I wrote that title without defining or even thinking about what “it” was before starting this post titled “Isn’t it beautiful.” Looking for beauty makes me look in a positive direction. Plus I like finding many “its” throughout the day. For instance, it was a beautiful morning. After an hour or two of trimming and weed-whacking the yard is beautiful again.

My better half was beautiful this day. The sky was beautiful before the clouds came. The lone dandelion weed in my front yard was beautiful, mainly for the reason there weren’t hundreds of them like next door.

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I might look at a car and see beauty. My better half sees a car. Some may consider the rolling sand hills in a desert beautiful and others see desolation. Some may look at a stone and just see a big rock. Others see beauty.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• The sound of the workweek starting up again is not beautiful.
• The dead battery in my locked car is not beautiful.
• The mess surrounding me in my office is not beautiful.
• Having my health today though was beautiful.
• Having family and friends this weekend was beautiful.
• Having some good cancer test results this week would be beautiful.

Arlington National Cemetery is a beautiful place but this weekend when they do the “Flags In” it’s something special. I was feeling rather guilty being it had been a bit since I had visited my parents. I think about 10 months but it could be a year, usually, I do 2-3 trips a year.

I like walking around a little each trip and meeting their neighbors. I like looking at freshly laid flowers. Finding a grave with personal items left is not real common in the older sections but occasionally you stumble on something special.

Sometimes visits are very difficult. Sometimes kind of uplifting. Today was a bit of both. I’m still asking favors of them. Like to look out for their grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. And of course, advice which I always need from them. But I also was very proud to tell them that their grandchildren remember them on their anniversaries and milestones. Always, every year without fail.

It was such a beautiful day and even though I got there a few minutes after opening the crowds were building quickly. I imagine beating the heat because that is a big place to walk or even using the tram.

I usually always go on Sunday mornings. There are no burials on Sundays so I don’t have the occasion to hear TAPS. Well, they did it during a wreath-laying this morning and it felt like I was hearing it again for the first time when I was 9. I can’t hear those notes and not cry. Wish I could be stronger but that is something that was very painful a long time ago and is still to this day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I feel like eating well this week.
• Almost time to turn the calendar again. The older you get the scarier it gets.
• I will repeat, working holiday weekends sucks.
• Some drivers are out of control. Then again I guess they are out of control when they aren’t behind the wheel also.
• The chance of running into a lot more good people than bad is very high. It’s just that the bad ones really stick out and make it seem there may be more bad than good.

Arlington National Cemetery held commemorative events marking the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier yesterday. And a beautiful day it was for such an event. The Tomb is a spot I visit often. My parents are buried in an adjoining section, which is very near this. I always walk down and watch the changing of the guard after I visit with them.

Sometimes I’ll walk through the empty Memorial Ampletheater, sometimes around the outside of it. I try to stand in a different spot each time as I watch the changing of the guard. I marvel at the precision and details of the Old Guard.

Most people come as visitors, but those who come for personal connections it’s part of our home. It’s a place of many and all emotions. Some very raw. Some that are just as painful as the day they became reality. Sometimes you see a smile. Sometimes you see people looking skyward. Sometimes just a bowed head. Many take a knee and embrace a headstone.

Sometimes I shed a few tears even before I pull in the main gate. Thankfully I’ve been able to pull it together by the time of the security checks. But then the drive up to their row sometimes triggers emotions. I usually feel good as I exit the car and begin the walk down their row. When I get to their grave sometimes it’s very good. Like this summer visit when I just sat and told them stories about the children and what we were up to. Just like a summer visit sitting outside chatting and I left with a smile and good feeling. Other times I miss them so bad I have trouble standing there and am just silent, wiping tears the whole visit.

Sometimes I think those different feelings are due to the different times of the year. Of course, I miss them more during the holiday times. Especially Xmas and Thanksgiving times. And summers for us were always more upbeat.

So I’ll end here and get back to work on the project of gathering some of the shots I’ve taken there on the wall for my friends and family to sort through for what is the best work. To me, it’s just pointed out a few things I think I need to go back and work on or shoot again, and other things I need to shoot for the first time.

Random Thoughts of the Day this morning

• I long for the day I don’t wake in pain. But I also will think more about those that are fighting much more difficult battles.
• Today I have many opportunities to make progress. Will I choose to do so is the question?
• I forgot to add yesterday my appreciation for all that serve and have served this wonderful country. I hope you know the appreciation is there every day of the year, not just Veterans Day.
• I’ve got to work on enlarging my palette of color.
• It feels like reading season. It’s #39 in my book of things to do instead of going outside in the cold.

Took a short walk around the section near my parent’s grave this morning and grabbed a few shots of a beautiful place. I had my normal chat with them updating all the family status and goings-on, as well as my love for them, and hope they keep an eye on the family.

I love September visits. Things are green still but you can feel the change starting. I’m sure on my next visit I won’t have shorts on and a jacket or coat will be required.

One change to the normal visit was that the Memorial Bridge was closed so I had to take a strange route home. And they directed me on 395 which took me past the Pentagon around 10 am. Just thinking back, I also heard something strange for a Sunday. I heard Taps being played. I didn’t think they did interments on Sundays?

Arlington National Cemetery 9/12/21. Photos by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’m going to have to make up for this lazy afternoon tomorrow afternoon.
• Keeping the momentum going, is always the hard part.
• Learning to keep that positive creative spirit while chaos swirls around you is difficult but not impossible.
• It can’t be Monday again.

Finally a beautiful day on Memorial Day weekend. Too bad I had to sleep through over half of it and work parts of both ends of the day. I did make good use of the few free hours though and it was a wonderful time. Lots of friend’s birthdays, anniversaries, and occasions to celebrate this coming June. The month of May certainly flew by. Here in the northeast, it was a cool May which seemed unusual.

I’m thinking about the balance of this weekend. Far too many forget the sacrifices made too easily and only think of the celebrations, cookouts and time off. We ask very few to really fight for this country. But it wasn’t always that way. Early wars mobilized the whole country. Even those at home sacrificed working for the war efforts.

I feel that the generations behind me are losing the history of my elders. Very few WW2 Vets are still alive. I saw a stat from March 5th, 2021 that said 300,000 were alive, less than 2%. Those actions, that service, that knowledge is soon to be gone.

I was telling someone how I never got that wisdom from my father. We didn’t have a chance with him passing when I was still young. I did get one message from my Mom about it and that was “war does horrible things to people.” And as I made more and more visits to Bethesda Naval Hospital over the years when I was young and then for her in her later years I’ve seen some of the results. From the ’60s when people maimed returned from Vietnam to the Gulf wars.

So today I consider myself a very lucky man to have been blessed with so many that preceded me who fought for Democracy. Thank you all again for your service. And also to those who serve today of course.

I’m going to be on a mission to capture some memories of a particular time in history at a place I was at soon. Before those people are gone along with the memories of some special times.

But tomorrow I hope to be out and about in the county recording some moments in time to share.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• It’s always fun doing something you thought you might not able to do until that next thing that you thought you could do isn’t working now.
• Mowing the grass on a Friday prevents having to do it on a holiday Monday. Especially when it rains all weekend.
• Getting older is about acceptance. Yeah, you can fight against it for a while but time wins.
• Love can get you through many things.
• I’m very comfortable with Biden visiting Arlington. I was very uncomfortable with Trump on those grounds.

It’s time to change up my routine. I’m not getting enough shooting in and unless I make an effort to change that I’m going to continue to be frustrated. Part of it is very easy. I have to take advantage of all the opportunities I already have. Commonly overlooked opportunities.

I’ve got to get out and walk the space. Observe the space and record the space. And when I’m not out and about create inside each day. I need to increase my study in the crafts I’m using. I need to open my eyes to so much around me every minute. That is one of the things I enjoy about photography, it helps me open my eyes and look for things I wouldn’t normally see. And it’s a blessing to have that desire and excitement to look.

Today I headed out to something long overdue. I usually get to visit my parents resting place a few times a year. But this past year I think I’ve only been once and that may be close to a year now. I know tomorrow would be the better weather day to go but I worry after working all night tonight that I might not have the energy to make the journey. Plus most of the ceremonial events are tomorrow and security and crowds await.

I’ve always liked going first thing in the morning on Sundays. The trams don’t start till an hour after opening. Fortunately, their grave is in the middle of the section so I don’t get many people by. Today this gentleman from N.C. strolled by and was looking for the Space Shuttle marker. I told him where I thought it was and exchanged greetings. Arlington National Cemetery is a beautiful place and a painful one.

Ocean Life Guards – One of my Nephews was an Ocean City Lifeguard for a few years. I see they took to their chairs yesterday morning to kick off the season. Please don’t make their jobs more difficult than it already is. Use common sense. Don’t go in the water drunk. Know your abilities in the water. Heed the warnings posted. Don’t be doing stupid stuff like fighting diverting the attention of the guards away from someone who may be in trouble in the water.

Lets have a safe summer. One where we get along better than recent examples have shown.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Sunday mornings are the quietest of the week.
• We seem to be entering this nasty pattern where it rains on my days off.
• Even though sleeping well is the exception instead of the rule, it’s still nice to appreciate those few evenings.
• Instead of the job sucking the energy out of me this week, I think I’ll turn the tables. Well, one can dream, can’t he?
• If there is one constant in life it is that – “The rich get richer.”

A start to the Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Mine has started already but it’s still just like any other weekend in some regards. I’ll have to work part of it (Sunday) but I do have the holiday Monday off for a change of pace so it’s not a total washout.

Speaking of washouts today is WET. And forecast for continued WET. That is OK though, I’m happy inside today after working out in the yard yesterday. I’m finishing up a small project for my neighbor who has a nice garden out front that attracts a ton of butterflies on the flowers and bees for the sunflowers. So I’m making them some nice prints of images I’ve taken over some years.

I’m using some photos here today to honor Memorial Day for those who died in the active military service of their country. So remember to pause for a minute on Monday at 3 pm to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedom we live under. Maybe add a prayer for their families.

So this weekend is also the unofficial start of the summer. My favorite season is on the cusp of beginning. It’s certainly going to be a different summer and I’m going to have to learn to adapt to appreciate it fully.

First I’m going to make music a big part of it. Every opportunity I get I’m going to have some tunes going. Working outside, cruising, working at the computer. Music keeps my spirits positive.

I’ve got the summer wardrobe today already. Flip flops and shorts. Its a bit chilly though so I put on a tee-shirt.

I think I’ll practice my hippie throwback look and just let the hair continue to grow. I’m in no rush to hit the barber.

Next is the commitment to get my behind back outside and take some new photographs.

So here’s to a great summer ahead.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• The best time of day is each minute you are enjoying it.
• Time to purge a few things in this office.
• I saw an article with the headline “How Covid-19 could change the way we fly.” Well I don’t even have to read the article because I won’t be flying for a few years at least.
• How do you know bad advice, consider the source carefully?
• I’m fine without a haircut and I don’t need to go to church to pray.

I support Wreaths Across America. They will be laying wreaths at Arlington Cemetery next Saturday Dec 15th at 8am. This holiday season and Memorial Day weekend, these grounds seem to look so special and to me the most beautiful besides the fall when the trees provide color to the vast rolling hills. But they are very different. Memorial Day invokes a great sense of pride and almost a smile. Christmas evokes the loss of family, very special memories and tears.

A week from today.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Maybe one of these years I’ll get down and help with the laying of the wreaths. I thank the many who volunteer on these cold December days.

More Random Thoughts of the Day

Working my hardest, on relaxing.

I think my cell phone is more charged than I.

My children are teaching me. Of course they have been since birth. I’m just so glad I’m open to learning from them.

I’m already anticipating Sunday breakfast. Think I’ll have a glass of OJ before bed to quell the cravings.

I am very grateful and thankful for the freedom you veterans and active duty service members provide me and my family. I wish more were appreciative of the service you provide. I’m very disappointed at the same people so willing to send you in harm’s way and then not help you in your time of need. Days like today remind me to share, donate, support and respect this day and all veterans throughout the year.

Photo by Mike Hartley

I spent a lot of time at Bethesda Naval Hospital when I was young. It was the last station for my father when he was active duty I believe. Also as a dependent it was our medical facility. I remember vividly the years as a young boy and teenager going there and seeing war injuries of kids from Vietnam. Mainly loss of limbs and other disfiguring injuries. I remember trying to make eye contact and giving a smile to them as we would pass. I didn’t want them to feel different.

I remember my mother saying to me as we saw these men rehabilitating or waiting or recovering from multiple surgeries. She would say to me to never forget, that there is someone always far worse off than you. Be thankful of your health. Be thankful for your father and those who fight for us.

Moms are Moms for a reason. They know whats right.

So my salute and respects on this Veterans Day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

It’s not that I didn’t have any random thoughts yesterday, I just thought I’d have time for a second post and thought wrong.

I got a great idea for Xmas, wonder if I can pull it off.

Feels good to be alive this fine Sunday morning. Of course that could be the meds talking.

Either this is going to be a day of rest or a day of chores. And the battle begins.

I saw the morning mist burn off just after sunrise. I saw the bluest sky in a while. I saw many brave men and women. I saw kids learning history. I saw the beauty of fall. I saw families crying. I saw my parents. I saw the changing of the guard. I saw the trumpet come out to play taps and my eyes filled with water.

A few minutes with family this morning.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Taps Man
Photo by Mike Hartley

Old Guard
Photo by Mike Hartley

I think the colors here come from below and above.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Guns, in the hands of the right people.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Each season here is unique.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Brass on the hill.
Photo by Mike Hartley

A class leaving the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Cemetery Beauty
Photo by Mike Hartley

Battle of the Bulge Memorial.
Photo by Mike Hartley

A brisk but beautiful morning. The sun was in and out of the clouds early. Which seemed to match the place I was in. One minute you had bright sun glistening off the headstones. The next a shadowy silence and the cloudy changing of the guard.

Many were paying respects.
Photo by Mike Hartley

The tour buses were mainly empty. But there were a lot of people here paying respects to loved ones and friends.

Morning Rounds to mainly empty buses.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I try to make a holiday visit every year.

Many sweeping views.
Photo by Mike Hartley

You know you can stand there and your ears hear silence or the rustling of leaves. But if you know someone here your mind is filled with voices.

Thanks to Wreaths Across America.
Photo by Mike Hartley

My Mom used to love wreaths.

Honor Guard
Photo by Mike Hartley

People were very respectful at the changing of the guard. It gals me when the Guard has to admonish someone for bad behavior.

Every once in a while the sun breaks through.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Merry Christmas Mom and Dad. As the family gathers tomorrow, look through my eyes to see the joy you have left behind. Thank you so much for all you gave me. I miss you.

Always make your parents proud.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Merry Christmas everyone.

Thought’s today. Missed hugs and laughter. Missed lessons and tips. Missed wisdom and love. Jeez I miss my parents. So I went for a visit. I thought I’d beat the road closures for Rolling Thunder but NOO. That’s OK, I got in fine, a few minutes after they opened at 8am. Paid my respects to Mom and Dad and then visited another friends parents. The ride home was about double the length as normal. That’s OK, wouldn’t have missed the anniversary of Mom passing for the world.

101st Airborne Memorial outside Arlington’s gates.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Rows and rows of voices lost. So at your cookouts today and tomorrow remember those no longer with us please.

Memorial Weekend
Photo by Mike Hartley

Will be back soon for another visit Mom and Dad.

Happy Memorial Day Dad
Photo by Mike Hartley

Miss you Mom
Photo by Mike Hartley

The headstone of James A Graham who is buried next to my Mom and Dad at Arlington. I’m honored to have such company for my parents. I hope today helps us look back and realize the sacrifice many have made. I hope it helps us look forward and guides the actions of our leaders, not waste one life.

Parents Neighbor
Photo by Mike Hartley

You can’t say it enough today. Hats off and much appreciation to those who and have served.

Remembering our freedom we have today that you worked so hard for in your lives. Your children and grandchildren thank you.

Photo by Mike Hartley

James Tanner Amphitheater.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I went to see my Mom and Dad this morning. It’s the 5th anniversary of Mom passing. She would love the view on Memorial Day weekend. The place (Arlington) is awash with Flags. Hats off to the servicemen who planted a flag at each site. I went myself today because we needed to talk again.

Flags for the fallen on Memorial Day weekend at Arlington.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Each time I go myself we have a heart to heart. I thanked her for the letter I found about my Dad. I talked to them about the upcoming wedding of our Son. That our Daughter had just gotten a new home. And thanks for the good word on my behalf giving me a chance at health again.

That I found her newspaper clipping of her Mothers wedding. Another keepsake for the family. That I was searching carefully through things not to miss anything. Here it is 5 years later and I’m still sorting things out. Mom was a pack rat and I’m thankful for that because some have been wonderful treasures.

Wonderful to see our two and three wheel friends in town paying respects.
Photo by Mike Hartley

It was a beautiful morning. I went early and got there just after opening. I figured being it was the best weather day coming up that it might be crowded and it was. After we visited for a while I went for a short drive. I always try to go to a part of the cemetery I haven’t been to before.

Wonderful to see our two and three wheel friends in town paying respects.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Today I went down Bradley and Arnold Drives. This must be where active servicemen are coming home to. Very young families and parents visiting. When I visit here I have thoughts that anyone in power in government should have had or has someone who has served in conflict before they can decide to send others into harms way.

US Air Force Memorial stretching over Arlington.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I remember these nasty thunderstorms the night she passed.

Always in our hearts.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I wish people could practice the respect they have for each other at Arlington where ever they go. The world would be a better place. For instance I can’t photography grieving families. I think that is an invasion of privacy. I know I get uncomfortable when the trams of people are coming around when I’m at Mom and Dads grave. I tend to keep my back to them, not to be rude, but for my own privacy.

I love the trees that are maintained through the property.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Much respect to those suffering loss, to those that have served and their families. Remember what we are celebrating this holiday weekend. Tip your hat or raise your glass to those who no longer can do that.

This coming week its time to visit my parents grave site at Arlington. Been a little while and with Mothers day coming next weekend its a good time to go and bring some flowers to her and Dad’s home. I look at pictures of them often. I miss them dearly. I wonder if they are proud of me. I know they miss their grandchildren and they miss them. Life is different without parents to call.

Much respect to military families and those that serve.

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Flags lined headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo by Mike Hartley

It’s easy to keep memories alive over time if there has been love and hardship. I miss my parents greatly but I visit them often. So happy Memorial Day to the both of you again. It’s a beautiful day out and your children and grandchildren are well so rest easy.

Dad
Photo by Mike Hartley

Thoughts to all of you who have had or have service members in your family.

Mom
Photo by Mike Hartley