What does it mean to be a kid at heart? – Asks the daily writing prompt today. I didn’t look at last year’s answer to this question on purpose. I wonder how alike they are.
Cool, animals.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Just a few off the top of my head:
To play from dawn to dusk.
To dance like nobody’s watching.
To run like the wind.
To sing out loud with abandon.
To laugh so hard you fall to your knees holding your stomach.
To pretend you are anything you want to be.
To take risks.
To say what’s on your mind.
To not know prejudice.
To look at the world with amazement each day.
To experience new tastes for the first time.
To learn new sports.
To make good friends.
To crash on a bike or skateboard for the first time.
To learn from mistakes.
There are many things to being a kid at heart. Unfortunately many are cut off with kids experiencing traumas at a young age. These change the whole experience of youth.
The daily writing prompt asks – Describe a family member.
Eyes that look deep into your soul. A grip so tight it hangs on for life. A smile that can touch my heart and choke me up. Hair and skin are so soft to the touch. A giggle that makes me chuckle. A look at life with amazement.
Always learning and listening intently. Intrigued by other family members and always glad to see them. One of the few people I enjoy watching sleep.
The daily writing prompt asks – What is your favorite form of physical exercise?
I’m looking forward to a new favorite form of exercise. I just was reminded of this as I walked past my son’s first bike that I had pulled down from the attic. I pumped up the tires, oiled and cleaned it and thought about where I was going to get some training wheels so his son can ride it when he comes to visit.
All my grandchildren are growing fast and will be using our big front yard for many games in the future, so you know I’ll be playing along, trying to keep up and getting some good exercise watching the smiles of my favorite people.
I can only do my favorite form of exercise in a very limited way and really haven’t in a long time. That is playing basketball. Yeah, I can walk around and shoot and dribble with both hands well, but my right knee is injured and probably needs surgery if I want to run again. It feels a lot like the torn MCL that I had decades ago in the other knee. It’s the only limb I haven’t had surgery on.
As lame as it may sound, walking, dumbbells and learning some stretching and exercises for my back are my favorites now. I get a lot of exercise taking care of things around the house and yard but those aren’t my favorites.
Washing and detailing the car is fun and exercise. And on a sunny summer day when I’m headed to the beach with it the exercise of pushing in the clutch and shifting is great exercise for my mind.
The daily writing prompt asks – How much would you pay to go to the moon?
I would pay Nothing. I’d get my long telephoto lens out and bring it to me.
Let’s talk about something relevant. How much would you pay for health insurance? How much would you pay for food? How much would you pay for rent, a car or home?
We are going to keep learning new answers in unpleasant ways, repeatedly to those and more things unless we start to change direction.
What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
Ah the 2nd year of retirement is almost complete, and my second career is in progress. Slow but moving forward. I’m getting back to the interest I had in my first and only semester in college. Applied Art and Design and Photography if my memory is right on the major/minor combo.
I’ve also added learning to be a writer to the mix. I’ve thought about buying a drum kit but that wouldn’t go over with my better half or the neighbors. I’m always working on my driving skills so maybe Autocross racer. Who knows what else I’ll pick up along the way.
I’m enjoying being Papa while the grandchildren are in their early years. When they get to high school age and beyond the time with them dwindles, I’m told. I hope I’m around to see those years also.
What food would you say is your specialty? – The daily prompt asks.
Last year’s answer to this same question was pretty complete in a post titled Food Again. Filled with both meat and seafood.
But as always, I’ll add something because life teaches us new things all the time. Like I said in the previous post I like to grill. For some reason this summer’s burgers were spot on and tasted just great.
I was reminded of that as a new bag of charcoal came home from the store yesterday. I think I’ll fire up the grill on Sunday.
Hot dogs, burgers, chicken and salmon. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt asks – What major historical events do you remember? – I answered this question last year with a number of events in post called Off the Top of my Head being I’m a bit older than some who blog.
It was a pretty complete list of my recollection of the turmoil in the 60s and 70s. As I reread it, I noticed how much it was on death and tragedies.
So here are a few good ones I can recall also from those early days. I remember watching the moon landing on B&W TV. I remember the feeling that Woodstock gave the nation. I remember reading my first issue of Rolling Stone magazine.
Others I remember are being afraid of nuclear war. Also waiting in gas lines on odd/even days depending on your license plate. I remember the music of those years getting me through a lot.
What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take – but haven’t been able to?
I answered this question from the daily writing prompt last year in a post called Go for it and I’m still working on that one so let’s add something to the plate to do.
I’d like to start playing basketball again. But there is a pretty good chance I need knee surgery before that happens. So, until then I’ll shoot around.
The daily writing prompt is asking – What are you most proud of in your life?
I answered the same question last year in a post called Proudwhere not much has changed except one thing. One of the things I said I was proud of is my country. Not so much today. I’m hoping to get it back from the orange one and his minions running it into the ground now.
Otherwise, my family, friends, careers, home and state I all hold proud still.
Suggestions –
I’m proud of my children. And I tell them that often. Both in the people they are and how they have done at their chosen professions. And now as parents themselves, my pride grows even further.
Life is tough. Tell those who are working hard in all facets of life that you admire them. Be it family, friend or co-worker. Very few people will take the time to do that.
Take pride in what you do. I’ve spent more time beating myself up than encouraging myself. I can say from that experience I was doing it wrong. Since turning that equation around, I feel much better about myself.
If you have pride in yourself, it will help you in making hard decisions.
Don’t have false pride or arrogant pride.
Pride of Baltimore II heading out for a sail from Cambridge. Photo by Mike Hartley
What have you been working on? – Asks the daily writing prompt. Not a bad question to answer each day.
I’m working on building out my new laptop, installing software, migrating some data and working through a few issues. I let my technology knowledge lapse and I’m playing catch up.
Lots of work on editing photos from the trip to the beach and yesterday’s No Kings rally. Plus, I’d like to get out today and capture some of the change of season colors.
Writing has been a focus for a bit but I’m going to give that a break for a bit except for the blog.
Food is always something I’m thinking about and hope to be working on more. Maybe I’ll grill out today.
Just watched the sunrise on one of the Ocean City webcams
Later I’ll be working on the backyard, mowing it which I postponed from Friday.
The bottle of car wax is looking at me reminding me to accomplish that task before it gets too cold out.
What I’d like to be working on is some hammock time, some seat time in the Miata with the top down on this sunny Sunday before the rains this evening.
Back to work. Sailors returning to ship at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Photo by Mike Hartley
What’s something most people don’t know about you? – Let’s see, I don’t want to give the same answer to this question that I did last year in a post titled Night Sky so I’ll reveal something else.
The number of concussions I’ve had in my life. And yes, it scares me. Luckily things are still connecting the dots between the ears.
Being its baseball season I remember picking up one there. I was playing catcher and a State Trooper on the other team decided to do his Pete Rose imitation and rolled me over like a bowling pin and knocked me out.
That one I recovered from in week or so, I was young. The worst one from an accident took almost a year to even start feeling somewhat normal and I actually think that one had some lingering lifelong effects on my balance. I believe I can recall 6 in total.
Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive? – Not a bad question to pose on a Friday morning from the daily writing prompt.
Lazy days can leave me feeling both rested and unproductive. I don’t allow myself too many lazy days. In the past when I did that would usually leave me a bit frustrated. I’m better at accepting some lazy time now. But overall, I’d say it is unproductive.
I feel that I’ll be missing an opportunity now if I don’t take advantage of the remaining time. So, I do stay fairly active each day at something. Be it home or yard chores, my hobbies, being with family and friends, riding with the top down, exercising or learning.
I guess it’s all how you look at life. Some may look at me lying in a hammock and think that’s rather unproductive. While all the time, those batteries are recharging, creative ideas are flowing, muscles rebuilding, a look at the sky to get a better perspective and redefine the definition of blue, ears attuned to every sound, the skin feels the speed of the breeze blowing.
My problem is I don’t allow myself much hammock time.
When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why? The answer to this question last year was in a post titled “The Captain“
That was about someone I don’t know personally. So, this year I thought I’d pick a person I know that is successful and why.
I know people that have been successful financially. Also, some that have been successful professionally. Some have found success in personal relationships. I know very few that have been successful at all three.
So, I guess I don’t know anyone who has been completely successful. I guess my definition of it would be, have you touched enough people to help them be successful in various facets in life and do you have the wonderful memories in your own life at the end to reflect on for you to leave this world with a smile on your face.
What makes a good neighbor? – Asks the daily writing prompt again. I wrote a piece last year called Neighbor that covers it pretty well.
So, I’ll talk about a few other observations. We have a longtime neighbor down the street moving away later this year. Our children all grew up together. He more than helped me build my deck. We used to go to dinner or cookouts here and there.
They are the second longtime neighbor that our families had a long connection with that moved this year. Change is the only constant in life. When we first moved here, there was nothing but woods behind us for decades. Then another home was added to the court behind us. While we have a wooded view in the summer, but as the trees shed the corner of a home appears to the right.
We have two properties that are in danger of collapse. At the same time, homes near a million $. One nice property was purchased about 2 years ago and hasn’t been lived in since. Very strange, seeing someone in and out every month or two, for a few hours, but otherwise unoccupied.
I hear we have a State Policeman in the neighborhood, but we haven’t met. Large family but almost never seen. We have a couple of elderly OGs still. But transition will be coming to those homes also. There are several of us who are entering our senior years and a mix of young newcomers, most of which I don’t know well yet.
I get along well with the longtime neighbors to one side and across the street. The neighbor on the other side is a struggle at best. They still own the home but moved elsewhere I believe and I’m guessing now they have other family living there. I believe they also rent rooms out. They don’t take care of the property and in the past built on my property to where I had to pay for a survey and get their shed, animal pen and garden off my land. They almost burnt their place down twice with open burns and got sited by the county.
A longtime neighbor (who was also my dentist) just retired so I might look him up more. I’ll probably make more of an effort to get to know my new neighbors.
One of them down the street I think I might meet before some others. They are car enthusiasts. I’m also a car enthusiast, but I don’t tear up and down my street. I’ve done some eyeballing when they came rolling down a few times and that seems to have solved it for now with the exception when they had a meet at their house and they all rolled out for a cruise and more than a few got squirrely on the way out.
It’s an interesting and ever-changing neighborhood. At one time we were the young childless couple in the hood. Then a family and now one of the neighborhood OGs.
As we exit our neighborhood street, this house sits across the street looking left on Woodstock Road. Photo by Mike Hartley
I looked at last year’s answer to the same question called Try It. And I haven’t done one on that list yet. That is because I didn’t associate an action with it.
Maybe I should simplify. Or get my ass in gear, one or the other.
Anyway, here is new list.
I’m going to my first protest this weekend.
I’m going to sit outside in the middle of winter around my new firepit for the first time. Why, I do not know.
I’m going to work on an abstract carving for the first time.
I’m going to create my first photo book. And keep making them.
Tomorrow I’m going to try my hand at concrete caulking for the first time.
I’m going to try a self-portrait.
I’ve never rode one of these. Maybe there is another first? Photo by Mike Hartley
What principles define how you live? – My answer to this question from the daily writing prompt in last year’s post called Simple Ones, was pretty complete and still holds true today.
But my nature says that I’ve lived another year so I must have learned something to add to that list.
Work on changing myself, instead of others.
There is time to take a stand. Be aware of that time.
Seeking truth is very important. That was true in the 1960s as it is today.
Always work on improving your common sense.
Say what is on your mind now before it’s too late.
Give your grandchildren memories that they will hold dear, long after you are gone.
Say “I love you” to those you love often as possible.
Appreciate each season. You never know if you won’t see one again.
Just one of a million I’ll be blowing or mowing away. Photo by Mike Hartley
What have you been putting off doing? Why? – The daily writing prompt trying to frustrate me first thing on a Sunday morning, how nice.
Cleanup on Isle 3. On isle 3 are my 3 computers. There is a method to my madness, but it could be seen as a slightly disorganized mess.
I haven’t organized my photo collection well. The need to spend a few days concentrating on organizing and uploading images to my photo site is getting urgent. The why is I keep shooting more and can barely keep up with editing those images I like on the first go round.
My writings are fairly organized, but I had hundreds of notes on ideas, thoughts and sometimes a couple pages of a tangent I go on that occasionally turns into something good. But they need to be organized. The why on this one is a bit deeper. I’d like to be a writer but I’m at best a novice at it and might be a bit scared of writing a few books.
Then there is email hell, another one where I need to automate more and do a major cleaning on. The why to it being put off is, I GET TOO MUCH FRIGGEN EMAIL.
On the non-technical front,
I’ve put off fixing my string trimmer because the first two attempts failed and I didn’t want to test my patience with a third.
There are a few yard projects I’ve either delayed or put off till next year. The why is because this old body has only so much energy on some days, which limits production.
I put off replacing my tractor, which is 27 years old. When I picked out the one I liked, I realized it was too big to fit into my current shed. I thought about replacing the shed, but the grass needed cutting so I got the old one running again somehow and it made it through another season. Maybe next year.
These tractors seem to last forever. Photo by Mike Hartley
What was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)? A question from the daily writing prompt asks again.
I can’t think of anything to add to the post titled Grown Up that I did last year to this question other than don’t force your children to grow up too early. Let them be kids, and do kids things.
One sweet thing about being grown up. When your children have children, you get to act like a child with them.
If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to? – I answered this daily question last year in a post called Give It and I wouldn’t change much about those designated to receive that money.
What troubles me is that the need is greater than last year for most people. That just isn’t right. The wealth distribution in this country is way out of whack. And it could be one of the downfalls of this country in the future.
I remember the days when a million seemed like an incredible sum of money. Google tells me that there are over 3000 billionaires in the world and over 900 in the US. And the way the greed of the top 3 (Elon, Jeff and Mark) they probably have the goal of Trillionaire’s. And it would make me very happy if all three of them lost their asses.
I already boycott Musk and Bezos. In my mind I’m not supporting a madman and a gutless individual. And I’m about to pull my plug on Meta also.
I’m not sure how this is all going to work out because our government seems intent on consolidating wealth to a very few. I guess that they forget that the middle and lower classes aren’t going to stand for this much longer.
The first step is to clear this administration out and then a lot of the other side who is just as incompetent as the other side is. A bunch of morons who forgot who they were sent there to serve. Well, there is a solution for that. Get to the voting booth.
And to the huge voting block out there who isn’t registered or too lazy to vote. Wake the F up and vote you idiots, or you get what you get and don’t complain because you don’t have a RIGHT TO.
On a personal note. Screw you Jeff Bezos for running the Washington Post into the ground and killing it. You had a chance to do something right in your life again and blew it. Fine job you moron.
Sorry about the rant. I dislike greedy people.
Time is running out to fix the wealth inequity issue. Photo by Mike Hartley
What’s something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail. – Let’s see what I can add to last year’s response to this question from the daily writing prompt in the post titled Attempting.
I wouldn’t mind attempting to make the world a better place by removing all the power-hungry greedy people. And while we were at it take away all the weapons of war.
Hey, I’m thinking big this morning, unlike last year’s post.
The Atlantic Pavilion at the World War II Memorial in Washington DC – Photo by Mike Hartley
What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself? – I answered this question from the daily writing prompt last year in a post called Goallll. And all of that still holds true today.
I’m going to add two more. The first is my goal of becoming a working artist in my retirement. I’m doing average at it so far but that might be a generous assessment. I’ve always known good work takes time. And time is what I’m not devoting to what is needed to achieve that goal.
I didn’t realize how busy retirement is. Doctor’s appointments, watching grandchildren, home and garden work and many more all keep the schedule packed.
The second goal was overcoming something a lot of us deal with but don’t talk about. I learned about depression at an early age. How I’ve chosen to overcome it over the decades haven’t always been the best choice.
It did become a goal that I knew I would either overcome or keep control of. I’ve been blessed with a good memory. That is both a blessing and a curse. There are some difficult events that leave me shaking today when recalled. Luckily, I have more good than bad memories.
Just keep that mindset to keep battling whatever it is. There were periods professionally where it was very difficult to work with some managers making the love for what I did difficult. We’ve been married a long time, and you don’t go through decades together without difficult times. But our goal was forever, and we have stuck to that.
As we all do we adapt. Either that or sink. And it is easy to give up and sink. I’ve occasionally been under water myself. More accurately alcohol. But that is a problem solved from the past. I stopped drinking to kill myself decades ago.
I’m not sure if I consciously thought about overcoming depression or just got to a point where something was really eating me and I made the effort to turn it around with a new goal. Whatever works for you, do it.
Who are your favorite artist? – The daily writing prompt asks.
Last year’s answer I didn’t select individual artists instead a SALUTE to all artist in a post titled the same. So, this year I’ll change it up. It’s just before 3am and the headphones are on, so I’ll give a few of my musical R&R favorites.
The Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Rush, The Beatles, Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, AC/DC, Jethro Tull, Van Halen, Foo Fighters, Phil Collins, Elton John, Rolling Stones, Doobie Brothers, Booker T & the MGs, Ozzy, (Jimi, Frank, Stevie)
Next year when this question rolls around again, I’ll list the Blues and Motown favorites.
I’m having trouble stringing my guitar. Photo by Mike Hartley
I wrote about – What would you do if you lost all your possessions? – last year in a post called Lost in answer to the daily writing prompt.
So today I’ll write about another type of loss. The loss of physical abilities. Age is quickly showing me limitations I’ve never had to deal with before.
Life is about adapting. All through life. As a senior though you get tired of adapting, when suddenly you’re faced with a whole new set of issues.
Life without the energy or limitations that make things that were easy in the past a challenge now. I can see why some older people become more sedentary. The desire to keep fighting through challenges diminishes over time.
I hope I never hit that point but it’s possible. I have to keep working on my mindset to overcome. My sight was the first sense to start to fade. I picked up glasses about 15 years ago. I’ve run into a few other physical issues that affect me periodically but I’m dealing with those successfully. They slow me sometimes, but I focus on other things I can do so I’m not losing time or effort.
Being positive and looking forward are good skills in adapting to the changes your body and mind go through.
I’ve never been one on strength training with weights. Just here and there throughout my life. But as a senior I’m working with dumbbells every day now. I’m stretching every morning and sometimes in the evening.
I’m walking more now than I can remember in a few decades.
I know if I’m fortunate enough to live a lot longer that I’ll lose physical abilities. Maybe even more senses. I just hope I don’t lose the mindset to overcome. And I guess that holds true for possessions also.
What’s a topic or issue about which you’ve changed your mind? – Of course, I had to go see last year’s answer to this question in a post called Switch.
So, let’s see what I would add to that list.
Sports – I still love sports, but I hate what they have become. From professionals to little leagues. Gambling, pressure on kids not in double digit age, entitled and arrogant athletes, greedy bloodsucking owners, taxpayer stadiums that only the rich can use, overpriced merchandise.
Yes, I will watch the Yankees play with the joy of a young boy who will grab a glove, bat, baseball, basketball, football, and disappear with friends for the day. But I’m watching far less sports these days and might resort to just going back to playing games instead of watching any.
And no, it’s not right to group all sports figures as bad. Many coaches, players and owners, do very good with the status and wealth they acquire. And we should be thankful for their effort and sharing.
Body Care – I’ve been kind of hardheaded and do a lot of things myself. I had a neighbor that lived to be 92, he was mowing his own yard till that last year. That was kind of my goal. To be in good enough shape to get on a tractor, mow, trim, do the maintenance on the equipment and clean up till late into my senior years.
I have a very challenging back yard hill. Well, it’s all hill, it just changes how steep it is. I had a neighbor on a tractor go down the hill rolling end over end. Luckily, he rolled off the side and didn’t get crushed, but the mower was totaled. I do it with a push mower and string trimmer, but that is getting challenging.
I may put my pride aside and eventually hire someone one of these years. Not that I’ll stop physical activity, just not something that I could fall at easily. Because I have fallen several times before over the years on the steepest parts with the trimmer.
I wish it was like the old days when several neighborhood kids would be bidding against each other to get the job.
Hope for Media – Control of the media is taking place. I never thought free speech would be in jeopardy here but that seems to be the direction we are headed.
The daily writing prompt asks again for me to – Tell us about a time you felt out of place.
I’ll add one thing below, to the list from last year’s post called “ouT oF placE” that is new to me.
When I get together now with friends, most of whom are still working, I don’t have job stories to share like in the past. It’s not that I totally feel out of place, but the dynamic has changed and I’m adapting. I’ve noticed it at other gatherings how work is a focus.
The funny thing is I’m usually up hours before the working stiffs working on my own pursuits. And I’m inspired to do it. But I don’t call it work.
I’m not that inclined to talk about my artistic efforts so I’m doing a lot more listening now at family and friend gatherings.
I’m not a public artist like the fellow below but like him I’m a bit grey and I love it when my granddaughter wants to draw or paint with me.
I just had a great thought. As they get older I think I’ll get each an easel.
Your life without a computer: what does it look like?
I did a fairly long post on this question last year called Computerless and after reading it again it all holds true. One of my better pieces, because the emphasis on life before computers gives a perspective that only my generation and older have.
I didn’t make computers a big part of my kids lives, even though they are both fluent with them now and use them daily in their work like a lot of people do.
I’m worried because I see my grandchildren so attracted to phones and computers. I hope they don’t sacrifice things that are important in youth. That face-to-face social interaction, sharing emotions, feelings with real friends and family.
I spend a fair amount of time at the computer still, even though I’m retired from spending time in front of one for 50+ hours a week for someone else. It’s more enjoyment and working on my own interest. Maybe that is why photography is a nice balance with writing. It gets me out and about.
Card game behind the boardwalk. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – What details of your life could you pay more attention to?
I answered this last year I thought I’d update on how I did with those hopes. Last year’s details in bold and how I did on them in Italic
Now that I’m exercising more, I need to focus on what works best, the techniques for proper lifting, and the exercises that help the most and don’t aggravate the problem areas.
I have done some research and incorporated a few techniques in lifting and with dumbbells. My better half got a me book on back exercises that I have to get into more.
I’m an amateur at most of the hobbies I tinker with, but I’d like to advance in each and that takes more than doing them. So, I must improve my studying techniques and skills for those activities.
Worked on this goal but not hard enough. I’ve done more on my photography in stretching into new shooting areas and learning the limits of the lens and lighting. But there is still a long way to go.
I’ve always considered myself a good driver. I’ve been watching a few videos of autocross from club members and that might be a good test for an old man’s hand-eye-foot coordination.
I haven’t attempted the autocross yet, and I’m not sure if it’s for me. Not that I don’t challenge myself on a road or two now and then.
Sometimes I forget to appreciate the small things each day that make it special.
I’ve made huge progress in this area. And I’m much happier for it. Some days there are only small things to appreciate so you better get better at finding them.
Being a better listener is always on my agenda, and it always pays off big but sometimes I stray from that logic.
I know I’ve talked less and listened more this year. Learned a lot about people from listening. And this has helped my decision-making process.
Details for this coming year that need more attention.
Teaching my grandson important skills with tools – Teaching my granddaughter more artistic techniques – Making my youngest granddaughter laugh and smile – Utilizing the tools at my disposal better like my printer and cameras – Get involved in changing the direction of this country – Oh yeah, my engine compartment needs detailing even though it looks nothing like below.
What’s your #1 priority tomorrow? – The daily writing prompt wanting me to divulge vital information.
Waking up would be a nice start to the day. After that my priority is to go out and do some photography. I’ve been so slack at that lately that I’m getting pissed at myself. I think I’ll make the entire week about shooting.
In looking at my 10-page list of photo ideas and projects I should have no trouble getting to work. One of the projects I had just started was shots of the local places of worship. This area is filled with them, some very old, some very new and modern. A lot with unique architecture.
But with all the things going on with churches I worry someone is going to get spooked. It’s a sad day when people can’t go to church or the store or school in peace.
It’s interesting that people with a camera now stand out as suspicious. Where someone with a cell phone can pretty much do the same thing totally clandestine.
Amateur photographer (me) shooting a professional photographer. Photo by Mike Hartley
I answered the question last year – In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled? – In a post called Hard Work.
I reviewed that post and it’s hard to add to those reasons I felt fulfilled from work. All of them are still true today. Of course, being retired now has changed that perspective a bit.
Hard Work is tough. And when you’ve done it for decades you think about all the things you weren’t doing that seem far more important now. Things you set aside. Interest you postponed. New things like grandchildren enter your life and take the place of work. Though watching grandchildren as seniors is sometime hard work.
Hard work is always rewarding. But so are other things so keep a balance in life. From a person who has had things out of balance at times and knows what the cost is now.
A good day to get out and enjoy the sun. Photo by Mike Hartley
What’s the trait you value most about yourself? – I’m going to add to last year’s answer in a post called Traitto the question “What’s the trait you value most about yourself? from the daily writing prompt.
The 3 Rs
Responsible, Reliable and Resilient.
I’ve cancelled my morning meeting today to watch the sunrise. Photo by Mike Hartley
List three jobs you’d consider pursuing if money didn’t matter. I answered this question last year in a post called Pursuing and it’s still the same answer this year.
I will add three things I’d like to pursue each day that I’ve been slack on starting since retirement last year.
Volunteer at local animal shelter.
Make someone else’s life better each day.
Mentor to my grandchildren.
The dogs name is probably Blue. Photo by Mike Hartley
What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in? – Asks the daily writing prompt again.
I wrote an answer to this question last year in a post called “Heritage” that I don’t have much to add to this year.
So, what to address in this daily post. I think I’ll first answer to the lateness of this post. Usually, I’m up very early and working on a few posts before noon. I was up early but was having trouble getting into any grove other than discomfort.
I’m trying a different tactic with the pain this afternoon, because walking was only temporary relief. Seems like soon as I got off the treadmill I would tighten up or spasm.
Worse though is I let it affect my attitude and productivity. I consider myself good at adapting but this morning I failed.
Therefore, expect a flurry of activity late today.
Nice license plate. Trust me, he isn’t kidding. Photo by Mike Hartley
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – An interesting ask by the daily writing prompt.
I can’t think of any answers better than the ones I gave last year to the same question in a post titled “Consider the Source” I listed advice from various points in life and thought I covered it pretty well. Please check it out, some might be of use.
I will add one to the list though in this year’s post.
It takes courage to grow old.
Now ladies, no more wheelies on the boardwalk, do you understand me? Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – Which topics would you like to be more informed about?
Now there is a question that would generate an endless list for me. So, I’ll pick a few things that are on my mind this morning.
I’d like to learn more about sculpting and working with wood and stone. I’d like to learn a lot more about the different aspects of photography.
I’m always interested in whatever topic is important to my children and grandchildren.
I’d like to be more informed about Nature.
I used to want to be highly informed about technology but now I only want enough to get by because other things are far more important.
Lately I’ve been looking to get more information on exercise techniques with dumbbells.
I wish I learned (the use of the Navajo language as a code) so when free speech goes away, I can teach it to family and friends so I can still communicate freely.
What would your life be like without music? – Wow, that’s a horrible thing to ask from the daily writing prompt.
I’m no musician, but I have a love and thirst for music. It’s part of me. I start and end the day with it. I am motivated by it. I fall in love with it. I exercise to it. I drive to it. I played sports to it. I write to it. I move my body to it. I draw to it. I cut the grass to it. I dance to it. I cook to it. I lay in the hammock to it. I grill to it.
Some music makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up and my head tingle. Some music makes me pump my fist in the air. Some music makes me do a windmill guitar imitation. I’ve been lucky and seen many great bands and musicians live.
Music speaks to all my emotions. Most of the time it brings a big smile to my face. Some lyrics send me into streams of thought. A few songs that make me pause and sometimes bring a tear to my eye. There are a few songs that I would run through a wall when hearing.
There is some music that has brough on anger and rage in my youth. Music makes me sing out loud, play air drums, guitar, piano and the occasional saxophone. Some songs bring such a sense of calm that the troubles of the world fade away for a few moments. Some songs have inspired wonderful thoughts.
I worked an overnight shift during the last decade of my career. And I would use the opportunity to occasionally rock the building. And I’m sure the cleaning crew or the passerby from Editorial have caught me doing the Chuck Berry duck walk during a break.
All I know is the more music I have in a day, the happier I am. Usually because I’m doing the things I want to do. And being retired, music is a much larger part of my life now.
I’m having trouble stringing my guitar. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – How do you celebrate holidays?
I’m finally with most people in that I’m off now to celebrate holidays. I used to work a great number of them. I noted this in my answer to the same question last year in a post called – Celebrate
So, I’ll add the following thoughts to that post and answer the question more directly this year.
I celebrate differently for different holidays. A common thread is family on holidays. Be it the family feast at Thanksgiving or a BBQ on the 4th of July.
Memorial Day is one that celebration isn’t part of it. It’s a difficult time surrounded by the loss of loved ones and honoring the fallen.
My Christmas spirit had dimmed for a bit but when the grandchildren started coming along, it became very special again.
Thanksgiving is nice because it’s the family but not the pressure of the Xmas holiday.
The last few years I’ve seen the New Year in with my better half, and it’s been great. Each one now is more special it seems.
I always kick back on Labor Day weekend. I figured I labored long and hard for decades and I earned the relaxation. Sadly, it also marks the end of the summer season but occasionally we do get those Indian summers in the Mid-Atlantic and the beaches are far less crowded in the offseason.
Good Food, Love, Sharing, Laughter, Reconnecting by Disconnecting. That’s how I’d like to spend all holidays.
Labor Day just passed, marking the end of summer. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asked me to – Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail.
That is a tough one because I can’t remember a cooking failure. Not that I’m a regular cook. I have overcooked a steak, maybe gotten the corn on the grill too brown, overcooked an egg, burnt a few pieces of bacon.
I’ll have to ask this question of my better half when she wakes up later. I’m sure after decades together her memory is better than mine. Because I’m sure I’m forgetting something.
Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.
I still like my answer to this question from the daily writing prompt I called Lessons from last year. In that long list I left out one important item.
Learning early is key. I started late and pissed away my high school years, even though I graduated, and didn’t even complete the first year of college. So, while I quickly caught on by learning on the job and picking up skills, I felt behind..
But if I had started 4-5 years earlier, I wouldn’t have been playing catch-up at the beginning of my career.
Don’t paddle upstream, start learning early. Photo by Mike Hartley
What are your favorite types of foods? – Now there is a question from the daily writing prompt I can sink my teeth into.
This could be an extremely long list. But it’s early Sunday morning here and I don’t want to get too hungry this early and eat my way through the day so I’ll keep it short.
Meats – Baby Back Ribs, Fillet Mignon, Pulled Pork and Bacon
Seafoods – Maryland Crabs prepared several ways. Shrimp, Scallops and Lobster.
Fruit – Strawberry’s, Pineapples, Raspberries
Nuts – Cashews, Pistachios
Cheese – Mozzarella, Parmesan, Brie, Blue Cheese, Cheddar, Havarti, Provolone and Swiss. The favorite depends on what it’s being put on.
Milk, Eggs, Pizza and Cherry Ice Cream Sodas.
Well, I failed, I’m hungry now.
Note: I’m fortunate not to be hungry as many people are, looking for a basic meal. That is why I contribute to the Maryland Food Bank. If you are fortunate, share that with your local food bank please.
Seasoned Lobster ready for the grill. Been a long time since one of those on my plate. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks – How often do you walk or run?
I’m walking just about every day since mid-last year. Since I strained or tore my MCL in my right knee I’m not doing any running. I’m going to look into getting that taken care of sometime this winter.
I love to walk. Be it on the treadmill or out and about. The last being my favorite obviously. That is another reason why I dread winter now. More treadmill time. I’m just not a cold weather person.
A couple miles a day is average. Sometimes I’ll get into a few more miles if its a good day or we are out sightseeing
A man and his best friend on their morning walk. Photo by Mike Hartley
Do you see yourself as a leader? – Now there is an interesting question from the daily writing prompt.
Yes, I see myself as a leader. I try to lead by example. For instance, the saying on the tee shirt I have says, “Those who say it can’t be done, shouldn’t interrupt the people doing it.” I noticed one of my friends (who’s the president of a large company) reading it and smiling.
I’ve been in lead positions professionally as a manager. Even a part owner at one time. I try to lead my family in the right direction.
Leadership is stressful. It’s taking responsibility beyond yourself. It’s a ton of work. You will never please everyone. If you’re a leader you better be able to communicate well.
Life is simpler now. The only leadership responsibilities I have now are leading grandchildren from one game to another, when we are watching them.
Then again, I might get active again and try to replace the leadership of this country.
What’s your favorite word? – Asks the daily writing prompt.
Another softball question today that I’ll just leave a short answer for. My favorite word is Papa. A word I don’t say often but love to hear from my grandchildren as they see me and run at me. Or throughout the day when they want to play or have something to eat. I say it when they leave our home, or I say goodbye to them at their home. I’ll say Papa loves you.
The daily writing prompt wants to know – What are you doing this evening?
Wow that is such a long way off, I’m not even sure what I’m doing today. We do have a delivery scheduled for a new lighthouse. I’ll explain that in a post later today.
Tonight, I can see me lighting up my new firepit for the first time, weather permitting. I set it up on Sunday but was beat from chores. Monday night was the Miata club meeting and last night my better half was out.
So this evening, we can both enjoy sitting around the fire for the first time at home.
What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you? – An easy question from the daily writing prompt.
Wow, it’s not so easy. So many popped onto my fingers I didn’t know where to start. I guess I go with Selfishness being a trait that raises that flag.
Don’t know what to say except that I try to work hard to stay away from bad personality traits. They just make life more difficult and alienate people.
Some seem totally unaware of these traits or in total denial of them. I’m sure I’m guilty myself. None of us are perfect.
My cat probably thinks here he comes again with that damn camera. Photo by Mike Hartley
Describe your ideal week. – Now there is a question for a Monday morning.
My mind wandered into the realm of what ifs, when thinking about an ideal week. But I’ll keep it reality based so it’s possible that this week is an ideal week.
Waking each morning healthy next to my better half, who is also healthy and happy, would be a nice start. Sharing breakfast together and planning day trips and time with the children and friends.
During the weekdays we hit small towns or a city like the Nation’s Capital and discover new places to eat. I photograph like I have endless time to process all the images. I paint and draw some. I carve and blog.
I share warm embraces with family and stories around the firepit. I raise a little hell with my best friends.
Spend a few hours with each grandchild.
Some romantic dinners/evenings with my better half.
Get some exercise.
I put the top down and absorb the sun on a day trip to the beach.
Take the time to help someone or do something for a stranger or maybe share some kind words.
Reach out to friends I don’t see often enough and chat.
Spend a few minutes in the hammock looking at the sky. Skip cutting the grass.
And if I still owned a motorcycle. I’d be heading to Bike Week in Ocean City MD this weekend.
Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why. – An easy question from the daily writing prompt for an early Sunday morning.
I’ll start with a couple of my favorite’s athletes of all time from the Yankees. Derek Jeter, Aaron Judge and Thurman Munson. They were all captains of the team at one time. I respect them for their professionalism, their obvious respect for the game, other players and officials in it. They are not full of themselves, know that they are in a very special place and respect the opportunities they have.
I like the way Steph Curry plays and carries himself. Seems like a real genuinely good person. Plus, he plays the game with the enjoyment we had in our youth, and seems to live life that way.
At the time I thought he might have been the best overall athlete, but I didn’t have the respect for him that I do now for Muhammad Ali.
And of course, you must respect Jackie Robinson for what he did and went through.
I also like the character of Bill Russell and Shaq. Both incredible athletes and people.
I guess the common thing is they all earned respect.
Sugar Bakers in Catonsville RULES. Photo by Mike Hartley
Relaxing always hasn’t been my specialty. My hobbies like photography, writing and other arts relax me. Going for a drive in the Miata is a great relaxer. The occasional day with my better half when we aren’t absorbed with tasks, chores or other obligations where we just kind of relax around the house.
Life is short, enjoy the view. Photo by Mike Hartley
Laying on the beach or wandering the boardwalk. Being on vacation with family and friends is sometimes very relaxing.
Just tinkering on the computer while listening to music works for me also.
If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be? – An interesting question from the daily writing prompt.
As usual I’m going to answer this a bit differently.
The word I would give up would be one that is in my head all the time, but I don’t speak. That word is cancer. I don’t say it because I don’t want to waste time talking about it. But that word won’t leave me alone. It hangs over me. It won’t give me peace.
I move past it each day and get on with life but it’s like this cloud that follows me. I so hope my battles are behind me but having to report for tests a couple times a year is a constant reminder. Waiting in the cancer center of the hospital with some very sick people puts that unease in me.
And I just realized that I need to take some reminders out of my daily life. Having made donations to various cancer organizations I get bombarded with emails asking for more help. I’m going to start routing that stuff to the trash, so I don’t even see it. I’ll still make donations, but it won’t be in my face a few times a week.
The trick is to keep it from negatively affecting your as a survivor.
By the way RFK Jr. is a danger to public health and needs to be removed.
Wristband I hope I never need to wear again. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks today – Are you holding a grudge? About?
Another repeat question that I answered in a post last year called NOPE. And most of that is still accurate.
I won’t get into politics because I’m developing a serious one there.
In some ways I have a grudge against myself. I feel I’ve wasted some opportunities. I haven’t made the best use of time. I could have done more with the resources I’ve had. And while I look forward and try to change these things, it is something that eats at me.
Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home. – The daily writing prompt asks again.
I don’t have another story other than the one I did last year called Helsinki, to answer this question.
We haven’t been big travelers in the past but hope to take a few trips in the future. Scenic train rides interest me. So do river cruises.
A family member is in Australia now traveling on dream vacation. Just saw one of her Facebook posts this morning.
Another family member is leaving for Hawaii sometime this month. I guess I should get my behind in gear and get with the program.
In some ways I’m kind of a homebody. I’m not against travel, I’m just comfortable here also. But the question is well timed because we are going to make some reservations for an out of state visit before the end of the year. I spent part of yesterday looking at hotel rates.
It’s been a few years now since I’ve traveled to Washington. I worked there for a few decades. Time to go visit some of the things I never got a chance to because I was working too much.
If your traveling, be safe.
Washington Monument and Capital. Photo by Mike Hartley
Why do you blog? – The daily writing prompt asks us this morning.
A very good question and one that I should examine again. Because a flood of thoughts just raced by.
I started blogging to share some of my photography an occasional thought, observation or opinion. As I first wrote on my About page “I hope you find or have found something here that moves you in some way or inspires thought or illicit emotion.”
I blog for myself because I want to be creative in this medium is one of the ways I can express myself and my outspoken opinion.
When starting it, I was thinking about a business off it but it’s really a hobby that I work hard at. Even though the content or quality doesn’t always hit the mark, I occasionally touch someone.
Having worked in the publishing business for almost 5 decades I’m getting to play on the side I supported for many years. I wasn’t a writer or photographer or artist. I worked on the technical and production sides for most all my career.
I admired the work of those writers and photographers for all those years. And now being retired I get to do my own daily publication.
Maybe someday my kids or grandkids or friends will look back at what I’ve shared in life and maybe a thought or image will stick with them and that will make me very happy.
I blog to increase my knowledge from reading other blogs and connecting with the many positive people who do blog.
I blog to examine my own thoughts. I photograph to capture moments in time in my eyes and share them if I like them.
I blog because it starts my day off actively and in a positive mindset most of the time. It gets my blood flowing.
I blog in hopes of occasionally making someone laugh.
I blog to help me become a better writer so one day when I get going on a few book ideas that are in various stages of development a real run at completing a work someday that would be worthwhile.
I blog to become a better photographer.
I think I’ll step outside again this morning to catch another sunrise. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt wants me to – Interview someone, a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mailman and write a post based on their responses.
Just like last year when this question was asked and answered in a post I did called – Tough Assignment -the same is true this morning.
I had an idea in that post about going back and catching up with people who worked at a very special company for years. A local newspaper chain that was a group of inspired young individuals who pulled together and did some remarkable work.
Hundreds still touch base and get together in a Facebook group. Many of us still gather for meetings and meals despite many miles between us. Some lifelong friendships were formed there and still go strong today. Like one of my best friends.
So let me get back to work on developing that idea and spreading the word to old-timers before we aren’t around any longer.
The daily writing prompt asks – How are you feeling right now?
I’m feeling half-awake right now. The body has thankfully given me a reprieve from the usual morning back pain. My mind is filled with many feelings though.
I’m feeling behind on my creative efforts and will rectify that starting this afternoon.
I’m feeling hungry even though I know I have to cut back on how much I’ve been eating.
I’m feeling relaxed knowing I have some free time several days of mild sunny weather ahead.
I’ve spent some time with my grandchildren this week, which has been great. But it worries me that we have such incompetent leadership in our country now and I fear the world we are leaving for them and my children.
I hope anyone reading this feels good both mentally and physically.
Its good to have someone to look at a sunrise with. Photo by Mike Hartley
What daily habit do you do that improves your quality of life? – Not a bad question to reflect upon early this morning.
I thought I’d add a few items below to last year’s answer to this question in a post I did titled “More than I thought“
I try not to take simple things like a shower or food for granted. I try not to want and be appreciative of what I have.
I try to be a better blogger each day. I worked for a daily paper for decades, so I figured why stop in retirement.
I try to love. Be it in a simple greeting to a stranger or an email/call to my children or an embrace for my better half.
Reaching out to a friend each day. Not the same friend but I’m blessed with a good number so I’m always communicating with one friend or another every day. With my best friends it’s close to daily some weeks.
Catching the first rays of the day. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt asks – What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you looking for it?
Not like we aren’t tracked enough. I would think that this information is already known.
The last thing I searched for online was for a tracking order for a computer. I was looking forward to see when it was coming. And just for your porch pirate’s knowledge, it’s already here, so find another home.
Today I’m searching for things to do with my granddaughter. I thought she would be excited about doing some artwork together but that didn’t ring her bell this morning. So, we will find other avenues to keep her entertained and happy.
Because as she says, “I love this house.” And we do our best for her to keep that thought.
The daily writing prompt asks – What TV shows did you watch as a kid?
Let’s think back to the 1960s when I was a kid.
The Andy Griffith Show, I Dream of Jeanie, Dick Van Dyke Show, Bugs Bunny and Road Runner, The Adams Family, Rowan and Martin, Hogans Hero’s, Candid Camera, McHale’s Navy, Get Smart.
Also, any sports that were being broadcast at the time.
But most of the time we were outside playing, riding skateboard and our bikes.
The daily writing prompt asks – What’s your favorite time of day?
That is a tough one because I really like all parts of the day. And the reason for that is because my schedule has always been all over the place so the time for enjoyment has moved all around the clock.
I once had a shift where I got off at 2 or 3am. Talk about having the roads and highways to yourself. I worked in DC at the time and that town is another thing at night. Both beautiful and dangerous. Looking down streets that are usually clogged with traffic and seeing no cars. Intersections filled with people only a few hours later empty except for the flashing walk/don’t walk lights.
Sometimes I’d just sit outside when I got home and listen to nothing but the sounds of nature. And maybe a cow mooing in the distance. And the times it snowed the quiet was incredible. Sometimes the only sound was the snow falling.
I guess my next favorite time of day is early morning like 6am – 9am. The last 10 years of my career before I retired, I got off work at 6am. And after an 11-12 hour shift, I was just so relieved to be able to relax.
At times I’d just take back roads home from work to unwind and at times stopping to watch the sunrise. Or just get home and sit and decompress. Being retired I still rise early so this is now exercising time and creative time. I feel fresh in the early morning and love to accomplish things and get the day’s plan outlined.
Not having to report to work any longer, my days are free so that is now becoming time with my better half who is also retired. And what’s not to like about that.
Evenings are great. The occasional happy hour with friends, great meals with my better half and sunsets.
Nights are great also. I love the evening skies and a full moon. Listening to the wind blow through the trees at night and the lightning bugs flashing randomly in front of you in every direction.
It’s usually time for a little rest but occasionally, there is the all-nighter.
What’s your favorite recipe? – Getting back to food again goes the daily writing prompt.
I liked my reply from last year to this question in the post called “Cook This” which is more of a recipe for life.
So, if I were to talk about food this year the answer would be anything I can throw on the grill. I’m not the cook in this home. But I do cook.
I do make a dish with Gemelli pasta. I grill up some prosciutto till it crisp up a bit and break it into small pieces. Then grill some yellow, orange and red peppers in oil. Also grill some onions and mushrooms in butter.
Then heat some garlic and butter, add the pasta for a few minutes, some Italian seasoning, adding some fresh shredded parmesan cheese, then mix in the grilled mushrooms, onions, peppers and prosciutto and serve with some more shredded parmesan cheese on top.
The daily writing prompt is asking me to – Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.
Well, waking up this morning was kind of exciting, as it is every morning I rise.
Actually, I decided on a new laptop this morning to replace my 6-year-old one. It’s not capable of being upgraded to Windows 11 so it will become one of the grandchild’s station. So, I’m excited about that.
But mostly about the car show I’ll be going to shortly. Have a great morning all.
I answered the question last year from the daily writing prompt – How would you design the city of the future? – with this post called CITY.
I was looking at a city I love in Maryland called Ocean City. From a webcam shot just after sunrise I see the recovery from the effects of hurricane Erin under way at the same time it appears to be Jeep Week, and they are awaiting the ride in the sand.
Inlet parking lot shot from Jolly Roger Park webcam.Many thanks to them for this view.
It kind of reminds me of the ebb and flow of cities. Always being tested. Infrastructure, policing, government, development, services. And of course, the people that make it up. Like a lot of beach towns, the ebb and flow of people is as dramatic as the sea.
Just under 7000 people live there. Yet in the summers it gets to 300-350 thousand people. How do you design a city for such swings, keep its natural beauty and serve all those people. And how do you sustain it when they are gone?
Cities adapt like people do. They also age, not as fast as people but they age and, in some cases, die off. So many factors determine a city’s success or failure.
Personally, I’m not sure I’d design a city. And if I did it would be more spread out like one, I live near called Columbia Maryland.
The daily writing prompt asks – Where did your name come from?
My parents. Other than that, I don’t know squat about it. I know when my mom called me by my full name that I was in trouble.
Okay now onto more important things. It’s Thursday and another sloppy start to the day in central Maryland. The Atlantic Ocean looks quite disturbed today with that hurricane churning offshore. I wish I was down there photographing the storm.
It certainly isn’t feeling like August here. More like early November. Hopefully we will have an Indian Summer and make up for these cool temps.
I’m going out to pull the cover off my car and give it a bath later. It’s car show season and I’m not showing up on Saturday with a dirty ride. If I’m not mistaken, the Turf Valley show will be my first stop that day.
I wouldn’t mind owning a ride like this, but I’d just get in trouble. Photo by Mike Hartley
Even though the color combination appeals to me and that giant 582 engine sounds good the gauge setup in this car caught my eye first.
This prompt got me thinking. I haven’t named my car yet. I’ll have to give this some thought. Maybe a personalized license plate. I just checked the first name that came to mind. Maryland has 7 character limit. How about MYTHRPY. I just checked the state site and it’s available.
The daily writing prompt asks – What motivates you? – It’s a little early in the morning for this type of question. I still haven’t had my morning soda.
Each day is different, so my motivations vary. Some days my better half is very motivating. Some days my children and grandchildren can be motivating.
My friends are always motivated to get together and have a good time.
This week I’m motivated to get some good photos, love and spoil the pet we are watching for a few days, enjoy some improving weather and spend some time in the car with the top down along some twisty roads.
I’m really motivated by all my hobbies and I’m spending more time on them each day now.
The refrigerator motivates me.
Painting is much easier with a camera. Photo by Mike Hartley
I answered the question from the daily writing prompt on my favorite movies last year in this post called Movie Thoughts – so this year I’ll share another thought about movies.
I’ve never been one to spend time watching a lot of movies at home or in the theaters. I’m just not a huge movie buff. But that is a problem.
And the reason it’s a problem is because my better half likes going to movies. So, I’m going to have to change and make the effort to take her out to the movies or have a movie night at home more often.
My grandchildren are of the age now where taking them to the movies will be a good treat for them and me. I enjoyed some of the kid’s movies myself when my own children were growing up. Which makes sense because my wife thinks I never left my teens.
What I have thought about is using the video on my cameras and experimenting with what is possible there. Maybe I’ll be making my own movies soon.
Have a great day.
Good old Kodak Film and GE flashbulbs. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’ll stick with the answer I gave last year to the question – What do you love about where you live? – in my post titled “Living.” It’s still all the things I love dearly and why I’ll always live here.
But I’ll add a few more.
I’ve met a lot of great people.
I like the roads at late night/early morning.
I’ve worked with a lot of great people who live here.
I like the Patapsco and Patuxent rivers.
I love all the great sports at college and pro levels available to see.
The Maryland Miata Club is cool.
The Nation’s Capital is an hour down the road. (without traffic)
I love photographing the area.
Lots of great places to eat and exercise.
When we moved to Howard County in late 1960, the population was 36 thousand. Google also tells me the estimated 2025 population is 337 thousand. So yes, there has been change. And I’ve been witness to all of it and it’s breathtaking.
The sheer number has changed the land and created neighborhoods. What was once rural farming communities changed quickly with the town of Columbia (Maryland’s second largest city) into a constant construction site. But not just in Columbia, the whole county.
It’s amazing so many parts of it have come together so well. I’m not going to get into the rough parts along the way with all that growth. I’m sure there is no shortage of voices that have issues with the county. Some who haven’t lived here long and sometimes from those who have, that have trouble with all the change or how it’s been done.
Our experience has been a good one.
Farmland Forever. For without it, what would we eat? Photo by Mike Hartley
I answered the question – What positive emotion do you feel most often? – in this post last year called Feeling it.
The trick sometimes in life is to get to those positive emotions. The normal difficulties, tight schedules, stresses of job and families, health or financial issues and more make it tough to get to those positive moments.
I spent time stuck in negative spaces too long in the past. For instance, I brought work issues home. Being retired fixed that one. Now I try to recognize those things and move on and work on solutions if possible.
Each day I try to start off in positive ways to try to set the tone. It doesn’t always stay that way but why not start the day right.
I get to work on things that help turn difficult times around. Maybe one of my hobbies or some music. Flipping on some comedy or watching a video or looking at pictures of my children and grandchildren.
Maybe taking a short ride with the top down or treating myself to ice cream.
Be open to finding those positive moments and emotions throughout the day. Life is short, enjoy it.
I bet he gets up easier from that position than I do. Photo by Mike Hartley
How do you plan your goals? – Asks the daily writing prompt again.
I plan goals day to day, minute to minute, thought to thought, conversation to conversation, idea to idea, feeling to feeling, season to season, impression to impression.
Also scheduled around the kid’s needs for help or watching grandchildren or pets. And around our health and funds available.
The daily writing prompt is asking to – Create an emergency preparedness plan.
I’d rather spend more time living than prepping but given the climate in this county and around the world it might not be a bad idea spending some more time thinking and acting on it.
We take a lot of important things for granted unfortunately. Basics like our food and water supply. Our energy supply and safety.
To create a plan, you have to figure out what the conditions of the emergency will be. That is the difficult part, and you can spend a lifetime being a prepper and not live your life. So where is that balance, that sweet spot of being ready but living in the moment.
I know I’m not doing nuclear prep. If that happens, we’re all gone and what is left won’t be worth living in.
So, my plan today is to have a good lunch and that way if something happens at least I’ll have a full stomach for a bit.
What is a word you feel that too many people use? – I’ll answer this question from the daily writing prompt a bit differently this year.
My word for this post is LATE. As usual life got in the way this morning and afternoon. Even though I got a lot done none of it was here working. That will change for the remainder of the day.
My word for the day is OVERCAST. I miss the sun.
My cars word for the day is FIXED. Good old Eakles Garage got my AC running again and even though I rarely use it, coming home with that very cloudy sky and humidity at 100% or more if possible, the AC felt good.
My photography word of the day is NIGHT. That is when I’ll be doing a little shooting today.
The scale in the bathroom says the word of the day is DIET. I admit, I’ve gotten sloppy and put a few pounds on so let me get up from this computer and hit the treadmill for a while.
My word for color of the day is Powder Blue. I believe the Ferrari color is called Gulf Blue.
I bet insurance for these things cost more than my car. Photo by Mike Hartley
Oh, I’ll add this one below. I’ve spent some time on this bridge. I like that many people put these locks of love on the fence. Many inscribed with names and dates. I saw one that was the same anniversary as us, only about 30 years apart if I remember correctly.
Locks of Love on this bridge. Photo by Mike Hartley
Since I answered the question of – What profession do you admire most and why? With this post “Professional Admiration” last year, I’ll go into another slant on it.
What earned my admiration over my work experience. A few off the top of my head.
I admired those who shared their knowledge and expertise.
I admired those who pulled more than their own weight when needed.
I admired honesty.
I admired those who could communicate well with those above, beside and below them.
I admired truth to power. Those who could step up and point out painful realities.
I admired those who showed up every day.
I admired good leadership and if it made mistakes to correct course.
I admired those who could laugh at funny things or times.
I admired those who gave honest and insightful reviews.
I admired meetings where people came prepared and were inclusive of everyone.
I admired those who were also interested in my goals.
I admired leadership that could put teams of people together and help make them successful.
Escorting one of our Veterans down the stairs. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt asks – If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell?
Hold on now, I’m what some might still call recently retired and now you’re asking about opening my own business, working and selling something! No rest for this guy.
Well, that is pretty easy. The first thing that popped to mind would be opening an ice cream and or snowball stand. Something I can dig my teeth into.
Attached to the shop would be a gallery of my work and other artists in the area where most if not all the profits go to charities in the community.
What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world? – I’ve got to get into a new writing challenge because these are just repeat questions. I like my answer from last year still so here is a link to that called Changes.
Today I’d like to impact the world by taking great photos and sharing them. Maybe finding words that make someone laugh or smile. Offer a hand to someone who needs it. Checking on my family. Remembering laughs from last night’s meeting of best friends.
And I’d like to do several posts sharing that and more, but who knows what time will bring ahead. Tasks like mowing the lower back yard and hill, weeding under the deck, taking branches to lower back wood piles and changing oil in both mowers, washing the car, will impact free time. Maybe I can spread some of these and other tasks out a few over the next few days.
I hope I’m not stuck going round and round while making no progress or not having a proper balance of fun and work.
Stop and watch the ride sometimes. Photo by Mike Hartley
Another question from the daily prompt I’m going to answer differently. They ask to – Describe your life in an alternative universe.
I’ve always thought what if I pursued my own interest from the start of my career. What would I have accomplished as a photographer and artist? Would I have gone into business myself and worked for myself instead of others?
Sometimes now I say what if I had taken care of my body better. I’m sure some things wouldn’t ache as they do, but I’ll never know if the cancers were part of my genetics or all the nasty stuff I’ve encountered in life.
I think if I had taken that position or other job, if I had or hadn’t made a lot of decisions. Of course, those are in the past but some worth learning from.
We are always living in an alternative universe by the decisions we make and don’t make. They are always altering the course of this life.
Maryland has some great roads. Photo by Mike Hartley.
The daily writing prompt is asking – What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it? I believe I answered that last year in a post called Food and Worth – so I’ll answer this question a bit differently this year.
It’s not the money you spend on the meal, it’s the quality of food and preparation, service, and enjoyment of the table. I’ve had some of the best meals at what some might say are middle of the road joints.
Catching a hot off the grill full rack of baby back ribs and a huge crabcake back in the early days of the Corner Stable was better than any meal I’d pay double or triple of that.
My friends and I enjoy grilling and some of the best steaks I’ve had have been from some local butchers. And we fix the entire meal and sides so it’s not that expensive. If we were to go to a steakhouse it would have been 2-3x from what we spent on the meat and meal.
It can be a simple pizza with great friends that makes it as good as any multi-star restaurant. I’ve had some of the best breakfasts ever, in a greasy spoon in an old mill town.
I’ve had great tacos from a food truck and eating them in a park with a friend on a warm summer day during lunch break.
All these were worth it. As much and more so, than any most costly meal I’ve ever had.
Nice 1 1/2 ” steaks from the Laurel Meat Market which has been long closed. Today we get our meats from Borman’s or Trueth’s. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks again to – List 30 things that make you happy.
If you’re interested in the answer to this question see my post called Happy from last year. The list would have been the same as that with one sad exception. One of my son’s dogs passed recently and that has saddened the entire family. Other than that, we are still Happy.
Instead of repeating myself, I’m going to switch it up a bit.
So I’m going to give a list of things I’d like to accomplish.
Finish a carving for my son and granddaughter.
I’d like to help people see what conflict with reality so we can move on.
I have to gather some photos for my son for a book I’d like to do for him.
To move the thousands more images I have to the photo site and organize that mess.
Getting back to work on those books I want to write.
I need to clean up this office.
A trip or two or three back to the beach this year before my least favorite season of winter sets in.
I’d like to lose 5-7 lbs. and get more fit.
To take as many top-down rides in the Miata as the weather will allow to finish out the year.
I’m going to love, laugh and photograph.
Oh yeah, crack a few crabs. They get good size in September and October.
Get ready for the home stretch of sun, beach and crabs. Photo by Mike Hartley
Describe one habit that brings you joy. – A softball question on the first Sunday morning of August from the daily writing prompt.
Taking pictures, posting them and making prints for people brings me joy.
Good thing the daily prompt was specific this morning when it said “Describe ONE” because lots of things are bringing me joy this morning and the list would be too long for you to read.
The daily writing prompt is asking me to – “Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone.”
Instead of talking about that things I’ve done in the past, I’ll focus on what more kindness I can do for people. I think I’ll increase my charitable donations. I’ll try to be more aware of those I encounter every day and help where I can by just extending more common curtesy and help when I see someone struggling, be it physically or mentally.
My mother was one of those people who always said there is good in people. Some of it is a little harder to find in some, but that was her philosophy. It’s a good one for me to keep in mind in dealing with people.
Cruelty and nastiness is easy to get sucked into. I have to rise above that and continue to try to be better than that.
I’d like to be remembered as a kind and giving person. And the only way to accomplish that is to work at it each day.
People wander for hours sometime around the WWII Memorial. Photo by Mike Hartley
Was today typical? – Another interesting question from the daily writing prompt.
Being it’s just after 5am, I’d say the day started a little late for me. I usually rise between 3-4 am. Watching the sunrise in a few minutes is typical. I try to do that every morning.
I’ve got my morning Coke opened, I don’t drink coffee.
The rest of the day is a wildcard. I’m sure that officer and people in NYC didn’t plan on yesterday being the last day of their lives. Hopefully, we all will survive this day and thrive and love.
I hope it’s a great day.
Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Photo by Mike Hartley
How would you describe yourself to someone? – An interesting question from the daily writing prompt
I already talk about myself too much here so I’ll keep this short.
A simple man that enjoys simple pleasures and people. I’m retired and happy. A son, a husband, a father, a grandfather who loves his family. A career newspaper man. A double cancer survivor. A wana-be artist and photographer.
I also enjoy wandering the shoreline when I get the chance.
Take that walk, pause and reflect. Always be honest with yourself. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt wants to know – If you could bring back one dinosaur, which one would it be? I’m sorry, it’s not that I don’t like dinosaurs, I do. I just don’t feel like playing that game this Sunday morning.
What I would like to bring back is our balance with Nature. We are killing off so many thing currently, maybe we could stop that so we wouldn’t be writing about what we killed off and would like to see again.
Not that we had anything to do with the dinosaurs being extinct. Just saying we could do better in current times.
If you won two free plane tickets, where would you go? The daily writing prompt wants me to fantasize about travel plans.
To be entirely honest at this moment I don’t feel like flying anywhere. Just saw a couple of near miss incidents on the news and I’m concentrating on local travel for the rest of the year.
So, I’ll donate these to some unfortunate individuals caught in a war zone with no food and little hope to go anywhere they want.
You don’t find many empty ticket counters most days at BWI. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asking a question I think I answered long. What’s the story behind your nickname?
Instead of trying to describe what might be behind the one nickname I could share without offending people and pleading the 5th on several other racy ones I think I’ll share thoughts on nicknames.
I have a few for my better half. I really don’t have any for my children. Some groups of my friends are huge on nicknames. Others, not so much and some not at all.
I’m figuring a lot of nicknames are picked up in our youth. Though some could be born out of significant events anytime in life.
I’ve noticed some people are uncomfortable with nicknames. I guess I would be also if tagged with one that wasn’t flattering. Luckily the ones I know about aren’t bad.
I find it interesting for those who give themselves nicknames.
There are a lot of secret nicknames floating around out there I bet. For instance, I’m sure my better half has a few I might not be aware of.
Trying to live up to nicknames might not be the wisest thing.
In passing the other day I heard someone use the nickname of a close childhood deceased friend “Big Pete” and I turned immediately. Because there were only a couple of us who would use that with him.
I’m constantly assigning nicknames to bad drivers each time out.
The number of nicknames I come up with for the current President are endless.
Lots of our nicknames are preceded with military rank.
I’ll have to put a chapter in my book about nicknames being that is quite a colorful area of lots of my friendships.
I like that two of the three of my grandchildren already have nicknames.
What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being? That daily writing prompt is always digging into my personal life.
Having your health and well-being is EVERYTHING. Without that life is a real challenge and difficult to fully enjoy.
I see a doctor and dentist regularly. I could do better with my diet and exercise but I’m not too far off being healthy in those areas.
Mentally I’m all over the place. I have to do better in this area because it does affect my health when I’m down.
Am I successful? Well I’m still here and surviving today, I hope.
Love for family and friends
Learning
Try to be active
Enjoy and laugh
Eat well, but smart.
Instead of talking and typing about it more, I think I’ll get up from this chair, take my daily meds, get in the car and put the top down for a mental refresh and get out and take a walk around a local town or lake.
I know I’ve answered a question like this before by the daily writing prompt, but I’m kind of starting over thinking about travel.
To be honest I’m kind of a home body. Not that I don’t have a desire to travel and see more, it’s that I have a lot of people and things here that maybe are dearer to me.
I really need to explore the region we live in more first. And I think we will be much more active in that pursuit the remainder of the year. I already have a list, we just got sidetracked the last month or two. And I’ll keep you appraised of our progress on that list the rest of the year, right here.
Spending some time on Kent Island photographing is on this summer’s list. Some time at the ocean when possible. Some of the state parks are on the list. Maybe a trip to the zoo. Oh yeah, we want to go to the other zoo and visit Washington DC for a few days.
But the most important travel is back and forth to see family and friends.
I’ll fly if it makes sense, otherwise I’m more comfortable with other forms. Photo by Mike Hartley
What would you change about modern society? – Now there is a question for someone writing a book instead of a daily prompt.
Wow, the dozens of things just off the top of my head I would change overwhelmed me. Instead of listing all those out, I think I’ll just say we must change our mindset. We have to ask ourselves who we are and get involved in making that happen.
Not counting on others to take care of us. Not counting on a few to make decisions on who will lead all of us. If everyone got involved in voting and paid attention to what they were voting for would be a good first step.
But it’s not just politics/government. It’s what we have become. Technology has given us many wonderful advances. But we haven’t looked at the negative effects as much.
How we treat each other could use some work. The emphasis on wealth and greed could use some balance with compassion and empathy.
Maybe we could start to get to know our neighbors again, or maybe the kid’s teachers and other public servants. And treat everyone with respect. Maybe work towards the truth together instead of making up separate ones.
Oh yeah, maybe we could eliminate WAR.
Flags lined headstones at Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily writing prompt asks “What do you listen to while you work?” on this fine Monday morning.
In full discloser, I don’t really work anymore, or more correctly for anyone else. I work on my hobbies and interests, but I don’t look at that as work.
I do listen to a lot of music, some podcasts, and the TV occasionally in the background. On breaks I’ll step outside often and listen to nature.
Being my office is below our bedroom I listen for my better half to stir in the mornings so I can run upstairs to say good morning.
I listen to the roar of the engine while cutting grass and doing the trimming.
When I did work the sounds of the jobs were very important. An aluminum plate getting crunched and shredded or piece of film jammed in the processor. The sound of a web break on the press.
The sounds of scanners and huge reproduction equipment being moved and adjusted.
The constant roar of a datacenter computers and the cooling systems surrounding them. The endless pings of new emails, alarms, texts or calls for this or that emergency.
Of course as I matured, I realized listening to the wise people around me was far more important than talking.
But I think the thing I liked listening to the most at work was the sound of fun and laughter. I had the pleasure of being surrounded a lot by people who worked very hard but also liked having a good time doing it.
Work I did was very deadline and pressure orientated. So, a lot of us used humor to balance things out. And we all know the workplace is full of humor.
The old College Park Pressroom. Photo by Mike Hartley
