I’m trying to be more generous with my resources. Not everything is helping by just giving money to it. Time is sometimes much more valuable. I have about 2 weeks to prepare to help someone make some very important life decisions. I’ve been working on it for several hours so far. Sometimes passing along some wisdom and experience is more valuable. I hope it leads to a better seat in life for them.

But I’m also prepared for failure. Not everyone had heeded my advice before and some will pass on it in the future. I’m not saying I’m some guru but some things are easy to call and predict. I’ve predicted a few train wrecks before (people screwing up their future) and tried to help them but they knew better. Unfortunately, their seat isn’t in the location they had thought.

The hand of discipline. Drinking water doesn’t provide me the enjoyment that drinking a Coke does. I’m learning mind over matter when going to the fridge to decide between the two. That hand extends into the fridge to make that easy reach to the top shelf and the Cokes but discipline tells the hand to go to the bottom shelf and a bottle of water. I can’t remember drinking this much water since I was young enough when we drank water out of the outside hose.

People tell me I’ll feel better drinking water instead of soda. Well, I’m waiting.

I remember writing sometime this week that I was glad to see all the birds again. I spoke way too soon. I know they like shiny cars come on guys, I must have had at least a half dozen hits like this when I went out earlier. I’ve never had a home with a garage. Looks like I’ll get the hose out to start the season. We should be beyond any freezes again.

Well now, I can’t end a post on an unappetizing photo like that, can I? Treats for tomorrow morning. I hope everyone has a sweet day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Families that can get through trying times are strong families.
• Will this be another failed season of me aspiring toward the Summer Bod? Actually, I’m lighter now than I’ve been in a while so I might stand a chance of avoiding people wanting to roll me back into the surf while I’m just trying to catch some rays on the beach.
• I feel sorry for people, who believe that people who donate to charities are saps.
• When you get a random hug from your granddaughter and you ask her what was that for and the answer is “because”, it kind of makes your week.
• I think I’ll do an early morning post tomorrow and get one ready for Sunday on a schedule in case we lose power with the predicted weather. I like keeping that daily streak going.

I had to step away from the news today. Sometimes working in that business gets a bit overwhelming. What is also becoming overwhelming is the feeling that nothing can be done to change the gun lobby’s power over politicians. And therefore no effective change in any gun legislation.

Maybe I can make a dent in other issues and hope others change their minds about assault rifles. Long as we all keep working on our own corners of the world to make it better. And the choice of things that need attention and help is almost infinite. So let me get busy trying to help a cause and people and get in positive spirits again.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I don’t have it today. Maybe tomorrow
• Congrats on a fine season to both the Men’s and Women’s teams at the University of Maryland.
• If I can make it through April and May, the rest of the year is cake.
• I feel bad and stressed when my children get sick. Now that stress is ratcheted up with grandchildren also under the weather.
• The need for a snowball tomorrow is peaking.

The Stroll –

A short walk today

So when will that brushstroke of genius come around? Well, the first thing I have to do is pick up the brush. But what canvas to use? Should I keep it real by trying to capture the beauty of what Mother Nature has provided and the uniqueness of each of us with a camera or should I get that blank sheet of paper and check for my hand-eye coordination and whatever the imagination brings my hand to move in?

Or some 3-dimensional thinking with some wood or stone and the Dremel tool? Maybe a few hundred pages of words in a book I write. Or trying to get with the current times and doing more video work. Maybe a little local journalism but then again that might put a target on me and I don’t want that anywhere near my family.

Whatever it is that I might be successful at, I hope it touches someone.

The Dentist

Besides my cancer check visits, the dentist is my least favorite medical visit. Not because I don’t like them, I do. My hygienist has the best touch of anyone I’ve ever been to and has cared for my teeth for decades. And the dentist is a long-time neighbor and friend of mine. I love the location also in my favorite small town Ellicott City.

So it looks like I’ll get a chance to do some shooting next week with a follow-up appointment from today’s cleaning.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I can dig it says the gardener. Damn shovel says the weekend warrior.
• I don’t feel compelled to fill everyone’s needs anymore.
• Some late-night shooting is in order. With a camera you guys, don’t panic.
• Sweet sixteen weekend.

Go ahead, grab it. Yep, the opportunities of a new day. I was going for a cruise but a bad local accident snarled roadways in the area today so I put that on hold.

And I stayed my behind at home and did some maintenance. Worked on my deck and unloaded some of the furniture from the shed, and started to pick up the pruning mother nature did with those high winds the last few weeks. I’m not sure if there are more branches on the tree or laying on my roof.

It felt like the first day of the outdoor season. The season of physicality. The grass is starting to green up a bit. Some trees have buds on them. Soon an explosion of pollen.

As the last bit of blue sky is hidden behind the clouds, I withdraw into the home as the rains come later tonight. The cover is on the car. The tools are back inside.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’m thinking about the accident today and the 6 highway construction workers who lost their lives. It upset me because I see so many near accidents each time I go out. People running lights, changing lanes without looking, and egregious speed. It’s amazing we don’t have more carnage on the highways. And nothing seems to slow us down, take less risk or stop being so entitled. 6 families won’t have a loved one coming home tonight. And for what, maybe someone wanted to be home 5 minutes earlier than the next guy?
• I was coming home Monday on this same stretch of road and saw a tractor-trailer and a car decide to play bumper car/truck and luckily just pull over together with some substantial damage on the car.
• As I sit here with a sore back, at least partially due to a serious auto accident where a jackass wasn’t paying attention and rear-ended me at 60mph I’m glad I don’t deal with the major highways on a daily basis anymore. But I do fear for my family and friends who do.
• I’m beginning to wonder if there is a line anymore when enough carnage on the roadways will be enough. Or when will the violence with guns at our malls, churches, and schools change anything? The bar just keeps moving away as the numbers increase. Are we desensitized to it? Do we just not care till it affects someone we know?
• I guess I’m just tired. Last night of the workweek, Sorry for the negative thoughts. I’ll get on a positive soapbox tomorrow.

My mind feels like it’s been tied in a knot recently. There are a few things weighing heavily on me that change my thought patterns pretty drastically. I find it more difficult to concentrate when in this mindset. I’ve got to get back to compartmentalizing stuff.

I’ve grown better at doing that. I’ve managed to compartmentalize the job after decades of struggle to get a balance. And balance is what I need to get back to. That is the best way to help myself so I can help others.

So tomorrow I think I’ll clear my head and take some pictures. A good way to unwind.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Are you ever so happy for someone else that you’re giddy?
• There are few better reactions than a pet and owner being together again after a few days apart.
• I want to become a chef. But only cook for people that would appreciate it.
• I’m searching for the photo I take that causes me to say, “that’s hard to top” but then get to work topping it again.
• This is going to be a particularly successful year.

I used to dread Sunday evenings. It’s the start of the workweek for me and the stress I used to have was bad. The long drive and leaving home on a weekend signaled the start of not seeing much of my better half or friends or family. But a few years ago we went remote and my job became much more manageable.

Taking out two and a half hours of road time a day really made the job possible again. After driving to D.C. for over two decades and then having the ability to do my job from home, made the thought of going back to a job at an office out of the realm of possibility. Not that I wouldn’t have done what was needed at the time but at this stage, no thanks. Unless that office is within a few miles of the house and I’d still need a few work-from-home days.

If I go part-time before I retire Sunday nights will probably be one of the nights I’ll drop first. Too many things happen on Sunday to sleep during the day and then having to stay up all night is a nasty start to the week. But I’ve managed to turn things around a bit on Sundays making them more productive than in the past. As a wise friend would say often, “make it work for you.”

This week is a special one with the start of spring. It’s also a very important birthday week and I hope to make it a good one for the best daughter a father could wish for. I could never reward her enough for the happiness she has given me. But I’ll give it a good shot this week.

I hope you all have a wonderful start to the week.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Down to the last few games of the weekend. There is a good chance when I go to bed later tomorrow morning that I’ll be hearing a basketball bouncing and a ref’s whistle.
• Pat on the back for a good cheesesteak sub this evening.
• I think I’m behind on my charitable giving so I better get busy this week.
• The Nikon comes out of its temporary retirement tomorrow.

My days always begin with a lot of hope. As the day goes on some hopes fail, others are born, some come true and others are put on hold. So far one hope always has come true. That I make it through the day to see another one. As I’ve aged I find I have hopes I didn’t even dream about when I was younger. I didn’t act on many hopes at a younger age and now I’m finally getting started on some of those hopes.

I find most of my hopes and dreams are mainly with my children and grandchildren. For their health and happiness. They are the smiles and warm thoughts that fuel my love of life. They make us so happy.

Sometimes though hope is tested. Especially around the time of my semi-annual cancer screen. It’s like going to the casino and making a big bet I guess. The trouble is you don’t even get to choose red or black. But that is out of my control so on with the test and results.

The trick is to work and focus on those positive hopes. Every chance you get work on something that is important to you. Fill in those minutes between other obligations. Fill the time feeling positive about how good you feel now and take advantage of it.

I spent some time today loving some 4 legged friends. I love my son’s dogs when they visit. They are precious.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I hate when I pass on what I was sick with to my better half.
• Felt good to get the printer going again.
• When you go out expecting a dead battery and it turns over it’s like Christmas.
• I’m so ready for an upset by Maryland over Alabama.
• Tomorrow may be the last gasp of the winter season.

Watching all these close college basketball games and upsets is draining. Or is it the 12 + hours of basketball each day that has been on for the last two? 32 games by the end of tonight. I love it. I’m also exhausted. And so is my partner today. She is going to skip the last 4 games of the evening and rest up for tomorrow.

I’ll stay up hoping for another nail-biter ending to one or more of the late games. Watching dreams come true and hearts broken in the same instant of time. This is reality TV. Not all that planned stuff.

Yesterday was a beautiful day. One spent with best and oldest friends. Doing one of our annual traditions, March Madness. Many words of appreciation were shared. We worked like a well-oiled team in food and fun prep and execution. But at several toasts throughout the day, friends that had passed were remembered, family members were remembered, and appreciation for our time shared together was genuinely felt deeply by all of us.

Relationships in that room went back 4,5 and 6 decades. Those are special. So was the confusion with names. In the small group, we had 3 Marks, 2 Mikes, and 2 Kims.

All I can add is, what a party it was. And we begin again tomorrow – GO TERPS.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Finally tried the Popeyes spicy chicken sandwich. Pretty good.
• As usual, I picked the wrong upsets in the basketball pool.
• Whoever invented the heated recliner has my seal of approval.
• It’s been a four-legged friend’s day today.

Whenever I hear forecasts with very gusty winds predicted I worry about power. It has gone out a few times but so far so good tonight. So I figured I’d do a post now before my luck runs out.

Creative Maintenance – I’ve really got a significant number of things diagrammed because the ideas were flowing the last few days. Sometimes it’s good to just stop the work and sit back and imagine or relook at some old ideas and refine them or have them spur an entirely new thought.

Office Maintenance – I Found 2, pen and ink illustrations of the San Francisco icons (the Golden Gate Bridge and a Streetcar). I believe my mother purchased these when visiting 5-6 decades ago. As I was ready to put some old sets of photos away I saw 2 sets of my framed photos of San Francisco from a visit I made in the mid-90s. So I hung them by the back door in a vertical alternating stack.

Organized my print area of inks and various papers and hung a gift my daughter got me a while back. I also have a goal of being able to see the wood on the desktop before the stroke of midnight.

Mental Maintenance – Despite an insane schedule, sleep is becoming a priority. Going for a minimum of 6 hours. And if I can sneak in a cat nap or two that would be great.

Looking for fun. Making time for fun. Not sacrificing fun time.

Body Maintenance – The next few weeks will be a call to arms. And legs and back and shoulders because it’s going to be spring and over an acre of property needs maintenance. It’s always a great workout for me against mother nature for a good 8-9 months of the year.

But first off to the dentist and doctors in the coming weeks.

Car Maintenance – It’s time for a little TLC for the go-cart. Always good to get it in peak mechanical condition before the cruising season. I took the cover off it with the prediction of some 50 mph wind gust today/tomorrow. It does tie down well but that is pretty stout winds and I don’t want tears in it.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Hats off to the power company linemen during these storms.
• I have a fear of looking too organized.
• The sound of strong winds is intimidating.
• I love taking pictures but I just don’t understand selfies.

Looked outward today and saw grey. So I looked inward for some light and yellow it is. I love the yellows in a sunrise. I smile when I see the yellow school bus pick up the neighborhood kids. Even the yellow of the pollen, that covers everything in the spring is beautiful.

My spirit today is bright like yellow. Not the most productive day in my hobbies but some progress is better than none. The full-time job really gets in the way of things sometimes.

Crap, that title “Look inward” reminds me I’m off to the dentist next week and then the doctor’s in April. You would have thought with all the looking they have done already that I wouldn’t need anymore.

Home Improvements – A new porch light in front and back and a new ceiling fan in our family room. Life is good. Next some landscaping and trees down in the lower back removed. And then some minor masonry repairs. If it warms up this March I’ll paint the back doorframe and front porch.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Cold and windy, are two things I didn’t need to hear in the weather report.
• I think birthdays come around faster as you age because you can’t remember the time in between as well.
• There are so many topics I haven’t touched on yet.
• Too bad people aren’t as good at expressing love with their eyes as animals are.
• If you don’t think to yourself at least once a day, that there’s so much you don’t know, then you aren’t thinking.

So what can I do to make this a successful week? I got a little bit of a start yesterday when I got a new set of brushes to see if I can paint. And I picked up a few pieces of wood for some carving experience. I didn’t get out to shoot this morning before it clouded up outside so maybe I’ll do a few studio setups.

Today was also productive doing some prep in the workroom and some more prints made for my 15th Street project. I spent some time planning, which I hope shows some results in the future in helping a loved one plan for their senior years. Would I be better served spending time on my own, probably? Would I have been more refreshed if I relaxed or played instead of doing that, probably? But I must try and hopefully succeed because they are loved.

I’d love to plan a trip soon but that isn’t in the cards. We are booked solid for several weeks. But the time will come when we can break away for a day or two or three. Maybe one of these days we will have the time to board a plane and visit something a ways away from home. In the meantime, a local trip will do.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I love seeing birds return in the spring.
• Who reversed February and March on the calendar in regard to the weather?
• It feels great to feel good.
• I get so far behind on phone technology because I grew up using something till it gave out.
• I see Mike Pence is trying to grow a pair by speaking up now. Too little and way too late.

Wow, to feel human again is a treat after a few weeks of less-than-good health. Last night I saw one of my best friends for the first time in a while. A very special evening ensued even though our home team didn’t pull off the victory it was a great time. Today I ventured out with my better half and did some shopping and had a meal out.

And in the opposite vein of that horror movie where the girl says “I see dead people” – I saw a bunch of live people. Yep, they were still out there. It feels damn good to be walking among them again.

Today I’ve been reflecting on all the simple things I take for granted. And while I normally have a great appreciation for life it is good to reflect and feel lucky to be able to get back to my personal projects which suffered badly. I could barely get through the job that pays the bills let alone one thing more.

I feel my creative senses returning. I’m smiling again instead of coughing between typing each word. And while my energy levels are still down I’m pressing forward with some simple things and soon I’ll be up to speed again. But I need to be more than up to speed, I need to get a better health plan going so it doesn’t take so long to recover when I do pick up something.

That has me thinking I need to make much better use of that piece of equipment next to my desk referred to as a treadmill. The two of us will become fast friends shortly and like this daily habit of posting, I will be putting some laps on that device.

Eating better will be a tougher challenge but the mindset for health is more focused now. I even got the mixed veggies today while we were out as one of my sides.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’m heading out at daybreak tomorrow despite the loss of an hour’s of sleep tonight. I need to see if the shutters still work on the cameras.
• Hat’s off to the inventor of flannel sheets.
• I haven’t begun to watch basketball yet this month. The Conference tournaments are just a tune-up for the real thing. And I’ve watched so much already that when I turn the TV off at the end of the evening there is still a basketball bouncing on the screen.
• We don’t do chain restaurants often because we like supporting the local places but we did Outback in Long Gate today and it was great. Plus if memory serves me right I think I remember them helping out Ellicott City after the floods with food for people so I’m granting ourselves an exemption.

I spend a fair amount of time on the computer because that is my job. So I do a bit of prusing the airwaves when I take a break and find out what is happening in my community and the world. Thank goodness my real life experience with people is a lot more positive than what I see online.

The hostilitiy level and intolerance for each other seems to be going in one direction and that is down. I used to enjoy debating with people but that is out the window anymore, to the point where I avoid it and keep my beliefs to myself or only those closest to me.

So most days I’m just looking to finding that happy spot. From simple things like keeping off the main roads when possible and not traveling at peak times and just being as nice as I can and avoiding negative encounters when out of the vehicle. Listening and not engaging people who share a drastically different opinion or view. And in some cases just avoiding some people who I know have wildly differnt views of reality.

At this age I have all the friends I need and my family continues to grow and be very close. So those sweet spots with them and at home are all I need. Well the occasional trip to the beach of course and my life is complete.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I feel like this has been a lost week of opportunities.
• I consider myself one of the luckiest parents and grandparents alive.
• I like being committed to things. Then again some think I should be committed.
• Way to go Maryland TERPS. Onto the next round.

The fog in my head is starting to clear. I can see the light again. It’s a bit away but I’m going in the right direction. Speaking of light I’m supposed to avoid sunlight exposure due to some of the meds I’m on. But you know when you are under the weather and have been inside for a bit that cabin fever starts working and the desire to get outside is overwhelming.

Thankfully it’s a bit cool outside the rest of the week so covering up won’t be an issue.

There is also a really nice light out this evening with a full moon present. One of my favorite things to look at on warm summer nights.

I saw a thread about people complaining about all the trash on our local highways/roads. As usual lots of people blamed the government. Well, it’s not the government throwing the trash out of the car/truck windows, is it? It’s the ones who don’t give a crap and are lazy and entitled, arrogant and selfish a-holes who should have their asses kicked.

OK maybe that is a little harsh for the first offense, so maybe see how they should spend a day or their weekends picking it up. But the increasing entitlement of people is out of control.

We don’t have enough police to do the important part of that job and there is no way they should be doing litter police unless it’s happening in front of them. It’s up to us to correct this and many other problems our society faces. I love the videos of people caught dumping trash and then someone picks it up and returns it to them through their car window. Of course with so many people armed I wouldn’t encourage that. But yes it is Karma.

Maybe instead of everyone doing dozens of selfies a day maybe point the camera at the offenders and let’s start to shame these people publically. Then again the entitlement they have they have no shame but it does get it on the record for the law to act or not.

I think I’ll get out and help with the cleanup effort when it warms up. Maybe I can catch a few offenders on video myself.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• The trick this week is to progress slowly and not land flat on my back again.
• Happy birthday to a very special loved one.
• Tomorrow I pick up the cameras again if I have the strength.
• Just because you have all the money in the world doesn’t mean you can’t be a twit and asshole rolled into one. And just to be clear a twit is a foolish or annoying person. Have a great day E.M.
• And while we’re on the subject of a-holes, how could I bypass Tucker and Kevin? For the love of money and power, they do their bidding.

I’m not sure what direction I want to go. My head is starting to clear a bit from the fog of being sick. I feel the urge to get the creative juices flowing again so when I’m 100% I’ll have a few things started. I did a little video work yesterday. I’ve been drawing with my granddaughter and while very rusty I’m starting to enjoy that again. I think I’ll get the pastels out instead of the crayons and markers and see what I can do.

My tolerance level is decreasing by the day with the increasing number of idiots on the road. Almost got hit head-on today by someone crossing the center line on a two-lane road with no shoulders. We might as well start calling it Deathrace 2023.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• We have not learned from history. Greed and arrogance and selfishness are killing the U.S.
• I’ve reduced my screen time again on that smartphone. And life gets better.
• I feel this week is going to be far more productive.
• I hate it when my cough kicks it up a few notches. I sense a sore chest tomorrow.
• The prediction of those strong gusty winds was overblown this weekend.
• I was looking for a break but apparently, March doesn’t have one.

I’m trying to keep up. Professional and personal obligations while feeling well less than 100%. And for the most part, I do but it’s taking a toll and I think I’m going to need to take a break from both for a bit and just concentrate on my health for a change of pace.

I know lots of people that prioritize many other things over health and I may be one of them but at this age, it’s not a wise move and I need to change my mindset before it causes more issues. I’ve lost count of the number of days I’ve worked sick in my lifetime, it’s well into the hundreds.

And by sick, I’m not talking about minor issues but working with real full-blown issues. I put in two days this past week that I should have taken sick time but I was working alone so there was no backup. Yeah, I know, that isn’t my problem but I’ve had this strange dedication to the job that is a bit warped.

So if I’m not better this week I’m going to take a day or two. I need to kick this infection or whatever is that has me very weak. Sort of like the empty ferris wheel above. It might go round and round but it lacking something. People enjoying it are missing and while I’m going round and round I’m not able to enjoy it as much as if I had my health.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• A child’s joy is infectious.
• Those predicted winds were a lot less in reality. And I have no problem with that.
• Sleep is good for healing. Now if I can just sleep for more than a few hours at a time I might get better.
• The more I see and hear things associated with pro sports the less interested in them I am. Especially the gambling links now where money has overridden ethics.

Mother Nature is ready to give us a blow in the next few days. Far less than the destructive ones that are hitting other parts of the nation. I see the local power company has tagged a few trees for trimming in the back that is too near a pole and transformer. I believe that is the incoming power for most of the neighborhood. I hope these winds don’t beat them to it. I’m not in the mood to lose power.

Seems like we are living on an increasingly extreme planet. Might have to be one of my priorities in the future. I have two beautiful oaks out front that are fairly close to the house. But as I hear more and more trees snap over time I get more nervous about those out front.

On the other hand, it will kill me to have those taken out. They are so beautiful and shady during the summer months. And where would I be without slipping on my behind once a year from all the acorns they drop? And I can’t image the revolt among the squirrels.

Trees can really make a property. They can also cause a lot of destruction when they come down. Kind of has me thinking maybe I’ll prepare a few posts tomorrow morning just in case we have a long outage.

I’m far from 100% but what the hell, got to make the best of every day. It’s transition day when I change from that nocturnal beast into Joe normal again. Always a tough day like Sunday into Monday where I’m up for 24+ hours usually. So it’s time to catch up on some shut-eye to make up for lost hours.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• When I get my strength back that treadmill and I are going to become daily friends.
• I hope my neighbor’s son makes the O’s again this year. It’s got to be very special playing MLB in your hometown.
• Aging is interesting. The longer you age the more interesting it gets.
• It’s going to feel good when I feel good again.

Had a nice time with my son, his wife, and my grandson early today. I’m so glad I had that because I’m pretty strung out with a lack of sleep. Many pressing things this week and very little time for rest or fun. Other things are on my mind so not the most productive day here I had hoped for but at least I’m here.

I said the other day it’s not possible to be on top of the world all the time so I guess it’s time to start clawing my way back up the hill.

I hope I don’t stay tied up all week long. I’d like to get out and do some fresh shooting and many other things. Someone should really question this working-for-a-lifetime thing.

Well, let me try to end this short post on a positive note. Find something in life that puts love and joy back into your heart. For me, it has been the grandchildren and their reminders of how special it was with my own children. And just always be there for your family keeping them happy and supported.

May tomorrow be a good day for all of us.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I just realized I didn’t incorporate as much music into my weekend as I needed.
• I’m tired, you’re tired, we’re all tired.
• Worry is an interesting emotion.
• I didn’t get to that reading I wanted to this weekend.
• Saw an interesting article that said people who look at the weekend as a vacation enjoy it more. When you think about it the approach makes a lot of sense. I could see the yard getting very high though if I do that every weekend.
• Might just be one of the more enjoyable seasons I’ve seen from the Terps Men’s basketball team in a long while.

I like starting a new post right after I finish one lately. Even if I don’t put a title, but just with my first thoughts like this line. I’m trying to get an earlier start on every activity and use time wisely. I’m prioritizing better. For example, my screen time was down 25% last week on that phone.

And today is the beginning of our effort to minimize TV viewing time. Not tracking actual time but for instance. Instead of turning it on when I get up, I’m leaving it off for the first several hours of the day. I’m tired of it getting in the way of more meaningful and productive efforts. Because you can’t be a standout with a mediocre effort.

I would never rate myself as a standout in my field. I’ve met too many brilliant and talented people to know that. I do have a lot of strong qualities though. And you don’t need to be a standout to be really valuable and have a lot of the same skills and talents as those who do.

I’ve been very happy being a behind-the-scenes type for most of my career. But in my artistic pursuits, I do hope to stand out at some point. In some ways, I already have. There are a few photographers that follow along and send some likes and I admire their work so much that it’s flattering that they look at my blog regularly.

But I would really like to accomplish a number of things. I’d like to work more on combining some of the various mediums. I’d like to first create and make things that I hear myself say wow. I’d like to see things I create to make someone else happy. I’d like to have a body of work that my kids look back on and say thank you for leaving us a vision of your life. I’d like to do things that would give back to those less fortunate. I’d like to make things that would bring people’s emotions to the forefront.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I love basketball and I’m sorry to say this but the NBA All-Star game isn’t what it was once. At some point, they completely removed defense from it and didn’t tell the fans. More of an exhibition now than a contest.
• Sometimes being flexible doesn’t pay off. But sometimes it really does and that is cool when it’s reciprocated.
• One of the next crises. We are going to run out of people who want to be police and are good at it.
• I don’t care how much they advertise it, I’m not watching any other football than the NFL or College.
• Used to be I’d never miss a Daytona 500. Now I have very little interest.

Life is what you make of it. And today I’m trying to make something out of nothing. Yep, I’m working on that becoming an artist illusion again. It’s one of those things that you never know if it’s a waste of time or if it connects with someone or many. Hey, it’s the path I’m choosing so that is all I need.

Started on an idea for a project called Beauty & The Beast. In a bizarre set of coincidences the last two floods in Ellicott City (2016 and 2018), I spent the day before each one and the morning of one taking a few pictures in town. And then witnessing the devastation after each and having some of those photos I thought I would combine some for a contrast of a town that has taken some serious blows. I also got some B&W images that I took of Hurricane Agnes flooding in 1972 that I might mix in.

It’s a shame those floods were a lot of our own making with the over-development and combined with two freak storms caused so much heartache for so many.

I have several projects going which have really excited me. It feels so good to be learning and expanding by doing. But I’m also cracking some books/docs also. So we have maximum motivation going into the week ahead. I just hope work doesn’t step on it too heavily.

I kind of wish I had the holiday off tomorrow but what the hell, it’s not one that everyone else is off for.

We had a great surf and turf special at Shannon’s on Saturday night. Oh and I shouldn’t forget the chocolate mouse cake we split for dessert. We enjoy it there and have for decades. Always very good food and service in a comfortable spot. Parking is a pain in the backside sometimes but it’s a popular strip mall. And the best part was the company of my better half.

The week before we had another good meal at Facci’s in Turf Valley with some longtime friends.

Food is such a great part of life I think I’ll start rambling about positive experiences we have in dining being we make it out every so often.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• We should get out of the house more. The longer we are in it, the more we see what needs to be done.
• The more you know yourself the better off you are. And if you find you don’t like some parts, change them.
• Music can take you places if you just go with it.
• A bow of respect to Mr. Jimmy Carter for a life lived in public service.

A sloppy day outside but a beautiful one in. Played with my granddaughter and made her an elephant out of wood. I was really proud till she said it needed to be blue. Well, I scrambled and found some old watercolor paint and went to work. Mission accomplished.

Tonight I’m going to tinker with some prints for my next project working on displaying the Towns of Maryland. A good way to see what I have and what I need to shoot again or for the first time.

It felt good today to learn some things about working with wood. I had some new bits I hadn’t worked with before so it was good to get some practice. I think I’ll try to create a few more pieces this week. Who knows, maybe I’ve found another calling. I do know I have to get a setup outside so I’m not filling the basement with sawdust.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• A child’s innocence is only exceeded by their curiosity.
• A couple of major home issues were corrected today. We’re off to a good start.
• I wonder what number grandchild it will be when they come running at me and I bend and catch them and lift them skyward with my back and arms outstretched that my back says OK, you are done with that activity. That will be a tough day because there are few feelings better than lifting a child skyward both physically and mentally.
• Last night was a great night with my two best friends. We pulled a late one which isn’t our norm on worknights but it was the next morning when we finished. Who says we’re not young at heart?

Trying to figure out navigating into our senior years. Just like any other phase in life, it’s nice to have friends along the way to help. Tonight we had two longtime friends laughing at some of the discoveries of aging and talked about future challenges. It’s always a bit of the unknown even though we watch our parents and older friends age.

Each stage of life has its own hurdles but as always it’s your outlook that determines a lot of how it’s going to go. I think a lot about future hurdles and how I might adapt or have to change. And that is one of the keys, being able to adapt.

I’ve changed course several times now in the last decade and I’ll probably continue to make course adjustments as new information and thoughts come in. One of those thoughts this evening was retiring earlier than planned. One that I don’t give much thought to because I’m always erroring on the side of caution and that is kind of like throwing caution to the wind.

Not normally my style but that ringing phrase in my ear of there is no guarantee of the expiration date. Has to be given some serious consideration. I’ve made a few wrong moves in my lifetime and I don’t like kicking myself in the ass. And working too long might be the most painful kick in the ass I could imagine if time were shorter than I would hope for.

If there is someone on their deathbed who ever uttered the words I wish I could have lived another day working hard for someone else to make them rich, I’m unaware of these spoken words. So now our friends have planted that seed, both being recently retired and very close and in one case our age. It’s a huge life decision.

One thing about it doesn’t scare me at all. I don’t know any retired people that are unhappy about it.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Thanks to one of my best friends I was able to attend a Maryland basketball game today and an excellent time was had.
• I almost didn’t meet my deadline today.
• 3 Brothers makes a mean cheesesteak.
• Remembering an old friend passing a year ago who inspired me to live each day to its fullest.

I think I might have figured something out. Having children makes you old before your time. Having grandchildren reverses it and makes you young again. Well, that is the theory I’m going with today.

But unlike my younger family, I have a finite amount of energy. Don’t like admitting that and I don’t acknowledge it as much as possible. But one thing I do know is every ounce of energy will be loving and participating in their lives for as long as possible.

We made our movie today and she baked a cake. Life is good when you keep it simple. Learning and laughter are good combinations.

I was getting a little concerned talking to a friend about the state of the world we are leaving our children. I’m not happy with it and was frustrated at my remaining ability to make a significant change. And I’ve decided to try to just do as many small things each day. But also keep my eye on that thing that might present a larger opportunity.

I mean with some of the sketchy characters who have been elected, my past isn’t looking too bad. Not that I aspire to politics with the way that mess is. And we count on the government to make the change when really we all are in charge of making it better. So I think I’ll work from the outside in trying to do my part.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I used to think pharmaceuticals, insurance, and energy were the big players in the advertising game. But gambling is making them all look like also-rans. And that is a bit scary.
• There is only our self-control that keeps us from destroying each other. This is also scary.
• You know this might be the last Super Bowl that I have to work. The operative word is, might.
• Got the video camera active again.
• Each footstep in February is very important. If you’re a basketball fan hoping for your team to be included in March Madness.

An open day, well minus a few errands. I almost got giddy thinking about what to do with the time. The biggest pitfall is to kick back and relax a bit; before you know it, there is another opportunity wasted. But not this evening. I gather with friends usually on Thursday evenings but travel and illness have intervened on their part. So onto some creative endeavors.

But before I did that I got a chance to try to catch up with some people that have been hurting badly. I can’t think of a better use of time than to try to make someone’s day a bit better who really needs it. I think I’ll continue that work tomorrow because one didn’t answer.

I just finished putting up over a hundred shots on the wall of my office to sort through and into words. I hope to arrange that into a picture collage in the shape of the letters to the title of the project. Now I’ve got to go find some cardboard for backing material.

I also have to finish prep for a video tomorrow. My granddaughter liked learning how to take pictures a few weeks ago. Tomorrow I’m going to show her the video camera works. Already printed out some sign cards for her to go through with a nice message for her mother.

I like a productive start to the weekend.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Machines may have artificial intelligence. People have artful intelligence.
• I sense a cheesesteak sub in the near future.
• If the guy who plays “Mayhem” on the Allstate commercials retires I might just come out of retirement for that role. Given it feels like I’ve been on the receiving end for some time I’d like to know how the other half feels.
• The longer I live the more appreciation I have.

Found this old oil can from my Mom’s old sewing machine in my workroom. Good thing I get to clean out every few years. One of the traits I got from her is the ability to speak my mind. Yeah, it’s landed me in trouble a few times. Yes, sometimes I can be rather blunt. Yes, I’ll say some difficult things to hear sometime. But it’s always with the intention of making things better.

But hey, sometimes people don’t want to hear others’ thoughts, observations, or ideas. They could feel challenged by it. They might want to wait and make it their own idea. They might not agree and do it in a way that will stifle more thoughts. Whatever it be the squeaky wheel doesn’t always get the oil. You will encounter a lot of things professionally. So bring your own oil.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I find myself consumed with concern about someone close.
• Sites like Facebook and Nextdoor always remind me there are a lot of good people in the world but also a lot of angry and mean ones also. And it’s easy to ignore them online. It’s all a matter of who you run into that day while out and about. Maybe that is why they say life is a game of chance.
• Progress feels good. Completion feels better. Starting anew again feels best.
• I’m having trouble keeping up with all the needs going on. Good thing I’m healthy again.

I’m thinking about mixing my week up a little bit. I’ve been working on a photo project called 15th and L Street. Well, it turned into a project. I didn’t think I had much and was going to do a small combination of shots on the last few days at the building I spent many years in.

Yes, it was an old building but it had character and rats. It also had a bevy of characters inside that made it special. But the last few days were interesting. Because the building was going to be torn down many were inspired to leave a few messages on the walls and everything else, that in a few months would be rubble.

But some of those words were special. I wish I had captured them all but I only got a small spattering. I think my favorite was “How lucky we were to have been here”. And I echo that because I’m still partial to the old building even after 8 years in the new one.

But tomorrow I transition to shooting images and woodworking. The latter is a project for my granddaughter.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I need more days in my life when I’m in control of the schedule.
• The only one stopping me is myself.
• Any day you get a meaningful hug is a good one.
• It’s easier to be in sync with a proper night’s rest. Guess that is why I’m out of sync on most days.

I’ve talked a bit this past year or so about retirement wishes. With so many things in flux, I haven’t really picked a date to give up the full-time grind. I have some rough idea of when I want to, sometime next year but I’m starting to feel if I don’t pick a date I might be tempted to just keep pushing it back.

I don’t think the job that pays the bills would mind me sticking around longer. There has to be an extremely small pool of people that would want these hours and have the skill set. I’ve thought about exploring the idea of part-time with them in future years. Could serve us both well.

Notice I choose the title starting line. I did that because I figure my retirement would be a new start. One to a life of my choosing along with my better half of course but not marching all week to someone else’s priorities. Getting some proper rest, eating better, and having time for proper exercise. I’ve started all those things at various points but find it impossible to keep going with this schedule.

So it’s time to get things in order, look at the future and plans, see how well they are merging at this point, and set that target date with my better half.

But first, another week of work.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’m returning to the world of being a student again. It’s never too late to learn.
• Confidence is gained by doing.
• Trying the unknown this week. I hope to go to my first meeting with fellow Miata owners this week.
• I like working with wood. And where I live I got a nice supply to practice on.
• Nice ESPN 30 for 30 special on the Ravens.

I was just thinking about a warm summer day and coming upon a patio where they were serving iced tea and lemonade. Taking a break under an umbrella and sitting half in the sun and half in the shade.

A day where thoughts of contentment and happiness just flow like a stream. Where there is no rush to be anywhere at any time. The cool refreshments add to the relaxed muscles as the tension in the neck dissipates.

Just time to lean back, listen to the birds sing and ponder what might tempt the pallet for dinner.

Do you think I’m dreaming about summer too early in the year?

Random Thoughts of the Day

• The less selfish I am, the happier I am.
• Any morning you start with the live version of Woodstock by CSN while living in the town of Woodstock there is only one way to listen to it. Full VOLUME. The 94-live version is pretty sweet.
• Don’t look for a pill to fix everything in life.
• Nothing shaves the years of life off like listening to the music of my youth.

Just the type of Friday I needed. One filled with laughter and love from a little one. She was into making me cards today. We made a couple of lincoln log homes and she also did some baking. We did some coloring and she really liked a picture of a turtle I drew with colored markers. I found some sea shells she liked and a few strands of embroidery thread she had to have. Oh, and a picture of her mom when she was a little girl with her first pet in her room. She couldn’t wait to show her when she came to pick her up.

Young ones can really bring you back to what life is about. Just the simple joy of living, learning, and exploring. So truthful and blunt in sharing opinions but without any inference of hurt. So unafraid to ask any question because learning is the most important thing. They are knowledge sponges. They take everything in and then their interpretation of it.

Of course, she was tired of me by mid-afternoon and Gamma was the main person of interest for her today so I’m not as exhausted as I am at the end of most Fridays. I can’t say that about my better half though who will probably be down for the count early this evening.

Today I found a postcard from my father. As a matter of fact, the first line in it is “Mike, this is your first postcard – I love you” It was from early 1958. He was in NY Naval hospital recovering from TB and surgeries. I wasn’t even a year old yet. It’s kind of special because the only other card I had was badly faded. I’ve wondered all my life how things might have been different if he had lived longer. How not knowing him bothers me to this day. Now I have two items that say “I love you” from him.

Many things aren’t perfect in life. Many can identify with childhoods cut short. Many are faced with the difficult realities of life at an early age. So each day I can contribute to making my children’s and their children’s lives great day after day, I realize that it’s a wonderful opportunity that they won’t forget if I do it right.

I’m glad it’s a cold evening and Saturday ahead. The temporary hibernation will give me a chance to catch up other’s blogs. I’ve had precious little time to do the normal reading and add new people to follow. So I think I’ll do some digging and reviews and spread some encouragement here and there.

A few quick hours of sleep and then an early morning filled with music and arts. Could be a lot of fun.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• A haircut – is one of the simple pleasures of life.
• I find it very strange what some accept as the truth.
• In a blink of an eye. 3 days in February have passed. And I feel like I’ve made good use of each one.
• The more I do the more confidence I have.