Still Amazed

Yesterday was not only Independence Day, but it was also our grandson's birthday.  Early in the morning we made an appointment to wish him a "Happy Birthday" and visit with the rest of his family via Skype.  I could tell it was getting close to time when I discovered Grandpa sitting at his desk staring at the screen of his laptop.  Not doing anything.  Just sitting.  Waiting.  Counting the moments when the call would come through.  After a few moments, I heard the yell, "They're On!!!"  (I'm not patient enough to still and stare at the screen!)
We spent the next 30 minutes or so watching our three grandkids wiggle and laugh and talk as fast as they could about snakes and magic shows, fireworks plans, and potty training.  It really didn't matter what was going on......it was great entertainment for Nana and Grandpa.

You can tell I'm getting older, because later as I reviewed the conversation in my mind I couldn't help but be amazed at the ability for us to just call each other on our computers and be able to sit and talk and see the wiggles!  Our first computer weighed a ton, cost a ton, and really didn't do that much.  We thought it was wonderful!!  Now our computers fit in our pockets and access the world in an instant at a fraction of the cost.

Later on, we discovered that the International Space Station would be making it's way across our piece of sky a little after 9:00 last night so we remained watchful of the time and made a planned excursion into our backyard for the show.  We were both a little concerned that we wouldn't be able to discern exactly what was Space Station, and what were other aircraft.  At least it was too early for stars in our part of the world.  We didn't need to worry.  It was very apparent when it came across.  I was surprised at how seemingly slow it moved, and how obvious it was - to the point that there was a slight glow around it that I'm assuming was a reflection of it's own light. It hasn't really been soooo long ago that the Wright brothers and others were spending more of their time falling than flying.  Now we were watching something orbit our planet, made and inhabited by people. Every one of us can hop on a multitude of flights and go anywhere we want to go on Earth. (OK....provided there's no weather issues, or mechanical issues, or ...........)

Anyway, I am still amazed!

Today's gifts:
- Grandkids wiggles and laughter
-vast skies, and the wonderment of stars
-Ice cream at Sonic