Obatron

As indicated in the 1st Quarter review, the beginning of this quarter started with our dog’s death. We’ve decided that we will not likely get another dog for a number of reasons. Mainly that Risis’ personality was so unique it would never be the same. Despite the rough start, it was a largely uneventful three months for us.

We opened the pool where I learned that spending time in the fall pumping off the pool cover will save me having to buy 4000 gallons of water for $150. On the other hand, $150 is almost worth not having to worry about the darn cover. Few minor bumps in the pool opening with chemicals, pump leak and such. Luckily I was able to fix it myself.

Mowing has been an issue for me this year. The mower, a rider about 9-10 years old required some service for the first time. Gas lines, inspection, and front axle rods to the tune of about $230. Had to pay a service to mow my lawn while it was in the shop since it occurred right when I was about to do the first mowing. On the third mowing of the season, I ended up with a flat tire which needed a tube, minor issue, but delayed mowing again which causes extra work with lawn sweeping.

Assisted in setting up a garden area for Vickey this year, we skipped last year. Used landscaping fabric this time to cut down on weeding. Looking forward to home grown tomatoes.

Vickey decided to go freelance and quit her job. She was rewarded within the first couple of weeks with a contract with an RPG publishing company. Probably not serious money, but a foot in the door for future. Overall, her happiness level has gone way up and it’s totally worth the adjustment to the income. Granted, budgeting will be challenging for a while.

Vacations, we went to the Celtic Fling at the PA Ren Faire grounds in June. Heard some great music, had some good food, and Vickey’s father showed up to spend a few hours with us at the event. Found some new bands that I really liked. Realized that I have to rethink parts of my ren faire garb for comfort, especially in the heat.

Work has become a molten pile of bile with Cornell’s economic crisis. Layoffs loom for the next couple of years, and an IT reorg looks to make the job a whole lot of unfun. Just have to keep the head down and hope to get through it unless something spectacular shows up. Some goof in the central IT organization (CIT) lost 45000 social security numbers and other information (they don’t have to disclose what else they lost, so we don’t know.) Will probably be feeling the results of that for some time. Funny part was CIT’s insistence that the departments not keep sensitive data on laptops and such, typically, failing to follow their own rules.

Plans for the new quarter? Well, there are three trips to the Sterling Ren Faire in NY, GenCon in Indianapolis in August, and some social engagements keeping weekends full until September.