As I begin this blog post with a bourbon on the rocks beside me, I notice it has been four months since my last entry. That feels surprising because I am recently retired and one would expect I have more time to write my stories. Yet time does not expand in a day, whether we work, raise a family, or leave the daily job behind. Retirement does not grant extra hours; it offers a chance to reorder what matters within the time available.
This summer, my focus shifted away from writing toward family and friends, along with house projects, camping trips, motorcycle rides, bicycling, and many local and regional concerts. Sitting at the computer during fine summer days ranked low on my list. When the weather is good, I find more enjoyment from mowing the lawn than sitting at my desk in my home office. We have only so much time on this green earth.
For better or for worse, even without writing articles, I found time to engage on social media. So that this wasn’t a complete waste of time; I aimed to be more deliberate in my social media posts than I have in the past. My goal was to share only positive content, but I soon realized it felt to be a dishonest effort. It is unlike me to ignore the bad with the good, so I did post a few negative observations in the mix too. Some of my summer observations that I made on the social media platforms Bluesky, Threads, and Mastodon can now be found below.
Positive Observations
Today’s Positive Observation: Woke up to cooler temperatures and less humidity here in Sioux Falls. Looks like we will finally get a nice evening with cocktail in hand on the back patio! – July 21, 2026
Today’s Positive Observation: I saw a mother walking with her newborn down the sidewalk using a chest swaddle. Something about that brings hope to me that we’re all going to be alright. – July 22, 2026
Today’s Positive Observation: On the city bike path, you’ll find a variety of people in age, size, athleticism, speed, wellness, and attitude. Every single one of them are winners for just being present. – July 23, 2026
Today’s Positive Observation: People who embrace their current age are much happier than those who wish they were 20 years younger. – August 8, 2026
Today’s Positive Observation: 99% of doctors actually do care about your health and well-being. – August 27, 2026
Negative Observations
Today’s Negative Observation: One of the major health systems of hospitals, doctors, and clinics here in Sioux Falls changed their patient portal over to MyChart. I find it less informative than the previous portal. I am not a fan… – July 21, 2026
Today’s Negative Observation: Those that refuse to accept they’re aging don’t do so well when reality no longer allows them to deny they’re old. – July 29, 2026
Today’s Negative Observation: I get nervous when people say “I’ll be honest with you.” It makes me feel like honesty is optional to them. – August 24, 2026
Today’s Negative Observation: The most awkward time for men to make small-talk is at the urinal. I don’t like it and I suspect the vast majority of men in that bathroom do not either. Stranger, we really don’t want to hear from you right now. – September 15, 2026
Neutral Obervations
Today’s Observation: If your city doesn’t offer a quality of life intended for everyone, it isn’t a city worth living in. – August 4, 2026
Today’s Observation: Another sign of retirement is realizing that you no longer desire the Mac Studio because last year’s Mac Mini will meet your needs. Plus, Linux on that laptop instead of Windows is good enough when traveling. – August 26, 2026
Today’s Observation: Some people are declaring summer over because of Labor Day Weekend. Call me a stickler for the rules, but due to my planned activities, the weather, and the calendar, I’m not calling summer over in Sioux Falls until Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 7:05 p.m. CDT. – September 8, 2026
As cooler temperatures and eventually winter works it’s way into my part of the world, I plan to resume posting on my blog more regularly. Until then, I hope you too had as good of a summer as I did!
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