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.
The daily prompt asks – What do you wish you could do more every day?
I thought I remembered this question from a while back and found my answers (in the first batch below) to be pretty similar to what I would still pick today a few years later into retirement.
I’ll update and add a few things to the old list.
Sometimes when I’m feeling blue, I hit a creative wall. Not unlike this one found in Ellicott City.
Seems like we’re going down a path that wasn’t the wisest choice AGAIN. A bit over a year into this mess it keeps getting worse, and like the current war the end is not in sight. The two meanings of Down the Tubes I found are, wasted and unrecoverable and deterioration or failure. Either case it’s bad.
From what I see and hear, most countries think the reputation of the United States is stained badly and may be unrecoverable depending on the continued damage done to it. We certainly have spawned a new generation of terrorist at a minimum.
We are struggling to get a grip on ourselves and take back power from a narcissist toddler who has never been told NO. Well, he is going to hear it soon and it’s not going to be pleasant because till now it’s been his way or the highway.
I don’t know how long the struggle will take. I don’t know if he will be like Hitler and just try to burn this country down if it doesn’t follow his ideology. I don’t know how ugly it will be between now and then. But somehow, I feel majority rule will play out even if he tries to fix the midterm elections.
The drama may end quickly with a whimper. Or it could go out in a civil war over a long period. Our choice. One thing we need to remember, well those in the US. We are all Americans.
This is an easy question to answer from the daily prompt. – What tattoo do you want and where would you put it?
First off, I have nothing against tattoos or other body art. To each their own. I consider myself an artist. I like finding new canvases. But I have no desire to get a tattoo. I was given this body with all its imperfections, and I’ll keep it that way because I’m fine with it and I like myself just the way I was made.
I’ve grown my hair long a few times. I’ve had a beard most of my life. My hair is starting to grey, well in some areas it’s grey and I have no desire to switch my hair color back. I have no desire to replace where it’s starting to thin a bit. I am what and who I am.
I’m also a believer in buyer beware. Age changes our bodies. So maybe the name of this tattoo shop is appropriately named for some choices. (Time Bomb Tattoos)
There are lots of layers to our lives. Sometimes parts of us hold up remarkably well and others become quite weathered. In some ways I think I’m just beginning to scratch the surface of my senior years. So maybe time for a new roof and siding. Nah, what the hell, I’ve gone thought life with this coat on, why change now.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt wants to know – What is the one word that describes you?
In a post titled Tough Question, I answered this with the word Considerate two years ago.
So, being they asked again I’ll try to pick another word that describes me. Well, it’s one word but I’m going to make it two. The answer would be Dad and Papa. I had no idea how important those words would be early in my life. But they are the things I’m proudest of in my lifetime.
I never got a chance to know if my father was proud of me as a son and father. I hope he is.
I’m ready for Spring. Ready for merchants to put up the outside umbrella’s and prepare to throw some shade for us outside dining patrons. Come on Mother Nature, I know you have some warm temps saved up for us.
I think I’m ready for what life throws at me when I’m not. That’s okay, I’m adapting. Life is about adapting to change.
I’m ready to watch a live sunrise at the beach instead of on webcam. Even though it was a beautiful one this morning.
I’m ready for March Madness.
I’m ready for a loved one’s birthday.
I’m ready for some rest because I’m tired mentally.
What was the best compliment you’ve received? – A fairly simple question from the daily prompt.
I’m not sure which is exactly the best, but when my children say I love you Dad or my grandchildren say I love you, Papa from doing something for them, that is the best. It can be as simple as sharing a snack with the young ones or sharing a meal with the kids. Usually with the young ones, it’s from spending time playing with them. Or the kids saying thanks for our family week at the beach.
When friends belly laughs at my humor that’s a great compliment. When a friend tells me years later how important some photos I took and gave him are to him.
I haven’t been on the professional side for a while now, but I used to like when managers were perplexed in how I saw systems in trouble so early or how I fixed things so fast at times. Or when we discovered fixes that weren’t in the manual or tech data in the early years before the internet. I remember vendors coming to us at times to see what and how we were using their equipment or software.
A Happy St Patrick’s Day to those who enjoy celebrating the wearing of the green. My mother liked St Patrick’s day a lot. She visited Ireland several times. I’m going to have to organize her photos from there someday. Maybe when I finish organizing my own.
Despite the temps feeling below freezing today, I hope to venture out and maybe catch some of the green spirit through my camera lens.
I also hope to spend part of the day interacting with the blogging community which I’ve been neglecting the past few days. I have some reading and viewing to catch up on.
I guess the luck of the green was with us yesterday and this morning. Just a few power hits for a few minutes each, some large branches crashing in the woods behind us and a lot more small ones to pick up in the yard. I hope everyone was also safe and sound from the storms that rolled east.
I think I’ll test my luck today at the new burrito place down the road. I know, it’s not Irish. I’ll go order some Reuben Egg Rolls from Oscars later.
The daily prompt asks – You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?
Now that life grants me time to be choosy about transportation I would like to take the train. Yes, it’s a longer journey than by plane but I’d like to see more of this country and I’m not going to do it from 35 thousand feet.
I would never go by bus. I love to drive so a car is possible. If I was a young man again, I would consider a motorcycle.
The Museum of Howard County History below. A nice structure for sure. But what drew my eye upward was the huge buzzard that just landed at the top of the tree next to the spire.
I like shooting in Ellicott City. It’s full of good spots to try. I should take a building like this and just try to get creative with it.
It’s a town full of hills. I’ve hiked just about all of them.
I think I’ll head down there tomorrow if the sun is out and capture a few fresh images.
I have a feeling our power is about to be out for a bit. Especially with 7-8 outages last week. These storm warnings look particularly strong for later this morning and especially the afternoon. And I got to thinking about what I can do when the power goes out.
You know, I think I’ll do those things if I do have power also.
I was out shooting some homes the other day and ran across something unusual. I’m guessing it’s an old mile marker showing its 20 miles to Baltimore from this spot. Found along Rt 99 just west of Marriottsville Road.
When I saw this, I thought of how we used to navigate in the old days. Old days being when I grew up in the 50s and 60s. My parents used maps. Big bulky things that could stretch across the entire front windshield if unfolded completely. Or the good old AAA TripTik. A much more user-friendly guide to your destination.
Ah another memory from the past, the Rand McNally Road Atlas map books.
I’ve always had the knack of being able to remember a destination and route if I’d been there once before regardless of the time between. Age is taking its toll now though and that memory isn’t as good as it used to be. So maybe these will come in handy again.
Who is the most confident person you know? – I answered this 2 years ago in a post called TIE and not much has changed. My two best friends are the most confident people I know.
I’ve known some people that are very confident and shouldn’t be. I’ve been overconfident myself at times and I guard against it now.
I love seeing a child ride a bike for the first time on their own and seeing that confidence take over their face and body.
Just took another power hit to the neighborhood and the storms have yet to begin. I guess they are getting us ready for what is to come. No disrespect to the hard-working men and women linemen out there in nasty conditions restoring power.
I’m going to prepare a few posts and schedule them today for the next 3 days. If I have power, I’ll do fresh ones. If not, it will keep my daily streak going. The streak really isn’t that important but it’s kind of nice to keep rolling if I can. Plus, I’m trying to finish up some old drafts I’ve found that might be worth the light of day soon.
I’ve been outside securing lose items. Weighing down others. Brought a few things inside. I need to bring in some wood when the temps dip if the power goes out. With an inch and a half of rain coming and those winds not much is going to stay dry.
Back to my earlier start to the day. About 3:30am I believe, was the rise and shine. Well, I’ve got the rising part down. Let’s see what I can help shine today.
Yesterday morning, brought some early spring color to my backyard.
I noticed the grass starting to recover and start to green along with some sprouts in the garden recently.
The migration north of our feathered friends will add to the spring palette of color. I’ve got to remember to bring my monopod inside. Shooting handheld at distance is hit and miss. Especially with back spasms going on.
I’m so ready for spring but this month’s forecast isn’t looking that positive for central Maryland. No problem, I’ll just extend my hibernation season.
Random Thoughts of the Day
What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings? – An interesting question that we all should ponder.
Music helps me with negative feelings. So does driving my Miata. Writing or photography helps at times. Exercise helps a little but not much. Watch some comedy clips. Call a friend to laugh with. Sometimes though, being alone to sort through things is what I need.
I have gotten better at turning around negative feelings more quickly than in the past. A best friend reminds me that you can’t control what happens to you always, but you can control how you react/respond to it.
How you respond sometime is even more important than what causes negativity to enter your life. I’m glad my friend reminds me of this every so often in our conversations. We’re pretty good at picking up when each other struggles.
Thinking about the late start I got on the day both here blogging and in general and I don’t like it. I did get a little rest, but it was a fight and one I’m not sure which side I came out on. At least it was more rest than some nights this week.
I’ll just have to work a little harder, a little longer into the day today. I’ve already got a few shots I liked earlier of some winged wildlife returning to the area. Also cooked up some bacon for breakfast and vacuumed the basement.
The afternoon is free, so I’ll do a little more photography and work on editing some shots I took yesterday and early this morning.
I should get cruising and set out to the sea that is today. To celebrate the peaks and troughs of the waves of life and get to work on the above mission. Either that or kick back and watch some basketball on the heating pad.
Random Thoughts of the Day
What activities do you lose yourself in? – Asks the daily prompt.
Photography and writing are two that I currently lose myself in. Being it’s March Madness that is certainly an activity that I dive headlong into for about 3 weeks.
Last night I lost myself in fighting pain and trying to sleep. I’d say that activity was a draw at best.
I can look at my better half all day long and get lost in that beauty.
I certainly can get lost playing with grandchildren.
And I can’t leave this one out because it’s one of my favorite things to get lost in. My Miata is a driving experience that I regularly get lost in, but I have the nav system to get me back to where I need to be.
I get absorbed in car shows. I used to lose myself on my bike, but that activity is gone.
A beautiful start to the week quickly changed on Wednesday and Thursday. Mid 80s and sunshine to tornado warnings and maybe a glancing blow from one to rain and then snow and temps in the 20s. And here we are on Friday the 13th and we have sunny and 40 degrees. So, like a drunk leaving a bar at closing, we are all over the place.
I don’t have a real good spot for storms coming. Took these from my deck.
We lost power 4-5x Wednesday night but only for short periods.
And 2 more power outages on Thursday morning that were a little longer in duration but nothing bad.
If it’s not a problem Mother Nature, could we have a calm weekend please.
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times? – Asks the daily prompt.
I answered this question a few years ago in a post called Watched. And I don’t like being redundant and have nothing new to add.
So, what else entertainment wise have I done more than 5x?
Ah, – What groups live, have I seen more than 5 times? Well, most of this is going to date back to some older decades but here it goes.
I know I’ve seen The Who at least 5x. Also used to go to a lot of Jethro Tull and Bad Company shows, at least 5 for them. Maybe RUSH and The Doobie Brothers also.
Bands I’ve seen at least once that I would have loved to see 5 or more times. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eagles, Santana, Aerosmith, Yes, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, Frank Zappa, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Van Halen, Little Feat, Kansas,
Bands I’ve never seen but would love to see 5x – The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Genesis, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, The Allman Brothers, The Blues Brothers, The Grateful Dead, AC/DC, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Queen, and Metallica.
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.
Down and Out, Doors this week. I ran out of time this week again. I had an idea for some interesting doors but only got one of them, but on the way home passed a few doors that looked like they were on their last legs.
Next week I’ll have something more appealing to share.
Seeing old homes falling apart or in on themselves are sad.
Sometimes the door is the last thing standing.
My Garden is my family and friends.
I was listening to a song this morning called The Garden by RUSH and I really loved the song’s lyrics. In addition to being a great drummer he wrote some wonderful lyrics.
In this one of many possible worlds
All for the best, or some bizarre test
It is what it is, and whatever
Time is still the infinite jest
The arrow flies when you dream
The hours tick away
The cells take away
The Watchmaker keeps to his schemes
The hours tick away
They tick away
The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
So hard to earn, so easily burned
The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
So hard to earn, so easily burned
In the fullness of time
A garden to nurture and protect
In the rise and the set of the sun
‘Til the stars go spinning, spinning round the night
Oh, it is what is it is, and forever
Each moment, a memory in flight
The arrow flies while you dream
The hours tick away
The cells tick away
The Watchmaker has time up his sleeve
The hours tick away
They tick away
The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
So hard to earn, so easily burned
In the fullness of time
A garden to nurture and protect (it’s a measure of a life)
The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
The way you live, the gifts that you give
In the fullness of time is the only return that you expect
The future disappears into memory
With only a moment between
Forever dwells in that moment
Hope is what remains to be seen
Forever dwells in that moment
Hope is what remains to be seen
In the fullness of time a garden to nurture and protect (it’s a measure of a life)
In the fullness of time a garden to nurture and protect (it’s a measure of a life)
In the fullness of time a garden to nurture and protect (it’s a measure of a life)
In the fullness of time a garden to nurture and protect
It’s a measure of a life
It’s a measure of a life
It’s a measure of a life
It’s a measure of a life
The daily prompt asks me – Are you superstitious?
I answered this question 2 years ago in a post called Nope. I reread it and really don’t have anything to add.
I do believe that your spirit can live on through others if you have had the right impact.
I had the annual eye exam this morning and there has been no substantial changes which is nice to hear a doctor say. I didn’t think much had changed but I didn’t think I needed glasses till I got them either. What a relief to hear a doctor say you’re good for another year. Now if I can get the rest of them on board with this attitude.
I’ve gotten used to wearing glasses. I always keep a pair nearby.
Low and behold it’s MARCH MADNESS time. And Maryland made it by the first round of the Big 10 Tournament and played again today so that had my attention for a few hours. One of my two best friends and I watched the last game of the season.
Tonight, I’m getting away from this box and trying my hand at some painting. This afternoon I spent working in the yard but hope to put in a few hours editing images before calling it a night on this system.
Saturday resumes the biggest area car show/meet and I’ll probably attend that for an hour or two. The weather isn’t going to be that warm that day so attendance might not be what the summer months bring. Plus, it will give me a chance to grab a sandwich from the sponsor of the event Mikey and Mel’s Deli.
Which animal would you compare yourself to and why? – Another question I’m not really into from the daily prompt.
Okay, I’ll play along for a second. – The first thing that came to mind was a racoon. I’m usually up and about at night. I’m curious and resourceful. I like to play and have fun. I’m a problem solver at times.
It’s also a Beatles song I kinda like Rocky Racoon
I love animals. I hate it when I see them treated poorly. What we do to our environment is harmful to most animals. We complain when we see them in our over developed neighborhoods. I guess they missed the redevelopment planning/zoning meetings.
I try to live in harmony with animals and respect them.
Deliver everything. How friggen lazy have we gotten. I’ve never used Door Dash or Uber Eats or many other delivery services. We will drive to pick up our carry-out. Yes, we have deliveries. From Amazon which does not make me happy because I’m no Jeff Bezos fan.
I find it amazing how fast our society has transitioned to buying online. You can see it caught a lot of people off guard, like the ones who own all those shopping malls and strip centers and invested in building more. These are now great spaces for car groups to meet up or seasonal carnivals. Huge empty parking lots and empty buildings.
It spurred a whole new industry, porch pirates. It’s certainly put more, not less trucks on the roads. It’s further reduced human contact and experiences. I bet it increased the use of fossil fuels, think of all the people ordering one or two items at a time. How many times did you go shopping and just get one or two things. You picked up what you needed for a while. You thought and you made a list. Now it’s when the whim strikes.
Not to mention the manipulation that goes into online buying.
Oh, and online ticketing is very uncomfortable to me. I like physical tickets. I don’t want to be forced to take my phone to an event. And that uncomfortable feeling if my phone were to die.
If you think we reduced our destruction of forest for the newspaper industry which is disappearing, for the most part guess again. It has been replaced by the cardboard box industry.
Yes, it has a lot of great advantages for the elderly, disabled and those needing meds fast and many other things. But I liked running into neighbors or old friends at the store or parking lot. Yeah, I’m older so I’m not with this because I think I experienced something better and now it’s getting lost.
You’re NEVER NEVER going to see me buying a car online. If I can’t get the dealer to flip me the key and let me test that stick shift it’s NEVER NEVER going to be a deal.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Just went looking around for someone else who is up. Didn’t find anyone. Pretty normal for this time of night. No problem, I’m an expert at entertaining myself. Loneliness is not possible when there is always me myself and I to have a group chat with. I’ve always been a bunch of mixed-up personalities anyway.
Just put the headphones on so I won’t disturb those resting. I needed some music this morning. Was a bit down last night and fell asleep early so I’m up early. What a tangled mess I weave. Music is helping as it always does, getting my thoughts moving in a more positive direction.
Funny I just had a flashback to when I worked a shift where I was getting off work around 3-4am in the morning and those drives home on hot summer nights were great. The pinnacle of NO TRAFFIC. Once I cleared the city line and got onto the highway, I would crank up the volume on my favorite songs and just cruise along at the speed limit or less because of all the wildlife out at that time.
Those were some of the most relaxing rides imaginable. Just having completed a long shift. The dark, quiet and empty highways. Yeah, there was the occasional drunk who finally found his/her keys an hour after the bar closed still trying to make it home. And yes, I used to see a lot of them. But for the most part it was a sweet trip.
Speaking of sweet trips. Today was a top-down day filled with country roads. Boy was it beautiful and did it feel good.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Write a letter to your 100-year-old self. – Now there is an interesting task from the daily prompt.
Dear Mike,
First, congratulations on your making it to the century mark. You are a medical miracle at this point and have defied just about everyone’s expectations.
Secondly it must have been great to have that last 30 or so years to fulfill our dreams. You had better finish a few books and of course built an incredible library of images and art.
I hope our better half is still by our side. Your great grandparents by now. I know you’re driving a stick shift of some kind, be it the old Miata you kept or the wheelchair you might be in.
Probably still rocking out to our old classic rock as you are the 3am hour of night like tonight.
You had better still be laughing as best possible and making others laugh.
I’m guessing you have had to endure some great losses along the way. I know you had losses throughout life. That must be tough not to have many if anyone left to share them with you.
If you’re getting this message, take a ride in this. You will both be 100 years old and still kicking. Look out at the ocean, remember your young self with your family on the beach and in the pool.
I ask for daily desk calendars usually for Xmas. The old Far Side ones are great and had me chuckling this morning. Anything that makes me laugh each day is great. I enjoy political cartoons and some of the older comic strips.
I’ll look at the daily comics occasionally and follow a few cartoonists online but it’s for the laugh. You have to laugh. And late in life, I’ve learned the more you know the more you can laugh at.
I loved watching Looney Tunes and Warner Brothers cartoons and still load the occasional YouTube clip to just sit in mindless enjoyment for a few minutes.
Sometimes I think someone could make a cartoon of some of my friends and my life. Just ask our wives, our logic is impeccable. Well maybe impeccably flawed most of the time but we make them laugh. And I mean we make them laugh hard sometimes. We are often called a bunch of characters by many. It’s certainly an animated group. Of course, the dialog boxes about the characters might not have enough room for all our banter.
But the important piece here is that you find something yourself, to help you smile, to elicit a laugh, to make you feel better.
I wrote this piece well before I took these photos, but I couldn’t resist combining two of my passions here.
Oh yeah, Coyote
And the winner is Road Runner
Watch your doors with this guy.
Where would you go on a shopping spree? – An interesting question from the daily prompt.
I’m not much of a shopper and never had the money to go on a spree. And if we did, we went for the kids.
Let’s see, what do I like shopping for? Classic cars are nice, always wanted one. So, I guess car shows is where I could pick and choose what I want. The one below would be more than fine.
Getting a nice camera, not that I’m embarrassed about what I use, it’s just not top of the line stuff. Anyway, it’s not the camera picking the subject matter or choosing the time to press the shutter.
But if I did have money to blow, I’d probably use it to make sure my kids and grandkids are better off or get them something special. And get my better half something nice.
Saw a friend out and we acknowledged each other. He’s not too talkative. Occasionally he has an attitude where he will stomp his foot which means I’m not in the mood for it today. Sometimes though he and others will stand there and let me yap at them. They will even resume grazing.
I won’t be strolling the next two days. I’ll be out strutting. I’ve been waiting all winter to get that top down on a nice day and stretch my legs in that Miata. Also, a nice long walk outside instead of the treadmill will be nice. I think I’ll get some carry-out also and have lunch outside. It’s been a while since that treat.
Random Thoughts of the Day
There are benefits to being a rather obscure blogger. I don’t get hate comments, so far. My grammar or images might not be the best that day, or many days. That’s fine with me because I’m learning by doing.
I’m fine with it because it’s kind of a selfish effort. I do it for me and anyone else who could get enjoyment out of it. Be it a laugh, an emotion from a picture. Or maybe a random thought that connects with someone.
I do it for my family so they might have something to reflect on later because I know they are too busy to keep up with this now.
I create in hopes that something comes together that fits in with the wonderful work I see others create with such ease and frequency.
I’ve been reminded through my professional career that it’s the journey that’s the fun part, not the destination. So, I’ll get my lunch pale, tools and gloves and get to work each day.
I’ve always liked to work. I don’t like to refer to my hobbies as work, but they are work. I devote time and effort to them just like a job. Just with a lot more personal passion and fun, mixed with the limitations of time being a senior citizen and busy grandparent.
Sometimes in life I’ve felt obscure, almost invisible. Lots of times actually. And the older I get the more that feeling seems to come around. I guess that is why I feel okay with it. I’m cool with doing my own thing and enjoying life as I cook it up each day.
I’m not into the question of the day – What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?
The only person who used my middle name was my mother and that is when she wasn’t happy with me. So that is all I have to say about my middle name.
Onto this thought then. – Days I spend with my grandchildren, I find life much clearer, fun, loving and simpler.
Waiting for your ship to come in? Referring to becoming successful or wealthy as the dictionary says. Not me, because I’m not interested in it either. I do feel successful in my own ways but not in a way society would judge as successful. And I have wealth but not the monetary kind.
I think I’m happier not chasing riches or fame. I’ve chased financial stability, which is also quite illusive, but never riches. Success is not measured by others. You have to be good with yourself. I bet if Michael Jordan had only given 50% effort and was still the best player in the game the success wouldn’t have been as sweet.
That term – waiting for your ship to come in – is one I think of when I see people playing the lottery or gambling. That ambition for much more. The disappointment when it doesn’t come. I’m drawn to that, but I know how dangerous that mindset is for me. So, I don’t gamble.
I refuse to do these betting apps or services. It’s too easy and too addictive. When I think about gambling, I think there is someone who is hungry, that could use a meal or sick and in need of a cure. So, I donate to those causes instead.
I don’t know where the right balance is. My current impression is that we swung too far the other way and have incorporated gambling and sports together and I worry that it could be the death of some sports when coaches, players, refs, owners get caught up in it. It’s just too much money for some people to pass up.
Many don’t even realize their ship has already come in with the gifts already received. That is kind of sad. One of the good things about not having it all is you appreciate what you have more. I look at some having it all in monetary wealth, as a burden.
Random Thoughts of the Early Morning
Good morning isn’t it wonderful to wake up to another day. I’m beginning to wonder if the sun is going to make an appearance again. Talk about your dark, foggy, wet dreary weeks. Here is hoping for much better days ahead.
I’m looking forward to getting to the beach before sunrise and laying in the sand or standing out on the rocks watching the day begin this spring, summer and fall.
I could spend the day looking out over the water.
I took my first Uber this year.
I’ve never watched UFC MMA fighting. But I love the sport of boxing.
I always had a beard because I like it. But the time and expense I save by not having to shave each day is a nice side benefit.
I like placing good memories in my children and grandchildren minds for all time.
When I retired, I dropped keeping up with technology like a hot potato.
Did you ever have a day without one problem? Me neither.
I used to like watching CBS.
I finished my first painting in decades this year.
I have the desire to ride a skateboard again, but the sense not to.
This has been a year of big changes. Keep’em coming.
Ignoring spell/grammar check at times, makes me feel powerful.
What is the last thing you learned? – asks the daily prompt.
I learned my energy bill was high again when it came yesterday. I learned that starting and ending the day with music is a positive way to go. I learned my expectations of people are far too great.
I didn’t answer the daily writing prompt till almost 11am this morning. Usually, I knock that out well before 6am. I was up early this morning at 12:30am but failed to do it before I went back to bed for a few hours at 6am.
Now I’m feeling better and I’m back in the swim. I’m getting my weight back under control. I got a little sloppy with sweets the last few weeks.
This is going to be a good year. A good start and hopefully a strong spring season ahead. I’m feeling a little more inspired today hopefully I can maintain that and make it a productive Friday.
There is a song by The Who called Who Are You. I find asking that of myself often. I think I’ve discovered it’s a journey of constantly finding out more about yourself. Just when I think I know myself pretty well, I’m amazed at finding something new. One might think by this age discoveries would be far and few between.
On the contrary, you’re tested more as you age into your senior years. You find courage and mental coping abilities you never suspected you would need. Challenges still are there every day plus some you didn’t count on.
I’m trying to embrace this stage of life. Mentally, I still feel very young. The grandkids seem to think so because they like playing with me. I’m trying to stay more active than I’ve been in years. I escape depressions faster. I’m still learning each day and figuring out what is important.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt asks – What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.
Would you like fries with that? No, I’m just kidding. This is a tough one for me because I like questions. They make me think. Hopefully I will have the answer to help someone. And in the process maybe learn something new myself.
Where do you want to go to dinner is up there but not a hate level, just dislike.
How are you feeling? The question is okay as long as the first answer I give is enough regardless of what it is. If I look like crap and I say I feel fine, please leave it at that.
How did your cancer test go? This is far too personal except for my family. Other people I know that have also survived I don’t even ask about tests. I ask how they are doing. If they want to share, I’m all ears but if they say fine or so far so good, I say great. I’ve had to tell my children 2 times that I’ve had cancer and that is one of the worst parts about it. I hope I never have to tell them that something is wrong 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.
Well, I missed posting on Thursday by 40 minutes but better late than never.
Life consumed me again this week. That and poor weather when the opportunity did rise has led me to the photo vault again this week. A mish mash of entrances. Some with an OPEN-DOOR Theme today.
On a trip about 16 years ago to Florida with my best friends, we visited the Navy Seal Museum in Fort Pierce.
This open door seems lost on Main Street traffic.
Doors of the Georgia Grace Cafe in Ellicott City.
I never ate at Bobby Van’s in Washington DC, but heard it was very good.
The Big Sale – No Sale
What’s behind door #2
Amazing it still goes up.
This season for the University of Maryland men’s basketball team hasn’t gone to well. It’s one of those years when I don’t get to pick them in a pool to go all the way again. I’ve been following them for 58 years, and they have made the tournament 31 years. We are used to sitting on the edge of our seats on selection Sunday to see where we are seeded in the tournament. We plan for the tournament games together. Not this year.
Last night was their next to last regular season game. And it didn’t go well against Wisconsin. The Badgers are 6th in the Big 10 and a lock to make the tournament with a 20-6 record entering the game.
Truth be told, Maryland is not out of it yet. They would have to with the Big 10 tournament, not being a gambler, I would still say the odds of that are off the charts. So, the likelihood of a much different March Madness this year looms. Oh, I’ll still watch the games because it’s still the most exciting thing in sport on TV.
My friends have been pretty hard on the new coach Buzz Williams this year. I hope to prove them wrong with a good season next year and remind them of their jump in judgement.
Well onto a new day and new challenges. I’m off to a good start with exercise. Also getting busy with some future plans for spring and summer.
Random Thoughts of the Day
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? – Asks the daily prompt.
I answered this question 2 years ago in a post titled – Righting Failure – but I’ll add a new one to the list.
Midway through my professional career I decided to go out on my own, with two partners and form our own business. It didn’t work out for me, and I felt like I failed. I wasn’t really suited for role I was playing. Starting over again from 40 years old is scary but I landed a great job at The Washington Post and spent the rest of my career there.
I just realized I have a lot of lists. I guess it’s a lot, it feels like a lot now that I’ve counted it. And even on those lists, there are sub-lists. Either I’m really organized or just a poor finisher who never completes anything and therefore list just grows.
The truth is somewhere between those two. I do complete and cross off a lot of stuff on my lists. But there is a lot of stuff on those lists still.
The lists are good. It’s a spot to come back to when you lose your way. Looking at them helps you sometimes prioritize better. Sometimes you have something on the list that one day you say, I don’t want to do that and remove it.
Lots of people use lists. I see a lot of them in the grocery stores and during holiday times. I see people walk into the auto repair shop with a list. You see people buying lunch for a team of people with a list.
Sometimes when I get to run errands, I’ll write myself a list, so I don’t skip by a needed stop.
I like it when we forget our list. Both my better half and I have called each other to take a picture of the list and text it to us because we left it on the counter and went out the door without it.
I guess people still ask for birthday and Christmas gift lists.
The List of my Lists
We need to get a list of fishing dates. It’s been many years since we have been out together.
I have no regular sleep pattern. I was doing okay for a while after retirement, but it didn’t last. I’m up all hours of the day and night. I nap mainly. An hour here, 2 hours there, maybe 3 or 4 hours when I actually get in bed. But no longer usually. I guess that works for me.
I wake up lots of times due to my restless mind. The majority are aches or spasm related that disturb my rest. Sounds also play a part in that because I guess I hear very well still.
I have no trouble falling asleep. But still, a few hours and I’m awake. I’m getting better at making use of the time instead of fighting it. And I think that is helping when I do lay down for some rest again. I’ve stopped being frustrated when I wake up.
Like this evening, I fell asleep around 9:30pm and woke at 1am and worked till 6:30am and then nap for another 3 hours.
There is still the occasional night, that I’m just up all night and sleep a few hours during the day.
Maybe after a certain number of years of working night shifts, you become part or wholly nocturnal.
Tonight, I will probably flip the script and stay up till 2-3am and then crash for 3-4 hours. I can’t wait till it warms up so this nocturnal creature can start venturing out at night again.
The daily prompt asks – You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence?
Wow you’re still alive!
I don’t know why I chose that sentence. Someone once said it to me, and it popped in my mind when I read the prompt. I never thought about writing an autobiography. In some ways when I think about writing one it is appealing. I don’t know how interesting my story would be. Lots of ups and downs. Lots to be thankful for. Lots of scars and pain. A lot like other people’s lives.
This doesn’t look like spring to me. Snow on Monday and Tuesday morning. Then freezing rain and then rain and now we have fog. At least the cover is on the car, and I don’t have to go anywhere if I choose not to. Not the start to March I was looking for.
Monday was both a productive and lazy day. A good start to the morning but I faded before lunch and took a nap. The late afternoon I’ve gotten very busy and I carried it into the early evening. Passed out at 9:30 and was up at 2am this morning having some fun.
I saw my daughters and granddaughters’ school was delayed 2 hours yesterday. Hopefully the last delay of the year for them.
Tuesday was productive editing photos, making more prints and uploading images. Felt tired and crashed early
Photography Thoughts of the Day
Always someone wants to climb the ladder higher. Some willing to step all over you. I’m glad to be out of that rat race. When I started off work it was much more team orientated. When I left it was like we were set up to compete against one another. A bit of a contrast but that is life, I guess.
I have a 28-foot ladder and that looks like only the second highest along this wall. Those taller ones are impressive.
I try to avoid ladders now but being a homeowner makes that impossible. The occasional cleaning of the gutter guards and power washing the siding require some ladder time. I’ve pretty much cleaned out the attic so no need to get up there. My better half doesn’t like me on ladders since one of our neighbors fell and passed.
I’m not climbing social ladders, I’m not climbing political ladders, I’m not climbing popularity ladders. I guess the climbing I do now is when I set the incline on the treadmill.
I’m walking much more this year and I’m feeling better for it. I’ve exceeded last year’s effort already and hope to increase my time as I go throughout the year. Most days my back feels better for it. At least I’m having more good days than not. Days when my back does ache, it’s sometimes difficult to get on the treadmill. And I usually limit the time those days.
Soon I’ll be outside again, and I’ll need to remind myself to watch the terrain a bit. Plus, the difference when I’m walking outside, is that I’m usually carrying a camera of some type.
Then there is the hiking walking when I choose that route, more inclines and dips, uneven footing even on worn trails. One thing I have to get this year is a harness strap vest for heavy cameras. I’ve seen a few that have one mounted on the middle of the chest and one on the hip. They look like they distribute the weight much better than just having a heavy camera around my neck which hurts both my neck and lower back after a while.
Today I’ve gotten a good start already having put an hour in on the treadmill.
Random Thoughts of the Day
What are three objects you couldn’t live without? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
At first, I really had a hard time thinking of objects I couldn’t live without. I don’t like to think there is any material thing I could live without. But really, it’s a good question to think about. Simple things like fires or natural disasters can take everything in the blink of an eye.
Thinking of losing everything and only keeping 3 things would be tough. So, you start to think about what isn’t replaceable. The little things over time from the grandkids, my own children, the little things my better half and I have done together and saved. The things we have saved from our parents that mean the world to us.
I’d be very depressed if I lost all my images, artwork and writing. I wanted to include this in the 3 but that would be selfish. I would go on living and creating new ones.
I really like my old Miata and driving that. But I lived without it. I grew up without all the digital devices we have today so I know I can live without them.
I guess I would have to pick 3 personal items. One of my mom and dad’s things I’ve kept. Maybe his burial flag and her scarf. Next would be a personal item from my life with my better half. Maybe the ring or a photo of us when we were young. Last would be a big chest of all the photos of the children and grandchildren we have from birth to now.
Saturday, I found the gift card I got for Xmas from my better half to the local pit beef stand called The Canopy. I had a taste for a pit beef sandwich with BBQ and tiger sauce on it, an order of fries and their coleslaw is great so an order of that also.
Sorry, I get excited about food. And we like The Canopy and have been going there for decades. My better half said her pit turkey sandwich was the best she’s ever had.
When Mission BBQ opened just a few hundred feet down the road a few years back, I thought this might be a serious challenge to them. But The Canopy seems as strong as ever though. I’d rather support local businesses than chains. Not that I haven’t been to Mission BBQ a few times.
I’ve got to come up with a few menu items for the coming week. I’d like to cook at least 2-3 dinners a week. This is a busy week coming up for my better half.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Is a week a week?
A new week, so says the calendar. I’m not really on a schedule, but so many others I interface with are on that work schedule which begins today. Mine has no beginning and end. It’s just when I decide to take a break.
It’s somewhat different not having that weekly reset. The weekly staff meeting reviewing last week’s work and the coming weeks ahead hasn’t been part of my life for a few years now.
Those short- and long-term goals list that the manager wanted is long gone and I just add and subtract as I want now. Nobody but myself reviews my performance.
I’ll always be wishing my children a good week ahead on Monday. Asking my better half what we have this week is still pretty much my routine. And wishing my best friends a good week at the job is a Monday habit even before I retired.
The shows on tv sometimes remind me of the day of the week. Doing the daily blog always keeps me aware of the date and day. But the further removed I get from that weekly cycle, the more relaxed and freer I feel.
So, while I wish you all a great week ahead, I’m taking it more day by day and seeing what life brings me.
I haven’t missed the commute back and forth to work at all. But I have become too much of a homebody and need to get out more.
In the background I hear the local news talking about possible snow. I’m going to keep a brighter outlook and ignore that nonsense. I can hibernate for a few more days if needed.
Photography Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt wants to know – What experiences in life helped you grow the most?
I answered this question two years ago in a post called GROW and those observations are still true today, but I’ll add a few more below.
Playing sports.
Building my deck.
A few people I respect told me they saw something special in me. That I was capable of greater things than my current state and position.
The experience of grandchildren has allowed me to really relish the wonderful parts of children again without all the stress of raising and supporting them all over again. Well, we do spoil our grandchildren, so I guess in some ways we still support them.
I spoke about retirement in the first post about this question. I was only 2 months into retirement at that point. Now 2 years later it’s the gift of time in life that I’ve realized is so special. I feel more like myself again, not a bundle of stress running from one thing to the next. Well, I still do that now but with a smile on my face, because I’m doing the things I love.
The textures and colors in driftwood appeal to me.
Pieces washed ashore in storms.
Soaking up sun after being adrift for so long.
Or basking in the shade.
And some seem to yearn to get back to the sea.
I got to spend the day with my son and grandson attending a University of Maryland basketball game and then having a meal together. What a great time that was. That little guy makes me feel so loved. He wanted me to carry him a lot today and he sat on my lap almost the entire game. And he wanted to sit by me for the meal. Of course I had to share my milkshake with him.
Unfortunately, Maryland didn’t win the game but I’m a winner today without a doubt. I hope I’m granted many more days together with all my children and grandchildren. This is a special week coming up also with another grandchild’s birthday celebration.
It’s also a week where the schedule is pretty open. We don’t get many of those weeks, so we had better take advantage of it. I know I’m making lots of plans already. Most of it is working on the hobbies.
Photography Thoughts of the Day
Some days are just like that. Where that old saying “fit to be tied” gets thrown around. Be it too many lose ends at the job or home. Or projects at a standstill. Or that bill you know you paid but they are claiming is overdue.
Is your body or mind fit to be tied? Not eating right. Not sleeping right. Too much stress. Zipping from one thing to another and then zipping back again.
Are you at the end of your rope. Having trouble hanging on. Does the climb look too great. Is the wind blowing you off course.
Well, hang on because that is just life. It’s what happens when you’re not having a good day. On the upside, you will have lots of company struggling with you.
I’ve always found it challenging to get out of a bind. To overcome a situation. To make that difficult payment over and over. To get over a loss.
But over time the sheer number of challenges takes its toll, and I find myself not wanting to deal with them as I used to.
The daily prompt asks if – Do you believe in fate/destiny?
Yes, I do. And at the same time, I believe that we are in control of a lot of things that affect our lives. I have a tee shirt that says – The Harder I Work The Luckier I Am.
I never dreamed of a career in publishing, but fate took me there in the way it started. I never dreamed of a beautiful wife and family, but destiny brought us together one night in a club almost 5 decades ago. So those are why I believe in both.
Only destiny would give you a 6-foot rabbit blowing bubbles on Main Street
Being a one-man band is both fun and challenging. It is also limiting in ways. Time to work on all the ideas and projects just runs out before they all can be accomplished. And I’ve now accepted that and it actually helps me prioritize better now.
The only limiting factor is how much I’m willing to do. And lately I’m finding I’m doing more. Not just blogging but in all facets of my work.
In ways we are all flying solo through life. I’ve been thinking about that and feeling it as of late.
Saw an interesting article – If you grew up in 70s, you likely developed these 5 rare traits most people don’t have today. I could relate to a lot of that.
Just blowing in the wind this afternoon. I don’t know how many shades of blue it takes to describe a sky, but it seems almost infinite.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I never was a gamer. I remember playing pong and a few other early games but nothing since really. The kids had some when they were young, but I didn’t play much at all.
I enjoyed pinball and foosball when I was younger. But mostly we were outside playing games in our youth. We made games up, we played traditional sports games. We rode bikes a lot before there were special bikes meant for riding trails and doing jumps. We road skateboards that were a flat piece of wood with wheels so thin it required massive skill just to stay on let alone do tricks with.
I have nothing against the games except they aren’t done in moderation and mixed with other activities like getting outside and off the floor or couch. I’m glad my children found a good balance, and I think they will teach their children a good balance.
Maybe when I get very old and can’t get off the couch, I’ll take up gaming. Till then, I’ll pass.
This season is typically lacking the color we find in spring, summer, and fall. But occasionally it appears. It’s almost time to think about the last snow of the season. I see some mixed precipitation on Tuesday and I’m hoping that is it. We have had snow in March, but it isn’t that common and I’m so sick of the cold weather a really warm March would be nice.
The last day of February is upon us. Not my most productive month but I’m somewhat satisfied with the effort. Hopefully I’ll emerge from hibernation soon and resume my nature shooting.
I don’t know what is on the agenda today and I’m afraid to look at the calendar or any of my to-do list. I’d like it to be one of those days where I just go with my flow and let my thoughts guide my actions.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to. – An interesting ask by the daily prompt.
I was going to say it was difficult to say goodbye to the career and in some ways it was. You don’t do something all your life that you like and don’t miss it a bit. I really do miss the teamwork of working on projects together.
The phase of life that I miss the most now is that healthy period. Not that I’m sick now, I just experienced a few setbacks after the age of 50 and now that I’m well into my senior years, I miss that carefree mindset and days when you didn’t think about doing something, you just did it.
Those days have passed. I think a lot more about each step some days depending on the terrane. I used to think eating healthy was eating regularly. I didn’t think about making a move in basketball before. Now I wouldn’t attempt a lot of stuff. I miss the days of springing out of bed. I miss being able to run fast for long periods. I miss my back being able to withstand anything instead of struggling periodically.
The senior years are about being smart, knowing limitations and risks and adapting to your changing body and most importantly staying active despite the challenges.
It’s odd having the house to myself overnight. My better half is at my son’s home watching his dog. She returns later today so things will be back to normal.
What I did enjoy was being able to listen to music through the speakers instead of having to use the headphones in the middle of the night when I’m usually up. I liked taking the trash out at 3am because that is when I remembered to do it and didn’t have to worry about waking her. I liked leaving all the dishes in or by the sink till I put them away an hour before she returns.
Having dinner at 10:30pm wasn’t an issue. I enjoyed having the bed to myself again, like I did when we were on two different sleep schedules. I danced through the house on my way to different rooms because I had music loud enough to hear throughout the house.
I used the Dremel tool in the middle of the night. Oh yeah, that reminds me. I usually crank up the temperature a few degrees when she’s gone for any length of time, but I always return it the previous setting well before she comes home.
I parked the cars in odd spots, which I’ll move back soon.
Well, let me do that and take the recycling out, bring the trash can in from the road, adjust the thermostat, take care of the dishes and pick up my clothes and take a shower. And that pile of shredding that I have to finish. I’ve been promising to vacuum the basement also.
And if I feel motivated, I must renew my tags and get the emissions test done on my car. I better get my behind in gear.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt is asking – If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why?
Here’s a few off the top of my head early this morning.
I’d like to be Arron Judge to see what it feels like to hit a baseball that hard and far. Because it looks awesome.
I’d like to be my dad for a day. Because I never got to know him well enough at all.
I’d like to be Neil Peart for a day to know what it feels like to play drums like a master and roll all day till my arms fell off. Because I’ve always wanted to be a drummer.
I’d like to be Robin Williams for a day and make everyone I know laugh like they never laughed before. Because I like giving joy.
I’d like to be John Force and feel what it’s like to do the 1/4 mile in under 4 seconds. Why? Because I feel the need, the need for speed.
I’d like to be MacKenzie Scott for a day to know what it feels like to give billions away to help so many people. Because it must feel like success and a good day each day.
What a night out with the boys. Lots of laughter, tacos, vacation discussions, fishing trip plans and solved a lot of the world’s problems. Unfortunately, the Maryland men’s basketball team didn’t come out with the victory, but we had a good time anyway.
A cloudy day so far so I’ll concentrate on indoor photography and painting. I will venture out, maybe the hardware store for some Dremel bits. I have to pick up a car from the garage.
I’m getting disgusted looking at the mess this office is. Well, it’s not horrible but it needs some maintenance.
This is going to be a good day. Even though I’m going to have to put the cover back on the car before the rain comes later.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Time for the weekly Thursday Doors challenge created by 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 went out yesterday but got sidetracked and didn’t end up shooting new doors so I went to my vault again. Not the best selection I’ve ever posted. The first one qualifies, the second is iffy and the 3rd and 4th shots are partial doors.
Honestly, we don’t sandbag our clients.
I believe the name now is Ocean 99.
I just liked the color and wind blowing the flag. Of course, the wreath has our state flower the Black-Eyed Susan.
This effort is a shadow of itself.
Describe the most ambitious DIY project you have ever taken on. – Asks the daily prompt.
I don’t know the exact answer to this question. Maybe building my deck. Getting headers and side pipes on my old Camaro was one of the rudest jobs without a lift. Helping a friend build a boathouse. Started a newspaper with two friends from scratch that became successful.
Becoming a father. Ushering in technology changes throughout my career. Playing caregiver for elderly parents. Becoming the artist, I wanted to be in my youth, as a senior citizen. And my new role of becoming the best grandfather (Papa) to my grandchildren.
It would be nice to have a classic car. I’m working on one now. It’s turning 10 and I’m pretty sure I’ll be keeping it till I can’t drive anymore and then a few years more just to sit in it or have someone drive me around in it.
I can’t get enough of classic cars. Who knows, maybe I’ll pick one up someday. The designs, chrome, wheels were all so unique. In the 60s and 70s if 10 people saw a getaway car they could tell you the brand, year, model, color, 2 or 4 door, trim package and engine size because that was on an emblem on the side.
Today you would get – it was grey, maybe dark grey, maybe metallic, somewhere between a 2010 and 2026, couldn’t tell how many doors it had. It could have been a Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Subaru, Mazda, Kia or Honda something. It was a possible EV, Hybrid, Fuel sucker. If 10 people saw this getaway car they couldn’t agree if it was a sedan, crossover or SUV.
I didn’t start out with the intention of having so many car shots in the blog but I kind of like hanging out at the shows, getting ideas about paint colors I like and modifications. And then dreaming about an old muscle car sitting in the driveway next to the Miata.
But that would lead to all kinds of problems because then I would have to modify the muscle car. And then get a trailer for it. Oh, and buy a pickup to tow it to events of some distance. Well, hey, I can dream.
I’ll be happy if I can keep that current car running for a long time. Because after driving it this evening for the first time in a month, it’s one of my great joys.
This green bottle used to be my penny jar. The light coming through my office window one morning cast its shadow. Almost looks like a painting.
Sometimes the simplest shots are right in front of us. It’s funny the difference some days make. There are days I struggle to find what I like or any opportunity to get something good. Other days I wander and just turn and fire, low and behold I come home with a wealth of images.
I guess that is that natural ebb and flow of luck and energy and the right time and right place.
I didn’t get as much shooting done yesterday as I hoped. Today is another opportunity, but one challenged by chores and tasks. Also, a Maryland game to watch later and a few miles on the treadmill. And the other list I haven’t checked yet could probably fill a few more days so off I go for a bit.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. I was in my workroom and a piece of wood with a knot had overlayed some templates I was using for a mug carving project for a friend who likes The Who. It caught my attention. I moved it just slightly and grabbed a shot.
I should have moved that drop light, but it did create a nice shadow around him and then the guitar in the darkness.
I was going through and editing/housecleaning/organizing some of my photo vault and came across this photo. I was going to trash it when I said to myself, what the hell, give it a shot. It was taken in Annapolis MD on a day with my daughter.
I was trying to come up with the best caption for whatever this is.
The daily writing prompt asks – If you could permanently ban a word from the general usage, which one would it be? Why?
I would ban the word war if it would prevent all future conflict.
I would ban the word hate if it erased it.
I would ban the word hunger because if there were no wars we could spend all that defense money on making sure nobody is hungry in the world.
I would ban the word greed if it would stop those who practice that craft.
Why, just for the hell of it.
Like the parking space says, visitor from another time period. Just like me. I’m a drop top man also but this ride is a little too heavy for me. It is a color my daughter would like though.
Good day all. That sun this morning is inspiring me to get moving. And then I opened the door and that cold 20 something degree temp hit me. I will still venture out but I don’t see much time in that cold.
Won’t be long till the car shows crank up again and I’ll be out early on Saturday or Sunday mornings with all the other motorheads appreciating the works of automotive art and performance.
Let me get moving here and go collect some fresh images.
I feel my intensity building. And no better time than now to funnel it into some action. My furnace is stoked and I’m ready to cook.
Music had slipped out of my daily routine for a while, but I’m made the proper course correction, and the dust is off the speakers and headphones. That always releases some good feelings and a smile. And when the weather changes and the car stereo is on with the top-down life will be great again.
I’ve got a few dozen new images to upload to the photo site and some blogs there to catch up on. As well as a lot of them here on WordPress I haven’t been keeping up with properly. Not out of obligation, I enjoy your work.
I’ve got a lot of alone time to fill today. I see some sunshine in the forecast, so I think I’ll head out with the camera and capture a fresh set of doors for this Thursday’s challenge. As well as filling some other holes in the portfolio.
Time to fire off this computer and accomplish something.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt asks – What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?
I guess it’s the same biggest challenge we all face every day. Our health. From the dangers of getting in a car and entering a highway to the doctor’s test results you get.
No day is guaranteed for any of us at any age. Some of us, including myself, didn’t think like that for a long time. After a few battles with cancer, I stopped taking health for granted. I will have another test in 6 months, nothing unusual, have been tested for many years now. But that will be my biggest challenge. It helps me appreciate each day now like I didn’t before.
It helps me think about time and how I use it. I can put things in a better perspective and order now. I wish someone would have shared that nugget of knowledge earlier in life with me.
Biggest challenges used to be helping raise a family, my career and keeping the bills paid. Now it’s just making each day count. Be it a conversation, a photo I take, a hug from my children, a laugh with a friend. Simple but very important things to me.
Lots of us work a very long time and very hard making other people lots of money. I didn’t learn that one till almost retirement. I was out of balance with work and life. Maybe that is why retirement is so sweet to me.
Health will always be our biggest challenge. Without it everything else can be more difficult or impossible.
If I were to put the test aside, my biggest challenge would be getting all my ideas and projects completed in that timeframe. And fit in a lot of love. I look at life from one test to the next and fit as much as I can in between those dates.
I’m warm and toasty inside despite that nastiness outside. Just heard the plow come through.
Alone again in the office looking at some prints I made earlier and what wall they will go on. Thinking of venturing outside and taking some pictures. Then again after opening the door and catching some of that wind, I’m rethinking the expedition.
I was watching the webcams in Ocean City Maryland and many of them went offline last night with that blizzard. Any drink you order there will be a frozen one. Got this snapshot above from the 94th Street cam overlooking Coastal Highway just before daylight.
If I’m lucky, I can see myself wearing a path between my front door and the beach this year. And many points in between because I’d like to do a lot of Eastern Shore of Maryland photography. There are many great small towns and waterways to explore.
That will also serve the dual purpose of having the fun of getting to and from those destinations in my Miata. I can’t explain how much fun that has been to drive.
Random Thoughts of the Day
What advice would you give to your teenage self? – A reflection question from the daily writing prompt.
First, I would tell myself to never have picked up a cigarette. Good thing I came to my senses and dropped that habit long long ago.
Next, I would like to kick my ass up and down the street till I got it in my head that drinking is not a competitive sport.
I would encourage myself to have a lot more confidence in my abilities and to follow my dreams more. To not be afraid to talk from the heart.
To appreciate that time of teenage life fully. I did a pretty good job but there were things that could have been done better.
Oh yeah, to tone down a lot of the riskier things I did during those years.
Just doing my part to put a brighter face on a sloppy day. Old man winter is telling me I better get a snowblower and hang up the shovel or there will be hell to pay. I guess this last decade of just dustings gave me a false sense of security. I just looked outside and the snow is beginning in earnest.
Just about time to head upstairs and prepare dinner. I’ve met my goal of cooking a few times this week and hope to build on that this coming week. I’ll have to get a few new ideas for our feast.
I see the Lakers and Celtics play tonight. The time when you would say that you would have a major viewing event is long past. While both teams are good and the Celtics could compete for a championship, the Lakers would need a miracle to make the Finals. I might catch a few minutes, but I’d rather work on my hobbies.
I’m on a roll building out my photo site more this past week and hope to continue that effort. Now if I could devote some time to the easel and woodwork, I’d be smiling ear to ear.
It doesn’t feel like a late Sunday afternoon. The kids are probably excited that the prospect of school tomorrow is fading away with every snowflake. And parents are wondering what we are going to do for childcare because work is still going to expect staff tomorrow morning.
My only responsibility is to check to make sure that the snow isn’t getting too deep tonight where I have to do it in two sessions. Other than that, I wake early to do my hobbies and that is so sweet not to have to think about fighting the elements if I don’t want to. I really should get out and take some snow pictures though. These bright flowers are a bit out of season here.
I was going through some of my parent’s old photos and found this one of an intersection. It was very familiar to me because I drove through it for almost 3 decades coming home from work in Washington DC. It’s the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road/Route 29 looking northbound in Silver Spring Maryland.
By the age of the cars, I’m guessing this was shot in the 1950s. Check the Silver theater on the top right of center.
Here is a shot I took one night on the way to work about a decade ago of that same theater.
Photo rule #63. If you slip and fall and find yourself on your butt, take a photo. You can go to the doctor later.
When I feel I’m losing my grip, I turn inward and try to recover. Such is today’s feeling. I’ve got to get back to creating some new work. I’ve started with some music and some visual inspiration from various artists this morning.
I just put the camera on the tripod and have a few ideas to execute once I clear and make some studio space. Tonight, might be an opportunity to do some night snow shooting depending on the depth we are getting. Maybe some cooking shots while preparing dinner. I missed a good opportunity Friday night when I had all those red, orange and yellow peppers cut up and grilled.
When I get stuck, I stop seeing opportunities to create. I’m getting better at getting unstuck but I’m human and depression has always followed me. Waiting for the opportunity to block me at every turn. It prevents proper rest. It twists thoughts. I neglect my body maintenance. I feel guilty about what I haven’t accomplished instead of forging ahead.
Time to shake it off and get moving again. Some time on the treadmill, being I neglected that yesterday is a good way to start. Double up today’s walk to make up for the slackness.
The daily writing prompt asks – What bores you?
I guess a bad book, show or movie have bored me in the past. Some discussions about jobs. A lot of today’s music. Recent car designs. Trump and his circus clown show. Cutting grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow. Some traffic situations. Waiting for the first coat of paint to dry before putting second on.
Being on hold with Verizon support. Some technical classes I’ve taken. Watching people in stupid arguments. Watching golf. Shopping and power outages.
Waiting rooms because nobody talks anymore because everyone has their heads in the phone.
Undergoing radiation.
Nothing like walking outside in the summer and smelling the flowers in bloom. I’m having trouble waiting for spring let alone summertime. I guess I’ll just have to dream for a few more weeks at least.
Music has had my mind racing all day. And it’s got as many ebbs and flows as the ridges in this flower. I can’t get at ease and that’s affecting production. I’ve got a few things done today but not much that I’m really excited about. Yeah, some essential chores, but nothing on the creative front I’m happy with so far.
I’m out of balance on several fronts. As I pulled the cover off my car today and started it to charge the battery that frustration of not being able to use it as I’d like due to the season and melting snow/salt covering the highways. I miss the enjoyment and freedom that toy gives me.
I blew off some of my exercise time today which wasn’t smart because that could be one reason the body feels tense. I haven’t picked up the camera all day Saturday and that is pretty much a failure.
The thought of having to shovel wet snow later today isn’t doing anything to improve my attitude. I will get through it and the winds on Monday and power through the week ahead with a renewed effort and mindset.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Not quite, but close. It would be nice to be back in Florida, instead of looking out on my yard of mud that was snow-covered till yesterday and about to be recovered with snow tomorrow. So, I’ll make the best of a cold situation. Why not start searching out what next year’s warm weather escape will be.
This year’s trip was kind of a spur of the moment one. My brother in-law and his wife had just taken a trip to Hawawi and that triggered the thought in both of us to say why not escape for a few days.
We looked at the southwest coast of Florida, but that area is still recovering so we went eastside to Fort Lauderdale. Specifically, the town of Lauderdale by The Sea.
And the beach was beautiful and open as can be on the first and second day there. By Friday people were elbow to elbow. The pool was far less crowded and warmer.
One of the nice things I remember about the trip was the complements we received on how nice we were compared to the locals. We were told they have some major attitude of entitlement. And I guess all that money there plays right into that hand.
One other thing that struck me in this area was the drivers. Holy crap, they are some aggressive sons of bitches. And that is saying something because I drive in the DC/Baltimore corridor. I didn’t see the signs, but I think there is an unwritten rule to test your horn at every intersection. And I guess NASCAR has moved the preliminary qualifying races to the streets. You didn’t see this action in the downtown area but a mile from the beach it was green flag racing.
It’s a town I’m glad I visited and would recommend to others. Great beaches and good restaurants all within walkable distance and there is a free shuttle around town. The open-air dining was perfect for the weather we had. The grandkids and kids liked their gifts and we were very relaxed. I do know Florida is a little to MAGA in my face and probably won’t be down for many more visits. The Caribbean has caught my interest and might be my next winter destination.
The daily writing prompt wants to know – What is your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is an ice-cold Coke. My favorite libation is a Pina Colada. My favorite shot is Plantation XO Rum.
Drinking isn’t a sport. Drink responsibly please.
Got some Northern Cotton in bloom. And no, I’m not looking forward to more snow on Sunday. I had better make good use of today then and do a few things with the cars that need attention.
Music has been guiding me today. Very introspective afternoon and evening on Friday. Some of the lyrics have really hit home. Some of the hard driving cords have me kind of pumped up. Which is good because I’m hitting the treadmill in a few minutes. And then some light weights.
I’m on a daily routine with it now like I am blogging so it’s just adding to the frequency and intensity of my workout.
You can Go, you can Stop, you can proceed with Caution. Personally, I’m on GO today and I see no reason to change that in the future. I had my grandson and son visit today. The young one is on GO+, with endless energy. He will be 4 years old this summer and I love this age.
They are so curious and fun and imaginative. We played, ate lunch and talked up a storm. Fixed dinner for my better half and now back to the computer. I think I’m going to try cooking all weekend.
Sounds like Caution may be the word of the weekend weather with either a blizzard or dusting on its way Sunday. That might Stop some plans but not mine. I’m going for it this weekend on several fronts. One is hoping to be more active here with some fresh images and thoughts.
So, caution to the wind. Full speed ahead.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Who are your favorite people to be around? – That isn’t a fair question from the daily writing prompt.
Being I’m not putting one ahead of the other I’ll just say family and my close friends.
Some days I’m my favorite person to be around. Those are the days I hop in the car and point it eastward till it gets to the ocean. My blanket and music. A day of solitude.
I like being around people but less now than when I was younger.
Whomever I’m around now, especially those who are closest to me, each meeting feels special.
Time for the weekly Thursday Doors challenge created by 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.
My better half and I spent a few days last week in a town called Lauderdale By The Sea just north of Fort Lauderdale Florida. If I wasn’t so busy having fun enjoying the beach, pool, restaurants, shops and hotel so much I would have taken a lot more photos.
The doors in most places were wide open because the weather was so beautiful. The first two doors weren’t by the beach. They were about a mile north of it.
This is always one of my favorites. A door to a door.
Just down the street from where we stayed is the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
Now there is an entrance.
I’m a fan of LIFE IS GOOD.
Down by de Ocean.
Best bacon and cheese omelet I’ve ever had.
I hear it’s good, but I stay away from Tequila.
Our first meal here overlooking the beach and eating seafood.
It was a sweet town to visit and had a small city feel to it that Fort Lauderdale couldn’t.
Could there be? Could there be a glimmer of hope for just a little sunshine before the rain comes today. I don’t think it’s asking too much. I need that inspiration. I need that warmth. I need it to dry things out and continue the ice melt. I need it to see so I can put air in my tire that is low today.
I need you so I can walk outside again instead of the many miles on the treadmill.
My friends were pointing out that sunrise used to be the end of my day. Yes, that was true. I saw many a sunrise on the way home from work. Sometimes I’d go to bed in the morning and sometimes closer to noon. And once a week, I’d see the sunrise twice in a 24-hour waking period when I would transition back from day shift to nights.
They were also laughing at my ability to eat whatever at any time of the day or night. That comes from years of eating at all hours of the day and night.
Found an interesting site about night and shift work – From Redline 2024 Stats on America’s off hours workforce.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The daily prompt wants me to – Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.
These are my favorites and take me to where I want to go. Be it this beach or that beach, my patio or deck, they take me to my happy place. If this footwear is on, it’s a sunny warm day and all is right with the world. The same holds true for barefoot.
Boy this snow and ice is stubborn. Refusing to melt off till this week. Trouble is when it does it’s going to look like hell outside. Brown yards and salt covered streets. I hope we are finished with the snow for the season myself. I’m ready to pull the cover off the car and feel that warm sunshine beating down on me.
Share one of the best gifts you’ve ever received. – I believe I’ll answer this question from the daily prompt a bit differently than previous attempts.
The gift of time is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. The times I’ve survived car accidents. The times I’ve survived cancer. Those were wake up calls to the special gift of time each day. The time to hold my better half’s hand. The time to do this blog or take a photograph. The time and warmth of a shower.
Time is the gift you can never get enough of. Unless you’re in jail, I guess.
Time is something I took for granted at one point. I still slip now and then but for the most part I’m appreciating and using the gift of time to spread other gifts. We are only what we do with our time here with each other.
Time is a gift not to be wasted. I’m off to a great start this week in making good use of time. And right now, I’m going to get up and spend some time exercising and give my body a gift.
Have a great morning all.
I’ve got to reach out to someone important tonight and try to brighten their day. Then again, I’m still working on myself this fine Tuesday afternoon. I’ve put a few miles on the treadmill and tried to get comfortable, but the spasms won’t let up for long.
Walking has really helped with my back pain. So, I’ll try some more this evening.
A few chores and tasks have been completed today. Unfortunately, the list is as plentiful as the number of sunflower seeds in the above bloom.
Wishing I was as productive as yesterday. I must take advantage of this evening to feel like it’s been a good effort today.
All these responsibilities when we return home suddenly reappear. And it’s my better half who has by far been the busiest. Taking a week off from the normal routine has a way of paying itself back.
Let me set sail from this computer chair, surfing through some of my old photo galleries and instead sit with the paint brush for a few moments at the easel.
Feeling tight this morning. The body is constricted and therefore the mind isn’t free. Let’s see if we can work things out. The treadmill hasn’t helped so far. Neither has some stretching. Trying round two of both of those with some light dumbbells to hopefully work out the kinks.
It sort of feels like a rude cloudbank creating a lot of turbulence that bounced me around too much.
Monday was very productive. Uploaded a few series of shots of a local town I had missed before and filled out a better look at that little slice of Maryland. I’m going through my vault each day and trying to find things I haven’t uploaded to the photo site before. That is one of my priorities each day this year.
Once I’m satisfied, I’ve got most of my good stuff there and organized and presented correctly I’ll start making more references to it here. The Canon printer was also active on Monday so there are some new images to hang on the family and friend walls.
Accomplished some editing from the Florida shooting and will finish and upload that later today.
But I’d really like to spend some time painting and photographing. So let me get up from this keyboard and back to addressing feeling better.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Write about your approach to budgeting. – A money management question from the daily writing prompt.
Keeping cash out of my hands and pockets was something I learned early on because those two are easily separated. Let my better half run the books. In other words, let the most frugal and responsible person pay the bills. I concentrated on incoming.
If you want stuff, you had better have a plan for it and stick to it. If you want a home and family, then that’s a huge commitment and could take your lifetime. Your plan will have to be flexible and adaptable to change but always focused on the goal.
Making smart decisions along the way. Learn quickly from the ones you make wrong. Don’t underestimate the timing of decisions.
Bring in more than goes out. Make things last. Pay bills promptly. Save and invest in something, even a home. Be responsible and honest with yourself. The major debt should be the home. All others should be minimized and paid off quickly.
You can budget smart but sometimes the only way to change your state is to either increase your income and or reduce your expenses. It’s the simplest thing and the hardest thing to do because you have to live it. It means not being able to do things you might have done for a long time before that.
A compact car instead of an SUV, doing your own maintenance instead of hiring out. Brown bagging lunches, eating at home or skipping meals. Working overtime and another job to work on that down payment.
I would drive a car for as long as I could. Usually selling them a few miles short of 200k or 12+ years old. For instance, I have an old beater that is 14 years old now that I use almost every day. But I’m also older now and have been wise enough and saved to be able to have a toy (Mazda Miata) that only sees sunny days with the top down.
Luck or good decision making. We have been lucky with the lifespan of most things we have bought. Be it furniture, cars, my 27-year-old tractor, the 35-year-old drier, the 33-year-old fridge and many others. I still have an electric leaf blower, over 5 decades old. If you take care of things, they last.
When we were young and had just bought a home, I got some life insurance so that if I was gone my better half would have a place to live at least and a little more. But I don’t believe investing in life insurance beyond early years is a good investment.
If you’re going to invest, either find someone you really really really trust and then still be smart enough to stay educated yourself to ask them the questions you need to know to ask.
Medical expenses can really mess up a budget. No, not the monthly premiums or the deductibles. It’s that unexpected thing that sometimes hits many families. There is nothing you can do about these. They hurt your budget.
It can be a lot of sacrifices along the way to get what you want. Some are lucky and have it all. And sometimes the best laid plans and even some luck along the way can come up short. But if you tried your best and got most of the way there and accomplished all you wanted for everyone else then that is a victory.
Here is a rule I lived by and budgeted for. I wanted my children to have a much better life and opportunities than I had. Providing for their health, well-being, education, and solid home foundation while growing up. And then help them do the same for their children.
Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you? – An interesting and timely question for this country.
Yes – Willing to defend this country and living by the Constitution. Respecting and supporting those who serve and served. I cheer our teams at the Olympics and other international competitions. At one point I thought this country had a greater sense of shared values but I’m not so sure anymore.
I’m being told I’m the enemy of the people by our current president for working a job I had for decades and having opinions that run contrary to his. While at the same time considering myself a patriot, and far more than the one accusing me of not being one. I get the feeling the country is at war with itself.
We seem to be divided more than any point I can remember. I think it even exceeds the turmoil in the 60s and 70s. And I was around for that mess also. This separation is running deep breaking families and long-standing friendships. I don’t think either side feels less patriotic than they were before all this division started. I love the flag just as much as any flag waving MAGA person.
We have separated into us and them. We don’t debate issues, you either tow the current line, or you are the enemy and need to be punished. Our way or the highway. Well, that isn’t the way it’s supposed to be.
If you want to be patriotic. Spend a day at Arlington National Cemetery and feel the magnitude of sacrifice. I’m going to do that in March when it warms up.
