Is this what they mean by getting a leg up on your siblings?
Catching the young deer playing out back is easy. I love watching the mothers teach them. Especially their first contact with people. I’ve had the young ones walk towards me till mom makes a grunt sound and stamps her front hoof. Then they run and get behind her.
My better half and I were invited to a crab feast. So, you do the only thing you can, and you go to the crab feast. On the way there the skies opened up and the winds howled, which made it a difficult drive. The rain stopped when we got to the parking lot at Oregon Ridge Park except for a light drizzle which stopped about 30 minutes later.
The feast began with some fruit and potato salads, fried chicken, pizza for young ones if needed and then CRABS. Beverages abounded and Conrads Crabs delivered some very full and big crabs. It had been a little bit since sitting down to pick crabs for me to be honest. Let me see, that is like a Texan saying they haven’t had any BBQ in a good while.
I’ve had crab dishes but picking crabs is Maryland. I think I’ll get a dozen next week.
And now here we are with a free Sunday ahead except for some chores like mowing the backyard and hill. I’m certainly going out and capture some new images, and I hope to create some sawdust outside, but otherwise, I’ll take it slow and as it comes. The body is reminding me early this day it’s got some mileage on it.
I haven’t seen this fellow in a few months now. Usually, I see him several times a year.
Random Thoughts of the Day
There are about 10 Cicada Killer Wasps out back on my hill. These things are huge. About 2 inches and fast. I hear only the females can sting and they don’t bother people much. So far that is true, I don’t swat at them and just walk normally. Trouble is, the mower is seen as an enemy.
I do have to cut the backyard today and I hope we don’t have any encounters. I love nature and try hard to keep it thriving but there are limits.
I’m not into people who try to be intimidating. Especially those behind the wheel. And of course, those who try to be online bullies. I hate bullies, maybe that is part of my distain for Trump among his many failings as a human being.
The online stuff doesn’t bother me as much as the road bullies. That is life and death out there. Having had a motorcycle for a few decades and generally driving small cars I’m well versed at not being seen or just trying to be intimidated by size. That is why I was a firm believer in the Loud Pipes Save Lives theory when I rode.
I keep waiting for Karma to catch up with these people, but I guess he is a bit behind schedule. So, I’ll try to be patient. Maybe one of these buggers can fly in their window and buzz around their head for a bit.
I walked out with the camera in hand looking for my pair of hawks that have been hunting in my backyard recently. I’m scanning the trees and branches where they like to perch, watching for prey.
Disappointed at the number of winged opportunities I started to scan the area. Something odd caught my eye on the ground. Look at the base of the tree in the middle.
I didn’t see it clearly for a minute and got a closer look. So, I zoomed in and this little guy was trying to catch a nap in the tall grass which I had obviously disturbed by being out back.
Landing in a good spot in life is a very fortunate thing. So many are thrust into unfortunate situations. Watching children being raised in a stable environment is so comforting to observe.
I’m no expert but I feel the pressures on families now are greater than when my generation raised families in the 80s and 90s. While many challenges are the same. Childcare is costly and almost takes away the incentive for both to work. We tried something that wasn’t ideal but work where we worked different shifts for several years. That has downsides also and it’s not for everyone. And not available for every career path.
Also there seems to be far more financial pressure on the middle and lower income now. Jobs are probably in the most difficult to predict where the future skills and opportunities will specifically lay. Even if you’re lucky enough to get retrained in something, it could be an upheaval for many.
Broken families come in many different forms and ways. There can be illness, passings, divorce, or just disfunction. A lot of us have seen the devastating effects of any one of those.
Children are always the unfortunate victims. Some survive fine. Some repress things for decades. Some develop the same traits of disfunction in their own relationships later on. And some lucky ones just don’t have the latest games or clothes in their childhood but are smart enough to know that doesn’t make happiness.
There is no perfect family. There are a lot of people working for it and that is all you can do. Each day you’re reminded it’s going to take an incredible effort and even with that, some things go wrong. Things you might not have control over like health of a family member.
Some families will fracture and splinter. Some elements will float like a solar system and make infrequent appearances. All will have different lives and experiences. Some will want regular hugs and handshakes. Some will want to be held at arms distance. Some will put great distances between you and their voice is what you get. And unfortunately, some will disappear.
Sometimes that is better for the rest of the family. And the remaining family members continue to pull strength from each other.
Time doesn’t heal all, but I have seen time help families mend. And that is a pretty good thing to witness.
A good family never stops being a good family. Even in the tough times. Especially in the tough times.
It’s hot and dry outside and I doubt we see any drops on the flowers till the weekend. An image like this makes me think of the word relief. I dodge raindrops now, but I didn’t when I was younger. I think I’ll see how it feels again.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Not sure exactly why but I’m feeling fortunate today. Even though things aren’t perfect, it’s okay, they rarely are for anyone. Any day that we are all in good health is a win.
Maybe, just maybe this is the week I capture that special image. Or capture a series of great brush strokes. Or maybe just admire the carving I finish flipping it over and over in my hands.
Maybe I’ll string some words together that make a difference. Or that snowball will taste extra special on a really hot day this week.
Whatever is in store, I think I’m going to make it a special week. So let me get to work at all of it.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Being observant is a good skill to have. Being aware of your surroundings. As a wanna be photographer my eyes are always on a swivel. While this guy is hunting for a good fish. I’m fishing for a good shot.
Besides shooting a colorful bug this morning I haven’t lifted the camera to my eye. I should try to get some images this evening, but my energy is low. At the same time, I’m trying to work harder on my passions.
Being I work alone I should make self-evaluations a more regular part of my work cycle. I’m thinking that might help me improve my consistency at least and maybe even get me to another level.
Random Thoughts of the Day
There is no substitute for the sun. But being its AWOL this morning here in central Maryland, I’ll try to provide some inspiration.
There is no substitute for good health. I kind of started to take getting out of bed each morning for granted. I used to pause a bit and be more thankful. I’ve got to get back to that feeling to start the day.
There is no substitute for exercise. Another thing I’m not doing enough of.
Anyone who tries to substitute turkey bacon for real bacon should be arrested and tried for fraud.
People try to substitute a lot of things in place of love.
My basement is a substitute for an art studio.
Substituting one addiction with another usually isn’t a wise move. But I guess it’s better than adding one on top of another.
Sometimes against better judgement, I hit the publish button anyway.
My nectar this afternoon is work and blogging. Taking a break from the heat and in between finding a photo or sharing a thought.
As I was looking at this shot, I was reminded of all the development in this county. How much of the natural beauty we have replaced with concrete buildings and asphalt parking lots. Or multi home communities and strip malls. I’ve lived here for over 6 decades now and the change is nothing less than dramatic.
Today I’m not going to judge the past mistakes or greatness of the development. There is a good bit of both. But looking forward, the pace just can’t continue. Many feel we crossed the tipping point long ago. We may have. There are parts of the county that have become a congested mess.
No matter how many lanes we add, the traffic still comes to a stop.
I see a few Farmlands Forever signs when driving the country roads of the county. But how many will survive our future and not be turned into residential or commercial properties?
I’ve dealt with the changes by moving to a part that was remote, but development has caught up to us over the last 4 decades bit by bit. Sometimes large chunks like Waverly Woods which I think were around 700 acres. It’s no longer woods.
But a lot of small track development also. Neighborhoods shoehorned in between existing ones and some packed so tightly you can spit and hit your neighbor’s house. And these are close to 7-digit homes. McMansions built on postage stamp lots. And then you have the real rich who like their 3-10 acres spreads with custom built spectacles that now dot more and more of the county.
Think I’ll get involved and try to slow this down. Maybe county officials just haven’t heard the right argument yet.
Howard County Maryland has been a great place to live. Lots will complain about it. Maybe I just grew up in the right time and place in it.
Choose to be something before you get too old. And while it’s never too late as I’m hoping to prove, it’s wiser to get an earlier start than I chose to.
Choose to make wise choices in life. Sometimes it’s the harder path. Take it.
Choose to love. Yes, it’s painful. It’s also the best.
Choose to take a chance. You will regret it if you don’t.
Choose to be there for people. You will have their respect.
I like the phrase “I reckon so” from the movie The Outlaw Josey Wales. It’s a phrase I say to myself a bit to help accept some situations.
Life is about outlook. And life is hard so having that positive outlook is challenging at many points. Personally, I just have to keep my eye on the goal of being happy.
And today I’m accomplishing that by picking up my hobbies again. Yardwork, dog sitting and foundation sealing have had me occupied the last few days, but we are almost caught up there.
A lot of people might not want to dine outside later this week.
Then again, this week may be too hot for some of you. Not for this kid. I like it and yes that 100+ will be uncomfortable but it won’t keep me from being out and about. This shot also got me thinking about having a meal outside. I haven’t been to LeeLynn’s with my better half in a while and I’ve always liked their food and service.
I’ll move the workbench outside and will do some woodwork after getting a haircut in the morning. I’ll make sure the camera batteries are charged and hopefully sit down at the easel for a bit.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Early yesterday morning I stepped out and saw a fawn along the tree line in the lower backyard. Quickly stepping back inside for the camera.
I thought that was odd because there is usually a pair grazing and playing in the open space with mom nearby. No mom, no second fawn.
As I stood silently while this one ate, maybe 100 ft from me, something caught my other eye.
That something else was the second fawn just below, maybe 10 feet from me. The hill in my backyard drops off fast.
I had time to raise the camera slightly and clicked this frame before I got it to my eye, so I didn’t have time to change focus. She ran down to join the sibling.
They stood at the woods and looked till I heard an odd sound from the woods which they ran to immediately. Bet mom was watching all the time.
Not all snakes are in the grass. Not all black snakes remain black when they crawl beside a red car on a sunny day.
Onto more pleasant things. The ride I took before sunset last night was beautiful. Local traffic wasn’t bad and I just cruised leisurely. Some teams were still on the fields at Wallace Park. Some people on porches watching the end of their day.
A few other convertibles appreciating the opportunity to have the top down. Businesses starting to close up shop. The night shift beginning for the crews working on the tunnel project for Ellicott City flood prevention.
Still a lot of good things in this area. And I hope there are still a lot of good people. I was disappointed with one statistic on voting recently in the county. I believe it was the percentage of eligible democratic votes in this primary election was less than the previous mid-term primary. Personally, seeing declining numbers before a general election isn’t what I had hoped for.
Come on people, it’s so friggen easy. Get a mail in ballot if you’re working and it’s not convenient. The only way to make things better is if we are all working on it.
Random Thoughts of the Day
It’s hump day for those working away. That midpoint that inspires hope. Maybe thoughts of making it an early weekend after Thursday have come to mind. Those meetings today don’t seem as important as the weekend weather forecast.
I guess I shouldn’t have noted that it’s Hump Day because I went out to mow my yard and the mowing deck belt broke as soon as I engaged the blades. So, I push cut for hours today. And when I say push, I mean push. I don’t have one of those self-propelled jobs.
And there are now a few more things on the to-do list. That tractor is so old I haven’t been able to find any YouTube videos on how to replace the belt. It’s at least 27 years old and as one of my best friends reminded me, I usually keep things like that till I kill it. And a belt isn’t a killer but getting someone else to do it because this almost 70-year-old body isn’t good on the ground under tractors anymore. Yes, I can do it. Yes, I could pay for it to be done. Yes, it isn’t dead. But is it smart money spent or the time and effort?
I’m beginning to think it might be time to replace it. Plus, that will give me time to fix the old one when I can get my sons help and give it to him when he gets a home with a bigger yard. Push cutting the whole lawn this size in the coming heat won’t be smart and I won’t do it.
Onto more pleasant things. Like nature which I’ve been enjoying being outside today. Let’s see, some baby snakes, many varieties of birds. Oh, and my favorite hawk buzzed the backyard. This morning was a mother deer with her fawn again. Another newborn couldn’t have been more than a day or two old. And now just after some dinner I see our woodchuck grazing in the backyard.
I couldn’t tell you all the different smaller winged objects I saw buzzing around me today. It was nice to be out, even though it was working.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Some days I blend in so much I feel invisible. Maybe that is my superpower. Stealth mode does have its advantages.
Random Thoughts of the Day
It’s okay to feel blue.
I forgot that power washing is tough on the back. About 5 hours straight on the front privacy fence and I’m a bit sore. I’ll recover shortly and get mobile again.
Once I find the keys I’m going to go wind up the rubber band on that Miata and put the top down and enjoy a short ride.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Lots to do this fine Monday in the Mid-Atlantic. Some great weather ahead following those storms of last night to do it in.
I love early mornings. Sometimes long before sunrise. But watching light come through my window while I’m working away is a nice feeling. This isn’t the view out my window but it’s a 5-minute walk away.
Random Musical Thoughts of the Morning
Part of blogging in my opinion is the interaction. I started off with a nice balance and maintained that for many years. This last year as I’ve increased my own production and worked harder on some of my other hobbies creating, I’ve dropped off reading and interacting in WordPress.
That was a bad development because a lot of the enjoyment of working in this environment is reading and seeing all the wonderful work others produce. I started to pick up my reading this past week but I’m going to start carving out more time to look at the creations of others.
In a lot of ways even my own creative efforts have been part time. Time to cure that oversite also. I’ve always hated the thought of being on any schedule in retirement, but without one I’m not accomplishing my goals. I’m off to discover a better mix. That might mean cutting some other things out. Or finding more efficient ways to do other things. Taking advantage of opportunities, I’m missing now.
An easy adjustment is to reduce my time on the TV. Also, I’ve got to find a more efficient way to get my news. I waste time on both those things.
Yesterday I was pretty busy working around the house and yard, but I said I’m going to pick up the camera every day. So right before I got in the shower at the end of the day, I walked over to my neighbor’s garden and snapped a few flower shots.
I’m going to get more efficient in the blogging process. Preparing more posts in advance and working on more weekly challenges.
Then the hobbies that have gotten off to a much slower start than I had hoped for. Both painting and drawing are way behind, and I have several unfinished carving projects.
Long as I have my health, I know I can turn this thing around.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Feeling like I’ve got a good jump on being more active this month. Now to sustain that effort each day. This one was easy because it was just one of those early June days with low humidity and just a little below average temps with a slight breeze.
The only downside is the amount of pollen in the air. But we made it through without a sneeze.
Second walk of the month was at the Howard County Conservancy. What a great day for it also.
Nothing but blue skies and comfortable temps in the low 70s.
It’s 232 acres that I plan on fully exploring.
Wear your hiking shoes.
It’s nature so of course there is some color.
I plan on getting to know the 5 miles of trails well in the future.
Photos by Mike Hartley
There I go again, off on another tangent. This must stop. That rage must end.
Okay, I’m better again. Could be the music I just turned up. The prospect of seeing my children and grandchildren this weekend. The thought of the sun appearing tomorrow after a week of absence. Maybe that twitch in my left leg, and right hand can be cured by that manual transmission once I rip the cover off.
I’m sorry, after a week of sitting the traction control button is going to be disabled and the top will be down.
All these things have me looking up. I know I’m behind on some fresh shooting for this week. I captured my favorite Hawk Monday between the rain taking in the view from a power pole in my back yard.
Someone is pretending to ignore me.
No matter how far he turned his head I bet he never lost sight of me.
Photos by Mike Hartley
And of course, after he finished pretending we looked at each other for a good bit.
I feel kind of creative today. Must be this cleaned up office. I just put a fresh stack of 8×10 semi-gloss in the printer, so I think I’ll make that hum for a bit.
I might try some night shooting when darkness rolls in.
Random Thoughts of the Day
If you were outside yesterday it would be tough to catch your breath if you were active like our friend here. This little guy needed a break on the bench.
That will be me today because I plan on spending a lot of the day outside. I’ll have to remind myself to stay hydrated in this heat.
No time like the present to kick this into high gear. Felt good to get an hour of seat time yesterday. I’m going for a few hours today with the top down and cameras along for the ride when we stop for a break.
Speaking of catching your breath, my better half discovered this guy on our porch yesterday. I took him back to the woods behind our home. Not that he won’t be back. I don’t have an issue with them unless they surprise me which they do often. I walked into one resting on a tree branch at eye level a few years back
That long line behind the chair and table is a 5-foot black snake.
Each time I see one of these I end up looking down a lot more for a few days.
Random Thoughts of the Day
For many years now a family of woodchucks has made part of our wooded yard, and our neighbors wooded area their home. We are both fine with that. They don’t bother anything and are almost impossible to see out. Their sight, sense of smell and hearing must be incredible.
I shot these from a distance, and they easily heard the camera.
Random Thoughts of the Afternoon
I’m not having the best hair day myself, so the hat is on while I work outside. I get so excited when I see nature out in force again vs the winter season.
More nature appeared today and I was quick enough to grab a few frames of a family of woodchucks that live in my lower backyard and the woods that it goes into. I’ll download that later because outdoor chores call again.
Being outside soaking up some sun while it’s out today and getting some exercise moving mulch. I have to remember to save some time for fun.
I just took the cover off the car to inspire me, but I want to clean gutters and move at least 10 more bags and start spreading mulch before a break.
Random Thoughts of the Afternoon
I think I’ll crank up the firepit this evening, sit outside and listen to nature again. But before that the cover comes off the Miata, and I’ll fire up the 2-seat fun machine and eat up some local roads on this hopefully sunny day.
It might be a good week to fire up the grill also. I think this coming weekend is the time for that. Then again, the price of meat might just set fire to the weekly budget.
And of course, the body needs to fire out, and I’ll get to the treadmill and dumbbells in a few minutes. I also have several long walks planned this week.
Starting the week off on a Monday in retirement is an entirely different mindset. I look forward to the busy week ahead.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Mother nature is supplying the color, and my better half is sprinkling the gardens and yard with beauty. Me, I’m the DESTROYER. Power tools in hand and chopping, digging or cutting. That’s my role. Just taking a break after cutting the front 50 and some raking.
About to do the difficult part and push cut the mountain of a backyard.
You don’t get better weather days than this. Sunny and the high 70s with a mild breeze.
Nature is alive and buzzing. Like the bumblebees that fly around me.
All I know is that I felt like a colorful midday post and came up with this.
So let me return to the great outdoors and make a push to finish strong today. Then treat us to a nice dinner.
Saturday was grey morning but a bright afternoon. I feel good about accomplishments that day but kind of sore from the workout with the yard tools.
Trying some new pain treatment for a week. If that doesn’t work, as the doc says so often, there is a shot available.
I’ll be hibernating this Tuesday and Wednesday till some warmer weather returns Thursday. I have a lot to do indoors on the list so there won’t be any slacking off. But first an Easter Sunday with the family.
I’ve got some birdseed when we were at the hardware store, so hopefully I’ll have a lot more detail and variety of birds in the future.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Back to my earlier start to the day. About 3:30am I believe, was the rise and shine. Well, I’ve got the rising part down. Let’s see what I can help shine today.
Yesterday morning, brought some early spring color to my backyard.
I noticed the grass starting to recover and start to green along with some sprouts in the garden recently.
The migration north of our feathered friends will add to the spring palette of color. I’ve got to remember to bring my monopod inside. Shooting handheld at distance is hit and miss. Especially with back spasms going on.
I’m so ready for spring but this month’s forecast isn’t looking that positive for central Maryland. No problem, I’ll just extend my hibernation season.
Random Thoughts of the Day