I really should start getting out of the house more. And to add incentive to do so I thought I’d start taking shots around the county each day. A goal I had long ago but never got off the ground. I’ve loved living here for many decades and it’s a beautiful place.
So out I go to capture some of its wonders on this warm September day. Like this home.
So hopefully I’ll return later today with more to share.
I had 10 more shots to share from the Rally at Turf Valley from this past weekend.
I’m trying to find angles and lines highlighting the car’s best attributes.
Getting the depth of paint and color right is always a challenge. I never seem to do them justice.
The lines on most of today’s late-model cars don’t do it for me. Yeah, the horsepower and technology are great but the styling loses me.
It could be the era I grew up in but I think it’s more than that. First, there is no chrome on the car anymore.
I mean, chrome and whitewalls. Simple but stated. Chrome bumpers, chrome trim, and emblems. Engine bays you could climb into.
Pony’s going left and right above. I’m sure the ones pointing forward win when the key is inserted.
Chrome and custom paint. I love the artistic touches added to some. And when done right it works.
I think deciding what color to repaint my car would be the toughest, of all decisions. And then you have to decide on graphics or not.
With the rain forecast for today and tonight, the cover will stay on my ride, but this weekend is looking good for cruising and that is what we do.
All photos by Mike Hartley
I think it’s almost time to retire that old Kodak z812is. I wasn’t pleased with the sharpness of these shots. My phone may be sharper than this camera. And it should be. I think it’s at least 16 or 17 years old. I believe I’ll put it away till bad weather or risky situations where I might not want to damage the Nikon.
I dropped by the Rally for the Wreaths car show at Turf Valley supporting Wreaths Across America and Veterans Cemeteries in Maryland this morning to practice my car photography. I believe it was their 3rd annual show.
I really should have spent a few hours but chores at home were waiting. I like trying to find unique things at shows to shoot. Be it the beautiful lines on a car or things you don’t see on every car.
The colors and contrast of styles and years are striking.
And even the size of vehicles varies. Just like those strolling the lot, young and old, black and white, and if I were to venture a guess Republicans and Democrats all enjoying the show.
I like the friendliness at the rally. No matter which one I attend, I seem to meet the nicest people.
I was surprised to see this in the lower lot. They are going to need more room if they want to expand it. But weekend golfers are the priority I guess. It used to be in the upper lot if I remember correctly.
Well, time to cut the grass if the battery in the mower is taking a charge. Plus I didn’t want to use all the shots in one post. Have a great afternoon.
Just a little late day contrast. I’ve been busy editing photos, carving and catching a nap in the hammock. But now the rains have come and I’m still a little light on sleep so maybe I’ll crash early and get up and moving early again.
Still trying to optimize the space in the basement and making some progress in that. And like these two pictures I mix a little old with the new.
Tomorrow I’m getting out and doing some new shooting. Not sure of the destination but I’ll be out and about here and there and everywhere.
Then again both neighbors had their yards cut today so I’m drawing the long blade of grass currently. I’m not too inspired for yard work the next few days though.
Random Thoughts of the Day
My extended family was back as usual. These two are loving my backyard for play and meals. I’ve seen more wildlife this year than in past seasons. And that is wonderful, except that my better half tires of me saying “Come look.”
I probably get over-excited about it, but I grew up seeing a good bit and continue to love observing nature.
I hooked up my old speakers and receiver and kicked out some tunes this morning. My better half goes out for a haircut later so I’ll blow the dust off them while she is out. It’s been many years since I’ve had them active.
Now I have something I can use for an outdoor party. And it’s time for one indeed.
Dilemma #1 of the day – Do I take the cover off the car, go out in the heat, and then have to put it on later before the storms, or do I leave it on and take the SUV and the AC?
Dilemma #2 of the day – With the CD player inside alive again which to I leave in the house and which in the car?
Dilemma #3 of the day – Woodwork, drawing, or photography? Or all of them!
It’s nice to have easy questions to answer. I like being my boss.
The starting gun has sounded and we’re off again on another adventure. A productive morning and restful one also. A quick haircut, some music and headed out for a cruise and some photos. A stop at Duchess for a sandwich for lunch and down to Old Ellicott City to eat it parked against the Patapsco.
Watched a fisherman for a few minutes. I didn’t see any landed but then again I wasn’t practicing patience either.
Stopped for a few shots along Woodstock and Old Court Road. I’ll have another post later with some wood carvings that were very impressive.
What a great day to be out and about in the convertible. The monthly Maryland Miata meeting is later today and I might try to swing by there if time allows.
New life in the back next to the woods. Mom was out with these two brand-new ones.
I love watching wildlife around my home.
I think the deer know I mean no harm.
Photos by Mike Hartley
We were going to walk the trolley trail in Oella but Ellicott City was packed so we will do that tomorrow instead. We rode for a bit with the top down and stopped at Rocky Gorge Reservoir in southern Howard County.
I hoped to walk for a bit there but my back tightened up and put that thought on hold.
Another quick ride out to get gas in the go-cart in a few minutes and then I’ll get to work on some photo editing this evening.
I used to live near this area when I was very young and would venture over to the trails near the water.
Random Thoughts of the Day
A few years back, just before COVID-19, I got my better half a gift of a couples massage and lunch. I had forgotten all about it, till she mentioned earlier this year after retirement. She booked the appointment this past week and it was great.
To be honest I was a bit nervous. I’ve never been to a spa before. I’m ticklish so I was afraid I would bust out laughing. I’m not a prude, I grew up in the late 60s and 70s. My body has seen some airtime.
Well, experience is enlightenment. I’ve now added this to the treat ourselves to list at least once or twice a year. I’m sold on it. My body felt great the rest of the day and into the next. A very comfortable night of sleep and the numbness and tingling in my left arm reduced significantly.
I’ve been getting my better half, my daughter, and, my daughter-in-law gift certificates at Christmas to The Spa at Turf Valley for many years. I should have figured something was up with this.
Don’t worry, I don’t have the means to go all country club on you all. Plus something like this is a special treat and it wouldn’t feel so good if it was being done all the time. Without some hard work I might not appreciate something like this as much.
As Jon and Richie wrote — Lay Your Hands On Me
It’s baking out today and I love it. The outdoor cushions have vacated the house and are in their proper place on the deck chairs. The umbrella is up over the picnic table once again. Of course, a ton of pollen was removed from the deck first.
The ride has been shined and the county roads have been traveled. And there are always telltale signs you’re on a country road. Like this guy below who just came across a narrow bridge on Rt 144. There is a fair chance I could have driven the Miata under the center of that thing.
I feel like I’m about a month ahead on my tan. Mowing the backyard was a late-day activity. I finally spent a few minutes in the hammock just before dinner.
Might take another cruise this evening. Then again I have a ton of editing and uploading to do. Also, prep for tomorrow’s shooting.
By the way, I was enjoying the drive too much to stop and shoot so these were taken over the windshield as I cruised.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Outdoors today and loving life. I took my ballot to the West Friendship VFD drop-off point, yes it’s close to the last day but it’s in time and there isn’t a prize for doing it early.
Spotted a robin nest with a weave under my deck.
I believe I’ll stop in and support the NEO Pizza and Taphouse establishment that lets the MD Miata group meet there once a month.
With a high of about 90 degrees today I soaked in the heat and sun in preparation for this weekend’s cooldown.
But it’s a day to savor for many reasons. One is because each day is special. It might be filled with problems, challenges, and frustrations or overflowing with joy, fun, and solutions.
It could be a simple day, filled with chores, music, a cruise with the top down, and some photography.
I may gather with friends for dinner and a refreshing beverage.
It could be a momentous day. All I need to do is try.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I might have to do some digging today, to see what I might turn up.
Will this be the day I capture a special image? Will it be the day I pick up a new book? Will it be the day the Dremel tool comes alive? Will it be the day I resume work on a book I’m writing?
We were going to head to the Antietam Battlefield today but it’s going to be baking and I’d rather choose a nice spring day in the next week or two to wander outside a good bit.
So I’ll get the cameras out for the local flavor again and see what I can bring to this blog this afternoon and evening. Unless I let myself be consumed with chores.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
A few shots around Howard County, while on a short afternoon cruise. I might have to go back out tonight.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The sun is struggling to appear on this fine day. I’m changing some of the plans due to rain early this morning. The mowing is moving to the afternoon, the morning car show is a no-go for me with wet roads so I have a little creative time.
A quick afternoon appointment and then I’ll wash and shine the fun machine put the top down and enjoy the day. I’d also like to capture some fresh images and a cherry snowball.
Holly crap, I just looked at the to-do list. If I pay attention to that the day could be ruined. I’m sticking with the above plan.
Random Thoughts of the Day (Morning Edition)
Few things are as good as a convertible on a mid-70s day with the sun shining on the back roads of Howard Country. My better half and I got out yesterday, stopped at Duchess for sandwiches, and ate by the river in Ellicott City.
Photos by Mike Hartley
We then ventured down to Fulton, over to Brighton Dam, and up some back roads to the western part of the county. Some freshly plowed fields, huge homes, and bright churches.
Oh, I couldn’t resist taking a shot of the beautiful Bobber. I wish I had asked the guy for some information on it.
I hope to get out again today and capture some images, but lots of chores might get in the way of that idea, and with the rains coming the cover is going on the Miata.
What is my angle early this morning. Like the tower, partially upright. Tired and mentally spent I don’t know what I’m doing yet. I stayed up way too late watching hoops with the boys and then doing some photo editing till early this morning.
But like the field behind the tower I will look towards the sun this morning and move with the days breeze and grow as a person. A good day to reflect on some things, like priorities.
I pulled the cover off the car and I need to get to work detailing it a bit. I think I’ll pull a few of my favorite CD’s out and go for a cruise in the afternoon on this sunny day. And that means a Cherry Snowball as I head home from the ride.
I’m doing that to avoid looking at my to-do list. It’s long and full of needed attention but so is life and that is a higher priority today.
Random Thoughts of the Day
What makes you laugh? – So inquires the Daily Writing prompt.
I love finding humor in life and I love to make others laugh. I like to laugh so much that it’s a big part of each day. My friends and I go back and forth till we can’t catch our breath a lot of days. Comedy helps snap me out of a funk.
I went out to get gas and ended up stopping in two small towns (Ellicott City and Sykesville). Some of my favorite local ones. It was a bit chilly but I put the top down after gassing up. Driving the country roads getting to and from them. And yes some exercise walking each of them for a little bit.
From a mother with 3 small children hitting Firehouse Creamery to a couple watching the Patapsco flow by. Joined by the same railroad tracks that go through both towns.
Photos by Mike Hartley
This morning’s event of the bridge collapse has left a cloud over the day. I was so upbeat this morning before I saw this sad news. I had started a post and ended up trashing it and not being able to think till I got out for a few minutes and cleared my head with the camera.
Tomorrow is Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving. We are going for lunch or dinner. They donate all sales to local charities I believe.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I’ve got to get on a schedule, like the trains. Predictability is good. I never had the time to make that a part of my blogging. Just time to pull together an image and a few words while working and living was a goal I had trouble doing daily.
Now, without a full-time job, I can crank out a few posts a day without much issue. So why not try to start a routine for this mess of a blog?
This train will run 7 days a week. Track maintenance (doctor visits) might affect the schedule. There will be multiple trains each day that may run anytime day or night. The engineer has a weird lifestyle and many other loves, passions, chores, and obligations.
This train might go off the rails at times. It might seem to be more off-track than on.
This train has many different speeds and will go at whatever is inspiring it, or slowing it down with negative vibes.
This train has many unscheduled stops along the way. If the conductor or engineer feels the need to stop and look at something beautiful, then enjoy it.
This train may be an express at times and only a start and reach its endpoint.
This train has a dining car. For Food Reviews of course.
This is also an auto-train. Yep, it stops and we get off for some 4-wheel adventures.
This train hauls freight so some baggage might be unloaded from time to time. But also some important presents here and there.
This train may go through tunnels of darkness but don’t worry, we always emerge out the other side.
This train has many stations and new ones, constructed all the time.
I read that trains are symbolic of progress, destiny, change, and transitions. Maybe some of that will rub off here.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I went for a quick ride Thursday and snapped a few images, soaking up some rays, sights, and smells. The shot of the bike below was at the Rt 99 and Rt 32 intersection. It had a beautiful green paint job and the plates 01RDKG (2001 Road King). It sounded nice also.
The shot of the open field with the front-end loader and spreader truck and farm while peaceful, had the ominous smell of the fields being fertilized. Whoo Nellie, not that I haven’t grown up in the county and smelled it before, but this was fresh and in the process of being put down. I hastened my pace through here a bit.
Photos by Mike Hartley
The tree and swing, the roofers working and the kid punting footballs on the baseball field at Wallace Park all along Rt 144.
I hope to get out tomorrow and capture more images of life around the area. The bulk of today was spent on chores but we did have a wonderful dinner with our daughter and a Facetime with our son so it’s been a great day.
When you love simple pleasures it’s a lot easier to love life.
Trees are haunting this empty home along Rt 99. I might have to go back and shoot this on a full moon. With all those vines those trees won’t be standing much longer.
What a beautiful day. I got to spend a few hours cruising with my better half around the back roads of the county and down into Old Ellicott City and then to Danials. Things are starting to green up on the ground and there are buds on some trees already.
I’m holding out hope to do some shooting before sunrise. Also, some videos from Monday to download edit, and upload. And I haven’t made any prints yet today so that has to be a priority the rest of this evening.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Will I shoot most of the day, stay up late editing and playing with photos, or go out for some night shots in the area? As long as I do 2 of the 3 I’ll be happy.
Will I sell the Chevy this week or hold out for more?
Will I get Chinese or BBQ for the game on Wednesday night?
Will I remember to make a doctor’s appointment today?
Will I answer the dumb ass question of the daily writing prompt today?
Will I blow off my to-do list of responsible things and have some fun?
This message was rather striking on an early morning walk in Old Town EC a few weeks ago. It also reminded me I’m going to fall far short of reading a book in February. I haven’t touched the one I started in two weeks. I guess I’ll have to move things back or double up in March.
I would like to apologize for not following along with the postings for the last few days. I’ve been horizontal with a bug since Wednesday night and I was away 2 days before that. Hopefully, tomorrow is a better day and I can return to normal reading and production.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Today was not a day for my creative endeavors, but it was a very productive day. Tons of family planning for trips were made after exhausting searches and coordinating schedules. It’s also tax season so gathering all that info has been almost completed, mostly by my better half but I contributed several things also.
A haircut was squeezed in this morning, some financial planning this evening, and family and friend communications. Two of those were very important because of close friends with ill family members. A good reminder of how precious life is.
This is a packed week and may be a good test for me to see how much creativity I can cram into a few minutes here and there. A few days with grandchildren, a day of automotive and power equipment repairs, bank and financial appointments, some home repairs, and doctor appointments to make.
Taking advantage of time is so important. Like right now I’m multitasking by listening to some music, editing photos, writing a blog, and making a few prints, before getting back to a few chores.
Could it be, nah, don’t tease me, weatherman. What is this string of 60+ degree days next week and SUN you talk about? It’s got me smiling already and it’s a week away but I can’t help myself. I’ve had it with winter and the snow that is still on the ground and night temps in the 20s.
I’m ready to cut loose in so many ways. Warm up the roads and tires for some cruising. To find my shorts and tee shirts and walking/running shoes. To step onto the porch or deck with bare feet and feel the warmth. Hell, I might just peel the shirt off next week and start working on the tan. Hell YEAH.
Because sunshine and warm weather just inspire me to be outside. Plus the faster it warms up the faster my local snowball stand will thaw out, open, and no longer will look like the shot below.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I got outside before sunrise today. Felt good but a little too cool for my liking. I knew it was going to get windy and blow the snow off the trees so I wanted to get out early.
Shots around in Ellicott City and Woodstock this morning.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Keeping my emotional happiness at a high level each day is the key to more productivity. It makes the moments more special, the creative juices flowing, the health better, and a smile on my face. Therefore more is accomplished, and it just creates an ongoing cycle of feel-good.
Yesterday wasn’t that day. But today is starting much better.
Dinner and a Maryland basketball game with a best friend Wednesday night was a great way to spend an evening, especially with a comeback victory by the Terps. And then some great conversation, laughs, story trading, and family updates.
Followed that up with both my best friends on Thursday night with a great happy hour or two or three. Last night I just kept my behind inside and fell asleep early like I had planned.
I was wondering how long it would take for weekends to lose their significance being I’m not doing the traditional workweek any longer. I think it’s starting to change now because I’m starting to lose the distinction from other days in the week.
So about a month and a half, when weekdays and weekends started to run together. That’s not too bad. At least I still know what day of the week it is. I wonder how long before I start to lose that distinction.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Like the day itself, the longer it goes the more I feel like a shadow of myself. Tomorrow morning those trees will be as white as that wall behind them with snow.
I’m hoping to drum up the fortitude to face the cold tonight and do some photography. We will see how that old front-wheel drive Chevy does.
The other day I wrote illuding to switching insurance companies and referred to someone not being on my side. Well, today since they screwed with me after I canceled the policy by taking another deduction from my bank days after the policy was canceled. This has now pissed me off and cost me time. So Nationwide you are now named as my piss poor past insurance company so there is no mistake as to who I could be referencing the other day.
Random Thoughts of the Day
We’re off to a new week. A good start for a Monday if I must say so. Kept at things today and accomplishments started to stack up like a pile of freshly cut wood. So why not keep the spirit going into the evening. I’ve got 2-3 hours left in me.
We treated ourselves to a Ledo Pizza after running errands. It was great to dig into a pizza that doesn’t cut corners. I’ve been to a number of locations in the state but our most regular is in Normandy in Ellicott City.
Always cooked to perfection, good service and so good. I was thinking about being healthy but hey, it was pizza day and nobody has the pre-cooked bacon like they do so what the hell. Heart attack in a pie. Well it was a large with half mushroom for my better half. The other side was the heart blocker.
This evening I guess I’m having myself a little party. Trying to let music be my guide in creating some new pieces. I’ve had to move to the headphones because my better half has decided rest is important.
Rumor of some snow around 4am so maybe some very late night shooting is in order. Burr. I’ll have to set the alarm for that one. But till then I think I’ll crank up the printer and work on a family wall of images I started.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The day doesn’t have to be Super Bowl Sunday to be super. But we will go with the theme and spirit of the day to keep the positive attitude rolling. Starting the day with some inspirational music to get rolling on some creative endeavors.
A cloudy day ahead with the winds picking up. And that means I better get the strap on the car cover this morning before they get gusting the next few days. And with the temperatures getting milder again I’m going to hibernate for a bit.
I’m still getting used to being off for events like the Super Bowl and holidays. And who knows what might happen over the next 2 months with College Basketball coming to a peak with conference tournaments and then March Madness. I guess we will discover if someone can overdose on basketball or not this season.
So pick out your favorite chair today and get comfortable for the game. Or take your place in front of the snack table and munch out. I think I might get on the treadmill for a few miles during the game to burn off a few calories I’m sure I’ll put on today.
I think I’ll work on some drawing today and step away from the computers for a bit. That is one of the nice things about having a few different hobbies. If I get writer’s block I can edit photos. If I get tired of cropping, toning, and printing I can draw. If I get tired of looking at 2 dimensions, I can grab my camera and look at 3. If I tire of pressing the shutter I’ll grab the Dremel tool.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Just a few more shots from the mid week shoot.
Crossing Into Love City. Yeah I love this little town. Hell, my wife is from here. Got my first real job in newspapers in this town. Started our own newspaper in this town decades later with two wonderful partners. My dentist and friend is on Main Street. It’s great exercise to walk the town. I have enjoyed many walks and meals with family and some of my closest friends.
When troubled or feeling good I go there to walk, or sit or photograph or explore. Or just to chow down of a roast beef sandwich from Duchess up the road while watching the Patapsco flow by.
The town changes looks so much during the various seasons that I always feel like I see something new. It’s my next project to put together the shots of this over the years and start to fill in a few things I might have missed.
And being its near Valentines day there seemed to be some symbols of love around town.
In some ways it will always be part of my home. We got married in town. Our first apartment was just up the road in Normandy Woods.
It’s been a place for engagement photos or even wedding events/photos for decades.
A town where some have generations of people living there or surrounding hills. Not as much as when I first ventured into town in the early 70s, but a good friend of mine who grew up in town, still keeps in touch with a few long time residents.
I bet it’s the place where you see more people holding hands than other spots in the county.
When floods devastated the town from Agnes in the 70s to the 2 once in a thousand year floods a few years ago it ripped a piece of a lot of peoples hearts out. I was in town the morning of the two most recent ones. A family walk from the home my wife grew up in to downtown EC the day of the 2018 flood.
The second one I was out photographing along College Avenue and on the way home early that morning I stopped at the corner of Main and Maryland Avenue by the old Phoenix Restaurant. As I pulled onto Main it was quiet and I just raise my camera over the windshield and snapped a shot of what would be destroyed later that day.
Random Thoughts of the Day
When you can’t see all the steps to even count them to get to the front door, no thank you. Beautiful home and porch though in Old Ellicott City. And the view is probably great. Maybe there is a back drive up entrance? Then again, taking the trash to the curb might be an effort.
Random Thoughts of the Day
It’s hard to keep your head above water sometimes. I feel like I’m drowning from time to time. But wisdom has taught me survival techniques. Making use of one of them right now. Music is changing my spirit as I type. Listening to an old tune from the Doobie Brothers “Dangerous” and its an upbeat one that reminds me of motorcycle riding days. Followed that with “The Doctor” which is another upbeat song to smile to.
I don’t have much energy left in the day. The granddaughter can burn through my reserves without missing a beat. But she is back with her mother tonight and my body is sending me urgent messages to get horizontal soon.
But my mind feels like there is unfinished business and ideas to work on. I did some shooting this afternoon I should download and edit, I haven’t worked on my books yet today. I owe a couple people emails.
Well let me flip a coin and see if we work or rest. There is it, we WORK. Gentlemen, start your engines.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Decided I needed to do some walking outside yesterday and skipped the treadmill. So I took the go cart (Miata) out to Ellicott City, parked at the upper lot, wound my way up to the old courthouse and down by the old fire station. Back up the street to the Wine Bin and back down the street to the Trolley Stop and admire the river for a bit and then back up the street through a couple of back ways and lots.
I sat outside the old Times building and the Stone building at the bottom of the hill by the river which both used to be my offices. But really I went down to see some major changes in the towns where buildings are being torn down for the new flood tunnels and park area I believe.
Lower end of EC. I’d like to see this town bounce back in a big way in the future. Photo by Mike Hartley
The next time I’m there I’m going to try that Milkshake shop called The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar.
It’s also been a bit since having a meal in town so I’m going to have to change that also. More photos from the shoot coming later. Busy morning ahead.
I blink my eyes, and my kids are grown. I blink my eyes and my career has come to a close. I blink my eyes and WordPress says it’s been 10 years together today. And 2,845 posts later here we are. Doing more then ever and loving each day I get a chance to take a crack at it again.
It was time to get together for a dinner with my oldest best friends last night and it was a wonderful time. An appreciation for that time together is always between us. The silent acknowledgement that time is not on our side now and that we are to savor these events sometimes comes to the surface but we are usually too busy having a good time to reflect on that aspect.
I was going to do a food review of where we ate but I’ve started to think about how I want to do reviews and I don’t feel like making anything other than positive ones. So when I think a place is average or maybe below I’m just going to skip it.
The restaurant business is so tough and costly and it might be more of a disservice to a company if you just caught them on not their best day. We are all human, we all have them.
When I like a place a paragraph or two maybe of what I liked. But when its a hit, you will know it.
Lots of things go into making a good meal. The setting/location/view to the staff/service and of course the food. Different things are also more or less important to individuals. For instance comfort is a big one at our age an uncomfortable seat make it hard to enjoy a meal.
So here is hoping our next meal out is a special one that I can share with you all.
It has taken me most of the week to start feeling okay again. I’m sitting here smiling about it because the options are in front of me as they were before but now I have energy/health and a great mindset to move ahead again. Life is great today.
Greetings fellow frozen ones. Outdoors on a wintery day again. The cloths are hung again to dry from the snow. The warm and comfy recliner will soon be visited in between working on a few projects in my office.
I was so pleased earlier when some inspiration and time available just happened to pair up and I worked on a book I’ve started and feel good about what I got done. I’ve read where people schedule their writing times and I just find that difficult.
Lots of times when I sit to do the blog and if nothings coming along I’ll get up and walk away and do something else. Most times I’ll get a photo of mine, new/old and that will inspire a blog and off I go. Most of the time it works that way. But writing for a book and a blog I’m discovering are two different things.
In writing for the book and not using images except from my mind so far. And immediately I found that I can’t sit and write some material when I’m down in spirits. I can knock out a blog on my worst day mentally and still keep it positive for the most part. No such thing in writing books I’ve started so far. Then again maybe I’m trying to write the wrong book, when I’m depressed. I’ve never tried writing something dark.
I hope time allows for me to finish a few works. Don’t know if it will amount to a hill of beans but like blogging, it’s become a purpose.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Saw this young one strolling out of my back yard yesterday leading a pack of 6. They were all back sleeping in my lower back this morning in the snow and they are still there as I peer through the woods.
With the snow on the ground I’m seeing the trails they take through the neighborhood and lots of them cross through the woods behind us and between my neighbors yard and mine to cross the street or across my front yard.
I grew up with nice patch of woods behind my family home. For nearly the last 4 decades I’ve had woods behind our home. I love looking out into woods. But as most areas in this county every inch seems to be developed and some of the woods are now a few homes but there is still deep enough in the woods to hide them in the winter and summer and with the exception of one home and even that is a bit obscured in the winter.
Sometimes when I’m looking out back now it seem doesn’t seem like 60 years ago we would march into thick woods and make forts that lasted each season. A secret refuge. Nothing special, mostly constructed of woods, maybe an old piece of carpet or scraps of wood/materials from home. I remember going out to it in the middle of winter sometime to what we had built and used all summer.
Ah to be young and just look at something or a spot and start building. I guess I’m doing that still but in different ways and no more heavy lifting of fallen tree logs/branches. I’d rather not build walls anyway.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Sorry about the absence on Monday. I hadn’t been that ill in a while and I’m still only feeling about 50%. My chest hurts, my throat is raw and I lost (not intentionally) some more weight. I feel weak. I messed up my daily posting streak again. That happens when your a one man band sometimes.
That snow shoveling yesterday didn’t help and now my back is giving me fits today. All this reminds me that if you don’t have your health, you don’t have much going for you. That is why I’m optimistic about the half of me that feels better today allowing for some energy for thoughts to share.
Other than that I’ve been flat on my back today pretty much. And that is something I couldn’t allow myself before when working. So it feels good to take care of myself first instead of the job. I did a lot of stupid things for the job for way too long.
Working when very sick. Coming back early from both of my cancer surgeries. Never missing a day of work while doing 11 weeks Mon-Fri of daily radiation. Then the massive overtime I used to put in while on salary. But like I said those were my stupid choices.
They might be leading to some of the difficulties I’ve had or may have in the future. I’ve done a fare share of hard work. I can still remember the back pain I had as a youth from working in the pressroom every so often flying papers off the conveyer, jogging them and loading counts of 50-100 at a time on a skid. Hours and hours of bending over, lift, standing and bending over again.
But such is life. Many have carried greater burdens or aren’t blessed with the possibility of good health either physically or mentally. So no more complaining today. Just turning on some inspirational music now that I’ve missed the passed 3-4 days and getting back in my grove. First tune (Time Stand Still) by RUSH. Utilize each day the best you can.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Every once in a while you get these wake up calls. Enlightening information or perspectives. Ones that change your thoughts and actions in life. I had a few in recent months. Some good information that changed my outlook for the better and some not so good information that I’m also looking at for the better.
For example, retiring a bit earlier than planned. While that has turned out to be a blessing (at least the first 10 days have been). It also shook me up for a few days when cutbacks were announced. After 26 years at the same place it’s a bit like your second home and all those neighbors are going away.
I’ve gotten charged up on creating and the more I do the more I’m fired up to do more. I’m trying to do 2-4 posts a day this year, working on a few books each day, utilizing that nice printer I have and cranking out larger prints for framing. And from today forward I’m going to be doing a lot more shooting (photography type) which means more time editing. All of this is becoming a labor of love.
A few months back I saw a photo of myself that a friend snapped that I used to change my direction in taking better care of my body. It’s not that I hadn’t seen pictures of myself when I was heavier, but it was this particular one with friends that caught me and provided the switch that said stick with it. And after a few months I was able to change what I hadn’t in a few decades. I’ll post the shot I’m talking about when I take another one of me and the same friends at the beach this year.
There are other recent events that have taught me things about people and about myself. Ones that will shape my future and have refocused me. Ones that are a real wake up call. And I’m thankful for that because today will be better for it and every day forward.
Random Thoughts of the Day
We took a trip to Savage Mill today after some errands. And started with a great lunch at The Dive Bar and Grille. I had the Alabama Slammer burger and my better half had the Strawberry Balsamico salad. We finished it with each having a buttercream from Sweet Cascades Chocolatier. In between we strolled around indoors and outside for a short bit.
I was very sad to see HorseSpirit Arts Gallary closing its doors. They have many beautiful pieces in there. I haven’t downloaded it from the other camera but had a few images from the phone to share. I’ll be going back there in the spring where we can sit outside and dine if it’s nice and wander outside and some nearby trails.
I have to admit this is my first visit to Savage Mill and it’s got that artist environment that I like in between other stores my better half is drawn to. I liked the ArtCraft store the most. A couple of books were purchased from The Last Word bookstore.
My first suggestion for what to do this week looked to be a winner.
Photos by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
I haven’t felt this alive in a while. Like I’m looking out and I have the chance to redefine my world. What an opportunity that is to have. And now that the job that pays the bills is no longer, the time to live again for wonderful things is about to happen. I don’t know who is more excited, my better half or me.
I’ve boxed up my work computers and they are ready to be sent back. Moved my work desk back into my office and got my two computers set up nicely on a separate desk. Also redesigned the TV area of the basement space a bit.
I think this is the first New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day that I haven’t worked in a long time. It’s sweet to have the time off. Tomorrow is another day off followed by another one and so on. Life is great again.
Coming up with my own 2024 goals list. It’s already pretty flushed out with ideas to review with my partner in travel and adventure. Tonight we are going to travel and see local light displays. Was too tired last night but we are out and about for a bit this evening.
Photos by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
I’ve been a big supporter of the companies I’ve worked for throughout my career. I worked my ass off for these companies. I’ve sacrificed for these companies. I believed in these companies. I believed in the people working their asses off side by side with me. I’ve defended and sometimes even been a public face for them.
I believed in the mission these companies stood for and provided to the communities I lived in. I was proud and honored to work at each of them. I gave it my all, well most days, nobody’s perfect. I worked with the most inspiring people. I worked with the most talented people. I worked with the most respected people. I worked for some great leaders, publishers, editors, writers, photographers, technicians, and every other person who supports and makes a news organization run.
I have great respect for those behind the scenes and in the production and support areas that keep those news machines moving 24/7/365. Without fail, without pause, regardless of conditions, with ingenuity, with guile, with dedication.
I never believed when I started in the mid-70s that the profession of local and national journalism would be mistrusted, despised, and hated. But coming out of that 2000-2008 timeframe and depression the dynamic changed. And continued to this day.
I feel like I was kind of blessed to work in the era I did, with the people I did, with the companies I did. Today is my last day with The Washington Post. And formerly of Zip Publishing, Patuxent Publishing, and Stromberg Publishing. Almost 5 decades flew by in the blink of an eye. And yes I did enjoy the journey. And a special thanks to all those I encountered along the way for all the laughs and successes at the same time.
So tomorrow I’ll be working for the company of my better half, my children and grandchildren, my friends, and of course here at TME. I might be retiring from Newspaper Publishing but I hope to be publishing for a long time to come both here and in other spots. Professionally who knows what’s ahead?
I love it when I have a camera in my hands. It triggers this instinct to LOOK at everything. My head is on a swivel from side to side and up and down. I’ve been known to do 360s walking down the street not to miss something I’ve passed at a different angle. I guess I should be careful doing too many of those at my age.
I’ve been quite lazy in picking the cameras up recently. That will change this weekend. I’m going to try some experimental stuff this evening. Tomorrow I hope to venture out early in the morning and get a few night shots before what is predicted to be a cloudy sunrise if any.
Then shopping for stocking stuffers and home before most will step out of bed. Some final decorating touches inside and out to wow the grandchildren. A nice meal with my better half, a few chores, and then a good night’s rest to get ready for a long Sunday/Monday.
Let the Holiday Season ROCK.
Random Thoughts of the Day
What a busy start to the week. I hope those 40-50 mph wind gusts will be behind me today instead of a headwind. We did lose power for a short bit around 4 am and I hope that isn’t a warning for more to come.
As has been the case this year surrounding areas either north or south of us seemed to get hit harder. We have been in a sweet spot this year.
When you get a serious expression of thanks and gratitude for a gift, so much so that you know you made a difference in the person’s day and maybe beyond that, it’s a nice feeling
Random Thoughts of the Day
A week till Christmas Eve and I’m hoping to be ready and able to relax and enjoy Christmas Day. I love time with the family and that day is so special. I’m not sure if I’m working that night or not yet but it doesn’t matter because I’ll be at peace if everyone is happy and healthy. And with the young ones, they will be crashing before I have to sign on for my last working holiday.
But first, a nasty storm moving up the coast to entertain us this evening and tomorrow morning. 2-3 inches of rain, maybe more, in a fairly short timeframe along with high winds. Might be a test for those new catch ponds protecting Old Ellicott City.
Yesterday was National Wreaths Across America Laying Day. This shot below is from Arlington National Cemetery from a few years ago. I need to get over and visit my parent there before the end of the year. That is one donation I have made for years running but I’m a little late with that this year. But as they say better late than never.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I needed pants today. Well, we all need pants but the sweatsuits I’ve been wearing won’t do it for a few more formal events coming up. And my former wardrobe kind of falls off me now, so to the Mall we went. I hadn’t been here in ages. We found my pants in short order and proceeded to lunch and a little more shopping and walking.
The Columbia Mall. Photos by Mike Hartley
One shot caught my eye. It’s the one where 4 people are sitting on that round carpet in one of the center rest areas. 3 of them are on their smartphones looking inward, heads down. The one gentleman on the left has a book and is facing outward. As I was walking up to the group I noticed him raise his eyes and look around a little, smile, and then resume reading.
And finally an epic battle of wills. We both managed to walk into the sweet shop Lolli and Pops and walk out without getting anything. OK, I paused at least a dozen times before walking out but I made it.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Mornings should be peaceful. And they usually are in the hours I’m up experiencing them. When I’m on vacation I found my normal rising time somewhere between 4-5 am in the mornings. That is a quiet and peaceful time.
My better half likes to sleep in so if I’m up and at work early at that 4-5 am hour, I won’t be taking away our together time. After that, the schedule is yet to be developed but I do like to start the day with as little chaos and as peacefully as possible.
There is a good chance I might even incorporate a mid-day nap if I’m staying up late doing evening shooting or out with the boys. I’ve read that a regular sleep schedule is good for the body and especially the mind. After decades of not having one, I think I can confirm that statement is true. I feel like I’ve taken years off my life working such an abnormal schedule.
So I hope it’s not too late to change that feeling and pattern for the better. At least we will finish the right way.
Here we go
One thing I know about publishing is consistency works. I’ve been anything but consistent when I publish posts. I’m all over the clock because of my crazy schedule now.
So starting in 2024 I will try doing morning and evening posts daily. And roughly the same timeframe each day in addition to trying to find the sweet spot in people’s viewing times but also so they know when my posts are regularly published.
Plus it will get me on a schedule of production and up and out the door each day my better half and I are healthy. But I’m a person that when an idea strikes I don’t like waiting on it so I’ll give it my best shot now for the two weeks remaining this year while I’m still working full time.
Which means I have a lot of work to do in the middle of the holiday season. So as the plate below says.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I like the architecture of churches in the area. It’s another project I hope to start documenting this coming year. No specific focus on any religion, just the buildings that some still worship in. Some of the architecture is very interesting.
I guess that quick shoot at St Anthony’s off Folly Quarter and the buildings there really inspired me to do more.
I’m also sitting here thinking given the state of things that taking pictures with that Nikon with the big zoom on it might attract negative attention. So I might use the cell phone on this task more. Hopefully, I might run into some nice people along the way. But also prepared for the extremists and paranoid.
Too bad we can’t talk about religion. Seems to be both a source of salvation and pain at the same time. Wars are being fought in the name of religion. Abortion and pedophile priest discussions could incite riots.
Tolerance for different religions seems to be at an all-time low. I believe the trend in young people away from religion has grown and continues. My views and practices have changed greatly over the decades.
Money and religion – it’s so intricately linked that some churches are all about the almighty $ instead of their almighty.
I have a best friend who is an atheist, I have another best friend who has strong beliefs, and his son-in-law is a preacher. I probably fall in between them. We all get along great and always have. Mainly because we respect each other first and respect that we have different views. But the most common thing is that we carry ourselves a lot alike in terms of our devotion to people, compassion, love, empathy, support, charity, and hope.
On the other hand, I’ve been told that because I don’t believe as someone else I’m going to hell. Actually, by someone I’d known for decades. Their belief structure changed over time and somehow I was now judged by far different criteria than in our past relationship.
I’ve gone to many beginning and end-of-life services. In many different churches and beliefs. In them, I have celebrated and grieved with many different people. We come together no matter our background at these times. Why can’t we continue it in our day-to-day lives?
Random Thoughts of the Day
I’m looking forward to having the time to explore. Instead of swinging by and getting out and taking a quick shot on a Sunday morning while out for a short drive, I’ll have the time to visit and learn about stores and places in our area like the spot below called the Pink Cabbage in a short time.
Spots with natural or rustic beauty. New and old. Maybe homes that exude feeling or style. I’ve always wanted to document the places of worship around the area. Some are very unique.
I have a ton of ideas I’m going to add to this thing I do here. Not sure what will stick but the wall will be covered.
This morning
As I looked at the bright orange morning sky over my neighbor’s home when I went out to unplug the Xmas lights, I recall the tricks I used to play on myself. Working nights this is really, my sunset. At this time of year, this is what I see when I crash for a few hours. You tell your mind what you need to survive. I’ll be dropping this illusion shortly.
Down to 13 and 1/2 nights to go. Maybe one less, I don’t feel like working Christmas this year and it is my partner’s turn but he just got engaged and he’s got to go out and get another job so maybe I’ll gift him this. I’ve worked so many holidays over my career that 2024 is going to be a special year of appreciation on those dates. And hopefully for many years beyond that.
Kind of fitting that New Year’s Day will be my first holiday off. A great start to 2024.
Random Thoughts of the Day
My spirits are improving which makes my creative juices come alive again and therefore I’m getting back into a nice grove of work again. I’m trying to ignore this sinus infection that seems to have taken root. Between work, chores, doctor appointments, emissions testing on the old car, getting gas and blah blah blah, I find myself on the last worknight of the week.
In my few free minutes today, I grabbed a sandwich from Duchess and went to Centennial Park to eat before my appointment in Dorsey Hall. It is a peaceful spot on a cool breezy afternoon. I wish I had the time to do a trip around the lake but it wasn’t in the cards. Maybe a little treadmill time during my lunch break this evening.
I found as an amateur photographer this post (No one cares about your Photography, and that’s okay) from Photofocus very helpful. The key word in this all was confidence.
Someone needs to tell young people to retire before the time comes when they retire and transfer from their full-time job to a full-time doctor’s patient.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I hate stubbing my toes before I sit down to write. It makes it very hard to concentrate while my toes are throbbing. About 10 minutes before that I twisted my left knee. This is not a good start for the lower left side of the body for an early Wednesday morning well before sunrise.
I guess that the old adage is probably true – No Pain-No Gain. So off to bed, I went after a hard night of work and injuries.
Out the Door Today
I didn’t get far out my door today. To the side patio in fact for this shot and to the mailbox and trash out. Other than that just busy inside the house. I still ache from this morning, the toes recovered, but the knee is worse. Another reason I didn’t venture out. I figured the clutch activity needed to drive wouldn’t do the left knee any good.
The last worknight of the week is ahead of me. That will leave just over a handful of weeks of work left. A very strange feeling. I can’t remember being out of work much over the last five decades. Maybe a day or two in between jobs at the most. And over that span, I’ve only had 4 jobs, 2 of which spanned 47 years.
I wonder if I’ll be wearing a path around the house and yard. With it being winter at that time I’ll be held back from putting a lot of miles on the Miata. I feel a bit nervous about it already at times. The first task will be changing my sleep cycle. No small task after years of flip-flopping from nocturnal to daywalker each week.
I’m going to incorporate a workout from day one and do it daily from then on. That should help with some of the nervous energy.
It’s going to be strange. I had a life-altering event when I got to work from home full-time for the last few years. That was 12 hours a week I wasn’t spending sitting in the seat of a car in traffic. It was a win-win for both the company and me. I was able to give them some time on the front and back side of my shift and be more flexible. They got a fresher and sharper me each day.
But getting 45-50 hours back a week, I can’t imagine the feeling. Even vacations never came close to the feeling of being retired I expect. Most of the time work came with me on vacation. Just the options on what to do with all that time is an overwhelming thought at times even with all the plans I have.
I hope to relax and be a little less hyper. A better diet is also in the plans. But till then it’s life as normal. I have to get some grub and sit down at mission control.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Getting out is important. You can’t catch life sitting at home. So I went for a quick ride before noon on this beautiful day. I saw the Howard County Conservancy has a new sign at the entrance. I’m going to make a point to start walking those grounds.
The top-down on a day like this is heaven. I got a chance to clean the ride a bit before pointing it in no particular direction. Those rides are the best.
I’m looking forward to this afternoon and a little family time. Then to some paperwork and maybe a relaxing evening. Then again, it’s going to be a comfortable evening outside so maybe a little night shooting.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I love days where I feel I’ve given my best effort. The activities of the day weren’t my choosing for the most part but the work is done and chores completed. And a little time for my hobbies this evening I hope. Trying to keep a positive mindset and putting one foot ahead of the other.
I’ve cranked up the printer again and hope to get a jump on the beach project.
Well Excuse Me
I love the looks deer give me when I make the mistake of leaving my house and entering my yard. It’s that look like Robert DeNiro in Taxi Drive where he says “you talkin to me? “.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I still like my treats. After a nice sunny ride with my better half yesterday, we pulled into Soft Stuff in Forest Green for an ice cream. I decided to stick with the holiday colors of the season. I got an orange/vanilla twist with chocolate sprinkles. My better half got the same ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. They both were scary GOOD.
Around town yesterday
Like I said, we took a drive. And I hope to take another one today. Maybe a little more focused on an area. These are mainly along Frederick and Old Frederick Roads.
Photos by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Was out for a walk with my better half and saw a neighbor’s yard in Woodstock glowing. It felt good to get a little exercise today.
Thinking of someone special this evening.
It wasn’t as warm as I liked it but yesterday was a beautiful day outside. So a quick ride in between errands was possible and I took advantage of it. I was doing some back roads and I came upon a site I hadn’t explored before, except from the entrance to park and shoot the barn in the field next to it.
Off Folly Quarter Road is the Shrine of St Anthony and Franciscan Friars grounds. An old friend said he spent time there often reflecting on a number of things in his life. I sat on one of the benches for a bit and it does have a calming quality. I added a prayer for him because he passed away a bit over a year ago.
Photos by Mike Hartley
I don’t do a lot of praying but felt inclined to add one for him. This guy had this infectious laugh that I can still hear. It was so deep and genuine.
I hope my grandchildren remember my laugh. I try to laugh with them a lot when we are together. And I hope others remember my humor. I’ve found a lot of relief in tough times with humor. When I get in a funk I sometimes use comedy clips and some music to snap out of it.
We all could use a little more laughter in life.
I had maybe 30 minutes to snap a few images there on Thursday. I’ll certainly return because it has some nice possibilities. And I’ll use the Nikon instead of the iPhone.
The next few days are supposed to be very windy. I’ll have to work on my motion images.
Random Thoughts of the Day
As I was out and about I noticed some trees had completely dropped and others hadn’t even started to change. Others are changing quickly and getting thinner.
What seems to slowly take place over weeks sometimes in looking at an individual tree, can change in a day or two. From colorful to naked.
The privacy provided by our summer lushness is disappearing. Soon to be replaced by the greyness of winter till the snow makes everything beautiful again for a few minutes till man grinds it back into grey slush.
But between then and now I hope to get out each day and attempt to share some of nature’s colors with anyone stopping by. But first, the leaf blower is out and ready to be fired up to clean off the decks which are already covered from a few oaks.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Had a dental cleaning appointment in my favorite town (Ellicott City) so I got the cameras out after the appointment and walked a bit. I caught these guys below trying to cut through town.
I savored today’s appointment. I’m not sure how long I’ve been going to Bob, excuse me Dr. Boman and how long Dawn has been doing my cleanings but it’s decades. Despite my best efforts, they keep my choppers in good shape. Not only that but it’s like visiting family.
They are friends who live in the same neighborhood. They are friends that have helped us with our business when we started a newspaper in town. They are friends we’ve shared meals with and maybe the occasional cigar in the past. I have friends who lived in the downstairs apartment under their office.
But the days till his retirement are certainly closing in. So this will be a very different experience sometime in the future. I’ve seen a ton of change in this town in the 6 decades I’ve been exposed to it. Working in it, visiting it, marrying a girl from it, having a business in it.
Those back-to-back floods really hurt the place and still do to this day. There are a lot of vendors working hard to make it better than it ever was but the lower part of the town is let’s say, sparse. I’m going to have to visit the Milkshake place before it gets too cold.
I like the area because I like saying hello to people and in this town I get a ton of replies.
Doubled
While we were waiting for our son’s pet to be seen at the vet we went across the street to a McDonalds. Something not often done anymore. A double cheeseburger is no longer a buck. It doesn’t seem to be made with the care it used to be. I don’t get to give my order to a person and no more “have a nice day”, I got some screen. The tables were all dirty. But damn those french fries are still good.
Conflicted
I feel like I should rest because I know it’s healthy. I also feel like I shouldn’t rest at all because time is not a given.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Well, that was a sustained period of rain. No serious weather this far inland. I have a friend with water in his front yard from the Chesapeake Bay though. I’m just glad it stopped Sunday afternoon even though it was still cloudy.
Sundays are a contrast. Winding down from the weekend of fun and relaxing in the morning and afternoon and winding up for work on Sunday night, like a dragster on a cold start taken to the starting line and launching.
This is a strange week. The last of the parents of our family and inlaws has passed. Our sister inlaws father was the remaining member of that generation. Now we are the elder generations in our families. With all of our kids grown and some having started their own families we are the grandparents and maybe someday if we are lucky enough to live a very long life maybe great grandparents.
Seems like yesterday I was leaving high school and now we are less than 2 years away from our graduating class’s 50th anniversary.
Just out of school, trying to decide what to do with my life. And now I’m only months from retirement.
I look up over my computer monitor and see my wife in a photo on our honeymoon. And I sit here over 4+ decades later and think it seems like yesterday that all of life was in front of us.
I looked at the picture of dancing with my daughter when she was maybe 7 and remembered a few weeks ago I was dancing in the basement with her 4-year-old daughter. And the song “Dance the Night Away” comes to mind. Like overnight I’m decades older.
I’m trying to savor each moment of each day. I’m trying to make the best of what I’m capable of and interacting with those special to me. Because time passes fast.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Sure enough, we lost power yesterday. But I didn’t say that to complain. I’m bringing it up because BG&E’s response was extremely quick and had the problem resolved in a very short timeframe in a driving rain. My thanks to the Linemen/women and technicians working to keep us all lit.
This allowed us to continue with family plans and have a great day. We decided to head out to EC Diner for a bite to eat. I going to have to try one of their shakes the next time I’m there.
My son reminded me of how we used to get our haircuts together and then go to the Forest Diner for breakfast on Saturdays. He then said he wanted to do that with his son which made me smile. Of course, the Forest Diner is long gone. And our old barbershop Sal’s went out a good while back. So he will choose new spots near his home and I hope he can find the comfortable places we used to enjoy together.
The EC Diner is a good go-to for the family. Good food and that old diner-type feel. Always great service and we walk out very full. I dare you to not find something you like to eat on their extensive menu.
My granddaughter was over for the day on Friday. One of her rituals is picking a few flowers and putting them in water. When the power went out I was just starting to fix some lunch. When the stove went out I put things away grabbed the camera saw this and decided to play a bit with this subject matter.
Random Thoughts of the Day
And as the sign says “Welcome to Woodstock Md” and a fine sunny day we had. Time for a few days of rain and wind is on the agenda for the weekend. I hear rain is good sleeping weather. After humping that tall ladder today and cleaning gutters along with some other maintenance chores I’m going to need it.
The sound of a happy 4-year-old enjoying our home and company was a great time today in between those other items. And another good reason for a long nights rest.
Woodstock is a great little town to live in. Pretty quiet for the most part and even though they seem to find new property to develop it’s still wooded and beautiful for the most part. Even though the type of homes, excuse me, mansions they have put in do nothing but drive up my already high property taxes.
We love it despite a few quirks here and there. The views, the privacy, and the lack of traffic make it a peaceful day and night. And most of the people are really nice.
I see our bus for the kids no longer comes into the neighborhood and now stops on Woodstock Road. There is an accident waiting to happen where that hill makes an almost impossible stop in time if the bus is picking up kids at our neighborhood entrance and you come over it from Route 99.
Random Thoughts of the Day
It wasn’t a red-line day for me. More like an idle speed because of the preceding day’s work and the pending all-nighter, I have to pull for the job that pays the bills tonight. I also didn’t have it mentally today with a few things bothering me.
Feeling it
I think I worked too hard outside yesterday picking up from those storms. I spent far more time than normal (about 9 hours) horizontal last night and I was still sore this morning. But there is still the need to make the best use of the day ahead.
I need to get on the ladder soon to correct a gutter issue. I’ll leave it out because tomorrow the estimate on the chimney repair is coming.
Food Thoughts
I love going to Shannon’s Saloon and Restaurant in Ellicott City. Every once in a while I see a booth we sat in with our parents having dinner many years ago. Last night I ran into an old co-worker from the Times Newspapers in the seats next to us.
But we go there for the food and service which are always great. I like the amount and variety of their specials and usually order from them. Some are so popular if you aren’t there early it may be gone.
It’s always been one of our favorites but for some reason last night kind of solidified it as one of my go-to spots. The Cuban Sandwich and Cream of Crab soup were great.
Random Thoughts of the Day
What a good morning after Mother Nature rattling the house all night. The thunder and lightning certainly made the top ten list. The winds were pretty strong also. So today will be spent inspecting the house and cleaning up the yard.
I took advantage of the early hour I was up and got out the door just before sunrise. This shot I captured on my way back after a short cruise.
Despite the overcrowding this county has grown into I still love the view I had the day I moved here almost 4 decades ago. This is just up the street from me.
Along Woodstock Road. Photos by Mike Hartley
It felt great to get out and shoot for a few minutes after a decent night’s rest. Today’s work will tax the body but I hope I have something left in the tank to do some more shooting later.
Random Thoughts of the Day
A busy traffic day for the deer. A group of 6 this morning and another 3 this afternoon including an 8-point and 6-point bucks. It’s the only shooting I did today with the exception of a few shots of my granddaughter.
So I really feel I should go out after the rains and do some night shooting but I’m pretty tired from short sleep nights this week. I think I’ll flip a coin.
Well, it’s tails, And the tail on this BLK ROSE car below wins. I wish I could have captured the paint on this better. I’ll have to figure out angles to capture the various colors they throw off in different lights. But back to head and tails.
It’s that day that we usually give a choice. We had our 4-year-old granddaughter today and the day is about choice. What to eat, what to play, where to go, what to drink, what to draw, what fantasy with the doll house, and towards the end of the day “what time will Mommy be home?”
And at the end of the day, two worn-out grandparents who will probably crash early on a Friday night.
To the piece of crap that did the bomb threat to Arlington National Cemetery today. May Karma visit you in getting caught and again at trial and especially in prison.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Figured I’d supply the sun this morning even though the real one wasn’t up here in the northeast when I started this. Sunshine always gives me inspiration. I hope to spend a lot of time in it today. I’ve got a good plan and all I need to do is execute it.
Unfortunately, I’m laboring last night and tonight. The number of holidays I might have to work yet are down to just 2. So I’ll power through.
I’ll have to be careful with the amount of sun today. I love soaking up some rays during summer. I believe today is one of those days that a snowball is in the cards. Maybe two if I decide to stay there and try to get some pictures.
We all have a chip in the game – I’ve been trying to follow the Howard County school busing fiasco. For a bit, I thought what does it matter to me? My kids graduated long ago and our grandkids don’t reside in this county.
But then I quickly realized all those tax dollars I pay to live here go towards education. And if we are paying more and getting worse service and eliminating county jobs and small businesses to go with some company on the other side of the country then I take serious issue with that.
I don’t think the gravity of this is being addressed. And I don’t think the people that are responsible for this situation should be in office and I’m going to do my best to ascertain the person/people accountable and do my part to vote them out. I don’t care if they are Democrats or Republicans, they failed the kids, they failed the parents and they failed the taxpayers and it sounds like they did their own business community wrong. Sort of like going 0-4 at bat. But we aren’t playing baseball here, are we?
I read the statement from the County Executive and it seems to point in the direction of the BOE but I view this kind of thing as not being able to clear the roads in a snowstorm. He also seems to confirm we are paying a lot more and have been for some time for what appears to be a cluster F. And now that we are into our second week he needs to step in and kick some ass or just take control of the situation. That is what leaders do.
Found this article on Zum apology and explanations. Hey, you take the job/contract you better be able to pull it off. To me, the county should go after some of that money they paid them.
On paper, they say there will be an improvement from week one to this coming week. This article from WTOP says 11 of the 20 routes are restored for this coming week and provides the list of bus routes/schools still out of service. Again they should figure out what percentage of the school year they are having poor service and demand a refund.
I don’t know for a fact but I’m guessing those new drivers for those new “fixed” routes don’t even live here or know the area or routes. Probably haven’t even had a test run. So even if it is restored don’t bet there won’t still be issues.
This is where a community paper would be good and finding out a lot more about it and maybe increasing the pressure on both the county and company to remedy the situation faster. But we have just turned into a bunch of individual voices. But we can still make our presence felt at voting time.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Stretching out today both physically and mentally. Trying a few new techniques in both areas. The physical part wasn’t successful. The mental part was. Time with my better half that wasn’t rushed at any point of the day.
Knocking out some paperwork together in the morning. A few chores in and out for each of us. Then off to a wonderful lunch at LeeLynn’s followed by a walk at Centennial Lake, a short cruise, and prescription pickup. Then home for a relaxed evening which I needed because my body wasn’t in tune with my plans.
We really like this place, always a great meal and service. The Mahi Mahi fish tacos were mine and very good. We also love the Cream of Crab soup so 2 were ordered. A Seasonal Salad for my better half and then we shared a great piece of KeyLime Pie which I wolfed down before taking a shot of it.. Photos by Mike Hartley
I need to be less concerned with the images I’ve taken and more concerned about the ones I haven’t shot yet. So I got up and immediately charged all 3 cameras and I’m looking forward to a lot of shooting this weekend.
Random Thoughts of the Day
You can start slowly. You can start like a ball of fire. You can start late or on time. You can start today. You can start tomorrow. As long as you start, things will get better.
Yesterday my intention was to get out early. I was up before sunrise and wanted to get out and do some shooting. Finally, I got my behind in gear and out the door at 8 a.m. I was going to a car show down in Fulton but that didn’t start till 10 am so I went cruising and on my way home I cut through Turf Valley.
And low and behold a car show in their parking lot. So I spent a few minutes wandering through and grabbing a few images I’ll bore you with from time to time.
The day after that was a blur. Some time with my son’s family and then a long drive home, a few minor chores and I was done. So done in fact I laid down and passed out for the evening without publishing something. Such is life. Now here I am in the middle of the night finishing up a piece I started yesterday thinking about taking a very early morning ride and maybe a few photo ops.
Random Thoughts of the Day
When you run into a closed door, just look for another open one.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I’m going to grab a book this afternoon and kick back, read, relax, and reflect.
Then again, these kids were having a ball yesterday fishing. Maybe I should find an outdoor activity.
Since it’s another great day outside I think I’ll shoot for another hour today. Let me go look at the map and pick a destination.
Green Onions by Booker T and the MG’s is a nice way to start the morning. Followed by many classic rock tunes have my feet and hips moving this fine day. Low 80-degree range with a slight breeze. Where the hell are my car keys, I can hear that convertible top yelling at me to put it down.
So a shower and then I was mobile. It’s a discount Tuesday at the gas pump for hightest fuel so I filled that puppy for some cruising today.
And as you can see from the above photo, I wasn’t the only red convertible out tooling around Howard County. Actually, I felt like I needed a walk so I did the town of Ellicott City. Always one of my favorite places to walk the streets. I have a lot of fond memories of waking it with close friends, family and really long ago memories of being in town with our parents.
It felt good to do a few loops from the top to the bottom of town and back again. I even managed to carry the heavy Nikon without back issues. Life is being good to me today.
Gives me inspiration to get out and exercise some tomorrow.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Took a short walk with the camera today after a few errands and a short cruise and captured a few images along the tracks at the Woodstock Road / Old Court Road changeover. I hope to get down there and explore some of the trails along the river soon.
Photos by Mike Hartley
Tomorrow I’ll head to the other end of Woodstock Road and hit the snowball stand with my granddaughter. I can feel the brain freeze already. I eat them too fast.
I’ll shoot for a second post later but I may claim a medical exemption, it just hasn’t been the best of days. But it’s always my goal to overcome any of that stuff and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
It’s good to see Karma at work today.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I went out for a ride this morning around 4 am. A very peaceful time on the roads, you just have to watch out for the deer which are plentiful this time of year. One was about 10 feet from meeting my car this morning as he sauntered out in front of me. I wasn’t in any hurry and only doing about 35 in a 45 (there was no traffic) on Rt 40 at that hour behind or in front of me.
So it wasn’t any problem to avoid him but a few seconds difference or speed it would have been very close. I’ve never hit one before. Many close calls. One jumped over the hood of my car once. I guess he knew he had to jump or just run into the side of my car.
A bit warm today but you won’t find me complaining. The news does enough of that. I don’t find it to be a very warm summer so far. June was rather cool and till this week I would say we have been in a normal range for July. Of course, this is some extreme heat for our area so it’s good to take the precautions they are saying to keep on keeping on.
Tomorrow is even going to be warmer so I think I’ll see if I can get some good shots of the heat and people dealing with it.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The unexplained is always around us. Just keep your eyes open and you’re bound to see it. Like this pair headed to the Milkshake Bar on Main Street. Maybe get him a double, he could easily put on a few pounds. Also, get him some flip-flops.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I was out for that early morning ride yesterday and swung by Ellicott City around dawn and found some street/store lights still on. I hoped to get out early today but that didn’t happen. Pain sometimes slows my morning plans.
I will get out and do some fresh shooting this afternoon and maybe this evening also. At least that is one of the goals of the day. So is fixing a clogged gutter and power washing some siding and concrete.
Photos by Mike Hartley
I need to do some walking today so I think I’ll hit the train tracks down by the Woodstock Inn and put in a few miles.
I saw someone make a proposal for an underground tunnel for wildlife to cross Marriotsville Road because of the traffic. I suggest removing all the development in Waverly Woods and Turf Valley. The animals and we were just fine before them.
The Howard County Fair is from Aug 6th-13th. I think I’ll go shoot some events this year.
Rolling with the changes to start the day. As we should each day because change is the only constant in life. Lots of changes at the job for what is hopefully my last year and none of them were on my agenda before now. I’ve survived many changes at the top before so why not now.
On the lookout for new opportunities early this morning so I hopped in the Miata and put the top down and cruised because poor weather is on its way and the cover will be going back on before noon today.
I was too tired to stop and do night shooting last evening so a few shots this morning before and at sunrise. I love being up early in the morning well before daylight when I’m not working night shifts.
Woodstock(left), Wallas Park(top right), and EC (bottom right) this morning. Photos by Mike Hartley
I’ll download the shots from the other cameras later because I think I’ll try some foul-weather shooting this afternoon.
Random Thoughts of the Day
As I was going through the day getting a few things done I was feeling good. Now at the end of the day, I’m reflecting and I didn’t get done what I had hoped to and feeling poorly. I have a real problem not focusing on the small victories and dwelling on what I didn’t accomplish. At one time in my life, I thought it was a strength that kept me driven. Now I think it’s wrong to punish myself and not appreciate the work along the way.
Old Friends – I spoke with a very old friend today. One I know well and who knows me very well. A friend who I count as family. We share some very difficult aspects of life and support each other fully. One of those friendships that are so honest, frank, thoughtful, caring, helpful, enlightening, and soothing from the laughter together that it’s one of those special connections in life it’s a blessing to have and cherish.
Weather outlook – I was in the calm eye of the storm yesterday. I could hear all hell breaking out around us in the skies but our plot of land stayed completely dry. I did see some lightning overhead and thunder but no storms.
Now today paints a different picture and that is alright also. We are still very dry in this part of the county so that rain was welcome. Maybe tomorrow will be the day I can pull the cover off and go for a spin.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Some aspire to the big office buildings with beautiful views or the condo glass tower on the water. That’s not my desire. Not behind these glass structures. They are fun to visit sometimes but live there or work there, no way. I’ve worked in a small town in relatively small buildings for half of my career and in a very large city in big buildings for the other half. Give me the small open spaces.
But as always change happens and that small town I used to work in is now a fair size city in itself. What used to be a very rural area of farms and woods is now endless neighborhoods, malls, office spaces, and infrastructure to support an explosion of growth.
I still live in a rural area of the county but as soon as I go a few miles it’s congested now. I kept thinking we hit a saturation point at various times in my 6 decades here, but we seem bent on filling in every gap possible in Howard County.
Growing up here and raising my family here has been a wonderful experience. It truly is home. I grew up in the southern end of the county and created a family on the northern tip of it. I worked in the center of it for over 2 decades.
I’ve got the same great friends I had as a youth here in the county with me today, except for the unfortunate passing of a few.
My family graduated from the county school system and if you leave me out of the average they did an outstanding job. I worked at the community newspapers for a few decades so I really know this place.
There have been wonderful opportunities for all of us here for work, social life, sports and recreation, education, and many other wonderful things. And I grew up in exactly the timeframe to get the best of it all. From my youth when the county was extremely rural and just starting its expansion and development to today where it is a multicultural mixing bowl of communities, thriving businesses, hospitals, parks, and services.
But as I said it is past its saturation point. Now it created a different environment. And I’m not so sure I’d want to do it all over again here. My experience though has been very positive. The windows here might not be as pretty as the ones at the National Harbor but they work for me.
I hope to illustrate the wonderful things about this area and the state in future posts.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I love June, July, and August. I thought I heard the starting gun this morning. Got me inspired to get out and enjoy this warm weather and sunshine. Plus the bonus of a warm summer evening tonight and tomorrow.
My better half has wanted to walk the HoCo Conservancy so maybe we will head over there this weekend.
Cruise
My enjoyment of driving has been dulled in recent years with the increase in traffic volume hence the increased chances of running into people who have no business on the road or are too self-absorbed to give a rat’s ass besides anyone but themselves.
But I still try to get out and enjoy a few hours here and there at non-rush hours time. Yes, rush hour is hours long at the beginning and end of each day.
A really nice time to drive is early morning like 3-5 am. Our highways are beautiful at that time. I think I’ll grab a late-night ride this evening and cruise like this guy
Clean
I like the clean feeling after a shower. I like it when I finish washing and drying my car and it’s clean enough to eat off of. I like going to the doctor and getting a clean bill of health. I like the clean-cut feeling of a haircut and beard trim. I feel great when I have a clean office. I don’t know why I don’t do it more often.
Random Thoughts of the Day
We went to the snowball stand yesterday but trying to watch a 4-year-old at the same time didn’t provide the photo opportunities I had hoped for. I’ll return this week and work on that site.
The Snowball Stand is a great place on a sunny afternoon. Families, couples, workmen, bikers, the occasional hotrod. Like the 32 or maybe 34 Coupe in powder blue that unfortunately made a left instead of a right in front of me so I could only catch the tail as it turned the corner below.
Photos by Mike Hartley
I started off the day painting watercolors with my granddaughter. Well, actually I started before she got here making some photo prints from her visit on Wednesday. I was showing her how to use a conventional camera and its workings.
She has already watched the transfer of images from the camera to the computer and editing and printing. But she seemed really excited to push the shutter and see the saved image on the camera.
Kids love to learn. I guess I’m just a big kid because I like it also. One of the things I like about working with her is that she stretches my thinking. For today she got halfway through and said I want to use my hands instead of the brush. I said ok and then she held her hands upside down. Puzzled I asked what she wanted to do and she said paint my hands, Papa. I started to then she said where is the paper.
I thought she wanted to finger paint. But she had a plan. I hope her exposure to arts stays with her as she grows. I’m going to show her pastels next week.
This is nice having a holiday off. Well sort of, I do work Sunday night but I’m off on Monday night. Another downside of our schedule. Even if you are lucky enough not to have to work the Monday holiday you still have a broken weekend working on a Sunday night. Such is life.
It’s going to be a good weekend with family and friends and it’s off to a great start. I hope yours is also. But please remember the service and sacrifice of our Military please.
Living here in Howard County has been a satisfying experience. But if you have been here for the last 6 decades you had better be able to adapt to constant change or you wouldn’t be happy.
I tell you what is going to be satisfying. Hopping in that little Miata and putting a few miles on it with the top down and tunes on all the time thinking about the day soon that I point that puppy EAST and drive till I see the Atlantic Ocean. But the back roads of Rt 99 an Rt 144 will do fine today.
Satisfying is looking back at a body of work in your life and being very proud. Satisfying is knowing your kids had the sense not to repeat my flaws and took whatever was the best of me and then improved on it.
Satisfying is being in love for a very long time. Satisfying is remembering your past but not living in it. Satisfying is surviving 2 different cancers. Satisfying is having lifelong friends.
Sunscreen Use – I’ve abused my skin and have only paid for it with maybe some premature wrinkling but even that is minimal for my age. I’ve never been a big user of sunscreen and might apply it once if I’m at the beach and my better half reminds me before we all head out despite the smell of that lotion everywhere.
I can’t remember ever using it just working outside and I do that very often. But after watching some friends go through some skin cancer issues. I’m now going to start protecting myself against any further damage.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The weekend has flown by once again. And the job that pays the bills is at the door waiting to consume my night. But tomorrow I see many possibilities. I see a cool morning for sleeping in. I see my workroom is free to be a workroom again and some new tools to test out.
I see my camera batteries are fully charged and maybe that will in turn charge my batteries.
Milestones – Hit 25 years at the current publishing job last week. I didn’t plan on working 50 years in this business but it is within reach if my health holds out. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to retire before that but life has its own plans sometimes. I must say some of my most enjoyable years were with the local papers in this county from 76 to 98
I might be off but I believe this might be the 25th season for my John Deere also.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Waking in pain is not the way I intended to start the day. A few hours of sleep while struggling to find a comfortable position. The recliner seemed to work best with the heat on. Unfortunately, when I did get up it was still with me so I turned to modern medicine for help this morning. Not something I often do at all.
Pain is an interesting advisory. It can be overcome in a lot of instances. Exercise and stretching go a long way in avoiding it in the first place. But it’s unavoidable, especially in your senior years. A wrong step, sleeping in the wrong position, doing stressful physical work, and many others can lead to discomfort that over-the-counter doesn’t touch.
One of the common threads my closest friends have is our ability to power through the pain. The downside is that our bodies have paid a high price with a number of surgical scares and replacement parts installed. But we always move forward. Sometimes it takes us a while to act and get things fixed but we eventually do.
I believe being active will take us all well into our senior years and keep us healthy.
Gaining momentum and confidence lately. I guess focusing more and executing better helps. I’ve got to start to challenge myself more. It’s easy to go into my favorite town of Ellicott City and grab a few shots. But this county holds a lot of beauty in many spots and I hope to share that this year and beyond.
I almost stopped at Wallas Park to catch some of the area youth at the national pastime of baseball but it must have been opening day or something yesterday. The lines to even get into the park at both entrances and I’m guessing nary a parking space to be had so I passed. I’ll hit it up on a weekday when it’s not so crowded. I need to practice my sports photography so when my grandchildren are of age soon, I’m ready again.
I spent more time coaching or helping out when my own children were playing there than I did taking pictures. But I did catch my daughter stepping into one below. She was a pretty good softball player. I’ll have to see if this old guy is slow on the shutter or not. Sports photography is a lot of timing shots. Back then I was shooting with film and no motor drive so it was hit-and-miss (no pun intended). Now I can fire away, I think the D7100 I use is 6 fps.
This has always been a very active sports county. Fields and facilities have always been at a premium. It’s amazing they have kept up with the growth of the county.
Well, I’m not going to get any chores or crafts done sitting here too long so I’ll see you all later today. Enjoy the sun.
My door is always open to friends and family. But I grew up in an era where we talked about blowing each other’s doors off. See the photo below for an example.
It’s time to open a few doors of opportunity. So many wonders are provided to us each day. All we have to do is apply ourselves. I got a bit of a start today with some shooting this morning and time this evening doing some woodworking and photo editing.
I hope to spend several hours on Sunday with a mixture of arts. The body is pretty beaten up from the chores in the yard so I’m going to give it a reprieve. A day of rest but also one of some exercise. I need to get out and walk a good bit this week and see if I can keep the weight loss moving in the right direction.
Remember when you were young You shone like the sun Shine on you crazy diamond Thank you Pink Floyd
Only a few precious days of April left to embrace. I have a lot of important things to do yet in the next week before we roll into May. I think I scheduled a day off before the end of the month. I’ll have to go look and see which one so I don’t miss it.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Just had a minute to capture a frame or two on the way back from errands. This is the entrance to the neighborhood across Woodstock Road from us. I might have mentioned someone cut our street sign off the other day. I see some similar vandalism on their street also. Same thing, something that will cut through thick metal. Nobody stood there with a hacksaw and did that.
Photos by Mike Hartley
I have to finish a carving project this evening. Actually two of them for my granddaughter. And a few more to start. You could say I’m going to be a real cut-up this weekend. Feels good to get some use out of the Dremel tool.
Random Thoughts of the Day
We checked out a car show thrown by Mikey and Mel’s Famos Deli this morning after a great breakfast there. I think we will go back and check out lunch someday soon also. Great service and food. I’m not sure if it was just the first show of the season or if the word is spreading but this seems to be getting bigger and bigger each year.
Photos by Mike Hartley
A relaxed afternoon was had. I was thinking about a nap before dinner but that time has passed. After chow, an all-nighter at work again as a new week at the job that pays the bills begins. These weekends are gone in a blink of an eye. I think I’m getting worn down and need a break. I really haven’t taken any time off this year so far. I think one sick day. But that is my normal pattern, I love to take off when the weather is better.
It’s my hope that this smooth start to the Sunday continues through the week ahead. I need to get back to some daily shooting again and no better time than the present. Can’t believe it’s the last week of March. I’ve got to set some milestones to get more accomplished.
I did get busy trying some stone etchings. I’m starting to get a feel for it. And I probably uploaded a few dozen images to the photo site and finished a 5-page list of thoughts, ideas, suggestions, feelings, and realities for someone our parents would want us to look out for.
Random Thoughts of the Day
With a beautiful day outside like today, I feel guilty spending even a few moments at the keyboard. So I took a ride out to some of my favorite local country roads and didn’t even stop the car to take pictures because it was so beautiful out and I hadn’t cruised comfortably with the top down in months.
But I got to feeling guilty so I held the old camera up a few times and captured a few shots in the northwest part of the county.
Along Rt 99, Rt 144, Woodstock Road, and maybe one on Homewood Road. Photos by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
That walk yesterday felt great. And that wonderful blue sky was a shade I could paint all day with. But today is another day and one that is cloud-filled and steady rains. But my spirits remain high and the forecast doesn’t determine the outcome of the weekend.
So the options tonight are foul weather night shots or creations of my own making indoors. Whichever the choice I think I’ll make a late night of it and get some real progress made.
Feeling that urgent need to accomplish several things. And it’s not good to ignore feelings. That is why I tell my better half and children and good friends that I love them as often as I can.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I was going to go down to the Patapsco River by my home but decided to walk Ellicott City instead of the train tracks and woods. I will do that later this week. It was an amazing day for mid-February, sunny and with some high clouds. Sometimes I just pause on the streets of this town and think back to many decades ago.
Like standing across the street looking at what used to be Stromberg Publications (The Times Papers) now Su Casa Furniture and La Palapa restaurant. And as I walk across the street and look back and see Talbott lumber yard and store and now the Phoenix restaurant. The same thing happens to me all up and down the street. Ellicott City never gets old for me even though they call it Old Ellicott City.
And as always it was friendly as ever. You can tell the tourist, they don’t always respond but residents, merchants, and locals always are cheery and will look you in the eye and smile with their greetings. A lot will stop and talk. I’m one of them because I want everyone there to feel welcome. It’s a great little town that keeps changing and evolving. Not always in harmony but it certainly is resilient and a survivor.
Everyone in town seemed to be paired off today but me. As promised yesterday I did get another shot of the Patapsco River. I have some more to share but it’s supposed to rain the next few days so maybe I’ll sprinkle in one or two of those.
Photos by Mike Hartley
I’m back on track shooting every day again now and hope to keep pace with my blogging effort which has been daily for a while. I feel so much better when I get new images.
I forgot to wish you all a happy Valentine’s Day yesterday. My better half and I really don’t make much of it anymore. Buying overpriced candy or flowers seemed a waste so we stopped the exchange many years ago. It was fun when we were young but practical needs seemed to be a better use of our funds.
If you share the love throughout the year. If you give flowers randomly throughout the year. If you cook once in a while throughout the year. And don’t forget to throw in several “I love you’s” throughout each day. Those and other efforts are far more important than a bunch of chocolates and roses on Valentine’s Day once a year.
Random Thoughts of the Day
That is the old saying, right? A picture is worth a thousand words. And I’ve been using too many words and not enough new pictures so it’s time to start changing that equation. And while I didn’t get anything close to that thousand-word shot today I did get out with the Nikon and did a few minutes between the emissions test for the old Chevy and a trip to the hardware for supplies.
And the more I shoot maybe one day I’ll find that picture worth a thousand words and more.
Well, it’s a start and there are even a few hours left in today and tomorrow is another day and opportunity to raise that viewfinder to my eye. Maybe it’s the warm weather or just feeling a little better but it felt good to get outside again today and walk a bit. I think I’ll walk down another stretch of the Patapsco River near my home tomorrow by Woodstock Road.
I’m more of a summer person but in the winter months before foliage appears you get the size of trees and the depth and density of woods much clearer.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The Bloganuary writing prompt of the day is “What is the most memorable gift you have received?”
My children have been the most memorable gift I’ve received in my life. And it’s a gift that keeps on giving on making memories. I had no idea of the value of this gift beforehand. It felt unusually special from the time it was delivered. It’s given me happiness, pride, laughter, contentment, focus, warmth, love, and purpose from the day they were received.
And now that those gifts are older they are creating new gifts for me again in the form of grandchildren. And those are giving me many wonderful things all over again.
Even the most memorable physical gifts have come from my children. But of course, none of them would have been possible without the first gift of my better half.
The less life becomes about material gifts, the happier you will find yourself.
As I was searching through some old memorabilia of my early days in newspapers I found these tucked in with some other older photos. This top shot is probably 20 years old and it was probably 30 years before that, I first stepped foot in Mr. Yates’s store.
That first job was with the Times Newspapers just a hundred feet up the street for his store. No A/C during the summer drove me to his business repeatedly for ice cream when we would get a break. There was no need for a gym back in those days. Work was a workout in itself.
Working late nights we would go over and stock up on snacks and dinner items before he would close.
It’s been gone from our history for about 10 years now but I’ll always remember how good it felt to come back to the plant with a fist full of popsicles from his freezer on a baking summer night.
Random Thoughts of the Day
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
November is here and we have temps in the upper 60s and low 70s, that’s NO Problem with me. I can adapt.
I hear holiday travel prices are very high. No Problem, I’m going to combat that by staying home. Friends and family, come see me if you want.
I was dreading this workweek before it started. Now I’m on my last night and it’s No Problem at all.
I noticed the Sunday NFL morning game from London was on subscription channels. Just like the beginning of the Thursday night football season on Amazon. Well No Problem, I watch too many sports anyway, and decreasing that where it’s out of my control is even better.
When you visit your cancer doctor and he says No Problem found, there are few sweeter words said.
Somedays when I sit to write it’s No Problem at all.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The cruising season is coming to a close. I was talking to one of my best friends who was taking his beast out for a ride this past weekend. There is nothing like a warm sunny day and a convertible. And luckily today and the next several days are made for the top-down.
But beyond that, the weather will be kind of hit-and-miss. And more often than not, the day will start out like the one below with frost greeting you each morning.
So I hope to enjoy the coming warm streak, look for the roads with some twisties and enjoy the last few leaves clinging to branches before falling to the ground.
And while out exploring the wonderful roads of Howard County I hope to find some final images of the fall season of color.
I’m glad I still am not at the edge of the development madness, but it’s approaching fast as it always has been. Living at the southern edge of the county for decades in my youth and now at the northern edge, it’s at least a little peace and quiet. But as soon as you step in your car you know it’s caught up to you.
Random Thoughts of the Day
This morning, I had to pull out my insulated vest over the sweat suit. That cold weather is on the way. And as my friends say “embrace the hawk” translation – enjoy the cold. Who knows, maybe I should have a change of attitude towards winter. My normal instinct is to hibernate inside and if I have to go outside hide the women and children because the curses fly continuously.
Despite the temps in the 30s, I was surprisingly okay with it. Then again I didn’t spend a long continuous time outside. But it was refreshing in some ways in the short burst. Not on my lips which are chapped because I forgot to start the daily chapstick routine. Another thing about winter I could do without is the dryness.
I hope I get the opportunity to get out again and snap some more images and colors before the season changes the look of everything. But that creates new opportunities also.
So I’m wishing you all a beautiful morning and day ahead. Mine is about to get busy.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I was reading a thread on the neighborhood site Nextdoor and the topic was bicyclists and cars sharing difficult roads in Howard County. And boy did it seem to start a firestorm. As you can suspect bad drivers were an issue but also bad cyclists also. There might be a few people in this county that have put more miles on a car and bike here but the number is small.
As a youth, I put on many miles on the bicycle. We used to live on our bikes as youngsters. A large paper route for a few years as I grew, peddling to jobs anywhere from 5-6 miles from home before I got my license. And yes I’ve been clipped by a car on a bike. I’m so old we used to ride on Rt 29. I’ve ridden motorcycles for 3 decades in this county. I was driving years before I had my license so 50 years in a car now.
These are just my observations. Pretty much no matter where you lived in this county in the 60s you could ride a bike and there wasn’t an issue for motorists or cyclists. In the ’70s with the expansion of Columbia and Rt 29 and other roads became much more active, wider, and faster. This is the decade police stopped me for riding a bike on Rt 29 to my job at the Mall. But it was still pretty safe in a lot of the county.
In the last 4 decades, the volume of both types of traffic continued to increase at staggering rates. And here we are today with beautiful back roads and scenes choked with cars and bikes. On top of that our tolerance for each other went out the window a few years ago and now we have games of chicken repeated in front of us over and over.
Uncaring people trying to pass in blind spots for oncoming traffic instead of having a few seconds of patience to safely pass on a good vision spot. Then there are the ballsy ones that Mr. Karma is about to take issue with who regardless of what oncoming traffic will attempt to run head-on to you because they are going to pass that bicyclist no matter what.
I’ve noticed bad behavior on both sides but far less from cyclists than motorists. But riding a motorcycle is by far the most dangerous around here because you are out on the major roads and people don’t look to see you. I’d say this is the highest incidence per mile ridden of almost being killed and that is saying something because I’ve been hit badly in two car accidents, one where it took them forever to get me out of the car because it was mangled so badly where the roof had to be cut off because they couldn’t get any of the doors open. That is after they took the pickup truck off the front and top of the car. Strange things happen to a car when it’s hit at a standstill by someone doing 60mph from behind.
I found some stats for Howard County from 2016-2020 from the state in a PDF that is all numbers. Numbers of people injured and killed in many situations including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and vehicles. I hate numbers. Because when you are talking people, we are not numbers. I hate what I see us doing to each other on the roadways no matter what your mode of transportation is.
Selfishness is killing and injuring us needlessly. Some of these stats are not accidents.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I feel like Fred Flinstone when he gets off work. For this is the last work night of the week and spirits are high. Sometimes I take for granted how lucky I am and thankfully I catch myself now and then. Are things perfect, far from it but that is life. As long as I’m here to fight another day, life is good.
And I’m excited about the coming weekend because today has gone so well already after a wonderful dinner with my daughter. And tomorrow I’m spending time with close friends. Then a day with the granddaughter and life couldn’t be better.
On the other hand, the back end of the weekend looks very cool. And if you go out at night downright cold. So I think I’ll make good use of that time indoors those days. I have a lot more prints queued up to make larger prints. So let me get to work on that and wish everyone a good night.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I’ve never been one for street parking. It’s like asking for problems. For instance, I could park right in front of my dentist’s office on Main Street in Ellicott City for appointments, but you won’t catch me doing that even on a rainy day. I’ll use the lot behind the old firehouse.
Because after one walk yesterday I see evidence that this is a wise move. Not that this is any surprise. I see people who can’t control a car or are too busy to feel like paying attention to driving every time I get behind the wheel. Why would I think a narrow city street wouldn’t be an issue.
In some ways, it’s good people do choose to park on the street still. It protects us a little bit walking the sidewalks. But then again you should be ready to duck a flying side view mirror which can easily be sent skyward.
In some ways, it’s surprising to see the remnants of cars on the street, but after hearing tires skid and the familiar sound of metal and glass crunching over the years this mind says to use the parking lots.
But at the end of my observation of this car carnage, I saw a mother and child walking up the street picking up loose trash from the streets of this beautiful town. So people do care, and I hope there are more of us than those who don’t.
Yes, these are from yesterday’s walk, busy night at work so haven’t been out yet today.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I took a walk this morning in one of my favorite towns. Sort of like a home away from home. Got married in Ellicott City, worked in Ellicott City, started a business in Ellicott City. So I’m familiar with it. From the 60s when we first moved here, till today, I walk those streets a few times a year, or more when it was working there.
I always find something new. When you get to visit a place and experience each season, it reveals a new town quarterly.
Another thing is you just have to stop and look around. Front back, side to side, up and down. And low and behold things reveal themselves.
Sometimes things pop out of areas you wouldn’t think of.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Time is a gift I smile about each day. I’ve always appreciated being given another day, more so each day now the older I get. It’s a gift that also comes in many ways. Time to accomplish a goal at the job, time to share a meal with a loved one. Time to play with a grandchild.
I think a lot about time now because I’m so torn on how much longer to work. It would be an easy call if we were well prepared but like many, we are a little short of what I had hoped for. And the longer I work the more comfortable we will be if we live a long life.
I’ve seen my best friends change and start to do more activities, trips, cultural and fun things. And on all fronts. Wives, friends, children all are getting more time. Not one to be the last out of the pits I’m getting organized and moving.
You know, sometimes it doesn’t have to be that killer trip that makes a year. This will be the first year our family doesn’t take a trip together to Ocean City. So the planning begins with that. Where and when can everyone make it to for some short visits?
There are so many options my head is spinning about it so I’m going to let the others think and talk about it and see where the wind is blowing. I’ll throw suggestions out and I’m very flexible.
But I also hope to really get back to exploring Maryland and the surrounding states. I already have several days and weekend trips to be thrown out for consideration. I want to roam the Chestertown area. I’ve been to Ocean City for at least 40-50 years but I’ve never been down to Assateague Island. That is a must-do. It has been 3+ decades since I’ve been out to Deep Creek MD.
I’ve never been to Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg Maryland. Yep add that to the list of places west of home.
I’d like to visit the 3 art museums in Baltimore. Of course, I have to try out the new Horseshoe casino while we are down there getting cultured. It’s been decades since I’ve been to Sandy Point state park. I made my first trip to Gibson Island last summer and I must go back there.
Maybe a weekend bed and breakfast in St Michael’s and a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. I know we have never been to Smith Island and if we go for no other reason than to get a cake, that alone is good enough.
Also, I’ve heard The National Cryptologic Museum is a good visit. Not the photographic places I normally like but would be interesting to know more about that art. And if I’m in that educational vain I might take in NASA The Goddard Space Flight Center. And while I’m there I might as well continue down the road to the new National Harbor and see how that is developing.
Another neglected site is St Mary’s Maryland. I know that area is beautiful. Also Chesapeake beach for a stay on the water at one of the fine hotels. As well as the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and National Historical Park in Williamsport Maryland.
The Air and Space Museum in Dulles VA would also be good to spend a day at. Then take a real ride back in time on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
So it looks like I have a start to a good list of things to do this year. Let me see what interests my better half and what others I can add to it. I just hope we can get a couple in because it’s a very busy year with work and family expanding.
I saw a flurry of activity on a post on the NextDoor site about the amount of trash on Rt 70 and 29. They should add Rt 40 and 99 and 144. All the major arteries that lead to the dump. I’ve lived up in this part of the county now for 36 years and the problem isn’t getting someone out there to clean it up, the problem is how is it getting there in the first place.
And from what I’ve observed it’s a lot of people taking stuff to the dump and not having the load covered or secured. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen stuff dropped or blowing out of a truck bed. Maybe if each of us tries better we can have a bit less trash to pick up.
I think I’ll do my part while wandering the county for photos and pick up stuff as I see it. Every little bit helps.
Random Thoughts of the Day
A short morning ride early in the morning after daybreak allowed for a few images before returning to the homestead. I can’t wait till the following fields are full again of activity instead of dormant.
It’s so cold and spring seems so far away but if I can hold on another 2-3 weeks I might be able to see the light again. I don’t know the totals but it seems we haven’t gotten all that much snow this season. Dustings to a few inches here and there.
I can’t complain, I’ve only picked up the shovel once this year and that was an easy one to clear. Not deep and light fluffy snow. Hopefully, that streak will remain intact for the rest of the season.
I was talking to my neighbor and asked when his son returned to the O’s spring training and he reminded me of the MLB lockout in effect. It really disgusts me, lots of rich people arguing about huge sums of money and shooting their future in the foot.
I can’t wait to start getting out in the mornings again when the weather warms up. I plan on doing a ton of walking and exploring this year. I hope everyone has a great Stupor Bowl. Don’t go overboard and get a ride home if you need it.
Instead of worrying about a gift you can’t find because of supply issues or a rise in cost so much, think about making something personal. And by making something it could mean writing a letter with your thoughts and feelings. Make a meal, warm up the car for them, take care of some overdue chores. There are a million things you can do for that someone special.
Random Thoughts of the Day