Book excerpt: Wayne Slingluff is a retired software engineer who has lived on Long Island NY for over 40 years. His wife Joan has put up with him even longer. He comments on memories of a computer career, art, family, and life in general _ not so long ago, but gone forever. As great events roiled the world from 1990 to 2010, normal busy lives continued. He writes of theirs fondly, chaotically, nostalgically, and with a patina of current philosophic comments. None involve famous events or people. He claims “Perhaps this is a little like Boethius’ Consolations of Philosophy. I too will be executed (by fate) sometime in the not so distant future. Meanwhile, writing can be good for mind and soul. Work without stress.” There is advice, but no get rich quick schemes. No cosmic revelations. “We made our way and fulfilled modest ambitions. We were and continue to be happy, appreciative, and thankful for all those recent times gone by.” The theme is that one need not conquer the world nor win battles against great odds to have a satisfying personal, professional, and family existence.