I've got to admit that I have no idea how to text & the only thing I can do with my cell phone is to hit send & end. I guess I find it morbidly fascinating how some people seem to have to be glued to their phones (and come on now, don't those Blue Tooth head phones look perfectly ridiculous?) seemingly with no care to who is hearing their most intimate conversations. I mean, do I really want to be discussing my financial business in the middle of Target? And does my friend with cancer really want to know that someone is describing in gory detail their medical condition in thew local Subway? Texting around here seems to be done mostly by glassy-eyed teenagers and I'm of the age where I'm likely to say that I despair of this generation, but then, I'm a geezer so what do I know? I do find it rather amusing that they seem to have to be told that it's dangerous to text & drive.

As I write this, snow is falling outside my window and I consider the outdoor activities of the season  shoveling (a rather distant relation to my beloved digging, at least it gets me outside) and xcountry skiing -- as mere placeholders til gardening season starts. I dip into NE Gardening on GW about every other day in the cold months. I constantly admire the cheerleaders of posting for trying to get us slugs to respond. I do read blogs, mostly garden blogs, but a few every day, and I have been doing this for years. I have favorites, and I try dipping into links to these. Some become keepers, others one would never want to visit again. A blog is an experience of one individual  when you read blogs consistently, you get to know the person (gardener) and his/her garden and style. Photos are also an integral part of blogs. I have given some thought to why I read the blogs I do, and it really comes down to how good the writing is, and mostly because I share some of the same sensibilities as the blogger. Also reading blogs allows you to follow the continuity of something. One thing that I have noticed is that all the blogs I read are in cold climates more like our own -- there is a big garden blogging community in TX, but I havenÂt been tempted to follow anyone there, or in California either. But on GW, one feels like a contributor, not an audience. And itÂs fun to see how all of us different people respond to the same topic. Sharing and gathering Info, yes, but giving commentary and experience too. Sometimes I just want to know what others more or less around here have to say about a particular thing. We are a community too IÂm not on FB (and never will be) nor on Twitter  I personally think this is more of a generational thing. At Xmas also, I saw my 20-something daughter discreetly check her Blackberry periodically. I read the New York Times every day but in my department at work it is only us fifty-somethings who actually read the paper version. My assistant, like my daughter, both read it online. I think the internet is so big that there is room for discussion forums and social networking and blogs and research sources of all kinds. And then there is browsing for shopping. I adore going thru my catalogs, but I have found unique websites of very specialized nurseries whose catalogs I would never have received in the mail  actually they probably donÂt mail catalogs out. And now all we have to do is wait til awful winter is over, and the ground calls to us.

Texting, like phones, instant messaging and email has its place but for me it's not much I need it. The last few nights it's been rather late and a couple people wanted me to call them. I am very, well often overly-courteous/cautious, depending on how you look at it about calling people at what for them would be odd hours. I know some people for whom 3pm would be interrupting their sleep. Anyway, I sent a text to them and asked if it was a good time to call. One sent back immediately and I called. But I usually use Yahoo Instant Messenger and the computer to send my text messages rather than a phone. First because it's free and my phone isn't and secondly I can use a standard keyboard. Texting while driving is bad, no doubt, but there's also another one that's never mentioned and that's GPS units. Punching in stuff on that is as bad as texting. I like instant messaging and email. It's far less rude than anything to do with a phone. And I take issue with anyone saying that it's less disruptive than a phone call. First there's the ring like a phone, then people instinctively grab it immediately - they can't wait, after all, someone sent them a text!!! and of course bring it up, read it and often there has to be an answer. Just the other night a friend from work got a new apartment and was kind of excited. His first place on his own and he's new to town and wanted to show it off. So I went downtown, spent nearly 40 minutes driving around trying to find a parking spot since the place has no assigned parking. Then when I parked about 1/3 mile from it and walked to his place, and believe me, these days with my legs, that's not easy. Well I got there and we were talking and it was less than 20 minutes before his *$#m phone started chiming away. A friend was having problems and wanted to "chat". I finally said why don't you just give him a call and I'll leave. And I did. What a waste of time. For all of us. However there's been a time or two I send a text with some quick info with no response needed. I tell people not to respond unless required if it comes from my phone, since I get charged. Don't care if it's while I'm on instant messenger. So it has its place but like most anything, it gets abused and when it's misused, it can be dangerous.

I do some texting but not much. Occasionally if I'm traveling and want to send a message of low importance, I'll text someone. Worked well when traveling companions were en route and I wanted to tell them where I'm staying or a suggestion where to meet. I don't like to condone unnecessary cell use while driving. And before you say it, yes these people aren't sick addicts who have to grab the cell and check the text when it comes in. They check it when they stop or at another time, or someone else in the car will check. Since I get charged 1/3 unit for each text from my phone, I'll only text from the phone when I'm out and feel the need. When at home I text through Yahoo or one of the other free texting places. And if someone wants my number to text me, then I get their number, text through Yahoo and then I don't get charged and if I don't have the problems with them having my number. I do use it though when I want to send a message, or tell someone to give a call when they have a chance or something like that. A friend works odd hours and I just text and that way if he's sleeping I don't wake him, if he's working, I don't bother him. Then when he has time and the inclination, he'll call. Works great in those circumstances. I also use text with the guy who shovels my driveway and the ones who mow my lawn. Same situation, we communicate without playing tag as much.