My New Toy

Since I still wasn’t feeling too well yesterday, Kevin decided to run some errands while I rested and did a little quilting.  He had the oil changed in the truck, picked up a new plug at Camping World to replace the melted one, and he stopped and got me a new toy. 

I’ve been researching eReaders for a few months now, debating whether I wanted to spend the money to get one.  I love to read, but rarely buy books.   I am a great fan of libraries.  Several months ago, I discovered you can rent ebooks from the library and download them to a reader.  How exciting is that!

I did some research and found the Sony Pocket Reader had very good reviews and was reasonably priced.  I wanted to buy from a store rather than online in case I didn’t like it or it didn’t work out.  Office Depot had them on sale so Kevin picked one up for me with money my mom gave me for Christmas.  Thanks, Mom!

I love it.  It was easy to set up; I downloaded a library book and have been reading all over including outside and in bed.  The screen is easy on the eyes, and it is small and lightweight.  It came with a little case, so I’ll be able to take it with me wherever I go. 

I did have some books I brought with us, and I found book exchanges at a couple of the campgrounds we’ve stayed at.  The problem with that is you can’t choose the exact books you want.  It’s hit or miss.  The library has an amazing number of books available to download.  The lending period is 14 days which should be fine for most books.  If not, I’ll just check it out again.

Kevin was surprised to find an extra $6 charge when he bought it.  He asked what the charge was for.  The clerk told him California charges an “electronic disposal fee” on all electronics.  You’ve got to be kidding me, $6 for this little reader.  This state charges for everything.  Cans are 5 cents and bottles are 10 cents for recycling fees.  The sales tax is 8.75%.  Gas is $3.35 a gallon.  I can’t understand how they can be broke with all these extra fees.

The new governor is claiming there is plenty of money, but it has just been mishandled.  I guess only time will tell.  I wouldn’t want to live here all the time.  It’s too expensive.

The weather is certainly getting better.  Today was sunny and in the 60s.  We took a walk, and it was beautiful.  I’m also feeling a bit better.  Tomorrow, we’re planning to take a boat ride.  We got lucky the day we took the boys on the trolley ride.  The ticket lady was saying how someone had tickets for the boat tour, but wasn’t going to use them and didn’t take them.  I asked if we could have them, and she said sure.  So, tomorrow we get to go on a free boat ride.  Can’t beat that!

Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!