A great week so far. I don’t know if it’s just my optimism of some temps in the 80’s here for the first time in many many months. I’m soaking up some rays because I’ve spent some time outside and it feels great. I took a ride in the Miata with the top down for just a little over an hour the two warm afternoons and that really made living worthwhile.

So where will the mind wander? Well on that ride it started out thinking about parents. I took a ride past both my home and the inlaw’s old homes and neighborhoods. That had a nice feeling to it. I would always look forward to visiting both so just that familiar streets gave a sense of calm.

There were some back roads and some highway time put in. There was Main Street in EC and the business district on Rt 40. Some ballfields at Wallace Park and some agricultural fields on Folly Quarter. There were a few exotics out cruising. A few people testing limits flying down Rt 29. I wasn’t in any hurry because it was a total pleasure cruise. And I’m rarely in a hurry now for much of anything.

Perfect weather and a beautiful time of the season for gardens and trees.

Another thing my mind wandered to this fine Friday was my neighbor was going through a Karen episode this past Wednesday. The nice thing though is I couldn’t understand one word of what she said. But she was excited, and still is I believe. She found out where the property line really is and she is very unhappy and from what I could tell still doesn’t believe it. Even after it was all staked out she was trying to tell me where it was. It cost me for the survey, but every penny was worth it just for seeing how pissed off she was.

I guess she wasn’t happy that they have to move one of their homemade building which is on our property. Oh yeah, they have to move their animal pen which is about 10-15 feet into my property over a 30-foot length, and oh, their garden out front into my property about 15 feet also. I started to throw the trash back but told them I wanted it off my yard. I doubt any of this will be done without county intervention which I sought out today.

This has been coming to a head for a long time now and the battle has been joined. Zoning and Licensing/Permits were contacted today. Animal Control gets a call and all the video I’ve shot on Monday about the birds being on the loose every day. This weekend when mowing the front which includes that garden. Also next week I call the EPA about the runoff into the stream behind our home.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Nature is surely doing some trimming this day. Luckily we have only lost power once today for a short bit.
• I’m working on increasing the fun hours of the week.
• Just lost a fairly large tree out back, the wind snapped it right in half.
• There is no greater joy than a young child’s joy.
• I know I’ve been slacking here. Some reasons are good, but for a few days, I’ve been lazy also.
• I’ve been attending lots of live concerts this past year. Yeah, it’s YouTube videos of my favorite bands playing live, but the feeling is still great. And now with Merriwether opening again this summer it’s time to R&R for real.

I’m hoping with more time in the future I’ll be able to significantly improve my writing and photography. I see so much inspiring and quality work and I’m hoping that with more time practice and experience I might be able to create something special.

I’m hoping it warms up because I saw snowflakes yesterday morning and I won’t have that in April. Someone forward me Mother Natures’ digits so I can call her and personally voice my complaint. If you don’t know by now, I HATE cold. I despise temps this low in late April. I have an attitude when I step outside and apologize to those in earshot of me for the colorful description of

I’m hoping my better half feels better.

I was on my way home yesterday morning from a Funeral service and stopped by Dunkin Doughnuts at Marriotsville and Rt 99. In the parking lot were a heard of Harley full dressed bikes. And a crowd of black leather individuals outside the entrance. It turned out to be the Motor Maids from New Jersey out for a spin. A group of very friendly women out for a group cruise. They were trying to do a group shot on my way out of DD so I offered to assist and got my camera and snapped a group shot. Thank you for visiting ladies and ride safe.

I was hoping to ride again someday but that wish is fading. Not that I wouldn’t love it but risk-reward balance is tough to justify. I’m not young and cocky enough anymore to think my driving skills can keep me away from every dangerous situation. And with the way people drive now, it’s just not good unless you are in a pack of bikes where people will give you some room because they don’t want issues with a big group of bikers.

I’m hoping as always to leave this world a better place but it appears I have a mountain of work ahead to accomplish that goal.

I’m hoping to get back on track with some better eating habits, exercise and proper sleep. Stop laughing at me.

I’m hoping that the huge number of police, medical and teachers, and other professions under huge stress and fire don’t quit their careers. But I understand and see your pain in these difficult times. We need you and we will step up also. Don’t let what led you to those careers fade away, please.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Writing is a conscious effort that you have to make time for.
• Wow, I got to see two very old friends today and hug again. Funny how you appreciate that much more now, being they haven’t been in great supply this last year.
• Eating dinner out for the first time this coming weekend. I wonder what the dress code is on pajamas.

I feel so old school making prints for my kids and friends. I guess I grew up in the time of photo albums, framed prints on the walls, and tables and slides in a projector. But people seem to like them. I guess they could be humoring me but I don’t think so. I enjoy so much sharing family images and videos with them through email. But I make them prints quite often.

Giving a print I’ve noticed gives a different reaction most of the time than online viewing. The most common thing I see is a smile and pause when they look. Even when they are in a hurry, they slow down and look intently at them. They smile and share them with their spouse or say thanks with a smile. I’ve also noticed some people will turn and pause or take a few steps with them. Like some memory or new thought has been triggered. Sometimes they might shuffle through them again and smile.

I make prints because I like seeing my work like that instead of on-screen. I make prints to share my work in my home and office when people visit. I make prints to give in hopes it makes someone else happy. I make prints that someday my kids will hold and have a vision of what their father was seeing. I make prints that my friends will have the shared memories I had of us living and having fun. I make prints that might put a smile on a friend’s face maybe when they need a lift.

I remember the excitement of developing my first rolls of film and pulling prints from the baths that would make the image magically appear. That physical print, be it alone and just with a white border, or in a cardboard frame or a nice glass frame or just taped to the wall or with a pushpin is a thing of great joy for me.

I saw a question of the day on Pointless Overthinking asking “what do you see when you look in the mirror.” I see a relaxed smile thanks to my better half, children, grandchildren, and wonderful friends. I see a grey beard that hides a firm jaw from many decades of hard work. I see naturally curly hair that is getting thin in spots but still has the spirit and youthful mindset. I see eyes that look tired and hide the pain. I see a body that is scarred from the surgeon’s scalpels but looks good for its age. I see a nose that loves the smell of food and in the last decade has been holding up the eyeglasses. I see a pair of ears that I always try to encourage to do a better job at listening and not speaking. I see a neck that most mornings sounds like a big truck going down a gravel road till I’ve stretched it out for several minutes. I see legs that have propelled me through life. I see a chest with a heart with a lot more love to share.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• You could sense the unspoken tension before the verdict the other day.
• Like the pollen was having a problem making it to my respiratory system, mother nature thought a 30mph wind would get it all the way up there.
• Can we continue to make good decisions as a society?
• I washed my car on Sunday and was so pleased with how clean it was. I took it out for a spin on Tuesday and saw that mother nature was turning it orange.

Questions answered. It was a weekend that began with a few question marks in regards to the homestead. Would the battery take a charge and would the engine turn on the tractor over if it did? Would I make it through the push-cutting part of the job without a lot of pain? Would the wounded wing behave? Would I be able to spot the box turtle before I hit him?

The answer was yes to all and the grounds look nice. So the season of yard work is off to a strong and successful start this weekend. My better half also does wonderful work with gardens so I’m proud of how the place looks to start this season.

Lots of those big industrial mowers have double the mowing deck size of my old rider of 38″. I’m just happy that after more than 2 decades it’s still starting and finishing the yard strong. But watching those guys descend on the neighborhood got me thinking.

It’s interesting to me how the industry has changed. When I grew up everyone cut their own yard or had one of the neighborhood kids do it. And that was a competitive business among the kids. Now companies roll up in trucks and trailers and people not of the neighborhood roll in and in a few minutes have the place cut trimmed and blown.

I had a try at a few of them when I had some health issues for 2 seasons. One was very good and the other was very bad. I wish the neighborhood kids still cut lawns. Then again we don’t live in a big neighborhood but you would think there would be some enterprising youngster around. I guess not because none have made themselves known in many decades.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• My car is red most of the year. Except for April and May when it is turned orange by pollen.
• Hard work feels good. Well, most of the time it does.
• Beef Brothers on Rt 40, had a really good meal from there. Oh yeah, can’t forget Ernesto’s the week before.
• Looking forward to accomplishing a lot this week. I at least put the cameras to use this past week for some good family and people images. I hope to keep that going which reminds me, let me go recharge the battery in the Nikon.

If anyone could come up with a way to block all unsolicited phone calls and put all types of scammers in jail forever they might be the next Billionaire.

Racism won’t stop till it is no longer passed from generation to generation. Now figure out how to do that on a mass scale.

New ways are needed to feed everyone and have enough clean water if we are going to survive in the future. Either that or war.

It’s not just a matter if new technologies can be developed fast enough to deal with the worlds problems but will we accept or fight them also.

I wonder if the number of telemarketers and scam calls go up because I’m older or that I’m just home to get them now?

As neighborhoods change, some borders that were shared in harmony are no longer. True on a small and large level. But as long as peace talks can be had there is hope.

Despite the cool and cloudy start that sun was beautiful this afternoon.

I’m of the belief that watching grandchildren slows the aging process.

I get the distinct impression some states would rather not be states.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Thinking of a brave individual this day fighting a difficult battle.
• I got the J&J vaccine. But thankfully too many other things hurt so I can’t worry about blood clots.
• Logic has been a casualty of the last year or more.
• We are all one giant ongoing medical experiment. But at least we are trying. Well, most of us.
• I knew the feeling was going to be wonderful and uplifting when I started to see my best friends again.

I think of something that is timeless. A song, a story, a movie, a poem, an image. Timeless is unique to all of us but none of us are timeless. Maybe for a generation but not forever like a classic painting or building. And what the hell describes timeless. I mean humans haven’t been around all that long according to some in the fields beyond my knowledge.

If I’m a lucky man I’ll create something timeless for my friends and family. Be it a memory, love, laughter, stories, pictures, or carving/engraving. Maybe I’ll do it and won’t even know it. Maybe I’ve already done it. I hope so because I’ve been working hard at creating memories. Sometimes not always intentional.

I certainly know the children will always be the pride and joy of my life. I hope I’ve created a lot of memories for them.

One of my best friends and I were reliving a few memories on the phone today. Having such good friends for over 4-5 decades is a blessing and one that sometimes seems like it may be timeless. Of course, my better half and I are timeless. We will be with each other till we can’t be.

I just remembered that Mother Nature is timeless. Isn’t that a beautiful ending.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• It felt good making someone laugh who is having a very difficult time.
• The rhythm of a great tune can carry you through a day. But a stick shift will put a smile on your face.
• I really feel much younger than my age now. It’s funny because when I was young I felt much older than my age.
• My wounded wing is not improving. You don’t realize how much you use your dominant hand/arm till it’s not functioning 100%.

Sometimes you just have to get a better look. Today when I went to open the shed, I found a new friend. Now I’m going to be paranoid about cutting the grass. I’ve never hit a turtle. Came close a few times but luck prevailed. I don’t let my grass get real tall anyway. But it certainly took off the last few days.

It was a wonderful week filled with family visits and as I sit here with only a few minutes to go in the week, I’m a very happy father and husband.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• There are few things as loyal as pets.
• Pets know where the ice cream is kept.
• I started 4 different posts today and only finished one.
• Our local snowball stand is open and life is good again.
• Most of the family is vaccinated, so I’m resting a little easier.

I’m of the age where my friends and I have grandchildren. I’m in awe of a child’s innocence and I see it in the faces of other grandparents. I wish the world could be infected with that feeling. Of wanting to make their world the best possible one. The kind, ripe with opportunity, experiences, and love. One of safety, peace, and people working together. One where life is cherished, and hunger and poverty are the wars fought.

I wish we all would remember the innocence we all had in our youth. Able to find joy in the simplest things. Optimism about the next day and the next 5 minutes regardless of what is happening in the world. Boundless energy accompanied by boundless curiosity.

Well maybe if just a little of that innocence invades my spirit today I’ll be a better person for it. Lets hope for a lot of it.

I took a little mental health break the last few days. Collected some thoughts, threw some others away. I shared some thoughts and hid some from others. I remembered some important people and spent some time trying to help some others. I thought about priorities but I wasted a few hours. I enjoyed a sunset and sunrise. A few conversations with my children and some thoughtful emails sent. Movement on some projects and drawing up plans for more. Even though no production was seen here the behind scenes was busy.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• It’s very nice to hear the roar of the crowds again at events. I just hope we hear the roar of all those voices silenced by the virus saying be careful.
• A few days of rain won’t dampen my spirits.
• If you’re having a tough day – Insert Music.
• The earlier you rise the more opportunities there are.
• It’s funny when people decide they just don’t have time for the family anymore. Well, let me choose a better adjective. I think sad, might be the better choice.

Having got our vaccine shots on Friday, I still have a sense of guarded optimism. I didn’t think about it much in just waiting for the vaccine, just tried to be as safe as we could. But the thought of just going out and being in large crowds is somewhat an uncomfortable thought.

Plus I believe I have to wait about 2 weeks for it to build the things in my body to make it less severe if I do catch it. With the numbers continuing to rise again I worry for others and encourage everyone to get the vaccine. I was skeptical of flu shots for years and then I started getting them over a decade ago. It hasn’t caught every year but most have been good. And I hope science will protect us again. Having spent time in hospitals for other things, my goal is to stay out of them as much as possible.

So back into society slowly but at least my spring and summer are looking up. I guess we now wait to hear how long these shots are effective for and when the next one will be needed. That’s not a complaint, just a wonder? Actually, I should be feeling good but with the CDC and officials throwing up big warning flags of another spike I have guarded optimism.

Another tragedy at the Capitol with an officer killed and one injured. Then again there is one every day, almost in every town be it an officer or citizen. So much hate in the world and these events just keep coming. It’s hard at times to stay hopeful and optimistic. But those are the things we have to do and find ways to combat this senseless slaughter.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I hid Easter Eggs in the yard for the first time in 3 decades. It was great watching them being found by my granddaughter.
• I thought about it this weekend but decided next weekend will be the first cut of the yard this year. So let’s hope for rain.
• A few good photo opportunities didn’t sneak by me today.
• I wonder if I had been a reader all my life if I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as I do now.
• A family is like a play. Full of characters, sometimes very joyous, sometimes very sad, sometimes both within the same play.

I was listening to Crosby, Stills, and Nash, this morning and the song (Long Time Gone) played live at a concert. It got me thinking about time.

Time is a gift, time can be a torcher. Time flies, time crawls. Time to each of us is unique. Time to plan to act, or no time is given and just reaction time allowed. It seems like everywhere you go it’s a different time. People can have a wonderful and horrible time at the same event. Time is appreciated and disrespected. Time is a gift each of us has but can be a gift to someone else also. Time is something you don’t think about much till you realize that it is finite. And then again it seems infinite also.

I was thinking about a time the other day when a very sick friend came to mind. I remember being faced with some hospital time and recovery time which he is experiencing now. That time drove me nuts. I’m not one to want to just sit still and let my body heal. I don’t know which was worse, the pain or not being able to do much. I was recounting looking through my family room window looking out at the people I had to hire to cut my yard. The first time I hadn’t been able to do it and it drove me insane. A task I never really liked much except that I do like a nice-looking yard. From that day forward I have been nothing but happy and appreciative that I have my health, that I’m alive and can do it again. My neighbors must think I’m a little nut because I smile while walking and sitting behind the mowers or raking.

His struggle also reminds me to love each day and everything around me. Those messages were sent loud and clear each time I’ve faced a health issue but I get lazy and fall into old habits. I don’t want to do that because that means I’m wasting time, don’t have the right attitude and I’m not living life to the fullest.

It was Giving Day at Jersey Mikes on Wednesday and I love their subs and I love giving to charities. So the misses and I ventured up to Eldersburg. Mmmmm, Cheesesteak subs. Didn’t even bother me that it was raining the whole time.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• The difference between concerts now and back in the day. We had our hands in the air also but they weren’t holding cell phones.
• I’ve really got to clean up my drafts folder. Also my office.
• Take the time to do something for someone who needs your support.
• The greatest blessing is good family and friends.