So, this is one of those times when if you want to read a blog, you'll have to humor me and put up with a blog about nothing...since we've been hanging out here in Patras awaiting the completion of boat repairs. It's not that we haven't been having a good time....it's just that it's hard to write about our supermarket adventures.

Back to the title of this entry.....9 refers to the number of devices I have to keep charged....and those are just mine. So, here we go: first and foremost is my phone, which, of course is not just a phone. It's cellular data access when there is no wifi. It's wifi access when it's available. It is also a wonderful GPS locator when we are looking for the nearest Vodaphone store, ATM, or a specific restaurant. It is my shopping list, allows me to get text messages from my honey when we're not together (one is shopping...the other is adding to the shopping list), access to Facebook, Instagram, a camera, my contact list, an alarm clock, a flashlight, my music, my Fitbit app for syncing, a wonderful translator when trying to find a hardware store or just generally accomplish something when in a country like Greece) and, of course email.

Then there is my iPad...my second favorite toy. I like using it when I'm writing my blog (like now) since the old eyes do better on it. I also use it for the silly games I play while en route: candy crush, cookie jam...and my current fav...jigsaw puzzle pro ( I know...I should be ashamed to admit it, but I guess I'm a born confessor.)

I do have to keep my iPod charged to listen to my (brag, brag, brag) fabulous playlist. You might wonder why I need it since my phone and iPad have my tunes, but, I would rather not risk the other devices while up in the cockpit. My next two devices also have to do with my entertainment...an aspect always near and dear to my heart: I got a pair of Bluetooth headphones (thanks, Bob for the idea) since there were too many wires when on watch (glass croakies, hat clip, etc.) and I was getting all tangled up. Also I use a Bluetooth speaker when I watch movies on my laptop, since the sound isn't very good when competing with the sound of the engine, waves and wind.

Of course, there is my camera. I've seen many people abandon their cameras and use their phones or even iPads, but it's too complicated to store and email months of pix.

Next come my external power devices, of which I have two. I have a small light one which I can throw in my purse, in case I get stuck at the airport and my devices are running low on juice (leftover from when my old phone's battery was dying) and a heavier stronger one which came in handy when we were trying to conserve power on the boat before we had a repair.

And finally, there is my Fitbit. (I thought I had 10, but can only think of 9.) Now...that's only me and my devices. Everyone else on the boat has their own collection of devices including ones I don't have...like an Ebook.

Someone reading this might be thinking this is all frivolous, but, in fact, staying connected with our friends and family, calling ahead to check out availability of marinas and services, and using google earth to get the layout of an area before entering is invaluable. Jackie has been an ace at this...and has taught me a lot.