And now back to normal…

For all playing along at home, things have returned to normal*. I have been called back to work, which is a huge blessing. My music career had not taken off as quickly as I had hoped. Better to do what I’m better at than make believe I could fill soldier stadium for a concert. 🙂

If any one reads this, please check back in a month to make sure I completed the Security+ certification. During my time off I found some areas that need improving. I have added Linux+, CCNA, ML/AI, and lots more Python classes to my TODO list. I’m setting my 18 month goals to include working on CYSA+. Gotta keep the brain cells entertained.

Well, stay tuned for the first ag report of 2020. It should be riveting. Till later. NBW

View from  the outside office
View from extension office…

Today is a Friday

Welcome space travelers. The calendar says today is Friday. It’s sunny, warm. Cars drive by occasionally, voices can be heard as people are out in their yards working. Yay spring. Still no neighborhood BBQs, but people are getting out of their houses and enjoying the outdoors in their yards. Slow improvement from a few weeks ago when not a sound could be heard except birds. No humans could be seen. Anywhere. The first glimmers of the new normal seems to be emerging. Well. Preparing for a B-day party where we all wear masks, breathe like Darth Vader and stay out of reach of each other’s light sabers (2m). More news later when not enjoying being outdoors. NBW

and now, time for something completely different.

the universe is big. God is bigger...
Snapwire at Pexels

Well space fans, March 30th brought new changes, just 9 days short of 19 years. So, I’m now looking for something else to be when I grow up. The correct answer is ‘fireman’, of course. My youngest would posit that ‘batman’ would be an admirable goal. Though, he has taken up that call, but I am allowed to pursue being Alfred…

If anybody is looking for someone who has worked in the document management space for 18 years, (11 years with Laserfiche, Platinum certified) creating solutions to support business processes, I’d like to talk. My background is mostly IT related with 6 years teaching (Math, physics, computer technologies, still holding teaching certificate for State of Illinois). I’ve held certifications like CCNA, CNE, CIP, ASE (proliant servers), currently completing Security+ with plans to continue on towards the CYSA+ and reclaim my CCNA. I’m not a developer, but I have created scripts and small utilities in various languages to either migrate/convert data, extend the capabilities of Laserfiche workflows, or just make my life easier.

Not sure how many were laid off from Gordon Flesch besides myself, but I know many whom have been idled as ‘non-essential’ businesses are closed down for a time, some are former clients. I’m currently working on projects in the house, studying, spending more time with the kids, working to help with ‘school’ and preparing for what’s next.

But, moving on. So far, all are healthy. We’ve been self-isolating for a bit over a month now. It’s small things that we miss: walking through stores just for a walk, stopping for french fries and a coke, visiting friends, actually going into the grocery store and picking up fresh produce. Entertainment now consists of driving through the car wash or conducting drive-by-visits. These are most fun. You drive to a friends house and park in front of their house on the street. Then, call them on the cellphone and talk. Everybody can see each other (more or less) and are able to wave and smile. This has several benefits: 1) nobody has to clean their house 2) when you stop by for a visit, you know they are home ;-p. 3) With 30-40 feet between, the people in the house and those in the car do not pose a risk to anybody. Well, I’m beginning to digress a bit. Till later; stay home, stay safe.

NBW

 

 

 

The Year in Agriculture

It’s been an exiting year. Our honeycrisp apple tree had over a dozen apples this year. For its first year with us, and only 7 feet tall, this seemed like a good start. In gardening news, none of the plants were unpotted. They all grew where they were set all those months ago. We have 9 jalapeños, 3 cherry tomatoes, and one large green tomato. Hoping it ripens before the frost. The marigolds and white flowers seem fairly happy as well.

Thats all the ag news for today.

NBW

Merry Christmas!

morning space fans. Today’s topic is cool Christmas presents. First up: French press coffee pots. A disclosure. I like coffee. Plain. I usually drink coffee a few times a year when it just sounds good. This Christmas I received a French press coffee pot and a bag of Starbucks coffee. This was cup number 1. It will not be the last. I am now also accepting Starbucks gift cards so I can afford my new hobby. Addiction. Beverage. I have never owned a coffee pot. My coffee has always come from McDonald’s. Small, black. Drive thru. Since long before ‘gourmet coffee’ was a thing. The French press did not seem like a coffee pot. Looks were deceiving. It makes great coffee. It’s kind of fun. I missed not hearing the percolating sound of the coffee pots I remember from my childhood. I could claim the old ways were best, but I’m not always convinced. Alas, I’m losing focus. Perhaps another cup is required. Yes. Indeed. I’ll update as I expand to more flavors. Till later. NBW

Optimism

We had a self-starter tomato plant this year. It had one tiny tomato, the bugs ate it before we saw it was ready. Last week I checked on our intrepid tomato plant, and it had 2 tomatoes growing (about dime sized), and one new flower. Way to start Fall in the midwest! It is being monitored to see if we get tomatoes, the vine dies , or snow buries everything. Stay tuned for updates.

NBW

 

Late Night Thoughts

Good evening universe. I am currently contemplating a snack. As you are not here, may I suggest 2 places where you could be having a nice snack.

Willy Taco. Good food, highly recommended.  [ 34.8514714,-82.37860969999997 ] , \\\flips.light.also

Mel’s Diner. On your way through, stop here. [ 35.803466,-83.57739099999998 ], \\\vent.concurred.resurfaced

NBW

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