Well, that title of this post (Sick of Sick) because it’s the first thing I thought of when I sat down on Friday afternoon. I had to cancel going to the Maryland game with a best friend because of waking with the sweats/shakes and fever again. Of course that was accompanied by the pounding headache and body aches. At least this flu bug isn’t as bad as that last one I had over a month ago.

I followed that first one up with a few weeks of phenomena and I hope to avoid that replay this time. The weeks I have been healthy I’ve been so busy and not sleeping like I should be which weakens my system so I catch these bugs. Time to start taking better care of this body. Better late than never.

OK, I’m better now. No not physically, but mentally I was frustrated. Started to get selfish and think of myself when there are so many others in worse shape. So I’ll pull together and get back on track.

This coming weekend I’m going to chill like that Spanish moss on the tree. At least in attitude. Because I’d love to get out and shoot some which I hope I feel well enough to do. This season has just given me another solid reason to hate winter.

Moss
Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts for the Day

Isn’t everything but a gun show, police buildings and military bases a soft target in this country?

Why do have great trouble believing Daffy D would run into an active shooting unarmed or armed?

Equating making a 4 foot put to the ability to shoot someone is beyond me.

OK enough politics. Life is good because I got another opportunity at it today. And any day you get an opportunity

I don’t have much in the tank today. A busy work week and starting physical therapy, but then got my wife’s bug and I was horizontal most of the free minutes I had today. It’s kind of strange when you kind of lose a day. The feeling of things missed. Knowing I haven’t lived to the fullest today. The weight of having the same to do list plus more for tomorrow.

Hell I just hope I feel better. It has been a brutal season. One thing most of us have had in common this year is we all have been sick at some point. I got to taking the flu for granted, not having had it in many years. I have the respect now. I’ve been getting the flu shot for a number of years now and will continue but knowing its a crap shoot each year I think I’ll take some additional precautions.

Anyway, was searching through some images and almost trashed this one till I saw that one unplugged wire in the lower left. I said that is a fitting photo for the day for me. Because I feel left out.

LeftOUT
Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

Tylenol is good for headaches.

Rest is good for the body and mind.

Physical therapy is working. Now if I can just listen to their teachings long-term and keep the exercises going.

I have no idea what I wrote yesterday.

I think that arming teachers is a bad idea. Are police going to know each teacher in each school and what is going to set them apart when they enter the building and see them with a gun? Oh yeah, I forgot, the thing that separates the teacher is the handgun. The shooter will have a rifle and more ammo and maybe explosives. We already expect far too much from our teachers. Sending them to a gunfight with a knife seems to be asking a bit much. Of course parents might address teachers with more respect if the teacher has a 45 strapped to their side? Plus how many do you have to arm to cover a school. What happens if a kid gets pissed off and goes for a teachers gun? Should we arm each of them also with a taser also so they don’t have to use lethal force on a student going for their gun? I guess you should order a lot of bullet proof vest also if you expect a teacher to run into battle. I mean you do supply your officers that safety. Lets try to come up with some better solutions please. Teachers great courage has already been on display far too often and far too many have been lost along with those many children we mourn.

I love to shoot. I shot a lot of skeet when I was younger. I’ve joined a range a few years ago and enjoy shooting handguns every 5-6 weeks. I see no reason to own a AR15 or any military weapon. I’m not saying they don’t have an application. I’m not saying they might be a blast to shoot. I’ve never shot one myself. There are parts of this country that a weapon like that may be needed. But it should be highly regulated. And I mean to highly responsible people for very specific purposes. And I can’t for the life of me understand how its harder to get a handgun by far, than to get one of these military weapons.

We shouldn’t be surprised we have a gun problem. We have been licensing people for decades that should never have a driver’s license and that is a weapon. I’m not surprise that we would sell them guns without a license at all.

I hope I feel better tomorrow and be less sarcastic.

The art or skill of writing by hand. I wonder if this is even taught in schools anymore. Well I had it and you probably would never know. I wonder if the field of handwriting recognition is drying up? I wonder how many people will aspire to become a calligrapher?

You see I got on this thought by my PT appointment, where they sent me a number of forms to fill out by email  by hand. I find it long periods now to where I put the pen to paper more than to jot down a number or quick thought. This was about 7 pages of forms. Each time I write now for any time I usually print because my cursive is getting a bit shaky.

Penmanship
Photo by Mike Hartley

So I’m thinking about the lost art of writing. But I say, how can that be, I write people all the time. More writing than I’ve ever done. Maybe more people would be comfortable if I returned to writing on the paper pad and then they wouldn’t be able to read all the useless dribble I write.

Anyway I’m always impressed by handwritten notes. Cards and thoughts at special times. Something that I can sit on my dresser or tack to the wall over or beside my desk. I keep the little notes my better half sneaks in my lunch pail from time to time.

I still keep a legal pad and pen beside my desk. Sometimes its comfortable to lay back in the chair and jot down a few thoughts.

I never thought about becoming a writer till very late in life and it’s still not an objective. I’m just discovering it late in life and enjoying it. But I don’t write, I type. I would never have started writing if I had to use pen and paper. You see my thoughts come too fast and if I can’t get them down on paper (computer screen) quickly they are gone. And I can type much faster than I can write with pen so now all of a sudden something that was intimidating and impractical is now easily possible.

And just as I start enjoying this I start having issues with my left hand screwing with my speed and accuracy. I guess that is age talking to me and the punishment I’ve put my hands through. Such is life. I will adapt and hopefully some PT will help teach and fix this nerve problem.

Random Thoughts of the Day

Sometime children make a lot of sense. Today was one of them.

Now I remember why I get the leaf blower out to sweep. I grabbed a broom today by mistake.

It would be nice to be consulted when things like schedule changes are communicated the same day.

People saying “please and thank you” is a lost art form of communication.

Pain is in the mind of the beholder.

No this isn’t about the harmful effects or medically related in any way. This is more of a spiritual thing with me. I was taking some recycling out and paused for a good while just to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. It’s the first time in a great while I’ve worn shorts outside for any period of time comfortably. A thin short sleeve shirt and no socks.

I would have gotten the flip-flops out but this heat wave is short-lived I hear. And it looks like a stretch of wet weather but we all know weather forecasting beyond 24 hours is like betting in Vegas.

But that warmth today brought back my inspiration for my favorite seasons (anything else but winter). Oh the days where I can wake, pull on a pair of shorts and wander outside, soak up some sun sitting on the porch chair or in the hammock in the afternoon. Oh how I’m looking forward to that.

Come on Sun
Photo by Mike Hartley

Well I guess I can cope a bit longer. I do get another day (Wednesday) to enjoy some warm sun and then I’ll just hope for the best till I can return to where the bodies of water meet the shores.

Random Thoughts of the Day

Well, I hear the closest city (Baltimore) and one I’ve enjoyed going to for decades is the most dangerous city in the country says USA Today. Well, that doesn’t lead to the most comforting feeling.

My favorite leftover food it pizza. At least it was this evening.

I hope the PT I’ve started helps. If the first visit was an indication, I think it will.

There is a lot to do when your better half is under the weather.

The sun in Sunday did appear today and melted that white stuff. Well for the most part, there are some large patches of ground still covered but you can see it won’t be long with the warm temps coming. The snow was pretty to see, we haven’t had that much this year. No time to just burn a day or two or four shoveling and sitting around the house getting cabin fever.

Coffee Table
Photo by Mike Hartley

But again we dodge the snow bullet. Lucky us. Seems like the kids certainly have registered some time off despite little accumulation. Safety first is always a good motto but its hard not to reflect on the days waiting at the bus stop in 3-4 inches of snow with more coming down. Such is life, time change, usually for the better but not always.

Dish reflection
Photo by Mike Hartley

We are more in charge of this than we like to think. I’m starting to realize everyone can make that difference. And I’m going to get started on doing my part. Well, maybe a little each day as time allows.

The first thing I changed today is not getting enraged on the road. Had two people almost cause accidents today cutting people off at high speeds. I have no idea how one guy missed me but he got a car about a mile up the road that slowed his roll. Going to just try to survive on the road from now on and that means staying away from traffic.

I can’t wait till I have a few minutes to set up that dash cam. Should be fun capturing some of that action.

Also on Monday I hope to get over to the shelter to make a donation to our furry friends. Maybe I’ll grab a few frames while I’m there. I’m having withdraw because my Son was over with his dog on Friday.

And hopefully by the afternoon a little sun will peak out and I’ll have a few minutes to grab some fresh frames to share.

So here’s to a flying start to the week filled with good intentions, positive vibes and plans with friends and family.

Random Thoughts of the Day

I still like using a viewfinder instead of the LED display. Maybe its just habit though?

How does Monday come around several times a week?

Time to turn things the right direction and get photographing again.

When I think of starchy, I think of food that sticks to your ribs. Well today I’m sticking to my better half who is under the weather. Its my chance to step up and return the favor she did caring for me last month. Of course I’m nowhere near as talented at it as she is. And we all know how men need much more care because we get sicker and for longer periods. Or is that we are sick and we don’t have periods. Well one of those.

Anyway early signs look like the flu but I’m not sure yet. It would be about time, being she works in the health care industry and we all know they are exposed all day long. Speaking of which I express my props for those who are health workers. You must be beat already and the season isn’t over. My respect and admiration to all those people.

Stick to ME.
Photo by MIke Hartley

But back to being there for someone. I’m not going to dwell on the wonderful job I will do in helping her mend. I’d like to say how important it is to be there for each other as we grow older. I got hit with at few things in my 50’s that came at me hard. I think it shook both of us. It did many good and some wonderful things for us. The first is we got our wills and medical directives all laid out.

It got us a picture into where we stood now but also got us thinking about a number of different futures. It got us talking about retirement and options. About how long we were going to work. When we would start our Social Security. Also the wonderful options available for health care and long-term care. And a few years later we are still talking about that. Of course I’m still a young 60 and healthy today so there is no retirement in sight for at least a handful of years.

But I don’t care because I have the best thing anyone can have. I have a family and friends that care about me. Yeah I love spending time together on the weekends but working during the week just makes me miss everyone and when we do get the chance to be together its all that more special. I feel that each visit is this special treat I’m getting. A oportunity to share and love. As I age I’ve noticed the many hugs I share getting stronger. And words of love, appreciation and thanks being shared more often and very meaningful.

Of course health changes every thought and option people have for the future. It changes how you look at life. Each day I try to remind myself to use it wisely. To appreciate it. To appreciate those you share it with. And maybe do something special big or small each day. But having that one person who has proved they are there for you in sickness and health is a calming thing for my heart. I hope she feels the same.

A little snow

Then the snow started. Took this just before dark tonight. I should go out this evening and try a few frames. It will have to be after the Terps game. Looks like a good snow for photos because it was sticking to the trees. Didn’t get much from the looks of it. Maybe 2-3 inches. In Buffalo it probably wouldn’t even register as measurable snowfall.

Back yard in snow.
Photo by MIke Hartley

Here I’ve let a day of the weekend slip by. Now I’m going have to try to do double timing it on Sunday.

Random Thoughts of the Day

Good thing I don’t think out loud.

It was nice to laugh and to be able to make people laugh and smile today.

Sometimes the best thing isn’t as good as it’s cracked up to be.

Environmental change needed in my office.

I’m so tired I can’t describe it.

Just feeling a little blue this day. Couldn’t seem to get the engine started fully till now and this is when I should be getting some rest. Torn between the desire to wind down and relax and utilizing every minute to accomplish something or another. Running late on a lot of things. Worried about a lot of people. Can’t seem to come to a point where I can breathe easy about anything it seems.

Such is life, I had a good stretch and now I have to tighten up and power through as some say. Got some tough weeks coming up but looking forward to some challenges also. While doing this might seem like pressure, its kind of a release. I’m trying to use it to help stay positive in difficult times. Its easy to slip back into sweating the small stuff. This reminds me of the basics. Does the family have its health, do we all have a roof and food. Then life is good.

Feeling the blue.
Photo by Mike Hartley

So I’m going to make like the reflection at the waterline and smile like this boat is and really get rolling on Saturday.

Random Thoughts of the Day

Did you ever have a bad week at work and then go by a lotto ticket with that specifically in mind and walk out the door saying to yourself “come on baby?”

I wish I could remember what my last thought was. It was a really good one. I lost it between the kitchen and the basement. I will probably have to stub my toe to remember it though.

A wise friend of mine said the other day that he is looking for more “win win” situations in work and life. I think that is good advice for all of us. The days of “win-lose” should be looked at with disrespect. Greed should not be idolized. One can be very successful but not greedy.

I’d like to go back to the day, before people went to schools and started shooting. Days where we didn’t have to train our children what to do for CODE X emergencies or whatever terms the administrators determine and use. I’d like to return when the only expression you saw from a parent running to a school with, was a huge smile.

Where did we lose control as a society that this is the norm and not the exception? It’s not our law enforcement, they are the reactionary unit. Its our families and health profession and each and every one of us. We have huge numbers of people falling through the cracks. Our disposable society has now extended to its people in large numbers.

Lets all make school a place for children and apple a day, not for bullets and our nightly newscast. 
Photo by Mike Hartley

It’s not just the disturbed student who become disassociated and or outcast and get lost in delusional worlds of fantasy. Its your disturbed co-worker, who’s combination of financial troubles or marital issues or an endless list of the days stresses just snap. Is it the abandoned veteran with no support in dealing with horrific events. Its anyone who doesn’t have a close friend or family member to send up that flag, or catch them writing something disturbing or going down a path that leads to a tragic event.

Tragic events are nothing new. The volume of them indicates a deeper problem. As we all are deeply touched by such senseless carnage, we all need to look out for each other more. Metal detectors, more gun laws and arming teachers isn’t going to stop this. Only taking each person, making sure they are ok, and if not helping them get the help they need not to hurt anyone. And that falls on all of us.

Missing the abuse

Ah the beginning of spring training. The time of year I would reconnect with one of my best friends from my early youth. We were both big baseball nuts. Both playing in our neighborhood fields and in leagues. We also had a love of supporting our professional teams. Those just happened to be different, while we usually played on the same team growing up. We were very close in our youth. We lived in the same neighborhood, went to the same school. Worked a few jobs together and would kill days on end playing sports together.

But right after high school we went different directions and lost touch for a while. In the last decade we really reconnected but because of our distance it was just email but those mails were something that felt very close like our youth. Like we picked up where we left off as we always had done over the years, because we knew the time in our neighborhood days was special.

Anyway I miss the high level abuse and giving it right back. We would go back and forth with ruthless digs and slights. It was war. There was no quarter given on either side. And it was fun, very fun because we knew we were always on the same team, no matter where our favorites played or resided.

So in that spirit but a G rated version to my friend. I hope you’re listening and if you can’t hear I’ve provided a picture because the YANKEES are going to tee off on the Birds this year.

Yankees Rule
Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

I find I have fewer random thoughts on tragic days like today.

I don’t know why, but I feel the need for pizza.

A happy Valentines day to all.

A line in one of my favorite Aerosmith tunes. (Baby I’m a dreamer) Don’t know why I decided to start with that thought, but I’ll go with it. For anyone who knows me it doesn’t take much for me to go off an a tangent. Actually I don’t consider myself much of a dreamer. You have to sleep to dream and I don’t do much of that. Sheer exhaustion also adds to lack of dreams.

Even when I’m awake I don’t dream that much. Oh yeah, I spend a few minutes a year after I purchase a lotto tickets for a huge drawing I’ll never win, but I do dream of what I would do with it. Don’t worry, I do that maybe 5x a year. So I’m not wasting a lot of minutes doing that. Or many dreams about it. I wonder if money would actually make it worse. Having dreams and aspirations is a great thing. It makes it special when you get there. Not having any struggle getting to the dream somehow lessons it.

Some morning vapor off the lake.
Photo by Mike Hartley

The journey you take into realizing a dream is sometimes the reward.

I dream of making the world a better place but don’t do enough to make it happen.

I dream of being healthy till I’m a ripe old age and having my better half right there beside me the whole way.

I’ve had dreams I didn’t realize how special they were. I thought the day I married my wife it was a dream come true. I had no idea what that gift was till I lived the dream and can look back on it and where we want to go. (Well we did had some rough days, mostly my fault)

Sometimes dreams are tough and hurt. I’ve always dreamt of my Dad watching me play baseball or basketball and playing with him. I usually have this one while I’m awake and at a game or playing one. Guess that is why they call them daydreams.

Sometimes a smell will make me close my eyes and have the flashback dream to a Thanksgiving dinner or my favorite meals of my youth with my Mom smiling while she cooked.

Sometimes, dreams wake me. Not very often at all, but when they do there is no going back to sleep.

I dream of the day I retire and can do my own work/hobbies. I also dream of the day I can afford that day.

Sometimes I dream about being a comedian.

I’m always dreaming about being a better father.

I dream of the day I catch the biggest fish. (I can hear my friends now saying “keep dreaming”)

I dream about being able to write something good, or carve something or photograph a series that really catches on and would allow me to continue that work.

I sometimes hear my departed pets purring or think I feel them walking up the bed to wake me and its like coming out of a dream.

There are far to many people behind the wheel of a car dreaming.

I wish I had better recollection of my dreams at night.

And by now you’re dreaming of the moment I stop rambling on.

Anyway that line “Baby I’m a dreamer” is from the song No more No more.  It’s one of the songs that I rotate listening to at the end of my work day before I leave my desk. Something to get me pumped up for the hike to the garage and NASCAR event on the way home. And like them I’m into clean air. Staying away from the pack.

But that’s another story for another day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

You know there are some days that I have posted, that I have forgotten to add random thoughts. I guess that adds to the reasons of the title of this section, they are not only random that day, they may be random when they occur or I have a chance to jot them down.

Today 4 years ago we lost a brother. Our Captain Dan. We tip our hat and glasses to you today Sir. Thank you for some great times.

After some random thoughts, you are given cause, to pause.

What a wonderful past time. The day dreaming of vacation time. Especially in the month of February when its wet, cold and weary. I haven’t had the ability to do any broad travels. We are pretty much a week or two at the beach in Bethany and or Ocean City family. I should have made reservations back in Dec or Jan like I do some years. But here we are in mid February and I’m just deciding now. Such is life. Good thing those rental agents are on the ball reminding my forgetful behind.

But it has had me wishing for the warm weather and some time off. For we are only about a 1/3 of the way through what I refer to as the vacation drought. It’s that time of year I put in the hours between January and May so I can have the summer and fall season to relax and unwind a bit. Usually its a little later I start thinking about pointing the car east and driving.

Looking back at the bay from Fagers Island lot.
Photo by Mike Hartley

But for some reason today all I can think of is a warm summer evening. A good seafood dinner. Laughter of my family, a sunset and sunrise, sand under my feet and many other beach joys. You know, I think we might take a night and venture down before the season. Rates are nice and there are still good places to eat open.

Nothing of Note 

The desire to come up with something insightful is there. The wish that I could bring a smile or a chuckle but the time and creativity is lacking today. That is what I find most disappointing sometime in doing the blog. The desire to do more and create something special and opportunity each day is sometimes lost. But sometimes winners are found in just expressing the desire and interest in doing such a thing.

My daughter wants to start a blog. I hope she does it someday because I know she has desire and interest and ideas. And it will be a 100x better than this will ever be because she is smarter than I am by far. I wish I had her and my Sons maturity.

So today I’ll just have to long for the time and inspiration to return tomorrow and be happy with just touching base today.

Random Thoughts of the Day

When I had time I didn’t use it. Now that my time is limited I struggle to catch up.

Trust and friendships. A special thing. One that has ebbs and flows. Best friends have calm.

I’m becoming less obsessed on what day it is and more on what I did today.

I wish I had the zest for learning about life at a younger age now that I look back. Some might say I did a lot of learning. But I know better, I could have done so much more and been so much more if I applied myself.

Well, enough self-reflection. Back to criticizing the President.

A good day to all. I can’t get through a good post idea today so far. Started 3 new ideas and they are all now stashed in the drafts folder to flush out at a later date perhaps. That happens to me a lot. So here we go with the 4th attempt to crank out some worthy words of logic or wisdom or levity or clarity. Well welcome to my muddled mind that probably doesn’t reflect any of the aforementioned goals.

Now there is a creative way to get a child to use a toothbrush.
Photo by Mike Hartley

OK, It’s two days and 1 hour from the start of spring training. Time to brush off the gloves hats and bases. And I’m so looking forward to this season. Yes I cheer on the Evil Empire. Been a fan of theirs from my youth. I take a lot of heat living here in the heart of Birdland. I’m looking forward to doing some shooting at the local little league fields this spring. A little bit of sport, for joy and fun which is how it should be. And it moves a lot slower than professional ball so it will allow me to cut my teeth on some action this old guy can keep up with. Plus you get the emotion of the kids and parents all in one place.

Explaining myself,

I feel the need to explain something in this blog which I don’t believe I’ve done in the past. Its a simple thing really. In some ways it feels self-serving to do it each time and in every post. That simple thing is putting “Photo by Mike Hartley” under each picture I take and post. Being 99.9 % of the pictures I use here are ones I’ve taken its very redundant.

But here is a short background on the subject. When I first started in newspapers in the Engraving department, one of our responsibilities was photo reproduction. Every photograph had to be converted to a halftone. A series of dots of various sizes representing various shades of grey and black. As well as illustrations or color photographs for 4 color separation.

I reproduced so many my first two decades that I would just shake my head and say someday I’m going to get a photo credit. I would look through the printed product and see the photo credits of the wonderful photographers who shot the images as I would do the quality checks on our work and printer reports. I’m pretty sure the number of reproductions I’ve done over the first few decades reached in the millions.

Keith Weller shot this in our camera room at the Times building on Main St Ellicott City. Figures he would catch me one of the few times in my life I didn’t have a beard.

As I slipped into the early use of computers in publishing and moved in the direction of IT I still thought about someday being a photographer and getting a photo credit. Well that day happened for a short bit when my friends and I started our own newspaper and I did some shooting then but that didn’t last to long before I made the move back to IT work. So today I do it for the following reasons. I’m kind of proud of the image and want my name attached to it. I’m from old school publishing and all images have photo by or illustration by credits. It’s a selfish pleasure that I get to publish my own images and put my own name to it. I felt the need to explain this because I don’t do it to be conceited but as kind of a reward to getting back to a dream I had many decades ago.

Get with it – 

Its Random Acts of Kindness week. So what can we all do. Be creative and do it often. It feels good. It should because that is your normal instinct telling you what is right. Yesterday standing in line at the concession stands the single line split into two as we got closer to the register. Our side happened to move a good bit faster and I saw this older couple who was ahead of us the whole way before it split so I waved them ahead of us. Didn’t cost me more than a few minutes and that is more time I got to spend with my son talking while we waited.

Plus they noticed it and said thank you. They were kind of surprised actually. Which is probably the way I would have reacted when you see the way people treat each other in person or on the roads. Good behavior and courtesy used to be the norm and other behavior stood out like a sore thumb. Now it’s almost expected as par for the course that your going to encounter it on a regular basis.

Well, the only thing we can do is continue to set a good example and hope the goodness in people overwhelms the selfish, insensitive and greed of some.

A walk on Hill Street. And what else would you find but Hill House at 8505. Yes it is raining today and this shot is not from today. But I’m good at filling space and getting some previous shots displayed. And I’ve got to have something to break up all this grey matter (words).

Hill House shot from Hill Street on a hilly walk.
Photo by Mike Hartley

The whole town I find myself looking UP.

Rainy weekends are not popular in this town.
Photo by MIke Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

Life is good, as long as it last.

The amount of trash I generate (besides this blog) is disturbing to me. I have to find ways to reduce my footprint.

I’m starting to get into this.

A wonderful day using one of my Christmas gifts (tickets to the MD game) with my Son. I’ve now seen each of my children this week. That is a real treat with the stages of life we are in. Everyone is working, having their own families and homes to take care of. So each few hours I can steal away with them is wonderful.

I was going to do some shooting at the game today but decided my cameras didn’t need the exposure to the elements of the Maryland weather today. Shuttle busses are cool though. parking at the other end of campus in the stadium garage and getting to Xfinity Center is a snap. Still got pretty wet in the few minutes we were outside.

Last night, playing around in the basement studio again because it was cold outside. Also had some other product shots to try so in between that I had a few more old roses to use up. Which gave me the title to the post today. Also it was Gold Rush at the Stadium, so there was much gold and black today.

Photo by Mike Hartley

Photo by Mike Hartley

Photo by Mike Hartley

Photo by Mike Hartley

Photo by Mike Hartley

Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m tempted to go out and shoot some fog this evening. But as I said yesterday or the day before, I’ve got to start getting proper rest. So if it’s there when I wake before sunrise, I’ll go out then. Well, I’ll do a few more indoor shots before crashing. Time is so precious on the days off the job that pays the bills.

Random Thoughts of the Day

A somber anniversary is approaching this coming week.

It’s never too late in the day to pick up the camera. But it’s probably too late to download and edit.

NASCAR has nothing on driving in the Baltimore/DC region.

Each day that life is great, is like getting extra toppings on your sundae.

I don’t know why I don’t have the excitement about the Winter Olympics yet. Guess I should go read and find some interesting events to watch.

I’m getting better at making each day a more positive experience. Now if I could just avoid those working in the opposite direction.

Some days its best not to pack the schedule so tight that you can’t enjoy it or be flexible enough to change it. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt, not to have perfect focus or angle. Some days missing that sunrise or sunset can’t be avoided. Allowing oneself to go with the flow and not letting setbacks prevent opportunities. Not over thinking or being harsh on an edit. Sometimes its turning around from the office chair and catching light and a bottle sitting on a table on the adjacent wall. (Note of full disclosure – that is my penny jar).

Bottle and light.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Part of what keeps me from becoming a better photographer is the thought that I got to get a great image on every shoot. Well sometimes greatness comes in the least likely places at the least likely times. But if I worry about what I might have missed shooting I’m not spending those moments shooting something new. So I’m on a mission to pick up the cameras.

Sorting through the old –

My better half brought down a pile of my old albums the other day. My turntable hasn’t worked in decades. So I decided to see if I had anything of value. I peeled off a pile of 40 album. Found a site called Discogs and priced out the set. The medium sale price of those 40 albums was $332.00. And the high sale price of that same 40 was $883.00. So I have a small pile of cash or some memories to put back in a shelf.

I’m thinking my kids aren’t interested in any of them but I’ll ask as always. But I do have 3 people in mind where a few of those might be a special gift. I just have to find out if they have working turntables or they will be the same under the coffee table nuggets that they were here.

Some oldies.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Sleep and Driving – going together more and more and my pledge not to do it any longer.

As I read a news story on drowse driving being responsible for about 10% of accidents. I can believe it. We have all seen it. Sometimes it’s not someone who has had too much to drink that is weaving in and out in front of you, but is just going to sleep. I know a lot of people working very hard and very long hours, filled with many other responsibilities out there on the road. We are all out there on the road. But anyway before I go off track again. I’m fessing up to being tired and driving. I’m going to work hard at not doing that again and try to set the right example for my family and friends.

It is dangerous. And it can be deadly. In my youth we lost a friend to falling asleep while driving. I know how dangerous driving can be. When you spend a lot of hours on the road your odds of someone wanting to play bumper cars goes way up. I drive a lot. I’ve been in 3 significant accidents, (none my fault) and by that I mean hospital and car totaled or almost totalled. Very lucky in some ways, only concussions and back injuries. The last one I could have easily been killed in. That’s the one they had to cut me out of the car and made a sedan a convertible and still had trouble getting me out because of the truck that drove through my trunk and back seat had pinned me to my broken front seat.

All I’m saying is be aware, get your rest and help us all be safe.

Random Thoughts of the Day

I should have exercised more today.

I’m cranking up the Dremel tool this evening.

Nocturnal life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

The time I had free to shoot outside was filled with clouds, and its cold out tonight, so I’ve decided to do the indoor thing again.

Off to a flying start this Thursday. The job that pays the bills is just about complete and I can return to the hobbies I have and the wonderful family and friends I cherish. Got the batteries all charged up and heading out this evening to capture a few frames in between the errands I have to run. I got playing around when I was cleaning up my office and put a few things down on my studio table. (aka our first kitchen table).

I was going to do something with rose petals being the coming Valentines holiday is coming. But then I saw two old chrome lug nuts from my Crager Mach 8 mags from the old days. Don’t know why, just seemed like a nice contrast so I snapped a few frames. And of course unplanned ideas come up with cheesy titles for the post like “Petals 2 the Metal.”

Learning
Photo by Mike Hartley

I trying to pick up the camera now even when I don’t think of something specific I’m shooting. And do I need the practice. I haven’t scratched the surface of making good images yet, but I’m on the way. I have to operate on more than sheer luck and having my eyes open.

Petals 2 the Metal.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Well aren’t these boring? I guess I should edit better and just choose one.

Almost decided on none of them.
Photo by Mike Hartley

After I shot them I found flaws in most of them I didn’t like but what the hell. Its my new mantra – shoot and learn.

Just playing.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m excited again about learning in all of my professions. So time to get out of this chair and petal on.

Random Thoughts of the Day

If you desire to be a creative person. It’s like Christmas when you have idea storms.

I really miss having a powerful V8 under my right foot. But I realize I’ll live a lot longer because I don’t.

So our President wants a military parade. I’m thinking of something far different from highlighting the industrial military complex. Each town in this country should have a parade for all the veterans. Then they all should go to the nearest military cemetery and pay their respects there. Then down to volunteer at a local Veterans hospital. That would be a true parade for our Military.

There is a guy with a chainsaw in the next neighborhood that has been cutting for 7 of the last 8 days. And I mean cutting.

I have found the point in the week that I can breathe again.

Alarm rings, reminding me of chores and errands. So I must leave this realm for a short while. But “I’ll be BACH”

Are you happy today? Are you healthy today? I am, so its a great day so far. Yeah the rain and ice are a pain, if your out and about, but that is just small stuff. Think about someone trapped inside or unable to navigate outside without great difficulty. Even though I didn’t have to go anywhere I stepped outside and let some rain hit me in the face.

Even when they are ready to go back to the earth, they are beautiful.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m thankful for finally figuring out some things before it is too late. Yeah I’m a slow learner. I’m finally comfortable in my own skin, even though some new wrinkles have me concerned. I’m comfortable in making decisions and that some or a lot in my case might not be right. And in those mistakes I don’t let them stop me from trying again and try to learn from them. I’ve given up on a lot of things a lot of times in my life. And that has been a waste I can’t get back.

I’ve learned to be happy with my effort. I’ve learned to be comfortable as a leader or follower and a lot of roles in between. I don’t beat myself up (well not as much) for not meeting personal goals or others expectations all the time. I always been worried about meeting and exceeding mine and others expectations as a measure of success, not now. Yes I’m always on a timetable and it’s always a moving target and I’m fine with missing a deadline now and not letting it get me down. Most of them are self-imposed anyway. Success is doing the work each day and letting the chips fall where they do.

Batteries charging. Going to give this some exercise tomorrow.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ve learned not to be embarrassed about my images, thoughts and ideas. I think the more relaxed and comfortable I am about my work the more I’m capable of doing good work. The ideas flow when it’s not a stressful day.

The idea that there is some attainable level to strive to or some title or some position, is a myth. And the reason I think that is that we are our own, only limiters. As I think back I remember speaking about maybe one day moving from amateur ranks to professional. You know what. I don’t even care about that. Who’s to determine what day I’m which. I’m sure even if I did get some kind of professional status in the future, what makes that work happen every day.

Who knows, maybe along they way to becoming one I’ll have a few professional days along the way. But as I said, I don’t really care much about that. Because I never want to stop trying to do something each day that I could be proud of.

Then again, I’ll never top the thing I’ll always be the most proud of, my children.

Random Thoughts of the Day

Some seasons I like wind. Winter is not one of them.

Oh my Terps. Another one that slipped away.

Good friends are family.

Man the days pass more quickly each day. I’m ok with that on Mondays only.

I’ve decided to start each day on the treadmill or taking a walk from now on. Got to get my energy levels up so I can live longer and accomplish some more each day. I’m looking forward to when it warms up a bit and I can walk comfortably outside. And I hope it results in some more images. I need to get out and about more and get those cameras in my hands.

Yep, got to make exercise more a part of my life again. I broke out some light weights yesterday. Going to use one of my best friends for help because he is a workout fiend. I’m sure he is an expert at technique. I’m too old to hurt myself. But there is one risk I will take. And that is playing some basketball when it warms up again. So neighbors, get ready for the bouncing ball in the driveway again.

Finding some common ground.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I see we have some weather headed our way this coming morning. Grab some real estate and hang on. actually we haven’t had too much snow this year so far which is fine with me as someone who puts in some miles behind the wheel. Please be careful out there. Seems like an awful lot of us have trouble driving on dry pavement so you know what this will bring.

I see I missed posting this on a Tuesday despite the title. Such is life. Looks like I’ll have two post today. Think I’ll try a few weather shots later, unless it’s a coat of ice. And then we will do more a local approach. One that doesn’t include landing on my behind and maybe cameras in the air.

Random Thoughts of the Day

Help if you can, if you see someone or something that needs help.

I miss the purr of a cat. It’s very soothing.

I had a wonderful dinner with my daughter this evening. She lifts my spirits. She makes me proud. She is a wonderful person. I’m one lucky father. I’m so glad that her and my Son have such good judgement and caring natures.

I see Daffy Donald wants to throw a military parade. I guess he hasn’t heard of the phrase “speak softly but carry a big stick.” Yeah I gave him a nickname. He’s so in favor of calling people “little” or some other belittling reference. Hell I could have gone with Carrot Top but I do have some respect for the office even though he lacks it. And it’s not like the streets of DC need tanks driving on them, they have enough holes and ruts already. And you know he is going to demand tanks because we are the biggest and baddest and boldest and hugeist and humungust of anything anywhere in any world.

Ok, now I feel better to get that out of my system.

I got lucky and picked the Eagles yesterday. I got lucky and fell madly in love with my wife and I’m just as much in love with her today as I was 4 decades ago. I got lucky and made it home this morning instead of slipping into a ditch. I got lucky and was able to breathe, have enough to eat and shelter all of which we all take for granted too much. And so we begin this Monday on a roll and positive spirits.

Glad this is gone.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Lifted up by the time with family and friends this past weekend and the coming plans this week. I feel like I’m living again. Appreciating each day. Its good when you feel good and can have those feelings. I wish I could keep an even or enlightened perspective more often. Sometimes I slip and get selfish or take for granted all the wonderful parts of my life.

Frozen furniture.
Photo by Mike Hartley

So I’m feeling good and trying to help out around here. Dinner is rolling and I’m doing some other domestics, just humming along and then I look out the basement window and find some other work of the ice. And as I snapped this was wondering if my bow saw is in my workroom or in the shed. I’ve got to get rid of these overgrown wonders of sap and pine cones. No really they are beautiful trees and I’ve enjoyed the sounds the wind makes through them for decades, but they are out of control and too near the house. That is a small twig compared to what is above it.

Down branch.
Photo by Mike Hartley

So my mojo was interrupted with the sight of that and the task of taking it to the scrap pile in the lower back. But I’m going to power through because I’ve got a great Tuesday ahead. Unless that thing poked a hole in the shed.

Random Thoughts of the Day

Trust is a wonderful thing, just use it sparingly.

Looks like I was about a year early on that market adjustment. Should have figured a year of additional greed to go before it.

Treason for not clapping. Interesting take.

A country divided we are till we find common leadership that unites us.

Liar’s bother me.

I’m going to miss participating in the Super Bowl madness this year. Yep, the job that pays the bills will be priority this evening. Such is life. Not a fan of either team so just hope to catch a good game on replay later. We used to have some great feast for these events. Below was a sampling of seafood we had a few years back.

It was nice to be able to attend events like that and I can’t wait till the day returns that my schedule becomes somewhat normal again. But till then it is what it is and of course it keeps the bills paid so life is good.

Muscles, Clams, Mahi Mahi, Cod, Rockfish, Shrimp, Lobster, Scallops

So to all of you feasting and grabbing your mid section, don’t stop now, you still have more than a quarter to go in the game.

A nice tune to start the day off with. The classic from War called “Low Rider.”  Maybe some of you youngsters might be familiar with in the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds.”  For some reason it always puts me in a positive way. Just in carrying myself, my thoughts, focusing. I can get up from that tune and be ready to attack and absorb life. It is also good cruising song while driving. And its inspired me to take a ride yesterday in my low rider. Well it does have a purpose besides burning fossil fuels and leveling the tread. I did have to pick up prescriptions.

Feasting

Had a wonderful meal at Mathew’s 1600 Friday night. Food, service and a fireplace near us made it a perfect evening for me. Some good friends also making it complete, just as the previous evening was grilling out with the boys. At Mathews I had the Pasta Annapolis which is a trio of shrimp, scallops and crab meat over pasta with a light cream sauce. Also had the Bracheta appetizer which was also very good. Finished off with like an Apple cake/pastry with that comes with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and two big shots of whipped cream. Ahhhhhh.

Our friends said the Grouper was very good. One got crab imperial on top and said that combo was great. My better half got a fillet which was very tender and tasty. Yes she gave me a bite. They said their salads were very good. I wish I got the name of our waiter. He was very good and patient. We all got there at different times (only about 10 minutes apart) and it wasn’t packed like we kept anyone else waiting, even though it did fill up well during the evening.

Random Thoughts of the Day

It’s good to spend all your wishes on health for others.

My Son out shot me today. I keep running out of things I’m good at.

Good to see the Terps get a victory today.

I’m sorry I haven’t been following blog post in my reader lately. I’m going to have to go back and do some catch up. I’m sure I’ve missed some good things.

I like this positive environment.

Good week going so far, but far too busy. And I’ve let this blog, that means something to me, slip again. I apologize for the unannounced absence. I do the best I can and try to keep that balance and enjoy life. The job makes that a bit hard at times, not to speak of all the other chores and task of life. Last week was just so busy with no break and then a busy work week began and here we are. So as I try to breathe some life again into this effort I thank you for your patience and visit.

Breeze in the treeze.
Photo by Mike Hartley

For some reason my first thought today was just titled this post. As soon as I wrote it (bada bing) I wondered if I’ve used the same title over? I have no idea why that sudden thought and panic leapt into my head, but it did. Then my thoughts went to the content of this blog and asking myself if I’ve ever repeated myself? More panic. I know sometimes my thoughts or ramblings are similar from time to time, but then how much is totally redundant?

Then I sat back and laughed and thought, I’m at 60 now and if I want to repeat myself that is my right and I’ll enjoy it and exercise it at will, as I age. Really though, I almost slipped and went back to check for repetition, but I decided living and moving forward were more important. As it should be to all of us. And then the solution popped in my head. If I had used (bada bing) before I knew I never attached bada breeze behind it. For today a stiff wind is a blowing.

A rewarding week at the job that pays the bills. Got some useful time and interface with our managers. Also challenging myself a bit more. Feels like having been part of a marathon. It’s a Good thing to finish strong in those events. So time to kick up the learning curve again.

I wish I had pursued my own goals earlier but I’ve still got time so let me get to some of that. In other words off this chair and get a camera in my hand.

Random Thoughts of the Day

I am so tired of all the drama. Can’t just one news cycle be boring again?

The wonderful visit from my sister in-law is over as we transition back into missing her. She makes my family light up.

I can hear that wind howling outside. And its cold. Someone transport me to Florida please.

I keep a small desk calendar for one and only one purpose in life. To remind me how fast time flies as I peel off a month at a time. Where did January go?