THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: age


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The Kid

When I still feel like a kid, it’s very hard to think of my kids as grown adults with kids. But it’s happened, and the stages of life have progressed with abandon. Big anniversaries and reunions have passed.

This can’t be, I’m still dancing around to the music, I’m creating more than I did when I was in my 20s and inspired. I see endless ideas and opportunities.

The mind feels as young as it ever did most days.

It’s the damn body that is the reminder. That look in the mirror and seeing grey. Just for the record grey doesn’t bother me. It’s a normal part of aging. You won’t find me coloring my beard or hair. But that grey wasn’t there at 40 or 50 and a few that were barely noticeable at 60, are now the predominant population in the beard. And now it’s moving north and the temples are starting to lose that brown color.

Things taken for granted like walking and hiking can be dangerous to attempt now. Turning an ankle is one thing. Done that a hundred times as a youth. But I bet the turned ankle now would result in a fall which might result in another injury.

The number of people getting pieces of them replaced is incredible. Hips, knees, shoulders and I guess more that I don’t know about.

I hurt my knee months ago playing with a grandchild. But that won’t stop me. Sometime my grandson can ride on my back and it’s no issue. Other times not. But this horse will still saddle him up. I’ll do that and do anything to make them happy and laugh.

Happily, by the time they are getting to the age where physical rides on Papa and races and wrestling matches will fade and they will see that Papa could use some help and give me a hand around the house and yard when they visit.

Of course, I have a hard time admitting I can’t do anything. Not that I’m any master tradesman, I just have skills that have gotten me by without a tremendous amount of assistance.

I hope I don’t lose that youthful mindset, but reality is in that mirror each day. That is why I avoid them.

Art and youth. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Watching the wind move the tops of trees is like watching nature dance.
  • Watching and enjoying it is good. Watching and learning is good. Watching and being moved to thought, emotion or action is good. Watching and getting nothing is a waste of time.
  • Watching the speed of days increase as we age.
  • Watching the screen gets more difficult to see with time.


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Crisis

To those suffering from that MID-LFE crisis, I salute you.

I’m not living in the past but trying to keep that youthful spirit. I’m too old to have another midlife crisis now anyway. At least Google tells me I am.

The idea of confronting mortality though does bother me. It’s a driving force for me now to accomplish as much as I can each day. Not that I know anything imminent. Just that I do know we don’t live forever.

Saw this at the car show in Ocean City Maryland a few weeks back. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • It’s painful for some to look backward.
  • I’ve got to work of my prediction on when my former daily newspaper will stop printing them.
  • People need space. Some need a lot.
  • If only I could take advantage of all the opportunities in front of me today.


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Change

My dentist is retiring. This is not a good thing. I’ve been going to see him and his hygienist for decades. I do love going there also because it’s in my favorite little down right on Main Street. And I feel they took excellent care of my choppers. I’m not a fan of dentist/doctors, but these things made it a breeze.

Also, he is one of my favorite neighbors and has been for decades. So, a salute to my wonderful dentist Dr. Bob and his hygienist Dawn. Both have decided to retire and I’m very happy for each of them.

I believe in his post in FaceBook he indicated that he was the last of 6 dentists to occupy that same spot on Main Street in Ellicott City since 1900.

The green arch under the flag next to the Wine Bin is the entrance to DDS Robert Boman. Thanks again Bob.

Change 2

This getting old stuff isn’t going to be easy. They shell that carries around this twisted mind is feeling its age and in need of some maintenance and a change in style. I’m adjusting daily expectations and cutting back on how many hard physical things I do in a day.

No more working for hours straight or all day with just short breaks. I also need to slow the pace and be more deliberate. Slower down the stairs or hilly ground to reduce fall risks. To think before lifting something with the question, should I? Lots of little things that if I’m smart will allow me to keep upright and active.

At the same time, I’m going to increase my work on the things that are important to me. Speaking of which, I need to go charge another battery for today’s shooting.

Random Thoughts of the Morning

  • Just saw another beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic from Ocean City. Too bad it was on a webcam. And it only lasted about 3 minutes before going behind clouds. But I SAW IT. Great way to start a day.
  • Try to make the best of life. That way when you get older the time you spend saying “I should have done this or that” will be at a minimum.
  • I hope the 3 days of rain we are going to get help solve this drought we have been in.
  • I was surprised by a friend’s news yesterday. It was a big decision for him. It probably is the right one for him.
  • Not getting all the sleep I need but I’m working on it.


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Keys

Yeah, that’s right, the magic keyboard. The slayer of sentences. The pounder of the paragraph. The crusher of chapters. The builder of books. And then I thought what if I couldn’t use that tool? That gave me a pause.

What triggered this thought was when I sat down a few weeks back, my nerve pain overwhelmed my arms and hands, and I couldn’t work for a few minutes and was slowed for hours. What an unsettling feeling.

Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ve got to adapt my photography by using a tripod more. Weight was certainly a big factor in my last purchase. I won’t be leaving home without the monopod and tripods if I’m using the Nikons for any duration of time. Old man, slow lens = tripod if I want sharp shots.

And then I thought as I always do, how do I adapt if needed? Getting older is a lot of adapting. Things you took for granted for decades are suddenly an issue. Pain and eyesight are a few I fight.

The eye doctor’s appointment at the end of the month should help with the latter. And I’ll power through the rest and adapt.

Today we are battling the cold. I’m headed out this afternoon for a few minutes of photography combined with exercise because I’d love to find a spot to hike down and get some partially frozen streams.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Something that can make you feel old. The invitation to your 50th high school reunion.
  • I love that deer use my lower back yard as their beds in the winter. Looking out and seeing 2-8 sleeping is nice.
  • Sometimes I’m thinking about tomorrow, but today I’m thinking about today. But in a few minutes, I could be thinking about yesterday. But then there is next week.
  • I’ve got to get back to work on 2 carvings and finish them this week. So off I go.


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Better as we Age

What do you think gets better with age? – Inquires the Daily writing prompt

I’d like to think we as people get better with age and we do, but there is a time that starts to go the other way. Our family has and I feel lucky.

Tennis shoes. They get more comfortable.

I think my marriage has gotten better with age. Most of my friendships. Our home certainly has.

The fun of driving.

I was highly allergic to bee stings as a youth. With shots and age, I’ve outgrown it.

Technology was something that for years improved life. Now we are getting into dangerous areas with it.

A couple of friends would chastise me for leaving out some things like wine and liquor.

Just looking through a window while passing. Photo by Mike Hartley

Other replies to this daily prompt – https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-1996