Have you ever been camping? – An interesting question from the daily prompt.
I really have to think back about this question. I think I remember camping out as a kid in the Cub Scouts. I know I slept under the stars a few times as a teenager when pulling all-nighters.
I remember camping out all night long for concert tickets when you had to buy them at the box office.
I’ve slept on a beach overnight. I’ve slept on the 18th green. Ah those younger days.
I was weeding out my drafts folder when I ran across this post I started in 2016. Okay, I know it is a decade old. But my drafts folder has swollen to over 500 items. It’s down to about 200 and I’m still trashing things and posting a few that are still relevant or not timely.
Nothing timely about it because the images were shot in 2002 if memory serves me correctly. These were done with one of the first Digital zoom cameras, a Kodak DC50 which was released in 1996 or 97.
I was in town for a Newspaper User group annual meeting hosted by the Dallas Morning News. You know back when Newspapers were still a thriving business.
I remember only having a few hours to walk around the town between meetings. Sorry for the sharpness. The sensor in that camera was 756×504 pixels. And the time between pressing the shutter and the actual image being taken was far too long.
Photos by Mike Hartley
For many years now a family of woodchucks has made part of our wooded yard, and our neighbors wooded area their home. We are both fine with that. They don’t bother anything and are almost impossible to see out. Their sight, sense of smell and hearing must be incredible.
I shot these from a distance, and they easily heard the camera.
Random Thoughts of the Afternoon
The tanning season is under way. Just being outside working yesterday I noticed my arms getting some sun. So, I took a few minutes to lay out on the deck and work on the tan. I’d like to have some contrast with the white sand when I get to the beach this year.
Just the anticipation of being barefoot and walking onto the sand for the first time this season has me grinning ear to ear. I know the chilly weather this week doesn’t bring about thoughts of pilgrimages to the beach for most, but I can’t get it off my mind.
Though those few warm days sure got people out and about there. Those were the exceptions though and cooler temperatures prevail now. The bathing suit and flip flops remain on standby.
So maybe the month of May will be a time to visit Washington DC. Before it gets into that humid summer heat with all that concrete. Worked there for a long time but haven’t taken advantage of all the sights and museums in decades.
Time to get out of this chair and exercise so I have the energy to walk that town when I get there.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
When do you feel the most productive? – Asks the daily prompt.
Usually between 3am and 9am is the time I’m most productive on my hobbies and exercise. From 9am to 5pm I’m most productive on the home and yard work. 5pm to midnight I’m most productive on having fun.
So pretty much all day.
I feel productive if the love I shared with someone is felt. I feel productive when I’ve given my best effort that day. I feel productive when I can look back and see or feel something accomplished.
I’m not having the best hair day myself, so the hat is on while I work outside. I get so excited when I see nature out in force again vs the winter season.
More nature appeared today and I was quick enough to grab a few frames of a family of woodchucks that live in my lower backyard and the woods that it goes into. I’ll download that later because outdoor chores call again.
Being outside soaking up some sun while it’s out today and getting some exercise moving mulch. I have to remember to save some time for fun.
I just took the cover off the car to inspire me, but I want to clean gutters and move at least 10 more bags and start spreading mulch before a break.
Random Thoughts of the Afternoon
Lots of things bug me. I’m trying to let go of most of them. As they say “don’t sweat the small stuff” but when it’s not small stuff it’s a bit more of a challenge.
Let’s put the tough stuff aside and have some fun today.
Agenda in no particular order: Hit the Snowball stand. Trimming and raking. Ride in Miata with top down. Store large beach tent. Make 2 appointments. Change oil on one mower. Clean off decks. Exercise. Catch NBA game. Clean grill. Move mulch. Seed bare spots.
I’ve got about 200 photos left to edit and upload. I’d like to complete an illustration and paint a bit. Oh, and I certainly need to make some prints.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I think I’ll crank up the firepit this evening, sit outside and listen to nature again. But before that the cover comes off the Miata, and I’ll fire up the 2-seat fun machine and eat up some local roads on this hopefully sunny day.
It might be a good week to fire up the grill also. I think this coming weekend is the time for that. Then again, the price of meat might just set fire to the weekly budget.
And of course, the body needs to fire out, and I’ll get to the treadmill and dumbbells in a few minutes. I also have several long walks planned this week.
Starting the week off on a Monday in retirement is an entirely different mindset. I look forward to the busy week ahead.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt is asking a question (What are your favorite emojis?) that I have no answer for because I’m old and say what I want with words and actions.
My favorite emotions are laughter and love. And I think I’ll try to spread both today.
Wishing it was a sunny day but that isn’t happening so a little color from nature to start my day. Feeling a little tense to start, but there is a cure for everything if you watch TV. Hopefully I won’t need any of those meds in the future. Plus, I have my mind and that is a strong tool against poor feelings and pain.
I’m excited about today and this coming week. Starting to set my goals a little higher in several areas. This blog is one of them, so more content is on the way.
Today is overcast so I’ll do some indoor shooting, but Monday is good from sunrise to sunset, and I’ll be taking advantage of that both shooting and driving with the top down. It looks to be the warmest day of the week.
Wow, time to get out of this chair already. Duties call. I’ll return this afternoon.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt asks – What topics do you like to discuss?
I used to enjoy addressing issues that face us and our government but that went out about a decade ago. I can talk about cars and sports, but I tend to like deeper issues and conversations now.
The important things in life. Relationships, how to spend the days in retirement. I can talk about grandkids and the pride I had in working in the newspaper industry. Remember the importance of the Sunday Newspaper. Well, a few of the old timers do.
The changes I’ve seen in technology is a topic I can expand on a good bit. I’d like to talk about my hobbies and interests, but few share them.
Food, history, nature and fun things to do are all good topics.
My desire to be outside on days like this is slim to none. Cool, cloudy and about to get wet again. For the time being I’m imagining a warm summer morning midweek with nothing planned for the day and I grab a beach towel, flip flops, camera, keys and wallet and put the top down and point the car east for a few hours till I hit sand and the Atlantic Ocean.
But back to reality I turned on some good music, and my day is looking up. Just called to wish my best friend a happy birthday. I got talk with my daughter which always makes my day. Anytime I hear my kids voices my day is a good one. And I’ll see my son tomorrow, so the weekend is a great one.
This getting old thing is starting to wear on me, and I’ve got to get busy on turning back the clock on the body. This is going to take both time and effort as any good thing does. So, I pulled out the dumbbells and started working. Strength and tone are the starting point. New rule, for every 15 minutes sitting at the computer a set or two or three on the dumbbells.
I like listening to music when I start to get out of sorts. It usually puts me on a better direction. Then again sometimes I remember using it to really pump me up. Nothing like some aggressive rock and roll to kick in the testosterone and adrenalin rush. Good for workouts now.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The importance of each day is not to be taken for granted. Friday was a very productive day. The body is feeling it, but the mind is happy with the progress made. Being outside on a sunny day working hard is rewarding in the way it’s always been.
We decided to treat ourselves at our local pub. Oscars Alehouse in Woodstock MD. Another great meal and service. I didn’t need the brownie sundae though. The problem is that I couldn’t get on the treadmill to work some of it off because I could barely walk on one foot last night. Getting old is hard to work around somedays.
A missed opportunity to put the top down and take a cruise in some nice weather yesterday. The week ahead looks cooler than normal. Guess I’ll just have to tough it out and maybe put the side windows up a bit. I’ll try to remember a couple of months ago I wouldn’t be complaining about temps in the 50s and 60s.
It’s car show season again. And Cruising Ocean City is coming up next week. Or as we say in this region CRUSING.
I keep trying to talk my best friend into taking his Vette there for the weekend. Or the Corvette weekend they have in the summer. But he’s still got his nose to the grindstone, so maybe when he retires, I’ll coral him and head down together.
This morning I was all set to attend the monthly show at Mikey and Mel’s in Maple Lawn, but it was so overcast and cool I cancelled that trip.
Today is a day of recovery and inside production tasks. Like editing a few hundred more images and uploading them to my site.
When is the last time you took a risk? How did it work out? – Asks the daily prompt.
Every time we get in our cars we take a risk. Yesterday was no different except the incident was right in my own neighborhood. I’ve lived here for 40 years, and I’ve never been passed on our neighborhood street. Our neighborhood is only one dead end street that is less than a half mile long.
So, on the way home after dinner this car flew past me a few doors up from my home on a curve. I went down the street to see where this person was going. I returned to my home and calmed down for a few minutes before walking down to the home that used to be one of our friends who had just moved a few months before, so these are new neighbors.
I was calm in speaking to the mother who came to the door and didn’t curse or threaten but I made it clear that wasn’t acceptable being I was doing 23 mph in a 25-mph speed limit. I pointed out that there are a lot of children, grandchildren and elderly around and it would be very serious if someone were to get hurt. She said she’d speak to her son.
Well, the father came up later and apologized for the son and said he would be up also to speak to me also. I thought that was great because that is what I would do except I’d have my son with me.
I’m not the neighborhood busy body or police but when someone does something that threatens the community, I’ll say something. Now there are people in the world where this might not have turned out as well. Unfortunately, I’ll probably get a second swing at this because there is another new neighbor who has some friends that come over in their exotic cars and have gotten squirrely in the neighborhood.
Mother nature is supplying the color, and my better half is sprinkling the gardens and yard with beauty. Me, I’m the DESTROYER. Power tools in hand and chopping, digging or cutting. That’s my role. Just taking a break after cutting the front 50 and some raking.
About to do the difficult part and push cut the mountain of a backyard.
You don’t get better weather days than this. Sunny and the high 70s with a mild breeze.
Nature is alive and buzzing. Like the bumblebees that fly around me.
All I know is that I felt like a colorful midday post and came up with this.
So let me return to the great outdoors and make a push to finish strong today. Then treat us to a nice dinner.
New York City sharing itself with the masses. The sign says “Don’t worry. Even if you leave New York, you’ll always be a New Yorker.” I like that. I’ve always followed the Yankees but only been to one game there in my life.
I did find that city quite addicting. I think I’ll start doing a regular pilgrimage there to take in the sights and people. And pictures of course.
I enjoy finding some colors in concrete like below.
I’ve got two days of yard work to cram into one, so I’d better get outside. Plus, I’d like to put a few miles on the Miata before the rains this weekend. So off I go. Have a great day all, I’ll be back later.
The daily prompt asks me to – Describe a risk you took that you do not regret.
Risky things I don’t regret.
Going 140 mph on a motorcycle – was exhilarating.
Getting married – a wonderful family as a result.
Buying a home when we couldn’t afford it was a big risk, but it worked out.
Sharing my work (photos and words) finally.
When I was young and at a fair I went on a ride and it broke while we were on it. They couldn’t stop it for almost an hour. That is one risk I regret and won’t get on amusement rides again.
Time for the weekly Thursday Doors challenge with our host Dan Antion. For those who love entrances, exits and the buildings and art that surrounds them this is the spot for you. The wonderful contributions from everywhere will delight. Share your own link in the comments on Dan’s weekly Door’s page.
A short trip to New York City last week with my better half. Some shots are from moving vehicles.
Any door that is 5 hinges is going to be a tall door.
The American Irish Historical Society entrance. I believe that was on 5th Avenue.
What a city, I could spend the rest of my life shooting New York City.
Even the simple doors were golden.
I wonder how much a room cost there.
Doors of music.
Photos by Mike Hartley
If those doors are hot, I’m not entering.
Photos by Mike Hartley
This was a cool entrance. And I had time to zoom in on the inside.
The Africa Center.
So many museums and galleries I need to go back and see.
Rockefeller Center and Top of The Rock were great. But the 9/11 Museum was the highlight of the trip for me.
No more big city shots next week. Returning to my local roots. Have a great day.
The smallest dog leading the pack. Confidence in small packages.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
The daily prompt asks me to – Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?
I wish I had told our companies president that I had enough to do at work and that playing his families personal computer technician and home repair/install person wasn’t part of my job. What I would have done differently is to have grown a pair and to tell him to put his family of Mac’s where the sun doesn’t shine.
I had two recent images I didn’t know what to do with till I saw the common element. Yellow. I figured I’d post these in absence of that bright yellow sunshine I’m missing this morning.
I’ll let the morning rain pass and head out this afternoon for some fresh images.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
The daily prompt asks – What makes you nervous?
I’ll leave out all the things that I no longer have to worry about like job interviews or my better half having a baby and lots more.
The number of cameras in this world watching us is staggering. I guess I’m one of them. I don’t do many videos. Almost none, just still photography. I enjoy people’s reaction when they see a camera now. Almost like they are offended if I raise it to my eye. Not knowing, 100 cell phones just snapped their picture, and they have been under video surveillance all day.
I have been enjoying shooting more people lately. I think I’ll head out tomorrow and do some fresh shooting.
I’m not in big cities often so NYC was unique to me but by the looks of people there it’s routine.
I’ll be back to shooting small towns in Maryland soon unless we visit DC or Baltimore. Which sound like good ideas also.
How do you unwind after a demanding day? – Asks the daily prompt again.
Thankfully most of my demanding days are behind me. I guess taking care of the grandchildren is a demanding day now. And that I can recover from physically, while I’m smiling mentally.
To be honest I enjoyed challenging and demanding days and assignments when I was working. That was till they weren’t appreciated and then it became demanding in another way. And by appreciating, I mean a simple thank you would have been fine a vast majority of the time. Luckily, I had some good managers over the 5 decades who knew how to say that.
Sometimes the most demanding part of the day was the hour or more each way to and from work. Especially when the weather was poor.
Some of the things I used to do:
I started working hard this morning, but truth be told I faded this afternoon and took a nap. Yeah, I occasionally fall into that old people category. And with energy restored, a good dinner under my belt and lots of ideas to work well into the evening if the mind and body hold up.
A little music, if you please. It’s now time to crank up the speakers a bit and get rocking. Few things are better than some inspirational music and some time to enjoy it, and plan what I want to do.
I just got an idea from a song that came on that I hadn’t listened to in a while. The song title is “Heart of the Sunrise” by the group Yes. The idea is for one of my day trips to Ocean City this summer I’m going to time leaving so I get to the inlet parking lot and play that song as the sun is coming up that morning.
I will finish editing the NYC shoot and upload that to the photo site. I will work on a painting. I will watch some of the NBA action and I will charge the camera batteries for tomorrows shooting. I will make some prints. I will get busy before the night gets away from me.
Random Thoughts of the Evening
Sounds like Monday. Some plans and maybe some random activities. But first some breakfast and some music.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
The daily prompt wants to know – How do you use social media?
First rule of social media with me is to use it and not let it use me. I like some social media, like WordPress and Zenfolio. My blogging and photography sites. I work on them often and enjoy them very much.
I have a Facebook account, but I try to use that less and less each day. I keep track of old neighborhood, school and work friends through that tool. Also enjoying some comedy clips and other humor like cartoons. Oh, and the car club and event meet ups and things at the beach for my pilgrimages there.
I used to use LinkedIn when I was working a bit. Now the only time I check in with it is with an old friend who might be having a work anniversary or new job.
YouTube is something I enjoy for music and comedy as well as the occasional karma video just to reinforce that some balance in the universe exists.
I believe I have an Instagram account and Flicker one but I don’t use them. I should delete them.
I’m proud to say I’ve NEVER done Twitter or X.
I’ve used Reddit from time to time because I’ve found good advice/information on things.
I use email a lot because I enjoy writing to friends and family often. I guess I got that from my mother, she was an avid writer. That’s social, isn’t it?
I’ll go with the short stack of pancakes this morning.
Jot down the first thing that comes to your mind. – Interesting task from the daily prompt.
It was a string of thoughts, first thing this morning. As I sat at the keyboard wondering if I was going to make pancakes or bacon for breakfast, then I read this question while my back is having a spasm and I’m thinking is this going to be an all-day thing or one off.
I get tired of pain. It comes with age, the wear and tear of jobs and activities over the years. The mind changes to accept some or a lot of pain somedays and nobody is the wiser for it. Other times it’s harder to hide.
Pain wakes me, and if it doesn’t it always says good morning at some point.
I’m not sure of the time, but it’s been in the last few years, that I’ve had to start thinking about what activities I do and how I go about them. Something simple like cutting the lawn and trimming and cleanup. It used to be a one-day thing. I split it now into two. I didn’t consciously do this, but I just found myself doing it and realized it in the last year or two.
Finding myself taking a break, after washing the cars before I clean the interiors. All kinds of little things like that. Well at least I’m thankful that I’m still here and up and around to do things I’ve done all my life. Just a little slower.
Reminder, regardless of how I wake, be it physical or mental pain, concern about family and friends, or bills or the car that needs to be replaced. I always pause and smile for a bit for the shot at another day.
As usual I’ve rambled on too long. Have a great Sunday.
I like watching a family of woodchucks occasionally come up and feed in my backyard. But today was different. I’m usually very quiet because any noise and they bolt back to the wooded nest and tunnels. It had been about 2 minutes just watching him graze and then I saw him move faster than any time in the past.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see this hawk swoop in with incredible speed and throw on some air brakes. His timing is off and woodchuck makes it back to the woods. I had my camera, but I was looking through a screen. And it all happened so fast I didn’t even have a chance to reach for it.
I’ve got to start sitting outside with the monopod and just keep scanning. There is always wildlife in my backyard.
Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you. – Asks the daily prompt.
While in New York city earlier this week, I saw a couple holding hands. I thought how uncommon it is that I see that now. It reminded me to hold my better half’s hand more often again. Not that I ever stopped but it’s something that should be done regularly.
Another beautiful day. It started early, but I got a recharge from my daughter in the way of some pictures of her and daughter this morning having doughnuts together smiling widely.
I’ve been to the hardware for tools, hopefully a few minutes to do some shooting later today. Now is the time for the difficult chore of the day before it gets late. Mowing the back hill.
When visiting NYC earlier this week we walked to the Wall Street area where I shot this. I like that both are looking up. I hope our youth is looking up.
Random Thoughts of the Day
You can’t help but work on your street photography in New York City. It was a lot of fun shooting there in between our tourist activities.
I think I’ll head into Washington DC to shoot some more street shots. Then again, I love the small towns in Maryland.
The daily prompt asks me to – Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.
Later in my career I turned down a management position because I wanted to keep pursuing a more technical track that I had been on. I had management experience and positions before that, but I didn’t feel the challenge the technical parts gave me. Turning it down didn’t make the upper management happy.
I was even told the VP didn’t accept no to things like that. Too bad for him. He tried to block another move I made to the UNIX Admin team and he failed there also. I applied for a position in that group and interviewed, was offered the job, accepted the job, was given a transition schedule and start. The VP was on vacation and when he returned, he tried to squash it.
He failed at that one also because either it was that position or I was walking out. That position was one of the best learning experiences I had there. Thank you, Joe and John for sharing all that knowledge.
I could spend another lifetime just photographing New York City. I could spend a lifetime just doing any one discipline in photography like architecture or people in that city.
One of the few forms of transportation that we didn’t try this week in NYC.
Parts of town were so colorful and intense. Others are quite brutal and grey. I know we are going back to visit because there are some major draws that we must see. And I look forward to shooting many more images of the town and its people.
But back to my hometown state and area. Still lots to shoot and share here.
Sleeping and waking up in my own bed today. A pretty good feeling and some good rest. I slept like a rock when I hit the sheets. It was nice to be away but nothing like home.
Days of work await because things don’t stop because I was away. The grass continues to grow, bills come in, home maintenance needs continue to build. And I still have a smile on my face even though I can see I’m going to be beat at the end of the weekend.
I’ve spent a few hours cutting grass and weeding till lunchtime and I’m sore already. Plus, two other injuries of late have this body feeling the pain again. Well, it’s mind over matter today. I’m going to power through.
But first I am going to take a break and put my feet on the gas and clutch on the Miata. And remind myself how much my tires like a warm track and some great rock and roll. YEEE HA. Don’t worry, I’ll calm down a bit before engaging gears. That shower revived the body a bit. Time to free the mind.
It feels so good also to have taken a break from writing and it feels great to be back to it. A change of perspective is sometimes helpful.
Time for the weekly Thursday Doors challenge with our host Dan Antion. For those who love entrances, exits and the buildings and art that surrounds them this is the spot for you. The wonderful contributions from everywhere will delight. Share your own link in the comments on Dan’s weekly Door’s page.
I’m torn this week. I have a number of shots from the shoot in Ellicott City that I used some of last week. Or the doors I shot the few days I was in NYC.
Well, I decided to finish off the series I started last week of my wife’s hometown.
A little color to start spring with.
Some doors try to add sparkle.
Looks as if you need a pot if you’re going to bring a housewarming gift.
Watch your STEP please.
Privacy please.
Hey, they named the place. (I used to bank here almost 6 decades ago)
Always an open-door policy here.
Rebuilding from past floods and getting ready for the next.
Photos by Mike Hartley
Okay, the doors for this town are shut. Next week NYC Doors
Photos by Mike Hartley
What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why? – Asks the daily prompt this fine Thursday morning.
That is a tough one because until recently we haven’t traveled much. At one time I never thought of wanting to visit Russia. I still don’t but I have a different view of the country after working with a young man from Russia for several years who had immigrated here with his family. He taught me about parts of the country, and you could feel his missing some spots he talked about or showed me on the map from his youth.
I guess North Korea because there is a good chance I’d never get to see any of it and probably never be able to leave.
This gives me a good idea of a post of places I’m going to visit.
Back in the saddle again here at mission control (home). My better half and I took a few days and traveled to New York City. It was a grand time. I had a few physical things bothering me, but I powered through. It was a short trip, Sunday morning, till this Wednesday evening. The weather was great and the city was alive.
The Amtrac train from BWI to NYC, to our hotel, just a few streets north of Penn Station. Then out and about to see the town. We walked to Rockefeller Center and went to the Top of The Rock. What a view, we went to all 3 levels and just marveled at the sights.
Lunch at a restaurant in Rockefeller Center and a walk around the buildings and artworks/sculptures. Wandered over to St. Patrick’s and observed mass and the beauty inside and out. Of course, the kids in us had to go over to FAO Swartz to rediscover the kids inside us. Just an update – toys have changed. Saw Radio City.
We were ready to head back, and I saw a large building with the Christies name. Just walked in and asked what it was, thinking Christie’s is an auction house for those who would spend my net worth on lunch. Turns out it was their Fine Art Gallery. And open to the public. Another wonderful chuck of time spent viewing wonderful works of art over 3 floors. Knowledgeable staff at each step but so invisible allowing for a great viewing experience. And I could take pictures. Not like I wasn’t snapping away the whole trip.
We did Times Square on the way back and had a late dinner at the Tick Tock diner which is right around the corner from where we stayed. After walking 7 miles that day we just wanted a good bite to eat and then get horizontal and rest the puppies.
Monday was spent at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial and Wall Street. The first took my breath away again and triggered some tears. The second is what I thought it would be. I wish everyone in this country could visit the memorial/museum. The only other place I’ve been where I’ve seen people be respectful of where they were was in Arlington Cemetery.
I met a wonderful young lady who worked at Newsweek which was a sister publication of The Washington Post. She just happened to be working by the display of one of the few things I didn’t know about the day. A single pane of glass, I think she said from the 82 floor was on only one that survived unbroken that day.
I’ve watched, read and seen photos/videos of that day more than most. Seeing the physical space, items from that day was totally different and even more impactful.
Tuesday, we had planned to walk a bit of Central Park. That is the day after more than 10 miles the first two days, arthritis in my feet started to bother me. That and the fact I almost ripped the nail off my little toe early that morning with a door. Still, we marshaled a dozen blocks up to catch the Uptown tour bus that rounds Central Park. Roasting in the sun on the bus for 2 hours didn’t hit us till the breeze stopped when we got off. Didn’t realize how hot we had got.
Ducked into the Playwright Irish Pub for lunch and some A/C. Did some people watching in Times Square on the way back to the hotel. Got back and didn’t want a ton to eat so we asked where the best pizza nearby was. Best answer to that question I ever got. Went to a little spot right up the street at 36th and 9th called Vito’s.
Oh, can’t forget Burgerolgy from Monday night – great smashburger. I was so stuffed and disappointed I couldn’t get a shake.
Today my better half slept in a bit. I was up early wandering around, people watched and then rested in the lobby till the free breakfast opened. Returned to sleeping beauty (she really is) and we just got ready leisurely and rolled into Penn Station early, had a casual lunch and boarded our ride home.
We already have a long list for our next visit. The highline, a Broadway play, The Summit One Vanderbilt, The Plaza, Strawberry Fields. The Met and many more. Looks like more than one trip.
We are not seasoned travels by any means. I find these short trips fun. But it’s GOOD to be HOME again.
The shot above was from my phone. I just downloaded the first cameras shooting and that was over 400 images. I’m worried about looking at the second camera and iPhone for fear of the editing time involved.
But the good side is I’m sure I’ll have a few photos that will remind me of points I didn’t bring up above.
When I still feel like a kid, it’s very hard to think of my kids as grown adults with kids. But it’s happened, and the stages of life have progressed with abandon. Big anniversaries and reunions have passed.
This can’t be, I’m still dancing around to the music, I’m creating more than I did when I was in my 20s and inspired. I see endless ideas and opportunities.
The mind feels as young as it ever did most days.
It’s the damn body that is the reminder. That look in the mirror and seeing grey. Just for the record grey doesn’t bother me. It’s a normal part of aging. You won’t find me coloring my beard or hair. But that grey wasn’t there at 40 or 50 and a few that were barely noticeable at 60, are now the predominant population in the beard. And now it’s moving north and the temples are starting to lose that brown color.
Things taken for granted like walking and hiking can be dangerous to attempt now. Turning an ankle is one thing. Done that a hundred times as a youth. But I bet the turned ankle now would result in a fall which might result in another injury.
The number of people getting pieces of them replaced is incredible. Hips, knees, shoulders and I guess more that I don’t know about.
I hurt my knee months ago playing with a grandchild. But that won’t stop me. Sometime my grandson can ride on my back and it’s no issue. Other times not. But this horse will still saddle him up. I’ll do that and do anything to make them happy and laugh.
Happily, by the time they are getting to the age where physical rides on Papa and races and wrestling matches will fade and they will see that Papa could use some help and give me a hand around the house and yard when they visit.
Of course, I have a hard time admitting I can’t do anything. Not that I’m any master tradesman, I just have skills that have gotten me by without a tremendous amount of assistance.
I hope I don’t lose that youthful mindset, but reality is in that mirror each day. That is why I avoid them.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The breeze that keeps me aloft and shining are my children.
The breeze that is always there. The wind blows them in their own direction, watching as they encounter and navigate their way.
When I think of the feeling of a breeze. I place myself on the beach in summer, the sounds of the waves and grandchildren laughing and feeling that’s slightly cooler than air temp light breeze off the ocean water is like bliss and invigorating at the same time. Cooling to the skin, freshness in the lungs as a relaxed wave rolls through my body.
Just like the breeze of the thought of my kids each day refreshes me.
If you need a Getaway car this might just be the package. For the owner had personalized his license plate – ESCPLAN – and this might be the one. But it could also land you behind bars.
Be safe on the roads. Take these beasts to the track.
Home sweet home. And boy is it after 4 decades away from it far too often. I’ve developed a real love for it in retirement. Yeah, it’s old and small and needs some things, but it’s HOME.
My Favorite rooms in the house in descending order.
The Bedroom – It’s not the room I spend the most time in, but it’s the room the most fun is in. And some sleep.
The Office – No not the TV show. Not the work office. I was thinking of my home office. I used to spend some time in it before I retired but now it’s my full-time space.
The Workroom – This moved way up the list in retirement. I’m spending more and more time in it working.
The Basement – Where some of the exercise equipment is. Where the big screen is. Where a lot of the power tools reside.
The Kitchen – Always a favorite. I thought it would be getting more attention because I hope to cook a lot more but that’s only increased slightly.
The Decks – I’m out on the Decks quite a bit. I take breaks from doing yard work. I lay in the hammock or lounge chair from time to time catching some rays. Sometimes to chat with my better half when she is outside. Plus, there is a firepit there now so that is some extra time also.
The Family Room – When we watch TV together upstairs. Or have a fire.
The Living Room – The only time I’m in there is when I’m passing through or we have company.
The Dining Room – Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Laundry Room – Contains a couple machines I’m not familiar with and most importantly my fridge full of drinks.
The Furnace Room – Storage and Equipment. Nothing but work in this room. And every 25-35 years a huge hit with a new furnace and A/C.
Garage – WISHING I HAD ONE.
The Shed – It’s not that I don’t like it. My back has a hatred of it because of the work it means and the pain it gives. Otherwise, it’s the proud parking space for the old John Deere. Both the shed and the JD need replacement.
And being winter is over, I’ll be spending a lot more time getting tools out and back into the shed from now on.
Some days I have trouble focusing. That isn’t entirely bad, sometimes I’ve made some great strides by stepping away from the computer to the easel to the workroom, then picking up the cameras and heading out. Like this post, which I started yesterday.
It’s good when I hit a sticking point or that I complete a step in the painting and want to look more closely or think about modifying my idea. After photo editing for a few hours, sometimes I must get up and away from the screen.
I thought I would lose that feeling of being lazy if I relaxed or slept. I haven’t. And when I do those things the flashback to beat myself up over it seems to be returning.
My mind feels like it’s in a million fragments. Split between decades of warring factions for my time and efforts.
When I started to schedule my time, it worked for a bit but then it became uncomfortable. Most of my life I’ve had to be very flexible. Able to respond to emergencies at all hours. At the same time having several projects and regular duties. So, my normal comfort zone is moving from task to task, task to project, project to project, project to meeting, meeting to meeting and emergencies thrown in between each often. And the fun days of going from emergency to emergency or the best one, multiple system or network failures at the same time.
Doing the job of two people is nice job security when they are only paying you for one. Makes it hard to replace you. It also helped me at times with my outspoken personality at times. That and some good people around me, that stood up for me.
Now I’m my own boss. It might look like I don’t work as hard as I used to. But in creative ways I do and much more. I like learning, observing, thinking and practicing. While a picture or carving might be good in time when I acquire some more skills, that work before it will be significant and maybe the most enjoyable part.
As I think back to my professional career, the journey was the fun part. There were several moves in positions that challenged me in ways I didn’t know I could accomplish. Some technical, some managerial, some personal.
People made it fun along the way and I’m grateful for that. I don’t have that so far in my retirement pursuits. Not that I don’t have people around me, just not working together on my arts. That was why I was kind of excited when my granddaughter seemed to like drawing with me.
Part of the dynamic that made me better was working with others. I’m feeling the need to return to that in the future in some way.
Most of us are under the radar. In life, in jobs, in relationships. Think about how well you know the people closest to you. How well do those closest to you actually know all about you. From my observations we know little about each other. Even close and long-term relationships know only a small percentage of a person.
Think of how few people have been part of your entire life. Yes, a lot of you might say your parents, but most of you will outlive them.
I reflect on a lot of long-time co-workers who I spent decades with that only know parts of me. They might know a drive or skill that others, even the closest, never see.
The experiences shared with friends who are no longer with us. The secrets all of us carry. The hurts, the longing, the missed opportunities.
Only the luckiest will know over half a person. Think of all the things you have never shared with anyone. Yes, people may know of events or circumstances, but they don’t know your feelings.
Think of how many things you don’t share each day. And that is normal and good. There should be things that are special to you. Maybe some very tough memories and experiences. But maybe some good realizations or insights.
It could be a simple discovery. For instance, one day late in my career, I realized it was just a job. Duh. Now admitting that isn’t a proud thing, kind of embarrassing so not often shared by me.
How well do we know our own children? I’d like to think well but I’m sure there is a lot I don’t know. As time has gone on, I’m slowly learning about the things I did that made them laugh or embarrassed. I don’t know all their friends. I don’t know how they are when with their in-laws.
I’m a very open person and I’m guessing a fair number of people might think they know me pretty well. They know the pieces I allow them to or share.
I do have a mission of sorts, and this blog is part of it. I’d like my children to know me better and that is why I write here and why I’m starting a book for them.
A good friend just showed me a project, her and her husband together of their family history in a book. A wonderful thing but I’m hoping for a lot more. For them to know more about the person I am. Good and bad. Professional and unprofessional. As a friend to many. As a father and husband.
I have so many holes about my own father and so many questions that will never be answered. It’s an uncomfortable feeling to have and I don’t want my children to have it. Plus, I’ve made so many mistakes along the way in life maybe I can save them from hitting the same potholes.
I have a lot of emotions and feelings, but boredom isn’t one of them. I guess I find or think about things to entertain myself. I’m lucky in life to be full of things to keep me interested and engaged. I guess we learned that as kids when we were sent out the door and had to make our own fun.
Creating games, building forts in the woods, making contests up, modifying conventional games to new games.
I used to think school was boring. I was just ignoring what I was there for. Luckily, I got excited about learning shortly after.
I find bored to be kind of a sad emotion.
Life is full of opportunities to be bored. Yeah, sitting in traffic is boring for some. I used to see how many personal license plates I could find. Or guessing the year and model of the cars around me. Listening to music and seeing how in tune I could sing and remember lyrics or stay in rhythm playing drums on the steering wheel.
Some people get bored on long drives even when not in traffic. Not me. I love seeing different places. Even the same route to the beach I take, which is just short of a 3-hour drive, I still find interesting. Noting the changes over the decades along the way and stopping at new places.
People in waiting rooms look bored because they have their faces on their phones and frown instead of smiling from talking to the person seated next to them.
And yes, I know the difference between board and bored. I just didn’t have a good shot of a bored person.
Have a good afternoon, everyone.
What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
I’ve dashed into the weekend and it’s going well. I’m feeling a bit better this afternoon after not pushing the body today.
I do have to shift gears and accomplish some things this evening because I’ve got a full day of plans for Sunday.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt asks – Describe something you learned in high school.
Now there is a question that is asking me to go back a lot of decades. I went back and looked at the answer I gave to this question 2 years ago in a post called Early Learning, so I thought I’d give an update to that being my reunion was after that post.
We had our 50th HS reunion last year. Here are a few things observed or heard and learned.
I almost didn’t go to my own reunion. One of my closest classmates and friends passed away. Another best friend and some other close ones in those days also weren’t coming because of distance and funds. There were a few neighborhood friends that were going so that was enough for me to say yes.
Wow, people change. Thank goodness for nametags with pictures from our senior year. At the same time some people stay remarkably the same.
Lots of people moved away or stayed for a while and then moved when they retired.
It was nice to see how easy it was to pick up some conversations with the ease we had in high school. But with an adult version. Watching people smile about family and professional updates.
There were laughter and smiles. Hugs and photos. Arnie and Mike stood side by side again (tallest and shortest guys in our class).
People spoke of trips or wishes for trips. There was a slide show and group photo.
Some were still trying to impress. Some had grown into comfortable adults.
Some retired, some working, some unwillingly retired because of health.
Lots of classmates had died. And in the few months right after that we lost 3 more.
It was a pretty good turnout and time for a class that was a bit apathetic. Of course, those were troubled times and a lot of troubled families.
A good Friday evening. Knocking out some tasks and working on my hobbies.
Just thought I’d share a few more images from Wednesday.
I won’t be up much longer. A rather painful late afternoon and evening.
But first a late dinner and a few emails.
This fills up every so often.
An early morning walk is in order for Saturday.
Color just springs to life this time of year.
Let me finish this work of art and move on to the next piece.
Two wonderful partners and I started a business in this building a long time ago. I’ve always loved the look of this structure, and it’s always great returning to the town I started my newspaper career in.
Having the Patapsco River right beside it was a beautiful and calming thing. Except when it rained hard. That stream can turn into a raging river in no time.
The OEC (Old Ellicott City) sign wasn’t there when we were residents.
I have great memories each time I wander this town. Unfortunately, the days of a local community newspaper have passed it seems.
Describe one positive change you have made in your life. – Asks the daily prompt.
Two years ago, I answered this question by saying I made a healthy body weight. Glad to say I’ve kept that up.
Today I’ll answer by saying retirement was a positive change I made. I’m so glad I did and I wish I could have done it sooner. I worked hard for almost 6 decades and I had enough by my mid 60s but was worried about funds so I continued to work a bit longer. Fortunately for me the company offered a buyout.
Now retirement isn’t for everyone as I’ve found out. Many continue to work of their own choice. Some by necessity. I’m one who has embraced retirement and will use the time to pursue a second career, enjoy life and relax a bit.
I’ve moved away from technology to more creative efforts. I’ve moved from a harried pace to a hammock.
The walk around Ellicott City Wednesday took an unexpected turn and I headed up Main Street north of the downtown area. I was shooting for my Thursday Doors update and came upon one of the new trucks at the West End Service – All Roads Trucks.
And the detailing. I’m a sucker for chrome and pinstriping designs.
They have done a nice job in this business location.
Of course, I had to throw on some Grateful Dead on the way home from the walk.
Time for the weekly Thursday Doors challenge with our host Dan Antion. For those who love entrances, exits and the buildings and art that surrounds them this is the spot for you. The wonderful contributions from everywhere will delight. Share your own link in the comments on Dan’s weekly Door’s page.
I took a walk around wife’s hometown of Ellicott City again. Not necessarily the best doors but some unique entrances.
Note the flood mark on the door.
I like the bells attached to the door handle.
This door is going to be a challenge to get to.
Come on in.
Bill Knapp Sculpture and Fine Furnishings shop above.
Is this door worth getting to?
What is the most fun way to exercise? – Asks the daily prompt.
Besides the obvious one we all enjoy. I’d say basketball was the most fun I had exercising. But this body doesn’t play much anymore so I like to walk with my camera. I did about 4-5 miles yesterday.
Weightlifting is fun. I always enjoyed playing baseball as a youth but never thought of that as a lot of exercise.
Working on my home and yard is good exercise. Sometimes too much.
Detailing my car is fun exercise.
But the MOST FUN way to exercise for me is playing with my grandchildren.
Back roads here I come. A midweek midday drive through some country roads, maybe stop at a little local shop for lunch and talk with some county residents.
It’s good for clearing my head and doing a reset.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Another friggin book question from the daily prompt – What book could you read over and over again.
I need to read the book called “Show Your Work” again. It inspired me to do a lot more and instilled some more confidence in me.
Maybe by the end of this year, I’ll be reading something I’ve written because I’ll probably be moving from the writing part to the editing function by that time.
The daily prompt asks – If you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why?
I would like to be the grandfather in the book my kids gave me called Grandpa’s Wish List. It’s a book I can read to the young ones on all the things I’d like to do and build for them and adventures to go on. It’s a short children’s book but one that reminds me to be that person for them. Not that I have much problem remembering their importance to me.
We attended our first Columbia Cruisin Night, partially to get a 3 Brothers pizza and for me obviously the dual benefit of wandering around some of my favorite automobiles.
Plus, yellow was a nice color to start off the day after Easter.
Yellow, one of my daughter’s favorite colors.
Sunny days, warm temps, the smell of burnt fossil fuels and some nice people like the owner Tom of this car.
Hoods up
I could use this powerplant in my Miata.
Classics on display.
He didn’t get the memo that it was a top-down day.
We have our Maryland Miata Club meeting in the same parking lot in Columbia.
The daily prompt wants to know – What animals make the best/worst pets?
I’m not sure what is the best or worst. But I am sure of one thing. If you have a pet, you have better be responsible and care for it correctly and love it. I see far too many pets without the love they need.
A wonderful day with the family was had. The first quarter holidays are in the books and onto the next ones. I’m not sure how I got lucky to have such a great family but I’m so glad.
The kids must have worn me out because I sat on the couch and was out cold around 8pm. Woke at 11pm and thought I should end the day with a thankful thought.
Saturday was grey morning but a bright afternoon. I feel good about accomplishments that day but kind of sore from the workout with the yard tools.
Trying some new pain treatment for a week. If that doesn’t work, as the doc says so often, there is a shot available.
I’ll be hibernating this Tuesday and Wednesday till some warmer weather returns Thursday. I have a lot to do indoors on the list so there won’t be any slacking off. But first an Easter Sunday with the family.
I’ve got some birdseed when we were at the hardware store, so hopefully I’ll have a lot more detail and variety of birds in the future.
Random Thoughts of the Day
What job would you do for free? – That’s a tough question from the daily prompt.
I’m doing a few jobs for free now in retirement. I’m a photographer, artist and writer. In other words, a hobbyist.
I do all kinds of jobs for free each day. I play doorman whenever the opportunity presents itself. I guess I’ve worked free at grocery stores because I’ve helped old people load their cars with bags.
I’ve done landscaping for free by cutting neighbors yards for nothing when they have been down or away. I’ve been in the consulting business for some time now giving out free advice. Some people really should have listened to me.
I’ve been involved in free construction from time to time building decks, boat houses, sunrooms and more. I’ve been a free chauffeur to some inebriated friends.
I’ve been a free night watchman because I’m usually up most of the night and aware of what is going on while others sleep.
I hope to start a job for free next month. I won’t only be working for free I’ll be donating my car and gas to the effort. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I would play for the New York Yankees for Free
I still like Saturday mornings even though I no longer work for someone else. The excitement it generates in others is infectious and leaves me in line with that party bus. Also, that chocolate doughnut my grandson left behind yesterday was a nice start. Now that I have my sugar buzz on, we can proceed with the day’s activities.
It’s grass cutting day, so I hope to knock that out early afternoon when it dries. There is a local car show that is just starting up, and I thought I’d go for a slice of pizza and see what locals show up. There are the semifinals of March Madness this evening and I have a ton of creative work to squeeze in sometime today.
We rode by our local butcher shop the other day and I passed on going in. But I ran across this image this morning and I feel I made a mistake. My better half has prepared a feast for tomorrow so I won’t be needing steak this weekend but after that cold front rolls through for a few days I think Thursday will be grill day.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt asks – What Olympic sports do you enjoy watching the most?
Basketball, boxing, track and field, beach volleyball and swimming/diving are the ones I watch the most of.
Opinion – I know big money has reached into every area of sports there is and the Olympics are no exception. But in my opinion, it’s still where you are going to find the truest athletes who train and love the games, they compete in more than the money.
Just a few random street shots from a while back. From Main Street in Ellicott City. I haven’t done any shooting today and I’m worn out from a 3 1/2-year-old. Yeah, I hate to admit that but, it’s a lot of lifting, being ridden like a horse, being made helper to his FORMAN of the construction site.
My grandson had seen a YouTube video if I can recall correctly something called Handyman Hal. Anyway, we watched one day it was him using a post hole digger. Well, you know who saw one in my shed this morning and had to dig a post hole. So, I showed him the technique and found a pole to put in the ground for him. Showed him how to check depth, and tips digging.
I also showed him how to use a vice which was in my workroom holding a piece of wood I was carving and of course I got the “What’s That Papa” so I showed him how it works and of course safety in using any tool.
Since I titled the post with the word fashion, here are a few thoughts of mine. I’ve never been into colorful fashion, but I have added some brighter pieces and colors I hadn’t worn before to the limited wardrobe. My better half would probably trash half of it or more if I gave the okay.
I’m not much of the suit and tie type guy but I hear I clean up nicely. I love casual wear, but I do need a little better styling and color.
I’m getting more into footwear lately also. One for comfort and one for ease. And slip-ons are easy and save the back. Comfort I’m still looking for being the feet are showing advanced wear and tear.
Random Thoughts of the Day
What a change from morning to afternoon. Drizzle and cold to sunny and warm. Typical Maryland weather. It’s been a wonderful time with my grandson this day. Nothing makes me happier than making my grandchildren and children happy. All it takes is effort and love. And I have plenty of that to go around.
Tomorrow is a day that I will be out and about. Both working in the yard and out on the road. For now, the shed will be closed, I’ll take the cover off the car and wipe that off. Maybe a ride tonight if I find myself alone.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt asks – How would you improve your community?
A serious question to ponder so early in the morning.
Stay involved. Elect responsible people. Help when needed. Communicate.
Take and share good images of it. Write about the good things in it. Be a positive member of it.
When I retired, I thought I’d do some volunteer work. That hasn’t materialized yet and it’s time for that to happen this year. I’ve got an organization picked out so it’s time to start that work. Maybe it will help and motivate me to do even better.
Oh yeah, I’d replace the current administration in power.
Time for the weekly Thursday Doors challenge with our host Dan Antion. For those who love entrances, exits and the buildings and art that surrounds them this is the spot for you. The wonderful contributions from everywhere will delight. Share your own link in the comments on Dan’s weekly Door’s page.
Shot above from Bethany Beach on a morning walk a while back.
On a walk-up Church Road. Looking at Emory United Methodist Church above.
This way to the DOOR.
Almost time to return to the ocean. It’s been calling me all winter long. I hope to lock in some reservations for a short trip early in the season. The family trip is already reserved. There will be spur of the moment stays. All my day trips have been day trips, but there might be a day when I’m just tired and feel like staying over.
This misty overcast morning certainly doesn’t remind me of beach season but yesterday did and tomorrow will. I can’t wait to smell that salt air and cool ocean breeze.
I’ve knocked out my morning doctor’s appointment, my better half picked up meds, life is good. Time to clean up for the weekend visitors.
The daily prompt asks a question that isn’t one of my favorites – How have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic?
Fine I get my shot each year. Just like I get my flu shot every year. I believe in science. I know it’s not exact. Not much in life is.
Holding on by a thread, or nail? Are things slipping between the cracks? Are boundaries failing? Welcome to life. I feel like that wall from time to time. I’ve been standing for a long time. I’m weathered and beaten. But I’m still here. And so are you.
So, continue to hold on, repair, rebuild and be revived.
After a morning of yard work and cleaning outdoor furniture it’s time for a shower. Then a quick ride before the rain comes.
What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like? – Another personal question from the daily prompt.
I’m not a coffee drinker so my morning beverage is Coke. Sometimes I eat a large breakfast and sometimes nothing at all.
A little stretching to release the old body. Most days some light dumbbells. Some days the treadmill.
Check email and text, start my first blog post of the morning.
Look at the sunrise if there is one. Listen to the wildlife outside if it’s not winter.
I usually turn on the TV but try not to sit in front of it. Sometimes music which I’m trying to make more the norm.
Pretty much every morning I’ll write my kids a short email.
A good morning to my better half.
I’ll look around my office and change something. Then to the to-do list and update.
I’m trying to remember to watch or read something funny to start the day.
A lot of us have been waiting for spring. It’s been a fight but were ready to break out and enjoy this 82-degree last day of March. So be gone winter and cold temps and salt on the roads. I hope to spend the day outside enjoying it.
Which aspects do you think makes a person unique? – Asks the daily prompt.
In some ways, just about everything about us is unique. Appearance, speech, mannerisms, smell, taste, interpretation and more. And in some ways, we are all the same.
Everyone laughs, just a little differently and maybe sometimes at different things. How a person grieves is unique. A lot of it may look the same but it’s personal to that individual and them only. The memory of that event will be their own and different from yours. The way we experience things is unique.
That is what makes all our interactions so special because other people can’t replicate it.
That is something AI can’t replace – our uniqueness.
We are like leaves on a tree, looking the same, but no two alike. Headstones all similar, yet a different story underneath each.
I also answered this question in a previous post 2 years ago called Uniqueness.
Good luck climbing over this gate. Maybe you can float over it when the water starts to rise. Or guess the combination.
When I retired, Mondays stopped being an issue. I hope that continues to be the case. It’s no different than any other day of the week. No dread of the beginning of another workweek. No morning commute. No stress of a boss and his follies. Well, it wasn’t my bosses. It was usually the people over them that were the issue.
Sorry I digressed. We are past that trauma. So, onto appreciating another fine start to the day. Something that I always didn’t consider when stressed or concentrating on other priorities of the day. Now I’m more relaxed and thankful that I have another day where I set the priorities.
And the priorities today are keeping a smile on my face and finishing a few art projects. I don’t know why but I feel different this day. Like I might be regaining some sense of control again. Been lacking a little energy lately but I feel it returning. Maybe putting the headphones on and getting into some positive thoughts have me buzzing.
I took advantage of the power and did some weightlifting this morning. I’ve been reading where that is more important in your senior years to keep that muscle strength and tone. Nothing serious just some dumbbells and bands.
I’ve got to download some bird shooting I did yesterday. Sent my kids the morning greetings and wish them a good week.
My better half did a good job cleaning up some of the basement and I have to follow suit and pick up my area. We have company coming this weekend, so I have to pretend I’m not sloppy.
But the main objective today is to detail the go-cart. I’m going to celebrate it’ 10th year anniversary a day early tomorrow being it’s going to be sunny and 80 degrees. That is a top-down cruising day if I’ve ever seen one on the horizon. I’m going out to burn some $5 a gallon fossil fuel and have a great time on some back roads and cruising towns.
And I can’t have a dirty car for the club meeting a week from today.
But first a trip to the hardware store.
The daily prompt asks – If you could have something named after you, what would it be?
I answered this same question in a post 2 years ago titled Named and its one I’m going to have trouble topping today with an update. So, I’ll just have a little fun today.
I’ll start this list with Mike’s Snowball. Cherry with vanilla ice cream in the middle.
This one is from my past. A drink called Judges Juice – 151 Rum with a splash of cherry coke and 2 maraschino cherries.
After I finished styling my Miata, they could call it Mike’s Miata Madness
I’d like to have that Chuck Berry duck walk named after me. Call it the Hartley Hustle. Okay, Chuck Berry, some of you might not be familiar with so I’ll try to give another reference even though they are pretty dated now. The guitarist for AC/DC Angus Young does a pretty good imitation of it. I’ve been known to do the imitation on occasion.
I bet Alfred Nobel would give up his name on the Peace Prize if someone could bring about PEACE in this world. Jeez, when will we stop killing each other. Sorry, got a bit melancholy there, I was listening to Aerosmith Seasons of Wither.
Wildlife is always visiting my home. From deer to woodchucks and hawks and squirrels and rabbits. I guess just about anything outside in this region is sometime passing through, hunting or living in my yard. I like seeing them all. A pair of foxes were chasing each other and screaming and occasionally catching and playing with each other.
Last evening I had 10 deer in my backyard.
Living in harmony with our natural habitat is important to all of us. I guess I could be asking a bit much. We are having trouble living in harmony with each other.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Another early but slow start to the day. There was one victory though. The John Deere tractor started up for what I think is either the 27th or 28th year of service. I was smart and took the battery out for the winter and had charged it indoors. I sent a video of it cranking up for my grandson who loves to ride it and has asked all winter long if he could get on it.
It has been a productive afternoon. Making some progress on chores and my hobbies. Started sanding a wooden heart earlier. Also moving some images to the photo site and this evening I hope to crank up the printer and cover a few empty spots on my office walls.
My back is starting to talk to me so I’m going to put in another hour or two and call it a day on the heavy stuff.
I saw a note in another post about it being Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. I’m aware of it because I had it. Well, it had part of me to be correct. A good reminder for myself to make a few donations to my favorite cancer organizations.
The daily prompt asks – What Makes you Laugh?
Wow, lots of things thankfully.
I’ll start with life in general. Hundreds of things make me laugh each day. Even when I’m sad, I sometimes shake my head and laugh.
My family, especially my children and grandchildren, make me laugh. My friends certainly make me laugh.
Comedians make me laugh. Cartoons make me laugh, comics make me laugh and stupid things make me laugh. Nature sometimes makes me laugh. Politicians make me laugh.
The actual what is even more of a list that is too big for one post. I guess the power to see humor and sometimes share in making others laugh is a nice trait to have.
I do know I’m thankful laughter has been such a big part of my life. It’s saved me several times from traumatic events and troubled times. Laughter is a survival skill at times in life.
Is the orange one flaming out? Could be, it looks like the ship is taking on water and listing badly. I salute those showing up today at the No Kings Rally.
I was going to go to the local one here, but my body is not cooperating. Cold weather and wind are not a combo that is going to untwist my body. My daughter is representing in DC today. I may change my mind. I’m hitting the shower now. The local one starts at 1pm.
Don’t worry, I’ll be very involved in change this year. Including my vote and support for anything that is opposed to the current cult and moving the country forward instead of backwards.
A post called To Be or Not to Be – answered the question posed today – When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I just reread it and recalled a few more memories from that young age. Some of it difficult. I have a lot of trouble remembering some of my early years. I wish I could figure it out. I’m not sure if the troubling memories keep overriding other positive ones or what it is.
5 years old was probably the year I started hanging out with Rusty, Billy and Brad because we had just moved to the neighborhood the year before. Sports, bikes, playing in the woods and games were our common thread.
To be honest, I don’t think any 5-year-old knows what the hell they want to be other than having fun with friends and being part of a family. I know I liked to play baseball a lot then and remember having a bat that was too big for me.
Gooood morninggggggg Vietnam. I just love that line from Robin Williams in the movie by the same name. No, I don’t like war and I don’t find myself happy in the one were in now. But onward to making it a good day.
It’s early morning and I’ve got to find a bright spot like a sunrise I captured years ago that I’ll use for inspiration because there won’t be one visible this morning in central Maryland.
I see a lot of opportunities for growth today. Then again, I’m having trouble seeing because the lighting SUCKS in parts of this house. The fixture in my workroom just went out and I was hoping to do some carving today because my better half just gave me some blocks that will be nice to experiment with. Maybe outside if the rain stops.
Well, back to the opportunities.
What’s something most people don’t understand? – An interesting thought and question from the daily prompt.
I revisited a list on this question I did 2 years ago, and I think the following are still true.
But as always, I’ll try to update this with hopes I’ve learned something more after 2 years.
And some people don’t understand the sound of the waves is all some people want to hear.
It’s exciting putting the deck and patio chairs out again. Watching my neighbors working in their garden, looking at the fully charged mower battery I need to reinstall. All brings a smile to my face.
I love having some property but it’s a good bit of work. Which reminds me I should stop at the local hardware and get some more crabgrass killer. The never-ending battle with mother nature. Most of our neighbors have yard and landscape services. Notice to crooks, you should be able to tell the difference, those are the homes with money.
The thought of a smaller yard is nice, but I like my space. This little garden above is found along Church Road in Ellicott City. My back aches a bit from trimming trees and the last hour of picking up branches and sticks that have fallen without my assistance.
It’s so nice to see people outside again. Talking for periods of time instead of the quick helloes between shivering from the car to the front door.
Almost time to kick back and watch the beginning of the second round of March Madness and plug in the heating pad.
I’m always looking for a unique or special angle that highlights the wonderful design of automotive or motorcycling styling. It’s a quest I’m going to get better at, this year. I just hope people are out and about with their rides.
In another hour or two the temps here will pass 70 degrees and then I’ll be looking for my keys. I’m going out now to take the cover off my go-cart.
I look at the style of today’s cars, and it doesn’t excite me much. Maybe because everything is a pickup or SUV on the highways. In reviewing the Car and Driver 2026 Editor’s Choice the Best New Cars, Trucks, SUV’s, Vans, Wagons I find very little difference till you get to the Sports Car section and even some of those are getting close.
Luckily the classic car community is alive and well and I’m looking forward to an active 2026 blinded by chrome, overcome by burnt high octane fuel, hearing gone as the V8s roar to life and speechless at the beauty of some of the restorations.
Just one of the many adventures to take advantage of in spring, summer and fall and bring to this blog.
Chrome, a V8 and blue sky. Not a bad combination. I sense a good driving day today. And I saw a gift card on my desk for our local ice cream venue that I’ll use in the warmth of the day. It’s also a good spot to watch cars cruise Route 40. Not that it’s a hot spot but if it’s a nice day out there will be some rides strutting their stuff.
My little go-cart gets some looks when it’s clean. Which it is most of the time. I didn’t buy it for the looks it gets though. I was pretty set in my thinking that I wanted a high horsepower V8. Like a Dodge Challenger. But I had seen the Miata at the car show over the winter, and it caught my eye.
I kind of went to the dealership with the mindset I’ll rule this out and then go get what I want but from the time I saw it in the showroom and the color I had to sit in it. I loved the interior; it was so snug. Then the salesman said let me pull it outside for a ride.
Well, that did it. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face and every time I sit in it it’s like taking that first test drive. I didn’t even go to the Dodge dealership. I bought the car that day and it just might be the last car I own. Well, my car at least. We will have to replace my better half’s SUV sooner or later.
In another week it will be 10 years old. As the dealer notified me my factory warranty is expiring. It’s still totally stock. The dealership would love it because it’s only got 60K on it. Just for grips and grins I called and was connected with a very helpful person who went over the details and cost of the 5-year 60K-mile extended warranty. A total cost of $5180.00 is something I can’t consider and I’ll detail why.
I’ve had several Mazda’s over decades and luckily, they all have been reliable and low maintenance. The warranty doesn’t cover regular maintenance. Each visit for covered items is $100. Now if they find multiple things it’s still just 100.
This car is in cherry condition. I keep it covered, clean and maintained. I’ve driven it very easy so far. So, in my mind this is like giving away my money for something that won’t be needed.
There is a also the fact that it would have to remain stock over the next 5 years. And while I love it now, I’m going to love it better with a slightly better exhaust note when I change the axle back parts. And if I keep going to these club meetings, I’m going to be tempted to lower it just slightly. All which would be a no-no with a warranty.
I’m going to call her back because she was helpful and give her the reasons, I’m not going to take it and thank her for the time. If it was only $2k I might have thought about it and kept it stock for another 5 years.
I’d rather put the 5-6 thousand into modifications. Funny how that is how much a Supercharger cost.
How has technology changed your job? – Asks the daily prompt.
I used to be a techy. Technology constantly made changes to my career in publishing. It came fast and furious and was exciting as hell to try to keep up with or set the trend.
Being over two years into retirement the changes I used to have to keep up with have passed. I’ve had to learn about E-tickets and Apple wallet. I’ve still to fully explore my navigation system in my car because most of the time I don’t care or I know where I’m going.
I’m getting away from tech, not because I’m scared of change or can’t learn new things. I just prefer a simpler life. Connecting with people in person instead of computer or phone. Not that I don’t like meeting people or having correspondence at all, it’s just not as special as seeing someone smile when they see you or a warm hug or handshake. That feeling will never be replicated online.
I guess one of my jobs in the future is maybe learning the technology of cornering mechanics and driving skills. I’ve been thinking of doing some autocross in the future. Or maybe some track time.
I guess the largest tech interactions I have are with my camera now. That is until my grandchildren start getting into in and I’ll have to learn again to keep up with them.
The E-bike or Electric Bicycle is something that I’m seeing a lot more of. Being older maybe it’s something I should consider. My better half enjoys riding bikes at the beach. We’ve ridden with friends on Kent Island. I like riding also and have been pondering a trip to the local bike store to check out various rides.
I don’t think I’m interested in an e-bike though. I like exercise. I don’t plan on riding much around here anyway. Too much traffic for me. Maybe some trails or parks.
So that means a bike rack to take us to our destinations, which is fine. I’d rather enjoy the experience than be run over.
I’ll have to add this to the list of things to do this afternoon.
The daily prompt asks – How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?
The answer used to be rarely, but I’ve grown much better at it. I’m finding a much better balance now and I’m happier for it. Saying no is an important part of life. Following your goals is an important part of life.
But remember when you say no, do it politely. No thank you.
No mam, you cannot chase the lifeguards.
What’s not to like. The Chesapeake Bay, markers for crab pots and Annapolis on the horizon at sunset. I can’t wait to get back to the bay and ocean soon.
I thought about going to the local airport where ICE is deployed. Seeing how many ICE guys I could round up and talk to in one spot and say follow me boys you have come to the right spot finally. The DE-ICING Machines are right out on the runway waiting for you.
Random Thoughts of the Day
So is a fence. I’ve never been big into fences. I had one around the pool but that was mandatory. And not having the pool any longer when this fence has seen its day it won’t be replaced. Then again, you never know who is going to move in next door, so I won’t take it off the list of possibilities in the future.
It’s a good start to a Tuesday so far. Feeling better physically and will see some friends today. And big plans for my hobbies later. Hopefully downloading and editing the days shooting, working on some illustrations and maybe even grabbing a brush with some paint on it.
It’s time to get on my feet and get moving. Have a good morning, all.
The daily prompt wants to know – What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had?
I wish I had the secret skill that allowed me to work harder to achieve more skills and abilities. Because I’m old enough to know you don’t get them by wishing.
Some other thoughts.
I’ve thought about doing a series of low angle shooting. My back doesn’t care for it, but I should power through.
Both the mind and body are restless this Monday morning. I feel like I should be doing a lot more. At the same time, I’m tired. I’m struggling to find the right words. I’m not picking up the camera as often as I’d like. I do that when I’m blocked creatively. I’ve got to change this week and get back into the grove.
It’s not like I didn’t have a great weekend. I certainly did and I did accomplish a good bit around the home and yard. And most importantly, time with family and friends.
So, the morning rain has passed, or at least that is my understanding. Still kind of cloudy so lights are still on at this home and other spots.
I have to flip my switch and get busy. And no time like the present.
Random Thoughts of the Day
What is my favorite type of weather? – Asks the daily prompt.
Sunny and hot. 80-90 degrees and I’m not opposed to 95 degrees. Above that limits my time outside unless I’m in the water.
I live for summer. Yesterday was a nice teaser of the coming season. But first we must make it through spring and that is usually a up and down ride.
I also like to watch lightning. I’ve got to get out and capture more of it this season.
What a beautiful day in Central Maryland. Being outside in shorts and a tee shirt is sweet. Our local snowball stand was drawing a crowd all day. I’ll go tomorrow when it’s cooler and everyone is back at work.
Felt good to stay busy and active today. In walking the yard and picking up sticks I noticed 2 things. There is a mole, maybe a family or one that is on a mission in my front yard. Second, is the grass is greening up quickly and growing. If it cools off again it might slow it a bit but no more than first weekend in April it will need a cut.
So therefore, motor maintenance is needed on all the tools. I have all the oil and filters. I do need to check the blades. That will be on this week’s agenda.
Feeling like I accomplished a lot today and fit in a few minutes of fun in the Miata for a short ride. About to throw the cover on it before the rains tonight.
It would be nice to be at peace as this sunset is.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Happiness is sometimes an elusive thing. But when you are, you know it.
Today has started off well with the recharge with the family yesterday still providing a smile to my face. The anticipation of a beautiful day outside and a good week ahead.
Who was your most influential teacher? Why? – Asks the daily prompt.
I answered the same question 2 years ago with a post called Teach and not much has changed since then. All those answers are still true.
So today I’ll answer this question a bit differently. I think I’ll list some things that hopefully I’ve taught others along the way.
One thing that won’t need to be taught anymore is being a pressman. I hear the Washington Post is shutting down its Springfield Plant at the end of the year. That will spell the end of the 8 presses they purchased (4 for each plant) in 1995 for $250 million. I started out in Engraving rooms and learned a bit on an old 9-unit Goss press.
The things below are monsters compared to what I learned on.
Funny how a newspaper won’t even be in my grandchildren’s vocabulary in the future apart from me boring them with my history.
You can find some real characters on the beach. I guess that is why I feel so comfortable there. I’m one of them.
Yep, it didn’t take much. I had the top down on the car a few times this week and now all I’m thinking of is getting to the beach a lot this year.
By a quick calculation of mileage and cost per gallon, it’s going to be about $60 per trip. That’s what I get for driving a car that runs on high octane. Good thing the mileage is great.
No problem, counting down the days until I have sand between my toes.