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’m feeling lucky today. I avoided adding a third cancer to my list when my 2 skin tests came back benign.
• There isn’t a bad time to catch me unless you want to ruin my good time.
• If you don’t smile at every picture your children send you of your grandchildren then make some changes in your life that allow you to.
• I have no problem with insects, as long as they stay outside my home.

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

• There is so much color to take in right now I could spend the entire weekend lying under different trees watching the sun come through them.
• Can’t sit here, got to get back outside.
• Ranking my favorite seasons. Summer, Fall, Spring – Winter doesn’t even come close to making the list.
• I’ve got to catch up on a few phone calls.

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

• There is a secret blog that runs in my mind that only I write and read.
• Another vaccine shot today. RSV – just following doctor’s orders.
• This is the warm summer-type weather I was hoping for the past few weeks.
• Being speechless isn’t a bad idea considering.
• I’m wondering if the barking dogs next door think they are providing inspiration.

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

• Feeling good about the progress on the family wall of pictures I’m working on.
• Do you ever have something on your mind that kind of makes everything else secondary?
• I’m wondering if this is the last time I’ll need to cut the lawn this year.
• The printer is getting a workout and that feels great.
• I’m not sure if I should feel worse for the people in Maine who were wounded or killed or all the people the day before that didn’t make the news that were shot and died. Or maybe the day before that. Should I feel different because of a number? Should I feel outraged it’s just become the norm or am I resigned where maybe half or more don’t want gun legislation or money for mental health or many other legitimate needs that have to address violence? I do know it caused me to pause again.

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.

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

• When old neighbors move, so does part of the neighborhood history.
• When something seems fishy it usually is.
• Little things become more important the more they are ignored.
• Our bedroom is getting a fresh coat of paint today. At least it’s warm enough to air out well.

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

• Wow, it got late fast today.
• I finally achieved my beach body. The trouble is I missed summer.
• I used to think there was limited space on my desk till I started going vertical.
• I didn’t laugh as much as I would have liked to today.

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 was fun cooking tonight but my back didn’t care for it.
• Leaving the world a better place than you found it would be a nice thought if everyone could get on the same page.
• I think the list of rained-out events this weekend is longer than the ones still going on.
• I’m going to work on 2 to 3 posts tonight and schedule them for tomorrow and Sunday in case we lose power. What am I talking about in case? We lose power every good storm that comes through. It’s just a matter of how long.

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

• I judge storms by how long it takes to clean up and how much it costs to repair.
• Weather is like life. Beautiful and ugly. Inspirational and deadly.
• Each day is like the beginning of a new race.
• I believe the sounds of the day will be leaf blowers and chainsaws.

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

• I like being up before sunrise.
• I should get to bed being I’ve been up all night.
• Time to detail the ride today.
• I wish I had the joy of seeing my grandchildren wake up more than when we are on vacation together. But I do a fair job of imagining it every morning along with their parent’s smiles.

When you run into a closed door, just look for another open one.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Breakfast is my favorite meal.
• When you see a smile on someone’s face, it doesn’t always mean they are happy.
• Transition planning from one stage of life to the next is both fun and scary.
• If you want to know someone, just listen to them and then watch their actions.
• Any week I get to see both my grandchildren, it’s a winner.

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

• There are a lot of unhappy people who have nothing to be unhappy about.
• As I sort through my parent’s things and slowly let go of pieces I wonder what will become of my belongings.
• I don’t think the frame is as important as what it contains.
• When you see Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel at the airport, do you find out his destination and go the other way? Worse yet what if you don’t see him till your flight is taxied out to the runway and about to take off?

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

• Life feels good when you have your ducks in a row.
• Think of yourself as an engine. Keep it maintained and it will run for a long time.
• Do you ever feel like you don’t matter or count?
• I think I’ll hit the beach soon for a day of fun and relaxation.
• I managed to part with a few things for the Purple Heart collection. I’m proud of myself.

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 have a ton of shooting to download and edit. And I’m happy as a lark.
• Worked on my tan again. I’m a well-done father and grandfather.
• Celebrating a special person tomorrow.
• I always find myself in better spirits when I know I have a shorter workweek ahead.

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

• Why not have some fun today?
• I get way too much email but when work is out of the equation it might be manageable again.
• I’m learning you don’t find time to shoot, you make time to shoot.
• I’ve learned though that you still have to find time to edit.
• Life has some hard lessons that you just keep to yourself.

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

• There is such a clean smell in the air after rain. That is until my wet clothes start to ripen.
• Sometimes I find myself looking down and remembering a pet that used to rub up against me.
• It’s funny to work in an industry all your life. To watch it evolve and thrive. To watch it dip and rebound. To watch new technology change it and eventually overtake it. And now to see many cease production altogether of what were once proud and important parts of the community is disappointing.
• In the summer I’m a fan of my fan.

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 hear thunder, I wonder if the power will stay on long enough to hit publish.
• Felt good to give my sister a hand today.
• I look forward to the day when I don’t feel guilty about taking a nap.
• The hope is for a very productive evening. I mean it is Friday night now.

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

• The Beatles music never gets old to me.
• Sometimes hearing a song takes you back to a place in time. The original transport system.
• Time for some NBA Finals action. No personal favorite, would just like to see close games.
• Paul and John got it right with the first lines in the song, I am the Walrus, I am he as you are he as you are me
  And we are all together

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

• I have an old stamp collection. I wonder if it’s worth anything.
• Photographing each day is fulfilling.
• Getting close to finishing a horse carving for my granddaughter.
• When you can take a drive and not have anyone try to crash into you it’s a good 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

• There are a lot more people in LonelyTown than you think.
• When you can look back and feel like you had a good weekend, it’s sometimes enough to make it to the next one.
• The best time to be out and about is when nobody is out and about.
• I see some football players have suspensions for gambling issues. The first of many to come in sports, unfortunately. And some may not be caught. I can’t believe how every league crawled into bed with one or the other sports bet operation. I’m also wondering when the number of sports shows on gambling about sports eclipses the number of shows talking about the games themselves.
• I don’t think I’ll ever get used to drinking water instead of Coke.

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

• Sometimes the right time never rolls around.
• When they said a cold front was rolling through they weren’t kidding.
• You know it’s really easy to smile. Doesn’t always mean I’m happy though.
• I wonder if it’s good to leave more spaces between words like musicians leave emptiness between notes?
• Now that the outside of the car is sparkling it’s time to detail the inside.

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

• Life is learning to constantly adjust.
• I’m about to use a mistake by my fuel oil company to my advantage. If they want me to do their work, I expect to get paid.
• There is a wonderful abundance of birds again.
• I’m laughing at the level of pissed-off someone in Palm Beach is.

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

• The sun on my skin felt great today. So did the wind in my face.
• I can’t wait to see the smiling face of my granddaughter tomorrow.
• Eat well says a wise man. But don’t forget to help those that are hungry.
• Time to create some sawdust tomorrow.
• I hope we don’t have to wait too long to get some more days like today’s weather.
• Some days when I cruise I enjoy the music or remember a bad driver or the fun of the car handling through a sharp corner. Today was a slow cruise to just soak in the beauty and sights of a warm day in February.

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

• Squeezing a few extra minutes out of each day.
• Feels good to have nice things said about your work, leadership, and knowledge. Of course, that was at the job that pays the bills. I got a lot of work to do here but I will impress when my focus shifts full-time here.
• Keeping an inspirational edge regardless of outside influences is a key to productivity.
• I got my swagger on today. I hope it carries over to the Maryland Men’s basketball team tonight. Fear the Turtle.

I thought I’d try something that I was going to do when retirement rolled around but why wait? And that something is to try to document the beauty and people in the county I’ve lived in for going on 6 decades. The area certainly has changed dramatically over that time. Some of its beauty is under developments or office buildings. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t beautiful architecture here. And there still is a lot of natural beauty to be seen. And of course many beautiful people I know and have yet to encounter.

Progress has been swift and difficult. Just like the country, it became a bit divided over the last several years but hopefully, we can move beyond that and continue to make it a better place to live. But even the definition of better will be debated. And that is good if it’s done respectfully.

I wanted to incorporate getting a shot in the county into my daily routine, but that means I’m going to have to get my behind out of my house every day. That could also result in some substantial mileage so I’ll have to keep an eye on that cost but I’ll also get out and walk in an effort to get the body working well again.

Woodstock Maryland The Snowball Stand. Photos by Mike Hartley

Today’s shots come from the Woodstock Snowball Stand. The last day for snowballs. I got a few for the kids and put them in the freezer for this weekend when they come. We also got our Xmas tree from them last weekend. I’m very impressed with the new owners and how they have made it even more special by staying open later, incorporating wintertime drinks, and of course the trees and wreaths. Very nice people and I plan on supporting them for years to come. Full disclosure (I have a snowball addiction).

So day one of shooting is done. It’s supposed to be pretty wet out tomorrow so I guess I’ll get some practice at some rain shooting. At least it’s not the blizzard some are facing. And when it does get down to that 0-degree wind chill this weekend I’ll be shooting from the car window.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Maybe if those fine lines weren’t so thin I wouldn’t step over so many of them.
• At what point do we stop calling them weather extremes when they are more the norm?
• Do you ever wonder how many more times you will be able to decorate your Xmas tree?
• Given the greying of my beard, I wonder how long it would take to grow the Santa look.
• I got my gift this year in July with the birth of my grandson.
• Oh yeah, it’s the day Old Man Winter comes out. Well, meet your opposite number.

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

• Perception, instinct, feeling. All good things to rely on. Does it sound and smell right? Does it look right? Does it feel right?
• I don’t know about you but my contacts will be more limited since I’m around an infant and toddler.
• You know when I’m faster at creating content it gives me more time to create more content.
• You know when I’m faster at creating content I make a lot more mistakes, but it gives me more time to make more.

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

• Funny how minds work. They can sometimes drive you crazy.
• Do you ever feel for someone so much that it hurts?
• Breakfast, the meal that could be called dinner.
• I promise to do better here and everywhere tomorrow. Because I’m almost out of time today.

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

• Doing good work at the job, bringing in projects, making things as perfect as possilbe just doesn’t seem as important as it once did. Sometimes age is good for perspective.
• If there is a pill for everything why do people still die from illness?
• The song “I can see for miles” by The Who is not an appropriate tune for a foggy morning.
• Food and money have a lot in common. Some people have a lot and some people have none.
• There is no reason to purchase a stairmaster. Life is a big enough climb on its own.

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

• I have a very hard time understanding people who don’t have an appreciation for life. And even less tolerance for them.
• Some days I feel like I’ve maximized every minute of the day. I either feel great for such and accomplishment or to exshausted to appreciate it.
• It’s one thing when I cost myself sleep, its an entirely different thing when others interfere.

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

• There are only so many opportunities. Seize them.
• There is a lot of trouble ahead you might want to get to appreciating the days we live in now.
• There was a ton of reason for dispair before todays Maryland/Perdue game. But they made a great showing on national TV and redeemed themselves after that mess earlier in the week.

Yesterday was the car show at Mikey and Mel’s in Maple Lawn in southern Howard County. A very nice mixture of cars and owners. Given the list of chores back at home I didn’t spend long, about an hour just up and down each aisle and I’m sure more cars came in after I left so this is a small sampling. I really should have shot more. The sun came out more on my ride back home.

I was glad I took the time to go see some of these works. I love the arts and I see design and art in every car creation. And just like all art, some is better than others but even the attempts are good works because you don’t get great on your first attempt.

Sometimes it’s maintaining a classic car and body style. Others are massive modifications to classic or current platforms. Both can be stunning to me. I guess that is a bit of the old youthful enthusiasm I had for cars. Big American muscle cars.

The reinterpretation of original design. The use of color and textures. The brilliance of chrome or width of a tire, the smell of leather or high octane fuel, the sound of a wonderfully tuned exhaust or open headers, it’s all here.

The hidden arts of engine building and tuning. The underside of frame suspension and brakes. Yes being able to stop is nice. The vehicle can be a masterpiece on so many levels.

This was a nice break and I’ll look for future events like this in our area because this kid needs to get out and about more. Plus the next one I’ll haul one of my best friends there with his Vette. I know I’m going to go check the calendar because I’ve always wanted to attend that Cruising Ocean City event in the fall. Oct 7-10 this year I believe.

I think I’ll post the rest another day, for there are many chores still on the list today. But some of them are fun like grilling out so I won’t complain.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Why does my mind draw a blank with the statement from my better half “do you need anything at the store” and then remember when I’m unloading the groceries from the car?
• Another workweek begins. I think I’ll resume my countdown. That is one thing when I moved from the office to the home office that I didn’t continue. I had a few post it notes on my monitor that had a countdown of weeks to work left. Maybe because I didn’t have to make that drive and was reminded how much I hated it when I finally sat down at my station. Now the commute is much better.
• My thoughts today have been filed with teachers returning to school. Because I’m a parent of teachers after I was a parent myself. I’m going to say a few extra prayers in hopes of a better year for them.

Back to back sunny days here in central Maryland on Saturday and Sunday morning had me in a sunny mood. No pressing emergencies and a few free hours to work on my crafts so life is good as my tee-shirt says yesterday morning. Well, that was the situation before my neighbors tried to light the hood on fire with an open burn that got out of control. Thankfully it only burned structures on their property.

In todays post – Wishing – Pitiful – Random Thoughts of the Day

Wishing – Only a few hours before the workweek starts anew. I remember the days the time before a new week would form a lot of anxiety for me. Almost to the point of panic attacks at times. Sometimes the pressure was of my own making in my own mind. I can be pretty hard on myself. Other times it was external pressures from managers and directors. Today I have none of that.

It’s not like I’m afraid of pressure or doing difficult things or taking responsibility or driving/doing something myself. But I was always afraid of judgments of others be they fair or not so I would always overprepare and overwork it so everything would go right.

Most of it was my own problem. People had much more confidence in me than I did in myself. And yes I worked hard to earn it but never gave myself credit along the way.

And then at some point, all this changed. I don’t worry about the work or what people think or judge my success by the words of others. Frustration with superiors or coworkers has disappeared. I just do my thing and look forward to the weekends. It’s a nice freedom I haven’t had most of my career.

Pitiful – What do sick children and sick animals have in common besides looking pitiful? Neither can communicate what is wrong. That is one of the most frustrating things in life. I’m seeing my granddaughter get sick every so often as every child does and I remembered that fear.

But what is also pitiful are adults without any common sense and complete disregard for the law or others. No, I’m not going to talk politics here I’m going to talk about one of my neighbors. They have had several illegal burns over the last year. They had one so close to their house that the brick is black in sections from the fire. I gave them county regulations on it and that didn’t matter. I threatened to call the fire marshal and that didn’t matter. So yesterday morning they started a huge pile of brush, branches, and logs about 5-6 foot high and lit it. I said as soon as he lit it they were too close to their bird coops. Sure enough one catches fire. And of course, the plastic sheeting covering the metal frame goes up but there are plywood and hay inside so it’s got lots of fuel. Tweddle de and Tweddle dumb were out trying to put it out bucket by bucket and all it was doing is getting worse so I called the fire department.

No, normally I would have suggested to anyone else that it was too close to other structures. I would normally immediately try to help them put it out. But these are not normal neighbors. They have proven over and over they don’t give a rat’s ass about anyone else. So I sent the county the videos of previous burns they did that I videoed and I’m calling the fire department if I see them outside with a match. I’ll also continue to file the zoning complaints because they are now constructing another building too close to the property line and I feel it’s going to be used for the birds again which they were forced by the county to move once already. So it’s just a game to them.

Well obviously they have no idea with they are F’ing with.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I wonder if CopperFit makes a full-body sleeve. Because some days everything seems to hurt.
• Do Sunday mornings seem quieter?
• It’s depressing taking Christmas lights down.
• I’m dreaming of summer vacation.
• How bout Dem TERPS.

Random Political Thoughts of the Day

• So the new Right-wing chant is Hang Mike Pence. Really nice guys. Summary executions because you don’t like someone doing their job.
• Let me get this straight. The current president preaches law and order but LOVES the people who killed a Capital Policeman?
• I’m all for free speech but running into a theater and yelling FIRE or standing up on an airplane and yelling bomb is still a CRIME. Inciting a riot against one of the branches of government that leads to the death of a policeman is a CRIME.
• Guess what America. Those angry, hateful, threatening people on video all went home someplace. And most of them weren’t from the DMV (DC, MD, VA).

In this post below – Trial and Failure – Howard County Today – Random Thoughts of the Day

Trail and Failure – I’ve been pretty harsh editing the last few days and thrown out a lot of shooting. That used to bother me but I’m trying to challenge myself to better the quality of images. So really I had nothing from last night’s shoot. But this shot reminded me there is a new dawn coming tomorrow and I should keep trying and not let failure stop me or slow me or affect me other than to learn from it.

It’s a hard thing to overcome, a failure that is. I guess we all should be used to it because everyone has some failures in their lives. I’ve failed a great number of times. And I’ll probably fail some more. It doesn’t feel good when it happens. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of. I know at times in my life I’ve been afraid of failure enough to not try. And that is a bigger failure in reflection.

Sometimes it’s all in how you look at it. For instance, I wanted to do some more sanding today and only got to spend a few minutes on that goal. It looks like I’ve got nothing done and failed at this task. I felt successful because I didn’t blow it off entirely because of limited time today.

I remember failure as a young baseball player. I was just more comfortable playing pickup. Put a uniform on me and people on the side and I was a basket case. I wasn’t horrible, I just wasn’t able to do my best because I was too afraid of making a mistake. I got tense and nervous.

It’s easier as you age to separate failure from trying. Professional baseball players strike out, they make errors. That feeling of failure from a single plate appearance is nothing. But losing the ability to come to bat the next time thinking hit and an average of .500 is another.

So like I stated the other day I’m going to be trying things with this blog. I’m sure I’ll have many failures on top of the many examples already.

Howard County Today – I thought I’d start a section about the wonderful county I live in. Growing up we used to refer to it as Hazard County. But really it was a wonderful place to grow up myself and then raise a family. It’s a place I will probably pass one day from this earth. I was 3 years old in late 1960 when we moved to the southern part of the county.

And except for a 4-year stint in Catonsville, I’ve been in this county all my life. Even when I lived in Catonsville I worked in the county. So we were here before Columbia and saw that great change. We have seen multiple floods in the area. We have experienced the continued explosion of the population and land being swallowed up at alarming rates.

Just out of high school I was lucky enough to land a job with the Times Newspapers. This allowed me a wonderful and expanded perspective of the area for a few decades. It was wonderful experiencing the people of the county. Seeing their stories and photos grace the pages of local papers. Meeting them when they would come in to pick up shots of their sons or daughters at this or that game or award. I would meet them at the Times Information booth at the Howard County fairgrounds and other events each year. I could see new places through the lens of our photographers.

But now it’s time for me to start documenting the county and maybe mixing in some older shots along the way where it’s of historical interest.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I like writing in the mornings, but it’s a little tougher after being up all night.
• Watching basketball makes me want to get outside and shoot. Someone page me when the temps hit 60+ degrees again. Go Terps
• Learned about anchors today. Not the kind my Dad would think of being he was in the Navy.
• That was an interesting call between Orange Julius and the Georgia election officials. It reminded me of a few conversations I’ve had in my life. And as I recall one of them, my statement to the VP was “I don’t care what that manager asked me to put in the report, it wasn’t the truth so I didn’t do it.”
• Tip the people who work in your community. We are getting back in the habit of giving something to our recycle and trash teams. Buy a patrolman a coffee or the guy plowing your neighborhood streets. Maybe a bag of cookies for your mailman. Stop by and say hello and thank you to the guy opening and closing our parks and rec areas each day.
• If I keep creating sections in this blog to fill with photos, I’ll be a happy camper.

I was down in Ellicott City taking a few shots and I saw the Bar Open sign on the Manor Hill establishment and I thought for a second for how much longer. I see our Governor did an update the other day because like most states our numbers are climbing again. I like his frankness when he said “Just wear a damn mask.”

I’m guessing it won’t be long till we are reverting back to some rules we had earlier this year if things don’t improve. I know I’m going to start scaling back again. But at the same time, I hope to get out more for a little exercise. This holiday season is a good time for me to work on the beach body. Not that this has been a successful effort the last few years but I’ll always keep trying. At this age, I’ll settle for a 4 pack.

Yesterday’s walk was nice because I was able to wear shorts and a tee-shirt and that weather will make it a nice few days ahead also. And this Friday didn’t disappoint at all.

Today I put on my yard maintenance hat again and see if the body holds up to the day’s activities. Got the front half done yesterday. And if I’m fast about it I might take a walk with the camera later today. I also have to spend some time carving this evening.

One of my best friends just gave me some great news. I’m so happy for him and his wife. During these times it’s good to appreciate the good news of any type. Because life is about focusing on good moments.

So I hope everyone is having both a healthy and good weather day to enjoy this wonderful Saturday.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Felt good feeling that sun on my skin yesterday. Would have felt better on the beach but I’ll take it while sitting on the tractor.
• More sun and fun today. The top is coming down. High test in the tank. Traction control OFF.
• I’m on a mission again. Feeling positive and challenged.
• You know what is really funny. I see Trump’s family is asking the GOP to have some backbone. Don’t they know their father removed their spines long ago?

Went out to drop my ballot off this morning and was lucky to catch the sunrise at a corner near my home. I’ve got to make a practice of getting out around sunrise because it just starts your day right.

Photos by Mike Hartley – from corner of Woodstock and Rt 99.

It gets me in a productive state of mind. Let’s see if I can keep the momentum going this fine Halloween Day.

Random Thoughts of the Morning

• I have discovered I need much less shampoo than when my hair was longer.
• As the leaves fall this time of year, it reminds me I have neighbors through the woods behind us.
• Working through difficult times makes you stronger. It does come with scars though.
• I feel bad for the kids this year in regards to Trick or Treating. On the other hand, there may be more candy in the house.

Decisions decisions, I wonder what the fall will bring. Will I have to return to the office next year? When will I feel comfortable eating inside again with many people? Will the country break out in civil war after November 3rd? What will the Christmas season look like this year? Will the flu shot be effective? Hitting the PAUSE button. Reset mind. Think of the sun setting on Summer and enjoying the last few warm days of the year.

Well, the choices I make today are enjoying the beautiful weather. Love those around me. Maybe take a few photos. Make a charitable contribution. Take a ride with the top down. Knock out a few chores and maybe a nap before my work week starts this evening.

As I was telling a friend the other day one of the things I’ll really enjoy about retirement is being able to have a holiday weekend. I’ve missed many over the years because of work. Such is life though. You would be surprised at how many people work on holidays and weekends. Think about the services you need 24/7/365. There are lots of them, aren’t there. A tip of the hat to all those working with me this holiday weekend. And to the day we can celebrate with the rest of society at the same time.

I’ve dried the morning dew from my ride and headed out and grabbed a few frames in one of my standby places. Old Ellicott City. They are having a sidewalk sale this weekend so it’s a good spot to go out, enjoy the weather, and support local merchants. Of course, I was there too early for them to be out so just a few joggers, cyclists, and couples out for a morning bite to eat and coffee.

What a beautiful morning. A sweatshirt was needed with the top down because the temp on the car dash said 59 degrees as I cruised from my home to EC.

It’s a special town in many ways for me. It was my first job in my lifelong chosen profession. My wife is from this town. I started my own business in this town. I got married in this town.

I’ve enjoyed shooting this town in good times. I’ve had to photograph it after floods and fires and it broke my heart. Sort of like life. Good times and difficult times.

Everyone who moves from this area says how they miss this town. I can see why. There are a lot of friendly people here. Especially the locals and merchants.

It’s funny that the attachment still feels so strong. There has been so much changing there. Businesses I’ve loved gone. Important people passed or moved on. And now with the flood mitigation, the look of the town will change yet again when some buildings come down.

It can be a challenging town to walk. Sidewalks aren’t that wide at points. But do venture up and down the side streets also and up to the courthouse area. Hell explore the whole town.

I guess I’ve shot enough of this city for a while. I think I’ll venture to a new town in Howard County tomorrow.

Wishing everyone a great Labor Day Monday. Be safe.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• There is no such thing as a bad nap.
• Nothing like good weather to lift the spirits.
• Having come from a military family I find comments of Losers and Suckers so disturbing and offensive that he should be barred from any military installation and cemetery. If he goes to Arlington I’ll be meeting him to tell him he is the only Loser and Sucker on these grounds.
• I’m recharged, I saw my children this weekend.
• To all the teachers. If Tuesday is your first day back I urge you to treat yourself to a relaxing and enjoyable day on Monday.

Don’t you miss being part of a huge crowd at a concert with everyone moving in rhythm to the music and singing in unison together?

I miss seeing people smile. But then again I don’t miss all the people with snarls on their faces.

I miss feeling comfortable around people.

Does music seem more important now?

Memories keep drawing us back to dangerous behavior.

I suggest taking all the empty shopping malls and turn them into schools.

I saw some leaves falling today. I almost screamed NOOOOO. It’s far too early for fall.

Duchess Sandwich Shop

Sweet simple and satisfying. We went to this EC mainstay for a quick snack today being we put off our day trip to the Antinum battlefield. We got two sandwiches, a birch beer, and a chocolate shake. Oh yeah, a bag of chips all for under $15. Took it down to the parking lot B behind the building we started a business many years ago and looked over the river and had lunch with the top down. I sucked down the shake before I had a chance to take a picture of it.

Photos by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I read from WJZ that the Annapolis Capital Gazette is closing its offices. They will continue to publish it says. I wonder what fate awaits me, back to the office, or work from home next year.
• I’m very sorry to see the Maryland fall sports postponed/canceled this year but I believe it was the right decision for the safety of the kids and community.
• I’m so tired today.

Never wait to say what is in your heart.

I may be the luckiest man on earth for the wonders I’ve been given.

Get it together, help others get it together, help them help others get it together.

To my better half. I’m sorry I haven’t provided all the joys of life you so richly deserve.

I’m sorry if anyone feels I haven’t been there for them.

Time to relieve the pain.

I was catching up on some reading of events while I was on vacation a few weeks ago and read that Fernand G.M. Tersiguel passed. I can’t say I was a frequent diner but when I did it was a great meal and his smile and staff made it a great evening. Ellicott City will miss him.

Good thing you guys don’t rely on me for breaking news.

There are few things as satisfying as a cold Coke in a Bottle. Especially after working outside in the 90-degree heat. I don’t know what it is about a bottled Coke but it is different. Maybe just colder, I don’t know but its better. I’ll go to Google it later. I’m sure there is an opinion or an actual reason.

So why don’t I buy it in bottles? I have no answer. I got a bottled 4 pack from my Son as a gift recently and I save them like a vintage wine. It’s almost ceremonial. When I have one, that is what I do for the next 10 minutes. I don’t open it and walk away, I don’t get up and go to my desk with it and sit it next to the warm computer. I kick back on the couch and sit it on the glass table in front of me. I lean forward and take a sip. Of course, that is followed by a belch and I lean back. This act is repeated like that plastic bird that would bend over and dip its beak in water and then bounce back to an upright position. Life’s simple pleasures. Well, back outside to work.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I believe basic practical skills will once again be in great demand.
• Time for a random donation today.
• I’m conflicted. I’m beginning to like my hair long again but it’s not too popular with my better half.
• If at any point in your life you discover how blessed you are no matter your circumstances, and you are able to just feel thankfulness, is the day you are alive and at peace. I don’t mean this in the religious or spiritual sense but just in life.

Got moving before daybreak which is always nice. Especially when it does not include pain waking me up. And being it’s my favorite season its a pleasure to head out early and put the top down. Had to dry it off first because of the dew early today.

Being a holiday morning few were out and about which was also nice. I love the quiet of mornings except for a little nature here and there.

This area is still as beautiful as it once was. It’s just so busy you can’t stop to enjoy much of it except for at odd times. Daybreak and before are really it. How many times can you just stop your car in the street and grab a frame or two? NEVER. Unless you’re nocturnal like me.

This virus continues to turn our world upside down. As I saw the sun coming up over Mt Hebron HS I thought would this empty parking lot still be the same in September? This really is a no-win situation. If I were a parent of a young child I’d be very hesitant to send them off to school. On the other hand, if they are not in school how can we go to work? And maybe the worst part is we are still going to be determining these things on the fly and differently in different areas.

Actually I’m the parent of two teachers which has led to having to worry about the situation like I had my own children still of school age because they are with those kids of school age all day long. It’s of course about the safety of children. But we also have to think about the teachers just as much. Not all of them are young. I have no idea how this is going to happen. But instead of discussing if bars, nightclubs or beaches are going to be open, we should be coming up with some possible solutions to kid’s education because if they aren’t in school two bad things happen. Parents might lose jobs. Kids might be left alone. The economy will suffer.

Well, the dog days of summer are upon us. Isn’t life grand? I’m going to have to schedule some more long weekends this summer. I love being off during the summer months. I can hear that day trip to some Maryland destination calling me.

EC was pretty quiet this morning. A few bike riders and some walkers. Must have been shift change at the police station because 3 of them followed me to the office complex at the top of the hill.

Photo by Mike Hartley

So I hope everyone enjoys their 4th of July and stays safe.

Enjoy a beverage but do it in moderation.

Hell, I just looked at the to do list and I’m going to be busy as a bee today so let me get my behind out of this chair.

What a beautiful Friday and Saturday. Actually got a little more sun than I intended. I should have just used some sunscreen but it was so pleasant I didn’t feel the burn till today. Luckily its nothing serious. But that sun those two days did revive me a bit. A ride in the car with my better half for a few hours did us both good.

We toured the rural part of the county out by Clarksville and Brighton Dam and then drove through Rocky George, Fulton, Ellicott City, and Catonsville. A short window visit with my father and mother inlaw also felt good to do. I’ve always been fairly good at appreciating the small things in life. I think that makes getting through these times easier.

It was good to see everyone keeping a distance and masked up in EC. The only thing that was bunched up was the traffic through town.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I really enjoyed that series on Jordan and the Bulls.
• I scheduled a few days off in the coming weeks and I’m really looking forward to it.
• I’ll be glad if the weather forecast is off for the next 6 days because all I see is clouds and rain.
• A few burgers from the grill today have me grinning.

I finally got my behind in gear and got out early today. I should have been out yesterday for the nice sunrise because clouds were the scene this morning. That was OK though, it felt great to be out and warm enough for shorts and not having to put on sweats to start a day.

Of course, I wasn’t just out and about snapping a few images. I had to get some gas for the mower which is being fired up today. And that leads me to my next comment. I almost never go to the Waverly Shell because they RAPE you on price but I will fill the gas can there because it’s the closest. Well, they weren’t open shortly after 6 am so I had to go to Rt 40 and St Johns Lane where the price per gallon is 30 cents cheaper than Waverly. And that the St Johns station isn’t the cheapest around either. It did cement one thing in the future for me. I’ll never even fill the can there again just out of principal.

It used to be you could tell the day of the week by the traffic. Now every morning seems like Sunday morning.

Even though I have over an acre of land, I feel like I need more space between my new neighbors and myself. For the peace and quiet, we once had is shattered by roosters and geese. That’s ok though, I got some rock and roll for them today.

So my mission this summer is this. I’m going to try to get out and shoot a spot in this county every day. I think this will be possible because I just got the news from my employer that I’ll be working from home all summer.

Random Thoughts of the Morning

• Smile at someone you don’t know. Wave to someone you don’t know. Tell someone to have a nice day that you don’t know.
• Figures when I get home the sun would finally emerge from the clouds.
• Like someone recently said – VOTE.
• It would be good to stop thinking a day ahead and more like months or years. There is more hope that way.

Well, cabin fever hit today so a quick ride in the convertible with my better half soaking up some rays was a nice treat. I put the old camera in the cab and away we went. We stuck to the back roads and a few neighborhoods we hadn’t traveled through before. And when I say neighborhoods in the west part of the county you are talking about big properties and little human contact chance.

Of course, our trip started along Route 99. A good road to lean into a few turns like the one above. By the way, that’s not camera distortion, that’s a curve. This one brought back memories when I had my motorcycle and the enjoyment of the back roads of the county gave me. If it wasn’t the expansive views it’s the sweeping turns that can add to that smile on your face.

It’s been a while since having the top down and I can tell you I thought about what’s going on when I went to pull the handle to retract it. Do I have to be scared of the air I breathe now? Well yes in some situations I guess.

Many neighborhoods nestled in between expansive farmland. And by the way, I love the FARMLAND FOREVER Signs I see hanging by their entrances. I hope that never disappears from our county. So much has changed and been lost already I can barely cope with what little we have left.

That ride changed my mood today for the better and I’m glad we got out of the house. Especially with the rains coming tomorrow. It’s hard to determine when to go out. We have been really good about staying in and having no contact with people and will continue to do so.

I also discovered today that given the season it’s impossible not to touch my face. Such is life. I’ll do my best but pollen is pollen and it will do what it does. At least I’ll have a mask to sneeze into. Wait, that’s not a good idea either.

I’m thankful my workweek ended a day early. I had a comp day left so I decided to get that out of the way. Not that I’m in any danger of not working but just needed a mental break. Just trying to get ready for the long haul.

And yes I socially distanced in my car as I went by anyone. That is why there are two lanes. That was some ride today. I kind of let the car point itself. When I got people behind me I turned down another road. A slow cruise in the country. A day when driving was a complete and utter joy.

As you can probably tell from these I really never stopped the car to take any of these images. Guess convertibles are good for many things. Well, tomorrow the top stays up and I’m staying indoors to work on my studio setup. Once I get the junk out of the way.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I hope our youth is watching who the brave ones are in this crisis. Not the ones wanting credit every day. The heroes are too busy doing the job. And when this is over support your medical professionals.
• Feelings expressed even though FaceTime is incomplete when it comes to your close friends and family. But that and the video chats are still the best things around today.
• I see the Governer designated our county (Howard) as a hot spot today. Yeah, we rock. Whoops, not a good thing.
• Be safe, tell those you love that you love them. And if you feel like it, tell a stranger.

Walked one of my favorite towns with a great friend today. Well, actually I walked Ellicott City before he got there and then we walked Oella. I felt good but put on an extra mile or two that my feet could have lived without. But surprisingly everything else felt great after the hike.

There are few things that I love more than summer mornings with temps in the 60’s and 70’s with a nice breeze to make life special.

Blue skies are a nice touch also and add a little red white and blue and we are cooking with juice.

I should thank my better half for allowing me a few hours to photograph and chat with a very old friend. It was a great conversation as it always is and one I hope to make more frequent. It’s good to get out and he is an avid walker. I hope I don’t hold him back to much. Maybe some more practice and I’ll be able to hold a better pace. I think I’ll get out on Sunday morning as well.

I do love old stone buildings. And this town has a few.

This structure above was our first office when we launched our own weekly newspaper. I enjoyed the short commute and being back in Ellicott City where I started my newspaper career. I believe its a legal and title group now that occupies it.

Ellicott City seems to be an example of what small business strength is all about. The risk of doing business in this town that’s been flooded a few times. The reliance of getting people out of big box stores and down to a neighborhood shop. The hard work and limited space they all deal with.

I could sit and watch the classic cars and bikes tool through town. I can walk and be greeted by total strangers and wished a good morning with almost every passing person. I can lean over the bridge and watch the families of ducks. You can see store windows done with style and thought.

You can peer into spaces between homes and businesses and see wonderful garden treats. You can find many talented artists inside stores and out on the streets.

At least I got out this day and worked at a craft I love. Sometimes I feel selfish about taking photos and working on this blog. But in a lot of ways, it makes me very happy and hopefully will continue to give me enjoyment in my senior years. And who knows, maybe others will find things they like.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Balance out thinking and doing then smile about the accomplishments.
• I love getting pictures of my granddaughter on days I can’t be with her.
• It seems the more I photograph and write the less time I have to read.
• Having conversations about what we can do to improve this country is something all of us should be doing each day. Who knows, there might be a winning idea someplace.
• My walking partner today was like a treadmill that had the incline set at the moutain level.