Latest in Personal
What I Wear, No Matter the Season
Everyone's got their own way of dressing for the seasons, some people run hot, some run cold, and it shows in what they reach for in the closet. Reading Tops or Bottoms?
Life Lately: Albuquerque
I have not done this in a long time, talking about my life, daily life, or what we are doing these days.
The Plateau Under My Feet
I grew up in Elkhorn City. I always knew Pine Mountain. I always knew the Breaks.
WordPerfect 5.1 and the Tandy That Started It All
Long before laptops, before the internet, before any of the tech I write about now, there was a beige Tandy 1000 SL sitting on a desk, and it changed everything for me.
Turning 51 (Or 15, If You Squint)
Happy birthday to me. Today I turn 51. Or, if we're doing the math the fun way, flip the digits and I'm a solid 15.
Bringing Back the Salmon Cakes
Salmon cakes weren't a regular thing growing up. We'd have them every once in a while, and I always looked forward to it. Then life happened and I just...
AuguStory - How I started a Blog
I am already in the middle of Blaugust this month, and then Robert Birming started something called AuguStory. Why not do both, I figured.
We Handed Bullies a Better Weapon
I read a 404 Media story back in May and I still think about it. Real faces.
I Lived in DC for 28 Years and Missed This
I lived in Washington, DC for 28 years. Walked past a lot of buildings in that time without ever looking twice.
Pre-Ordered: LEGO E.T.
Just pre-ordered. Can’t wait to build it… I love this movie. It’ll be a great addition to my 1980s nostalgia collection, right next to my LEGO Gizmo that I built last spring.
A Foggy Morning on a New 460 Highway
On my way to my appointment at Pikeville Medical Center. Hit some fog on the new 460 — Brandon Rowe and Brent Coleman Memorial Highway.
Setting Down My Own White Flag (For Now)
I just read a post by Aaron over at The Disorientation about giving up on the 52 book reading challenge for the year, and it hit close to home. I know that feeling.
Twenty-Two Years and Eight Platforms Late
Twenty-two years of blogging. Eight Nine platforms. More hiatuses than I care to count.
Mountain Horses
Took a ride up to the top of the mountain in a Kawasaki Teryx on June 15th, and ran into this herd just hanging out up there. They are simply beautiful.
It is good to know. — Michelle Routhenstein, preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.
Learning to Say No (Mostly)
I love trying out new gadgets when they drop, but they tend to have a short shelf life — ending up tucked away somewhere, forgotten. Same goes for apps and websites.
I’d love my own analog room. I’m already planning a sunroom off my bedroom, but that’s where the computer desk is going to free up space. Definitely no TV in there either.
My Browser Stack
Three browsers on Mac. One on Android. Each has a specific job and I like it that way.
I went to Yellowstone in 2019. It’s such a beautiful place, and I’ve been inside that inn. It’s stunning inside and out — truly a treasure.
Good morning! Just wanted to say hi! By the way, I really love this movie, Hopper.
I’m tempted to purchase The Stud Desk for my LEGO collections. My cozy seating setup on my porch.
I was sitting under the porch and saw our dog, Tinkerbell, looking down at me! How adorable!
I used to use or fool around with Linux many years ago. I enjoyed it for a while but I never stay But I always back to Windows or Mac.
I wrote about my Mac Mini M1, 8GB, some time ago. Recently, someone else experienced the same issue, so I now know where to look for some spring cleaning later today.
I passed my driver’s test on Friday. Thirty years since I last sat behind a wheel. Later today I do a practice drive to see if the rest of my brain remembers what to do.
Though I still have an iPhone 12 Pro Max and use it occasionally, I mainly rely on my Android phone daily.
For fun, I check my horoscope once in a while… I am a Virgo.
I was using my iPhone 12 Max and found copying and pasting difficult when I needed to use three or more items.
Wild violets taking over the yard like they own the place. That deep purple against all that green is pure Appalachian spring.
Studying for my driver’s permit. Hoping to take the test next week. I haven’t driven a car in 30 years.
Where Did the Word "Geek" Actually Come From?
I’ve been a geek my whole life. I just didn’t always have the word for it. It started early.
“Three central components of subjective well-being were considered: life satisfaction, positive emotional states, and negative emotional states.” - Dr.
If I were short, I wouldn’t mind a Hobbit-style house, but at 6'0", I’m more like Gandalf. I’d spend most of my time tilting my head just to navigate the place.
I’m enjoying my Iced Mocha latte with Almond milk—it’s so delicious! But I might be due for a new espresso machine. I’ve had this one for about 5 years now.
I just had sausage gravy and biscuits for breakfast, but it wasn’t homemade like my family used to make on Sundays when I was growing up.
My Accidental AI Writing Stack
I didn’t plan to build an AI writing stack. I just kept getting curious. That’s usually how it starts with me.
I should start making my own butter. Heavy cream, yogurt, a stand mixer — that’s really all it takes. Let it ferment overnight, whip it up, rinse it, done.
Dinner’s on the stove. I looked out the window and saw everything buried under a fresh blanket of snow. The trees and the fence line — quiet and white.
Meet Gizmo.
LEGO Build Log GIZMO IS COMPLETE. LEGO Ideas #069 • Set 21361 • 1,125 pieces Started this yesterday. Finished it this morning.
It’s all done, and it looks really adorable! I decided not to include the 3D glasses with it.
The fun has begun…opening to the first bag right now.
After lunch I’m opening this LEGO set and taking a little trip back to the 80s. Gizmo from Gremlins.
A Detour Through Butcher Hollow
Yesterday started with a routine trip to Paintsville, KY, for an eye doctor appointment. However, there is something we have to watch closely.
I recently set up my MacBook Air. I had forgotten how lightweight it is—it feels fantastic.
Can’t wait for my 15" MacBook Air, expected by 5 pm. Rural delivery means it might slip to tomorrow, but I’m hopeful.
View this post on Instagram A post shared on Instagram Somewhere in New Mexico, Taken in November 2023.
Drove through the scenic New U. S.
I Was Never Weird — I Was Just Well-Programmed
Ever wonder why you're a picky — or should I say, finicky — eater? I've been asking myself that for years. Turns out, it might literally start before birth.
Gallery Wall: My Spring Project
Oh, a gallery wall project as a spring goal? Yes please! I've had a collection of frames sitting around for years just waiting for their moment, and this is finally it.
My Quiet Hobby Is Making a Comeback
So here's something I haven't done in way too long: adult coloring. I was really into it for a while back in DC.
That fresh lumber smell, 70° sunshine, and a good book? This is living.
Starlink is up last night! Promised 400 Mbps, delivering 361. Cable always promised 500, gave me 250-350.
Tech gadgets are my kryptonite—saying no is NOT my superpower. 🤷♂️ Are you taking the no-spend challenge? I’ll try my best, but zero guarantees here.
I’ve loved Winnie the Pooh since I was a baby. My Pooh doll was such a comfort to me and I still have it. Just heard Lego is making a Pooh set and I’m thrilled!
Missing those amazing Whisked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from Whole Foods back in DC. Time to make my own! Found this recipe that looks perfect.
My mamaw started a tradition of giving me a John Grisham book every Christmas. After she died, my parents kept it going.
Finally solved my small dining table problem! Got a vertical monitor stand coming Friday that’ll stack my two monitors on top of each other. Small table, big productivity boost.
I’m a sucker for good home decor ideas. This spring, I’m finally going to add some personalized touches around the house and get some artwork up on the walls.
I’ve always wanted to start a bullet journal. It was created by a designer who needed a better way to stay organized and focused.
My dad just got Starlink, and we might hook it up today. I’m excited to see how well it works in our corner of Appalachia.
Wow, I looked at the window just now, and guess what? It is SNOWING! Big flakes!!!
My M1 M2 Mac Mini (8GB RAM, 256GB) is noticeably lagging after 5 years—just juggling multiple browsers, apps like Canva, emails (Outlook/Shortwave), & Microsoft 365.
Good news! Laundry operations are back online—my dad came to the rescue and unfroze the pipes. Crisis averted.
While tackling laundry, I was caught off guard by a sudden surge of water—the bathroom had flooded! It hit me that the pipes might be frozen from the heavy snow.
What a snowy wonderland—it’s 11 degrees! ❄️ I know I am weird because I’m drinking a cold mocha almond latte. 🧋It’s a mood!
Thrift store haul
Thrift store haul from Pikeville, KY! Yesterday’s adventures led my parents and me through two local thrift shops, and I struck an absolute jackpot in the book section.
All Movement Counts (Even the Aimless Kind)
I love to walk. Back when I lived in DC, I'd spend hours on weekends just getting lost in the city with my camera, capturing whatever caught my eye.