I am a big fan of change. Every so often, I swap computing platforms to shake up my old habits and make fresh ones. The new year began on Google Android and Chrome OS; more recently—as part of an experiment with iPad Pro—I use Apple iOS and OS X. Change is good.

Last week another switch-up started. I have a new workspace, desk and location, which is unsettling yet liberating. Sadly, timing overlapped with the unexpected death of my sister Annette and our family leasing a new car, after an accident totaled the old one.