cd /root

Seasons Turn
October 19, 2026

Seasons turn. Change happens. Resist it or embrace it, that's up to you. I choose the embrace!

Seasons, like the Hero's Journey, all have a beginning, middle, and end. It's that very journey that makes them interesting. It provides us mere mortals with time to anticipate, to relish, to lament. It's a never ending cycle that I find beautiful.

Embrace each moment you are gifted. Here is a beautiful gift from a Kansas State University Gardens. Their embrace of the season is the Painted Pumpkin Palooza.

Get out and find your own seasonal moments. Celebrate the simple joys and share smiles with those you see as you do.

Enjoy!

music highlight

Down by the Sea
Ashley Davis

Released in 2008, I believe Down by the Sea is Ashley Davis' 2nd studio album.

It is an essential addition to my Autumn listening. There is something about the season that calls to celtic and folk music. This album perfectly fits my mood during the season. In the mix with it are albums by Clannad, Enya, and CD collections from New Age label Windham Hill.

technology highlight

Commodore PET 2001 Series

The Commodore PET 2001 was the first personal computer that I was lucky to use. There was a separate small room at the back of my 7th grade math classroom that was the home to 2 or 3 PETs.

The Commodore PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) aesthetic still makes me excited about the future! What is this personal computing future and how might computers be used? I chuckle when I see the chiclet keyboard. Take that ergonomics!

In those days of 1981, my 3 contenders for coolest computers were (in no particular order): Commodore PET 2001, Tandy Radioshack TRS-80 Model II, Apple II+.

To me it's a great reminder to not take the technology that powers life for granted and to hold on to the unforseeable possibilities that the future holds.

Read about the Commodore PET on Wikipedia.

There are many clips of the Commodore PET on Youtube.

gaming highlight

Castellan

Released in 2013 by Steve Jackson Games , Castellan is a game where a small hand of cards is used to form enclosures and claim them for points based on the number of towers surrounding the enclosure.

It plays easily yet offers enough management depth and tactical choices to allow a broad spectrum of players to enjoy together.

Evreryone I've introduced it to have enjoyed it. Games play quickly, even with people who suffer analysis paralysis. Having the variablity of random card draws help lessen overthinking and makes it heavier on reacting to the shifting opportunities.

I highly recommend it for a pleasant social gaming session. Each two color set accomodates 2 player and can be combined for a 4 player game.

Check it out on BoardGameGeek.