Just a few trees on a hill or leaning over a stream. I didn’t capture much fall color this year. I’ll have to make up for that and get more winter scenes.
This above is by Ellicott City near the old Courthouse.
Along Old Court Road. I have no idea how they cut this hill, but I might just have to hang out next summer to do a video of it.
The streams are carrying away the last of the season’s color.
Photos by Mike Hartley
Woke not feeling 100% so took it easy today. First time in a while I slept during the day. At least the headache has subsided. I didn’t venture out more than a few feet on the back deck today with the camera.
I did have a visitor on the screen and one on the deck railing. The wasp seemed to be on his last days.
The last cutting of the lawn will be this weekend. Then winterizing the mowers and store them for the season.
Burning Again
I humped a half cord of wood, stacked in a few spots for easy access and covered it on Wednesday before the rains today. First time we have got wood in a while. I haven’t used the fireplaces in a bit, but I’ve had my wood burning stove going and I will have it fired up this weekend.
Music and the Mind
I can’t explain it. Music does something to me. Actually, it does a lot of things to me and always has. It can rescue me. It can also get me in trouble (tunes and a manual gearbox). It brightens my attitude when I need it to. And tonight is one of those times.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Good day all and I hope this Tuesday finds everyone in good health.
Took a quick drive in Howard County this morning and collected a few shots walking around.
Along New Cut Road leaving Ellicott City.
I love shots from hills.
Such a blue sky. Clouds are on their way though.
I think we need some fresh flags at the old courthouse.
The stream that hugs the side of New Cut Road.
I like how the tips have turned but the other part is so green yet.
Photos by Mike Hartley
The fall season kicks off in about 9 hours here in the Eastern time zone of the U.S. I like fall till the leaves are gone, then I start to get depressed.
It’s nice being outside by a roaring fire in late afternoon or early evening. The colors of the season are wonderful while they last. It’s the season of our wedding anniversary and we have a nice number coming up this year.
We love getting to the beach in the offseason before it gets cold, we usually squeeze in a few days at the shore.
I don’t like the days getting much shorter on sunlight. And the intensity of the sun fades so what I do get doesn’t feel as strong as those summer days in the hammock.
The days I’ll be riding around with the top down are numbered. And the days it will sit under a cover will increase as the weather get sloppier.
The grass will still need mowing for a few more weeks and then I’ll winterize the equipment. Oh, and the most important aspects of winter. Getting the heating systems services soon and upgrading our attic insulation.
I have another 6-8 weeks before I go into my winter funk. This premature fall we had during summer weeks has already got me worried it might be a cold winter.
So, I’ll make the best of that remaining good weather and appreciate the coming color of the season.
Mother Nature is coming tomorrow to do some tree trimming in the form of wind which will take a lot of the fall foliage to the ground. A lot have fallen as I discovered yesterday standing by the Patapsco.
So I’m headed back out today to catch what is left on the trees. The next week or two I’ll be busy with the rake, leaf blower and mower tending to them. I remember liking the days I ran at full speed to a huge pile in the yard and just dove in.
I liked how the sun was hitting the freshly fallen leaves floating on top. Then I noticed a bunch that still had their color but had sunk to the bottom.
Photos by Mike Hartley
I loved my time working in Ellicott City even though it was short. I love visiting this town often to just take in it’s natural beauty, walk its streets, go to the dentist at the top of the street or for a meal at one of the restaurants.
So I read today is the first day of fall. I guess that thunderstorm that rolled by this morning and knocked my power out was summer saying goodbye.
I’m not ready for fall. I want more rides with the top down and warm sun on my arms. I want my warm nights. But I’ll make do with what I’m dealt.
I cut the backyard yesterday. It was looking pristine at sunset. This morning it is leaf-covered again, and that nonsense is just starting. I’m not ready for the increased darkness. Or the holiday season or perish the thought, of being cold again.
So as the saying goes, it’s time to improvise, adapt, and overcome.
Was just thinking of the upcoming trip this month to the pumpkin patch with the family. I hope my back holds up to the trip. Regardless I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The smiles the kids get with all the activities and the fresh feeling of the clean fall air.
This year I’m not going to be volunteering to carry the heaviest pumpkins. A couple of medium ones or small ones okay. I’ll let my strong kids deal with those monsters the grandkids like to pick.
The month of October doesn’t bother me. Lots of activities, we are still outdoors a good bit and still have a decent amount of daylight. I’ll still be cutting grass on the weekends, the top can be down on the convertible, and grilling out is still nice.
I ask early forgiveness for my attitude from November through February. As I sit here with the temps in the high 70s in just gym shorts and tennis shoes, my mind drifts to those first chills and then the constant struggle to stay warm.
Which reminds me I have to get that generator fired up and tested. And maybe an extra can for fuel.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I love the season of nature’s mushroom clouds. What I don’t like is the crossover day. That is today I believe where we have less daylight and more night. We are on our way to being buried in the darkness of winter. I’ve come to realize it’s not just the cold, it’s the lack of sunlight I get during these coming months.
It’s compounded because I work nights and sleep till around noon if I’m lucky. So that leaves only a few hours of daylight to enjoy and recharge. And that is not enough before I’m back in artificial light.
The fact that pain sometimes slows me or even takes time out of any day pisses me off. This hasn’t been a good month for feeling good. And then, I get a note from my orthopedic office that September is Pain Awareness Month. Actually, they didn’t need to tell me that, I’m very aware of pain like everyone who deals with it.
But tomorrow is another day and hopefully one that we can all feel a little better.
Random Thoughts of the Day