Unquiet Desperation

Good morning, my people…

• My apologies for missing my TRICKSTERS update for the last two weeks. Between a big event last Thursday and my wife’s operation this week, I’ve just not had the energy to put out a good episode. I’ve written three lousy episodes, but as they are sub-par, I’m going to hold on to them and try to magically turn them into something decent for next week.
• My wife (Cathy) is recovering from he gall bladder surgery nicely…each day is a little better than the last. Thanks to everyone who has sent prayers, luck, and good wishes. She really does appreciate it, as do I.
• Thanks to everyone who is wishing me a happy birthday today.   In case I do not get to thank you personally, know that it is greatly appreciated.
• Want to know what I was up to in Atlanta? My interview about PyCon is now available at The Command Line podcast. 
• My review of Charles Stross’s Halting State is up on The Secret Lair.
• We’ve announced the winner of the Name Overlord Johnson’s Laptop contest.
• I am once again dabbling in Second Life. You can blame Sam Chupp for this.  I am known there as Brand MacIntyre…feel look me up. I am a lonely soul there, knowing no one.

WInter in Ohio, 2009

Originally uploaded by Codeshaman

A little something that reminds me of how beautiful winter can be in Ohio. Taken at Chagrin Falls after the first real snow of 2009.

(Via my lovely wife. Thanks, hon. I needed that.)

My apologies, folks. This week’s essay will be delayed. Mick Bradley was in town today, and this was the first time I’ve seen him in three years. Kris and I got together with him. Dinner turned to drinks turned to me missing my own deadline.

I’ll get it posted by Tuesday morning. Thanks for your patience.

Yesterday, I tweeted:

I was not kidding. We still have no power. This is one of the fifteen trees down in my neighborhood. It’s six houses down the street from us. It missed the house  behind it by three inches.