Yesterday’s new that Steve Jobs has died did not hit me with great surprise or emotion. After all, he was very ill for nearly a decade, visibly so for the last 5-7 years. The outpouring of conspicuous grief on all social networks has been overwhelming.

Now I’ve had time to reflect, I can see how and why people have behaved this way. He pioneered the personal computing industry, fell foul of a boardroom coup, watching his brainchild fall into the gutter, came back to rescue it and turned it into one of the most successful companies on the planet – and in history. Regardless of what you thought of him, Steve Jobs was a pioneer, industrialist and designer that affected the lives of billions: there are people around the world who don’t have running water but own an iPod or iPhone.

It can be said without exaggeration or hyperbole that his passing leaves behind a handful of pioneers who are household names that have fundamentally changed the course of history.

Most places in the UK have just enjoyed a phenomenal weekend of late/Indian summer weather, unseasonably warm at 25-30°C. So Sunday was Braai Day: an afternoon of BBQ, drinks and conversation with good friends, most of whom were South African (braai being Afrikaans barbecue).

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog entry and even longer since I’ve written a story of any length. My writing group vaguely remember me, but it’s been nearly a year since I have attended. It’s about time I write something.

So tonight I got home from work, had dinner and did a couple of chores, then sat down with the sole intention of writing. On my main PC, which was probably not a good idea.

When it booted I remembered that I needed to take care of the various settings in this new blog installation, so took care of that.

While I was at it, I did the same for my other sites. It would be silly not to while it’s fresh in my mind.

Then I took care of a few data housekeeping tasks. While waiting I checked Facebook and Google+, and then… Well, you get the idea.

I must remember that the actual process of writing does not need an Internet connection. Research and brainstorming can require it, but neither of those are actually writing.