THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

There is something missing

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July 4th just isn’t the same in our family anymore without our parent’s generation present. But we will gather and remember them this weekend. And by we, I mean a few of us. The days of complete family gatherings have come and gone. Some members sadly removed themselves from the whole.

I saw my better half had started to lay a few things out Friday night. Photo by Mike Hartley

I found some special old images that I’ll be giving to one family member of their grandparents. Sometimes it still seems strange I’m at that point (being a grandparent) but it’s one of life’s great experiences in my opinion.

Life is about going through these stages and that is if you are a lucky person just to get the chance to see and appreciate it all.


Creating is fun. What could have been if I started earlier? Don’t worry I’m not spending more than a few seconds a day with the thought of being disgusted by my wasting time. It’s fuel to remind me to make the best of today.

My goal is to finish a new collage by midnight. Maybe spend an hour two woodworking. Pick up the cameras again and also upload some images to Zenfolio.


By the way, I found out where all those people on the road are now.

Bethany Beach is Umbrella to Umbrella. Photo by Mike Hartley

I brought a little of the Eastern Shore of Maryland back with me this week in the fashion of Sweet Corn which I will be putting on the grill tomorrow for lunch. I’ve cooked them naked before but it’s a bit drier than I like when I wrap them in foil and cook them that way. I haven’t tried the direct cooking in the husk in some time but I think I’ll try a few ears that way tomorrow also.

I’ll share a shot of the finished result tomorrow. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Being within a year or two of retirement my mind really starts to wonder when I’m on vacation with the thought of so much time and all the things I can do with that time on a permanent basis.
  • My better half doesn’t know it yet but the basement is becoming an Art Gallery.
  • Tomorrow is weigh-in day. I was doing good mid-week but I’m still learning discipline. I’m only getting on the scale once a week so as to not obsess.
  • Leaf blower or broom? I’m going with the power tool here.
  • The future will redefine the word divided. Unless we all decide to change it.

Author: Mike Hartley

With a lifetime and a half in the Newspaper industry I'm preparing for my retirement career as an Artist, Writer, Photographer and Video content provider. I'm a proud father of two wonderful children and I'm still married to the first girl I fell in love with and probably only one that would have me.

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