Update: Where the heck am I?

As you can see, I haven't been writing anything in this journal. I'm not sure how important that is in the grand scheme of things. I am but one person in a world population of over 8 billion. There is a heck of lot going on elsewhere for anyone to be the slightest bit concerned about what's happening in my corner of the world.

Novel #4
It's taken a lot of work over these past 8 months, but I do believe I've arrived at a point where I can say I've got something and am good to go. I'm doing some last beta reads to confirm what I already know, making sure I've completely polished my diamond no longer in the rough. I'm going to publish in 2026.

Along with that, I've decided to publish a couple of volumes of my short stories that have appeared in online webzines over the past couple of years.

MuseScore
As I wrote in August 2025, I discovered this free music notation software. I haven't touched a musical instrument in nearly 50 years, but I do vaguely remember how to put dots on lined paper. It amuses me to listen to those dots, my very own dots, come to life thanks to this computer program. Check out my YouTube channel. As of this writing, I've put 23 original compositions online. Now, is any of this any good? I would rate myself as sort of competent. What I've done could be considered as pleasant, but I don't see myself winning a Grammy for originality. What's important is that I'm having fun. I'm amusing myself.

Aside: I'm still a little startled this has happened. I stopped playing music and had no intention of every starting again. I had no interest whatsoever, as I considered it an insurmountable obstacle to re-learn and practise again. I wasn't very good then; there was no chance I would be any good now. But using a computer program to play my ideas means I don't have to develop the chops myself. Technology's doing the heavy lifting. I can sound like a genius without doing anything. Ha!

Artificial Intelligence
I'm blown away. I'm still shaking my head in bewilderment that this is even possible. I'm using it all the time now to do research. Instead of me doing a Google query and reading the first ten links, I can start the query with a question to Gemini, Google's AI, and then go from there, delving further into the subject and refining my search by asking follow-up questions.

To the doubters out there: I've spent time investigating what AI can do and can't do. What is pattern matching? What is an hallucination? What is training data? While AI sometimes feels sentient, how is it not? AI is a tool like a screwdriver or a hammer. It can assist me, but a screwdriver or a hammer doesn't build a house. I build a house. Use a tool wisely, and you work better. Use it foolishly, and you hurt yourself.

Retirement
I'm 73 years old. I've now been retired for over eight years. I don't work, and I don't need to work. I'm not rich, but I'm okay. If I remain frugal, I won't have to work for the rest of my life. As you can see from the topics listed above, I can direct my attention to other things in life which give me a measure of satisfaction. 

Right now, life is good. I've got some health issues, but I'm getting by. How long will this go on? How long do I have? I have no idea, but I repeat that right here, right now, things seem pretty good. I can't complain. I'm enjoying myself. I'm doing things which give me a sense of accomplishment. My corner of the world is tiny and insignificant, but I'm okay with that. It's an incredible thing to recognise that I am in an excellent position in life. I am a very lucky man.

2026-06-09

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