I was weeding out my drafts folder when I ran across this post I started in 2016. Okay, I know it is a decade old. But my drafts folder has swollen to over 500 items. It’s down to about 200 and I’m still trashing things and posting a few that are still relevant or not timely.
Nothing timely about it because the images were shot in 2002 if memory serves me correctly. These were done with one of the first Digital zoom cameras, a Kodak DC50 which was released in 1996 or 97.
I was in town for a Newspaper User group annual meeting hosted by the Dallas Morning News. You know back when Newspapers were still a thriving business.
I remember only having a few hours to walk around the town between meetings. Sorry for the sharpness. The sensor in that camera was 756×504 pixels. And the time between pressing the shutter and the actual image being taken was far too long.
What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why? – Asks the daily prompt this fine Thursday morning.
That is a tough one because until recently we haven’t traveled much. At one time I never thought of wanting to visit Russia. I still don’t but I have a different view of the country after working with a young man from Russia for several years who had immigrated here with his family. He taught me about parts of the country, and you could feel his missing some spots he talked about or showed me on the map from his youth.
I guess North Korea because there is a good chance I’d never get to see any of it and probably never be able to leave.
This gives me a good idea of a post of places I’m going to visit.
Back in the saddle again here at mission control (home). My better half and I took a few days and traveled to New York City. It was a grand time. I had a few physical things bothering me, but I powered through. It was a short trip, Sunday morning, till this Wednesday evening. The weather was great and the city was alive.
The Amtrac train from BWI to NYC, to our hotel, just a few streets north of Penn Station. Then out and about to see the town. We walked to Rockefeller Center and went to the Top of The Rock. What a view, we went to all 3 levels and just marveled at the sights.
Lunch at a restaurant in Rockefeller Center and a walk around the buildings and artworks/sculptures. Wandered over to St. Patrick’s and observed mass and the beauty inside and out. Of course, the kids in us had to go over to FAO Swartz to rediscover the kids inside us. Just an update – toys have changed. Saw Radio City.
We were ready to head back, and I saw a large building with the Christies name. Just walked in and asked what it was, thinking Christie’s is an auction house for those who would spend my net worth on lunch. Turns out it was their Fine Art Gallery. And open to the public. Another wonderful chuck of time spent viewing wonderful works of art over 3 floors. Knowledgeable staff at each step but so invisible allowing for a great viewing experience. And I could take pictures. Not like I wasn’t snapping away the whole trip.
We did Times Square on the way back and had a late dinner at the Tick Tock diner which is right around the corner from where we stayed. After walking 7 miles that day we just wanted a good bite to eat and then get horizontal and rest the puppies.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum were the highlight of my trip. Photo by Mike Hartley
Monday was spent at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial and Wall Street. The first took my breath away again and triggered some tears. The second is what I thought it would be. I wish everyone in this country could visit the memorial/museum. The only other place I’ve been where I’ve seen people be respectful of where they were was in Arlington Cemetery.
I met a wonderful young lady who worked at Newsweek which was a sister publication of The Washington Post. She just happened to be working by the display of one of the few things I didn’t know about the day. A single pane of glass, I think she said from the 82 floor was on only one that survived unbroken that day.
I’ve watched, read and seen photos/videos of that day more than most. Seeing the physical space, items from that day was totally different and even more impactful.
Tuesday, we had planned to walk a bit of Central Park. That is the day after more than 10 miles the first two days, arthritis in my feet started to bother me. That and the fact I almost ripped the nail off my little toe early that morning with a door. Still, we marshaled a dozen blocks up to catch the Uptown tour bus that rounds Central Park. Roasting in the sun on the bus for 2 hours didn’t hit us till the breeze stopped when we got off. Didn’t realize how hot we had got.
Ducked into the Playwright Irish Pub for lunch and some A/C. Did some people watching in Times Square on the way back to the hotel. Got back and didn’t want a ton to eat so we asked where the best pizza nearby was. Best answer to that question I ever got. Went to a little spot right up the street at 36th and 9th called Vito’s.
Oh, can’t forget Burgerolgy from Monday night – great smashburger. I was so stuffed and disappointed I couldn’t get a shake.
Today my better half slept in a bit. I was up early wandering around, people watched and then rested in the lobby till the free breakfast opened. Returned to sleeping beauty (she really is) and we just got ready leisurely and rolled into Penn Station early, had a casual lunch and boarded our ride home.
We already have a long list for our next visit. The highline, a Broadway play, The Summit One Vanderbilt, The Plaza, Strawberry Fields. The Met and many more. Looks like more than one trip.
We are not seasoned travels by any means. I find these short trips fun. But it’s GOOD to be HOME again.
The shot above was from my phone. I just downloaded the first cameras shooting and that was over 400 images. I’m worried about looking at the second camera and iPhone for fear of the editing time involved.
But the good side is I’m sure I’ll have a few photos that will remind me of points I didn’t bring up above.
I was out shooting some homes the other day and ran across something unusual. I’m guessing it’s an old mile marker showing its 20 miles to Baltimore from this spot. Found along Rt 99 just west of Marriottsville Road.
As the crow flies this is about right. Photo by Mike Hartley
When I saw this, I thought of how we used to navigate in the old days. Old days being when I grew up in the 50s and 60s. My parents used maps. Big bulky things that could stretch across the entire front windshield if unfolded completely. Or the good old AAA TripTik. A much more user-friendly guide to your destination.
Ah another memory from the past, the Rand McNally Road Atlas map books.
I’ve always had the knack of being able to remember a destination and route if I’d been there once before regardless of the time between. Age is taking its toll now though and that memory isn’t as good as it used to be. So maybe these will come in handy again.
Not quite, but close. It would be nice to be back in Florida, instead of looking out on my yard of mud that was snow-covered till yesterday and about to be recovered with snow tomorrow. So, I’ll make the best of a cold situation. Why not start searching out what next year’s warm weather escape will be.
This year’s trip was kind of a spur of the moment one. My brother in-law and his wife had just taken a trip to Hawawi and that triggered the thought in both of us to say why not escape for a few days.
Photo by Mike Hartley
We looked at the southwest coast of Florida, but that area is still recovering so we went eastside to Fort Lauderdale. Specifically, the town of Lauderdale by The Sea.
And the beach was beautiful and open as can be on the first and second day there. By Friday people were elbow to elbow. The pool was far less crowded and warmer.
Photo by Mike Hartley
One of the nice things I remember about the trip was the complements we received on how nice we were compared to the locals. We were told they have some major attitude of entitlement. And I guess all that money there plays right into that hand.
I thought the cars were impressive. Watching these monsters of the sea go by like cabs was something else. Photo by Mike Hartley
One other thing that struck me in this area was the drivers. Holy crap, they are some aggressive sons of bitches. And that is saying something because I drive in the DC/Baltimore corridor. I didn’t see the signs, but I think there is an unwritten rule to test your horn at every intersection. And I guess NASCAR has moved the preliminary qualifying races to the streets. You didn’t see this action in the downtown area but a mile from the beach it was green flag racing.
It’s a town I’m glad I visited and would recommend to others. Great beaches and good restaurants all within walkable distance and there is a free shuttle around town. The open-air dining was perfect for the weather we had. The grandkids and kids liked their gifts and we were very relaxed. I do know Florida is a little to MAGA in my face and probably won’t be down for many more visits. The Caribbean has caught my interest and might be my next winter destination.
I’m back at home after a short trip south with my better half to a town called Lauderdale By The Sea in Florida. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the food and sights and of course the weather. Sunny days in the mid to upper 70s. A nice breeze and swimmable waters. Nice beaches, shops and lodging.
I followed the instructions. Relax… you’re here. Photo by Mike Hartley
I think swimming did my back well because no meds were needed and I’m feeling stronger. We did a lot of walking, and I even lost a few pounds despite eating very well. I know I was pounding too many sweets before I went.
For the life of me, I cannot remember taking a winter vacation to a warm destination in our marriage since our honeymoon. And that was a very long time ago. So, it was a real treat for us. We got a lot of sun but no burn. Feels good to have a bit of color on the skin again.
I think we were both a bit nervous about flying again. I know I was. It had been some years. But both the airports at BWI and Fort Lauderdale were a breeze, and the flights were pretty smooth. We did have a rather hard landing on the way down.
Airport at Fort Lauderdale. Photo by Mike Hartley
But back to work here at the homestead and online. I was going to go back a few days and see what questions I missed on the writing prompts but just did yesterdays and todays. I will respond to comments this week today and go back and see some of the wonderful things I’ve missed this week here.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I’ve finished downloading the limited shooting I did while away. It wasn’t intentional. It was that relaxed feeling where I was in break mode. If the whim struck me as it did two days, I shot a bit. Others I left the camera behind.
Walking was a great part of this trip. I’ve got to keep it up and get on the treadmill till it warms up outside again. Funny going from a beach and beautiful weather to snow covered ground and the temp at freezing with some possible rain and freezing rain later today.
For me, Florida is a nice place to visit, wouldn’t want to live there.
