I had the pleasure of living in Howard County Maryland before the city of Columbia was built. Since then, it’s been this uneasy balance with me. It’s been one of opportunity and fun. It’s provided new friends and new perspectives. It’s also brought a city to my country setting which I struggle with.
This statue of James Rouse, the developer whose concept, design and plan were put into action and realized.
I’ve watched it grow from the first lake, first neighborhood, the mall and Merriweather Post Pavilion. The addition of roads, schools and homes grew into the rather large city it is now. It catches a ton of grief but if I’d developed it I’d be pretty proud. It’s not perfect, very few places are. In my mind it got too big.
If it had stopped expanding outward, things would have been better. It started eating too much of the old county. Huge mansions in exclusive neighborhoods, office parks, strip malls and developing every inch of space possible that is near it.
It’s unfair to blame the amount of growth on Columbia alone. They county officials for many decades now have catered to developers and many have gotten rich from this. Resources have been strained along the way and still are today in areas.
Notice the one yellow tulip between his shoes. I didn’t do that. Photo by Mike Hartley
It is a desired location for people. And has had a ton of employment opportunities. Diverse communities and recreation and resources galore. If the spoiled people who live here would stop complaining about it, the place would be better yet. I think they overlook how fortunate they are. I’m not against complaining about legitimate problems but jeez, things get petty quickly in that city.
Anyway, I don’t know why I even went on a rant about Columbia. I just found two shots of the Lakefront with the statues that I hadn’t used before, and I didn’t do any new shooting yesterday or even download the shots I’d taken from the day before.
If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
I answered that last year in a post called Some History which I still like the answers to.
I’ll add one more to that list. I’d like to meet my parents current neighbor Mr. Graham, at Arlington National Cemetery who won the Medal of Honor in Vietnam and all of us have lunch together. And thank them all again for their service.
Get your Ducks and Dragon in a row now. There are only 43 days left in the year and much to accomplish. There is so much I hope to get done this year. There is a lot of time to work with but it’s also a very busy social time of year.
A lot of people do end of year round ups, or best of. Some assess the yearly accomplishments or lay the foundation for next year.
I’m just going day by day. I’m not into judging what I think my best work is. I’d rather concentrate on trying to create it today because it’s a never-ending pursuit.
Assessing goals is a private matter. There are so many factors, ups and downs, changes, additions, deletions along the way not to mention all the personal stuff in between that has impacts. I already share enough imperfections here, I don’t want to list them all.
I’m not hung up on stats or subscribers. I do love the comments and likes from those who interact here and I thank you for taking the time. I do like to see how many posts I can make and how many words and new images I add.
So, here’s to another day of blogging, some painting and I’ve returned to doing some stone etching. I’ll have to put that one away when the better half goes to bed this evening.
There is a show called Way Too Early, and it comes on at 5am. I wasn’t referring to that. My way too early started at 1am. Good in some ways, bad in others.
I did spend some time getting things organized and doing some housecleaning on the computer. But those are boring tasks.
So, I decided to look for something more interesting like the folks below.
Columbia MD.Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s a bit cool for my taste and it rained all night so the motivation to go outside isn’t there.
Think I’ll paint. And see what takes shape.
Columbia MD. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
The day is young, I’m not. So make way, we’re moving out.
There are RULES. Review them before proceeding. Just make sure they are yours and not others.
I like lyrics that make you think.
I don’t know if the holidays are less pressure packed because of my age or because I look at them differently than I used to.
The daily writing prompt asks – Do you trust your instincts?
The short answer is yes. Have they always been right, no. But for the most part they have done me well.
Instincts are almost always right on. I can see where I’ve ignored them in the past and paid.
It’s also important to know the difference between the instincts and voices.
I can’t take credit for this graphic. I think its great and I’ve kept it visible for years to warm me of my other side and to listen to instincts and sort the voices out carefully.
When you make the best use of the day or close to it, it’s a damn good feeling. I had that feeling about Monday, so I kept it going today.
First a little dirty work in the shed removing the mower battery, draining fuel. Getting the cover on the car before the rain and some leaf blower time followed that. Picked up a ton of sticks from the few days of high winds.
Going with the current. Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s back to the easel and that good book I started tonight. A few more posts with some new images and uploading some recent shooting to the photo site.
I haven’t devoted this much time to my hobbies in a while. Or spent time with a book.
Even though we’re a long way from spring, things are blooming for me this week.
I’m going to have to search hard for color this winter season. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
The rule for the night. If I watch sports, it will be from the treadmill.
Disconnecting the battery is a piece of cake. Lifting it out hurt. Maybe I should hook myself to the charger.
Each quarter the remaining family members in the area gather for lunch and dessert at one of our homes. We rotate selecting the restaurant.
My brother in-law Tom chose Kecco’s Woodfire Kitchen on Westminster Pike just off 795 exit 9a. And what a pick he made. They live near here and had tried it after appointments in the area.
I had the Calamari Fritti which was very good, perfectly cooked and a nice marinara sauce. But the part that totally impressed me was the Carnosa Woodfire pizza. It has topping with pepperoni, meatball, bacon and sausage which were all great. The cheese and sauce combination was perfect.
This was one of the best pie’s I’ve had in a great while. I wish it was closer.
What’s your favorite month of the year? Why? – Hell of a question from the daily writing prompt.
Any month it’s warm or hot. Any month I can put the top down on the car. Any month the snowball stand is open. Any month we take a long walk on the boardwalk.
Any month that has my children’s birthday in it. Any month that has my better half’s birthday in it. Any month that has my grandchildren’s birthday in it. Any month that has my parent’s birthday in it.
Any month I’m not in a doctor’s office or hospital. Any month I’m pain free. Any month I’m taking better care of myself. Any month I could get a decent night’s sleep.
Any month our wedding anniversary falls on. Any month of my best friend’s birthdays. Any month I get to attend a grandchild’s school function.
Any month I’m knocking out new paintings. Any month I upload a few hundred new photos. Any month I keep up blogging. Any month I make progress on my book.
Any month our love for each other comes through. Any month we survive on the highways. Any month we have a family gathering. Any month we have a boy’s weekend.
Any month there could be peace in the world. Any month people don’t go hungry or homeless. Any month we all could stop talking about it and do something about it.
My favorite month is this one because the next one is never promised.
Here is a place you can spend a few months getting better. Photo by Mike Hartley
I see the great snow debates have started already. How much, what date is the first snow, will it snow on Christmas, will it be colder than normal. I’m preparing for both. If it’s nice I’ll put the top down on the convertible in the middle of winter. If not, it will stay covered a good bit.
If memory serves me correctly this is off Centennial Lane. Photo by Mike Hartley
I do know that I have to test fire the generator. The shovels are out of the shed and in the basement. We have about half a cord of wood. Thinking of ordering more. We don’t burn much but in an emergency it’s nice to have available.
Winter and I do not get along. Cold is my kryptonite. The last couple days I’ve been adjusting to the trees being bare again. Soon the colorful leaves on the ground will turn brown and be absorbed by the ground.
Frosts will start, frozen mist, sleet, snow and then slush and refreeze and slush. More cold with some even colder wind mixed in. It’s all got me thinking about a song from my youth by a group called The Animals. And the song was “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.”
I will have to fight the overwhelming urge to hibernate all season. It takes my entire willpower to venture outside in winter. The only time that isn’t true is after a snow. Usually, I’m the first one out and done shoveling. I’m going to have to get a snowblower soon. This old back doesn’t react to shovels too well anymore, but it seems to pull through each season.
The season does have its beauty. It’s so crisp and clean and sometimes so quiet like after a snow. Sitting around a roaring fire in the cold is special.
Having to warm up a frozen car isn’t special. Having to dress in layers isn’t special. Having huge utility bills isn’t special. Having to walk from point A to point B while dressed as the Michelin Man isn’t special.
I’m sorry, I promised a friend I was going to be less winter hostile this year. But the cooler summer and then cold fall has tested my patience already. And if we get a lot of snow this year I’ll be making up for lost time with additional rants about cold on a daily basis.
But till then I’ll cool my jets about the pending onslaught of winter.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I paint, to brush off other things.
If tariffs were so good, why is he rolling them back on some food?
Never make light of any progress. It’s hard enough as it is, for some.
That bright sun from the window feels good on my back.
It’s never just another day. Unless you want to look at it like that. I find each one unique and special in some way. Even the worst days. It’s my own fault if I don’t learn something or find something special about the day.
Just trying to brighten the day. Photo by Mike Hartley
Trying something new. Not being afraid. Taking a chance. Living, it’s great and it’s tough.
The flip side of life and not finding those special moments or parts of each day is remarkably easy when feeling down or troubled. They are ignored, overlooked, bypassed or not attended or answered. And that is a shame because we don’t get those back.
I’ve wasted time myself stuck in ruts. Age gave me some wisdom and that helped me avoid some, but I still go off road occasionally and get stuck.
Random Thoughts of the Day
With the fire warnings out, I won’t be lighting the firepit tonight.
I like pizza in the morning. Not all the time but occasionally.
I’m going to do something out of the ordinary that I’d like to make routine. I’m going to pick up a book.
There are few things better than a day without obligations other than to yourself.
What is your favorite place to go in your city? A difficult ask by the daily writing prompt because I live in a small town not a city.
But we do have a city nearby. A very old mill town called Ellicott City. It’s a city I’m connected to in many ways. My better half’s family lived there. When we got married our first apartment was there. I began my 5 decades in newspapers in that city. Owned a business there.
The place has been through a lot of traumas. Fires, train accidents and floods. It has reinvented itself so many times I’ve lost count. There were two fire stations, but both had moved. There was a lumber and flour mill there. That’s gone. There was a thriving newspaper business that’s long gone. There was a corner market and that is gone.
Mr. Yates behind his counter. Photo by Mike Hartley
The list of what has gone and come and gone and come again is too long for this post but it’s a town always in transition, but it stays the same somehow. Friendly, unique, picturesque, filled with small homes and shops, with restaurants and bars. Farmers markets, movie nights, and many theme occasions. Santa still rides down Main Street as he did decades ago.
Snow at Railroad Museum. Photo by Mike Hartley
They kick off the holiday season with midnight madness and tree lighting. The fire station, now up Old Columbia Pike, has a huge holiday train garden for the kids and adults like me.
Tongue Row EC. Photo by Mike Hartley
Oh, the town has many issues. A historical society that tries to keep it true but also doesn’t know the only constant in life is change. Many town factions and groups all squabble from time to time.
The train bridge crosses the lower end of town by the Patapsco River. Photo by Mike Hartley
Many of the places that made it special for decades are gone or going. Tersiguel’s is closing after 50 years I believe this year. Old Mr. Yates in his market, Fisher’s bakery with the sweetest sweets I’ve ever had has been history for a long time. Coco Lane and Commercial Farmers Bank that I used to walk down the street to cash my first work checks.
Fernand Tersiguel standing outside his establishment. Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s different now but loaded with new treasures and shops and restaurants and sights. Flood mitigation efforts should preserve this town from its past devastating floods. But you can never fully protect against Mother Nature of course.
It can get crowded on the weekends.
So, my favorite place is Main Street and the memories I have of it. I walk up and down this hilly place often. It’s great exercise, most everyone has a smile and hello. I look in shop windows, take pictures, maybe grab a snack or drink. It relaxes me and with all the history I have, it feels a bit like home.
I took this shot the day before a flood that wiped out most of the first and some of the second stories of this lower section of town. Photo by Mike Hartley
Someone had a whale of an idea when they created this ride. The chrome front bumper probably weighs more than most cars now.
All aboard. Photo by Mike Hartley
Another busy Sunday. But certainly, some time to create will be worked into various parts of the day. First a series of 220 shots to edit. I’ve picked up the camera for a few indoor shots and hopefully shoot a few more images if we get out and about today.
I put a fresh sheet of watercolor paper on the easel. Going to try something more difficult this time. I’m thinking of a portrait.
Do you ever have those days you hope your children call. This was one of them when I woke up today.
I don’t like the sound of 40-50 mph wind gusts. I know I wouldn’t like tornado speed winds. It reminds me we have a tree that needs to be taken down this winter. That won’t be a cheap job.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Got a new laptop. Starting to adapt to it. Took a few weeks to get used to feel and new OS but its speed over the old one is great. Not that I’m a power user or anything.
My sleep is getting more inconsistent again. Maybe it’s having a flashback.
Do you ever feel like you talk to a lot of people but have nobody to talk to.
I hope the winds don’t take out our power today. It’s a hold onto your hat day till the evening.
Can’t wait for the smells of Thanksgiving.
Big victory for Maryland Men’s hoop team yesterday. And the highly ranked Women’s team plays today.
The daily writing prompt asks – What’s the first impression you want to give people?
I hope that I appear friendly on first impression. I like meeting people.
Figuring out what impression I give is another matter. You will have to judge that for yourself.
Impressions can vary on a person’s day. Catching someone after a traumatic event or low on sleep might give you an entirely different impression than seeing them at a party or meeting them on the job.
I’m not one that is trying to impress people for the most part.
One of my favorite quotes I keep on my wall to the side of my desk.
There are two types of people – those who come into a room and say “Well, Here I am” and those who come in and say “Ah, there you are.” Frederick L Collins.
I’d like to think that I’m the one that says “Ah, there you are”
What book are you reading right now? – So asks the daily prompt.
7 Steps to a Pain Free Life by Robin McKenzie. My better half picked it up to help with my back issues. Very kind of her. It was recommended by my best friend’s sister. Thanks to both.
I’ve got to become a more active reader of books. Sitting on a porch like this on a warm summer day overlooking the beach is a nice perch for reading.
We haven’t been in a few years and my son mentioned it just the other day. And by chance I came upon some images from a shoot in 2014. I’ve run shots of that before, so I won’t repeat those. I did find two gems that I guess I didn’t like the first edit to share this time.
I can’t be running holiday shots already, can I? Photo by Mike Hartley
So, if you need to get the family out of the house on the coming holiday weekend this might be a nice change for a good cause.
Only 41 days till Christmas. Photo by Mike Hartley
It feels like I do a lot of rescheduling. Yes, that is part of life, always has been. But I get out of balance. I’m not scheduling enough, me time. Well, that sounds like a selfish statement and maybe it is. But I’ve spent a lot of my life prioritizing for others. Don’t get me wrong, I did it very willingly and wouldn’t change a thing.
But now, time for a change is in order. I’m really going to start prioritizing my work and enjoyment.
I started last night with an evening with friends that was a very good time. In between a few chores and errands today I’m doing some photography and painting. One day at a time.
Been in a bit of a funk lately so finding my way out of it.
Guys getting Stoned on the Job
In the town of FredRock (Frederick MD). Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
With the penny no longer being made, will it increase or diminish the collectability of them over time.
It galls me to see Trump step foot in Arlington National Cemetery.
My first doctor’s appointment in a while without an issue. Tuesday was a good day.
It looks like a good evening to get the firepit roaring.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? – An interesting thought to fantasize about from the daily writing prompt.
This morning my thoughts took me to Fenwick Island, Delaware. Right on the shore and the town borders my home state of Maryland so I can be right next to all the things I love. Trouble is that it is still too far from my children and grandchildren so it wouldn’t work.
It’s a beautiful small town of maybe 400 people on the shore. Very walkable and friendly. A slow pace of life and wonderful views.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse on Delaware Maryland border. Photo by Mike Hartley
Finally making a post to Thursday Doors at a reasonable time on a Thursday no less. I’m proud of myself. Anyway, enough self congrats, time for some doors. The first shot was so RED I thought I should continue the theme.
As always, thanks to the creator of Thursday Doors and please follow the link to Dan’s site – No Facilities for far more talented posts.
Red seems to be the color for this family. Photo by Mike Hartley
And while the door he is painting is black. The red brick wall and the gentleman’s red hair continue my theme.
A serious artist. Photo by Mike Hartley
And our red antiques storefront.
I believe I shot this one in Easton MD. Photo by Mike Hartley
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever found (and kept)? – Asks the daily writing prompt. In my answer last year, I focused on some seashells in a post called Things Kept
This year I’ll share another thing. In going through some of dad’s things many years ago after he passed and I found two postcards that I keep over my desk. They were addressed to me when I was barely a year old. They were from my dad when he was in St Albans Naval hospital in New York.
My mom must have tucked them away after he passed. The ink is fading badly on one. It’s one of the few things I have with his writing to me. On the address he wrote out my full name with middle initial. But started the card with – Mike, this is your first postcard. I love you and your wonderful mommy. Don’t get in bed with Mommy. – And he signed it, Jim.
The second says – Dear Mike, Daddy is thinking of you and hope you are being a good fella for your mommy. Kiss mommy and little Lorri for me. Be a good little boy and lots of love. Dad
I’m not even sure why they have come to mean so much to me. Maybe it’s the time we didn’t have when I was an infant and toddler and then at 9, he was gone. The time we had after that was the most difficult time in his life. And that is saying something being he grew up in the depression, enlisted in the Navy a year before WWII started and was also in the Korean War and went on Operation Deep Freeze.
I know postcards don’t sound cool. But to me it’s kind of special, sort of like a connection to him from the start.
I’ve also found several ribbons and medals and photos of his years in service. But I found an old box also that I believe was his father’s because it had things from WWI in it including a Purple Heart.
That was a disappointing turnout for the game last night at the University of Maryland. Even the students bailed on the game. The announced attendance was 10,461. I’m sorry but 2/3rds of them must have been in the restrooms or at the concession stands for the entire game.
The crowd lacked the energy of a normal Maryland game. We have to get butts in those seats.
One of the great things about being up early is the sunrise. On a cold morning like this though I’m more inclined to look at one of the webcams in Ocean City MD and catch the beauty of the beach, water and sun. Like this one from the Howard Johnson Oceanfront Inn.
A doctor’s appointment this afternoon and then I’m free to work on the hobbies. I’ve caught up with the mother ship, and I’m prepared to set sail.
Sailing out of Cambridge MD. Photo by Mike Hartley
I was more apprehensive of what was possible than confident. I used to fear that all the time. Both success and failure or just being mediocre. Now that I’m finally comfortable with myself and don’t allow what others may think affect me, it’s the kind of freedom I haven’t had before.
I’m me, a man of many flaws and imperfections. Probably not that talented or insightful. I’ve been told there are a few good qualities also, but I’ll let history and others be the judge of that.
So, as I sit before the keyboard before dawn in my dark office I see a day filled with some smiles and laughs. Some chores and work. But also, one where I’ll spend time picking up the camera, paint brush and Dremel tool.
Oh crap, a doctor’s appointment. That puts a damper on things, but we will have a good time till it’s time to go.
Light it up. Photo by Mike Hartley
What I’m enjoying now is a journey that I’ve looked forward to for some time. The end of one career and the beginning of the one I thought I’d pursue when I was in my early 20s. At least doing it this way I won’t be a starving artist. I’ll just be an artist.
But boy, what I missed doing. The lost time and opportunities that might have turned into a career. No time wasted though on thinking about what could have been, just what I can do now and getting to it.
Random Thoughts of the Day
There is a lot to be said for saying nothing in some situations.
My hair still stands on end when I hear the start of Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
After Tuesday’s cold I can say with confidence that I’m not ready for Winter.
I can hear my mother saying don’t give up on this or that person. I guess that resonated with me when she was alive.
What part of your routine do you always try to skip if you can? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
I can’t think of a thing I intentionally try to skip in any part of my routine if I can. The best I can think of is that occasionally I won’t mow the lower backyard that goes into the woods as deep as I do other times.
If it’s your routine, why would you try to skip it. My hobbies are part of my routine. I can’t imagine trying to skip them. Maybe exercise but again I don’t try to skip it or any other part of what I like. It’s just time constraints or feeling poorly.
Unfortunately, I sometimes skip making the best use of my time. I used to skip school but that was a very long time ago. I miss skipping rocks on the water like the kid in me did.
I skipped a financial seminar last night to attend a University of Maryland Basketball game. Yes, they did win and I say that now because I’m not expecting a ton of them this year.
I’d like to skip the coming winter and proceed to SPRING.
Sometimes I skip the daily writing prompt, but not often. I would have liked to have skipped this question today.
Looks like he is thinking of skipping surfing today. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt wants to know – Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?
I answered this question last year in a post called Famous. But I got another one to add to the list due to his rise this year to position I think he always wanted. Talk about someone pursuing his dream.
He started out as an intern and then hired full time in the IT area of the Washington Post. He worked under me for a while before moving onward and upward through the company.
I think he was fresh out of college when he started. He was just a young man named Ken Babby. There were a few things that stood out about him from the start. He was sharp and observant, and not afraid to ask questions. He was very personable and a sponge for knowledge. I found him very easy to talk to and as someone who enjoyed mentoring, I shared what knowledge I had with him.
He quickly rose through the ranks. But before he moved on, he asked me if I liked basketball which he knew I did. He gave me 2 tickets to the Wizards vs San Antonio game for my son and me. That is when he told me his father was a sports agent for Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen and another player I can’t recall now.
He even asked us to stay after the game for a meet and greet with San Antonio players. What a wonderful experience for my son. I will always be thankful for that gesture.
I thought to myself this kid is very down to earth and genuine. I would never have guessed his family was well to do before that night. The way and speed he moved up through the company was very fast. But like I said, this was a smart kid.
I believe that it was at least 27 years ago that we worked together, maybe more. Well, he has done very well for himself. This year he became the CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team. He also owns two minor league teams. One Double A and one Triple A teams.
I’ll ping him before the season starts this coming year and wish him well but remind him the Yankees will win the division. Maybe I’ll see if he’s coming to Baltimore and wants to meet up. I’ll even treat him to a sandwich from Boog’s BBQ.
Taking a chance is something we all do each day. Most of the chances are small ones. The big ones though, those are the stressful ones. Some people get exhilaration from taking chances. So run something up the flagpole and see if it flies.
People making a million-dollar stock trade might seem like they are taking a chance. But it’s probably less of a chance than an individual deciding which bill not to pay or if the family will go hungry or without heat or having a car repo’d or even worse a foreclosure because they haven’t been paid in a month.
I’m not going to even get into the life and death chances we all take every day. Like getting into a car and having a dump truck run you off the road because they can’t stay in their lane. Yeah, it happened to me on the way home today.
I took a chance to start a business once. It was a wonderful experience even though it didn’t work our for me. It did for my two partners though.
A chance was taken when I asked for her hand in marriage.
Picking a medical treatment or surgery and taking the chance, that is the cure.
Life is a chance. A chance to explore, experience and embrace.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Now might not be the time to fly.
Lying to yourself is the first step in lying to others.
The Military, the National Guard and Police all have important decisions to make shortly. Will they take up arms and use force against their own population at a peaceful demonstration?
The economy is the same as it’s always been. The have’s are happy and the have nots aren’t. The thing that has changed is there are fewer have’s and a lot more have nots.
New school, a digital picture frame on the desk. Old school, hundreds of pictures on my office walls.
A man who needs monuments, ballrooms and accolades for himself, is not a man.
Well yeah, most all the football was played over the weekend. But this kickoff is a new week and new energy. Good Monday morning. The weekend party is over and priorities shift. Yes, even for those of us who are retired.
A very productive week is planned. Tons of tasks and chores to attend to, but all those make life possible. I hope to get back to my 3-4 posts a day after yesterday’s pause to a lone one. And that means I will be out shooting more to provide these grey posts some color and activity.
The warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Photo by Mike Hartley
Wishing I was in a warmer climate like this shot I took in Florida a number of years back. It won’t get out of the 40s here today in central Maryland. I’ll still be out and about trying to capture something special along my steps.
Yesterday caught up with me in a number of ways, and plans for second half of the day were washed away. Starting off with a lack of sleep and followed by hours of physical work and a good meal and I was asleep probably before the second football game of the day ended.
I’m feeling that physical work from yesterday, with the power washer. Seems like an easy tool and is. It’s the positions you get into with it cleaning whatever it is your cleaning that hurt. Usually, your head is pointed up or down. Sometimes, your hunched over or up on a ladder balancing yourself with a gun that is providing kickback.
It’s a fun job. I’m getting proficient at it. I’ll be taking it back to my son’s home next year for another round. But that is another piece that is now stored away for the winter unless we get a usual heat wave.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Way to go, Maryland Men’s Soccer team. Undefeated Regular Season.
I call this my formal season. I wear suits often. Sweatsuits that is.
Ah another betting scandal involving another sport, Major League Baseball. The trouble is that sports won’t ever admit it was a mistake to get in bed with gambling.
I like the quote “Change is slow, until it isn’t” by Roger Spitz
What is good about having a pet, the daily writing prompt asks.
It’s nice to have another living thing to share love with. The laughter they provide. The calm they give. The listening ear they lend. The safety some provide. The wonderful company they are. And many more things.
I miss having a pet, but the losses over the years from family pets were just too great for my better half to bare again so we don’t have one currently. I understand that and accept it.
Instead of naming the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased like I did last year in a post titled – Material Crap – as the daily writing prompt asks, I’ll answer this a different way.
I’ve learned early on in life that material things didn’t equal happiness. I believe our parents instilled that in us. My better half and I are on the same page most of the time. We just don’t spend much on ourselves.
I’m not really hung up on material things. We get our value out of purchases and always have. I also try to fix and repair things when possible.
I have a hard time even looking at expensive items except for curiosity of what expensive stuff really costs. And what’s the old term? If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.
Being satisfied and happy with less than the most expensive items is cool with us.
Traveling down Frederick Road mid-week I looked to my right after passing Manor Lane and the field in the distance was becoming invisible with what looked to be thick white smoke. I made a right on Westmount Pkwy and found this.
Something faint, in the distance.
Ah, the beast reveals itself.
Chopping up old corn stalks.
I guess it’s been rather dry here. Sure did look like something was on fire from the road a mile or two away from here. I guess he’d been at it for a while.
I was walking a trail the other day, and the footing was not good. The ground camouflage is deep and filled with traps. Each year I head out at this time I say, how bad can it be. Wet leaves covering tree roots and rocks and holes.
And anything slithering around underneath.
I’m guessing some would say it’s less than wise for an old man with a heavy camera. And they probably are right but I’m going to increase my outside walks with my better half. Were a good team of, we get there when we get there.
I think I’m going to look into walking sticks for us.
Have a good walk today.
Get out but be careful with your footing. Photo by Mike Hartley
What a crap shoot staying healthy is. So many variables are in play. We do our best, see our doctors, listen to their advice.
Sometimes there are good seasons and difficult ones. We get most all the preventive shots because that is what our doctors recommend.
We go out to eat, we travel a bit, have family gatherings, go to public indoor events in the winter season and are probably exposed to just about everything. Sometimes we catch it, sometimes not.
Time to time we help our children with their children. For instance, my better half picked up our granddaughter from school because she had picked up something and wasn’t feeling good. Something we have no problem doing and are always there for them and glad we are.
We are careful. I wash my hands a lot. If we travel this season, I’ve thought about wearing a mask on a flight.
But it’s really a crap shoot. The wrong spot, the wrong time, the wrong contact. I hear several things are going around already at schools.
I’m not going to obsess about it. But I am more cautious this time of year. I hate being out in the cold anyway. Except seated or standing near my firepit.
So, step up, do your part in keeping yourself and others healthy. And care for those who aren’t as lucky.
Looking up some old steps on Court Avenue in Ellicott City. Photo by Mike Hartley
What podcasts are you listening to? I’m still kind of new to podcasts to answer this question from the daily writing prompt well, but I’ll give it a shot.
Lately Pablo Torre Finds Out and The Best People Nichole Wallace and Beyond the Lens with Richard Bernabe and the Daily Show.
I’m just starting to get into Podcast so I’m not too deep into it yet.
Wow that week went by fast. Time to find some doors. I didn’t like the few I shot yesterday so I’m digging into the archive and that is dangerous. Time is so tight I only checked two previous posts on this town and haven’t used these before, but I could be mistaken.
These are from the town of St Michaels Maryland.
As always, thanks to the creator of Thursday Doors and please follow the link to Dan’s site – No Facilities for far more talented posts.
That is the title a couple of my friends, and I attribute to this day of the week. We usually gather sometime during the week and when it lands on a Thursday it’s a Thirsty Thursday day. I think it gets them to wound up. But who am I to say, a man without enough limitations.
Anyway, it’s good to be upright and happy another day in life. Some music has it off to a bright start and a good night’s rest for a change of pace. So, a lot of energy and positive mindset is at hand to spend on the day.
A trip to the art supply store is needed. Especially to pick up some things for my granddaughter who is a budding artist, like her mom. I wish I had a natural talent. But I’m one who needs a lot of practice, trial and error before I start to knock out something I’m proud of.
I’ve seen my daughter and granddaughter doodle and say I couldn’t do that in 20 attempts. But that is part of what makes my work rewarding. It takes some time and is a journey.
Time to get back to some chores before more fun.
The winds didn’t help last night. I still need to get out with the leaf blower and rake but it’s still blowing hard out there this morning. There is a rumor of flurries this coming Monday and rain this weekend so my window for clearing is limited.
Snow. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Sunrises are calming, to me. I take some time before the actual sunrise to watch the sky start to come alive. And then that first sliver of sun across the horizon. I wish I was at the beach in person watching it come up over the Atlantic.
I have to call and schedule some dental work. I’ve put that call off 3 for days, but I guess I have to make it eventually so here it goes.
Looks like travel just became a lot more complicated.
Living like you’re on permanent vacation.
Each year this vessel that carries this twisted mind gets decreasingly tolerant of cold weather.
How do you manage screen time for yourself? – A very important question for many of us because that balance in life is so important.
To me it’s not the screen time, it’s what you do with your screen time. I limit my screen time with the phone to an hour and I’m working on getting that down.
I do spend a good bit of time on the computer because it’s a tool for my writing and photography. I also use it for some enjoyment and reading is my main source of news and events.
Manage it, before it manages you is my advice. Especially with children.
Look away from the phone and love your pet or each other. Photo by Mike Hartley
I told Nature it was going the wrong way and to see the sign below. I’d like a return to summer please. Winds this evening won’t be ushering in warmer temps. It’s going to be about 10 degrees cooler tomorrow.
I’m glad I took a cruise today. Even though it was cloudy for a good bit of it, the sun did make an appearance.
Everyone was out and about enjoying the upper 60s.
Like the herd of sheep in the lower left corner.
I should go back tomorrow and see if there is anything left on this tree.
I had intended on getting the firepit going today but with those winds coming that would be foolish. Maybe another day.
It bums me out to bring in the hammock and frame in for the winter. I should set it up in my basement. That wouldn’t go over too well.
You know how you get a feeling at times about something going wrong. I’m thinking we might lose power this evening. I hope I’m wrong.
I’ve shot two photos that I was about to throw away recently. They taught me an important lesson. One was a shot of leaves on the tree in the backyard. The other a landscape/cloud shot.
I zoomed in to see how sharp the focus was on the leaf shot and saw a hornet resting on a leaf in the tree. Maybe waiting for the sun to thaw it out.
I had already zoomed in at 200mm to get the full shot below this cropped one. I thought it was odd to zoom in while editing at that point and see it when I hadn’t noticed it in the full shot.
It’s just to the left of center.
The next image was on the same day looking from my deck through the backyards of my neighbors. I was looking for a cloud shot and almost threw it away when I looked at the sky and wondered what was that flying.
It appears to be two large birds, and my guess is they are fighting over a meal. In editing when I really zoomed in on the wide-angle image, there was something long below them, my guess a snake. I doubt they would argue over a branch. If it was a kite I would have seen it suspended a while. Plus, our street and neighborhood are all big trees so you fly it you lose it.
These two images taught me today to look more closely at what I shot and to pay more attention. I could have zoomed in more on each of these if I was looking closer, taking my time, and gotten something worth keeping.
That was one busy day. I haven’t seen my to-do list that long in a while. Good thing I got an early start yesterday. My better half helped with many of them.
I tried my hand at some watercolor painting yesterday morning in between posts and some research early before sunrise. I’m going to get back to that piece this morning.
Took care of several other scheduling logistics. Had to pick up sticks before mowing. Also cleaned out the shed and stored some more summer tools and furniture. Some of which is on its last leg. I picked out one chair to go to the dump.
Just a few branches from the oaks after those winds. Photo by Mike Hartley
Looked at another task and realized the quote from Clint Eastwood in a few of his movies was appropriate for the situation, “A man’s got to know his limitation” so I called a plumber.
Everything is cut and trimmed but the lower back by the woods which I’ll knock out today. I’m making this the last mowing of the season. Congrats to my old John Deere for making it through season 27. I think the day is coming and that machine will fall apart like the car did in the movie The Blues Brothers.
I’ll wash my car and maybe detail the interior this morning. There is a club meeting on Sunday, so it better be presentable.
Sometimes when you pass what has been a bland view before, something new catches your eye. Photo by Mike Hartley
I have to call Verizon about a problem with FIOS for the 3rd time in a few months for the same issue. I’ve had to calm down for a day or two before calling them.
I don’t why they haven’t caught it because after the second time they said they were putting a network monitor on it. I guess that aspect of their technology needs some perfecting. My first thought was to do my John Wick with a sledgehammer impression and pound all their equipment into dust. I resisted that urge. I took another day to practice not cursing at them.
I think I’m ready to call them and give them a try at a 3rd strike. That is if they want to start by cancelling next month’s payment because I feel I’m working for them and not getting paid and paying them at the same time.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I wonder what the RUSH tour will sound like with a new drummer.
Each time I trim my beard I think I should just let it grow and enter the best beard contest.
Angus and Malcom can wear out a pair of speakers.
Batten down the hatches, it’s going to get windy later today in the northeast.
A bizarre question. I assume everyone needs time. Well maybe those who are doing time don’t want more but speaking personally, I want as much time as possible.
What I want more though is to be productive in lots of things in the time I do have. I saw a movie recently and it had the line – “Time is luck” -and the response was “Luck run out” when two had to part at the end. Sort of like a statement on life.
Some are very unfortunate and have very little time. I’ve been blessed and have had lots of time. I’d love to have lots more because I’m so happy with what I’m doing with time now.
I’ve been trying to be active in the Thursday Doors challenge and asked why not give Dan some more props for some great work in keeping these going. To see how to participate check out main CFFC page. And thank you again Dan.
This week’s focus is Libraries and Bookstores. I’m so disorganized I’ve only found 2 venues. I know I have some shots of the Easton Library and the one in Mt Washington. Hopefully I’ll find and share those later.
Sadly, this Barnes and Noble bookstore closed in 2020 after 22 years at the Power Plant in Baltimore.
Top of the building. Shot both in 2014.
Being I worked in the newspaper publishing field I was always attracted to the NewsStand section of the store.
What will your life be like in three years? – Deep question from the daily writing prompt.
I read last year’s answer to this same question and it was my idea and dream post called Life Plus 3. And after year one we are on track with most of that.
Today though, I’m not thinking that far ahead. I’m trying to live in the present as much as possible. Decisions and actions we take or don’t take today and tomorrow all factor in on that 3-year projection. And so many things could happen between now and then that may be out of our control.
It’s fun thinking long term.
Triple the Pleasure. Photo by Mike Hartley
Those used to be some of my favorite questions for people when I was doing performance reviews. It’s especially good for young people to think about. We would talk about short term/yearly goals in the meeting but near the end I would ask where do you see yourself in 3-5 years and then in 10 years?
It was fun watching people respond to that. Some at those younger ages hadn’t thought beyond getting out of a review alive. Others might talk about a personal passion. I had a couple guys working for me whose dream was to be a musician.
I know one of them did get their wish. He is very successful (David Sitek). Worked for me at Patuxent Publishing Company as a photo reproduction tech.
It’s good to evaluate those long-term goals regularly. They do change over a lifetime.
My goal in the next 3 minutes is to get something to eat. In about 3 hours I’m going to catch another hour or two of sleep. In 3 days, I’ll see my son and grandson. In 3 weeks, the house will start to fill with the smells of Thanksgiving prep. In 3 months, I have a important doctors appointment. That’s as far as I can look ahead this morning.
Should you spend your life in search of enjoyment? Why not, it’s your life, enjoy it. I’ve always tried to enjoy my professional work and with those around me. Yes, it’s work, and yes it’s tough and demanding at times. That doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed.
Enjoyment comes in so many ways. Some will work their butts off to help or support others to enjoy life and get a lot of joy out of those efforts. Others spend their life focused on self-enjoyment and are very happy.
Enjoyment can look very different for people. Some may find great enjoyment in just lying in a hammock for a few hours, while some might consider that a complete waste of time and want to play sports for enjoyment.
Blowing into town. Photo by Mike Hartley
The types of enjoyment are so numerous I won’t delve into all of them. I will say I learned late in life that I should enjoy it more. I got too caught up in the small stuff.
So now I’m more relaxed. Still have as many struggles going on, if not more, as when I was younger. Dealing with them but not letting them dominate life or take away its enjoyment.
Earlier today I did a post about doing more street photography but being nervous about shooting people. As you can see, I’m easing into it with the above shot.
I have to work on my street photography. Trouble is that I like the country. And yes, there are streets and people in these small towns but nothing like the type of city shots you can get like when I visited NYC once.
Also, I’m not real comfortable photographing people. Something I must overcome and soon because I like street shots. It’s photography I really enjoy seeing others work. I think I’ll take a stab at it more this month.
If the sun peeks out this afternoon, I’ll see if I can capture anything left of the fall colors that didn’t get blown away the last few days.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Seeing young kids ride bikes reminds me of that joy.
Watching rain at the beach just doesn’t seem right.
I’m feeling good about this week. I don’t have any doctor’s appointments.
Decided to employee some help. The team of me, myself and I. They all need a swift motivational kick in the ass today. Look for more results today.
The daily writing prompt asks – Invent a holiday! Explain how and why everyone should celebrate.
I really loved last year’s answer to this question in a post I did called – Too Many Holidays Already where I came up with 4 great holiday ideas.
But being another year has passed I’m sure I could add a few more.
Hold a Hand Day – I see so few people holding hands anymore. It’s good for the spirit. It doesn’t have to be anything forced. Just something a friend or significant other would hopefully do naturally. But in our day-to-day rush seems to be forgotten except for those first falling in love.
Visit an Elderly Person Day – It’s not any one day of the year but everyone must devote one day to visiting and spending time with an elderly person. Helping them, making them laugh, letting them tell stories, eating a meal together. If you don’t know one visit a nursing or assisted living facility.
Those taking care of an elderly person should get that day off when someone takes their place.
Sit on Your Roof Day – There have been a few times in my life where I’ve sat on a roof. All those times I’ve been troubled. For some reason that helped. It either relaxed me, gave me time to think and changed my perspective. Maybe it would do something positive for others. Good thing I don’t feel inclined to do that now, I’m too old to be climbing ladders that high.
Share a Skill/Be a Mentor Day – I thought of this because my granddaughter was saying yesterday, she might like to play basketball. My heart almost exploded with joy as I taught her a few things about dribbling and set up the basement hoop. Throughout my career and life, I always shared what little knowledge I had.
As I went through my 5 + decades of work. I noticed there were fewer mentors along the way. Probably due to several factors. Some companies started to set things up where people were competing against one another instead of as a whole team.
So take a day and pass along some wisdom, knowledge, skill, and make someone’s life better.
With a little help from my friends. Just happened to be listening to Joe Cocker version of that when I thought this might be a good image. Photo by Mike Hartley
The song Shine on You Crazy Diamond from Pink Floyd started playing as I opened this photo to edit. And then I said it’s fine as it is.
Grill. Photo by Mike Hartley
The first Sunday in November. The clocks have been moved back. Our monthly Miata club meeting will start next Sunday afternoon, a change from our Monday evening meets during warm-weather months.
I’ll have to try harder to get to the winter events. The car shows are pretty much done for the season. There is a good one at the Timonium Fairgrounds in December inside, but admission is too much for this kid.
Did some marshmallows over the firepit last night for the first time with my granddaughter. That was fun. Taking her and her mother to lunch today.
What are your favorite websites? – With all the data being gathered I’m sure someone or many can tell you that answer.
Let’s go through the day. I start off working in WordPress doing my blog usually and roaming through other posts that day by hundreds of people I subscribe to.
On a laptop I’ll set up YouTube and run some of my favorite music videos usually of live performances and listen to the headphones and occasionally look over at the musicians.
I’ll always go to oceancitylive.com to watch the sunrise and sunsets from various webcams around the town if I’m not at the beach.
There is the uploading of photos to my Zenfolio site each day. Check my various email accounts. Read some news and sports on various sites.
I’m constantly trying to limit my time on Facebook to almost nothing. Just checking on a couple of groups for old work friends and a car club I belong to.
I’ll go to a few cartoon and humor sites. Depending on the sports seasons I’ll check out the pro sites and during college basketball season I’ll follow the Maryland Terps site and anything related to it.
Photography sites like Nikon, Canon, B&H for various tips, equipment and other photographer’s sites.
Car sites like things related to Miata’s or classic cars and shows locally. Local clubs.
Travel sites, both local and far.
Food, health and weather are usually mixed in here and there depending on hunger, aches and storms.
I read a ton of news from too many sources to list here.
Just happened to be listening to some music while editing some car show pictures and this combination hit at the same time. This old roadster and AC/DC Back In Black.
2 seaters are the way to go. Photo by Mike Hartley
Life is full of unique combinations. As they say, timing is everything.
Welcome to November. It gave me pause because the year has flown by again. And it shifts into hyper speed for the holidays.
I’m cruising into the new month with some fresh thoughts and ideas. Some creative, some for life, some for food. I’ll see if I can share some along the way.
My morning is about to kick into high gear with a 6-year-old to entertain and teach. Hope your morning is as bright as it is here.
Gazing out into darkness waiting for the sunrise. The last warmth of the season floating away like the leaves. Daylight is getting shorter and now the time change tonight creating more issues. The first thought is an extra hour’s sleep tomorrow morning. Then you remember you’ll be driving home in the dark from now on.
A colorful place to rest on Main Street EC. Photo by Mike Hartley
But forget all that nonsense. I’m just looking forward to today. We got a little visitor coming to make our day exciting. And with some sun and temps around 60 we can be outside a bit.
Later I’ll get the firepit going and we can make some smores. In between I’ll share my love of art with her and I’m sure she will want my help building another fort around the house.
In between I hope to sneak in some photography and a few posts today.
So, coach, get my behind off the bench and get me in the game. Have a good morning, all.
Is there an age or year of your life you would re-live?
Sometimes I answer these questions without looking back at my previous year’s answer. Or when I do go back and look, I build on that answer with new information gathered over the new year. But when I went back and looked at my answer to this question it gave me pause.
Last year’s short piece titled Re-live was about going back to the year before my dad died to get a lot more stories and information from him. To have life not changed so dramatically after his passing.
If I had to choose again, I guess I might re-live last year. In some ways I felt like I wasted some time adjusting to retirement and didn’t take full advantage of it. I should have been doing a lot more.
Families doing their own portrait work. Photo by Mike Hartley
The sound of my children’s voices. The feel of warm Atlantic beach sand between my toes. The taste of a cherry ice cream soda. The running hugs from grandchildren. The convertible top down and wind in my hair. The sunrises and sunsets. The warmth of my space heater on a really cold night.
The view from the kitchen bay window looking down into the woods. Running to “drawing room” with my granddaughter talking about what to make. Sitting on the front porch with a snowball after mowing the lawn.
My grandson’s big eyes and broken attempt at saying tractor which he wants to ride again with me on each visit. The good morning hugs from my better half. Stepping off the treadmill after the last mile of the day. Watching my children walk down the street after being dropped off by the bus.
The high fives after a Maryland basketball victory with friends. The smell of a rose from a plant my mom gave us. The feel of a favorite shot coming off the printer. The sound of snow hitting my jacket as I shovel.
Opening my back door and seeing 6-8 deer grazing along the tree line. A warm summer breeze and clouds moving briskly across the sky as I lay in a hammock. Looking at my better half in her favorite chair with a good book.
Drying the last water spots off my freshly washed car. Putting the fully charged cameras in the bag and heading out the door. A good report from the doctor.
Catching up with old work friends. A bird landing on the fence a few feet from me and not noticing me sitting in the chair while grilling some burgers.
The feeling after making a charitable donation. Hearing one of my favorite songs. The taste of chocolate.
Finding a family memory. Seeing a block of wood turn into a carving. Getting a letter or email from a loved one. Opening the front door after being away from home for a few days.
Seeing a crabcake and a medium fillet sat in front of me hot from the kitchen. Raking a big pile of leaves and remembering jumping in them as a youngster. Hearing a big V-Twin motorcycle go by and remembering the days I rode one.
Jumping into a pool on a hot summer day. Seeing a drawing come to life. Finishing shoveling the driveway after a big snow. Watching a hummingbird feed.
Sitting by the firepit. A tight series of corners in the Miata. A live concert. Embracing my better half. Making friends laugh. When the power returns after an outage. A large Ledo Pizza with bacon.
And many more things make me smile. So, I’ll keep adding to the list as long as possible.
I was missing in action on Thursday. A bit under the weather so I slept for a change of pace forgetting my mission to participate in Thursday Doors. So here I am a day late and dollar short but within the allowable window.
Sharing some doors I shot on Tuesday in Ellicott City MD.
As always, thanks to the creator of Thursday Doors and please follow the link to Dan’s site – No Facilities for far more talented posts.
I’ll take the servants entrance, thank you.
Making a new door.
Caboose door.
No handicapped entrance here. You go down 20 steps to get to the steps to go up to this door.
What historical event fascinates you the most? – An interesting question from the daily writing prompt.
My first thought was World War II. And I went back and looked at last year’s answer and I had chosen that also in a post called History Question. It’s a good post because my family was significantly involved in that war both abroad and at home because it affected the families working in the states, many of whom were working in direct support of the war effort. There are several images of the WWII memorial in that post.
That war and 9/11 were probably the two times this country was really united.
I’ll go back to that war another day because the part about history that fascinates me now is our present days.
I think we are partly in the situation we find ourselves in now in the United States is because a lot of us don’t know history. So many of the things happening now have happened before. And that led to some horrible events in the world’s history.
People in power are undermining what we, our parents, our grandparents and their parents built. We have been divided. Fear and prejudice have been installed and brought back out in many. Instead of a President for all, we have one that only pretends to care about his most loyal followers and everyone else is the enemy.
What we do in the coming days, weeks, months and the next few years is going to be a turning point, one way or another. And we oversee that direction. Let’s not disappoint those who gave so much.
Woke not feeling 100% so took it easy today. First time in a while I slept during the day. At least the headache has subsided. I didn’t venture out more than a few feet on the back deck today with the camera.
Appreciating the view from my deck. Photo by Mike Hartley
I did have a visitor on the screen and one on the deck railing. The wasp seemed to be on his last days.
Go Green. Photo by Mike Hartley
The last cutting of the lawn will be this weekend. Then winterizing the mowers and store them for the season.
Almost put my hand on this guy by accident. Photo by Mike Hartley
Burning Again
I humped a half cord of wood, stacked in a few spots for easy access and covered it on Wednesday before the rains today. First time we have got wood in a while. I haven’t used the fireplaces in a bit, but I’ve had my wood burning stove going and I will have it fired up this weekend.
Music and the Mind
I can’t explain it. Music does something to me. Actually, it does a lot of things to me and always has. It can rescue me. It can also get me in trouble (tunes and a manual gearbox). It brightens my attitude when I need it to. And tonight is one of those times.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Don’t fight that urge, if it’s a good thing.
Missed the news today. Not a bad feeling.
It’s odd to be doing my second post of the day just before midnight when the early morning is more the norm.
What’s something you believe everyone should know. – Rather presumptuous of me to project what everyone should know. Like I have a good grip on life (NOT). But what the hell. Here it goes.
Intermediate – Learning is lifelong. Love is hard and painful at times. Life is hard and painful at times. Unless you are in a very small percentage, you will have to work hard in your life to have a chance to succeed. Your body is a special thing, respect it. You only get one.
Advanced – Trust and respect are earned. You alone are in charge of how you feel. The richest people aren’t really the richest people in life. Live some of your life like there is no tomorrow, because one day there is no tomorrow. If you go outside today without an umbrella you’re going to get wet.
Oh yeah, if you eat too much Halloween candy tomorrow, you’re going to feel like crap on Saturday. But some of us will do it anyway. That’s the kid trying to come out in you.
I used to know how to work on cars. But age prevents me from getting into positions in, around and under the hood that used to be possible. I don’t want to get stuck like this guy. Photo by Mike Hartley
Wishing isn’t a bad thing if you follow up with actions. Even having wishes that you put off and somehow come back to, and you make real. I feel that is what I’ve embarked on now. I put off my desire to be an artist when I was 18 and started my career in newspapers.
Now retired I’m getting back in the swing of trying to be a photographer, writer and artist. None of these things I did in my paper career. I worked in Engraving, Press, Publishing Systems, IT System Administration / UNIX Admin and System Analyst.
I got to see a ton of great work by very talented photographers, writers and artists. It served to further intimidate me throughout my career to pursue those areas, even in my own personal space.
But I started to pick up the camera more as I neared 50 years of age. I found that pleasing family with shots and myself was enough for me suddenly. When I started blogging, I also added that if I could bring joy through and image or thought or perspective to even 1 more person, than that was special also.
I don’t have to make a cent off my art or writing or time now. But the thought of having to make a living as an artist at 18 was almost unimaginable. I was also waking up to the reality that I wasted my high school years in several ways.
But one thing high school did was to cement in me was my love for art. I think I took it all 4 years as an elective. The teacher was and still is kind of this inspiration. Each time I hear The Beatles music I think of him and how his art class just put my mind and body at this peaceful ease. It also touched a creative desire in me. It is what I took in my one and only semester in college.
I know I’m not artistic wonder. But I’m trying to learn and create something that my family might treasure down the road or even now. That is why I’m excited to work with my granddaughter this year and beyond if she has the love for it that I do. And hopefully with my other grandchildren also.
So out of this computer chair and into another one by my easel.
I hope to do a little work at the easel this fine Wednesday. So, I guess I should put up my own “Wet Paint” signs.
Photo by Mike Hartley
A little work with some watercolor is in order today. I’m not sure I’d call it work yet. More like trying to remember some techniques I knew and forgot long ago. Maybe it will be like riding a bike. Maybe not.
I’ve never worked with acrylic or oils. Could be a future interest if the brush work appeals to me again.
What got me inspired again was seeing some pieces by an old co-worker Robert Lewis, who does some beautiful work.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
I wish the rain would wash away the current administration.
Making wise decisions would seem like a wise move. Till we mix in human nature and screw it all up.
At the end of some days, I think there’s a bunch of Unwanted Posters, with my picture on it, that I somehow missed seeing but not feeling.
Another chance approaching to see if I can remember turn the wall calendars on the right day.
Having multiple professions in the future might be needed. If AI takes one, you have a backup.
What does it mean to be a kid at heart? – Asks the daily writing prompt today. I didn’t look at last year’s answer to this question on purpose. I wonder how alike they are.
Cool, animals.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Just a few off the top of my head:
To play from dawn to dusk.
To dance like nobody’s watching.
To run like the wind.
To sing out loud with abandon.
To laugh so hard you fall to your knees holding your stomach.
To pretend you are anything you want to be.
To take risks.
To say what’s on your mind.
To not know prejudice.
To look at the world with amazement each day.
To experience new tastes for the first time.
To learn new sports.
To make good friends.
To crash on a bike or skateboard for the first time.
To learn from mistakes.
There are many things to being a kid at heart. Unfortunately many are cut off with kids experiencing traumas at a young age. These change the whole experience of youth.
I should have gotten motivated Monday and gone on a hike again. Maybe I’ll make up for it with some shooting early this morning.
Tomorrow is another opportunity. Photo by Mike Hartley
More people traffic on the bridge than cars. Photo by Mike Hartley
And yet more people emerging from the trails. Photo by Mike Hartley
And why not walk along the water paths. Photo by Mike Hartley
Quiet Again
I know more working people than retired like me. That means Monday is a bit more quiet than other days of the week.
Hopes
Sometimes I get my hopes up. I should know better at this age.
Dentist Time
Nothing wrong that I know of, just a cleaning/check-up tomorrow. I’m still getting used to my new dentist.
Young Artist
My granddaughter is excited and working on various arts. This makes me so happy and inspired to help her. I’m looking forward to her inspiring me. I need to think younger and without as many boundaries.
Alone
We’re more alone than we think we are. I’ve been good at deluding myself to this fact for a long time.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Ice cream additions are sweet.
I don’t know why I’m amazed when I shouldn’t be, but I still am. It feels like were going through the motions when we shouldn’t be.
Some days I just look out my back door and see unexpected visitors. Well not unexpected, just that they appear and disappear at will. Some make a ruckus. Some leave a mess. Others soar and employ stealth. Some slither and sneak.
Today two common friends. One Hawk and one Deer
The hawk just finishes a meal and being taunted by a much smaller opponent.
With the leaves falling this reminds me of the line in movie Predator. When Mac says, “I can see you”
The other having just lost the spots of youth but far from grown deer grazing in my backyard and froze when I opened the door. I was surprised she was still there when I came back with the camera.
Another old work friend reached out and told me about the passing of another coworker I was close with. He was one of the “Lifers” at the job. I had the pleasure of working closely with him for about 7 years but shared almost 20 years in the same area.
In many ways he was the most important mentor I ever experienced in my career. The man was talented far beyond what little credit was given to him. He was extremely knowledgeable and would prepare with precision.
He kept to himself pretty much, but we seemed to click, and he took me under his wing. We would take breaks together, sometimes meet for breakfast before a long day at a remote data center where we knew lunch would be unlikely.
Even though he worked there for decades he was the consummate behind the scenes professional. A very important one. One of those that keeps a daily paper a daily paper or the website up and running 24/7 without fanfare.
Actually, we shared a lot of laughs and saw a lot of the same irony about the workplace. We also had each others backs which wasn’t all to common.
May you rest in peace John. And thank you for making our time together fun and rewarding.
May the breeze be at your back. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
It’s a few weeks early to declare victory but I may have made it through another grass cutting season.
I saw one of those old timer quotes that said, “I’m so old, my high school had a smoking area.” Well, I’m so old that we smoked in the school bathrooms till they came up with the idea of smoking areas.
Watching my better half sleep makes me smile.
A ton of accomplishments so far and the day is only halfway through.
The daily writing prompt asks – Describe a family member.
Eyes that look deep into your soul. A grip so tight it hangs on for life. A smile that can touch my heart and choke me up. Hair and skin are so soft to the touch. A giggle that makes me chuckle. A look at life with amazement.
Always learning and listening intently. Intrigued by other family members and always glad to see them. One of the few people I enjoy watching sleep.
To those suffering from that MID-LFE crisis, I salute you.
I’m not living in the past but trying to keep that youthful spirit. I’m too old to have another midlife crisis now anyway. At least Google tells me I am.
The idea of confronting mortality though does bother me. It’s a driving force for me now to accomplish as much as I can each day. Not that I know anything imminent. Just that I do know we don’t live forever.
Saw this at the car show in Ocean City Maryland a few weeks back. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
It’s painful for some to look backward.
I’ve got to work of my prediction on when my former daily newspaper will stop printing them.
People need space. Some need a lot.
If only I could take advantage of all the opportunities in front of me today.
We stopped at Leelynn’s for lunch yesterday. The spot of the former Allview Inn. Leelynn’s has never disappointed and it didn’t yesterday. We each had some cream of crab soup, and I had the mahi mahi tacos which were great. My better half enjoyed the seasonal salad.
And I think this is a first for us there, we got a desert. We don’t usually do this but I saw this Brownie Sandwich on the menu, and I had no idea what possessed me to order it, but we split it and finished it. Two warmed brownies, ice cream, whipped cream and some strawberries and chocolate fudge.
No, I’m not sorry I ordered it. Photo by Mike Hartley
I could have never eaten that whole thing by myself. We skipped dinner Saturday night.
Lots on the agenda today so we had better get a good breakfast this morning. I hope you all are off to a good start this last Sunday in October.
Working on being a better gatekeeper of my time and realizing how important that is. The better I am at it, the happier I seem to be. I allow myself to get sidetracked too often, but I’m working hard on being a finisher.
I was proud of myself when I saw my screen time on the phone to 1 hour a day last week. That is my goal to stay under that each day. And I’d like to get it down to 30 minutes a day max in the future.
Making my gate stronger than this one. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m reducing my TV time and spending some time on the treadmill while watching.
Focusing and concentrating on important things is the key, even when you get tired or distracted. Returning to the mission, not getting discouraged and finishing what is started.
So let the good things pass the gate, proceed past the small pond and continue the path along the wood line. Success is out there someplace.
Fall colors are starting. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Yesterday was very relaxing.
Weather forecasters are really good about telling you what it’s going to do in the next hour. See you can find something nice to say about someone if you try.
A good day is when you speak to all your grown children.
I wonder if a movement to support a federal worker is needed. The people that are responsible for managing them certainly are failing.
I didn’t do much shooting yesterday, but I did a ton of editing and uploading. I need to reverse that today and take advantage of the color outside.
The daily writing prompt asks – What is your favorite form of physical exercise?
I’m looking forward to a new favorite form of exercise. I just was reminded of this as I walked past my son’s first bike that I had pulled down from the attic. I pumped up the tires, oiled and cleaned it and thought about where I was going to get some training wheels so his son can ride it when he comes to visit.
All my grandchildren are growing fast and will be using our big front yard for many games in the future, so you know I’ll be playing along, trying to keep up and getting some good exercise watching the smiles of my favorite people.
I can only do my favorite form of exercise in a very limited way and really haven’t in a long time. That is playing basketball. Yeah, I can walk around and shoot and dribble with both hands well, but my right knee is injured and probably needs surgery if I want to run again. It feels a lot like the torn MCL that I had decades ago in the other knee. It’s the only limb I haven’t had surgery on.
As lame as it may sound, walking, dumbbells and learning some stretching and exercises for my back are my favorites now. I get a lot of exercise taking care of things around the house and yard but those aren’t my favorites.
Washing and detailing the car is fun and exercise. And on a sunny summer day when I’m headed to the beach with it the exercise of pushing in the clutch and shifting is great exercise for my mind.
Gambling and major sports have been bitten. Not the first time and certainly not the last. Players, officials, managers/coaches, trainers and owners are all suspects. They are in bed with some very dangerous people and it’s already out of control. They got greedy and the piper is coming to collect.
Lost sight of the GOAL. Fuzzy photo out the window by Mike Hartley
I bet news of this hasn’t even slowed NBA or other betting much. People will say that’s the mob and a couple guys who got caught up in it. The rest of it must be legit, right?
It’s out of control and many people don’t know they have an addiction to it and will only realize it when everything is gone.
The backboard might still be there, but the goal of it being a game is GONE.
And gamblers, if you don’t think others are working on fixing things for you to lose, you’re deluding yourself. If I were a betting man, I’d lay money that there are already problems in all sports, even college that were just not aware of yet.
Maybe I’m overly cautious, luckily, I realized I couldn’t gamble early, before it became a problem a long time ago.
Best of luck you all who are still willing to play. I hope you win big and retire before it’s all gone again.
We decided to try a new to us restaurant in Columbia called Grillmarxand had a good time.
Parking is easy and we were seated promptly. The bar was very active, and I guess Happy Hour from 3-6 had drawn the crowd. We had an early reservation at 5 and the seating area filled as we dined.
The booths were comfortable, but you had to sit forward because the table was kind of thin. Wasn’t a big problem, just didn’t feel right though.
The specials were plentiful, but we stuck to the main menu. Starting with the Oysters Annapolis appetizer. They were excellent. A nice combination of crab and oyster grilled to perfection. This was a change from the Oysters Rockefeller we usually order which they also had. I liked these but my better half said she would prefer Rockefeller. These were a little richer, which I think was the difference for both of us. Me preferring it and her liking more for the spinach and bacon.
We both got a side salad to start and they were both good. She the mixed and me the Caesar. My entree was very good. A 8 oz fillet and blackened shrimp, with a side of mac n cheese. My better half got the boneless ribeye and red bliss mashed potatoes.
A few more shrimp are hidden behind the bowl. Photo by Mike Hartley
For dessert she had the Pumpkin Cheesecake, and I had the Key Lime Tart. We loved both the desserts.
The menu has several items I’d like to try for both lunch and dinner. And there is a very good selection of specials.
I thought one thing was odd, we thought it strange to charge for bread at a steakhouse.
If you’re a drinker, you will be pleased with the selections and specialty drinks, they have I believe.
Sorry for the fuzzy photos. Forgot my phone and didn’t want to take my big Nikon in so I grabbed the very old Kodak digital.
The inside is nice, views of the parking lots though don’t add much though.
The daily writing prompt asks – How much would you pay to go to the moon?
I would pay Nothing. I’d get my long telephoto lens out and bring it to me.
Let’s talk about something relevant. How much would you pay for health insurance? How much would you pay for food? How much would you pay for rent, a car or home?
We are going to keep learning new answers in unpleasant ways, repeatedly to those and more things unless we start to change direction.
This little girl was with us for 8 days. We watched her for our son while his family was away visiting his wife’s mother and grandmother out of state.
She is a joy and a pain. Her sister was just a joy and ease. She’s a very active dog and wants constant attention and love. At least she saw this as an opportunity for that. Maybe she’s smarter than I give her credit for.
She’s a loving pet and loves us and our house. More room to run and play, lots of wildlife to watch and bark at. Long walks with my better half, full roam of the house and the occasional treat. Well maybe more than occasional.
I love dogs but I don’t believe I’ll ever own one. I get to love both of my best friend’s dogs, and my son’s dog.
And now that she hasn’t been here for 2 days, I miss her and almost find myself looking for her to come down and nudge my hand away from the keyboard.
Pets are a wonderful thing. So much love in animals. I don’t understand how people can mistreat them. That reminds me I need to visit the local cat and dog rescue and make a donation. Don’t worry, I know there are people in need and donated to the Maryland Food Bank today.
Random Thoughts of the Day
If you don’t participate, you’re advocating your freedom.
Yesterday was a good walking day. Now, if I can follow up with another one.
Searching for the truth takes time and effort.
I’m getting better in dealing with cold, but wind makes me mad.
It’s getting hard to move around my office again. Time for the purge.
In a post about food, I talked about grilling and that being one of my favorite ways to cook when a loyal follower Sheree asked, “What is it about men and BBQ’s?” That is a damn good observation and question.
I didn’t grow up in a family that grilled out. Mostly a picnic or end of year cookout from various sports leagues I played on usually at the coach’s home. So, they were few and far between. Dad passed when I was young and Mom didn’t BBQ.
It wasn’t till just after high school that one of my best friends would grill some New York strip steaks, out back in his grandmother’s home where he was staying to go to school and work in the town of College Park.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Soon we all had our own Webber grills and were all active outside chefs. We, being my two best friends and myself. They are very good at it and I’m no slouch. I’ve never used gas, always charcoal. Most of the time that has been the standard with all of us. Of course, some wood for smoking when needed. One had a pellet smoker for a while.
The Weber is an all season appliance. Photo by Mike Hartley
So why does it seem to be a male dominated activity. I have no frigg’in idea. But it always has been for me and most men I know. Yes, I watch some of the BBQ cooking contest and there are women competing in those but in the circles, I’ve run in I have yet to meet a woman who’s the griller of the home.
BBQs involve fire and men like lighting and maintaining a fire. Maybe some primal calling, I don’t know but getting a fire going in a pit, fireplace or grill is fun.
I love winter grilling. Photo by Mike Hartley
Grilling involves tongs, and those are fun to play with and click while cooking. Or to chase your better half with before taking the food outside to cook. He who holds the tongs, holds the power.
It’s OUR kitchen outside. Lots of room, if we spill something the dog or ants get it. Other guys to talk to. Usually there is beer, frowned upon by females while cooking but a staple of grilling activity. Ladies are welcome to the grill area if smiling, complimenting the smell and can’t wait to eat. Anything else will be met with side eye or peering over glasses.
Men like to watch meat and fish cook and not in the oven or microwave. On a metal grate and open fire with flames occasionally touching it.
Muscles, Clams, Mahi Mahi, Cod, Rockfish, Shrimp, Lobster, Scallops. All great grilled. Photo by MH
There is a spirited discussion on who is the better grill chef between the men with all kinds of offensive language. Offering critique, advice, and criticism while grilling is a direct afront to the grill master and could lead to blows depending on the number of drinks before the grilling started. Most ladies I know don’t include fights (play or real) as part of cooking.
Most of the time the good-natured back about who is better grill chef goes on till the grilling is complete, where most ladies won’t say a bad thing about each other’s cooking in front of each other. Men on the other had will remember every fail you ever had on the grill and tease you about it while you’re cooking so the laughter will continue.
Coals getting ready. Photo by Mike Hartley
Grilling involves getting smoke in your face and having your cloths smell like smoke sometimes. Again, not popular with most of the females I know.
Most guys will stand outside in any weather. I’ve fired up the grill when it’s been over 100 outside in the shade. I’ve fired it up in the snow. Men are nuts.
Good grillers will use marinade and various seasonings which is like a discussion of the finest wines when men stand around the grill. Even taking a trip to each other’s spice cabinets to see what is stocked.
Nice steaks from the old Laurel Meat Market. Photo by Mike Hartley
We have rules in our kitchen (grill area). No kids running around. Only accredited grill master’s within the cooking zone.
Women may know the best meats from the food market. Men know where every butcher shop is within a 100-mile radius and probably have sampled every one and again will argue which is the best.
Most of our sons will have a natural interest in it which excites the hell out of us.
We finally get to share that pride women have when completing a home cooked meal that everyone will like.
I’m guessing this is the final reason. Most women can beat a man, hands down in the kitchen and cooking overall in most cases. I know my better half can. But on the grill, I’m the master. Not that she couldn’t do it. She probably lets me do it to feel good and not have to cook one of the few nights of the month.
So, either a lot of women have advocated that territory to men or they secretly are playing us to get us to help cook occasionally.
A tip of the chef’s hat to the ladies that like to grill. All are welcome, warning the grill area can get racy at times.
Trying to approach the day with a better mindset and it’s working. Now I must keep stringing days of photography together, regardless of the weather outside. And I better get used to it because the cooler than normal weather that has been upon us looks like it will continue.
As one of my friends says, “dress for it.” I won’t be looking for a swing with the sunrise this morning and the temps are still in the 30s but maybe this weekend when it gets near 60.
Looking at this reminded me of my youth. Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s been some time since I’ve sat in a swing. This is the type of swing we used to have. Sometimes a single rope with a round disk with the hole in the middle for the rope. I paused for a few minutes looking at this one in a yard in Granite MD.
Nothing like a swing on a hot summer day where you create your own breeze going back and forth with little effort. My Uncle Bob had one at his home and I’d always be out on that when visiting.
You know, I could easily put one out in front of my house, and I think I might run that by the boss. The grandkids might like it. Or at least that can be the pretext for putting one up.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Music is inspiring me this morning.
At what point will the majority come together and say enough is enough?
Yesterday was going so well. And like life, it changed.
I’ve got more power washing to do on a large fence. I hope the wind isn’t blowing again. It’s too chilly for a shower.
Don’t forget, you’re responsible for your own happiness.
What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
Ah the 2nd year of retirement is almost complete, and my second career is in progress. Slow but moving forward. I’m getting back to the interest I had in my first and only semester in college. Applied Art and Design and Photography if my memory is right on the major/minor combo.
I’ve also added learning to be a writer to the mix. I’ve thought about buying a drum kit but that wouldn’t go over with my better half or the neighbors. I’m always working on my driving skills so maybe Autocross racer. Who knows what else I’ll pick up along the way.
I’m enjoying being Papa while the grandchildren are in their early years. When they get to high school age and beyond the time with them dwindles, I’m told. I hope I’m around to see those years also.
I promised myself I wasn’t going to dig into the archive, so I went out and shot a few local doors. And I’m back on schedule for the Thursday Doors event after a few weeks’ hiatus. Hope this has been a good week for everyone.
As always, thanks to the creator of ThursdayDoors and please follow the link to Dan’s site No Facilities for far more talented posts.
I went to the down the road to a town called Granite. Just took a few shots but there is much more there.
The plaque to the left on this door above says “This Property has been placed on The National Register of Historic Places by the Department of the United States of the Interior. I couldn’t decide which shot I liked best.
Ah the good old Woodstock in. I parked there to walk some local trails and get a few nature shots.
This is the first home as you enter Granite from Woodstock.
I’ll have to start exploring this neighborhood more. Lots of beautiful homes.
I’ve been persistent with this blogging for over a decade now. Still cranking out posts with some frequency with a vague purpose most days. Some chronicling events and plans of the day. Some thoughts of the day. Some pictures of the day.
Let’s go racing. Photo by Mike Hartley
Occasional commentary on life, politics, sports, kids, grandkids, education, cars, nature and whatever strikes me each day. A lot of feelings and observations from my perspective and experiences. Some of my career points, experiences with friends.
But for what purpose. Yes, I’m still true to my original thought of sharing my photography through my blog which I do by using all my own images. I do it because I thought it would help me grow in that area. And I need to make images more a focus.
The writing part is something that just came upon me as an interest. I know I still have work to do in this area but again the practice may lead to something good eventually. I think I’ll do less writing here and more on my book ideas though.
Automotive design used to be a stunning thing. Photo by Mike Hartley
Doing this blog sometimes while working was difficult. Free time and pressures of the job certainly impacted creativity and productivity.
Now it’s something I look forward to each morning to get me thinking and doing. And as time allows a few more posts here and there.
Okay, time to leave this chair and go out and catch some fall colors I’ll share tonight. I’m sure nature can give the paint shades of red above a go for the money.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I listened to Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon this morning. Money is a great track, but Time might be my favorite from that album.
Life would be difficult without glasses.
Not allowing military leaders to speak to Congress is dangerous. And the takeover continues.
What food would you say is your specialty? – The daily prompt asks.
Last year’s answer to this same question was pretty complete in a post titled Food Again. Filled with both meat and seafood.
But as always, I’ll add something because life teaches us new things all the time. Like I said in the previous post I like to grill. For some reason this summer’s burgers were spot on and tasted just great.
I was reminded of that as a new bag of charcoal came home from the store yesterday. I think I’ll fire up the grill on Sunday.
Hot dogs, burgers, chicken and salmon. Photo by Mike Hartley
It was great to finally get some good rest last night. And I hope that continues now that we give our grand dog back to my son and his family today. She’s a cute little thing, but boy she wants constant attention. My better half takes the bulk of the care because the dog is more attached to her.
I love pets and always have. But dogs are ones that we just couldn’t have unless some changes were made. For instance, we would need a fence so they could go out on their own instead of having to be walked a few times a day.
Next is training a dog not to sleep on the bed which our grand dogs are used to. I’d also have to get used to raising anything of importance above tail level. This one has a tail that moves like a housekeeper with a duster on meth.
I’m not sure I could get used to the dirt level they increase. It’s like this active group of children who go in and out all day and shed also. It might cost me a housekeeper.
Like most dogs this one is fixated on food. You can’t go to the kitchen without this companion. Nope that won’t work for me.
Guess I’m just used to having a cat most of my life. We have no pets now because the trauma of losing them is too much for my better half to bare again.
Anyway, I think I’m developing a new sleep pattern. I’ve been passing out shortly after dinner the past week or so. Usually waking around 1am or as late as 3am. I feel good. It feels like I got some deep sleep.
My previous pattern was staying up till 11 or midnight and getting up at 4-5am. For some reason I almost never sleep past 6am regardless of when I go to bed. But I never felt rested and felt tired during the day.
This last week I haven’t felt the need for a nap.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Remember to laugh some each day.
I’m turning off news that broadcast lies without challenging them.
The older I get the longer it is each day to work out the kinks.
Nobel prize for inventor of the heating pad.
I feel the need for some classic rock this morning.
The daily prompt asks – What major historical events do you remember? – I answered this question last year with a number of events in post called Off the Top of my Head being I’m a bit older than some who blog.
It was a pretty complete list of my recollection of the turmoil in the 60s and 70s. As I reread it, I noticed how much it was on death and tragedies.
So here are a few good ones I can recall also from those early days. I remember watching the moon landing on B&W TV. I remember the feeling that Woodstock gave the nation. I remember reading my first issue of Rolling Stone magazine.
Others I remember are being afraid of nuclear war. Also waiting in gas lines on odd/even days depending on your license plate. I remember the music of those years getting me through a lot.
On the way down to Columbia MD Saturday one of my old favorites came on the speakers. The song, Woodstock performed by Crosby Stills Nash and Young. One I listened to as a teen in 1970.
The reason for being out was to attend the No Kings rally. I decided to stop sitting on the sidelines. Don’t take that the wrong way. I vote in every election, even the primaries. I’m tired of the nonsense and the direction this administration has taken the country. And I’m getting involved in changing it.
Family taught me some history lessons before they passed. The WWII and Korea generation warned me of this kind of ideology. Declaring your own citizens the enemy is harking back to dangerous days.
A bully and narcissist are not what we need to lead this country. So, I will be part of the change.
Just a few of the warning signs I saw at the rally.
Yesterday, there was a misfire. Somewhat productive but lots of downtime. More than I planned, so I can’t say the week is off to a flying start.
Today I hope to be doing a lot better and getting off my behind.
But you know what they say about the best laid plans, don’t you. That’s one reason I rise early in the mornings. I can get some things accomplished and relax a bit before the day is put in gear for others.
We picked a new spot for dinner this week and I’m calling for reservations later today. That’s a fun thing to start the week with and gives some anticipation to the coming days.
One thing I don’t really want to do but needs doing is some power washing of the fence. Thankfully it will be warmer today.
The attic is now cleaned out. That was a project, but another one to check off the list.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Seems like we are living in a world of two separate realities.
The Oval office holder says I’m not representative of our country and I’m whacked out. Come see me about my personal message to you if you got the balls.
I didn’t know my Ring service was linked to Amazon Web Services systems till they went down this morning. Something else I just added to my list to change in the future.
If the No Kings rally was a hate America rally, what was January 6th?
My AI plan is to avoid it.
Pardoning George Santos boggles my mind, like so many other things being done.
What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take – but haven’t been able to?
I answered this question from the daily writing prompt last year in a post called Go for it and I’m still working on that one so let’s add something to the plate to do.
I’d like to start playing basketball again. But there is a pretty good chance I need knee surgery before that happens. So, until then I’ll shoot around.
The daily writing prompt is asking – What are you most proud of in your life?
I answered the same question last year in a post called Proudwhere not much has changed except one thing. One of the things I said I was proud of is my country. Not so much today. I’m hoping to get it back from the orange one and his minions running it into the ground now.
Otherwise, my family, friends, careers, home and state I all hold proud still.
Suggestions –
I’m proud of my children. And I tell them that often. Both in the people they are and how they have done at their chosen professions. And now as parents themselves, my pride grows even further.
Life is tough. Tell those who are working hard in all facets of life that you admire them. Be it family, friend or co-worker. Very few people will take the time to do that.
Take pride in what you do. I’ve spent more time beating myself up than encouraging myself. I can say from that experience I was doing it wrong. Since turning that equation around, I feel much better about myself.
If you have pride in yourself, it will help you in making hard decisions.
Don’t have false pride or arrogant pride.
Pride of Baltimore II heading out for a sail from Cambridge. Photo by Mike Hartley
What have you been working on? – Asks the daily writing prompt. Not a bad question to answer each day.
I’m working on building out my new laptop, installing software, migrating some data and working through a few issues. I let my technology knowledge lapse and I’m playing catch up.
Lots of work on editing photos from the trip to the beach and yesterday’s No Kings rally. Plus, I’d like to get out today and capture some of the change of season colors.
Writing has been a focus for a bit but I’m going to give that a break for a bit except for the blog.
Food is always something I’m thinking about and hope to be working on more. Maybe I’ll grill out today.
Just watched the sunrise on one of the Ocean City webcams
Later I’ll be working on the backyard, mowing it which I postponed from Friday.
The bottle of car wax is looking at me reminding me to accomplish that task before it gets too cold out.
What I’d like to be working on is some hammock time, some seat time in the Miata with the top down on this sunny Sunday before the rains this evening.
Back to work. Sailors returning to ship at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Photo by Mike Hartley
Even though this is beautiful I still prefer the convertible. This split window was at the Endless Summer Show in Ocean City MD.
I keep trying to talk my friend into taking his Vette to OC. Photo by Mike Hartley
This one below was also in Ocean City but during one of our summer vacations.
The dog’s name is probably Blue. Photo by Mike Hartley
They are some beautiful rides. But I would need a secure storage facility or a garage like a bunker to store them. Having a Miata is a lot simpler and I have a lot of fun with it so I’m happy and worry free.
Today and tomorrow may be some of the last good convertible weather so get out there.
What’s something most people don’t know about you? – Let’s see, I don’t want to give the same answer to this question that I did last year in a post titled Night Sky so I’ll reveal something else.
The number of concussions I’ve had in my life. And yes, it scares me. Luckily things are still connecting the dots between the ears.
Being its baseball season I remember picking up one there. I was playing catcher and a State Trooper on the other team decided to do his Pete Rose imitation and rolled me over like a bowling pin and knocked me out.
That one I recovered from in week or so, I was young. The worst one from an accident took almost a year to even start feeling somewhat normal and I actually think that one had some lingering lifelong effects on my balance. I believe I can recall 6 in total.
I’m not much into the luxurious lifestyle. The first requisite is money and that has never been in vast supply here. I do have an eye for beauty and sometimes those observations are luxurious. In the car world Cadillac is a luxury brand.
I drove an old Caddy once. It was my moms, who owned an old used one. She didn’t feel safe in a small car. This one below is not it.
In some ways I have a lot of luxuries. A full stomach, a roof over our heads, money to pay the bills most of our lives. And the greatest ones, time and health.
I guess I just got a luxury item. I got a firepit a few weeks ago. Not something I need. Not something that serves a purpose other than comfort on a cool evening. I worked hard all my life. I’ll make some allowances.
Luxury has its place in life. But greed doesn’t. And we have a lot of greed at work acquiring the very few things they don’t own already.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Did you ever feel like you were splurging to get a haircut? I remember that feeling. I’m glad I don’t have it anymore.
I see Jeff Bezos thinks millions of people will be living in space in the next couple decades. May he be resident # 00,000,001
Time goes by so fast I feel like I’m filling my weekly pill dispenser daily.
It’s getting cold and my attitude is starting to go down with the temps.
Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive? – Not a bad question to pose on a Friday morning from the daily writing prompt.
Lazy days can leave me feeling both rested and unproductive. I don’t allow myself too many lazy days. In the past when I did that would usually leave me a bit frustrated. I’m better at accepting some lazy time now. But overall, I’d say it is unproductive.
I feel that I’ll be missing an opportunity now if I don’t take advantage of the remaining time. So, I do stay fairly active each day at something. Be it home or yard chores, my hobbies, being with family and friends, riding with the top down, exercising or learning.
I guess it’s all how you look at life. Some may look at me lying in a hammock and think that’s rather unproductive. While all the time, those batteries are recharging, creative ideas are flowing, muscles rebuilding, a look at the sky to get a better perspective and redefine the definition of blue, ears attuned to every sound, the skin feels the speed of the breeze blowing.
My problem is I don’t allow myself much hammock time.
When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why? The answer to this question last year was in a post titled “The Captain“
That was about someone I don’t know personally. So, this year I thought I’d pick a person I know that is successful and why.
I know people that have been successful financially. Also, some that have been successful professionally. Some have found success in personal relationships. I know very few that have been successful at all three.
So, I guess I don’t know anyone who has been completely successful. I guess my definition of it would be, have you touched enough people to help them be successful in various facets in life and do you have the wonderful memories in your own life at the end to reflect on for you to leave this world with a smile on your face.
The last couple days I’ve started strong but ran out of energy. That old ability to light the candle at both ends and keep it burning long, seems to be fading. Yes, it still works some days, but more often than not, when I give the day a good effort for 8-10 hours, I’m getting spent.
I wouldn’t blink at working 12-18 hours in a day for decades. I wouldn’t even guess the number of 24-hour days I put in and some 36-hour ones here and there. I believe there was one 60-hour day when the press broke down, and then the inserter.
Hey, I’ll take 8-10 hours. Any day I can be productive and get an opportunity to create something, its a good day.
Partial success on one of my photo projects yesterday. Over 140 images edited and uploaded to the gallery of the 100 that were there. The end is in sight for collection of all the images of a very important subject. One that has been a joy and sorrow at the same time.
The collection of shots from my son’s first pet, one that was very loved and is missed. Step one is almost complete, going back 12 years. That’s one of my goals to finish this week. 80% done.
The next goal is to edit the 400 remaining shots from the first pass through of the Endless Summer Car Show and upload the best of those to the photo site and add a few links to share them.
One of the colors that caught my eye last weekend. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
I’m not intimidated by bullies.
Hopefully the next to last lawn cutting of the season.
I work with pastels, and I got some charcoals and a pad recently. Which reminded me I haven’t tried black and white photography in a while.
What makes a good neighbor? – Asks the daily writing prompt again. I wrote a piece last year called Neighbor that covers it pretty well.
So, I’ll talk about a few other observations. We have a longtime neighbor down the street moving away later this year. Our children all grew up together. He more than helped me build my deck. We used to go to dinner or cookouts here and there.
They are the second longtime neighbor that our families had a long connection with that moved this year. Change is the only constant in life. When we first moved here, there was nothing but woods behind us for decades. Then another home was added to the court behind us. While we have a wooded view in the summer, but as the trees shed the corner of a home appears to the right.
We have two properties that are in danger of collapse. At the same time, homes near a million $. One nice property was purchased about 2 years ago and hasn’t been lived in since. Very strange, seeing someone in and out every month or two, for a few hours, but otherwise unoccupied.
I hear we have a State Policeman in the neighborhood, but we haven’t met. Large family but almost never seen. We have a couple of elderly OGs still. But transition will be coming to those homes also. There are several of us who are entering our senior years and a mix of young newcomers, most of which I don’t know well yet.
I get along well with the longtime neighbors to one side and across the street. The neighbor on the other side is a struggle at best. They still own the home but moved elsewhere I believe and I’m guessing now they have other family living there. I believe they also rent rooms out. They don’t take care of the property and in the past built on my property to where I had to pay for a survey and get their shed, animal pen and garden off my land. They almost burnt their place down twice with open burns and got sited by the county.
A longtime neighbor (who was also my dentist) just retired so I might look him up more. I’ll probably make more of an effort to get to know my new neighbors.
One of them down the street I think I might meet before some others. They are car enthusiasts. I’m also a car enthusiast, but I don’t tear up and down my street. I’ve done some eyeballing when they came rolling down a few times and that seems to have solved it for now with the exception when they had a meet at their house and they all rolled out for a cruise and more than a few got squirrely on the way out.
It’s an interesting and ever-changing neighborhood. At one time we were the young childless couple in the hood. Then a family and now one of the neighborhood OGs.
As we exit our neighborhood street, this house sits across the street looking left on Woodstock Road. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m trying to look at what I accomplish more. It helps balance what I see in front of me and keeps me going. Taking a few seconds of pride or just appreciating that chapter of the journey is okay. Satisfaction should come along the way and not just at the completion of a project.
The other day I was learning how some new bits for the Dremel tool and was just pleased with some of the test cuts I made. And it gave me an idea of how to use two of them on creating hair texture.
I saw many wonderful, completed marvels at the car show. The people that were really excited were those in mid project. Like the guy at our hotel whose car was just primer grey, and he added yet to be replaced, dry rotted window seals. And yes, he was heading home with it on the trailer before the rain.
But I heard and saw his car run and he’s got the mechanical part down pat. Him and others I ran into that were talking about their builds clearly the best excitement besides driving the finished project was the doing it.
Or the father/son I met on the boardwalk discussing their Ford and Chevy projects. The smiles and grins said it all. And then when something similar road by the eyes would widen.
Speaking of doing it, I’ve got to get back to several things if I’m going to make the best use of this day. And get my own grin and smile working.
I looked at last year’s answer to the same question called Try It. And I haven’t done one on that list yet. That is because I didn’t associate an action with it.
Maybe I should simplify. Or get my ass in gear, one or the other.
Anyway, here is new list.
I’m going to my first protest this weekend.
I’m going to sit outside in the middle of winter around my new firepit for the first time. Why, I do not know.
I’m going to work on an abstract carving for the first time.
I’m going to create my first photo book. And keep making them.
Tomorrow I’m going to try my hand at concrete caulking for the first time.
I’m going to try a self-portrait.
I’ve never rode one of these. Maybe there is another first? Photo by Mike Hartley
My apologies to the bloggers I follow and to the ones I haven’t discovered. The last month or so I’ve been slack on interacting with the community and I’m going to resolve that starting now by carving out some time each day.
Yes, there might be a day here and there that I might be traveling or it’s a beautiful day outside and I only get to a few regulars, but I will be more active in consuming and responding to the wonderful work you all produce.
Not only does it enlighten me, but it also inspires me further in my own work. The wonderful words and images, the hobbies and knowledge, the perspectives and thoughts I’ve encountered here. Views of the world I probably won’t get to personally but appreciate but have through other eyes.
But I’m back to viewing the many wonders of fellow bloggers. My motor is running again.
I’ll be purring along like this monster. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Just once, I’d like to hear a doctor say, “see you next year.” Besides my optometrist.
I saw a dozen examples of colors I’d love to have my car painted this past weekend. That is going to be a project when the time comes.
Some knowledge I’d rather not have.
If someone hits me and says it wasn’t me, it was my hands-free driving vehicle. I might hit them and say it wasn’t me, it was my hands-free body.
What principles define how you live? – My answer to this question from the daily writing prompt in last year’s post called Simple Ones, was pretty complete and still holds true today.
But my nature says that I’ve lived another year so I must have learned something to add to that list.
Work on changing myself, instead of others.
There is time to take a stand. Be aware of that time.
Seeking truth is very important. That was true in the 1960s as it is today.
Always work on improving your common sense.
Say what is on your mind now before it’s too late.
Give your grandchildren memories that they will hold dear, long after you are gone.
Say “I love you” to those you love often as possible.
Appreciate each season. You never know if you won’t see one again.
Just one of a million I’ll be blowing or mowing away. Photo by Mike Hartley
What a great time in Ocean City the last few days. It was the Endless Summer Car Show, and it was the largest attendance I’ve seen in a while. Even with the foul weather coming up the coast and Sundays awards and activities moved to Saturday, it was a winner of a week.
My better half and I went down in the Miata to Muscle Car Heaven. Bike week can be loud, but those twins can’t complete V8s with little or no exhaust restrictions. It was music to my ears. The smell of high-octane fuel being burned and the smiles and acknowledgements of many wonderful works of automotive art.
I think the range of years I saw was from 1930 to present day. From classic VWs to Pro Steet Rods with cams so radical it sounds like it’s going to stall any moment. The number of classic trucks seems to be on the increase also. Caddy’s and Corvettes, Coupes and Customs, Camaros and Caminos, Pony cars and Pick Up trucks, Judges and Jeeps, and anything on 4 wheels, side by side up and down Coastal Highway.
The longest Boardwalk Parade I’ve seen by far was on Friday morning. It went on for two and half hours. Met a father and son from PA and we guessed years and models against one another for a while and had many laughs and stories to share.
Even though it was dry Thursday and Friday, it was very overcast a majority of those two days. Woke to some scattered short showers on Saturday morning but the sun was trying to make a short peek before that, Nor Easter comes up the coast. When I left, I heard 2-4 inches of rain and 50-60 mph winds for Sunday. I think it’s been downgraded a bit now.
I was just looking at a few webcams from OC between 4-5am and they are bouncing around so the wind must be whipping. And that was verified because I just looked at the cam for the inlet parking lot which is vacant except for the sands blowing across it looking like ghosts flying over it. Kind of ere. And now after 5 am the rain has started.
Anyway, it was a great time and one I’ll make a pilgrimage for again.
A classic 55 Chevy. Love the two tone. Photo by Mike Hartley
What have you been putting off doing? Why? – The daily writing prompt trying to frustrate me first thing on a Sunday morning, how nice.
Cleanup on Isle 3. On isle 3 are my 3 computers. There is a method to my madness, but it could be seen as a slightly disorganized mess.
I haven’t organized my photo collection well. The need to spend a few days concentrating on organizing and uploading images to my photo site is getting urgent. The why is I keep shooting more and can barely keep up with editing those images I like on the first go round.
My writings are fairly organized, but I had hundreds of notes on ideas, thoughts and sometimes a couple pages of a tangent I go on that occasionally turns into something good. But they need to be organized. The why on this one is a bit deeper. I’d like to be a writer but I’m at best a novice at it and might be a bit scared of writing a few books.
Then there is email hell, another one where I need to automate more and do a major cleaning on. The why to it being put off is, I GET TOO MUCH FRIGGEN EMAIL.
On the non-technical front,
I’ve put off fixing my string trimmer because the first two attempts failed and I didn’t want to test my patience with a third.
There are a few yard projects I’ve either delayed or put off till next year. The why is because this old body has only so much energy on some days, which limits production.
I put off replacing my tractor, which is 27 years old. When I picked out the one I liked, I realized it was too big to fit into my current shed. I thought about replacing the shed, but the grass needed cutting so I got the old one running again somehow and it made it through another season. Maybe next year.
These tractors seem to last forever. Photo by Mike Hartley
What was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)? A question from the daily writing prompt asks again.
I can’t think of anything to add to the post titled Grown Up that I did last year to this question other than don’t force your children to grow up too early. Let them be kids, and do kids things.
One sweet thing about being grown up. When your children have children, you get to act like a child with them.
I’ve been sucking fumes of burned high octane fuel. I was in the land of motorheads and loved it. Car shows are a lot of fun for me. The sounds, the colors, the technical details of these machines are something to behold.
The Gasser still lives. Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s given me a good chance to practice some photography and meet some great people.
