According to Midwest Book Review, Ralph's first book, Christmas In Dairyland: True Stories From A Wisconsin Farm "is a heartwarming anthology of true anecdotes of rural life on a Wisconsin dairy farm. Even though Wisconsin is still known as America's Dairyland, life on a family homestead is fast being replaced by corporate agribusiness, and memories treasured in Christmas In Dairyland are quickly becoming unique milestones of an era needing to be preserved in thought and print for sake of future generations. Christmas In Dairyland is simply wonderful reading and is a 'must' for all Wisconsin public library collections."

Ralph earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a writing emphasis from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from UW-Whitewater. She worked as a newspaper reporter for nine years and also has taught English at a boys' boarding school. She is editor of Wisconsin Regional Writer (the quarterly publication of Wisconsin Regional Writers' Assoc.).

Give Me a Home Where Dairy Cows Roam and Christmas in Dairyland (True Stories from a Wisconsin Farm)are available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. For more information or to order books, visit www.ruralroute2.com or call LeAnn at (715) 962-3368.

Contact Information: LeAnn R. Ralph; E6689 970th Ave.; Colfax, WI 54730; (715) 962-3368 e-mail: bigpines@ruralroute2.com

Convenience of obtaining prints from cell phone cameras is still something of an issue, as it may be difficult to print from camera itself. But as more consumers purchase and use digital devices, manufacturers will no doubt fill that need with inexpensive, convenient and high-quality printing options.

You would think that a camera in a mobile phone wouldn’t be much different than having a small, stand-alone digital camera. In reality, however, phone is always at your side while camera may not be. And, photo can be immediately transferred to anyone with click of a button.

Phones are being used to document accident scenes, take pictures of car license plates and even potential attackers. Just last month a Nashville man was accosted by a man with a knife, later identified as James Robert Baker, who demanded money. The victim snapped assailant's photo with his camera cell phone as mugger made his escape. Police used photos from camera phone to broadcast an accurate description of Baker and his red GMC truck. A police officer stopped truck and arrested Baker approximately 10 minutes later.

Camera phones are finding favor with small business owners who are using them for any number of uses that range from verifying that correct repair part is ordered to documenting satisfactory completion of a job. Real estate professionals can quickly inform prospective buyers of a hot property just on market, insurance agents can speed accident and damage claims and contractors can quickly verify building details without leaving construction site.

Recent developments in cell phone applications include using camera as a bar code scanner enabling savvy shoppers to instantly download coupons, product information and perhaps even suggesting alternative locations where item may be found at a better price.

Given enormous popularity of camera phones, it is not surprising that there is even more exciting mobile technology on horizon. Nokia has introduced a phone (Model 3650) that can take video clips as well as photos.

Since that incident with my daughter, it has become our morning ritual to snap a quick picture of her as we head out door in morning. I think she understands now that she is never to leave my side in a public place for any reason without permission, but children are apt to do most unexpected things.

The next time you are shopping for a cell phone, you may wish to consider many options available, and give an extra long look to camera phone models. That camera cell phone that you thought was just a passing fad may be a much more practical purchase than you would have ever imagined.