City Views, Country Dreams

Good afternoon from New York.

I have had a busy time since my previous post.  About a week ago, I bought my first smart phone.  Since then, the two of us have been getting used to each other.

Many thanks to all of you who sent me valuable recommendations, tips and advice regarding this investment.  

I have attended two introductory workshops at my neighborhood Apple shop, and have also had splendid consultations with my data supplier, both online and at a neighborhood outpost of the carrier.  Every one of these encounters has been very helpful.  It's also been fun to play around with my new phone.  The adventure has begun!

Each of the photographs I show you all here were taken this afternoon with the phone.  In the past few days I have also set up an Instagram account.  Some of you all have already kindly paid me visits over there.  I begin to see the charm of Instagram, yet think there is also just something special about blogging.

Some autumnal decorating has been going on around the neighborhood.  The scary Halloween over the top decorations will be showing up in a week or so.  

I'm trying to only spend a hour or so each day investigating the phone's possibilities, and have also been making soup, reading Ian McEwan's Nutshell, knitting and walking through the neighborhood and Central Park.

I am also paying attention to the final weeks of campaign coverage leading up to our November 8 Election Day.  I find little to inspire me, much to deplore.  

After some sunny days and crispy cool air, today seems to contain a bit of leftover humidity.  Some of the clouds I saw this afternoon (but did not photograph) indicate that rain may be arriving soon.

Your visits and comments are much appreciated.  If any of you all have more smart phone tips, please do pass them along.  It's fun learning about something new!