The Muggle Floo Network

Herself has used Skype on rare occasions, such as for a handful of conversations in the course of her previous employment as well as for a few Alumni Schools Committee interviews of local students applying to her alma mater. It was a novel means of communication, she thought, but not particularly noteworthy. Meh.

How different it is, though, when one knows the person at the other end.

The cheer that Herself, Beloved Husband, and Offspring the Third let out when they connected with Cherished Friend last night was one of genuine pleasure. To see his form -- albeit a tad pixelated because of a somewhat feeble internet connection -- and to hear the familiar timbre of his voice, was a wee bit magical.  Herself now understands fully what Harry Potter must have felt to speak with Sirius Black in the fireplace:  an effusive mixture of delight, relief, and comfort.

Thank you, technology, for bridging the miles.

Sirius was found here: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Floo_Network.