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Things to consider before buying a Chromebook

The decision to purchase new tech that you aren't familiar with can be daunting and confusing. If you are in the market to buy your first Chromebook I have put together some information that should help you make an informed choice. How much do you know about how Chromebooks work? (Hint, they are a bit different to Windows devices)   Chromebooks (CB) are laptop computers that use the Google Chrome Operating System.  It is an OS that allow users to do basic things like surfing the internet, banking, gaming, viewing media and using office applications in a web browser, although you can also install many of the same Android apps similar to those that you might have on your phone.  Being web-based you do need an internet connection, although you can work offline with the right apps. You can save documents to your Chromebook disk drive to edit when offline and download movies to watch at any time.  If you need to use the CB away from your internet connection, you can use your mobile phon
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5 Reasons why E-Book Readers might just be better than “real” books

There’s nothing like reading a real book.  Flipping the pages, following the words and lines with your finger, even the smell of a book.  Nothing can replace these attributes.  So why would I even try to convince you to switch to a piece of electronic plastic? There are many advantages to using an E-Book Reader, but these ones should be enough to get you interested. Convenience – E-Readers are compact, slim and light.  They slip into a handbag or satchel and take up next to no space.  And there’s no risk of bent pages either.  You can buy cases and covers to protect your E-Reader.  The major E-Book retailers sell them but you can also opt for a custom or 3rd party compatible case from sites like Amazon, eBay and Etsy.  If you are a sewer you can also make your own. Battery Life – E-Readers can last for weeks on a single charge.  This means that you won’t be fighting to find a spare charger every night.  Storage – you can store shelves and shelves of the largest boo

She Died

I'm at the park with 5 of my 12 grandchildren and their father (step to 3, biological to 2).  While I'm helping the 17 month old climb up the play equipment, I strike up a conversation with a mother.   "Your children are lovely, but what a handful!"  "Thanks", I reply, "but I'm Grandma". "Oh, but you don't look old enough to be a grandmother!"  Are you giving their mum a break?  That's a lovely thing to do."  Is she working or just having a nice rest?" I pause before replying.  I could just agree with her and change the subject, but my 9 year old granddaughter is standing nearby and I don't want to lie. "Actually no, she died". "Oh.....I'm sorry to hear that."  The poor woman is flustered.  I don't blame her.  She was just being friendly.  That was the last thing she expected to hear. And it's the truth.  Louise died suddenly in August 2021, just nine weeks after giving birth to he

I used to be the Backup

I used to be the backup but not anymore.  I've lived with my daughter for pretty much all of her life and I know her kid's routines very well.  If she had to go out I stayed home with the kids. When she was having babies I took time off to be at home and look after her and them.  Now that she's gone we have no backup and I'm doing more housework and childcare than I've done in years.  Those who know me well know that I'm SO not a fan of cleaning so that’s been an uphill climb! I used to have the luxury of being able to sew and sleep on the weekends but that's over now too. I don't begrudge any of it though, as it's given me the opportunity to know her husband and children more deeply, and I've developed a pretty good work/home routine that works well for everyone. I'm grateful that I've been able to increase my responsibilities without too much adjustment, although the added work and brain power needed does take away from time when I ju