I thought I’d try something that I was going to do when retirement rolled around but why wait? And that something is to try to document the beauty and people in the county I’ve lived in for going on 6 decades. The area certainly has changed dramatically over that time. Some of its beauty is under developments or office buildings. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t beautiful architecture here. And there still is a lot of natural beauty to be seen. And of course many beautiful people I know and have yet to encounter.
Progress has been swift and difficult. Just like the country, it became a bit divided over the last several years but hopefully, we can move beyond that and continue to make it a better place to live. But even the definition of better will be debated. And that is good if it’s done respectfully.
I wanted to incorporate getting a shot in the county into my daily routine, but that means I’m going to have to get my behind out of my house every day. That could also result in some substantial mileage so I’ll have to keep an eye on that cost but I’ll also get out and walk in an effort to get the body working well again.





Woodstock Maryland The Snowball Stand. Photos by Mike Hartley
Today’s shots come from the Woodstock Snowball Stand. The last day for snowballs. I got a few for the kids and put them in the freezer for this weekend when they come. We also got our Xmas tree from them last weekend. I’m very impressed with the new owners and how they have made it even more special by staying open later, incorporating wintertime drinks, and of course the trees and wreaths. Very nice people and I plan on supporting them for years to come. Full disclosure (I have a snowball addiction).
So day one of shooting is done. It’s supposed to be pretty wet out tomorrow so I guess I’ll get some practice at some rain shooting. At least it’s not the blizzard some are facing. And when it does get down to that 0-degree wind chill this weekend I’ll be shooting from the car window.
Random Thoughts of the Day
- Maybe if those fine lines weren’t so thin I wouldn’t step over so many of them.
- At what point do we stop calling them weather extremes when they are more the norm?
- Do you ever wonder how many more times you will be able to decorate your Xmas tree?
- Given the greying of my beard, I wonder how long it would take to grow the Santa look.
- I got my gift this year in July with the birth of my grandson.
- Oh yeah, it’s the day Old Man Winter comes out. Well, meet your opposite number.