The daily prompt asks – Are there any activities or hobbies that you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?
When younger I had a stamp and coin collection but gave those up many decades ago. My son and I had the hobby of going to the pistol range, but we changed our positions on owning handguns and stopped that activity a few years ago.
I used to ride a motorcycle for a few decades and I miss that activity. I used to play a lot of games and chess when I was younger. I haven’t played games in many years.
My friends and I shot a lot of skeet when younger. We just went to a skeet range a year ago and it was a blast and I think a few of us might do that each year now. It’s something we took a 45-year break from.
Unfortunately, I lost interest in playing basketball. I’m looking forward to rediscover that love again. I lost interest in the arts when I was working so hard in my career but luckily, I’ve rediscovered my love for them and actively pursuing many of them again now.
Having activities and hobbies is a good way to feel alive and stay healthy. Pick up a few more things and feel even better.
Oh crap, the daily prompt is asking – What’s your favorite candy?
I’ve put on a few more pounds than I’d like to carry from eating too many sweets of late. Well, being it’s the season of hearts, my favorite candy is the Brach’s Valentines Conversation Hearts. Also, the Smarties Valentines bags have been good.
Sweets. Photo by Mike Hartley
Sweets are the one thing I struggle with. Most other foods aren’t an issue. I was doing well for a few years, and I have to get back into the mindset of moderation.
The only thing sweeter than candy is life when it’s going right.
The daily writing prompt asks – Do you need a break? From what?
The easy answer is yes, I need a break and it’s from the weather. The feels like temp is 4 degrees and that is probably the warmest it’s going to be today. The 24-mph wind right now is expected to double which is going to make exposed skin dangerous. I really need a break from the wind over the next 12 hours so the power will stay on.
I also need a break from politics but taking one is dangerous because things move very fast right now.
I need to take a break from TV. I need to take a break from eating sweets. I need to take a break from negative people. I need to take a break from the routine. I need to take a break from being inside (when it warms up) and be outside with nature. I need to take a break from reading online and pick up a book more.
Deer taking a break. I feel for anything that has to be outside today. Photo by Mike Hartley
What a question from the daily writing prompt. One answered 2 years ago in a post called Invent.
How does this update answer sound?
The answer is, of course life itself. Something that reinvents itself each day. We go on. We struggle. We adapt and change. We bring new life into the world. We raise and nurture our children. We love, share, laugh, cry, morn, celebrate, and relax with family, friends and strangers. We invent ways to survive.
There might be something someone somewhere is working on today that will be the most important invention. Maybe that invention is another person.
I think I’ll invent communication. Oh, you say it’s already here with the massive devices, tv’s, radios and meetings we have? Well, getting the message out is one thing. Having people listen and understand is another. It is part of the same cycle, isn’t it?
I have no idea of the gazillion things invented in my lifetime. what is most important. I do know that I’m not totally comfortable with the emergence of AI. If the past isn’t a good example of inventions that have gotten away from us, we might want to take a moment to pause and get a grip now.
The daily prompt is asking me to – Describe your most ideal day from beginning to end. I did a post on this question 2 years ago called Ideal Day, that is still pretty much my fantasy ideal day. But I’ll update it with the below.
My ideal day is today. It’s just beginning and I have no idea what is in store for me. I try to make each day the ideal day. I’ve had that mindset for a little while now. I don’t go into every day like that, but I do usually come around and make part of the day ideal.
My ideal day includes seeing my children. But if I can’t I still think about them and look at pictures of them and write them. And while it’s not like seeing them it still makes the day ideal for me because we are sharing.
My ideal day starts with being able to wake up and get upright. If I got those two things, I got the day by the horns.
Sometimes there is no end to my ideal day. For instance, yesterday ran into this morning which made yesterday great.
When you can appreciate a day, you have had an ideal day.
If you’ve felt loved, it’s been an ideal day.
If your stomach didn’t ache with hunger, it’s been an ideal day.
If you were able to help someone it’s been an ideal day.
I could go on and on about all the wonderful things that make an ideal day. I remember once having the most brutal day when nothing was going right. I got out of my car after a brutal drive home from work. The sun had risen an hour earlier. My neighbor’s garden that is on the edge of our yard was loaded with butterflies. I went over and stood there just watching and actually got one to crawl on my finger. It wasn’t the ideal day at all. But the last couple minutes by that garden allowed me to get a good night’s rest.
I hope you all have an ideal day today.
Ocean City sunrise on one of my ideal days. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt wants to know – How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?
Sounds like more of a question for a book instead of a blog post. Both time and events greatly influence my perspective.
For instance, getting married gave me an entirely different life than if I had stayed single. Staying married for almost a half century has shown me things and presented many gifts I didn’t dream of as a youth and has been a wonderful way to experience time.
Sometimes it stands still, but mostly it flies by. I can still see her walking up the aisle with her father. Now with a bunch of grandchildren. I blinked my eyes and wow, here I am. All those things in between have given me a true sense of what is important in life.
My father, passing at a young age has affected me all my life. But the passage of time has made it possible for me to deal with it better.
Retirement changed my perspective about work and careers.
I’ve been around and worked for some very strong women. My mom being the first one of course as a single mother.
When I think of the passage of time, I relate that to all the decisions I’ve made along the way. Some good, some not so. I learned a lot by watching the results of other people’s decisions, so I don’t have to make those mistakes.
The sands of time. That piece was about a foot tall. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt is asking – Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.
Well, let me go look at my long list of lists. Wow, I’m better than I thought I would be. I thought I would have a long list of things that I never get around to doing.
But just a few.
Fix front gate door and entrance area to patio.
I’ve got some old VCR tapes and slides that I need to get digitally converted.
I need to start both my chainsaw and generator to make sure they are in good shape.
I’ve got to sort out and get rid of some old family items that someone else could make better use of.
I might have to revise this after my better half reads it and could probably add a dozen things I’m not thinking of but is on her mind.
Ah, good old Peoples drug store. Just one of many boxes of slides. Photo by Mike Hartley
What’s your favorite thing to cook? – An interesting question from the daily writing prompt.
I have to slip into a different mindset here because I’m usually thinking of my favorite thing to eat. This is really an easy question because I like to grill.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I like cooking burgers and steaks but doing seafood on the grill is a lot of fun. Salmon, scallops, shrimp are a few I do. I’m going to try some lobster tails this year and maybe some stuffed rockfish.
Can’t wait to get some fresh fish on the grill. Photo by Mike Hartley
I do like making that pasta dish with grilled peppers, mushrooms, onions, prosciutto and various spices in a light sauce.
Oh, this seems so simple I almost overlooked it. I love to cook bacon because I can’t wait to get a nice crisp warm piece first thing in the morning. I think I’ll make some in an hour or two.
The daily prompt wants to know about my first computer again. I answered this question 2 years ago in a post called First Computer.
What I’ve learned in my experiences with computing.And what I’m quickly forgetting.
These tools can be used to help make you smart or stupid.
Like many things man has created, it has made possible wonderful advancements for humanity. It has also been used for much evil.
In some ways it has accelerated the separation of classes in society.
It’s one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done.
Computing through the last several decades was like reinventing yourself every few years along the way because things change so fast.
Some of the most brilliant advances have been made by teams of people who work well together. And sometimes that involves someone who has never touched a computer before explaining and detailing a craft or skill with someone who does know computers.
Computing has been a great part of my life. I have also wasted some of my life on the computer when I should have been living more experiences away from it.
Computing advances so fast and so much equipment becomes obsolete way too fast and creates an incredible amount of waste I suspect.
Computing before BBS systems or the internet was a trip. A fun and frustrating experience at the same time.
I should have kept track of the total of the gazillion miles of cable I’ve strung in my lifetime.
Or thousands and thousands of backup tapes created, stored, stored offsite and demolished in my lifetime.
The hundreds and hundreds of racks assembled and unassembled and moved and the contents within the same in my lifetime.
The storage systems that would take up rows in a datacenter, to the old 20mb SCSI hard drives in a MacPlus if my memory serves me correctly. Well, I did start when we swapped 5 1/4-inch floppy disks in and out of 2 drive bays.
Days in the computing world will seem like Groundhog Day. You know you’ve seen and solved this problem before.
Computer Server rooms and Datacenters are loud. At least the old ones were.
At one time in computing UNIX System Engineering and Database Engineering had to work together to really make things hum. But talk about two different groups of people. Wow. Both extremely skilled but like oil and water a lot of times. Not all cases but just my observation.
For some it’s an endless source of frustration. For others it is an endless challenge of opportunities.
Being I worked in computing environments for decades, the type of people I gravitate towards are the ones who are open and share their knowledge and experiences. And I try to be one of those people for others. I also don’t make personal judgements of you based on your knowledge or lack of in computing.
Quick story. – I had just started at a daily newspaper. I worked in IT and the company was shifting technology, and they were retraining people to use computers for layout instead of the manual ways of doing it piecemeal on a table. Well, a lot of user type problems were generating calls for system issues that weren’t system issues. So, on my way to another area we supported I would always stop and ask how things were going and see they were struggling with the basics. One or two had ok skills but were still entry level. While there I’d just show them easier ways or proper ways to execute things just by watching them or helping with errors they would create or come across. To cut to the chase. A few of them would thank me and say, “you’re the first person from IT who didn’t make me feel like an idiot.”
Well crap, I hadn’t intended on this being so long. And I want to get back to the workroom and do some sanding. Now days, I balance life at the keyboard and away from it much better. In that way retirement has been good to me.
The daily prompt asks – What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?
There are a good number of things I fear trying to do. For example, skydiving, bungie jumping or cliff diving leap to mind. They all involve substantial heights so no thank you.
What would it take to get me to do these. The plane would have to be about to crash for me to jump out of it. Nothing is going to get me to bungie jump because I’ve never seen a rubber band that hasn’t broken. I’ve gone off the high dive, but you wouldn’t even get me near a cliff.
Ready to leap the week all the way to the weekend. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt asks – What do you complain about the most?
I’m trying and being somewhat successful at not spending time in life complaining as much. Oh, I do complain, and the things below are true and I do spend a few minutes each day now but moving on or changing it or adapting to something more positive is the goal.
Right now, I complain about the COLD the most. I don’t complain as much as curse below my breath or out loud. I’m not encouraged to go outside and shoot when it is 2 degrees as the temp reading indicates now. Plus, camera equipment in that cold sometimes is difficult to operate.
I certainly can’t leave out complaining about the current administration in charge of the US Government or whatever is left of it. There is no Republican party, it’s been hijacked by a cult. And a dangerous one at that. This is where I’ve changed complaining into action to make it different for my children and grandchildren.
Oh, let’s see what that leaves on the list of most complained about. I’m sure bad drivers were high on the list at one time but I’m driving less now. Not that I don’t run into one or several each time I leave the driveway.
There is always the constant one of when the price of something/anything hits you in the face and you say #%$*!!!! and complain because the reason for the increase doesn’t make sense.
And every 3-4 weeks I look in the mirror and see that I’m having a bad hair day and complain that it’s time to get to the barber again.
The daily prompt asks – What are your favorite sports to watch and play?
Basketball and Baseball are still my favorite sports. College Basketball is my favorite sport. I loved playing basketball and the excitement of watching college games live.
Major league baseball has made some significant changes and is much easier to watch and enjoy now the game has quickened. I also enjoyed playing as a youth. Even made a few all-star teams. Still have my favorite bat.
Sports are a great teaching tool. Lots of things about sportsmanship are important in life also. Working as a team. Having dedicated your mind and body to something. It tests your mental and physical toughness. It can teach respect, admiration, compassion, leadership, and honesty. Sports are GREAT.
I’m depressed to see what they have become at times though. Even down to little league ball. Parents and coaches treating it like life and death. Poor behavior by parents. Kids with attitudes that obviously came from home.
But despite that, the true nature of sports and its benefits are still present in our society despite commercialization and gambling and making it a business that goes down to kids way too young, which is disgusting.
Now there is a creative way to get a child to use a toothbrush. Photo by Mike Hartley
Kids are still learning important values from competition. People are still enjoying the games.
The most recent issue with sports I can think of is sports becoming a class thing. In the last few years, I’ve missed games I could always see because they are moving some to streaming services. Ticket prices for professional sports and some college sports are out of range now for a lot of people. Even middle class. Salaries of players and greed of owners are making the distance between the ones who watch and buy the merchandise to a point where it will break.
Even the cost for the kids to join leagues now is tough for a lot of people to afford.
Photo by DAD.
That’s my little girl about to drive that softball DEEP. I enjoyed participating in both my children’s various sports for some years. Coaching kids is a lot of fun.
What would you do if you won the lottery? There is a question from the daily prompt that I spend very little time thinking about because I don’t really play the lottery.
Oh, I’ve bought a ticket here and there but most years without purchasing tickets at all. The very few times I do buy a ticket I do fantasize for a few moments and then realize I just pissed away a few dollars I could have given to someone who is hungry. Or maybe a disease that needs help in looking for a cure.
The few seconds I do think about it I think I’d give half to my charities and set my kids and grandkids up for life and have a little fun with the rest.
Gambling is so in my face now that I’m pretty much swearing it off. As I’ve said before I think gambling will kill a lot of sports eventually. It’s going to and has already hurt a lot of people. Then again life is a gamble, so have at it if you want. It’s just no longer for me.
What books do you want to read? – So, ask the daily writing prompt.
I’ve got two books I just started reading. One I started last year and put down right at the start because something else took priority and one I just got for Christmas this year. They are – How to Know a Person by David Brookes and Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon.
My better half is the book reader in the house. She goes through them like crazy. Not that I don’t read a lot, just more online than books. Most of the books I read in my lifetime were technical in nature for my job. And the other reading was the daily paper.
A good book on a nice day on patio of Whole Foods building. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt is asking to – Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.
My favorite is the family trip to the beach each year. It’s the time together that we don’t get to spend the rest of the year. Watching grandchildren enjoy the beach, water, games and food is a treat for us grandparents. And the time to catch up with our own children and learn more about their lives.
We just did something for the second year in a row now and I think it’s going to be a tradition. Last year for my wife’s birthday the kids and grandkids were over to go out to dinner. Low and behold the surprise was they were going to all spend the night here. If you don’t know, the most precious gift is time itself. It’s a great evening together. The grandkids have the run of the house and our own kids love being back in their home. We made a huge breakfast the next morning and continued the fun. It’s a great way to celebrate.
Family walk. Photo by Mike Hartley
Over time some traditions fade or morph into others. I’ve been thinking about establishing some new traditions for the family and friends. I’m going to host a summer family party at the house. And hopefully revive our summer fishing expeditions. I’d like to get back to having a periodic lunch with my son. And maybe add a few more with my daughter.
Family traditions are great. They help keep families together and in contact with each other. No family or friendship is perfect and there will always be people who choose not to participate. But keep trying because the positives for the people who do choose to share time together is well worth it.
What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time? – The daily writing prompt asks today.
I like to create. I like to eat. I like to laugh. I like to spend time with my better half. I like to write and photograph. I like to write to my children and grandchildren if I can’t see them. I like to exercise. I like driving. I like to listen to music.
Sorry about the short response this morning, there is snow to shovel.
Yeah, I’m starting to get some snow on my roof also. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.
I’d like to get to the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. If you would like to see large aviation this is the place. The Concorde, A B-29, The space shuttle Discovery, and the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane. Plus, admission is free. Parking is $15 I hear.
I’d also like to see the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC. I’d better get to this one quickly the way someone is trying to erase history.
Washington Monument and Capital. Photo by Mike Hartley
If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
The one thing would be that they are loved. And yes, I believe I’ve made all my pets understand that. And I’m glad that skill and ability is in my children also.
This girl was our most recent love and yes, she did love us. She was so affectionate and playful and even though she was our son’s dog, we treated her as our own. She passed recently so our hearts are still heavy.
Sporting Maryland colors obviously. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt is asking – Write about your first name, its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.
I think I did this before, but I’m not even interested in looking that post up. Or looking up again what etymology means again.
My first name is Mike. Some other first names I’m called by friends, Mikey, Doctor, The Judge, Dirty and Admiral. And no, I’m not explaining any of them.
I’m also Dad and Papa to my children and grandchildren.
I’m sure in some of my less than stellar moments in life some co-workers or even my better half have had some choice names for me, but I didn’t hear them so we’re good.
The daily writing assignments wants to know – What’s your dream Job? – A little late for that question for this guy. I’m retired, but I’m still working hard in many ways. And I guess you could call it my dream job.
I’ve become my own little publisher here. I’m enjoying some photography and arts. I’m my own event coordinator and exercise mentor. During the warm months I’m a roadster driver with the top down.
I’m working hard on becoming a grandfather the grandchildren remember and admire. I’m studying the balance of exercise and challenges while acknowledging my age and not hurting myself.
A chef hat is occasionally worn, and I hope to add party host to the list of titles I’m working on.
I’m still playing landscaping crew and home handyman. I dream of subbing these out someday.
Just give me a camera and computer. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt wants to know – What makes a good leader? – A question I answered in a post from my own experience as a leader and being managed by other leaders called History Has Taught Me.
I liked reading that again. One of my better observations. It took me back to some days and situations that I tied to the word leadership. Being retired now I’m leading myself and maybe the family still.
But I’ve thought about getting more involved in some causes and maybe some of my background could be helpful.
I will add that what we have parading as leadership here in the states is a joke and should be removed before we have the second coming of the 1940s. And a message to the rest of the world. While it may not seem like it, many of us are working to change this direction.
Leaders are sometimes the first willing to step forward. Leading today’s grounds crew. Photo by Mike Hartley
I remember this question from before. The daily prompt asks – If you could un-invent something, what would it be?
Yep, found my answer to this from back in 2024 in a post titled Take It Back and it’s pretty much the same. Except I’d add that I’d un-invent this question.
So instead, I’ll answer the question – What should I accomplish today. I’d like to take my better half out to lunch or dinner. If there is snow, I’d like to snap a few frames. I’m going to knock out 2-3 more designs and maybe another 15-20 prints.
At least an hour on the treadmill. Watch some football and continue the basement cleaning. Write or call my children. Call one of my best friends who just returned from vacation. Crank up the fireplace and maybe fall asleep in front of it.
Of course I’ll write, download, edit and even pick up a brush. Maybe continue sanding down 4 wooden mugs that I’m going to do some carving with.
Providing I’m given the privilege of waking up later this morning, I hope to accomplish this and much more.
I’m thinking Spring to keep from being depressed. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt asks – Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?
The most recent location I’ve felt loved was at my son’s house when my grandson saw me and was so excited to hug me, he tripped coming up the stairs. Notice how I interpreted that literally.
I’ve felt loved when a stranger smiles at me. I’ve felt loved when someone lets me in on a crowded highway. I’ve felt loved when someone said they loved a photo I shot. I’ve felt loved when good friends hugged me. I’ve felt loved when I get an extra pickle slice with my Reuben. I’ve felt loved when I get a drawing/painting from my grandchildren. I’ve felt loved when that bag of candy hearts comes home unexpectedly from the market. I’ve felt loved when someone de-iced my windows and warmed my car up. I’ve felt loved when my daughter squeezes my hand.
Feeling loved is important to everyone. If it isn’t, you’re really missing out on a big part of life. There are times in life where you don’t feel loved and those are painful days.
Feeling loved is a complex thing. It can be spoken and unspoken. Many actions express love from a simple touch to a note that says I love you to a romantic weekend away.
My parents have passed long ago but I still feel their love in the faces in the pictures of them I look at often. My children are adults now and have their own families but our love for them is just as strong as it was day 1 of their lives.
That is one of the toughest parts about your love for your children. You have to let them go and have their own lives and families and share them. But in every note, or text or call or visit that love comes through, which carries the minutes of the day without them with love.
Love can ebb and flow. It grows and diminishes and grows again. Have a smile on your face and be ready to catch it.
Hearts beating next to the water. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing assignments asks – Where can you reduce clutter in your life? Not a bad question and one I’ve been pondering this year. Sounds like one I’ve also answered before. No problem, time moves on and conditions change.
I’ll start with my office. Then move to my workroom, next to the space between my ears. Oh, maybe my bedroom dresser top. Otherwise, we are good.
Now if someone looks back and I’ve said the exact same thing, I’m not making much progress, am I?
I was not a fan of these workspaces. Photo by Mike Hartley
Sometimes we are good at controlling clutter. Other times we are less successful.
Oh jeez, another question from the daily writing prompt that doesn’t inspire much enthusiasm. What is your favorite animal? – Cat – Always have been and always will.
Half Cat. Photo by Mike Hartley
So, time for my own made-up questions.
How much wall space in your home is taken up by kids or grandkids pictures, artworks, awards, certificates, handprints, height charts on doorframes?
We have quite a few pictures up in frames upstairs. We have 3-bedroom doorframes that measure the height of our constantly growing grandchildren. The fridge has pictures. We have a digital picture frame. In my office I have half a wall of grandkids artwork and another wall with a collage of 200 family pictures so far, it’s still a work in progress.
Here is another question. What was my favorite quote I heard recently?
A Ford UAW worker shouted “pedophile protector” at Trump at a visit to the plant in Detroit. More guts than most reporters.
And the last one. How many bobbleheads are in your home?
This might be a question you’re careful in answering from the daily writing prompt. In what ways do you communicate online?
I use email quite a bit. Very little Zoom. Little to no chat anymore. Through this blog mainly. An occasional comment on Facebook. With other bloggers with comments on their topics and observations.
I hope to communicate with my images through my photo site. A work in progress.
Obviously support for everything from your doctors to your dishwashers has moved online. And with AI the chance of getting an actual human being to help you is getting closer to 0% each day. So, everyone is communicating with businesses, governments, hospitals and pharmacies, ordering food and everything else under the sun online now.
I’m thinking of reducing my fingerprint online. I have an Instagram account but I’m dropping that because I never use it. LinkedIn is about to go this month or next because I’m retired.
I’d love to drop Facebook, but I keep up with people I worked with for a long time, my car clubs and some old school and neighborhood kids I grew up with. But I’ve cut back on it a good bit. I comment on almost nothing because there are too many hateful uneducated people willing to drag down most meaningful conversation. I will send individual messages.
Good communication is being taken away from society. I refuse to go to those self-checkout isles because I like talking to people taking my money and wishing them a good day. Hopefully, exchanging smiles and maybe some other pleasantries.
I walked out of McDonalds a while back when I realized there was nobody to take my order other than a kiosk. I don’t order online, I still call it in, and I pick it up.
I guess I should count startling my wife as she comes home at the front door with my voice coming through the ring camera is online communication. I like that one.
Make time to Communicate with Nature.
Contemplating the morning commute. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt has asked me to – Think back on your most memorable road trip.
Okay, I did that. What a time. Most details are classified as are most of my memorable road trips with friends. We were young, our early 20s. Maryland to Daytona Beach Florida in my 74 Camaro with stops in Greenville SC and Vienna Ga on the way down. What I can say is that trip was the week the movie Animal House was released in 1978, and we saw it on the way down near Clemson University on day 2 of our 11-day adventure. The rest of the trip was spent topping that.
Some of the simplest road trips are the most pleasurable. These are with my better half and are so enjoyable. We have taken many road trips to Western Maryland and some to the Eastern shore of Maryland. Both very beautiful places. Sometimes day trips sometimes overnight. Sometimes a few days trip to different spots.
I think back to the memories of taking our children on vacations, mostly to the beach. I still can’t figure out how I packed all that stuff and people into a small car. But if the kids had a good time, it made our trip.
If it’s up to me, I prefer a road trip, no planes, ships, buses or trains. I don’t mind trains but the other three I can leave. I love to drive so road trips are my favorite form of travel.
This year I’m going to make a lot of road trips in the Miata. Mostly pointed east towards the shore but many other destinations also.
If I may add one thing. Could we all just try to get along on the roads and stop trying to kill each other for a car length or two advantage.
What snack would you eat right now? – I was hoping for better quality questions from the daily writing prompt.
A Hershey’s cherry filled chocolate kiss. Maybe 2 of them.
Now onto something more pressing. A good question to answer. How about this – Do you think you could write a year of fresh and interesting daily prompts?
I think I could, but I’d have to be honest there might be a few clunkers in there just like the questions we get now and then. It’s hard to write anything good. You just have to keep trying.
Or this question. Do you check for bed bugs when checking into a hotel room? – I haven’t but I’m thinking about starting that practice.
Maybe this question. If you had to lose one of your senses which one, would you choose? I think I would choose smell.
Well, enough new questions, I’m sure I’ll have to come up with some more because there are questions from the daily prompt, I have no interest in.
Come up with a crazy business idea. The daily prompt asks.
Why don’t we start a TV network that can take actual things you see like January 6th, 2021, and make you believe it was something other than it was. Ops, we already have that.
How about a security firm that protects every school in the country. I mean what parents wouldn’t want that now with all the school shootings.
How about starting a TV network that would tell the truth about things. Ops, we would never get a license now.
How about a company that could take all the gambling away from sports and return it to the people who play and love to watch it for the love of the game itself.
Maybe start a firm that takes up the tremendous amount of food waste in this country and feed the poor and homeless and sheltered animals.
On a large-scale water management for the country. We either have way too much water or not enough just about everywhere, every year. Oh, throw water safety in that loop also.
I hear this country is in need of a new electrical grid. Got to think big at times.
Now here is one I’d like to pull off again. Start a local community newspaper. I know, they all died off. But look at what you’re left with.
Create a device that captures all the ideas we lose before we get to the computer or to a piece of paper.
Maybe a company that helps people wake up and respect the earth we live in. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt asks – Describe and item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?
I have two things that I was attached to as a youth. My Louisville Slugger baseball bat from little league days, and my first camera. I still have both of these. One is now a security device and the other sits with all the old antique cameras I have collected over the years from the family.
It still feels like it did in my hand’s many years ago. That bat is almost 6 decades old. Photo by Mike Hartley
What is my mission? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
Well, let’s see. I need to write to both of my children this morning and get the cover on the car before any rain starts. I’m thinking of someone very close to me undergoing some test so my mind will be there for some time.
I’d like to work on my photography skills today in shooting and editing. I’d like to get some thoughts between the ears to paper or computer. I’d like to finish the book I started today. I’ve got to call the garage for an appointment.
I’m going to pick up the paint brush and put a few miles on the treadmill. I’ve got a few more blog posts to make and then do a little sanding on the dolphin I’m working on for my granddaughter. I might work on planning a short trip and setting up my makeshift studio.
My mission is to smile. To make other people smile. To be a good father and grandfather, to love. To be a good friend, to be truthful and ethical. To have a good time this weekend and maybe watch some sports. To get the fireplace going and trim my beard.
To clear some wall space for a new photo project. Hang a few more hooks in the storage room ceiling for grandkids toys I’m tripping over. Work on some illustrations and order some Chinese food.
I’m probably forgetting a few things on my current mission. The mission is modified day by day because life changes minute to minute. Missions are important, but sometimes it’s also important to let life just come to you. Like if you hear a song you like, get up and dance if so moved.
And if my better half doesn’t like the idea of Chinese food today, I’ll suggest some Mission BBQ.
Mission BBQ Route 40 Ellicott City. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’ve heard that line “Live long and prosper” somewhere in my lifetime.
The daily writing prompt wants to know my thoughts on the concept of living a very long life.
I hope to live a very long life. In some ways I’ve already have. I’m thankful for each day and the healthy ones especially. I hope to grow old with my better half and watch my grandchildren grow into young adults.
I have a lot to do and accomplish myself. I’d like to live it as healthy as possible. The concept of living a long time in ill health worries me. Whether mentally or physically it would be a struggle. Of course that is asking for a lot.
I’m guessing the percentage of people who grow very old and healthy, and then just pass peacefully in their sleep is very low. I’ve seen some of the end-of-life struggles and it bothers me, but it’s kind of out of our control.
Staying sharp both mentally takes work just like keeping the body in shape physically. I haven’t done the best job here but it’s never too late to start. I think we all have started over several times with these goals.
The thought of a long life like living till my late 80s or early 90s makes me smile. I can see myself shuffling through the bleachers to watch a grandchild play a high school or college game and attend their graduations. I can feel myself holding my better half’s hand on the deck as we catch some sun. Well, I’ll catch rays, she will be under the umbrella.
I can see myself in what will be then a very classic Miata that I have sitting in the driveway now cruising down some back roads and remembering what was there decades ago. I hope I still have a camera in my hands and that the hands can still tickle the keyboard with speed and agility.
Each doctor’s appointment now scares the hell out of me. Ever since some medical challenges in the previous two decades I fear that I might not be able to see some of those plans. Just as any senior fears when they get to this age.
A while back I learned and then relearned the importance of living in the present. So, it’s going to be a great day today and productive day.
Wishing all of us many more sunrises. Photo by Mike Hartley
What could you do differently? – Now that is one open question from the daily writing prompt.
I’m guessing all of us have a long list of things we could do differently. I just spent a few minutes and came up with a list. Now I’ve got to add these things to my many existing lists.
I could get more serious about exercising.
I could love more.
I could spend more time on the things I like doing.
I could sit with proper posture and get more sleep.
I could volunteer more.
I could modify my stock Miata.
I could organize this blog. Nah I like the mess.
I could get busy remodeling the basement.
I could try to adjust my attitude about winter and cold.
I could start following through on more of my ideas.
Audience for Sunrise in Ocean City. Photo by Mike Hartley
If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say? – Now there is an interesting ask by the daily writing prompt.
Wow, that is a tough one because my mind raced through several emotions and messages. And I quickly realized I’d need a lot more billboards. Here are just a few that covered my first 5 minutes of thought on the topic. Wish I had the time for some artwork for each.
Respect each other – Love each other
Hold on, it can get worse.
If all decisions are made with children and grandchildren, in mind. The world would be a better place.
Democracy takes work. No more sitting around expecting others to do it for you.
Welcome to Maryland. Safe driving times are between 3:00am and 3:30am. Except holidays, full moons and weekends coming home from the beach.
We are at a very important point in history; the decisions we make now will affect generations to come.
I’d like to send the Seal Teams against Scammers.
Malignant Narcissism and Dementia = Great name for a carnival ride but not a President.
We could do better with instructions, from what I see. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – Do you spend more time thinking about the future or past? Why?
I guess it depends on the day and situation. Most of the time I’m thinking about the future. Holidays and certain anniversaries I’m thinking about the past and reflecting. Certain locations or events might trigger more past thoughts.
I like looking forward but I also have a lot of good memories so looking at the past is nice sometimes also.
Now I’d say I spend more time thinking ahead than behind. Trying to live more in the present.
Which Direction to choose today. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – What colleges have you attended.
I’ve attended the School of Hard Knocks. Graduated with honors in Life. Nah, really, I only attended one year of college at Catonsville Community College. I think it’s been renamed the Community College of Baltimore.
I started as an Applied Art and Design major but dropped out for work after the first year. Really pretty much after the first semester because in the second semester I started working more than full time at the same time. I concentrated on my art and photography classes and dropped English Lit class.
Hard ladder to success. Photo by Mike Hartley
Like high school I got intimidated and wasn’t confident in my abilities and work. So, I had to learn that over my career and grow up in a few ways. In making a climb from the bottom you sometimes learn some important lessons you don’t get in school or college.
I learned a lot about perspective, persistence and people along the journey. I enjoyed learning the art of learning after leaving school.
Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you? – A kind of upbeat question from the daily writing prompt.
I had to think for a second about if I play in daily life. But only for a second or two and then I smiled about the little things I do that would be considered play. Like sneaking up behind my better half. Trading barbs with friends. Taking a few minutes to look at some cartoons from artist I follow or a comedian and laugh.
Sometimes I’ll play at being a plumber, electrician, carpenter, landscaper, mechanic. Sometimes successful but most of the time I come to my senses and call a professional.
Many might say I play at my hobbies all day. I play little games with myself to keep me motivated.
What says “Playtime” to me, is my grandchildren. When they come running to me and grab my hand and take off running saying “play with me” I almost lose my mind with happiness. My grandson wants to ride the tractor each time he visits. He’ll grab me as he gets out of the car and lead me right to the shed.
My granddaughter gets so excited with the sprinkler and splashpads when it’s warm. And of course, one of her favorites is playing Diner with us. She makes up signs and sets up a restaurant and announces her opening and we have a meal. Or she’ll run down the hallway yelling “draw with me” as she ducks into my son’s old room which is “the drawing room” to her.
Ah, play, yeah, I play. But I still think back to when I was very young, and we could play all day outside. That was play. Sports, building forts from woods, riding bikes, skateboards, sleds, tag, ping pong, and every board game known to man.
Those days were cut short for me. Maybe that is why I’m so happy to be part of my grandkids play and fun.
Beach Volleyball in Ocean City MD. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – What are your biggest challenges?
Challenging myself and then getting out of my own way. Staying motivated and making the best use of each day.
The challenges I see are the ones in front of me each day now. If I choose to devote the energy and resources to the task or goal. I used to make things more complicated but it’s really pretty simple. I just need to do the thing.
And then move onto the next thing. And on and on. That’s when challenges become fun, because you’re in a rhythm and what was once a challenge is routine. And new challenges present themselves and your appetite for them just grows.
Glad my teeth are still up to the challenge. Photo by Mike Hartley
What makes you feel nostalgic? – A fine question for the last day of the year from the daily writing prompt.
In no particular order.
Talking to very old friends. Talking to old friends I’ve worked with for decades. The smell of ink. The smell of newsprint. The sound of a press. The sound of a newsroom in action during a crisis.
The sound of my grandchildren playing and realizing they’re no longer my children.
Seeing the church, we were married in. Driving into the neighborhoods we grew up in.
Hearing any V8 roar to life. Any classic car, the smell of high-octane fuel being burning. Any V-Twin cranking up and that roll of the throttle on exit.
Seeing my wife’s face today and seeing the same girl that said yes to my proposal many decades ago.
The feel of sand between the toes. The smell of Thrashers french-fries and steamed crabs anywhere in Ocean City.
Seeing hundreds of photos on my office walls of history with family and friends.
Oh my, I couldn’t forget about music. The number of songs that make the hair on my neck stand up or dance like the Blues-Brothers. The notes that make me throw my head back and do a windmill on the guitar. Knowing and singing all the lyrics to many songs going down the road. There is also a drummer in this body dying to get out.
Seeing our first home/apartment complex. Seeing our first single family home.
Arlington National Cemetery.
Having a snowball and each time feeling like it’s the first one I ever had. The sound of bells from the ice cream truck.
Family Xmas ornaments that have been passed down or accumulated over the decades.
The sound of a basketball bouncing on a driveway and off the backboard or through the net.
The backup at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Walking the boardwalk.
Oh, so many pictures and movies and memories of pets passed.
My 50th high school reunion.
I guess the older you get the more nostalgic you have.
What relationships have a positive impact on you? Not a bad question to ponder given that relationships change over time.
Luckily for me there are a great number of relationships that have had a positive impact on me. All my close friends and family of course. A great deal of professional relationships has positively affected my life.
But instead of the typical praise upon a person or group, I’m going to reflect on an unusual positive impact. It’s not a person.
It’s my car. Each time I get in my car I feel good. Each time I start the ignition it feels better. And when I get out on some back roads it feels great.
It’s the first time since my early youth that I’ve had a car I’m proud of and that is fun to drive. It’s nothing much, just a little Miata MX5. But there is something from the first time I saw and drove it that I fell in love with.
The relationship hits 10 years now, and I’m certain it will start giving me some problems to deal with but that is okay because the upside is so great.
Wow, what a useless question from the daily writing prompt. If you started a sports team, what would the colors and mascot be? Very lame.
Well, I’ll take a pass on that one and answer the question of the final Monday of the Year of 2025. What should we do with our granddaughter today? Of course, we will build forts, she is really into creating her world through the cushions and blankets and chairs and couches in the house.
Cannons at Fort McHenry Photo by Mike Hartley
She will get her choices at lunch and dinner. I’d like to take her out for one of those meals. Mainly because I’d like to get out. And I do enjoy trying to get her to try new foods.
She likes a game called Cover Monster where I chase here with big blankets. I’ll see if she would like to paint with me a bit. Maybe I’ll have her help hang some things on my office walls.
We have high wind warnings today and into tomorrow so outside play will be very limited. I hope we don’t lose power.
I’m making her some bacon this morning. She used to love that but now seems a bit indifferent to it this morning. That’s kids for ya.
While it’s always a bit of work watching a 6-year-old, it’s also a fun way to spend the last Monday of 2025.
They went there. The daily writing prompt brings this question – How have your political views changed over time?
Yes, they have changed. I never could understand or phantom how someone like Hitler could come to power and take over so completely. Nor did I ever think it was possible again. I was wrong and I now understand.
Here is what I look for in someone who I will vote for. I’m looking for the best person, with the best ideas with ethics and integrity.
The daily writing prompt says – You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?
To start with, that would be two separate places. My office is where I write and it’s perfect for me except the chair I sit in and the occasional mess it becomes when I’m not maintaining it. Which is most of the time.
I like to read in a comfortable chair. The recliner was nice till that broke. So, this spring, summer and fall I think I’ll read outside on my patio. It’s a nice big area, with lots of sun and a privacy fence around it. It has my hammock and an outdoor patio set with a big umbrella for shade if needed. I do bring my beach chairs out and they are comfortable.
Besides, instead of taking the time to build out my perfect spaces, I’d rather utilize what I have and write and read more.
I could spend a few days answering the question posed by the daily writing prompt, but I won’t subject you to such an extensive list of wonderful cars I’ve driven from the 60s to present day. The question is – What is your all-time favorite automobile?
Style Wise – the 1971 Z28 Camaro split bumper. Runner up is Eleanor from the movie Gone in 60 Seconds.
Performance Wise – This is a tough one. I’m going to define it by becoming part of the seat when the clutch is released. In no particular order. And yes, I’ve ridden in or driven all of them.
1970 Plymouth Roadrunner with 440 6pack. – 1970 454 Chevelle LS6 – 2012 Corvette Grand Sport heavily modified – 69 Z28 Camaro 302 with all the racing works.
Fun Wise – The car I have now. A 2016 Mazda Miata. It’s no power demon, it’s just fun to drive and be in. It’s a convertible (my first) and it’s a roadster.
When its clean. Photo by Mike Hartley
I wish the freezing rain wasn’t coming. I’d take the cover off and go for a ride today.
How am I creative – asks the daily writing prompt.
I try but I’m not sure how successful I am at the creative hobbies I dip into. I’m trying to paint again. I love to photograph but I’m stalled there the last few weeks. I like to write but I have a long way to go there in creativity.
Sometimes I’m creative with the grandchildren successfully.
I have been successful at making my friends laugh. That I like a lot.
I’m going to get a lot more creative in the cooking department this coming year.
I seafood. Scallops on the grill Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – Who are the biggest influences in your life?
My better half is probably the biggest influencer in my life. She helped me overcome my alcohol problem which was substantial coming out of my late teens and early 20s.
We have made a family together and she helped me be the best parent I could be.
Right there at the top with her is my mother. A woman who set me on the right path in life with many insights, wisdom, ethics, compassion and love for all people.
I have a couple of best friends who have also influenced my life. Sometimes in the way my better half doesn’t approve of, but we have had some wonderful times and adventures. We have gotten together almost weekly for decades.
We are all professionals, both at work and play. We challenge each other, we support each other, we love each other like brothers.
I’ve been blessed to have many others also who have supported me both personally and professionally.
Sharing what I know about the year I was born is the ask of the daily writing prompt today.
Being a car guy, I’ll start with one of the classic cars of the generation – the 57 Chevy.
Jackie Robinson retired from baseball. – My mom’s favorite player in her day. The Dodgers announce the move from Brooklyn NY to Los Angeles California.
Burger King introduced the Whopper. – Always better than Micky D’s.
Wham-O produced the first Frisbee. I still like throwing one around.
Dr Seuss The Cat in the Hat is published.
Average yearly income was under 5K a year.
Elvis Presley bought Graceland.
Oh, being a techie this caught my eye. IBM sells it’s first compiler for the FORTRAN programming language.
The question today from the daily writing prompt is – Are you a good judge of character?
That is a tough one. I’ve certainly made some misjudgments over history. But I’d also add I’ve made better evaluations than bad ones.
Being a good judge of character is very important in life. Picking the right friends, the right people to work for.
Sometimes though you are thrust into situations where others lacking character are either around you or even maybe a boss.
I’ve been in situations where co-workers have lied and I’ve challenged them and won. I’ve had bosses ask me to lie and refused and been taken to task on it, all the way to a VP for refusing to support my bosses boss lie. It really pissed him off, but I refused to do it and was not punished.
I’ve had bosses try to physically intimidate and it hasn’t worked. As a matter of fact, it backfired, on them because he then knew one or more of us would kick his ass. Because he heard us say it out loud and walked away.
Once a boss came in drunk on my night shift and started to physically push me around when I was very young. That didn’t work out too well for him either. That was the closest I’ve come to being that mad and hurting someone seriously. Pressman and editorial folk separated us and took him out of the building. He didn’t even remember it the next morning when he came in. Being an alki has the effect on some. He was also my boss’s boss at that time. Good guy when sober but a mean drunk.
Character isn’t what people just say, it’s a lot of their actions.
Don’t always judge people by their looks to judge character. I rode a motorcycle for a long time. I’ve come across some big burly intimidating looking bikes from time to time. Most of them have been good people.
Don’t always judge a book by it’s cover. Photo by Mike Hartley
When are you the most happy? – the daily writing prompt wants to know.
When I’m playing or holding my grandchildren. If I can make them smile and laugh. If I can teach them something. If we can share a meal. If they open a present. When they want to ride the tractor with me. When we run through a sprinkler or swim in a pool on summer family vacation. When I get to wake them from their afternoon nap.
Bonus happy – if their parents (my children) are also there watching us play and be happy.
I’m always 100% behind my family. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – What was the last thing you did for play or fun?
Now there is a question I usually could answer easily but being fighting off the nasty flu bug the last few weeks hasn’t lent itself to much fun or play.
I guess the last thing that was fun was picking out our Christmas tree. And that is stretching it a bit because it wore me out and was more expensive than I thought.
So here are some fun and play I hope to start incorporating very soon. I got the cover off my Miata and hope to take a ride today or tomorrow and that is always FUN. The top will have to stay up though.
There is a chance we will see our children for a short bit this weekend so that is GREAT.
I think I’ll get together with one of my best friends tomorrow or Monday and catch a football game.
The daily writing prompt wants me to – List your top 5 grocery store items.
Instead, I’m going to the following that needs to change.
More people are going hungry than ever in this world. More people will be going without adequate health care or insurance or both. More people can’t find that job that sustains life or creates a better path forward. More people in the middle are in less of a position to help those in need which are the same people who support those in need the most.
More and more people thankfully are starting to question our misguided government and the spineless officials in office supporting most of this collapse.
Support your local Food Banks please. Help others have a better holiday season so maybe they can get 5 items.
Describe a man who has positively impacted your life. Not a bad ask by the daily writing prompt.
I have a very good friend named Pete who early in my professional life probably changed my future accent. He did that by instilling confidence in me. Something I severely lacked at the levels I was moving into.
We started off at a company together in the early 70s but worked in different areas. We worked very hard and saw that in each other. We also had some talent and insights on how to do things better in a changing profession.
We gained huge skills and knowledge working for this company and it was our life. And then the ownership sold it into pieces and tore it all apart. Luckily, we were picked up together by the new firm. I think there were about 70 openings for over 400 people who worked there.
We quickly rose over 2 different areas of production and ended up in management roles in addition to our technical and production duties. You wore lots of hats in the old days. But the time together over 2 decades gave us great opportunities and great growth.
But we had a ton of fun along the way. We worked for a very progressive company and were surrounded by people who also believed in us, and we took that organization through several significant technological changes and much success over those years.
I can’t even begin to describe the pressure and fun we had at the same time. As all good things do, this came to an end, and we decided along with another partner to start our own business. We were successful in starting something that no one thought would even get off the ground. Bigger businesses tried to crush us. It didn’t work.
I went another way, less than two years into it because of personal reasons but that business under him and our partner was very successful for another decade till it was bought out by a daily newspaper.
Even though we separated professionally we have always stayed close. Really, he gave me many more things than confidence. He gave me friendship, support, laughter and guidance in life. He is an incredible human being and one who is very special to me.
He is one of the most quiet but effective people I have ever worked with. He is smart beyond any degree, certificate, certification. He is compassionate and funny. He is a family man, he is an ethical man, and one of the few people I hold in admiration.
Pete has been and still is a lifelong friend. Someone I consider a brother. Yeah, we are close.
Thank you, Pete, for all you have done for me over so many decades of my life. Love ya brother.
The building behind this car is one we started our business together in beautiful Ellicott City Maryland. Photo by Mike Hartley
Is your life today what you pictured a year ago? – An interesting question from the daily writing prompt.
Apart from trying to recover fully from this nasty flu bug my life is how I could have pictured it a year ago. A beautiful new granddaughter entered our lives this year. The family is healthy and surviving some troubled times.
Some friendships have changed a bit. Some up and some down. Time will do that. I’ve greatly enjoyed working on my hobbies and I need to do a lot more in that regard. I’ve enjoyed taking rides to where the car points its nose, instead of destinations for work or chores.
I feel like I’ve done a fair job regarding my health by keeping my weight in check, exercising a little more and trying to eat better. That last one still needs a lot of work.
I am surprised how quickly age is affecting my body. Been dealing with a lot more pain this year than previous ones. But hey, I’m getting up, able to love, think and pursue good times.
I had no idea our government was going to break down is such a dramatic fashion though and while I had fears of it, it’s worse than I thought and getting deeper into the darkness day by day. I will fight to change this. I didn’t anticipate spending so much time on this, but it’s now for my children and grandchildren not to leave pieces of crap like our current administration in power.
The daily writing prompt is asking – What skills or lessons have I learned recently?
I’ve been learning some brush techniques while trying to paint. Today I hope to learn how to photograph interesting things in my own home, being I’m not 100% and don’t want to go out in this cold for fear of catching pneumonia.
I learned that dealing with companies AI phone systems is a very frustrating experience. I’ve learned that age does affect your ability to fight off illness.
I learned that what came about to create WWII is possible again. When people won’t stand against corrupt power.
I’m working on skills to improve my writing and photography.
A little color on a grey morning. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt is asking me to – Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.
I try hard to be a good person. People will always say what they want about you. And I’m sure all of us have people that might say good and bad. I’m far from perfect.
Recently I was feeling a bit down when a very old friend wrote to me and said the following to me which really pulled me out of a funk.
There is a guy I follow on YouTube who reminds me of you. His name is Sean Stockman, Midlife Stockman channel. The reminding me of you part… not so much in looks (or age, lol), but in his kindness and need to take care of people.
He cleans up overgrown and ill-kept properties in the Detroit area. Watching him… his mannerisms, the way he talks to the audience as if we are helping him, the way he divides the property in sections and completely finishes each section before moving on, the way he takes time out to chat with folks passing by… I always think of you. You (and Sean) are the good guys.
I was thinking I didn’t matter much to people. A very selfish thought because life isn’t about me, but what I can do for others. She snapped me back to reality and made me feel so good about myself again. I thanked her very much obviously for sharing that though.
Nothing could make me happier in life than to just be remembered as a kind and good man.
Out on the Floridian, a smile on my face and loving life. Photo by our departed friend Capt. Dan McMullen if I remember correctly?
The daily writing prompt is asking – Tell us about your first day at something, school, work, as a parent, etc.
I’ll talk about today. Being it’s the first day I’m really feeling like myself again in almost 10 days. I have a smile on my face because I’ve regained my health.
I’m going to go out and get a Christmas tree for the upstairs. I’ll assemble the artificial one for the basement and string the lights on each. I’m going to listen to music and some comedy and laugh for the first time in a while.
I’m going to eat because I feel my appetite returning. I’m going to call one of my best friends who I haven’t spoken to for a while, which is very unusual. We already facetimed our children and grandchildren and they said we look much better.
Remember the best gift you have ever been given is your health. Take care of it.
Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech? Asks the daily writing prompt.
I’m no performer or speechmaker. But I have done both and it both terrifies me and was a lot of fun at the same time. I used to do more when I was younger at the job. We used to have a very social company and would create a show from time to time.
Speeches are things I’ve done on both happy and sad occasions. I can write a fairly good speech, but I need work on my delivery. I get nervous every time no matter what the occasion.
Entertainment on the stage at the county fairgrounds. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt is asking – What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?
Exercise wise, I walk a bit and lift some light weights to try to keep some form. Activities are playing with my grandchildren in any way possible. Pretending to be whatever animal they want to ride. Teaching them sports, running through a sprinkler together or swimming while on vacation.
If my health holds up over the winter, I’m looking forward to getting on a basketball court again. I loved playing ball and I miss it greatly. I think I’m going to try to hit the court every day that it’s nice out in 26.
There are a ton of physical activities I do around the home and yard and that is a lot of my physical workout. None are my favorites but after they are all done, I do feel that the exercise was worth it and I save a fortune in paying others to do it.
Can’t wait for March Madness and warmer temps to return. Photo by Mike Hartley
What is something others do that sparks your admiration? Not a bad ask from the daily writing prompt.
Kindness and Courage are two things that immediately popped to mind. Two things I am seeing a lack of now days. Yeah, the holiday season is bringing flashes of kindness now, but world and events in this country are overwhelming those good acts by far.
One of my favorite shots from Arlington National Cemetery. He walked by and nodded when I was visiting my parents. Photo by Mike Hartley
What’s your favorite cartoon? – This question from the daily writing prompt made me smile. I loved watching cartoons as a child, and I still enjoy the old ones today if I run across them.
I think my favorite was the Bugs Bunny Road Runner Hour. Others were Flintstones, Tom & Jerry and all the Looney Tunes cast.
The catch phase they used to say in the closing of the show of the Looney Tunes cartoon – “That’s All Folks”
Have a good morning, all.
Sunrise this morning wasn’t as warm as this. I think I saw 9 degrees. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks again my favorite place I have visited. Where is it?
There is no change to the answer to this question that I did in last years post titled Fav Place. The shores of Maryland and Delaware are my choices. Normally I update with some new info over the last year but I have the flu and it’s kicking my behind so I’m going back to bed.
Looking forward to being better and sharing more in the coming days.
What is the one thing you would change about yourself? – An interesting challenge to one’s self.
I’ve lived a long life. I’m very thankful for that. Many have it far worse so I’m not going to complain too loudly but I wish I had a bit better health.
The question of the day is – Are you more of a night or morning-person?
For a while there I was both. I worked an overnight shift and would stay up till mid morning.
Now I guess I’m more of a morning person if the morning starts shortly after midnight. I tend to rise well before the sun but enjoy that part of the day the best.
Kicking it to sunrise. Saw this couple on the beach getting some action in. Photo by Mike Hartley
What are your feelings about eating meat? – Of course I had to go look at last year’s answer to this same question from the daily prompt in my post called Meat Me and I see my opinion hasn’t changed.
I love all food, and I always ate what I wanted and how much I wanted. Well, that dynamic got it into a situation where I was about 30-40 lbs. overweight. I got that under control about 2 years ago if my memory is working this morning.
I lost that by adjusting the diet and cutting way back on sodas.
And I do something that many seem to recommend against. I weigh myself daily. I do it for the following reasons. It helps me keep focused and not get out of line to where I just let myself go. It’s like steering a car. Just keeping in my lane.
I don’t beat myself up if I gain a few pounds or get lower than what I think might be good. I try to keep a target weight of about 175 +- 5lbs. I make allowances for special events and holidays. For instance, this past weekend. And I just got on the scale and it’s showing 181. So, I’ll back off for a few days slowly and be right back in step.
Now that I have a pretty good record I have to start eating the right things more. I still snack to much on the wrong things. I’ve got to get more fruit and veggies. But there is no way I’m going to deny myself some treats once in a while or go vegan.
Of course, it’s smart to fit some exercise into the routine also. Exercise is what allowed me to eat whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted for decades. That all changed as my lifestyle did.
I admit it was nice going 4-5 decades and not giving food or drink a second thought. Now it’s just part of my daily routine to think about it because there are penalties for not thinking.
Be smart so you can take your son or daughter fishing.
I think I shot this at Rocky Gorge. Photo by Mike Hartley
What technology would you be better off without, and why? – An interesting question from the daily writing prompt.
I answered the same question last year in a post called Technology and listed several items that we would be better without like Military and weapon tech, games, AI and smartphones.
So, I’ll update that post with my new information and personal bias gained over this year.
Technology has changed life so quickly, mostly for the better for everyone. At the same time, it’s made life where it could be tough to survive if it goes down. Assuming power could be restored but no internet. How would you get information. There are a few ham radio operators still around. Printing presses are almost extinct.
How would you get money, gas and food? Think of the panic you see in people if they misplace their phone or cable goes out.
I know technology was around when I was born in the 50s. But things for the most part were manual and mechanical. I didn’t grow up with an air-conditioned home. I think that is why heat doesn’t bother me today and that I enjoy summer.
There were phones but they didn’t move. How many people still have LAN lines available?
The first mower I used didn’t even have a motor. I was the energy. Could anyone fix a car without technology? Of course, fixing it would be irrelevant because computers control the gas stations. They used to be manual.
I’m thankful I grew up in a time when technology didn’t dominate life. That tech wasn’t so intertwined with so many activities. Would people know how to have fun without technology.
I modified last year’s opinion on tech. Technology isn’t bad despite how we use it, at times. Wonderful things and advances for all have come from it. It’s that we have become so reliant on it to such a deep degree. And at the same time ignore all consequences and march forward at warp speed.
The prepping thing wasn’t one of my callings so I’m just as vulnerable as most, but I do have a few skills, being older. I know how to swing an axe/maul and make a fire.
I ran across my old boy scout cook kit a while back, and quickly thought, I don’t need this but then I said. Keep it for a rainy day. I’m thinking more like that now. Be a little more prepared.
Imagine no tech and having to talk to one another face to face.
The daily writing prompt asks – What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make and why?
Wow, the first few I thought of are very personal and I don’t care to share them here. But another very hard decision that has come about a few times is when your pets time has come. Deciding that is horrible if you are faced with it.
I’ve made the decision twice to have pets put down. I made those decisions out of compassion to end suffering. I’ve also had a few that I let go naturally. Either way is very difficult. Pets become family members so it’s an extremely personal thing. Sometimes though I believe we are more compassionate with pets than we are with people.
Happy Thanksgiving all. The daily writing prompt asks a holiday type question – Do you or your family make any special dishes for the holidays?
We stick to the traditional dishes for the most part. My better half makes stuffing that the family lives for. Every part of the meal I love.
My special dish is memories. Don’t take for granted that members of your family and friends that gather during the holidays will be there next time. Savor the time together, put small differences aside. Find out something about them you didn’t know.
I love creating new memories but I do love the old ones on the holidays. They can bring a smile and a tear at the same time. Thoughts drift back to our parent’s homes at Thanksgiving. The memories of your siblings as a youth, maybe playing in the yard, watching football or seeing how many raids you can get away with in the kitchen sampling things before dinner.
And then as adults their smiles as you would come back home for the holiday. Those smells would hit you at the door that took you back a few years and felt like moms embrace, when you were 10 years old.
Time flies, and then both you and their grandchildren are knocking on their doors, and you see your parents smiles bigger than you ever got and you become invisible for a few seconds because they fixate on the little ones. And you smile with happiness as they give you a quick kiss and hug.
And if you’re lucky the great grandchildren are also running around. You see all your siblings and their kids, and everyone is together. And then not. Parents pass, families start to have their own celebrations with a few exceptions. Siblings move away or don’t care to participate in a family style gathering.
The family spits into separate units, loosely connected at times or not at all. I’m trying to get back to that old time with my family. We the older parents now, our children and grandchildren for holidays. And if we are lucky one day way down the road, some great grandchildren.
I’m thankful again for another year and that is a wonderful dish I hope to keep getting served.
Leg, check, wing, check, breast, check. EAT. Photo by Mike Hartley
Who are your current most favorite people? – There is a question loaded with landmines. The thought of leaving someone out hangs over this reply. So, I’ll go with this answer.
The people that keep in touch with me. The people that tell me they love me or I’m a good friend. The people on the street I don’t know, that give me a smile. The people that hold a door for me or let me merge on the road.
The people fighting hard, for my rights and freedom. The people that keep me informed with truth and facts. The people that encourage me and are honest with me. The people that take care of my health.
The people that brought me into the world. The people that run up to me and say, “Lets Play Papa.”
I think that about covers it but I still have that feeling I’m leaving people out.
Don’t be alone, find your people. Photo by Mike Hartley
Beach or mountains? Which do I prefer and why? – An interesting thought for a weekend morning. Living in the state of Maryland, I have mountains 3 hours to the west and beaches 3 hours to the east. I love the beach because I love warm weather, sand and water.
Mountains are nice and very beautiful also. But if you have followed this blog for any time, you can see I’m at the beach far more than mountains.
So why do I live in Central Maryland, I asked myself. Pretty simple I guess, I grew up here and liked it. Went to school here, worked here, met my wife here, raised a family here.
But the beach is my love. I usually watch the sunrise over the Atlantic if I’m there or not. Family vacations or just us as a couple enjoy it year-round. Well, we don’t go in January or February, but we have been just about every other month. I think we might even add December to the list this year and go see the lights at the beach and walk the empty boardwalk and maybe even take our shoes off and get in the sand.
The beach has some of my best memories of my life.
Give me the Sun and Sand please. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt wants to know – What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals?
I’m going to break this down a little differently.
My Better Half. I remember the first dinner she made me when we started dating. It was at her parents home. It made me feel special. She has always fixed a wonderful Sunday dinner. Every week there is something special. She is something special.
My Daughter. We meet after she gets off from her work as a teacher and have dinner together. Memories of driving to her college and sharing a meal. And her smile as we ate pizza on the upper deck of Tony’s overlooking the boardwalk and ocean.
My Son. Going to breakfast at the old diner after getting our haircuts when he was young. And now when we would meet on Sunday at my favorite rib place for lunch. It’s been a while since we’ve done that. Expanding families will do that to one’s time.
Bonus meal – Each week, well 90+% of the time, my 2 best friends and I gather for a meal, have a lot of laughs, blow off steam, go on about our jobs, talk about family and solve the worlds problems all in one evening. The Gang of Three Brothers.
My Favorite meals can’t be had without my Favorite Company Above, no matter what the dish. Thank you for sharing the food and good times.
If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
I answered that last year in a post called Some History which I still like the answers to.
I’ll add one more to that list. I’d like to meet my parents current neighbor Mr. Graham, at Arlington National Cemetery who won the Medal of Honor in Vietnam and all of us have lunch together. And thank them all again for their service.
The daily writing prompt asks – Do you trust your instincts?
The short answer is yes. Have they always been right, no. But for the most part they have done me well.
Instincts are almost always right on. I can see where I’ve ignored them in the past and paid.
It’s also important to know the difference between the instincts and voices.
I can’t take credit for this graphic. I think its great and I’ve kept it visible for years to warm me of my other side and to listen to instincts and sort the voices out carefully.
What’s your favorite month of the year? Why? – Hell of a question from the daily writing prompt.
Any month it’s warm or hot. Any month I can put the top down on the car. Any month the snowball stand is open. Any month we take a long walk on the boardwalk.
Any month that has my children’s birthday in it. Any month that has my better half’s birthday in it. Any month that has my grandchildren’s birthday in it. Any month that has my parent’s birthday in it.
Any month I’m not in a doctor’s office or hospital. Any month I’m pain free. Any month I’m taking better care of myself. Any month I could get a decent night’s sleep.
Any month our wedding anniversary falls on. Any month of my best friend’s birthdays. Any month I get to attend a grandchild’s school function.
Any month I’m knocking out new paintings. Any month I upload a few hundred new photos. Any month I keep up blogging. Any month I make progress on my book.
Any month our love for each other comes through. Any month we survive on the highways. Any month we have a family gathering. Any month we have a boy’s weekend.
Any month there could be peace in the world. Any month people don’t go hungry or homeless. Any month we all could stop talking about it and do something about it.
My favorite month is this one because the next one is never promised.
Here is a place you can spend a few months getting better. Photo by Mike Hartley
What is your favorite place to go in your city? A difficult ask by the daily writing prompt because I live in a small town not a city.
But we do have a city nearby. A very old mill town called Ellicott City. It’s a city I’m connected to in many ways. My better half’s family lived there. When we got married our first apartment was there. I began my 5 decades in newspapers in that city. Owned a business there.
The place has been through a lot of traumas. Fires, train accidents and floods. It has reinvented itself so many times I’ve lost count. There were two fire stations, but both had moved. There was a lumber and flour mill there. That’s gone. There was a thriving newspaper business that’s long gone. There was a corner market and that is gone.
Mr. Yates behind his counter. Photo by Mike Hartley
The list of what has gone and come and gone and come again is too long for this post but it’s a town always in transition, but it stays the same somehow. Friendly, unique, picturesque, filled with small homes and shops, with restaurants and bars. Farmers markets, movie nights, and many theme occasions. Santa still rides down Main Street as he did decades ago.
Snow at Railroad Museum. Photo by Mike Hartley
They kick off the holiday season with midnight madness and tree lighting. The fire station, now up Old Columbia Pike, has a huge holiday train garden for the kids and adults like me.
Tongue Row EC. Photo by Mike Hartley
Oh, the town has many issues. A historical society that tries to keep it true but also doesn’t know the only constant in life is change. Many town factions and groups all squabble from time to time.
The train bridge crosses the lower end of town by the Patapsco River. Photo by Mike Hartley
Many of the places that made it special for decades are gone or going. Tersiguel’s is closing after 50 years I believe this year. Old Mr. Yates in his market, Fisher’s bakery with the sweetest sweets I’ve ever had has been history for a long time. Coco Lane and Commercial Farmers Bank that I used to walk down the street to cash my first work checks.
Fernand Tersiguel standing outside his establishment. Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s different now but loaded with new treasures and shops and restaurants and sights. Flood mitigation efforts should preserve this town from its past devastating floods. But you can never fully protect against Mother Nature of course.
It can get crowded on the weekends.
So, my favorite place is Main Street and the memories I have of it. I walk up and down this hilly place often. It’s great exercise, most everyone has a smile and hello. I look in shop windows, take pictures, maybe grab a snack or drink. It relaxes me and with all the history I have, it feels a bit like home.
I took this shot the day before a flood that wiped out most of the first and some of the second stories of this lower section of town. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – What’s the first impression you want to give people?
I hope that I appear friendly on first impression. I like meeting people.
Figuring out what impression I give is another matter. You will have to judge that for yourself.
Impressions can vary on a person’s day. Catching someone after a traumatic event or low on sleep might give you an entirely different impression than seeing them at a party or meeting them on the job.
I’m not one that is trying to impress people for the most part.
One of my favorite quotes I keep on my wall to the side of my desk.
There are two types of people – those who come into a room and say “Well, Here I am” and those who come in and say “Ah, there you are.” Frederick L Collins.
I’d like to think that I’m the one that says “Ah, there you are”
What book are you reading right now? – So asks the daily prompt.
7 Steps to a Pain Free Life by Robin McKenzie. My better half picked it up to help with my back issues. Very kind of her. It was recommended by my best friend’s sister. Thanks to both.
I’ve got to become a more active reader of books. Sitting on a porch like this on a warm summer day overlooking the beach is a nice perch for reading.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? – An interesting thought to fantasize about from the daily writing prompt.
This morning my thoughts took me to Fenwick Island, Delaware. Right on the shore and the town borders my home state of Maryland so I can be right next to all the things I love. Trouble is that it is still too far from my children and grandchildren so it wouldn’t work.
It’s a beautiful small town of maybe 400 people on the shore. Very walkable and friendly. A slow pace of life and wonderful views.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse on Delaware Maryland border. Photo by Mike Hartley
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever found (and kept)? – Asks the daily writing prompt. In my answer last year, I focused on some seashells in a post called Things Kept
This year I’ll share another thing. In going through some of dad’s things many years ago after he passed and I found two postcards that I keep over my desk. They were addressed to me when I was barely a year old. They were from my dad when he was in St Albans Naval hospital in New York.
My mom must have tucked them away after he passed. The ink is fading badly on one. It’s one of the few things I have with his writing to me. On the address he wrote out my full name with middle initial. But started the card with – Mike, this is your first postcard. I love you and your wonderful mommy. Don’t get in bed with Mommy. – And he signed it, Jim.
The second says – Dear Mike, Daddy is thinking of you and hope you are being a good fella for your mommy. Kiss mommy and little Lorri for me. Be a good little boy and lots of love. Dad
I’m not even sure why they have come to mean so much to me. Maybe it’s the time we didn’t have when I was an infant and toddler and then at 9, he was gone. The time we had after that was the most difficult time in his life. And that is saying something being he grew up in the depression, enlisted in the Navy a year before WWII started and was also in the Korean War and went on Operation Deep Freeze.
I know postcards don’t sound cool. But to me it’s kind of special, sort of like a connection to him from the start.
I’ve also found several ribbons and medals and photos of his years in service. But I found an old box also that I believe was his father’s because it had things from WWI in it including a Purple Heart.
What part of your routine do you always try to skip if you can? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
I can’t think of a thing I intentionally try to skip in any part of my routine if I can. The best I can think of is that occasionally I won’t mow the lower backyard that goes into the woods as deep as I do other times.
If it’s your routine, why would you try to skip it. My hobbies are part of my routine. I can’t imagine trying to skip them. Maybe exercise but again I don’t try to skip it or any other part of what I like. It’s just time constraints or feeling poorly.
Unfortunately, I sometimes skip making the best use of my time. I used to skip school but that was a very long time ago. I miss skipping rocks on the water like the kid in me did.
I skipped a financial seminar last night to attend a University of Maryland Basketball game. Yes, they did win and I say that now because I’m not expecting a ton of them this year.
I’d like to skip the coming winter and proceed to SPRING.
Sometimes I skip the daily writing prompt, but not often. I would have liked to have skipped this question today.
Looks like he is thinking of skipping surfing today. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt wants to know – Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?
I answered this question last year in a post called Famous. But I got another one to add to the list due to his rise this year to position I think he always wanted. Talk about someone pursuing his dream.
He started out as an intern and then hired full time in the IT area of the Washington Post. He worked under me for a while before moving onward and upward through the company.
I think he was fresh out of college when he started. He was just a young man named Ken Babby. There were a few things that stood out about him from the start. He was sharp and observant, and not afraid to ask questions. He was very personable and a sponge for knowledge. I found him very easy to talk to and as someone who enjoyed mentoring, I shared what knowledge I had with him.
He quickly rose through the ranks. But before he moved on, he asked me if I liked basketball which he knew I did. He gave me 2 tickets to the Wizards vs San Antonio game for my son and me. That is when he told me his father was a sports agent for Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen and another player I can’t recall now.
He even asked us to stay after the game for a meet and greet with San Antonio players. What a wonderful experience for my son. I will always be thankful for that gesture.
I thought to myself this kid is very down to earth and genuine. I would never have guessed his family was well to do before that night. The way and speed he moved up through the company was very fast. But like I said, this was a smart kid.
I believe that it was at least 27 years ago that we worked together, maybe more. Well, he has done very well for himself. This year he became the CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team. He also owns two minor league teams. One Double A and one Triple A teams.
I’ll ping him before the season starts this coming year and wish him well but remind him the Yankees will win the division. Maybe I’ll see if he’s coming to Baltimore and wants to meet up. I’ll even treat him to a sandwich from Boog’s BBQ.
What is good about having a pet, the daily writing prompt asks.
It’s nice to have another living thing to share love with. The laughter they provide. The calm they give. The listening ear they lend. The safety some provide. The wonderful company they are. And many more things.
I miss having a pet, but the losses over the years from family pets were just too great for my better half to bare again so we don’t have one currently. I understand that and accept it.
Instead of naming the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased like I did last year in a post titled – Material Crap – as the daily writing prompt asks, I’ll answer this a different way.
I’ve learned early on in life that material things didn’t equal happiness. I believe our parents instilled that in us. My better half and I are on the same page most of the time. We just don’t spend much on ourselves.
I’m not really hung up on material things. We get our value out of purchases and always have. I also try to fix and repair things when possible.
I have a hard time even looking at expensive items except for curiosity of what expensive stuff really costs. And what’s the old term? If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.
Being satisfied and happy with less than the most expensive items is cool with us.
What podcasts are you listening to? I’m still kind of new to podcasts to answer this question from the daily writing prompt well, but I’ll give it a shot.
Lately Pablo Torre Finds Out and The Best People Nichole Wallace and Beyond the Lens with Richard Bernabe and the Daily Show.
I’m just starting to get into Podcast so I’m not too deep into it yet.
How do you manage screen time for yourself? – A very important question for many of us because that balance in life is so important.
To me it’s not the screen time, it’s what you do with your screen time. I limit my screen time with the phone to an hour and I’m working on getting that down.
I do spend a good bit of time on the computer because it’s a tool for my writing and photography. I also use it for some enjoyment and reading is my main source of news and events.
Manage it, before it manages you is my advice. Especially with children.
Look away from the phone and love your pet or each other. Photo by Mike Hartley
A bizarre question. I assume everyone needs time. Well maybe those who are doing time don’t want more but speaking personally, I want as much time as possible.
What I want more though is to be productive in lots of things in the time I do have. I saw a movie recently and it had the line – “Time is luck” -and the response was “Luck run out” when two had to part at the end. Sort of like a statement on life.
Some are very unfortunate and have very little time. I’ve been blessed and have had lots of time. I’d love to have lots more because I’m so happy with what I’m doing with time now.
What will your life be like in three years? – Deep question from the daily writing prompt.
I read last year’s answer to this same question and it was my idea and dream post called Life Plus 3. And after year one we are on track with most of that.
Today though, I’m not thinking that far ahead. I’m trying to live in the present as much as possible. Decisions and actions we take or don’t take today and tomorrow all factor in on that 3-year projection. And so many things could happen between now and then that may be out of our control.
It’s fun thinking long term.
Triple the Pleasure. Photo by Mike Hartley
Those used to be some of my favorite questions for people when I was doing performance reviews. It’s especially good for young people to think about. We would talk about short term/yearly goals in the meeting but near the end I would ask where do you see yourself in 3-5 years and then in 10 years?
It was fun watching people respond to that. Some at those younger ages hadn’t thought beyond getting out of a review alive. Others might talk about a personal passion. I had a couple guys working for me whose dream was to be a musician.
I know one of them did get their wish. He is very successful (David Sitek). Worked for me at Patuxent Publishing Company as a photo reproduction tech.
It’s good to evaluate those long-term goals regularly. They do change over a lifetime.
My goal in the next 3 minutes is to get something to eat. In about 3 hours I’m going to catch another hour or two of sleep. In 3 days, I’ll see my son and grandson. In 3 weeks, the house will start to fill with the smells of Thanksgiving prep. In 3 months, I have a important doctors appointment. That’s as far as I can look ahead this morning.
The daily writing prompt asks – Invent a holiday! Explain how and why everyone should celebrate.
I really loved last year’s answer to this question in a post I did called – Too Many Holidays Already where I came up with 4 great holiday ideas.
But being another year has passed I’m sure I could add a few more.
Hold a Hand Day – I see so few people holding hands anymore. It’s good for the spirit. It doesn’t have to be anything forced. Just something a friend or significant other would hopefully do naturally. But in our day-to-day rush seems to be forgotten except for those first falling in love.
Visit an Elderly Person Day – It’s not any one day of the year but everyone must devote one day to visiting and spending time with an elderly person. Helping them, making them laugh, letting them tell stories, eating a meal together. If you don’t know one visit a nursing or assisted living facility.
Those taking care of an elderly person should get that day off when someone takes their place.
Sit on Your Roof Day – There have been a few times in my life where I’ve sat on a roof. All those times I’ve been troubled. For some reason that helped. It either relaxed me, gave me time to think and changed my perspective. Maybe it would do something positive for others. Good thing I don’t feel inclined to do that now, I’m too old to be climbing ladders that high.
Share a Skill/Be a Mentor Day – I thought of this because my granddaughter was saying yesterday, she might like to play basketball. My heart almost exploded with joy as I taught her a few things about dribbling and set up the basement hoop. Throughout my career and life, I always shared what little knowledge I had.
As I went through my 5 + decades of work. I noticed there were fewer mentors along the way. Probably due to several factors. Some companies started to set things up where people were competing against one another instead of as a whole team.
So take a day and pass along some wisdom, knowledge, skill, and make someone’s life better.
With a little help from my friends. Just happened to be listening to Joe Cocker version of that when I thought this might be a good image. Photo by Mike Hartley
What are your favorite websites? – With all the data being gathered I’m sure someone or many can tell you that answer.
Let’s go through the day. I start off working in WordPress doing my blog usually and roaming through other posts that day by hundreds of people I subscribe to.
On a laptop I’ll set up YouTube and run some of my favorite music videos usually of live performances and listen to the headphones and occasionally look over at the musicians.
I’ll always go to oceancitylive.com to watch the sunrise and sunsets from various webcams around the town if I’m not at the beach.
There is the uploading of photos to my Zenfolio site each day. Check my various email accounts. Read some news and sports on various sites.
I’m constantly trying to limit my time on Facebook to almost nothing. Just checking on a couple of groups for old work friends and a car club I belong to.
I’ll go to a few cartoon and humor sites. Depending on the sports seasons I’ll check out the pro sites and during college basketball season I’ll follow the Maryland Terps site and anything related to it.
Photography sites like Nikon, Canon, B&H for various tips, equipment and other photographer’s sites.
Car sites like things related to Miata’s or classic cars and shows locally. Local clubs.
Travel sites, both local and far.
Food, health and weather are usually mixed in here and there depending on hunger, aches and storms.
I read a ton of news from too many sources to list here.
Is there an age or year of your life you would re-live?
Sometimes I answer these questions without looking back at my previous year’s answer. Or when I do go back and look, I build on that answer with new information gathered over the new year. But when I went back and looked at my answer to this question it gave me pause.
Last year’s short piece titled Re-live was about going back to the year before my dad died to get a lot more stories and information from him. To have life not changed so dramatically after his passing.
If I had to choose again, I guess I might re-live last year. In some ways I felt like I wasted some time adjusting to retirement and didn’t take full advantage of it. I should have been doing a lot more.
Families doing their own portrait work. Photo by Mike Hartley
What historical event fascinates you the most? – An interesting question from the daily writing prompt.
My first thought was World War II. And I went back and looked at last year’s answer and I had chosen that also in a post called History Question. It’s a good post because my family was significantly involved in that war both abroad and at home because it affected the families working in the states, many of whom were working in direct support of the war effort. There are several images of the WWII memorial in that post.
That war and 9/11 were probably the two times this country was really united.
I’ll go back to that war another day because the part about history that fascinates me now is our present days.
I think we are partly in the situation we find ourselves in now in the United States is because a lot of us don’t know history. So many of the things happening now have happened before. And that led to some horrible events in the world’s history.
People in power are undermining what we, our parents, our grandparents and their parents built. We have been divided. Fear and prejudice have been installed and brought back out in many. Instead of a President for all, we have one that only pretends to care about his most loyal followers and everyone else is the enemy.
What we do in the coming days, weeks, months and the next few years is going to be a turning point, one way or another. And we oversee that direction. Let’s not disappoint those who gave so much.
What’s something you believe everyone should know. – Rather presumptuous of me to project what everyone should know. Like I have a good grip on life (NOT). But what the hell. Here it goes.
Intermediate – Learning is lifelong. Love is hard and painful at times. Life is hard and painful at times. Unless you are in a very small percentage, you will have to work hard in your life to have a chance to succeed. Your body is a special thing, respect it. You only get one.
Advanced – Trust and respect are earned. You alone are in charge of how you feel. The richest people aren’t really the richest people in life. Live some of your life like there is no tomorrow, because one day there is no tomorrow. If you go outside today without an umbrella you’re going to get wet.
Oh yeah, if you eat too much Halloween candy tomorrow, you’re going to feel like crap on Saturday. But some of us will do it anyway. That’s the kid trying to come out in you.
I used to know how to work on cars. But age prevents me from getting into positions in, around and under the hood that used to be possible. I don’t want to get stuck like this guy. Photo by Mike Hartley
