It’s that time of year again, when I start hounding my son, daughter, and husband for their Christmas and birthday wish lists. I know it sounds like I am way too early on this particular task, but with all of our birthdays ranging from November to January, this just seems to be the time of year that best suits me – as well as them.
My husband, being the November birthday, was ready for me this year. His list was actually posted by the middle of October. Most of it consists of Kindle books, downloadable music, and a hark-back-to-the-past REAL charcoal barbecue! Yep… the kind we couldn’t wait to get rid of – when we finally could afford a gas barbecue!!! I don’t know if this is simply a case of a Baby Boomer’s nostalgia, or the fact that Peggy and Bobby Hill (from one of our absolute favorite 1/2 hour television shows King of the Hill) finally got to taste a “real” barbecued hamburger while Hank (a propane sales man) was in Austin for Bill’s birthday. Either way, he gets the Baby Boomer look of “better days” just talking about one of these back-to-the-past charcoal barbecues!
As for me, I have finally decided that it is time for me to join the 21st century! I have been on the fence about getting a Kindle since… I guess since they first hit the market. My husband finally convinced me to take a look at his Kindle. Yes, he had to actually convince me! I was so set in my ways >>> I did not want to leave my “real books” and wouldn’t even pay attention to his Kindle until recently… I believe the exact time was when I (again!) complained about trying to read my Mass Market sized “real book” while lying on my side in bed. He pretty much had to beg me to just try his Kindle… fait accompli!
We bought the Kindle Touch, which is not even out yet. Since I’m not big on advertisements, we are paying $40. extra to not get any ads on the device. (I already get way too many ads in my e-mails!) I have to admit that I am pretty excited about getting the Kindle… I am simply tired of little, itty, bitty font.
Andie says
I resisted the concept when it first appeared because I never buy the first version of anything technical as I like to know all the bugs have been sorted out before I invest in it.
I got my first Kindle and with that one ordered the larger memory “chip” and the battery with longer life. Newer models already have these features and one can’t open them and replace inner components.
I have purchased them as gifts for family and friends and have convinced everyone in my book club to get them, all seniors and all voracious readers.
I’m sure you will love it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Andie, we don’t buy the first version of gadgets, either.
I am really looking forward to getting my Kindle… and hope that Santa brings it in December rather than my husband getting it for me in January!
Regina says
My husband will not have any part of gas grill. He loves his hibachi and did it get a workout last week. We were without power and cable for a week. Days were bright and sunny, but it did get cold at night. No computer so I did a great deal of reading on my Nook and library books. Storm Alfred after Alfred Hitchcock wiped out Connecticut.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Regina, I just remember those “real” grills as being a doggone nuisance to clean! (AND start!!!)
It sounds like your husband is very resourceful. I can’t imagine being without power for a whole week!
Doug says
I got a kobo (similar to a kindle) for my birthday and I can say I love it! I was one who didn’t want an e reader but now I changed my mind 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Doug, I really thought I didn’t want a Kindle, and resisted it for a long time. But, this old dog is ready for some new tricks!
Elaine says
I have an IPAD & kindle. I take the kindle with me (same as I did with a book) to appointments. It is easy to read. It is also the best reader outside since it is not a computer (no glare) screen. I read the IPad in the house especially at night due to the background light. The kindle is a better reader. I find I read more as it is easy on the eyes. Easy to change fonts, spacing & size as needed. It is like reading a large print book. I hope that you enjoy your new Kindle.
I never thought that I would be all ebook but it is habit forming.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Elaine, I used to listen to my audio books at all of my appointments. Now I write my TV & Movie entries at appointments.
I am sure I will enjoy reading my books at night. I am hoping that I will be able to read the larger font without my reading glasses. Those pesky spects are such a hassle to take off right when I’m falling to sleep…
linda says
Danna, this reminds me of something my son would do. His birthday was (is) Oct.14th. Around the first of September he would start telling me what he wanted for his birthday, then what he wanted for Christmas. A lot of times his wishes for Christmas would get moved up to his birthday! He had the habit of saying “I want this for Christmas – no wait, I’ll take that for my birthday!” This would go on for the next several weeks. I sure do miss my son.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, it is so good that you have all of these wonderful memories. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sharon says
Just wanted to mention the grill my husband got last year. It’s the Portable Kitchen PK Cast Aluminum Grill and Smoker. We returned to charcoal in 1998 and there is no turning back. This grill is incredible, made in the U.S. Very baby-boomer.
Now, if I can just get a Kindle too!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, thanks for the information on the grill. My husband actually has his all picked out, with all of the grill accessories he wants.
I’m not getting rid of our gas grill any time soon, though…
Susan says
My family tend to e-mail our Wish Lists for Christmas and birthdays. It just makes it easier for everyone. Especially since a lot of it tends to be books, (Lol!) and this way we can send list of titles that we have, to save double-ups.
I believe Mum takes a print-out along as a ‘Shopping List’ for Christmas shopping, in fact.
Not really materialistic, I don’t think, just a 21st Century adaptation of those lists we all made as kids. 🙂
Cheers!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan, that’s sort of like what we do. Now that both of our children are adults, we appreciate the Wish Lists.
I know exactly what you are saying about books and double-ups. Just knowing a person’s favorite author doesn’t help at all. With shopping being made so easy these days (with the internet) it’s more than likely that people who have favorite authors are already current with all of the releases…
Susan says
P.S. After all, there’s no guarantee that we’ll get everything on the list. (Though we can hope! Lol!) For me, it’s really just a suggestion list.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan, on your P.S.>>> That’s why I request long Wish Lists…
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
Oh my gosh, that is excellent! Both the grill and the Kindle. I really enjoy my Kindle. I still read regular books, but the Kindle is SO convenient!!!! Start looking for a case for it. Maybe one with a light. I got a plain case and use a regular lamp, but the case makes holding it feel…well it isn’t slippery. It makes it feel a bit like a leather book (mine is fake leather.) The light makes it easier to read in bed, but if you already have a light in bed, you may not need it.
As for charcoal–yes! I LOVE the taste of “camping” burgers. The grill is nice for convenience, but there is nothing like the taste of REAL charcoal grilling (pain though it is to clean up!)
I think you have some great plans. Woot!!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Maria, I didn’t mention that I also want the Kindle’s black case – which has the light built in…
Petie says
Love my Kindle – got it last year from my twin sister for Christmas but still buy my ‘regular books’ – the Kindle is great for bringing to the office for my lunch hour, visits like to the doctor or on trips.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Good grief, Petie! It looks like I’m the last one to the dance!
Anne says
I didn’t think I would like a Kindle being such a book lover. But I really do love the Kindle. So since I have a huge tall Mountain To Be Read paper books and spend a lot of time finding free/inexpensive Kindle books I try to do one then the other. My cover has a built in light that powers off the kindle not a separate battery which is really nice. I didn’t think I would use it much but I sure do. Enjoy yours…and if anyone is still on the fence…go for it. My daughter wanted me to upgrade to a touch screen but the keyboard really works well for me. I have a touch screen phone that stays filthy all the time so I said I would upgrade when Kindle and Nook books are interchangable.
I want to get a Big Green Egg for a grill. I have had it on my list for years but no one will get it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Yikes! Anne, it looks like all of you have a Kindle!!!
I am not planning on getting rid of my “real books”>>> but my husband is convinced that I will prefer the Kindle to the books.
Also, I had to look up what a Big Green Egg is>>> a smoker? That will probably be on his Wish List next year….
Shawn says
I always try to get my Christmas and Birthday lists by the end of October if possible. I also get all my main shopping done by Thanksgiving. I have birthdays in early December, anniversaries in late November and mid December and a birthday in January. Lots to buy and thankfully I will be done after a few more gifts.
We are getting my daughter a Kindle but unsure what version at the moment. I will leave that up to my husband to decide. I have the competition’s version and enjoy that although am thinking of getting the Kindles Tablet type version. I am so undecided if I really need a new one or not.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Shawn, I would love to be able to be as organized as you… but, my family isn’t as cooperative as I would like… When I didn’t rely on Wish Lists, I was able to get all of my shopping finished up by Thanksgiving.
I rely on my husband to decide which techno-toys we “absolutely need”>>> If it were up to me, we probably would still be using VHS tapes!
Kathleen says
I love my Kindle but it has one major drawback for me – I love to read while in the bathtub and I don’t dare take my Kindle with me so I usually am reading two books at the same time – an e-book and a “real” one!
Karen says
If you’re really serious about reading your Kindle in the tub, you can get a waterproof case on Amazon. It’s pretty cool and great for the beach, too!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathleen, there’s nothing quite like luxuriating in a bath while reading a favorite Cozy Mystery!
Karen, who would have thought that the Kindle can be waterproof?!? What will they think of next?
Riva says
I know Kindle owners who put their Kindle in a zip lock bag and read in the tub. As long as you make sure it’s sealed, the bag will protect the Kindle from splashes and accidental dunkings. And it’s cheaper than the waterproof cases.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Riva, I don’t think that’s something I will be doing>>> I would hate for that bag not to be 100% sealed!
karen says
Glad you’re getting your Kindle. Did you check out the Kindle Fire? I think it’s only about $60 more than the Kindle Touch. I’ve had my Kindle since they first came out. I also have an iPad and tend to use it more often.(I actually keep them in the same case so I always have a choice). I bought my husband the Nook Color last year for Christmas and he LOVES it!!! He loves to read to the grandkids or it has the “read to you” function. They really like that!
I guess we have enough technology in our house!! If they just wouldn’t keep coming up with newer and better models every year!
Check out the gel-skins, too! My son and daughter-in-law had one customized for my iPad.(can do the same for Kindles, iPhones, etc.) It still needs a case but at least the gel-skins keep it from getting scratched while you’re using it! When you get these “gadgets”, it opens up a whole new list of “gadget accessories” to add to your gift list!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Karen, I am going with the most basic Kindle I can. I’m not real techno-oriented… I mean, I don’t even belong to Facebook! (I have tried to join Facebook twice, but was unable to totally grasp it.)
I will definitely look up what a “gel-skin” is… That’s how out-of-touch I am with all of this Brave New World…
Mary Joy says
I HAVE THE IPAD SO I READ ON THAT, BUT HAVE THE KINDLE AND NOOK APPS ON IT. OF THE 3, I PREFER THE KINDLE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. I LIKE THE BLACK BACKGROUND WITH WHITE LETTER AND I MAKE IT VERY DIM – THE LESS TO DISTURB MY HUSBAND – AS I MUST READ BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP. I STILL READ PAPER BOOKS IF THEY ARE NOT ON KINDLE AND STILL ENJOY THAT. ONE THING I DON’T LIKE ABOUT ELECTRONIC BOOKS IS THE PAGES ARE NOT NUMBERED THE SAME WAY. I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT BECAUSE THEY WOULD DIFFER DUE TO FONT SIZES, BUT IF YOU EVER ACCIDENTALLY TOUCH THE BAR AND MOVE PAGES WAY UP, IT’S SOMETIMES HARD TO FIND YOUR PLACE AGAIN FOR A WHILE. MAYBE THERE’S A FIX FOR THIS AND I AM JUST BEING DUMB?
Karen says
The page number issue is a problem. Amazon updated their latest generation and 3G models with the printed page functionality, so if you have one of those, it’s the 3.1 update. Woe to us who own the earlier models as that update is not available to us. See what I mean about newer and better models every year!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary Joy, my husband did a lot of research before he committed himself to a Kindle. I don’t think you’re alone with the Kindle being the favorite device.
Karen, I hope my Kindle model has the page number issue resolved.
Years ago, when my mother took the four of us children on an Alaskan cruise, I took my audible.com device. There were quite a few mornings when I woke up with the battery dead, and absolutely no idea of where my place was before I dozed off. That was a pain!
Regina says
I love my Nook. I never thought i could carry it in my pocketbook if i was not carrying a satchel. The other day i found it fit in my regular pocket book. Hooray. I have used my Nook to replace some old mystery stories that I love and the need for paperbacks while waiting at appointments. Have you read Miss Read? Not a mystery author but very cozy. Regina
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Regina, I read a Miss Read Cozy NON Cozy Mystery years ago.
Susan says
I got hooked on Miss Read at about age 15. She’s fabulous!
linda says
My daughter was born on Christmas Day, 1966. Whenever I would ask her what would she like for Christmas she would tell me. Then after her Christmas list was given I would then ask now, what did she want for her birthday? This way her birthday gifts and Christmas gifts were not the same. She will be 45 this year and although we don’t exchange Christmas gifts any more I still ask her what she wants for her birthday.
We don’t exchange Christmas gifts anymore because there has gotten to be too many of us. Even drawing names was getting to be a hassle because no one knew what to get anyone anyway and more often than not those gifts would end up in the summer garage sale.. So we celebrate Christmas with a big Christmas breakfast. Then after that my daughter gets to open her birthday gifts. The first few years was awkward with no gifts but now everyone says they do enjoy Christmas better since there is no hassle.
Whenever she had people tell her that she probably got cheated out at Christmas time. I always felt good when Holly Ann would say “My mom has always made my birthday special” What a glorious feeling! She has moved to Virginia Beach now and I probably won’t be with her this year. The first birthday of hers that I have ever missed.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, how wonderful that you were able to make your daughter’s Christmas birthday a celebration all her own. So many times, people who are born on Christmas or Christmas Eve are not allowed to have special birthdays.
(I’m sorry you’re going to miss her birthday this year.)
linda says
Danna, We humans are all materialistic and anyone who says otherwise is only fooling themselves. We all want things. That is what makes the world go around. Don’t feel bad about wanting things. Things make life a lot of fun sometimes.