Mean Maureen has discovered Skype rocks!

Most people in Ireland have family, friends and loved ones scattered all over the world – and generally we want to keep in touch with as many of them as possible.

Years ago, we had to use snail mail which meant that by the time our news reached the United States or Australia, it was completely out of date. Now of course, thanks to email we can communicate in real time.

Of course, it’s always better to be able to speak to them, hear their voices and if possible see them at the same time, especially if you can do it for nothing.

The answer of course is SKYPE which allows you to call for free via the computer and if you have a camera on your computer you can see your loved ones as you chat. It’s dead simple. You can download SKYPE free of charge and then all you need is for both of you to be online simultaneously. You just ring their number and away you go.

As the very proud granny of a four-week-old little girl living in Boston, I’m now able to see her every day. I’ve watched her coming home from hospital, seen her first half smile, marvelled at how chubby she has become and could swear she’s trying to whistle at the family dog.

A word of advice; think carefully before you get a camera on your computer. Remember it’s all very well to invade somebody else’s home before they’ve had time to have a shower but do your really want them to see you in a raggedy old dressing gown with your hair standing on end and no make-up? I don’t have a camera on my computer, so I reckon I have the best of both worlds.