This morning I ate beans and toast for the first time in my life. Honestly, I thought it sounded awful, but at Belle's insistence, I caved and tried out what she claimed is a staple breakfast dish in Ireland. "My kids loved it growing up," she said, and to back up the veracity of her statement, she texted me a screenshot of an online recipe for beans on toast. It actually wasn't half bad, and savoring the experience, I wondered what other delights I might explore in the coming seasons. I just wrapped up a review on the Ayre QB-9 Twenty DAC that, after some final editing, will go live on a popular site where I write (simply Google my name, Juan C. Ayllon, and Ayre QB-9 Twenty in the next day or so and you should find it). Coming soon will be an interview with Schiit Audio's Mike Moffat combined with a mini-review of their Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC at that same site, along with other reviews on the Pass Labs XP-12 preamplifier, their XP-17 phono stage, and X150.8 amplifier in the foreseeable future. In addition, perhaps in the winter or spring, I intend on posting up a review of that whole system -- the Pass Labs XP-12, XP-17 and X150.8 amplifier in tandem with the Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 here at Prairie Audio. But audio reviews aside, what other new vistas will I be exploring? Maybe the better question is, "where shall I start?" Having recently retired, downsized and started a new position as a 60 year old art teacher in a school district just across the state line, there are plenty of new experiences already here and, no doubt, more to come. However, some are not so readily apparent. For example, I want to do some follow-up articles on some Chicagoland boxers I covered during my days as lead writer and news editor at the Cyber Boxing Zone -- sort of a "where are they now" series. Having tracked some on the pages of Facebook and heard from others now and again, I think that would be fun! I am also looking to eventually expand my horizons as a writer. For starters, I may do some inspirational pieces. Maybe travel, fiction or others? We shall see. For another, Belle and I want to do more cooking and exploring new recipes. With permanent retirement maybe five to 10 years out, we both want to economize more and spend less while plumbing the depths of our culinary potentials. Of course, there's always the health and fitness issues. Now that I'm 60, I really want to put a dent in this area. The other thing is I want to grow deeper in my faith. Let's be honest here: I've been a very mediocre Christian, and I want to change that. Looking back at my adult life, there have been some great high notes and victories, but also a lot of inconsistency and hypocrisy. I hate that! Looking ahead at my next 10 years, I want to make an indelible mark on others as a believer, husband, grandfather, educator, writer and human being. I want this to be my best 10 years of my life. This will only happen by God's grace, my full cooperation, and one day at a time, as the sage advice goes.
Anyways, here's to new changes, vistas, and victories. Cheers!
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Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
March 2024
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