Author Archives: Sparky
“Personal” by Lee Child
Copyright 2014 by Lee Child. Published by Penguin Random House LLC, New York. There is no such thing as a bad Jack Reacher book, but some are better than others. This one, #19 in the series, is about average. It features an interesting primary plot in which Reacher is tasked – unofficially as he is … Continue reading
George and Melissa (Freeman) Richardson
I haven’t done much genealogical research lately, though I have been getting a lot of exercise walking cemeteries. This morning I decided to catch up on some accumulated Ancestry.com “hints.” In doing so I think I solved – at least partially – one of the great mysteries in my ancestry: how George Watson Freeman, a … Continue reading
Air conditioning!
I bought an air conditioner for the shed on March 3, 2019 – just over a year ago. The intent, at the time, was to get it installed to keep the shed cool through the summer of 2019. Didn’t happen. And attempts to get it installed this year hadn’t gotten anywhere. But, finally, it got … Continue reading
Gearing up for a blog upgrade
I am – or was – a professional software developer. I spent over 45 years developing commercial software, mostly of high quality. The term “development cycle” is one that I have heard so many times that it may be tattooed on my forehead. So why, in the 9 years since I started this blog, have … Continue reading
Flooring!
After many months of inaction, there is now some movement toward getting a washer/dryer installed in the shed. The main goal right now is plumbing – can’t wash clothes without water – but I also have to get the air conditioner installed and get the walls insulated. I spoke to a contractor last week and … Continue reading
“The Steel Kiss” by Jeffery Deaver
Copyright 2016 by Gunner Publications LLC. Published by Grand Central Publishing, New York. I like Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme books (this is 12 in a series of 14). Some of the puzzles that he has to unravel are among the most intricate – and perverted – of all the mysteries that I have read. His villains … Continue reading
Life in the time of corona
Two weeks ago if you had said “corona” I would have said “beer.” Now? Maybe “death.” How quickly things can change! I am not panicked. I think the extreme actions taken in response to the coronavirus pandemic – cancellation or postponement of sporting events, shutting down Broadway, closing Disneyworld – are probably overreactions. But appropriate … Continue reading
My last colonoscopy
Yes, I had a colonoscopy on Friday. I was overdue – I was on the “5-year plan” and it was at least 7 years since my last one and perhaps as long as 9. I don’t enjoy colonoscopies any more than most; it is just something that needs to be done occasionally. Probably similar to … Continue reading
Winter potpourri
This has not been a winter season of great events. Jett has rarely gotten out of the RV for any reason other than to get to medical appointments. We haven’t had any visitors, with the exception of my softball buddies (see previous post) and a quick visit from son Josh, to return Rusty. Yes, Rusty … Continue reading
Spring training, 2020
My old softball buddies from Massachusetts, Mike and Dave, once more came to Florida for Red Sox spring training. As has become our custom, we each hosted one game. The schedule this year: Mike – Phillies vs Red Sox, Thu Feb 27 Me – Red Sox vs Twins, Fri Feb 28 Dave – Atlanta vs … Continue reading