You can find some real characters on the beach. I guess that is why I feel so comfortable there. I’m one of them.
Ready to eat up some nice weather. Photo by Mike Hartley
Yep, it didn’t take much. I had the top down on the car a few times this week and now all I’m thinking of is getting to the beach a lot this year.
By a quick calculation of mileage and cost per gallon, it’s going to be about $60 per trip. That’s what I get for driving a car that runs on high octane. Good thing the mileage is great.
No problem, counting down the days until I have sand between my toes.
I try to be consistent. Like the waves hitting the shore. Some days smoothly, some days with thunder. But every day, every few seconds we break onshore. Blogging is one thing that keeps me consistent. Trying to get new images for it keeps me consistent.
I’m much more pleased with the images I share than the words. I wish I could express my thoughts more clearly at times and come up with interesting and witty topics/subjects.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I think it’s partially because I’m confused as to what I want to do and accomplish. In some ways the blog is a lot of fun and play. In other ways it’s kind of serious to me. I don’t mind doing it in obscurity for the most part. I do it for the few that might come across it and see or read something they like, a few family members and a very few friends who look at it and mainly for myself.
In some ways it’s like a daily challenge. I go through other blogs reading and gazing at wonderful words and images. And I think to myself I want to be part of that and see if something I create works. In other ways it’s practice for the book I hope to write for my kids someday.
Occasionally blogging is for my own therapy. Maybe expressing some things or thoughts that are part of me. It certainly helps me start the day right and in better spirits. Well, most days. Blogging inspires me to read more and open my mind. It allows me to see places and learn about them that I won’t get a chance to visit and see in my lifetime.
I do know one thing. I’ve been inside for far too long and I’m getting out this week and will have a ton of new shooting to share.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I see we tied the record low temp for this day at 3 degrees this morning. Not a record I like to see tied or broken.
It’s much easier to know people now by just listening to them.
A great opportunity is before all of us. We can fix things.
It’s surprising how few friendships last a lifetime.
Taking daily meds is how I keep track of the day of the week.
Good morning from Maryland. I like our state flag. When I come across a shot I’ve taken with one, I’ll find a way to work post it here and there. I love living here. So much of it is positive. I think I also lived here at the perfect time. When it changed from rural to suburbs and city.
I’m loading up one of the Ocean City webcams to catch the morning sunrise over the Atlantic. I’ve been up for a bit, editing and writing. I make a lot of progress early in the mornings. Less distractions, errands, tasks, chores and appointments.
Even though it says Telephone, it’s an ATM. Photo by Mike Hartley
Went to another funeral service yesterday with my better half. Wishing it was the old days when we went to weddings back-to-back weeks instead of funerals.
But today is filled with opportunities to be had. I’ll start the day with improving my personal appearance with a much-needed haircut. I’m going to load the photo bag up and maybe do an hour or two of shooting around our area. Still pretty cold to be out long stretches, for me at least.
My better half has been prepping the house for a visit from a family member. I’ll share a picture of her tomorrow evening. She is certainly the neediest member of the entire family but also easy to love.
It’s funny some days I realize how limited I’ve looked at life for long periods of time in my life. Glad I removed a lot of those obstacles.
Isn’t it great when the waves of life are in sync with your step.
Details in life are important. I was very detailed in my work because it was a necessity. So many in life are easily overlooked.
Like this photo. A bit drab indeed. But the guy in the red hoodie by the beach and faint shadow of the freighter in the distance just to his left are easily missed. Especially if you’re looking at this image on a phone or even small laptop, I’m guessing.
Pick through life’s images carefully. Photo by Mike Hartley
I wonder if I’m missing details. Being removed from that type of work for a few years now has certainly changed me. I’m not as hyper or fixated on minute details. I couldn’t take my eyes off screens before. Now I walk away without hesitation.
Retirement is nice. It allowed me to see other things I wasn’t when I was wrapped up in another’s life (the job). Just being more relaxed allows me to look at things differently.
What I once passed by as a throwaway image sometimes now catches my eye and pleases me.
The snow and sleet are here. So obviously my mind wanders to the shore and sun and sand.
I was just looking at the event calendar for the Ocean City. There are a few things I think we will attend this year that we haven’t before.
Maybe a daytrip for Springfest. We were down for the International Kite Festival and that was cool and I’d love to try some more photography again. There is another kite event in September. Maybe one of the car shows, in May or October. I hear the air show in June is great.
We’ve been wanting to return to the Peach Festival in Berlin MD in August. And if I have my way this year I’ll be hoping in the Miata and taking a few day trips when the weather is warm and sunny.
We haven’t stayed at Bethany Beach in a while so we will add that to the list this year. I was disappointed in my effort to spend time there last year but that won’t be the case this year.
Catching sunrise and sunset completes a day. But catching fish is also fun. Photo by Mike Hartley
Okay, who stole the beach? I used to like these walkways to the beach at Bethany before storms took them away. Nature gives and nature takes away. Maryland and Delaware spend tens of millions of dollars on beach replenishment almost every year.
An old shot at Bethany Beach. Photo by Mike Hartley
Luckily these and other efforts sustain these beach towns we all enjoy. And while storms have certainly been severe, none have been of the destruction you see with the hurricanes in south. The thin beaches and dune lines get taken away or pushed back often as it is.
I fear what I see happening in the Outer Banks, possibly happening here one day. I just hope it’s not in my lifetime.
Hold on boardwalk. Photo by Mike Hartley
You might have noticed I haven’t been crowing about my favorite University of Maryland Basketball team as much in previous posts. I still love them, I knew it would be a tough year replacing the whole team and coaches. I’m still going to get to games. I’m enjoying the regular season because chances of making March Madness go down early in the season with key injuries, but our chances were still slim. I have no less enthusiasm for them. I’ve adjusted expectations. Something a lot of fans do, because you can’t win every year.
Random Thoughts of the Day
First time I’ve slept past noon in a while. Of course, going to bed at 7am was the incentive.
I can’t believe they sent snowplows out in our neighborhood for a dusting of snow. And no, I’m not one of those people who complain about how long it takes for them to plow when it does snow good.
Remembering my wife’s uncle who’s on his last days. I liked both her Uncle Ron and Uncle Fran.
The purge has started. Yep, I’m cleaning the basement.
Some things hold power over me. The call of a beach is one of them. But what is it? The sound of the waves is lovely. The smell of the salt air is unique. The warmth of the water in the summer months is a welcome feeling. Nope, it’s something else.
But those feet touching the sand as the flip flops are slipped off. The feeling of the ground molding to the shape of your foot. The sudden tug on the calf as you’re using leg muscles not challenged on a hard surface.
Flip and Flop. Photo by Mike Hartley
Warmth from the sand heated by the morning sun while the cool breeze is still coming off the water. Kids excited voices and screams as the touching of the sand signals the start of a beach day. The many toys and buckets lugged to the beach by parents and grandparents occasionally dropping and being picked up.
Our sea turtle. Photo and sand art by Mike Hartley
That older couple walking towards the beach that suddenly join hands as they hit the sand. The teenagers and young adults running as footballs and Frisbees are thrown around on the way to the beach with the random towel snapping at each other.
Frisbee, I love it. Photo by Mike Hartley
The rabbit or fox sitting on the sand dune watching people walk the path to the beach. The blankets and beach towels are all laid out. The sound of music (loosely defined) fills the air. And then begins the endless trips to the shore and back to the family area of the beach to build the foundation of the Great Wall of Maryland. Well until the kids decide to play Godzilla and knock it to pieces while laughing their heads off.
Sand artist. I don’t let kids anywhere near these. Photo by Mike Hartley
And then at times it’s the coolness of the sand that is so embracing. That early morning walk as I turn on my camera as I touch the sand an hour before sunrise waiting for the morning painting of the sky. Or that evening walk with my better half on the cool sands after a nice dinner, while a warm summer breeze makes it a beautiful evening as the moon rises over the water.
Leaving the inlet to fish away. Photo by Mike Hartley
Maybe catch some of the fishing fleet leaving port. If you’re out early you can catch the surfers entering their realm.
Catching the first rays of the day. Photo by Mike Hartley
Or the father putting up the tent staking out the prime spot on the beach.
Front row seats to the nice weather. Photo by Mike Hartley
There is nothing I don’t like about sand. I don’t care if I get caught in a wave and it’s in my shorts. I don’t care if kids accidentally kick it in my hair. I don’t mind if I’m covered head toe in it when I leave the beach. I don’t even care that the car is covered with it and needs a deep cleaning upon return from the shore.
Sand is very cool with me. I could use some sand, but weather people are talking about snow.
Well, maybe I’ll take myself. Running the sand between my fingers and toes, working my body into the sand through the blanket is my therapy. Soaking up rays and feeling that warm ocean breeze, sounds of the waves hitting the shore, feeling that cool rush of saltwater over my feet.
Sand and stones. Photo by Mike Hartley
Cruising Ocean Highway with the top down and pulling into Dumser’s for some ice cream. Or maybe one of the many great establishments providing a cold beverage and good meal. A visit to the marina to watch today’s catch come in from the fleet of charters or if I’m lucky enough to catch the White Marlin tournament which is one of the biggest on the Atlantic.
And of course, wandering the town with the camera from the inlet up to the lighthouse in Fenwick at the state line. A walk on the boardwalk for some people watching and maybe a game or two in the arcade taking me back to my youth. A walk out to the rocks at the point of the inlet and take in the view turning completely around a few times.
Back up the road to midtown and a stop at Fager’s Island on the bay to catch sunset and listen to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture perfectly timed to end when the sun disappears. Have a quick bite, listen to the band, maybe move my body to a tune and then point the magic carpet home.
Sounds like a good plan.
Random Thoughts of the Day
There is a lot of wisdom in listening.
I think Phil Collins was an underrated drummer.
Just in case you haven’t noticed, the takeover is almost complete, wake up and act now before it’s too late.
I should have been a musician.
Sounds like someone is afraid of opening pandoras box.
Those were some nice storms that rolled through early this morning. They got me out of bed a little after 2am. I did grab a quick nap this morning but now I’m off on the day’s adventures.
I got some of the yard cut today before the afternoon storms rolled through. Even got the mower put away, the shed closed, extra grass raked up and gas can, and oil was put away before the rain started. Boy did the shower feel good. It was so hot and humid. I forgot to wear a hat though and the top of my head feels a little warm.
I’m surprised the John Deere is still getting around this year. I was about to throw in the towel on it, but it will hopefully get me through this season.
Well enough about work. Time for FUN. And what is FUN? The Beach is FUN. And I see nothing but sunshine and heat for the next week after tomorrow’s storms. Of course, long term forecasts are subject to change but I’m going with the good news now and planning to point that Miata east till I see sand and water on one of the next 7 days.
I couldn’t have stagged this. I was tracking a sailboat just before this and posted that shot earlier. Then I followed this powerboat and I guess my timing was just right. Photo by Mike Hartley
A fairly productive day but why stop now with 3 hours to go. I’ll knock out some editing tonight and work on making some prints for several projects. Just installed some better lighting in the workroom so that hopefully it will help with my design skills or show me my errors earlier.
From the inlet to uptown, I love it all. Photo by Mike Hartley
It was great getting to the beach for a few days this week. And the perfect weather we had was a nice stroke of luck. I’m pretty sure there is going to be another day this month where the forecast is perfect, and I’ll be pulling out well before sunrise so I can spend the day soaking up the sun and environment.
Maybe sit down and pick some crabs, enjoy an ice cream soda, cruise the town and photograph the day away.
We are beginning to sail into summer. Photo by Mike Hartley
But till that day comes I should get back to some local photography, so I’ll head out tomorrow for some new images.
Random Thoughts of the Day
My first grandchild will be completing kindergarten soon. Excitement for her because of how she looks at learning and made many friends. Papa is so proud, and a bit shaken by how fast that time went from holding her as an infant.
The importance of something depends on your perspective.
Sports used to be inspiring to me. And it is at times still. But the gambling focus and ads are killing it for me. I’m not sure it’s done the fans any favors and I’m guessing the players feel a lot less safe now. I find that sad. I think I’ll try to catch a little league game this week at the local park.
There are times I’m consumed by thoughts. And problems either I haven’t stumbled upon the solution for yet, or there is none. And that usually leads to a lot of wheels turning from the neck up. And that affects what I get done which is counterproductive.
The only thing to do is keep trying different things, move on, and survive. So, time to put feet on the treadmill and then get ready for a busy day.
I’ve also been contemplating. Photo by Mike Hartley
The long-range forecast doesn’t inspire me. Regardless I’m looking forward to getting outside more. There is a local trail that rolls along the Patapsco River that is several miles that I’ll explore this month.
I’m off to a much stronger start this year and at the same time feeling like I should accomplish a lot more each day. The feeling of guilt for relaxing and maybe not utilizing a day fully, is creeping back into my world. I wish I could lose that anxious feeling.
Part of it is physical. With age it’s hard to tell what is normal and what isn’t. I feel better aerobically and strength wise than I have in years. I’m maintaining a healthy weight and eating better. But pain is a daily companion. Plus, my balance isn’t what it was, and without glasses I’m sight challenged.
And I feel so lucky to wake each morning, able to get up and move about, have a roof over my head, food to eat, and thankful to watch the sunrise.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
There is a grandson waiting to hug me today.
This movement last Friday (economic boycott) has inspired me. I see there is an Amazon boycott coming March 7-14. Well I’ve decided to switch as many of my purchases away from Amazon as I can on a permanent basis and I started that this morning. Don’t worry, it’s not going to Walmart either, I’ve never purchased anything from them in my lifetime. I’ve always been opposed to big box stores because I feel they kill local businesses.
I heard a hockey player refer to his young son as a human Zamboni. That would be me ice skating. I could roller skate but that was back in the day when there were 2 wheels side by side instead of inline.
The people will probably wake up far before those who govern do. Or at least one can hope.
We did an overnight trip to Ocean City this past Wednesday/Thursday. Great weather, small crowds, easy traffic, lots of exercise and good food. You could have the beach to yourself and the ocean as well. A little too chilly for me though in the water. 63 degrees is an ice bath to this guy. I look for at least 70.
I’m sure this weekend looks quite different. Photo by Mike Hartley
We were on the beach when the OC Beach Patrol was there getting ready for the kickoff of the season this weekend.
Line’em up for marching orders. Photo by Mike Hartley
A nephew of mine and his wife were both lifeguards in Ocean City for a few years before he went into the Navy.
Forward HO. Photo by Mike Hartley
Many people are very thankful for this troop of fine young people. I hope you never need them but every summer I see many people being pulled to shore.
The ocean is no pool and being a guard here is a difficult job. Photo by Mike Hartley
On the walk back to the hotel we saw what looked to be one of the bicycle officers struggling a bit with heat with OCFD on site.
I hope this gentleman is OK and that he switches to shorts this weekend. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
A wonderful lunch with my brothers-in-law and their spouses today.
I was going to pull the cover off the go-cart and go for a ride but the weather radar says that might not be the best thought.
All I want this weekend is for my health to be back.
I’m starting to like Pineapple a lot more.
My throat is still sore, I think I’ll have some ice cream. Have a good evening all.
We are all searching. For many different things and reasons. It’s sometimes good to know what you are searching for, it makes it easier to find. You can search high and low, in and out. Make sure to search for the right and important things in life. Tip, most of them aren’t monetary.
If they say “Life is a Beach” then these guys make it a smooth one. The kind of carpet I long for all year long. The carpet I will return to over and over for its comfort and soundtrack of waves hitting the shore.
Ocean City MD. Photo by Mike Hartley
Life is smoothing out for me because that virus is ending I hope. By tomorrow I hope to be ready to rock and roll again. The last few days have left me weak and lighter than I would like. So today I’ll repair myself and eat again.
The time of season when tractors outnumber the people on the beach. Photo by Mike Hartley
I have to get back to smoothing life for some very important people. Someone very close first and then a few other friends who could use some support.
And of course, I can’t help others unless I help myself so I’ll get back to the pursuits/passion I love. I’m looking forward to a wonderful day despite the rainy start to the morning outside. It’s good to feel alive again even though I’m not at full strength.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Listening to music while creating is a wonderful tool.
I had better trim this beard, I’m starting to look like Paul Bunyan. Whoops, I guess that reference shows my age.
Sometimes I still yearn to throw my leg over a motorcycle and roll. Once you’ve ridden, the desire never fades.
Missing my children. I’ll have to cure that this week.
My favorite pair of “shoes” are my flip flops and they always take me to a peaceful and happy place. Be it at the beach or around the house and outside. Yeah, I guess I’m stretching it a bit with the definition of shoes but they are my choice if warm enough.
Flip and Flop. Photo by Mike Hartley
I know these aren’t the most supportive shoes, your feet are dirty by the end of the day, and you can stub your toes good. If you have toe issues, you should avoid them. Not good to run in or on stairs. But on a very hot sandy beach, it’s the best. On the boardwalk or porch watching a sunset.
But the pair above has been special. They have taken me through some rough days. I wear them on vacations and when around the house but not working on it, or the yard. Like on the deck or on my way to the hammock.
When these flip-flops are on my feet, my mind is in a good place.
You get some great, amazingly fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do? Asks the daily writing prompt question.
Wow, that is actually a tough one to answer. I was trying to think back to times where great and fantastic news was delivered to me and discovered I have two types of first reactions to this. I guess as I have aged this first is more prevalent.
When this has happened it has caused me to just pause for a moment, to close my eyes, be appreciative, give thanks, smile and think of sharing the news with loved ones.
The second one is more explosive joy of my youth. Sort of like the Michael Jordan fist pump after hitting the game winning shot, or as I recall a time or two just letting out a “YEAH” yell as loud as I can.
The sun is OUT, Hell YEAH. Photo by Mike Hartley
Remember that Waking up each morning is GREAT, AMAZINGLY FANTASTIC NEWS.
Every once in a while you have to select a path. Well more than every once in a while, more like several times a day. It could be something simple like a different route to work or something complex like thinking about a different place to work altogether.
Which path? Photo by Mike Hartley
Sometimes we have choices in paths. Other times not. Sometimes we stay on the wrong path for too long. Somedays it seems like you can’t find the right path.
Last night was an easy path, time with my best friends, and better halves for dinner/desserts and a lot of laughs around the firepit. Those are called favored paths. Like time with your children or grandchildren.
Today starts more difficult ones and I’m not looking forward to many of them. Because like a lot of paths, some aren’t avoidable and you just have to walk them, like behind a mower. I have 3-4 paths this week that I dread but will push on.
I look forward to the day this year when I find myself on the path below again.
Cast the right shadow. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
My formal season of dress is approaching. Sweat Suit Season.
If you’re maintaining a home, if you’re maintaining a family, if you’re maintaining a job, be thankful you’re maintaining your sanity.
I’m on a mission to carve at least a few lines or shapes in wood and to upload dozens of new images each day.
Well, the rain just changed today’s schedule. Like I said before, be flexible.
I love walking in the sand. Seeing windblown waves or lines drawn from grasses blowing back and forth in the wind or animal prints as they strole by. Or our own footprints. The feel of fine sand and the sound of waves hitting and retreating from the shore help me have a few weeks of peace each year.
Nature leaves its mark in the sand. Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s hard to think about progress with all the chaos in the world and in each of our individual lives. You try to be positive and enjoy life. To share it with special people and do special things. You work hard to improve your loved ones’ lives and help others when possible.
Which is smoother? Photo by Mike Hartley
Progress is being made in an individual and collective way. It may not seem like it at times. And that is what I try to avoid looking at. I just have to keep focused on finding what I can do to improve things. To try to do something for someone or many each day. When the waves take down your ramp, rebuild.
I think were missing a few stairs after last night. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
It’s really difficult to sleep during the day.
If you own a convertible tomorrow is a mandatory top-down day.
When you feel productive, take advantage of the feeling.
I need to do some reading but it’s dangerous when I’m this tired.
