he and Someone won't be joining us (Pat and I) during our vacation in Los Angels in a few weeks (so soon?).  Much to both of our regret.  Maybe next year.

Dr. Spo breaking the bad news to me this morning.  Isn't he a handsome chap?

This is Harper, the Main Pet in the Spo Household. Spo is the Other Pet. The last time we were on FaceTime Harper wanted to see me. She wasn't impressed.

I called my longtime friend Don McK. in Philly to see how he was doing with his new iMac.  He's coming along.  A few bumps in the road to acquiring massive knowledge of how to operate an Apple device but he's coming along just fine.  Don's a smart guy.  Methodical, deliberative and smart unlike me; manic, go to fast a easy to frustrate. I'm glad Don is one of my new regular FaceTime friends in addition to being a real life friend in person.

Lately I've been wondering what my life would have been like now if I had all this digital treasure at my disposal when I was a young man. Can you imagine?  I would have literally millions of photos and videos and TONS of friends.  As it is, I am quite happy these days as I enter the Final Phase.  I am content knowing that I won't be forgotten because I will leave this digital trail behind, manic as it may be.

Moi in a rare reflective moment.