Skype

Recently, my husband and I visited our granddaughter. We knew she would start walking any day. She did take baby half steps while we were visiting. Of course, right after we left, she took off and according to my son, she took about 25 steps! What’s the long-distance solution for grandparents? It’s Skype for us. We missed the first step, but she was able to walk for us a few days later.

Skype is software that you download to your computer from www.skype.com. Click on the Download tab and follow instructions. Besides a computer, you will need a webcam and a microsphone. Most new computers have them built in — most likely into the monitor. If not, they need to be purchased. A webcam is relatively inexpensive. Amazon.com has a Microsoft webcam for less than $30 as of this writing.

Microphones come in two styles — a stick type microphone or a more expensive headset type of microphone. Although they are easily obtainable online, if you’re a novice computer user, you might want to visit your local electronics store — a big box like Best Buy or a smaller store like Radio Shack.

I’ve not had a problem with the built-in microphone while calling domestically to California and Hawaii. However, I made a call overseas to the United Kingdom to assist someone in a group I belong to called Synnd, and he told me several times that my voice was breaking up and he recommended that I use a headset. I used to teach an online course for a private university where I lectured in real time and although I bought a headset microphone, the stick microphone proved to be the clearest. So, I must look for my headset and try the call to my friend in the UK again.

Skype is not the perfect solution, but it’s certainly close. We Skype often with our other son as well and he’s able to show us what he’s cooked for dinner. One night he showed us the California roll (sushi) he made and it looked delicious. Skype is just a great way to stay in touch with family.

For the next six weeks, there will be a guest blogger. Enjoy learning about writing your memoir!