The Howard County Fair opens this weekend 8/3 and yours truly is eligible for the senior discount. I remember going to the fair as a teen. Working at the fair in my early 20’s at the Times Information booth. Yeah, we had the PA system also.

I went there with my better half for years. We then took our children there. I’ve gone in recent years with my children and their spouses. Sometimes alone recently for nostalgia and to grab a few images. And maybe next year I’ll be taking my granddaughter to it.

I don’t know how so much time passed so fast but it has. And I’m thankful for it because that means I’ve been a very lucky man to live, enjoy and witness these and many other wonderful moments with my family and friends.

Sometimes I wonder now if the fair will survive. Farms seem to be on the menu of developers. How many people in million-dollar homes enjoy the smell of farm animals or parking their high-end car in a field. But in some ways, the fair seems as strong as ever. I hope it never fades away. I hope it’s there to have families wander hand in hand. Take their children on rides. Eat a good pit beef sandwich and other heart-stopping treats. For youngsters on a date. For grandparents to take their grandchildren. To get some fresh fruit or corn.

Who knows, maybe that tractor you saw caught your eye and you just have to have it to cut that huge yard. Try making it a tradition, it might not be your favorite of all of them but it will be one that brings a smile to your face.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• So there is money in playing video games.
• Feeling in tune today for some strange reason. Maybe it’s because I had the day off from the job that pays the bills. Very sweet indeed. The body has been moving all morning to some music.
• Light on my feet. Quick with a smile. Lyrics flowing off my tongue. The hair on my neck standing on end with flashbacks to my youth or a live concert. Damn, I’m relaxed today.

I can’t help but get stressed out when people close to me encounter tough times. Got a few of them right now going through changes. But that is life. Change and how we react to it. Each day is like a box of chocolates. Sometimes life greets you with an empty box.

At times things that seem to be catastrophic become a blessing. I once got what I thought was a good job. It lasted about 3 months before I found out what it really was, a nightmare. I then got a job that has been a wonderful opportunity that I have embraced. But after 20+ years that has also gone through several changes, not all to my liking at times so even good things change and morph.

I deal better with change now than I did before but I’m far from perfect with doing it. I do know the more flexible I am the easier I can make adapting to a change. Glad I learned this lesson now instead of fighting it the rest of my life.

I’ve always done well with change professionally within the job. Hell, I’ve driven some of it at various times. But I had issues with the change I did didn’t agree with or understand. I also have trouble having the confidence to make job changes.

I think I’ll learn more if I adapt to change better.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I actually felt bad about not doing a post yesterday. Its because I felt bad.
• It’s getting sad when we just blow off these mass shootings or even the daily individual shootings each day because another one comes the next day. I’m beginning to think that only when the number of people affected by them outnumbers those who aren’t will there be any action taken.
• I live in District 7 of Maryland and I’m human and I like living here. Are there sections that need help? Yes. But look at the country as a whole and a lot of it needs serious help. Oh and statistically there are more rats in NYC and Washington than in Baltimore.
• Let us see, he has called me less than human because of where I live. He has called me unpatriotic because I’m a Democrat. He has called me the enemy of the people because I work in the publishing industry. He knows nothing about me.

Welcome to the Divided States of America. I guess it’s been that way for some time but common issues, common sense, and common decency all seem to have gone out the door. And I’m wondering how many decades it will be till they return.

I’m not surprised we have differences. We have always had differences. It’s how we have decided to go about them that has changed. And that Jennie isn’t going back in the bottle for a long time or till its resolved.

OK, I’ll get back on a positive slant here. This has been a good summer so far and I hope to keep it on track this week. Got a day of vacation scheduled and lots of plans for this week. Time to get the camera back in my hands. Time to create and interact with the community. Time to try to make a positive difference.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’m enjoying being a ragtop man.
• Where did July go? Noo, summer is slipping away.
• For as much time as I spend in DC, I haven’t seen a lot of it.
• Arguing or responding to someone whom you have no respect for is a waste of time.
• Look for things to be thankful for and you will be much happier.
• You can learn a lot about life by watching sports. Lessons like not giving up. Not getting too high during successful times or too low during troubling times.

No, I didn’t piss myself. Not that old yet. I’m talking about watering my mind and body. Well, I’m doing a better job on the mind as compared to the body but working on both. Getting my priorities straight and keeping my mental health strong against the opposing forces that come my way.

I’ve had an amazing run of time where doing some physical work hasn’t hurt me. Feeling stronger because of it. Learning to work with age. Taking more breaks. Keeping hydrated and not biting off more than I can do. Who knew taking care of myself would be helpful.

I had a wonderful breakfast with some old friends this morning. Good to see everyone doing well. I get great enjoyment from such long term and solid relationships. Laughter and Love, what my can you ask for.

Well we have known each other so long the abuse also is thrown in but its all a great time. That’s the second get together this weekend with great friends. I’m one lucky camper. And of course, I have my Better Half. My best friend, which might make me the luckiest camper around.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• It’s possible to be tired from doing nothing. At least that is what I’ve heard.
• We had a conversation about sleep today. Kind of makes me wonder if anyone is getting enough.
• I’m on a mission to make my work week shorter than the weekend.
• Can I get a do-over on my stupid years?

You know the saying, “X marks the Spot.” Well, does it? I just happened to be strolling down Tiber Alley in Ellicott City the other day when I came upon this mark on the asphalt. Or should I say marks? You can see the shadow of a faint start to another X. I’m guessing someone changed course and decided on a different spot.

To me, it’s OK to change your point. Be it a starting one, midpoint or finish line. Sometimes when you are experiencing the journey you learn and sometimes change your focus point.

I thought I was starting something 6 years ago when I started blogging. Only in the last year have I put down a pace of posting that I originally intended (daily).

I hoped to have fresh photo content every day. I still haven’t reached that goal but I’m doing better each year. Lots of things have taken place between my starting point and now. Life happens every day and no matter your intentions, it gets complicated. I struggle with wanting to do what I would like versus staying with a tried and true income/job. It’s made more difficult by having the least investment emotionally in the people I work with now. Most of my old friends have retired. It’s much different than it used to be even though its the same company that I’ve been coming into more than the last 2 decades.

So I try to keep a balance. I do my professional job well and try to squeeze into the remainder of the week as much as I can. I’ve started to look at that remaining time very closely. I’m starting to edit out some huge time killers. TV is a big one. I’m getting to the point where I don’t feel like I have to sit in front of that box. For instance, right now the ballgame is on and I’m just listening to it and writing this as I type. If something comes up with my team I might run around the corner and catch a replay, but I’m getting some work done and having some relax time at the same time. Well, let me get back to editing a few more shots.

Random Thoughts fo the Day

• The most popular words on daytime tv seem to be either “if you or a family member” and “The law offices of XY&Z”
• My family might think I like cutting grass and yard work. I do like the exercise but I do it for the view when I’m done each week.
• A happy man I am. Well, most days.
• The D7100 and a zoom lens is a heavy combination. I’m going to have to stay in shape or start using a tripod more.

Every once in awhile I ask myself what am I doing. And by that, I mean with my blog and hobbies. Yeah, they are hobbies, but ones I enjoy a lot. They are more of a passion than hobbies.

Snapped these images from my neighbors garden today. Photos by Mike Hartley.

I’d love to spend more than a few minutes here and there working on my crafts but I just haven’t made it the priority I had hoped. When I started I easily thought I could pull together a post or two a day. The things to write about and photograph were endless. The images of designs and treatments to accompany the work. The interaction with the community. The incorporation of video and carvings and sculptures.

I thought I could do a lot more and maintain a busy personal and professional life. I was wrong and right. I have done a lot with the time I’ve had. And I underestimated the job of doing everything myself. That has been a common mistake of mine over history.

But I’m happier than ever. I’ve used it to look at myself a little more. I’ve used it to help work through some issues. I’ve gotten enjoyment from starting this and some work on my photo site. But time is moving by me very fast and if I want to get nearer my goals I’m going to have to shape up and do more. So here is my fresh start.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Laughter is really the best medicine.
• You’ve heard of “Hammer Time.” Well at my house we have “Hammock Time”
• And a special day it was.
• The more relaxed I am, the more creative I feel.
• I keep fighting the urge to add Instagram to my ritual of social media behaviors.
• I believe I missed going to the county fair last year. I don’t think I’m going to miss it this year. I mean its a bargain because I finally qualify for the Senior discount price for entrance.

I was reading the question of the day from another blog I follow and it was ” If you could switch places with someone for a week, with whom would you like to do it and why? Well, this got me thinking of course. And even though I comment fairly often and enjoy it, I thought my answer to this one might be a bit long for a comment.

First off, I’m entirely happy being me. I haven’t always been, but I wouldn’t trade places with anyone. Well maybe a healthier version of me without the cancers and back issues. This is especially true since I’ve really started to appreciate what I’ve been given. So the short answer is no thanks, I might miss something very special in my own life if I were to trade places with someone for a week.

But as I thought about it, and I chuckled, a few things popped to mind. First, a number of people entered my head so I thought I’d break the week up into days. On Monday I’d like to be either Richard Pryor or George Carlin to know what comic genius feels like.

On Tuesday I’d like to be Kobe and Shaq for a day to see what incredible physical gifts in my favorite sport felt like. On Wednesday I’d like to devote the day to music and be able to play drums like Neal Peart and keyboards like Billy Powell and guitars like Eric Clapton and bass like John Entwistle.

On Thursday I’d like to spend the day outside being Ansel Adams photographing and all evening in the studio being Annie Lebovitz.

On Friday I’d like to be Myron Mixon and cook up the best and largest bbq for my family and friends. Add in some crabs also.

On Saturday I’d like to spend a few moments as my wife, my children, and my best friends to understand what would make me a better husband, father, and friend. On Sunday I’d like to be a younger version of myself and pass on a boatload of wisdom that I needed when I was younger.

Actually, I might ask for a few weeks because I can think of some more people I’d like to change places with.

• I’d like to find the most giving person alive and feel what it’s like to be selfless.
• I’d like to change places with the Dad I never got to know to find out what he was like.
• I’d like to see what it felt like to be Dale Earnhart racing to victory.
• I had better stop this before I bore people.

I got my ass in gear today and hoisted the camera for a few images. Might even head back out this evening and grab a few night frames. Really going to try to get fresh material in this each day.

I didn’t realize till I got home and did some editing of my walk around Ellicott City today that I had a lot of glass in my shots.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• The more I do the more I’m inspired to do. At least in my own work.
• Two very longtime friends moving away this next month. Not far enough to keep us apart but will make the frequency of visits less often I fear.
• Sometimes you are just in the right place at the right time. If you get that feeling a lot, you’re doing well.
• Tomorrow is going to be special for a number of reasons.
• Any day you can start off by helping someone, its a nice start.

One of my best friends sent me a picture of a RibEye on the grill yesterday and of course, that inspired me to fire up my own grill today. So I did some scallops on the grill and they were very tasty. Good thing we went with grilling them out because BG&E was back at work in the neighborhood and another 2-hour outage which is really cramping my workday.

What is strange about BG&E is not that there are outages. Not that we don’t expect things to take a while sometimes when there are multiple areas affected by storms. There is no surprise to see out of state power crews around like we had today replacing a transformer in our neighborhood. What is surprising is the lack of communication or details about the work going on.

For instance, they knew they were going to be taking our service down today. Did anyone get a heads up? NO. The guys in the trucks gave me time estimates but BG&E never did even though I asked for status updates. We have all this communication technology and its not being used or at least properly in my opinion. So unless you can find the power crew in your area doing the work on your outage you aren’t going to get much.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Avoided becoming road pizza today as a huge truck ran a red light and I just caught him in the corner of my eye coming through. He didn’t even slow down. Kind of puts a new perspective on the day. And its good to still have cat-like reaction times in my 60’s.
• Being healthy each day is the foundation for everything else you want to do. Those who aren’t healthy and still do, overcome and excel are to be admired.
• I’m a believer that being mentally healthy is very important for long life. And even if I’m wrong it makes a short journey better.
• If you live each day correctly you have met your deadlines.
• I can’t wait to get my camera back in hands tomorrow and the rest of the week.

There is a new neighborhood being constructed right across the street from ours on Woodstock Road. It’s in the heart of Woodstock. So what do they name this? The Preserve at Marriotts Ridge.

Well Marriotsville road and the center of Marriottsville is 4.1 miles away. Marriotts Ridge High School is 3.8 miles away. This Preserve at Marriots Ridge is right between the WOODSTOCK Snowball Stand and the WOODSTOCK Inn. It is serviced by the WOODSTOCK Post Office.

It’s Friggin WOODSTOCK, you morons.

Next on the hit list.

I don’t understand it. I don’t get it. I’m saddened by it. I’m disturbed by it. I was reminded of it in a news clip I saw of a concert. It’s where everyone has their cell phone raised above their heads to record the concert. Something they will probably never watch but just to post online.

This is so foreign to me. To see a concert is to watch and experience it LIVE. I don’t care, nobody is going to be able to experience it as you will LIVE. And if you not watching but trying to get the picture right you’re missing the point of LIVE and experiencing life and something special to you. A lyric, a tone or beat, a rhythm, an emotion or pose. Many things that if you’re not watching, you will miss making it less special.

Oh, and there is no way to convey online the experience of walking out of a Led Zepplin concert with your friends and yell to them a foot away, “That’s the loudest F’ing concert I’ve ever been to” and have them reply WHAT, because they can’t hear either. But everyone has a huge smile on their face and has experienced something special. Each person remembers something decades later that still makes their neck hair stand up and tickle you.

I was going to go off on the greedy Opioid pharmaceutical operations but lost power to the house today so that is cutting into production time. So I’ll go off on BG&E instead. My better half is not happy which means I’m not happy.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• People have disappointed me greatly today.
• Remembering to focus on things that are important to me helps balance out everyone else’s priorities.
• I’ve got to get out of this funk I’m in this evening. Sleep would do the trick if I could sleep at nights. Guess I’ll have to wait to the morning.
• If you can, work for someone you trust and respect. If you can’t, cover your ass and find something else.

I’m in my element in this weather. Well for the most part. The extreme heat will get to me but not as much as most people. Today is one of those days where you had better be close to water or in it if you’re going to be outside for long.

Boy, these workweeks roll around fast and go by even faster. Seems like I’m walking out of that building and on the way back in the next minute. So many personal goals this weekend unaccomplished. So many minutes of rest missed. But there was much to be proud of. I’ve recharged again by seeing my children and family. Not just a little bit but spending some quality time together.

I’m so proud of my family. They are each so special. They have filled and continue to fill their father with special memories and times. I hope they know how I cherish these.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I think the saying goes, “It’s not what you say but what you do.” But I think there might be a few exceptions to that rule.
• I think being in love most of my life has helped and will help me live longer.
• If you have to think about cooling off go grab the snow shovel out of the shed.
• I find it very troubling that others will describe and try to define how patriotic I am or aren’t without knowing a thing about me.

I love it, the heat that is. Well, I do have to admit it is a bit warmer than what I call comfortable. My better half is not happy. This is not her season. It’s the opposite of her favorite time of year. So I’ll listen to her complain about the heat because she listens to me cursing the cold of winter each year.

I still got out and did a number of things today which felt good. I tried to fix my father-in-law’s car door latch. Hope that is holding. Did some trimming out in the yard. We did some birthday shopping for my Son and I went to my favorite store – Clarks/Ace Hardware.

I have to give Clark’s Hardware some respect here. I’ve been patronizing them for decades. They are the most friendly, helpful and knowledgeable people around. I highly recommend this business here in sunny Howard County.

Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to my sister inlaw. Those visits pass so fast. Life passes so quickly. That makes it easier to look forward to each new day. Each new adventure or task.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• You ever get a phone call from a large organization and they say they made a mistake in your favor?
• Don’t forget Sunday is National Ice Cream Day. Yeah, like I needed an excuse to eat more ice cream.
• This is what you call a HOT summer night.

I woke this day and listened to some comedy. That is a fine thing to have on when just working along at the computer or tinkering in the basement. But it’s not something I do often even though laughing through this day has me thinking I need to make this more a part of every day like I do with music. Actually, I laugh a lot even without comedy on YouTube or clubs. My friends and I are a fairly comical group. So an email or text or phone call might have me smiling all day. And then there are our weekly vigils where laughter is unavoidable.

Helping people laugh and looking for people to be close to that are funny can make life a real joy. I’ve never been shy interjecting humor as I can.

I got to spend some family time for a few hours before heading outside to do war with Mother Nature. She was a formidable opponent today. And the next two days might be warmer. I’m finally using my brain and not pushing it in very hot weather.

This has been a great start to the weekend. For some reason, I feel very blessed and at peace. I think that the reason is everyone is healthy and pretty happy in my family and close circle of friends. That is nothing to be sneezed at. I’m also enjoying a fairly nice run the last few weeks and that is a welcomed stretch that I’d like to keep going.

I’m inspired to work into the night on some creative pursuits. Let’s see what I can dream up this evening.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Life, do it LIVE. Planning is cool. Reflection is great. LIVING is the S**T
• I look around my office and the word that leaps to mind is “Purge.”
• Going to print tonight till the unit runs out of ink.
• Just being thankful for lots of things at the moment.

I like thinking of every day as a beginning. I don’t know what that beginning is someday’s, but its always a beginning. Today happens to be the beginning of my weekend. And you know I love me some weekends. I almost feel like a different person at times.

It used to be a lot more seamless. I had a lot of friends on and off the job. I still have a lot off the job but way less and shorter-term ones than most of my history professionally on the job.

I’ve had a lot of new beginnings this year. Even though the retirement is years off the countdown has begun. It’s just something fun I do for myself. I’m beginning to learn about being a grandparent. It’s coming up on a year since I tried to start posting daily so the beginning foundation has been finally laid. The habit is in place. The enjoyment of trying to accomplish something. Maybe that is my beginning to my chosen career in retirement.

Recently I’m beginning to get the camera in my hands and learn that tool better. I’m going to begin a carving project this weekend. And now it’s late and I’m beginning to get tired. So I will have to finish up this thought tomorrow.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I was thinking, but then I got paranoid that someone might catch me and went back to playing dumb ass.
• I get my exercise by charging my better half’s FitBit.
• Nothing like a convertible on a hot summer evening.
• I think I lost a few pounds working outside today. A fine balance of getting something done and avoiding heat stroke at the same time.

I like saying hello, and good morning or evening. Sometimes even a how are you or have a great day.

At a minimum just looking friendly and smiling. I like holding the door for elderly people. Also women and children. Or even if it’s just the person behind me, even if it is a guy.

I don’t say or do these in passing. I believe I was taught these lessons at a young age and have just continued them. No, I’m not saying I’m the most considerate person around, but I do feel different than most people. It didn’t used to be uncommon to see lots of people doing this. Now its more the exception instead of the rule.

But I was encouraged by all the courtesy I did see at the beach on vacation this year. Maybe its when people relax and don’t have a million other things on their minds. Time is there to be friendly and courteous again.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I made my granddaughter laugh. My day is complete.
• Soft Stuff ice cream doesn’t seem to be what it was when it was outside and people lined up on the ramp.
• Actions or lack there of are what people really mean. So listen to less of what they say and more to what they do.
• If you have outside work to do, get up early and finish up early because the outside is set to broil.
• I’m going to focus on two things this weekend. Shooting more and getting some rest.

More like free of work for the day. Yep, a random vacation day is upon me. The mind and body are already relaxed. A haircut and time with friends at the ballgame this evening. Orioles Park is a nice place for baseball. The Nationals whipped their behinds tonight.

It was the time together that was special. Laughs and stories, beers and bbq. Bobbleheads and bullpens, heat and home runs. A complete evening it was.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Do you ever look forward to a good night’s sleep with anticipation?
• It was Brooks Robinson BobbleHead night at the stadium and he was there. It brought back memories of the man doing amazing things at 3rd base.
• So many great ideas, so little time.
• I like going to bed with a smile on my face.

I was listening to some Van Halen on the road and thought about the title of this song (Best of Both Worlds). Yeah, I would like that. I’d like to live long and be healthy. I’d like to get my paycheck but be retired. I’d like to have a thousand horsepower under my right foot and never get a ticket.

I’d like to be a better provider for my children and their children and share my wisdom but not overwhelm them. I’d like to travel with my better half but I can also be happy spending my days with her at home.

I’d love to drive till the tires fell off but without traffic. I’d love to see a world where we work on problems together. I’d like to have the thought that companies and their management had the best interest of both their customers and employees first in their hearts.

I’d like to see ideas and thoughtful plans instead of hype and rhetoric in our leaders. I’d like to see knowledge and empathy be more valuable than greed and apathy.

Well, I can dream, can’t I?

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I felt the excitement of a young man when my new parts catalog came for my car.
• Trust is becoming a lost art.
• Are we witnessing the beginning of the breakdown of our society as it was?
• Tuesday sounds like a good day for a haircut.
• If you want to remember what is really important in life, spend some time with an infant. (Love, care, shelter, food). Oh yeah, making them laugh.

Locally gas stations have been rather high lately so I took a trip up to one that is always reasonable in Sykesville. Instead of hopping back on Route 32 I decided to cruise through town and grab a few frames. It was early and the Farmers Market folks were just setting up.

It hadn’t gotten too hot yet. Well the sun hadn’t risen on some areas of town yet. I love that time of day in the summertime. I met a nice woman setting up her tables for her handmade jewelry and had a quick talk on politics and what was right and wrong with the world.

I continued to walk the town for a short bit but remembered we were going to visit my mother in-law who just made her return home. Was good to see her comfortable again.

So I didn’t do as much shooting as I had hoped for this weekend so that is a good reason to pick up the cameras during the week also this week.

I’ll see what I can get started at tonight. I noticed they had just bailed the field of hay near my home and some of those looked nice scattered across the field this evening. I’ll go back for a few shots of those tomorrow.

Overall it was a pretty good day. I’m kind of tired because I wasn’t able to get the sleep I needed but will try to do better tomorrow. I’m starting to worry about that affecting my overall health badly so its more of a priority for me than in the past.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• If your lucky to live a long life the biggest bet you will make is when to retire.
• You know that NBA players can’t have a conversation with each other without putting their hand over their mouths. Do they all have bad breath? Could they be saying things they maybe shouldn’t be saying? Could it be a gag where they are pretending to talk and see how many cameras they can get to take a picture or tape of it? All I know is it looks bad.
• Writing is easy. Coming up with something good to say isn’t so much.
• I love short work weeks.

I love being outdoors even if it is in the yard doing maintenance. I remember so vividly looking out the window after surgery and thinking how good it would be again to be cutting the lawn or trimming the trees. And I’m there and have been doing it and you won’t hear me complain at all.

Sometimes a hard days work looks good as well as feeling good. Today was one of those cases. I used to feel that way about all the work I did but that has changed. Wouldn’t have dreamed it but it has. And that is ok now because I have accepted that change. Thank goodness for my own pursuits so I can still feel that.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Coming home from the hospital is always a good thing. I’m sure one family member will concur tomorrow.
• Going to shoot for a good night’s rest.
• Time to make some memories this week.
• This might be the first week I haven’t seen my granddaughter. I miss her.
• I was rather disappointed in myself for missing sunrise this morning.

What a great day. The clearing after those storms is looking good to start. I wish I had started to look at days as a new opportunity each day as I do now. I was selfish for a long time and took time for granted. No more, not one day goes by without much appreciation and reflection.

Even for a day filled with chores and concentrating on others well being, it was a rewarding day. When you can add a smile to someones day or let them know you are in their corner at times of need, you know you are making the right choices.

So my focus tomorrow is going to be to get out early and try a few shots before sunrise. Then home to wash my baby and clear the salt crust from my better half’s car. I think a cruise is in order also which might give me a chance to grab a few more shots.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’m encouraged when I see butterflies.
• I used to think I didn’t deal with stress well. Then I started looking at some others and now I don’t feel too bad at times.
• I’m trying to be a better partner with Mother Nature.
• I think someone needs to start an organization to save the manual transmission in cars before they aren’t offered anymore.
• Holding some good thoughts for the people of Nar-lins.
• A birthday of a very good and old friend today. I’m so glad so many of us still get to celebrate together at our age.

Actually my Wednesday is a lot like peoples Friday. The end of the work week is near. Another day in the saddle and this kid is free to pursue the personal pleasures. Fishing for a fun weekend ahead. No not the kind with water and a pole and line but the kind to catch some pleasant memories and images.

I can’t wait to get the camera back in my hands and do some shooting this weekend. Lets see if we can pull that off.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I love the “Life is Good” tee shirts. Life would be good if I could still fit into some of my older ones.
• I’m looking forward to firing up the grill this weekend.
• If you want to find out how crazy this country is getting just get in your car.

I was thinking about a number of things when I was editing this string of shots. I glazed right by this one at first for a few others and then on my second pass I kept getting stuck on this image. I find it interesting how my view of what I think might be good changes from one day to the next.

It spurred thoughts of how we try to fence in nature. It made me think about how I put of fences between my own creative expression. I thought about a fence between neighbors. I thought of fences to protect patrons at baseball games.

Then I remembered the fences in the pictures showing how we are keeping some people now. I see fences between families. And the obvious fence/wall between political parties.

Maybe if we just took them all down except the ones to protect us from the sports we watch might be a thought. Because the more divided we are the more we are going to keep putting up. And one day if you’re not careful you might be behind one of them if you don’t have the right opinions it seems.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Type till the keys fall off.
• Remembering my father today on his passing many years ago. It might be one of my oldest memories etched in my memory banks.
• When the pain subsides that has been with you for a period of time there is great joy and elation. Even if you know its temporary.
• I guess Winter is the punishment I get for enjoying summer days like today as I do.

Each day I’m looking for precious moments. Ones that might trigger short or lasting memories. Some like my better half waving goodbye each day are nice to get off to work with and remember when I get there to spur thoughts of getting home to see her right after.

Days that include pictures of my children in a text or email. Or just messages from them. As I was going through shots from the beach I remembered how much fun the kids had miniature golfing and I still remember the courses we played and their smiles and laughter.

Good memories can get you through difficult times. Good memories can help you keep you in the right mindset and looking for more. They can be shared with others and inspire laughter and ideas for creating more. So here is to looking for that special moment in each day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Proper sleep is an elusive goal.
• It’s healthier to look at things as they really are instead of how you think they should be.
• I’ve been in more pain today and yesterday than I have been in for months. I finally had to rely on modern medicine for relief.

I’m in much better spirits than I normally am before starting the new work week. I’m going to see if I can go all week without letting the small stuff get to me. I also feel recharged to get some work done on my projects. The creative juices are working again. I can tell because there seems to be a natural flow instead of a strained effort.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• It’s not where you spend your time, it’s how you spend it.
• Spending time in worry is most of the time a waste of time.
• My scale says I ate well on vacation.
• Sometimes coming back home puts a new light on it.
• In some parts of the country there is a whole lotta shakin goin on.

It has been a wonderful week with loved ones. The weather was beautiful. The lodging was great. We ate well and relaxed. Despite the long trip home today filled with accidents and storms ahead of us, I’m feeling it was a great success for not just myself but the people I love.

I’ve gotten some exercise and hope to keep that routine up. So maybe up early on Sunday for a walk and some chores to get me moving. I’ve read through some other insightful blogs that making a habit of something can really make it easy to continue when it becomes part of your average day.

So here is to a fresh start on keeping a better fitness effort up.

Random Thoughts of the Day.

• I’ve got some jumbo lump crab. Now I have to find those crabcake directions I used last time.
• I’m having a convertibile withdraw. I will have to cure that tomorrow, weather permitting.
• For the first time in a long time, I got myself a new tee-shirt for vacation.
• I should have shot more pictures while I was vacationing, but I was mentally soaking a lot of it up. Maybe the next trip down which I hope isn’t long off.

A cherry ice cream soda at Dumser’s and then some fireworks last night. As you can see I’m learning how to shoot firework. Hope to do much better next year.

All photos by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Morning.

• I told my better half I was going to cut back on drinking Cokes. So I switched to Cherry Cokes.
• I love making photo prints for people.
• I’ve discovered the right pillow makes all the difference in having or not having a stiff neck.
• I’m preparing myself for the return to the grind by etching pleasant memories in my mind.

I went out for another sunrise this morning. Was far from being alone. I see lots of people enjoy the same thing I do. But I wasn’t feeling my best so did a limited shoot. Hopefully, this back of mine will fair better later this morning.

Going to be another hot one today. No complaints from this guy though. I do have to be a little careful the next few days because I overdid the sun a bit yesterday and even though there is no serious burn, I do feel a bit toasted.

Tonight it should be great. I have a nice vantage point where I can see 3 separate fireworks displays, without fighting traffic or crowds. Please be safe and enjoy the holiday. Celebrate but don’t overdo it.

Random Thoughts of the Morning

• Bliss
• Peace
• Hunger
• Pain

I’ve been sorting things in my mind out the last few days. No small task, given all the clutter. I realized I was letting the small stuff back into my life too much and it was time to regroup. And by small stuff, I mean issues at my job, politics, small minded people, traffic, financial worries, how my yard looks and feeling overweight to mention a few.

Time with family has helped me refocus on the important things which are my family and friends. How precious time together can be. Helping each other grow and enjoy life. Being satisfied with our lot in life. Supporting each other in those matters.

I’m looking forward to every day now and making the best of things. So let’s all have a safe and enjoyable 4th.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Having a tan always makes me feel better.
• Sometimes I feel very alone, but I’m learning to make the best of that also.
• It would be fitting if it rains like a MF on Thursday night in DC.

Up and out before the crack of dawn today and that is a wonderful feeling. I love getting an early start to the day. I’m recovering that positive attitude on life that I was hoping for.

Part of it is just the ability to relax and unwind. And having the time for that has made it possible. I’ve got to find a way to work some of that mindset and time into my normal weeks to get the right balance in life.

So I’m headed back out to lap up some sun. Just like I saw this dog below lap up some ice cream last night.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I have discovered the midday nap. Where has this been hiding all my life?
• I’m of the belief that Dumsers has the best Cherry ice cream sodas.
• Too bad some people think that life is all about them.

Well, the sun has set on June. A fine month it was. Felt alive again and feeling better. Hope the summer continues in this same light and rewards. I wonder sometimes how many summers I have left to enjoy. So I’m trying to make each one special.

I’m trying a new daily habit of walking. It feels good and I’m racking up the miles. But on the downside, I’m getting a little sore in the feet. Once it’s a daily habit, I’m sure that will pass.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Fitness feels good. Not right after it but later.
• Sand feels great unless it’s in your shorts.
• Taking a break from the sun. Only because it’s going to be night soon.
• I wish I could overcome the fear of doing what I want for a living.