Daily Ramblings – Thankful Thursday – Tech Gear

Tags

Apple Arcade, Fun, Grateful, Gratitude, iPad, iPhone, Relaxation

Today, I’m thankful for some of my tech gear. I just started playing Call of Duty Mobile. It is the same as Call of Duty for the Xbox console, but this version can be played on the iPad. I am also grateful for my Nimbus+ game controller, which I use to play Call of Duty on my iPad. It is just like a controller for a console, but connects via bluetooth to the iPad or even the iPhone. I became interested in this because playing with my fingers just wasn’t working out. The controller brings a whole new feel to the game and mimics play on my Xbox. I have a lot of fun playing this game, because it is so much like the Xbox version, but with its own story line, weapons, and challenges.

Another nice thing about the Nimbus+ is that it is also compatible with a lot of the games in the Apple Arcade. These are terrific games that are free of commercials and are not pay to win, like so many iPad/iPhone games. They are like the traditional video games you may play on consoles or other devices.

I hope all of you have a terrific Thursday!

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Thankful Thursday – Gas-powered Generators.

Tags

Grateful, heat, iPad, iPhone, Laptop, permanent generator, Thankful

Today, I’m grateful for gas-powered generators. You see, Michigan is one of those states whose power grid is not that robust, particularly when we get hit with storms that are accompanied by high winds. High winds knock over trees. The trees take out the power lines. Downed power lines eliminate power. Currently my street and the streets on either side of us are out of power. Luckily, a few years back, my Mom and Dad ran into this same issue. My Dad ran around trying to find a gas-powered generator to get the power back on, but to no avail. Everyone had the same idea and there were no generators left in Southeast Michigan. After this experience Mom and Dad vowed to never again be without power and purchased a permanent generator which runs off of gas. We now never run out of power to our refrigerator and other key items in the house.

So, yes. We are “roughing” it, but not as bad as some are, who do not have a permanent generator attached to their gas lines, and are indeed suffering, when the power goes out, not to mention the potential loss of food in the fridge. So today, I am grateful for the permanent generator we have, that allows me access to the Internet, my phone and iPad, and this laptop, which I am using to post today.

I hope DTE gets the power back on quickly for folks who do not have one of these. It sucks to live by candle light, particularly if you are like me, and enjoy the access to the web and other devices I use each day.

This reminds me of a quote (I don’t know who created it). It’s about being mindful of the blessings in your life, even when things aren’t perfect. It also stresses the importance of taking nothing for granted. Be grateful for all the things you have. You never know when those things will change or go away forever.

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Thankful Thursday – Grateful for Technology

Tags

facebook, Flipboard, Google Maps, Grateful, iPhone, Laptop, Netflix, technology

Today, I want to express my gratitude for my computer, my iPhone, my airpods, and all the wonderful apps and applications I use every day. It’s amazing when you think about all the things you can do today using one or two devices that before required so many devices and space-taking items.

On my phone I have access to a lot of movies: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Curiosity Stream, and Disney+. I have access to a lot of music: Spotify. I have access to a lot of books: Scribd and Amazon Kindle. I have a clock, stopwatch, calculator, weatherman, and a map to go anywhere I want.

I can go to school and learn whatever topic I want: Wikipedia, Coursera, edX, Udemy, and so many more. I can ask my phone a question, and most of the time I get a good answer or an idea where I can look.

Obviously, this list could go on and on. The point I’m making is that for a guy who grew up without these things, today is a good day. I find it so gratifying that I don’t have to spend a lot of money or go a lot of places to do all the things I need to. I can sit in a rocker, 10 feet from the kitchen, restroom, and bed and get all the things I need to get done during the day, short of going to the gym and hitting the weights.

One last thing I didn’t mention before is social media. Yeah, social media has a dark side, but it is so nice to make friends across the globe. I have friends in the UK, Australia, all over the U.S., and it’s just terrific. Even if I only connect with them for a few minutes here and there, they are still friends to me.

Most of you know that my wife is in Arizona and I am in Michigan. We are doing great. She is pursuing her career in Special Ed, while I pursue all I am pursuing, while helping my folks. Is it perfect? No, but it is so much easier than in times past. I can text her and get a response. She can call me on Facetime so I can see her and hear her. It is terrific.

I’m grateful to be alive during this terrific time. We are so blessed to have access to all that we do. Well, I’ll end here. I wish all of you a terrific week!

Until next time…

Dave