Wonderful state (Maryland) to be brought up in and raise a family in and now grow old in. But as with all good things, time can change them. Each one of those phases of my life has had its own challenges but has also made life special and presented many opportunities and joys. The central part of the state used to be very rural when we first moved here in the late ’50s, but that changed very rapidly. Now I hear many say and I agree, it’s gotten too congested.

Thankfully I might not have to fight rush hour traffic much longer to get to work, but getting anywhere is very difficult at times. All the things that people look for in successful communities are here. Good schools, good infrastructure, and services. Good employment opportunities. A place where you can drive west and hit the mountains in 2-3 hours or the bay and Atlantic ocean if going east at the same time or less.

A state that has beautiful and very separate full seasons. It has wonderful small towns and big cities. Growth has changed a lot of things. I’ve always enjoyed the people very much. I’ve always thought of this as a friendly state and area. And I still do but it’s only in some areas I find now.

Maybe I just need to get out more and establish a new norm more like the old norm. A head nod and smile or hearty good morning/afternoon or just a simple hello or hi. And if it’s someone you know an extended hand and how are you. Well, I’ll extend the left one till the right side is healed.

In a lot of cases, as with a lot of things, it just takes the right effort with the right intentions and hopefully the right time to turn things around. And being the holiday seasons are soon upon us it won’t seem that out of place and I’ll just continue on from there. So off I go embarking on the eye contact and hellos. I will not be deterred by those who choose not to respond but to one day make them the exception instead of the rule.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’ve got to get a firepit soon but I can’t decide on the style I want. I got to get my better half in on this so a choice can be made.
• I’m wondering how those people in the crowd felt after that concert where those people were crushed to death?
• This week might be one of the last really nice ones outside for a bit.
• I find a bag of frozen peas or corn more comfortable than an ice pack.