I spent some time on our front porch today sweeping it clean and assembling cardboard storage boxes (2). Cianna had to watch from behind the screen door (1). Another task was to shred the boxes of paid bills we've accumulated over the years. We manage our finances totally electronically so no need to keep paper records long term. I replaced our underpowered shredder with a medium duty unit (3) from Staples that also destroys CD-ROM discs (4 - with fun crunching noise). Note to self: Keep ponytail away from shredder. I also finally picked up a new digital label maker. It's being used to create labels for all of the anonymous AC adapter "wall warts" we have for our gadgets (5). On an errand today that had me approaching the Baltimore skyline from I-95 south (6), I realized with some sadness that this scene won't be too common after we move.

- mike lee - baltimore