Staying Home: Already a Pro

Well I have over 300 audiobooks that I am revisiting. You can get audiobooks from audible for $1 or $7 if you have kindle. Staying home is OK for me. No big issues. Also I have close to 500 movies in my PC, Bella the cat who is letting me pet her. We just need to adjust to this and hope things get better. Forgot youtube is good for documentaries. Keep safe.

With our weekly espresso habit tabled, I get together for morning coffee with friends via FaceTime.

Hello my applevis community. I hope that you all are safe at your house. It is not a big deal for me to stay at my house. I am enjoing my time. But I kind of miss the social interaction. Other then that, I am doing fine.

I have my PC for Harry Potter fan fiction and youtube and audiobooks and my Iphone for reddit and vorail.

I don't want to think about what I'd do without the internet, probably be bored stiff and hating life but because of these great peaces of tech; I can make this time a happier one.

Here's my OPML, podcast list, file: https://www.dropbox.com/s/t7s7gxitvushk95/overcast.opml?dl=1

I hope those that have podcast apps that can import these kind of files can get something out of it.

I don't think we're meant to talk about windows apps on here but I'll mention one and see what happens.

There's an app for windows called pontes media downloader, it will allow you to download youtube videos and convert them too with eas.

I hope with the podcast link and the program, you can have a safe happy time.

Hello everyone. I have been camped out here at my parents' 2-flat since a week ago Friday. I of course brought both my Mac and iPhone with, and couldn't be happier. I've gotten in some informal tech training sessions with a sister who also uses VoiceOver, so that is good. Her tutor has been instructed by upper management to stay home during this time of social distancing. I've kept in touch with my neighbors back at the pad, and with some other friends. Thanks to Dean Martineau, I just discovered that 3 books from National Braille Press are being offered for free for another month or so. So I'm going to purchase those. Two of them are about iOS, so I'm particularly excited to read those and discover even more cool stuff about my iPhone. You know, the more I use it the more I'm in agreement with those who say it is a game-changer throughout the blindness community. Please everybody stay safe and healthy.

I been using this time to learn spanish with duolingo. I was doing it before we were all to stay home, but now I've made a spanish lesson in the morning a normal thing. I love it

Good Morning Morgan and all. I actually am already a stay at home pro. I haven't worked with the IRS for over 10 years now, due to many personal life changes. Prior to the loss of my job, I was fulltime involved with my churches worship team for over 10 years and being a wife of over 25 years. Now, things are much slower, without my husband or worship team. But, I can say that, because of my beloved iPhone, Apple TV, Apple watch, and other media sources, I have managed to remain productive and not go completely insane. Praying that all of you remain safe and healthy. If anyone finds other great games, give us all a shout. I know we are all looking for more fun during isolation.

I love trivia crack. Any of you that want to start a game I think i'm jimmyv1130 on there. I am always up for one. Lets all have fun

Reading a lot of books, some on Dream Reader, but mostly I've been pruning my fruit trees, there's about thirty of them, working on raised beds, building a new compost bin, etc. Kind of live like a hermit anyway.
Does seem like the people living around me are at home a lot more working on their own yards. I'm planning on using a very loud wood chipper a couple of times this week, and it will probably bother them.

If you have kindle unlimited, you can get the ebook for free and audiobook for $1.90. There are 10 books. B.B. Larson Undying Mercenaries Series

Hi Morgan, I'm happy to hear that you and your family are safe and sound at home.

As for myself, since I work for the Government, I've been setup to work from home for years now and have only been doing so on bad days, like huge snow storms or extremely hot days, as during that time, I had my second guide dog whom, at the time, was close to retirement. So when those crappy days would pop up, he'd enjoy a nice day off resting in his bed.

Sadly, he has since retired and I do have to admit, kind of miss him at times, but after having two guide dogs in a span of 16 years, I thought of taking a break for a couple of years to see how I could handle using just a white cane.

Now with this whole Covid-19 business, our department told us to work from home, but since our bandwidth can't support everyone connecting through VPN all at the same time, we've been told to only connect to get what we need, then disconnect and work offline.

Since we had a bed bug issue back in February, I've pretty much been working from home since then, and although it can be a bit lonely at times, especially since my last guide dog retired, I've been doing fairly well.

I have to admit, if it wasn't for technology, I'd probably be going insane by now, but with my iPhone and Mac, I've been keeping busy with Audible, podcasts, games and described content.

As for supplies, thankfully, my brother and parents live in the same town as me, so my brother kind of volunteered as the official gatherer of groceries for my parents and I.

I hope that you all are doing alright and surviving during this pandemic. Hopefully we'll all be able to weather the storm and get through this.

FYI now CBS is giving away one month free. If you have amazon you can sign via them and you have CBS free. FYI. If you do so, after you subscribe, and you get your email saying so, go to amazon, and unsubscribe so you do not need to remember. You will have CBS for free for a month. I did it this morning and my will end April 29.

Hi Morgan, Our dogs are wonderful company during this time. Fortunately, for now, me and my big Shepherd guide, Isaiah, and I are still able to go in to the office. But it is very quiet. So taking trainings, keeping caught up on Applevis, etc. Everyone stay safe and healthy!

I’ve been lucky to have so many options at home. Helps keep my anxiety in check. It’s constant through this.
Since grocery items are scarce, learning new recipes in my IP, with the items I have.
A KU book subscription, and Overdrive for local library... No shortage of books.
This time has given me a lot of time with relearning Windows. Went back about 7 months ago, after a decade on Mac.
Many things from Netflix, Prime Video, CBS, and Apple TV have been playing on iPhone, iPad, Fire TV, and Apple TV.

Hi Morgan. I like your blogs they are very descriptive. I'm living with my dad who's high risk because of his age and other issues. altlhough the vodka soda I made him last night, might just kill anything. i was a bit to heavy handed. Oops? I swear i didn't mean too. ;) Anyway I have bard, I'd kill for Audible because some of the narrators are better on there. Plus an author I am fond of, Molly Harper, only is narrated by Amanda Ronconi, so check her stuff out. It's a paranormal romance, which usually isn't my thing, but she describes things as instantaneous, so it's person, vampire. Anyway besides that, I'm looking at getting an IP so when this virus clears up i can really get cooking more than I am right now which isn't much. I want to stay away from the processed chicken patties, meals that you microwave. I try not to eat a lot of that anyway, but I'm also thinking about the future. Old man won't be around forever, much as I wish him to be. And I haven't killed him yet, so that's a plus right? I get outside in my complex, walk a little and sit on the steps. There's a pond where the fish jump and on the other side is an aligator so I enjoy the wind, sun, saying hello to neighbors who drop by as they pass. I grew up in a house, so I'm never going to quite get used to hearing voices pass by as someone walks. I'd used to voices, when someone comes to the door. Stay safe, and if anyone wants to give me instant pot advice, contact me off here. :) Have a good one, hope this breaks soon.

Dean Koontz new ook is out. Devoted. Audible has it. If you love dogs, this one has smart dogs. Bella the cat is not happy with me because I am listening.

To Morgan and all. Who would have ever dreamed that a forum like this one would find two people who share the same hometown. Morgan and I share the same one, in Mount Pleasant Michigan, from which I am writing this note. It truly amazes me how that, through a forum where I first came to find some help for my new iPhone 4, that I would eventually find someone who knows my town. So cool.

As I sit here writing to all of you, I too, am so pleased that I have my fourth Leader dog basically at my feet. I first received a Leader dog at the age of 16. I had Bear for eight years, then Jack for 11 years, Indy for 11 years, and currently, my Rocky for 10 years. Wow do I feel old This means that I have been using Leader dogs for 39 years. I certainly would not change a thing. My life is truly so much better because I have a dog in it, and a Leader dog, with all that this mode of travel affords me, just makes it so so much better. Anyway, I am praying that we all stay safe, healthy, and entertained until the quarantine passes. Remember this too shall pass.

Well goodness me what a lot of comments! I would be lying if I were to say I had read them all, but I've read a selection.

Morgan, I very much enjoy your blogs. Perhaps, though, this one will go down as the most valuable of all given the context in which it is written.

So, what am I doing with myself? Well, I work for a professional education provider and so we have moved entirely online. In fact, given we've had to bring some of our projects forward, I'm busier than ever! Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and Zoom are being put through their paces. outside work there's the iPhone and Echo for audible books, the Apple Watch for keeping track of indoor cycle workouts (a poor but necessary substitute for swimming), and the iPhone again for Kindle books, newspapers and catching up with the daily Boris Briefing (which for the past week has been without Boris Johnson as he self-isolates).

I have two recommendations for everyone on here:
1. Singers, check out the self-isolation choir at www.theselfisolationchoir.com and join if you are up for singing Handel's Messiah at home.
2. My lock-down reading of choice is the John Pearce series of novels. I forget by whom, but the first is By The Mast Divided. Great if you are a fan of historical fiction set at about the time of the Napoleonic Wars.
3. I almost forgot! Virtual pubs are great! My friends and I have already organised two using Zoom - The Earl of bleedershire, and the smuggler's Bottom. These are both in-jokes but my point is it's very important your virtual pub has a name.
4. I almost forgot again! Cribbage Pro is a fantastic iPhone app to have installed. it has a multi-player setting which my partner and I very much enjoy.

Right, back to work....

If you have kindle unlimited, you can get the audiobooks series of Undying Mercenaries audiobook for $1.90. The kindle book for free with unlimited.Last book of 13 are $7 and sadlythe last audiobook is not. Good scifi books.

@Morgan Watkins your posts are always beautiful and lovely to read.
stay safe and keep writing!
love and best wishes from India :)

For those who like sci-fi books amazon are releasing All 3 Kindle version volumes of Man of War series on sale until April 30 for $0.99 each. "This is possibly the best sci-fi space opera/interstellar. I got the audiobooks and is also well done.

I shall regret this, but while I finish my last whisky I thought I'd write down some further observations about lock-down laughs. Well, the Papal Bull (the latest pub) is closed for the evening, and what a splendid pub it was. The beer was excellent - I myself partook of four bottles of Porthleven and a brace of Bitter and Twisted before rounding off the evening with two large whiskies. great company to. Well, yes. Three hours, something like that. That's how long it lasted. On Zoom, you understand. One matter upon which we reflected was how the abnormal has become so rapidly normal. So come on, you working from home merchants, be honest: do you start your nine to five shift at 4pm and pretend that you're home schooling when your kid is actualy far more proficient at eLearning than you can ever hope to be? or are you one of the folks that tries one's best to forego the commute between bed and desk? Amusing, isn't it, to reflect on that conversation with your boss? 'No, seriously, on a bad day it's a two-minute round trip....this morning was a nightmare; there are roadworks in the hall and all traffic is being diverted via the kitchen, with all trains and buses stopping at the fridge and the coffee machine.' I nearly got caught out today when I was meant to be teaching online....was all togged out in jeans and a t-shirt, which is not very professional I'm afraid. Only realised two minutes before the class that the students would see me in that manner and that my employers would no doubt make their displeasure known. Funny, too, how the daily governmental briefing has become a mut view event for so many people? One can perhaps visualise the untold multitude of hands diving for pockets as that longed for notification comes through on the iPhone: 'daily governmental briefing to begin shortly; watch live here'. These devotees, indeed, are folk who all things being equal would show absolutely no interest in the news whatsoever! Have ever so many members of the british public known who the Secretary of State for Health is, for example? For our UsS, Commonwealth, EU and international readers not versed in British politics, it's Matt Hancock.

But talking of matt Hancock, isn't it odd how this new normal generates headlines? Some of tomorrow's newspapers, available via EasyReader or Kindle on your dear old iPhone (see how clever a wheeze I am using to kep this on topic?), are making quite a big deal of what a snotfest Hancock's Half Hour has become. Again, to fill in our international friends, Matt Hancock was tested positive for Coronavirus last Thursday, and Boris Johnson (who I hope has penetrated your world as being our Prime Minister) was tested positive last Friday. Boris is still self-Isolating. Matt Hancock, on the other hand, was back yesterday heading up the daily Coronavirus briefing alongside the obligatory two or three medical experts. Hancock, my dear friends, is not recovered. Watching the video on my iPhone with my partner, using good old airplay functionality so we could both hear in surround sound while she watched pictures on my iPhone, apparently looked in a right old two and eight. Snot everywhere, apparently! I tell you, it's a good job he gentlemen (and ladies, ad one now has obligatorily to add in this age of snowflakery) of the press were in attendance on Her majesty's Minister the Right-Honourable Matthew Hancock remotely. Elsewise there'd be a lawsuit or two knocking about the place, albeit with minimal chance of success. still, better to be connected with the snotfest than for the germs to be scattered, like the good seed on the land, in one's ignorance, I say.

But folks, honestly, it's not all good. it's not all about staying connected with your family thousands os of miles away or having a drink with mates in a virtual pub more often than I'd actually have drinks with them in a normal pub in normal times. I warn you, sometimes the technological influence will be malign. I doubt many of you have read this far, but please read on if you still are, for what I have to say might save you a great deal of anguish. YOu see, I had a dream. no, not that one from 1963, but a dream which I doubt will ever be the stuff of an inspirational speech. Last night I dreamt that there was a Coronavirus-checking app which not only told you how many suspected cases there were in your current location but which also told you when you were wandering into a location where the virus had struck. Needless to say I grabbed this tool from the AppStore at once, and found much to my delight that it was accessible! That's right, Voiceover read all page elements, all buttons were clearly labelled, and the app was fully accessible with Voiceover and easy to navigate and use. I clicked on 'check current location' while standing in the lounge of my aparemtne. Hurrah! The app reported: 'congratulations! No Coronavirus cases have been found in High Barnet!' how relieved I was! I could get on with my work in peace. With that, I hot-footed it to my desk in the study, only to receive a notification from the app: 'Warning! Warning! You are now entering a high-risk Coronavirus area! Click for detailed report.' alas I woke up before being able to carry out this instruction, but it took a long while in these troubled times to shake that dream off.

With that, I have fnished my whisky. I apologise that this unco-ordinated ramble has transpired to be, well, an unco-ordiated ramble. That is because several beers and whiskies, not to mention a fine 2010 St Amelion with dinner, would tend to induce such a consequence. Don't sey I haven't kept it on topic because I have. Such arguments won't even make it before the judge. Application refused on the papers. There was something else I forgot to mention, but I can't recall it now. t was to thank Morgan for his reply, which in any case I should do in the vain hope that he has read up to this point. Good night.

perhaps I meant, perhaps. perhaps it was to thank Morgan for his reply. How on earth did the remainder of the word perhaps after the p in the last sentence of the foregoing post get chopped off? Happy lock-down all.

Hi Morgan,

I, too, write using my iPhone and a bluetooth keyboard. Which brand & model of keyboard do you use? Is it reliable — keeping up with your typing speed and remaining connected?

These are problems I experience with every bluetooth keyboard. I tried 4 different models, but they either don’t keep up or their key pressure is mushy.
folding keyboards seem to be the worst to me, and both have died. I’m relying upon my older backup keyboard until I can find one that is more reliable and lasts more than a few months. Btw, I’m not hard on my tech as I also write from my comfy chair in our living room.

Apple’s VoiceOver functionality On my iPhone 8 is far superior, I believe, than clunky old JAWS on my laptop. Having said that, Windows XP, MS Word, and JAWS was my perfect writing environment.

I wrote and self-published 8 novels using those tools. Up against my iPhone’s VoiceOver, JAWS within Windows 10 and Office 365’s Word drain my patience and eagerness to write.

The iPhone equivalent has its own problems — not just with the iPhone’s bugginess, but also the complicated version of MS Word (Office 365 still) created for the iPhone OS.

What am I missing? I’m stuck between keyboard inefficiencies and frustrating Word on my iPhone and Word & JAWS in Windows 10’s graphic-menus environment.

Is there a user-friendly hardware and software solution for the iPhone that is capable, robust, and supportive for those of us who enjoy writing?

I eagerly await your reply.

Kindly,

Bob

Hello,
It's really good to see what everyone is doing during this difficult time.
I am an avid book reader, everything from fanfiction to biographies. But I have yet to find a way to read all the ebooks I downloaded in single html files from various places on the internet using both Macbook and Dell Pc on my iPhone.
I do, however have a ton of audio books (Yess I'm 28, but love all the Harry Potter Books) Pluss an insane amount of TV shows I extracted into Mp3 So...
Regards and best wishes to everyone.
Sincerely,
Melissa Cox