A GPS Guide for the Traveler - Chapter Two: UR the Center of Your Universe

I ask you - how often do you feel like you are the center of the universe? If you are like me, not too often. Most of the time I just frankly feel grateful that I am still part of the universe!
So if you need an ego boost, may I suggest you engage your GPS system. Why? Because no matter who you are or where you are, in the eyes of your GPS System you are the center of the universe.
Crazy idea, but important to remember.
The GPS technology is here for you. It is here to guide, to maximize efficient use of your time, to enhance and to make your life easier. I have found that when I remember this fact and use my GPS system everything becomes easier and correct in my universe... Ok, getting to place to place and on time becomes easier..
So remember you are like Rome and all roads lead from you to what you need or your desired destination the world with this thought in mind use of the GPS will start to make more sense and to fall quickly into place.  Read More

WHAT THE “HECK” IS GPS ANYWAY?

Sometimes things just aren’t what they seem at first glance.... Sometimes like this hippo swimming in her pond, a lot of “surprise” is hidden underneath!  

WHAT THE “HECK” IS GPS ANYWAY? 

Have you ever asked yourself where did GPS come from? What does GPS stand for anyway? And why is it so prevalent today... yet can’t recall any history about this form of technology? Those questions are answered in this article.

My first impression of a GPS system was that it was a pain in the butt...

As I said earlier first off, I am not a fan of technology. At best I find technology a bothersome tool and at every opportunity I resist - much like a donkey who has its feet dug into the dirt.

My husband and son on the other hand are tech geeks. They love all forms of technology and between the two of them I am provided with many opportunities to experience this kind of stuff - I am not sure if they provide me with these opportunities in hope that I will come over to the “other side” or if they find sadistic pleasure in seeing me struggle.

Typical with this pattern, my first experience with a GPS system was met with hostile resistance. I love maps. I love navigating. I am happy doing those things... and besides what in the heck is a GPS, anyway?

“Without my knowledge, as I pack for a weekend visit to see my son, my husband who has purchased a GPS is down loading the GPS program onto our portable lap top, as he wants to try it out on this trip.

We are ready to leave and I have just buckled my seat belt when he hands me our computer and says “Hold this on your lap.”

“Why?” I ask. “

"Cause this will tell us how to find Garrett’s new home.”

Our son’s home is a mere 6 hour drive away and besides we know were he lives!

“Ughhh!” is my only reply.  Read More

GPS World Traveler - Why the name?

It just dawned on me that many of you probably don’t know why I have latched onto the name GPSWorldTraveler.... well here is my story and our evolution.

A long time ago, a long time ago, a time before the dawn of hand held computers my son and husband loved technology. Although my son now works for Microsoft, Gary and I have always been Apple fans. We bought the first Apple product sometime around 1982. It was “The 128 Portable” :) and have had an Apple computer in our home ever since.

At best I find technology a bothersome tool and at every opportunity I resist - much like a donkey who has its feet dug into the dirt.

Typical with this pattern, my first experience with a GPS system was met with hostile resistance. I love maps. I love navigating. I am happy doing those things... and besides “What in the heck is a GPS, anyway”?   Read More

England-Stone Circle-Long Meg and her Daughters

The second stone circle we encountered was "Long Meg and her Daughters". We were not prepared for what we encountered. It was huge!

Later I read that the circle had a diameter of about 350 feet and that this name came from a local witch, Meg of Meldon, who was alive in the early 17th century. It is near Penrith in the English County of Cumbria.  Read More

The Old Manse of Bourtie

The OId Manse of Bourtie is remarkable and should be a Scottish national treasure...The place is such an accurate step back in time. It was built in the 1890’s and on the remaining 5 acres there is still a complete walled garden, a wild bluebell field, wild pheasants roaming the yard like chickens, ancient trees, beautiful sculptures hidden throughout... and so much old earth magic.

Marion Youngblood and Kiji own and live in the Victorian home which they have preserved. They heat with the multiple fireplaces, cook on a wood stove which also heats water in pipes which lead to both the upstairs and downstairs bathrooms. This piping system is amazingly ingenious as it gives additional warmth to the house while providing warm water where it is needed. The staircases, the stone walls, the windows, the floors, the doors are all authentic and very beautiful.  Read More

Easter Aquhorities, Inverurie, Scotland

Easter Aquhorthies was the second recumbent stone circle we saw in Scotland.  We visited it on our drive from Inverurie to Stirling.  Like every other historical monument it was in a field outside of somewhere. 

Here are the directions I found on line as I wrote this article - I laughed out loud when I read them and was really glad we had our GPS to navigate, as we still needed additional guidance once we got to the “good farm track” :-)


“How to Find Easter Aquhorthies Stone Circle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.... Easter Aquhorthies stands about 18 miles west of Aberdeen and about two miles west of the town of Inverurie. Coming from Aberdeen, it can be reached by a road which goes off to the left from the main A96 opposite the second entrance to Inverurie and Morrison's supermarket.
 
This narrow unclassified road goes up a gentle hill and ends in a Historic Scotland car park. From here it's an easy 5-10 minute walk through fenced fields to the stone circle, firstly along a narrow tarmac road and then along a good farm track.”   Read More

Kirkton of Bourtie

When we stayed with Marion and Kiji in Inverurie, a small village in a small hamlet in Aberdeenshire we were first introduced to Stone Circles.

Not having the foggiest idea of what a stone circle really was, we were not prepared for the magic, the history or wonderment we would feel as we wandered throughout the countryside seeking out these amazing treasures.

Our first encounter was a glimpse of a 5000 year old Pictish stone circle through the windows of their 17th century stone home. At that moment we were filled with magical wonderment... and through Marion's passion, stories and love we were hooked on stone circles.

The Kirkton of Bourtie it turns out is a massive recumbent stone circle. When I first heard these words I had no idea of what this meant. Read More