This is the first post I’ve actually written at sunset. I chose the name for this blog because sunset is a natural time for reflection on the day that’s ending, and to think about the day ahead. No matter what happens each day, I’m thankful for the chance to live it.

We have three Labs that share our home with my wife and I. They’re universally upbeat; not much fazes them. They’re always happy to see us, and always willing to play or just lean against us for a petting session.

I think that three dogs are a bit much. They can be destructive (without guile or intent), and they are needful of attention when awake. However, I recommend at least one pet in your life. They remind you of what it was like to be a child. They enjoy each moment for itself. Of course, they aren’t burdened by the responsibilities of modern life. They depend on us for food and shelter. What they give back is priceless.

A lot has changed in my life since my wife and I married, and her three dogs took over part of our lives together. I was a bachelor for nearly a decade, and lived a neat, orderly, tightly scheduled life. Gaining the love of the three dogs is one of the best changes that has come about, despite the sometimes painful adjustments that I’ve had to make. I don’t think I would go back—at least, not entirely ;-).

With love to Kathy, Yogi, Abby and Emma.

I’m a sports fan. I love baseball, football, college basketball and football, NASCAR, F1, and a few others. Baseball is often criticized as being too slow for modern audiences. I disagree.

Baseball requires every player to be aware on every play. The managers, the base coaches, the umpires; every participant must be on their toes. However, the person who is really in control is the pitcher.

Nothing really happens until the pitcher starts his motion. Signals may be exchanged, the runners may bluff to distract the pitcher. However, the pitcher is truly in control of every play. This attribute is unique in sports.

I like to watch the dynamic between the pitcher and catcher. A great catcher may truly “call the game”. He may control the action in ways that only a true fan can appreciate.

Understanding the nuances of sports, like life, enriches the experience. Try to appreciate something that happens in your life, just for itself, every day. Taste those experiences; appreciate all the opportunities that you’re given.

We are inundated with "news". Terrorists are trying to build a "dirty bomb", but are so inept that they can't find the radioactive materials (thank God). Nations with nuclear power plants cannot account for all of the materials in their possession. Or, much worse, cannot be guaranteed to provide adequate safeguards for the nuclear weapons in their stockpiles. The agencies that guard our borders cannot detect any of this material over distances greater than a few yards.

This is but one category to worry about. Threats are made against water supplies, power grids, bridges, and large buildings.

I am very relieved that the FBI and CIA are working together, and were able to capture two terrorists who are alleged to be part of the “dirty bomb” plot. I hope that the disparate agencies that will in all likelihood be merged into the Department of Homeland Security will work together amongst themselves and with the FBI, CIA, NSA, etc. to separate the true threats from the hoaxes and rumors.

It’s in our nature as Americans to have a generally positive outlook on life. We generally want to believe that our government will protect us, and will leave us largely alone to live happy, productive lives. I haven’t had much contact with the government other than working with the men and women I served with during my four years in the Air Force (’75-’79). That was a tough time; Vietnam had just ended. Morale should have been low. I found the experience to be extremely gratifying. I pulled many “all nighters” working on software for the Air Force Manpower and Personnel Center. Senior officers were right there, too. I wish those people, and their successors who work just as hard, got the credit they deserve.

I for one prefer to live my life vigilant for things I can do something about, but generally trusting those who’ve decided to sacrifice a part of their lives for the good of us all. We’re lucky enough to have the chance to vote to change things if we disagree with the overall direction from the top every four years. Are you registered?

Good morning, for the first time!

I've been lurking long enough. I enjoy reading blogs, and I hope to offer something back that will add to the richness of the blog world, as those of you with blogs do every day.

I agree with those who say that blogs are essentially journals. It's also increasingly apparent that they are an exciting new direction--alternative?--to traditional journalism. This blog will be topical as well as personal; my sincere hope is that it will be interesting most of the time.

A little about me. My name is Jim Floyd. I worked in the computer and communications industry for over 25 years. I was a programmer in the Air Force, EDS, and Raychem. I was a systems engineer and salesperson for Doelz Networks. I was the Networking and Communications Evangelist for Apple Computer in the late 80s--what a rush! I was a product manager at GO Corporation and most recently, for Microsoft.

I took some time off after my mother became ill, and I tried to help her as best I could. I urge you to cherish your loved ones every day, and to hold them close to your heart.

I'm looking to return to work soon. I've kept busy by building a home network for my house to sharpen my skills a bit, and helping my friends work through problems with Windows, Office and Exchange. My next project involves stacks of old pictures and negatives that I going to scan and organize, then burn to DVD along with commentary. I wish that I could still hear the voices of my parents, aunts and uncles as they told me stories about their lives. I hope to give my family the chance to see, read and hear about my life directly, not through memories that fade with time.

That's enough for now. I hope you'll return for more tomorrow.