Randoming on September 2, 2026 π₯΅π₯π¦βπ₯π·π²
Random thoughts too long for a Mastodon post, but not long enough for a full-blown post.
- π₯΅ A repeat from late July, because itβs still appropriate today: Like many folks in the Midwest, I have been melting due to the exceptionally high levels of heat and humidity over the last few days. Our A/C has been able to keep up with the outside temperatures, though it means a) setting it at 78 or 79, and b) shedding most or all clothing at times of the day. Honestly, even those two steps have fallen short at times.
- π₯ My friend A. was discharged from the hospital in Iowa City last weekend, then spent 3 days in a rehab center before unfortunately having to return to the hospital on Monday 08-31. He will likely have to endure another round of paracentesis. The abdominal fluid to be drained by paracentesis is yet another source of infection in his body, which means the TIPS procedure we hoped he would have received is off the table. None of these developments are positive.
- π¦βπ₯ With my 55th birthday approaching in just 11 days, I have an undefined urge to throw out a bunch of old habits, ideas, and other stuff, then start anew. Thereβs no real plan or targeted objects, just a restless feeling to use this milestone birthday as a partial reinvention. Maybe I could use this occasion to write down a few things that I want to accomplish, then take these urges and give them a direction and definition. Or perhaps, I should accept that a birthday is a natural time to review oneβs life, and just leave it at that.
- π· My first goal in September as a birthday present will be to finally buy that Minolta Maxxum 7 Iβve been eyeing for a while. Itβs arguably one of the best 35mm film SLRβs made, with features that are still competitive in the digital era. Finding lenses may be a challenge, though perhaps not since the Minolta A-mount was used by Sony on its earlier digital SLRβs (as Sony bought out Minoltaβs digital camera division to start up its own). Perhaps this month, I shall find out for myself.
- π² After my birthday, I am hoping the hot weather dissipates for good, as I would love to take our bikes out of storage and ride them around on various trails. Summer is too hot for cycling unless we rise and pedal early in the mornings, and I can tell you the likelihood of either myself or L. doing so is slim. However, early autumn through early winter, followed by late winter through spring, are the best seasons for biking in STL, so once I hit 55, Iβll prep my bikes to hitβ¦um, 15 MPH (or 20 MPH downhill with a good breeze at your back).