I happily discovered today that our favorite chips are a product of Canada 🍁.
Currently reading: The Universe Within by G. S. Jennsen 📚. I purchased this direct from the author (via BookFunnel) and I can read it on any of my devices, including my Kindle. The author gets more of the purchase price, and I own the book. I’ll be doing this as often as I can going forward.
Pretty start to what is predicted to be a snowy day.
Finished reading: Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner 📚. 3 ⭐️s. This is an unusual read. Long essays on history, anthropology, and philosophy wrapped around an unrelated plot. It has been shortlisted for some some prestigious awards, so maybe I missed something.
Mac or PC laptop?
This is an easy decision for most people reading this. I used a PC for my entire working career. The professional software I used for many of those years didn’t run on Macs. Later, when I moved on to open-source software alternatives, it still worked better on PCs than Macs.
I retired several years ago, and my old PC laptop gave out not long after. Digitally, I have been doing more consumption than creation. I’ve had an iPhone for years in large part to stay compatible with my wife (who just wants her tech to work with minimal involvement on her part). I bought an iPad after I retired, and that has been my primary digital device. The iPad is great for reading and watching, but frustrating to type more than a short email. I’ll save my experiences with the Apple Pencil for a future post. I do have a nice Windows 10 desktop, but it is older, and Microsoft has deemed it unworthy for upgrade. Support for Windows 10 is slated to end later this year.
So why do I want a laptop? I’m looking to dust off the web development and python skills I used to have. As a former data science person, I would like to investigate the pros and perils of AI on my own. If nothing else, I would like to compare notes on this with my grandkids.
I feel like I could do my development work on either platform. I do think that Microsoft’s vision for AI Is more developed than Apple’s. I’ve been satisfied with my Apple devices and will continue to use them. It is tempting to stay within Apple’s ecosystem. It is also clearly the environment of choice within the Micro.blog community where I spend a lot of time these days. It would be nice to be able to relate to the tech posts there.
On the other hand, I have 40 years of satisfied experience with Windows (and earlier DOS).
I think it will come down to a snap decision on the day I order.
The bird feeders are a popular place on this snowy day.
Finished reading: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros 📚This second book of the series was as good as the first. Lots of violence, suspense, and romance. I think I’ll take a break before reading the final book.
Just sent my first message to our new congressional representative. I have a feeling many more will follow. ☹️
Finished reading: The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche 📚This is a well researched and well written fantasy that takes place during the plague in Florence in the 14th century.
The sun caught this patch of Lunaria on our hike.
Finished listening to: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 📚🎧. This is the first of a trilogy. I thought it was an exciting romantic (explicit) fantasy. I listened to it as a two-part dramatic presentation through a deal I got from Chirp Books. I plan to read or listen to the next two installments.
Currently reading: The Notebook by Roland Allen 📚
Old house dilemma: the drain pipe from the kitchen developed a leak. Unfortunately, it’s between the two pipes. My daughter (home renovator) suggested silicone tape, and it worked.
We belong to an exercise group made up of people in their mid-60s to 80s that meets 3 times a week. Today we ran wind sprints (plural) followed by walking lunges with weights. We rocked it!
Finished listening to: The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey 📚 🎧 4 stars. This is the first book in a new series. It’s well-written, and I’ll be looking for the next installment. If you are depressed by the recent election you can read this and think “At least the aliens haven’t invaded yet.”
Finished reading: The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness 📚 3 stars. I have enjoyed reading this series including this latest book. However, I don’t feel like the plot is well developed. This book struck me as “these are all the things that happened to us on our summer vacation.”
Finished reading: The fragile threads of power by V. E. Schwab 📚4 stars. This is a long one, but an enjoyable read. Several plot lines are developed which come together at the end while setting up the next book in the series.
Replacing this old half-buried sidewalk has been on my todo list for years. Nice weather this month finally allowed me to finish it.
Before:
After:
Nice sunset tonight.
The Arkansas Black tree is going to have a nice harvest of apples this year.
The Golden Delicious is no slacker this year either.
