Report on the first Garmin Nuvi Trip

Well, we just returned from a 625 mile round trip to Centralia, Illinois. We used our new Garmin NUVI 350 GPS device for the entire trip, and followed it's recommendations to the letter.

We are amazed at the accuracy this device has. It took us on a route through Indianapolis that we had not used before. We always had plenty of warning before the next exit or turn. We used it's extensive data base of information to find fuel, food, and rest areas.
I give this device an A+ for ease of use and accuracy! I estimate that the NUVI saved us about 15 minutes of drive time, each direction, over our usual route.
Plus it's kind of entertaining to see the points of interest on the flowing map along the route.
Thanks Garmin.

In Centralia

We are in Centralia Illinois this weekend. Sue Ann's Dad turned 83 years old this past week.

We are here to celebrate. We had a wonderful steak dinner last night and homemade Angel food cake.

Here is a photo of John Connaway and Sue Ann. Thanks to Sue Ann for a wonderful celebration dinner!

Garmin GPS Report

Last night we used the new NUVI 350 GPS for the first time. We asked it to show us the route to a favorite Italian restaurant of ours. The device had the restaurant listed in it's extensive memory. I have the voice commands set to an Australian accented woman. Sue Ann calls her Nicole, after Nicole Kidman. "Nicole" guided us, turn by turn, right to the restaurant. Cool!
After a very nice meal, I set our home as the destination. But, I purposely made a couple wrong turns to see how the devise reacts. Wow, it's amazing. Within 10 seconds after we passed the missed turns, the unit recalculated a new route and told me the next turn that would get us to our destination. It did not mess up either.
I am really impressed with the power of this device.

New Toy!

My wife surprised me this afternoon with a Garmin NUVI 350 GPS. I have wanted one for quite a while, but it was not high on the list of things we need to spend money on. Wow did she surprise me with this present. I will report on this unit later. It should come in handy on a couple trips we have planned for the next 2 weekends. One to Illinois and the other to Michigan.
Later.

A couple of Photos of my Buddy

This is "Cooper" my buddy. He is always willing to take the time needed to relax with me and let me know he understands that life is tough. His Motto.................Get plenty of rest and eat whatever you can find!

Some "Stitched" Photos

Here are a couple photo that have been "Stitched" together to create a panorama effect. This is done by combining several overlapping shots. The overlapping is done with software. It does a pretty good job, but if you look very closely, you can see flaws resulting from the process of matching up lines and features of each photo. My camera helps me line up each of the photos by showing information in the viewfinder of the previous photo.

This is the Atrium area. It shows three floors, with the lowest floor being the lobby area. This is a combination of 3 photos.

The Caribbean Princess. 3 photos stitched together.

Comments on Getting Older.

Today I will complain for a few moments.

This deal about the aches and pains associated with getting old is getting old.
Example: This morning as I followed my normal routine for getting dressed and ready to go to work, I sustained an injury. I was pulling my jeans on while standing in front of the place where they hang on hangers. I always balance one leg at a time while I perform this feat. I got both legs in the correct place with no problem. My balance is still perfect!! But, as I pulled up on the waist band, POW!!, I suddenly felt a jolt of pain in my left bicep muscle. It was sharp pain! I staggered and yelped a bit. What the “expletive” was that!!!!???? Where did this come from? Man I am hurt. Did Sue Ann hear that POP, I ask myself. I hope so! I stood there for a few moments with my pants around my ankles, because I dropped them at the time of the injury, then proceeded to try a second time. This time I pull with just one arm. I managed to finish the task and get myself dressed.
I did not mention this to Sue Ann as we ate breakfast together. No need to discuss this as the pain will probably go away quickly, I thought. She won’t sympathize with me this early in the morning anyway. So I leave for work. Upon arriving at work, I open my car door with my left hand and arm and , POW! Shooting pain. What a mess I am. This is frustrating! Do I need to stretch before I get dressed so that I don’t hurt myself? God I hope not. It’s not like I was doing some stunt or stupid trick. 3 hours later in the morning and my arm still hurts when I lift it. I will need to ice it down tonight. Should I do that before or after I take off my jeans………….assuming I can get my jeans off? How many Ibuprofen should I take this time, I ask myself. From experience I guess that this injury will take months to heal.
I can’t believe that I hurt myself while getting dressed.
I think I need lighter jeans.

Our Family

A test of the self timer on the new camera. Not bad.

That's Cooper in my arms and Krystal in Sue Ann's.

More Cruise Photos

The bow of our ship as it was docked in St.Thomas.


This dessert is called "Love Boat Dream". It was available every evening at dinner! It was a dark chocolate mousse and cake combined. Sue Ann's favorite!

These last 2 photos show homes overlooking Megans Bay. They are worth $30 million each.

Sue Ann's addition

Sue Ann asked that I add this photo. Our waiter for the evening was from Romania. He took this photo. Good job Chris. He provided the best service for dinner that we had the entire cruise.