Good day, all. Let’s be thankful we are still here. And if you were fortunate enough to have food on the table be very thankful. I’m sure this is such a different year for many people around the world and certainly in the states. A lot of which might be home alone or just with the family living in the same home.
Leg, check, wing, check, breast, check. EAT
Photo by Mike Hartley
It might be a really good year to spend some time talking to family. Maybe the separation will make you appreciate the ability to get together and share as a family. Maybe it will translate to far fewer arguments and fights in the future. And then again, maybe not.
Long ago my Mom taught me an important lesson without saying a word. And that was to reach out to people and communicate through the written word. My Mom used letters and cards, and lots of them, I use email when I can’t have those direct communications, but the thing is we take the time to write. We share more than just surface thoughts. We share our hearts. What made her notes great was the positive focus. I’ve got to do that more.
I’m not a great writer or any master phycologist who can help every person with their problems. I just hope I’m there for them to try and to offer support if I’m not successful. It’s nice when you can help. Someone just was nice enough to say thank you for your thoughts and note just yesterday.
I’m just of the mindset more than I’ve ever been on trying to help in a variety of ways where I can.
I hope everyone had the best possible Thanksgiving Day and a healthy Friday ahead.
Random Thoughts of theMorning
I bet turkey bacon isn’t on many breakfast plates this morning.
Older people are a great source of knowledge. You just have to make the effort to unlock it because it goes into storage earlier than one might think.
My body has been hiding a secret. It decided in the last month to try out for the role of Santa this year.
I tend to get behind on peeling off every day on my daily calendars. But then there are the times I just sit back and laugh at peeling off several days in a row because I like funny calendars.
Things are better when you focus on all the gifts you have instead of the ones you don’t. It gals me that those who have been given so much seem to complain the most.
I’m glad my children are patient with me. It helps and reminds me to have patience with others.
Life is good. You may ask how can I say that in these dire times. Well, I can’t argue they are dire. But thankfully some people are on a constant mission to make someone smile even in the darkest of times. I’m far from perfect in this mission but I do my best. I love to laugh, I love to make others laugh and I try to find humor in every day. I’m also trying to find more ways to help.
This is going to bring some smiles to some young person.
Photo by Mike Hartley
All of us can see and feel the stress each day. The periodic runs on food and staples. The lines for virus tests or food lines going on for miles in areas of the country. The loss of income to millions is a crushing event making even shelter and food in jeopardy. Maybe a parent having to stop work for their children. Single parents without support systems are thrown into impossible choices.
Think of the doctors and nurses who hide their horror from each day’s sickness and death to smile at a patient through a mask or put a smile on their smock. They know if a patient keeps a good fighting spirit their chances could be better. And I imagine there are times when they know the patient isn’t going to get better and their families can’t be there with them and they give them a compassionate smile to help them feel at ease. Think of the strength that takes. Think of how much these medical people need to smile but can’t because of all the pain and suffering they experience each day.
Nurses Memorial in DC. Photo by Mike Hartley
I think of all the smiles we don’t see now because our faces are covered in masks. And I don’t say that negatively because they should be in masks. I’m still smiling under my mask as I pass people. But I’ve incorporated a head nod more now to acknowledge my fellow man. Because I remember nodding to people in adjacent cars stuck in traffic or maybe co-workers several cubes away too far to communicate with verbally without disturbing others. Maybe share a head nod with the cashier as you check out just in case she can’t hear through the mask and plexiglass.
I look at the many pictures on my walls of friends arm in arm smiling that I would like to be with and see the smile for real. I would like to see their smile instead of just the laughter through their mask or over the phone. I want to see my children smile after I hug them. But we must become patient and smart again.
I want to see the smile on my mother-in-law again instead of the confusion she now has because of the pandemic. I have so much sympathy for our elder generation. I’m in my 60’s and this is difficult for me some days just worrying about loved ones. I saw first hand early on what mental stress and toll it took on a senior family member. And it’s playing out millions of times over to deadly results.
It’s also affecting our entire service industry. Why would someone want to assume the maximum risk for minimum pay? Well right now they might be forced to but I’m sure more made or will make career exits to something else.
It’s changed mentoring and learning in professional environments. Communications have had to adapt.
How many empty chairs will their be. Photo by Mike Hartley
I would love to see both students and teachers smile again. I know both and it’s not a situation either want to be in. If it was just the teachers and students they might be able to work this out together. This thing is exploding in an adversarial way when all parties need to be working together.
There are only less than adequate and difficult options available to all except the elite/rich schools and even for them, it’s less than optimal. It flat-out sucks and it’s getting worse because expectations and needs aren’t what reality can meet. How do we make children and their teachers who are so dedicated to helping them learn and grow in ways that parents can’t happy for what can be done, and accept without hostility on what can’t be done, for a short period of time?
I watch the news now and I wait for that last 5-minute feelgood segment of some wonderful people making some wonderful contribution in many ways to keep society from falling apart to get the smile I need from watching the previous 25 minutes of news. There are so many making these types of contributions that I know we will get through it. But the selfishness, elitist individualism, and greed of some will make it difficult for those trying so hard.
I thought to myself who can I make smile. And I thought of my granddaughter who I was missing that day, a day we usually spend together. So I pulled out my old video camera and I got about 15 hats out because her new thing is hats. And I showed her my hat collection and asked her if we could try them on together when we see each other again. I heard she loved it and smiled. Mission accomplished.
Today onto more smiles being created for some adults. It won’t balance out all the pain but I hope it puts a dent in it. As my Mom would always remind me, “there are a lot more people worse off than you so feel good and help out.”
Random Thoughts of the Day
I can’t help but laugh at Rudy G.
I listened to the Terps basketball game on the radio today. It kind of reminded me of when I was a young kid.
How do you know when a contractor is lying. When he starts to tell you what time he is going to be here.
Saw a touching story on the hunger in this country yesterday. So it made me think I haven’t made a donation to the Maryland Food Bank in a bit so I did. I didn’t even ponder it. It’s nothing special. Millions are stepping up to help feed those less fortunate but I don’t feel the leadership of the country is even recognizing this at a Federal level.
Steak and Cake Photo by Mike Hartley
Anyone who can afford a meal like above even just a few times a year should also share the rewards they have been given with those less fortunate. And if you eat like that each day you can certainly think about those that are hungry and act. Once this pandemic is over I’ve been thinking of picking up where my father-in-law did. He used to volunteer for Meals on Wheels. That is a must-do when I retire from the main job in a few years. I like to drive anyway.
Usually, your first instinct is correct when it comes to seeing and acting. Sometimes it’s just hearing and acting. A yell of a child, or howl of an animal. The sound of a car crash. The scream for help.
And then there is that honker in front of your face leading the way. If you smell smoke you react instinctively. You can smell chemicals that are dangerous.
Your first instinct when seeing someone break down on the side of the road is to assist. But just about everyone drives by blindly. I try to do my share when I can.
Sometimes your instinct is just a glance. A homeless Veteran on the street looking as hard as the concrete he is sleeping on. You know that is WRONG.
Sometimes I’m disgusted with myself that I don’t help more. Don’t get me wrong, I stop and help a good bit, I donate money, my friends and family will always say I’m there for them in many ways. But could I do more, hell yeah? And more for strangers.
So I think I’ll stop worrying about the troubles of the day and see what I can do to help more.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Maybe if the treadmill were called “refrigerator”, I might be more inclined to use it.
Never wait to say those words from your heart to others. You never know when the opportunity will come around again if ever.
I can’t believe Taco Tuesday is over already.
Yeah, this is the weekend I need to pay some respects.
If pizza can be for breakfast, why can’t breakfast be for dinner?
There is a lot of wisdom in focusing life on the present.
I really like the warmth of that sun shining through my office window this morning. After that cloudy weekend, it’s nice to see the brightness again. What I won’t be seeing except on the TV this year are the Maryland Basketball teams. College basketball is my favorite spectator sport. And this is going to be really strange not attending a single game. I just wish them luck on getting the season going this Wednesday for the men and making it through the year.
Go TERPS
Photo by Mike Hartley
College football looks like it is going to struggle to finish. and there are still a few more months of pro football to see if that can survive. I do give them an A for effort and I understand the economics involved. But if things continue to go south what is the tipping point?
Anyway, good luck to the Maryland Men’s and Women’s teams this year. Maybe it’s a good analogy for the future. Each year I get so excited about the prospect of the returning players mixed in with the new talent. Each year it’s a new mixture to assemble into a success. Each year fan’s expectations go sky-high. You walk into the stadium feeling you can win every game. But that isn’t realistic. You can’t win every game. Just like we have to be realistic now and adjust our expectations, needs, wishes, and hopes. We can still be happy. We can still try. But we have to be smart.
OK, a fresh start to the week. I’m trying hard to get reinspired. But in mud, I feel mired. The cold air is setting in and I feel the need to hibernate. But that would delay my goals and make me late. I need that lift to get me off the ground. I’m looking for that trigger to make it happen all around. So till then, I’ll do my best to try to press on. And at the end of the day, I’ll smile and hopefully say Ya Mon.
Random Thoughts of theDay
The sound of rain overnight is like a sleeping pill.
Thinking of someone very special who’s in the hospital now.
I’ve got to make some decisions on some old things I’ve had around the home for a long time. No, not the better half, I’m keeping her.
I’m starting to appreciate this time at home from the job.
Sometimes my back tells me that doing something, is wrong right away and I’m thankful for those times. It’s when he plays the practical joke of letting me overdue it that an ugly price is paid.
I learned of the passing of a member of my newspaper family yesterday. Bob Moon was the husband of Jean Moon, the General Manager of the Patuxent Publishing Newspaper chain located in Columbia Maryland. An Architect, Bob designed the Flier Building in Columbia where I worked for 17 years. His death has triggered a lot of memories for me and I’m sure many others.
Patrick’s Entrance for us old timers.
Photo by MIke Hartley
I had started with the Times Newspapers when they were in Ellicott City on Main Street in an old run-down building that now houses LaPalapa, SuCasa Furniture, and Main Street ballroom. Yes, this was back in the ’70s. The age and character of the building matched the wild personalities on the inside. The place was blue-collar, rough, and tumble old school. Some might even say a bit of old country Howard County.
This was a full production facility. Pressroom, Mailroom, Engraving, Typesetting workers in production and with Editors, Writers, Designers, Salespeople, Truck drivers out front. The place was loud and dirty and it constant chaos. But I did love it also.
The Flier building view from Little Patuxent Parkway. Photo by Mike Hartley
In 1979 Patuxent Publishing purchased several of the Times papers, others closed or were sold to other buyers. The Times building was sold along with most of the equipment and like the Clampets we packed up our bags and headed to Columbia.
The Flier Building. I was beautiful with a flag on that pole and that tree in front blooming pink blossoms. Photo by Mike Hartley
There were many difficult days when this transition took place. First, we lost a lot of old friends. If memory serves me right before I look at the newspaper clipping I have on the wall of the sale we had a few hundred employees in EC. I think only about 60 of us were hired by Patuxent.
We had our tail between our legs because the competition had won and bought us out. Soon to be gone was the place where I learned my trade and a lot of people I loved working with. This transition was rough on both sides and took a lot of adapting by all involved. But two very different cultures and backgrounds soon developed into a new community of people working together. It was a wonderful transition to something that we all cherish dearly to this day even though decades have passed. Sometimes when your being handed a pass to Camalot you don’t really know it at the time.
Home for a few decades. Photo by Mike Hartley
The two buildings couldn’t have been any more different. Main Street was old and falling apart. The Flier building was brand new constructed in 1978 I believe. Main Street was dark and dirty. It was a brick building covered in many years of ink and newsprint dust. The Flier building was WHITE, clean, and pristine and didn’t smell bad. It has so many windows, some floor to roof, and skylights letting the days light and added a beautiful feel to the space inside. It had angles on top of angles, big staircases, and tall open ceilings in much of the upstairs.
Photo by Mike Hartley
There were planters filled with trees and flowers in a vast open lobby in Columbia. Kind of ironic if you think about it. The only trees that came into Main street were in the form of Newsprint rolls that weighed around 2 tons each. If you brought a plant into the Main Street office it would have been dead in 24 hours due to the chemical and ink smell, lack of light, and covered with the newsprint lint. The bathrooms were clean in this new office. You didn’t worry about ruining clothes by accidentally brushing a wall or door as you did on Main Street. It had air conditioning which that old drafty and dirty location in EC only had in the front offices. In the summer we would sweat like pigs and in the winter we would freeze our behinds off.
The new building was one of the first things I warmed up to. Maybe because it actually did have heat and A/C. But in meeting Bob I could see where his inspiration for the remarkable design of the Flier came from. He would always give me a warm smile just like the skylights scattered throughout the building did. He would stop and talk or invite me to his office which was next door to our photography/reproduction area to look at new architectural drawings. Bob was a talker. I know because they say it takes one to know one, and I am one. I think one of my first visits to the building for my interview for a job, Bob was out in the lobby and introduced himself with a welcoming smile. He wasn’t part of PPC but he was in a special way.
Photo by Mike Hartley
The longer I was there the more it felt like home. New friendships were made and many have lasted to this current day. It was a special place to work. With Bob’s design and Jean’s spirit that place was as alive as anything, I’ve experienced. Jean was a driving force for that organization. And their spirit was infectious to many who worked there for many years.
Thankfully many people above me allowed me opportunities that allowed my career to flourish. And in that, I got to work and touch many areas. There might be only a small handful of people who know that building better than I do. I think I crawled and worked in every inch of it several times over. I was there day and night so I got a great view from it. You always knew what the weather was because there was a window or skylight everywhere. Well, not the restrooms but everywhere else.
You could see your friends coming in from a good distance so you could prepare pranks on them. You could see who was having a rough day and was out walking or sitting in the parking lot or deck behind the building. You could look out the back windows at the huge daycare facility and watch the hundreds of little tykes in their Halloween costumes doing their annual parade around the parking lot. You could go up the ladder in the loading dock to the roof with a folding chair and look out over Columbia. Oops, that part wasn’t well known.
The old Editorial area. Photo by Mike Hartley
The place had a grand lobby. It was where we would gather for our company photos. It was where half my crew would be caught trying to chat up the receptionist of the day after dropping off reproductions to the design departments.
I lost count of the times the interior space was redesigned for our constant expansion. And Bob seemed to be part of that process often. The whole building felt like my home. It was small enough where you knew all the inhabitants but large enough to not be a mom and pop shop. We were the second-largest publisher in the state of Maryland behind the Baltimore Sun which eventually purchased the company shortly after I left.
Light from above. Photo by Mike Hartley
They say the tone of a company comes from the top. Well, Bob and Jean created a beautiful place, filled with a beautiful spirit, a ton of ambition and dedication. And that feeling seemed to trickle down to everyone who walked through those doors to work there. And when I left there I had some tears in my eyes because I knew something special was passing.
Bob faced some daunting and huge medical challenges in his life but that smile remained.
So thank you Bob for designing a wonderful home and to you both for making it feel like a real family lived there. RIP Bob.
PS: Please forgive the quality of these pictures. I had the opportunity to visit the building after it closed and the staff had moved downtown Baltimore. So it’s far from its pristine and beautiful days. Especially when it was filled with a lot of great people doing wonderful work and having fun together.
I guess with a high temp of 50 degrees and the low dipping into the ’20s the next few days, it’s time to put the shorts and flip flops away. Always a depressing thought and action for me.
Goodbye till spring. Photo by Mike Hartley
So onto a winter season, we go. I know, we are a month away officially but once the temps get below 60 it’s winter to me. Despite this prospect, I’m in fairly good spirits. For the long term, forecasters say it will be a mild one here in the mid-Atlantic.
Those worn hardwood floors under my feet in the photo have all been sanded down today and it looks wonderful. Once the stain and sealer are on it will look great. Then the molding and the job will be complete. I’m more of a carpet man myself but I’m willing to go with this change because it makes my better half so happy.
She really does have a very good decorating sense and concepts and it always looks much better when she makes changes. She talked me out of doing the refinishing job myself. It would have taken me too long to do all those floors and moldings. I would have had to rent or buy a good size sander. Having it completed in a few days is the way to go for a job like this. We will be a day moving everything back in and hanging everything up again once we get the all-clear on the clear being dry.
Maybe I’ll try that move Tom Cruise did in that movie Risky Business with the socks sliding across the floor.
I was able to spend a few hours with my Son on Sunday and it was great. I’m so afraid things are going to get to the point where we won’t see each other for a while again. I hate the thought of that. It broke my heart the first time and I’m sure it will again when I can’t see my children and grandchildren.
For the first time this football season, I came out on top of my son’s and I head to head contest. I will probably return to the pasting I’ve been receiving all year next week. Sports have always been a good connection for us. For a few minutes, each week where we trade emails of our picks, text a few times on who’s ahead, and then someone gloats at the end of the day. We talk about our favorite teams and players. We hit a few games here and there.
Football season leads us into our favorite, College BasketBall Season. It would be nice to see that but it appears football will even have a tough time finishing so my optimism is guarded about basketball. This may be the first time I don’t see a Maryland game in person in decades. Maybe I should pull the ball out of the closet and shoot a few hoops myself, I know I could use the exercise. I thought I heard the treadmill laugh at me when I passed it the other day.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The definition of a poor loser is being redefined daily.
You know what I like. When I hand someone a photographic print and then look intently at it for a while and without a spoken word I can feel their happiness. I think I’ll get busy making more prints for people.
What if the scales you weigh yourself with came with sound effects?
Work through it or nap through it. Whatever works for you.
There are so many ways to be successful. I never knew this for a long time. One of the things that enlightened me to this was to stop using other people’s measures. And that success comes in small pieces. Mainly along the way before others see success.
Take the Climb
Photo by Mike Hartley
I didn’t give myself much credit for success till late in life. I should have but my own measure was way too high and sometimes unrealistic during lots of my early years. I should have been a lot more sure of myself and not full of doubts. I worked hard and made good decisions.
I didn’t appreciate the responsibilities when getting married, getting a home, starting a family, and raising children and would panic throughout those days. I didn’t see the change from myself as a kid in school who didn’t apply himself to a working professional who did. And when I started to climb the ladder I didn’t see myself as an equal, when many times I was probably more experienced and or knowledgeable. I didn’t know how much energy both physically and mentally playing a caregiver role could be and I always questioned myself every step of the way. Only well after her passing did I realize effort.
Success is not always the top management position or lead engineer. Success in your professional career shouldn’t negatively impact your personal life. A lot of top jobs do and it’s hard to keep that balance and perspective.
I struggle with keeping that balance even late in my career at times. I put in extra hours for nothing but far less than I’ve done for most of my life. I love what I do and work hard to be very good at it, but the job is now a means to an end instead of one of the primary forces in my life.
This was my favorite plant to work at. The old College Park facility.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Performance reviews are far from what they were, earlier in life. Yes, I still listen because there is always someone smarter and I hope to pick up some view or knowledge I didn’t have before. Maybe a direction change or role shift. But in regards to how I feel about how other grades of me, they aren’t threatening anymore in the least. I know how I do. Salary reviews don’t hold the weight they used to. No more feeling resentful for too little or overjoyed at a nice one or bonus.
So I’m closer to being at peace with myself than at any point in my life and that is kind of nice. And though I regret the decades without the knowledge and feeling I have now I’m not going to spend time regretting anything from the past but be proud of it because my measures of success now allow me to look back and smile.
I’m also excited to get a jump on retirement, not for the relaxation or the travel or the resting on past laurels or reminiscing about the old days. I look forward to creating much through the arts of images, words, carvings, and whatever else strikes my fancy. Also on my making my better half happy and laughing. And most of all seeing my children and grandchildren grow up and inspire them. And I won’t be offended by being known as the old guy who likes classic rock music loud once in a while.
Random Thoughts of the Day
If I were smart I’d give up drinking so many Cokes. But my taste buds apparently have veto power over the brain.
My son has been kicking my behind in football picks this year. Which is a good reminder of why I gave up gambling many decades ago.
The home office remake begins today. Well, at least I’ll begin picking it up a bit.
I get to see my son’s new foster dog today. I had better get the cameras out.
We all are adapting. Do we like it? No is the easy answer. The trouble is we’re not on the same page so this isn’t getting better. This morning I was discussing with a few co-workers the stress and anxiety you can see in everyone.
After that conversation was over my mind wandered to the day ahead and watching my granddaughter. And then it hit me. My survival guide for the next few months is going to be. I’m going to look at each day like a young child would, full of opportunities and possibilities, new experiences, and wonderful things to discover. But I’m going to act like an adult and exercise caution, take steps to be as safe as possible, listen to those with greater knowledge and act on those recommendations.
The first (thinking like a child) should improve and carry my outlook and attitude forward each day. The second (acting like an adult) will carry me to many more days beyond this crisis.
Some days are cereal days. Some are just a fruit and nut bar on the run. And then there are those days where you have some leftover steak from the night before and you decide to cook an egg with it and you get a double yoke. That is the sign of a good morning.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Sometimes I wonder where I’m going when walking on the treadmill.
I don’t know who came up with shrimp tacos but hats off to you.
My song for the day “Ain’t Wasting Time No More” by the Allman Brothers.
Time to step up again and support your local restaurants and small businesses.
Thinking of my father and other family members who have served in our military on this Veterans Day 2020. And thank you to all the families that have served or supported those members who have.
Beautiful headstone from Arlington Cemetery. Photo by Mike Hartley
Maybe we can take some clues from these individuals. They had it hard. All we have to do is keep our heads above water till a vaccine can restore some order. Let’s try to be brave from their examples, and support each other, as the troops did for each other.
Previously we have been able to pull together to accomplish great things and have great freedoms and prosperity. That is what sets this country apart. What do you think our allies and enemies are thinking now. We used to have this illusion that this was one nation. And we proved it actually at various points in our history. Will we be able to return to those days?
Looking for my edge again. For some reason, I’ve lost that relaxed feeling in my mind that allows the unfocused, random, and trivial thoughts to emanate from this clouded and cluttered mind with frequency. Actually, now that I think about it and I know the reasons. But I must overcome them and utilize my days wisely.
Like today. I got to hug my daughter. It made my day. I worry that I might have to go without hugging my children again for a while. I didn’t think about when I was hugging her but something felt intense about the hug today. Kind of shared but unspoken knowledge of facing tough times now and ahead.
I saw this in Ellicott City the other day. I believe there was a sidewalk sale going on. Looks like someone was selling a set of clubs and offering their tools to level out your game.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Feels good to put hands to keys. I think the saying used to be “putting pen to paper.”
It’s not only important to listen but to choose wisely in whom to listen to.
Last night of the workweek. I’ll feel a lot better in about 12 hours.
Incorporating music again today. And it feels good.
I was down in Ellicott City taking a few shots and I saw the Bar Open sign on the Manor Hill establishment and I thought for a second for how much longer. I see our Governor did an update the other day because like most states our numbers are climbing again. I like his frankness when he said “Just wear a damn mask.”
Bar Open for how long? Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m guessing it won’t be long till we are reverting back to some rules we had earlier this year if things don’t improve. I know I’m going to start scaling back again. But at the same time, I hope to get out more for a little exercise. This holiday season is a good time for me to work on the beach body. Not that this has been a successful effort the last few years but I’ll always keep trying. At this age, I’ll settle for a 4 pack.
I really don’t like the sun going down so early. Photo by Mike Hartley
Yesterday’s walk was nice because I was able to wear shorts and a tee-shirt and that weather will make it a nice few days ahead also. And this Friday didn’t disappoint at all.
No twisted traffic today in town. Photo by Mike Hartley.
Today I put on my yard maintenance hat again and see if the body holds up to the day’s activities. Got the front half done yesterday. And if I’m fast about it I might take a walk with the camera later today. I also have to spend some time carving this evening.
Do you go to Happy Feet before or after the Distillery? Photo by Mike Hartley
One of my best friends just gave me some great news. I’m so happy for him and his wife. During these times it’s good to appreciate the good news of any type. Because life is about focusing on good moments.
Trees aren’t the only colorful thing in town. Photo by Mike Hartley
So I hope everyone is having both a healthy and good weather day to enjoy this wonderful Saturday.
I should blow up the part of the woman inside peering back at them. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Felt good feeling that sun on my skin yesterday. Would have felt better on the beach but I’ll take it while sitting on the tractor.
More sun and fun today. The top is coming down. High test in the tank. Traction control OFF.
I’m on a mission again. Feeling positive and challenged.
You know what is really funny. I see Trump’s family is asking the GOP to have some backbone. Don’t they know their father removed their spines long ago?
With those winds changing the look of the trees by stripping them of leaves we have entered the least favorite time of year weather-wise for this guy. But at the same time, I’m glad I live in a spot that has a distinct change of seasons each year. The season change is also a good marker of time.
Fog behind tree
Photo by Mike Hartley
Sometimes my mind wanders to the thought of how many seasons are their left to enjoy and watch pass. So I’ll try to go with the flow better in the next 5 months. Why not make the best of it. I hope I don’t repeat what I’ve seen some older people get into. Wasting what precious little time we all have in less than positive thinking or appreciation.
Speaking of time. This will be the 12th Presidential Election that I’ve had the pleasure of working at a newspaper. Election time is exciting. The whole operation is abuzz with activity. And by abuzz, I mean controlled and uncontrolled chaos. So much has changed and so much has stayed the same. I’m encouraged by what looks to be an increase in participation in the voting process. This is when it works for all of us.
Flying straight the last few days. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m hoping for a peaceful day, followed by another one and one after that. I can hope, can’t I? Well, I’ll try to maintain calm. That should be a pretty easy task being I intend on staying in. I voted early so no need to stand in any line today.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The day is young, I’m not.
Math is important on a day like today.
I don’t know if I’ve been lucky or if the hard work paid off.
I love some of the pumpkin art I’ve seen this year. It gives me hope that the human spirit is alive and well. At least the liquor stores are still open for those in need of inspiration. My favorites were the detailed carvings that looked like a zoom meeting.
Pumpkin from Bumpkin
Yes that is a full size skid under it.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m not a big pumpkin pie fan but it’s OK. I don’t do pumpkin-spiced anything. I haven’t dressed up in decades. We do decorate and hope for the kids at the door which didn’t materialize. The spirit for this year’s spirits seems to be muted just like many other parts of life.
In my neighbors garden. Photo by Mike Hartley
No big parties to show off costumes and revel with friends. No contact trick or treating if there was any. Let’s hope by this time next year it’s a different story.
Will we take the right path and direction into the holiday season? It’s difficult to even think about retreating where we were in March, April, May, and June, but it seems like it’s a possibility and approaching reality.
Lets get on the path to health again. Photo by Mike Hartley
I keep thinking back to what my parents and grandparents would be thinking now. They went through wars where they were continents away from families fighting for their lives each day. Limited to no communications for long periods. It’s no wonder those embraces at the end of wars look so intense.
And here we are complaining that we can’t have an indoor dinner or need to wear a mask. I’m going to try to appreciate each day and make the best out of it which is really easy if we think about it. Pretend you’re a Marine and Improvise, Adapt and Overcome. And one more thing, try to help those that can’t.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
A little voice inside me said, “get your ass in gear.”
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen businesses boarding up their stores before for an election. Well, times change I guess. Let’s hope we don’t have to repeat this 4 years from now.
These cold mornings remind me that hibernation is near.
