At some point, every software developer looks at that line of code or that indecipherable error message for the 80th time, decides “forget it,” tosses their computer out the window and goes to live in the trees.

In mid-2020, I hit that same moment. After 10 years of living in DC, another 10 years in Austin, a smattering of startups – both successes and failures – more airline miles than I can count, and living through the stupid that was 2020, I gave it up to live in the woods.

No, I’m not kidding.

We went from owning 0.20 acres in suburban Austin to owning 20 acres in the woods. We went from two HEBs within 3 miles to no grocery stores within 15. From having 5 houses within 100 feet to sometimes being able to see two neighbors in the distance if the light is just right. From having 24/7 coffee shops to having a gas station 15 miles away that usually has coffee. From having an electrician, plumber, and law enforcement minutes away to “you live where!?”

“Culture shock” is an understatement.

But all of that has come with some amazing upsides. We can see thousands of stars and sometimes even the Milky Way. We have space to walk, run, and explore. We have hummingbirds – which are ridiculously loud – that float among the flowers. And I have had to grow my skills beyond the technical and ephemeral to the concrete and practical.

But I am still a geek.

In my home, a Roomba lurks in the shadows, Starlink is my connection to the outside world, home solar powers the house, and basic physics and geometry form the foundation of my toolbox. I’ve been documenting my story and share it here as much for myself as for you.

I hope you enjoy.

– “Danger” Keith Casey, July 2022