I Like Skype!

It's almost like the real thing.... not quite, but almost. I don't know how they do it for free, but it's pretty cool and convenient. Skype is a computer-to-computer video conferencing application that allows you to see and speak to anyone in the world. When your wife, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter are in Sydney, Australia, and you're in North Alabama, Skype is wonderful!

Sadly, at least for the next couple of years, this is the way we will watch Savannah grow up. But, not all is lost. This will give me a couple of years to get ready and to prepare to be a really good grandfather. After all, they really don't have grandfather grades or papaw pamphlets to teach

you the best way to grandfather your new g'daughter, especially starting at the age of two. I mean when I get to "hold and mold" her she will be in her "terrible two's". Right? How do I handle that?? It's like I'm gonna have to hit the ground running..... no warm ups..... I've never done this before!

Nevertheless, I will persevere. At least she will know me via Skype. She'll recognize my face on the computer. It might be quite a shock to her when she first she's me in real life, after two years on the "flat" monitor of the computer. She'll be surprised at how "round" I am..... OK, no jokes! Maybe I'll set a bottle of baby powder near me when I talk with her on Skype. At least my computer will smell like a baby while we're Skyping. Anyway, we'll try to make the best of it.

Actually, I just finished talking to the Sydney crew via Skype a few minutes ago. Everyone is progressing wonderfully! I also noticed in the background that there were some new additions to the interior decorating. You guessed it.... Tami has been shopping. I knew as soon as I was out of the country, she would "let loose"! I'm glad she's only staying 1 additional week, and not longer!

Now if Skype could alert me to credit card purchases..... that would really be impressive....

Noticeable Differences

Since we are still waiting for Savvy to make her grand entrance, I thought I would write about several observations I've seen and heard in Australia that are different from the States..... here we go:

1. Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road
2. I have to carry around a Centigrade to Fahrenheit conversion table
3. Diapers are called Nappies
4. McDonald's is called Maccas by the locals
5. Gas is called Petrol and is cheaper on Tuesdays
6. The Australians always use their turn signals
7. Stop signs are rare - "round abouts" are everywhere! Turn signals are critical here...
8. Elevators are called Lifts
9. Bathrooms are called Dunnies or Loo's
10. Signs on the Dunnies state "Gents" or "Sheilas"
11. Everyone wears a scarf during this season - men & women... not me.
12. French fries are called Chips
13. Ketchup is called Tomato Sauce
14. You must have a unique power adapter for all US made electronics
15. No one has a tan, but everyone loves the beach...
16. Bacon is sliced thick - not thin strips
17. Most shops close at 5:30 PM except on Thursdays, when they're open longer.
18. It's hard to find auto-drip coffee. Espresso is everywhere.
19. Coffee shops are everywhere also. It's mainly a cafe-type environment.
20. You almost never see a pick-up truck. Lots of Toyota cars though!! Dude!!
21. Grocery store shopping carts have 4 wheels that swivel. I was spinning mine 360 degrees in the store... you could tell I was from "out of town"....
22. Cookies are called biscuits.
23. A parking garage is called a Car Park.
24. Carry Out food is called Take Away food.
25. And, Gum is called Chewy.

Lauren continues to do well. She is upbeat, although she tires quickly. We spent the day in a quaint little town called Windsor. (ironic) We walked, shopped, ate, drank coffee, rested, took photos, and enjoyed the sunny afternoon. We can't venture too far away since she is expected to go into labor at any moment. It's funny.... when folks talk to Lauren and ask her when she is due and she tells them she was due yesterday, almost 100 % of the time you can watch them all take one step backward. I tell them, "No worries Mate, we're ready. I have a car, full of Petrol, right over there in the Car Park. We have an overnight bag full of Nappies, Biscuits, and Chewy already on board. We'll make it to the hospital in plenty of time as long as she doesn't have to stop at Maccas and use the Loo on the way". By the way, the Biscuits are for me...

Thanks for all of your comments to the blogging both here and on Tami's Facebook. Stay tuned!!

Shopping in Australia...ugh...

Shopping! What did I do on Day 2 in Australia? Shopping!! Sure... Tami said we were simply walking around to encourage Savannah to finally make an appearance - but I'm not buying it. Lauren and Tami were having too much fun. At least Tami was.... She loves a sale...

We went to an outside mall called Rouse Hill. It had a myriad of stores and eateries. The walking was good for Lauren.

Before that, we went to the doctor with her this morning. She is still doing well. The Dr. said it could be any time now. Wow... water breaking at any moment.... think about it.... should I put plastic down in my rental car??

What do I do if this happens?? I really don't know. It never really happened to Tami. Do I drive straight to the hospital? Do I start filling out the damage inventory form on the rental car?

How much time do I have? It's just the beginning of labor, right? I have hours and hours, right? It's been over 2 decades since I drove Tami to the hospital while she was in labor. Grandparents aren't supposed to remember these things. This is Daniel's job. But, what if it happens on my shift....? Wish me luck!

We had dinner at an Italian restaurant named Biviano's tonight with L & D. I thought the spicy food might speed matters along. We'll see. I am predicting July 17 for the birth date. Lauren isn't thrilled with my prediction, but time will tell.

By the way, Tami & Lauren didn't buy anything when we went shopping today. I guess it really was simply an attempt to help Savannah along. Maybe the 1st time that Tami has shopped and come away empty handed....