THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Category Archives: Seasons


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It’s November, have some pie

Welcome to November. I got an early start to the day with some music and exercise along with a few blog posts and some photo editing. Also, some work around the home this afternoon.

The calendar has some good things scheduled and the ever-present doctor appointments that seem to be a staple of our age. At least we are done with the pumpkins and can move onto prep for Thanksgiving.

An important time for me to keep exercising because it’s a good eating season. And that provides the balance I need to enjoy it.

A slice of pecan pie topped with chocolate drizzle and served with whipped cream and caramel sauce on a white plate.
From Kaminsky’s Desert Cafe in Charleston, Pecan Pie. Photo by Mike Hartley

With the family gatherings and big meals followed by pies and many other desserts, it also brings back the memories of those earlier celebrations. Ones that have you longing for those hugs and dishes they made that are missing now.

Last night with the family on Halloween, we were creating new memories. Ones I’ll cherish as I get older. Ones the kids or grandkids might recall when they are our age. So, onto another holiday season.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’m back on a learning track again. Trying to pick up a few new skills or experiment a bit more.
  • Pain is a formattable opponent.
  • One thing I like about the arts, there isn’t an age limit.
  • Looking forward to a relaxing but productive evening.


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Goodbye Sun

Just like these sunflowers, I’m bowing my head at the change of seasons and shorter days of sunlight. And while I’m an admitted night owl, I do spend a lot of time in the sun. I love its warmth. I love that it puts things of beauty in a wonderful glow. I love how it warms the ocean for my body to get in.

A field of wilted sunflowers with yellow leaves and drooping heads, indicating they are past their prime. The background features blurred greenery.
Sad Sunflowers. Photo by Mike Hartley

I love stepping outside and watching the sunrise without shivering. I love how it warms the breeze. I love the shadows it gives and the rainbows it creates shining through the water droplets. I feel it baking me when I have the top down on the car. I love how it shines through the leaves in the trees above me when I lay in the hammock.

Look at this, we’re not into November yet and I’m already longing for next Summer. There could be some complaints in the coming months.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • It was a beautiful sunrise this morning.
  • My knee is hurting again. I hate wearing a brace, but I might have to consider it when working.
  • Be careful tonight. And have fun kids.
  • Tailgaters beware; you might just run into a former biker who now drives a car.
  • Taking some time painting today I think will be well spent.


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Still spinning

My summer wheels are still turning. I’m going to be out and about till it gets too cold to be. Regardless of the calendar telling me that summer ends today. I’ll look forward to that Indian summer that always comes to this region in late September and early October.

Yes, we are in the middle of a couple cool rainy days, an early nor-easter is coming along the coast, but the warmth will return. It always does and I love it. It’s my final gasp and grabbing some sun and sand. The last chance to tuck some warm memories deep into the mind to pull out while shoveling snow this winter.

A brightly lit Ferris wheel against a night sky, with colorful lights illuminating its structure.

Summer is my favorite season and always has been and now another is ending. I’m holding out hope for the next one that I can make more memories with.

In some ways this was a great summer. Time with family, trips or lazy days at home with my better half. I won the battle with Mother Nature and the yard this year. I thought it had won when my almost 3 decades old mower was showing its age, so I opened the wallet and got a new one while I rebuild this one for my son.

The time with my children and grandchildren the past 3 months was very special. It’s that relaxed time of year for them. Where visits can be longer and sometime for a day or two and usually 1 week at the beach.

Heat does get to me more than it used to, which was not at all. So, I do take breaks now when I’m out and about working or having fun. And I get out earlier and later in the day.

Fall and certainly winter bring depression for me. I hate the cold and snow. The increased darkness gets me in a funk. Wearing anything more than shorts and a tee shirt is uncomfortable to me. My natural instinct is to hibernate. But life forces me outside in that mess.

So, I must steel myself in mindset and cloths to do battle with the elements.