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Across the Fence:  Do You Have A Roku?  |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 16 2013 : 09:22:41 AM
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Nini,
Haven't switched over as yet. Plan to the beginning of next month.....saving for the roku! Will email you thru the forum later and chat more about how you like the roku. I'm excited to switch and going thru early cable withdrawal pains as well, lol!!
The cable just went up another few dollars so it's beginning to not really be a choice. Rediculous to spend what they want each month!!
Love everyone's advice and input on here. Since we use tablets, don't think the play on is an option since no pc for now.
Farmgirl hugs,
Linda
http://www.grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2013 : 11:32:46 AM
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Great Linda! SO happy to hear this! I think you're going to LOVE it! Remember, if you're not using a whole lot of other devices in addition to the Roku, you may only require a very low internet download speed, so that should save you some money; but if you have a lot of devices streaming from the internet, you'll need a higher download speed connection, okay? The actual speed you'll need, though, for the Roku itself depends upon which Roku you pick up. We picked up the newest one (Roku 3), so we needed a little higher than the lowest available service for that. Plus, we do have a few other devices connected to the internet from time to time. If you have any questions or need help, Linda, just remember we're all here for you! Can't wait to hear your thoughts!!! Good luck!
Oh! And just FYI - we've decided to try Netflix for the month free trial, just to see. It's pretty good! I am very happy to hear that they are (or were, at least, back in January) in negotiations to pick up the show "Jericho" as an exclusive Netflix Program. We hadn't heard of it until we switched to Roku, and we are really, really enjoying it! If they do that, I may have to just keep the Netflix... But we're not really using it very much, to be honest. I think we probably going to just drop HuluPlus all together - except for one show, we've hardly used it at all. Why spend $7.99 a month if we're not really using it, you know? We keep heading back to Amazon Prime and the other free channels we enjoy through the Roku. I am love love loving no commercials and to be able to pick and choose which news reports interest us most and without all the talking head noise! It's just so awesome!!! We don't miss the cable one bit!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Apr 16 2013 11:33:51 AM |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2013 : 1:22:22 PM
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We already have subscriptions to Netflix and hulu plus so that will stay. We can just enjoy them via the tv now!!
We have one of the mid level Internet pkg so I think that will do just fine.
I think I want the newer roku as well, my gkids love angry birds !
Farmgirl hugs!
Linda
Country at Heart |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2013 : 09:24:44 AM
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How's it going, Linda? Did you try Roku yet???
Okay... I just had to share our excitement! The new bill arrived for our internet-only service today... Want to know the savings? Drumroll, please....
$1685.06 per year!!! WOWSA!!!
That means we're saving a little over $140 a month! Wooo hooo!! Believe me, we need that kind of savings every month - just as much as the next family!!!
My stepdad is still confounded by the whole thing - he cracks me up. "Yeah, but, there just HAS to be a catch!" he says! Nope! Not at all!!! It's amazing.
We did drop HuluPlus - it's just too complicated to maneuver through and has a ton of programming we will never watch. We're keeping Amazon Prime (love it) and Netflix. Just figured out how to use the PlayLater feature on PlayOn, so we're going to play around with that for a while. It's a lifetime thing, so we have plenty of time to figure it out! :)
Thanks again to all of you for all your help, suggestions and insight to Roku. You've been a godsend!!! I hope everything we've all shared will help some of our farmgirl sisters save on programming, too! :)
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2013 : 05:30:29 AM
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Hi Nini!
Been outta the farmgirl loop awhile#128522;. Our month service ends June 11th and I'm looking on amazon for the Roku with free angry birds? It's my gkids favorite game, lol! Also want the Roku that can be wired as well as wireless? Thoughts?
My daughters friend will help us hook it up. She is more tech savvy than us #128515;Are you still loving it Nini?
Also, how do I get the hallmark movies again??
Hugs,
Linda
Country at Heart |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2013 : 06:07:34 AM
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LOL! Oh my gosh, Linda! My hubby LOVES unwinding with Angry Birds now! LOL! I am not sure, but I think you need the Roku 3 to play video games. Here is the page with the product comparison. http://www.roku.com/roku-products If you scroll down, it looks as though the Roku 3 is the only one that has the game-capable controller, and Angry Birds is free, but I'm fairly certain it won't work without that controller. When you go to the Roku website, you can check out all the free channels and games they have. Angry Birds is first on the list! http://www.roku.com/channels/#!browse/games/by-popular I am also fairly certain that you can use all the Rokus as either wired or wireless. I don't think you need any special components. But maybe Heather will know? Heather?
Here is the link for SpiritClips, which is the Hallmark channel through Roku: http://www.roku.com/channels/#!details/8679/spiritclips-from-hallmark
Hope this helps! Now, I just went to add it to check it out for you. There is a 1 Week free trial, and then you have the option of a subscription for $2.99 per month. There's a free preview, and it only features three program previews for about three minutes each of programs called "The Little Frog," "Red," and "Sally." These are not part of the 1 week free trial, though, I think they're just in there as teasers, you know?
If there are any channels you'd like me to look into for you, just say the word. I know it's a bit confusing until you get started and can play with it yourself. But I'm telling you, Linda - I think you're going to be very happy! :) YES! We LOVE it!!! Heather and the girls were absolutely, hands-down, on-the-money right! :)
SO funny - I thought of all of you the other day. One of the local news stations did a big piece on saving money by dropping cable and going with just the antenna and Roku. My husband commented that the email I sent family and friends probably got forwarded until they hit the reporter's desk who did the report. :) And we've heard quite a few friends have made the switch!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on May 23 2013 06:09:05 AM |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2013 : 06:16:20 AM
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Funny I just did the free trial week with spirit clips. Yes those three little clips are just teasers. The actual Spirit clips that you pay for or get the free trial of, has several movies. (a lot actually). I watched a lot of them. Money is crazy tight right now so I didn't buy, but I'm thinking of dropping netflix and buying Spirit Clips.
I don't know about the wired/wireless thing though.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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MaggieMB
True Blue Farmgirl
217 Posts
Mary
western
Pa
217 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2013 : 06:54:41 AM
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| I'm not sure if this has been covered or not, but can you get sports channels? We are currently watching the NHL playoffs on cable and the Hubs and our sons are football fans. |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2013 : 07:50:55 AM
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Thanks Heather! I used to watch the Hallmark channel fairly regularly, and wasn't sure what the channel has to offer. This is extremely helpful! You ROCK farmgirl! :)
Hi Mary - Well... yes, and no. You can purchase subscriptions to MLB.tv or football or whatever (here is the link for the channels offered - some are free but some you have to buy subscriptions: http://www.roku.com/channels/#!browse/sports/by-popular ) but with baseball, there is a lockout, which means you cannot watch games of local teams live - you would have to wait until the game is over and then you can link up and watch the game. Kind of a bummer because my husband is a HUGE Pirates fan. For now, he's going "old school" and listens to them on the radio while working around the yard or out in the garage. Now, for football, we get the Steelers games on the regular TV channels, so we can watch them live via the antenna we bought (thank GOODNESS!). The NHL channel hooks up to your Roku for free, but you can't see the programming unless you buy the subscription, and I honestly can't tell you whether you will get the Penguins or any other games live, but it looks as though you do. :) My son just got to attend his first game a couple of weeks ago, and now he's hooked, so he gets minute-by-minute updates from friends on his cell phone. He'd like the subscription, so maybe we'll get him that for his birthday or Christmas. We'll see! I hope this helps a little.
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on May 23 2013 07:52:10 AM |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2013 : 6:57:31 PM
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I just read my prior post?? Where did those numbers come from in my post cuz I didn't put that?? Very weird!
Anyway, thank you Nini for the update! I'm pretty sure we will love it! Have you found any channels similar to 'my tv' channel that show mostly old reruns?
Hugs,
Linda
Country at Heart |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2013 : 7:20:29 PM
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Linda actually there is LOTS of them. Also old movies. They will have commercials though if you choose the free ones. But, Crackle and several others are free old reruns. Every thing from Beverly Hillbillies, to Lucy, to Bonanza, and even OTR (Old Time Radio) shows. I have lots of laughs over the free channel that has old education films that were shown to school children. lol
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2013 : 8:24:38 PM
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Yep! Crackle has a lot of good ones. We used to love News Radio, and were just thrilled to find it there! There are lots to choose from. Linda - I did want to share with you, though, that we still get MyTV through the HD antenna! Every area will have different program reception with an antenna, though, probably dependent upon where the signal originates and how far you are from it'
Well, I'm pooped. Time to turn in. Hope you all have a good night!
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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MaggieMB
True Blue Farmgirl
217 Posts
Mary
western
Pa
217 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2013 : 10:23:17 PM
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| Nini, Thank you so much for the link and the information about the sports channels! I am so tired of paying for cable , but I know that my family won't want to give up the sports that they are used to watching! How nice that your son got to go to a Penguin game! My older sons have been to games at the Consol Energy Center, but the Hubs and I and youngest son haven't made it to a game yet. Maybe, if we weren't paying all of that money to the cable company...ha,ha! |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2013 : 04:47:59 AM
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Nini,
What brand of antenna reception did you get? I'm still looking at those and soooo confusing?! Guess just try one and if doesn't work? Return it and try another?
Blessings,
Linda
Country at Heart |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2013 : 10:01:53 AM
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Hi girls!
You are very welcome, Mary, truly. My husband's employer is wonderful. He has seasons tickets to the Steelers and Penguins, and whenever he can't make a game, he passes them along to the employees. They've been to quite a few Steelers games, and this was the first set of Penguin tickets my hubby received since before our son was born, but he and I have also been several times. His employer is also planning a company day at PNC Park - every employee, including our son, is receiving two tickets! Is that cool or what? We're very, very blessed!!!
Linda - this is the one I bought from Radio Shack: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3611256&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032189 I would just check with the sales people there before buying. There are a ton of different ones out there, but the reception really depends on where you live and what type of receiver you have. Depending upon where you live, you might need an outdoor one instead, OR you might need one that's more powerful. OR this one could be perfect for you, too. OR you may already have an antenna on your house and only need a wire to complete the circuit from it to your tv. Your situation is unique, so it's always good to check with people who deal with this on a regular basis in your area. :)
We get so many more channels through the antenna we have than we expected. It's amazing. But, like I said, for us, this one is more than sufficient. We live fairly close to Pittsburgh where many of the stations are, and we live at a slightly higher elevation, so we can get away with a less powerful, less expensive indoor-type receiver/antenna. We went to Radio Shack twice and two different salespeople were extremely helpful and shared their personal experiences with the antennas as well as experiences of other customers. We could've spent a lot more, but they were honest about everything. To me, that was REAL customer service. Before buying, we ran over to Wal-Mart. Their receivers looked similar, but none of the packaging was really helpful, and we weren't sure what we were buying. It might have looked the same, but it could've been very, very different. When we asked and employee about them, he was clueless. We decided to go back to Radio Shack because they earned their money!
I hope this helps. Before you buy, maybe talk to salespeople in a few different stores to see what their impressions are. It will help you get a better picture of what you will need, and hopefully it will help you prevent paying for a more expensive model you don't need or one that is less adequate. I am sure you can return it and try another one, but let's hope some of what I have shared and what they will share will help make your decision a little bit easier. :)
Hang in there - you can do this! I know it's confusing. That's where I was. But once it all fell together, it was all good! Let me know if I can help you in any other way!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on May 24 2013 10:04:58 AM |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2013 : 05:14:20 AM
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Thanks Nini! It is confusing! Plus we are in an apt soooo may have to keep just bare basic cable. We need local cuz of the storm season. I might even just for now, try a less expensive streamer than roku. It doesn't access as much......but might do for a couple months in meantime!
Hugs,
Linda
http://www.grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2013 : 06:03:07 AM
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Oh! Well.. Here's a thought, Linda: If you are living in a tall building, the reception actually might be a lot better than expected. That being said, you may only need the same type of HD antenna/receiver we purchased. We have two friends who live in seven-story buildings, and both have even better reception than we do. One uses an HD antenna like we do, the other uses a pair of reeeeaaaally old rabbit ears; both get a LOT of channels, all crisp and clear. The only thing that seems to affect their reception is weather - high winds, heavy rain or snow. They both believe that they get such good reception because their buildings each have those old-fashioned large antennae on top. I don't know if you have that type of antenna on your building, but if you do, you may only need that spliced-wire type antenna instead. Just a thought!
I also want to say that you might want to look around online. My foster daughter got the Roku 3 last week for just $60 somewhere! I think she got it from 1 Deal A Day, but I'm not sure. I'll see if I can find out for you when I see her tomorrow. But yes, by all means, try a less expensive model. I can't speak for them, but at least it would help you get your feet wet and a "feel" for how these things work. If, however, you don't have a thrilling experience with a different model, please don't let it spoil streaming devices or Roku for you all together, okay? Roku is wonderful, so if another isn't what you're looking for, please don't give up! :) For that matter, you might really enjoy just having the antenna and not feel the need for Roku at all! It just depends upon what you want to get out of your television experience, that's all! :)
Have a great day!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2013 : 6:09:40 PM
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Oh we do want a Roku still. This cheaper one only does Hulu, Netflix and a couple others. Roku has a ton more to offer. I will use the cheaper one in my room. Then use Roku in living room. Looking online at various receivers for local channels.
Thanks Nini!!
Hugs,
Linda
Country at Heart |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2013 : 06:14:23 AM
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Well I have ordered an indoor antenna, hoping it works! Ordering the Magnavox streaming today.
Taking cable box in next week!! I'm twitching a bit, lol!!! But looking forward to the change at the same time!
Have a great day farmgirls and thank you to all for your help and encouragement here!!
Blessings,
Linda
http://grannysbirds.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
Edited by - prayin granny on Jun 08 2013 06:15:50 AM |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2013 : 08:12:32 AM
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Be strong, Linda! Working toward anything good or of value can certainly cause a little "pain," but in the end, it's always well worth it! I'm telling you, I was a nervous wreck myself when we made the switch! LOL! If you need any help setting up or anything at all, we're here for you! AND very excited for you! I pray all will go well and work even better than you have been hoping! Keep us posted! Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2013 : 3:52:12 PM
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Well the indoor small antenna arrived. Only pulled up Daystar channel. But we have older tvs so I think I have to get a digital converter to go with it. Soooo, will hit best buy this week and look at them. Probably cheaper thru amazon? But if it doesn't help it's easier to return to a local store. From all I'm reading I need the digital converter box with an antenna too.
Still determined and moving forward!! Lol!
Blessings,
Linda
http://www.grannysbirds.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2013 : 12:41:13 PM
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My magnavox streaming boxes arrived!!!
Cannot wait to get them hooked up!! With the older tvs we have an additional cord thing to get.
These boxes aren't as awesome as Roku!! But they will do for now and allow us to cut the cable!
These access you tube, pandora, vudu, Hulu plus and Netflix!
I can't wait to get Roku for the slew of more options plus most especially the channel for watching hallmark movies!
My cable going up a few bucks in July!! Again!!!
So this all is perfect timing!
Thanks for all the encouragement ladies!!!
Farmgirl hugs,
Linda
http://www.grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2013 : 5:03:24 PM
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I really like the other free stuff on roku too, more and more all the time. Just got PBS (free) on roku and love it! Just got all caught up on Call the Midwife. Right now I'm watching Downton Abby on Prime.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2013 : 8:52:48 PM
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Heather that is soooo cool that PBS is now on Roku as well!!
My daughter's friend helped us set up our streamer and they are watching a movie on You tube right now!
So far, so good and loving even the more basic streamer for now!!
Look forward to the Roku and defineately look forward to turning the cable box in!
:)
Blessings,
Linda
http://www.grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
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Across the Fence: Do You Have A Roku? |
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Do You Have A Roku?
