From The Chief Editor's Desk

It's hard to believe that PCLinuxOS has been around for 13 years! I've been honored to be a part of (and witness) the PCLinuxOS phenomenon for the past nine years. Like, I presume, many other users, you cannot go by the date that I joined the PCLinuxOS forum, because I was using PCLinuxOS for several months before I joined the forum. Since discovering PCLinuxOS in 2007, it has found a home on every single one of my computers.

In my humble opinion, PCLinuxOS has no equal. It runs exceptionally well on an extremely wide variety of computers. Its hardware recognition is second to none, recognizing and setting up hardware components that many Linux distributions stumble over. PCLinuxOS is a good fit for new and seasoned Linux users alike. Where else can you find the lead developer (Texstar) cavorting around with ordinary users, and participating in support at all levels?

PCLinuxOS is a very rare breed among Linux distros. Happy 13th Birthday, PCLinuxOS!

Things are slowly getting back to normal at our house. As I'm writing this on September 27, 2016, Laura has gone off to her first day back to work after a six week maternity leave. That leaves me to be Mr. Mom on the days that Laura works, taking care of Ryan and Lexi. We work opposite days so that one of us is always home with the children. Lexi is gaining weight and growing. She should be ... she eats constantly. In one two week period, Lexi gained 17 ounces (482 grams) between visits to the pediatrician's office. She has her job as a baby -- eat, sleep, grow (as well as a few other unmentionables thrown in there) -- down to a perfected science.

Ryan simply adores his new baby sister. Ryan is one of those kids who LOVES his routines. It really throws him for a loop whenever his routine isn't followed. It was Ryan who altered his bedtime routine so he could lie next to his baby sister for a few minutes before the lights go out. He subsequently also altered his bathtime routine to make his baby sister part of that routine. He spends his days listening for her coos and cries, racing to her side any time she cries out. He also gives Lexi kisses throughout the day, mostly on her head.

My favorite area of the hospital to work in is the NICU, or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This is where they take care of the premature babies and babies who are born with extra "challenges." I'm also an instructor for NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program). So, being with and caring for babies is right up my alley, and is deep within my comfort zone. But, as rewarding as it is to help all those premature babies and babies with extra challenges, it's even more rewarding when you're caring for your own children. We are fortunate that Ryan and Lexi don't have any of those added challenges, and are perfectly healthy, normal children.

Until next month, I bid you peace, happiness, serenity and prosperity.