Golden Lucy's Spiral Journal

Going on 87...Savoring and Surviving the Senior Years

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

New Trick

It's pretty obvious I've been struggling physically and emotionally the past weeks. Nothing unique or interesting. I can find my teeth but don't want to wear them. The gaping bedhead spot in the back of my hair? So what. Can somebody else get the phone? I have nothing interesting to say...Just the human condition of feeling out of balance and half-heartedly trying to stay off the pity pot. My first thought was that my depression was a result of being cooped up in this derelict old body. But no. I don't think so---though the aches and pains don't help.

I think my fuzzy black mood was simply a part of my life cycle---something (for me) that inevitably passes. I decided to relax and let it go. I remember reading an excellent book many years ago. The title was, "Don't Push the River, It Flows By Itself" by Barry Stevens. I recollected that the message of acceptance and patience had been very helpful to me at another difficult time. I think it's time to read it again.

I also made a marvelous discovery that has lifted my spirits. My son, Dr. Science has been in the north of China on business. He used his computer to call our computers---the whole family---at once. It was such fun! The voice quality was better than using a telephone and there was no time lags between speakers. I understand these programs have been around for quite a spell but have had some technical problems in the past. This system is called Skype and even I can use it with ease. (Now that's a recommendation!)

If I'm preaching to the choir on this I'm sorry. It's possible everyone knows about this---and I realize that Skype isn't the only provider. However, it's good enough for me and I'm so excited to think that I could have a prearranged or pop-in coffee-klatch with my blogfriends. For as long as we want. From wherever we are. If you're wired to blog, you're wired to chat voice-to-voice on Skype. Yippeee!

This is all I know about it---but it works. Give it a try and call me! When Jack gets home he's going to show me how to add video to Skype. Hopefully he won't get hit by a rickshaw on his way back here.

Here's the instructions:
You can teach an old dog new tricks.....

instructions for setting up skype on your computer:

(1) connect to
http://www.skype.com/ and click the "Download Now" button and follow the instructions
(2) after installing follow the instructions to create your own Skype account (hint: try using your blogger name as your skype name...I had to add 84 to mine...goldenlucy84...since goldenlucy was already taken)
(3) click the "search" button in Skype and look for goldenlucy84 then add me to your contacts
(4) now you can see when I'm online and give me a call. Just that simple!

Sounds like fun doesn't it? Opening my world even more--always a good thing.

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