Most Recent

Recently, I've gone somewhere, done something, or seen something amazing I've shared in these pages. Here, you'll find my most recent posts, covering a wide range of topics that pique my interest. Whether you're passionate about travel, captivated by photography, enchanted by music, or intrigued by computer programming, there's likely to be something here for everyone!

Dive in and explore the latest insights, stories, and adventures that I have to share. Enjoy your stay!

University of West Florida

By: Paul S. Cilwa	Occurred: 1/15/1978 Posted: 3/3/2025		Page Views: 566
Punchcards, deadlines and compiler errors, oh my!

I had been to junior college, indeed, had my Associate in Arts degree. But this was my first time at an upper-level university. Different classes were in different buildings, so there was a lot of walking involved. The campus was beautiful, and I often took Mary and the kids with me if I weren't going to be too long. The kids could just run and run and be out in the sunshine. For them, it was like a park.

Programming in Panama City

By: Paul S. Cilwa	Occurred: 3/5/1977 Posted: 3/2/2025		Page Views: 5
Hashtags: #Autobiography #Panama City #Division of Forestry
This was the year personal computers appeared, and my life's work.

The CETA position I had with the Florida Division of Forestry was never meant to be a permananent one. However, I was allowed to transition to permananent employment if it were mutually agreeable. But the Bakersville office didn't need me. So, to remain with the DOF meant moving to where they did need me: The Panama City District Office. This would take us to a part of Florida I'd never been. It would also be the longest and most complicated move I'd ever managed. But I enjoyed working with the foresters and the new position also included a house like the one we were in. So I agreed, gave Mary the news, and we packed.

Bakersville Fire Tower

By: Paul S. Cilwa	Occurred: 12/1/1975 Posted: 2/27/2025		Page Views: 15
I didn't start the fires.

In 1976, fresh out of the Navy, I found myself in the Florida pine scrub, working as a fire control dispatcher for the Division of Forestry. It wasn't exactly a calling—more like a government program called CETA dropping me there like a wayward ember. The job came with a radio, a map, and a house at the base of the fire tower. My job was simple: listen, log, and send the plows when things got hot.

John Is Born

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 11/12/1976 Posted: 11/12/2007 Updated: 2/26/2025	Milestone: #Birth	Page Views: 4,730
The birth of my only son.

Milestone:	Birth
Who:	John David Cilwa
Date and time:	November 12, 1976 3:00 PM
Father:	Paul Sigmund Cilwa
Mother:	Mary Ann Steinberg Cilwa

Arizona Skies thru 2024

By: Paul S. Cilwa	Occurred: 6/29/2024 Posted: 2/21/2025		Page Views: 28
A collection of dramtic sky photos 2019-2024.

Arizona�s skies never fail to put on a show, and I've captured some of the most dramatic moments through my lens. The contrast between storm clouds and golden sunsets, the way the light cuts through layers of dust and rain—it�s a reminder of how wild and unpredictable the desert can be. Sometimes, the sky is so intense it barely looks real, but that�s just Arizona. Whether it's monsoon storms rolling in or the kind of fiery twilight that makes you stop in your tracks, these photos are my way of holding onto those moments…and sharing them with you.

Fish Creek Vista

By: Paul S. Cilwa	Occurred: 2/20/2025		Page Views: 212
My first attempt at hiking since my hip replacement.

So a few things were going on today. To begin with, my daughter wants to sell the house we live in and move to a smaller one, since my eldest grandson moved out on his own. To that end we have been trying to keep the house clean as possible for showings. We were informed last night that there would be a showing this morning at 10:30 AM. So I loaded Lilly and Finley into the car and headed towards the Superstition Mountains.

A Gallery of Lilly

By: Paul S. Cilwa	Occurred: 1/12/2025 Posted: 2/14/2025		Page Views: 125
My best doggie photos of Lilly

Since I got Lilly from my son in 2019, she's had quite a life—from hiking and playing in dog parks in Arizona, to running wild and playing with cows in Maui. Most of those photos have been shared in the contemporaneous postings. Here are a few that never made it onto another page.

Shooting The Moon

By: Paul S. Cilwa	Occurred: 2/14/2025		Page Views: 39
Taking moon photos with my phone.

Arizzona skies are nearly always spectacular, due to the low humidity and clear air. Thus, any evening in which the Moon is visible, is enhanced by its orb. Here are a few I've taken with my cellphone since 2019 (and one I didn't!).

Farewell, Ella

By: Paul S. Cilwa	Occurred: 2/5/2025		Page Views: 32
Hashtags: #Ella #Obituary
Our beloved Ella just passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

Ella, our beloved English Cream Golden Retriever, passed away this morning at 1:30 AM. I awoke spontaneously about three minutes before that, and was able to hold her as she breathed her last. She was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago so we knew this was coming. Still, it was sad to see her in pain and having more and more trouble walking. That she died peacefully with her human at her side was a blessing. As it is knowing that she had an amazing life for a dog, or even most humans.