THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Maybe next week

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Just hasn’t been the week I had hoped for so far. Disappointed in a lot of things. But such is life. I’ll move on to something that works for me because life is short.

Summer days are also short so I’ll be spending some time outside. Come to think of it I’ll be spending lots of time outside in September with some vacation days sprinkled in.

Nature is always good for a smile. Photo by Mike Hartley

I was going to wish everyone a good holiday but I think I’ll just wish it to my fellow working stiffs on the Labor Day weekend. I am so done with working holidays. I’m in my mid-60s and still doing this crap. I should have my head examined. So to my fellow workers slaving away on Sunday and Monday, I salute you.

I just have to keep my eye on the prize and that is a few days off this month. I cherish this time away from the job. Maybe the time off feels so good I just want to hop to retirement. And that has made it hard to go back a few times this year. I’m guessing that will probably be the case till I actually retire.

And then there is the apprehension of a new manager starting this month. In the last several years I’ve had a couple of very hands-off managers who worked a completely opposite shift from us. We have worked so long unsupervised that it will take some time to get used to someone who will be more involved. Then again I have an inkling that they brought him in to make some changes.

And being this mid-60s guy kind of stands out with the 20 and 30-year-olds that now populate our engineering team I’m suspect of their intentions, mainly because we haven’t been part of the conversation which in some cases is another sign.

I missed the boat on all those big buyouts they did with printers in the past couple of decades. And I doubt our new owner will be changing his stripes and bringing them back. So I guess it’s a wait-and-see what their plans are. I’m doing my best to end things on a positive note. But I’m not in charge of the orchestra.


Today I grill. And I hear it’s going to be a warm one so I should see where I can set the grill for some shade at least. I love cooking out. Just simple burgers and dogs today but I think I’ll do some smoking on Monday like a brisket or some ribs.

Cooking is something I’d like to get into more when time allows. It’s a lot of fun and it’s time I pulled even or ahead of my two best friends who are very good cooks.

Well, it’s almost time for Clarks Ace Hardware to open, and it’s time for a new grill grate so off I go. Have a great Saturday.


Random Thoughts of the Day (morning edition)

  • I think I’m going to try to do 2 posts a day just to get myself photographing and writing more.
  • I would have not guessed a pinched nerve in my foot but I’m glad it’s that and not a broken bone.
  • You are never alone if you’re happy with yourself. At least you can have a positive conversation.

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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