I pulled out my recipes for biscotti, getting ready to make batches for the holidays. Reading as I pored through my pantry, I realized that I was out of the special chocolate cocoa for one of the biscotti. Rather than drive to supermarket after supermarket, I powered up my iPad and searched for Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Chocolate and Cocoa. Amazon offered a 48-ounce tin for around $20. This will probably last me for years, but it keeps forever and the shipping, if you have Amazon Prime, is free.

A new friend of mine, around my age, said she has asked her daughter to give her Prime for Christmas. I have had it for years and because I can get almost anything shipped free (think: 42-pound bags of kitty litter brought to my doorstep), it is a nice present to request. Also, Amazon is now making movies for television, free with Prime.