We are Darryl and Lois McGinnis. This is a blog website chronicling our adventures in travel and IBM i software development. That sounds like quite a mash-up for a website, if I ever heard of one... and you're probably right, but this is our adventure, and we are happy to have you along vicariously for the journey.
I am a long-time software engineer (40+ years) coding in ILE RPG and SQL on the IBM i platform. Over the years, I have worked on software in numerous industries. I've been along for the ride as new technologies emerged and the RPG language evolved. I came to the realization that I have a lot to offer to younger people who are just beginning a journey with the IBM i. I had started writing a book to teach RPG to those who from a perspective of something new rather than rehashing the IBM i's long history and the evolution process the language has been through. But I've found with the speed at which things change these days, it is now near impossible to publish a text book targeting what needs to be taught. I also have found that students don't learn the same way that I learned 40 years ago. So, now I'm shifting my methods, and I'm learning that whole process as I go. This is all part of my adventure. I'm still learning things on IBM i every week! It is time for me to catch up by sharing things I know now that can quickly reach the right people instead of putting them in a book that won't necessarily be as relevant by the time it is published.
My wife, Lois, is a mother and grandmother excited to travel to see the kids and grandkids, meet new people, and visit new places. Our trips are adventures in which we never fully know what we will find or encounter. Lois is an active member and chapter Registrar of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in the Old Spanish Trail chapter of Henderson, NV. Both Lois and I are direct descendants of someone who fought in or aided the American Revolution. I am a member of the SAR (Sons of the American Revolution). As chapter registrar, Lois' volunteer job is helping prospective members with their patriot research in locating documents and assisting with the submission of applications into the DAR. It fits perfectly with her passion in genealogy as she works toward becoming a certified genealogist. She is an avid rubber duck collector, always on the look out for new and different ducks. In addition to searching out new ducks, another favorite pastime is Geocaching. We love the aspects of treasure hunting and puzzle solving, so Geocaching and genealogy are a great fit.
We love to travel by motorhome with our dog, Minnie. For a few years, we have posted these activities on Facebook for our friends and family who love to experience our journeys vicariously. We have learned a lot regarding RV travel and enjoy sharing stories and experiences with others. We are excited to begin a new online adventure as we adventure across the United States.
This website is an amalgamation of those adventures: a slice of our lives, working while on the road, experiencing the beauty of this land of the USA, spending quality time with our family and friends while we travel, and always sharing the love of God with all those we encounter on the journey.
