A far more productive week than the previous one has me feeling good this Sunday evening. Concentrating more on what I accomplished than what I didn’t.
So, let’s set the bar a little higher this week. I got a great start on chores today so I should have some creative time to work on a few projects this coming week.
The side of the new River House Pizza. When it opens.
These guys got more painting done this week than I did but it’s the first thing on my list for Monday morning.
My better half has been busy making the gardens look great.
I was going to stay up late and work, but I think I’ll crash and get up well before sunrise and work then.
Photos by Mike Hartley
Maybe I can get out the door well before sunrise for some night shots.
Mother nature is supplying the color, and my better half is sprinkling the gardens and yard with beauty. Me, I’m the DESTROYER. Power tools in hand and chopping, digging or cutting. That’s my role. Just taking a break after cutting the front 50 and some raking.
About to do the difficult part and push cut the mountain of a backyard.
You don’t get better weather days than this. Sunny and the high 70s with a mild breeze.
Nature is alive and buzzing. Like the bumblebees that fly around me.
All I know is that I felt like a colorful midday post and came up with this.
So let me return to the great outdoors and make a push to finish strong today. Then treat us to a nice dinner.
Another early but slow start to the day. There was one victory though. The John Deere tractor started up for what I think is either the 27th or 28th year of service. I was smart and took the battery out for the winter and had charged it indoors. I sent a video of it cranking up for my grandson who loves to ride it and has asked all winter long if he could get on it.
A little orange that I can live with. Photo by Mike Hartley
It has been a productive afternoon. Making some progress on chores and my hobbies. Started sanding a wooden heart earlier. Also moving some images to the photo site and this evening I hope to crank up the printer and cover a few empty spots on my office walls.
My back is starting to talk to me so I’m going to put in another hour or two and call it a day on the heavy stuff.
I saw a note in another post about it being Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. I’m aware of it because I had it. Well, it had part of me to be correct. A good reminder for myself to make a few donations to my favorite cancer organizations.
A new week, so says the calendar. I’m not really on a schedule, but so many others I interface with are on that work schedule which begins today. Mine has no beginning and end. It’s just when I decide to take a break.
It’s somewhat different not having that weekly reset. The weekly staff meeting reviewing last week’s work and the coming weeks ahead hasn’t been part of my life for a few years now.
Those short- and long-term goals list that the manager wanted is long gone and I just add and subtract as I want now. Nobody but myself reviews my performance.
I’ll always be wishing my children a good week ahead on Monday. Asking my better half what we have this week is still pretty much my routine. And wishing my best friends a good week at the job is a Monday habit even before I retired.
The shows on tv sometimes remind me of the day of the week. Doing the daily blog always keeps me aware of the date and day. But the further removed I get from that weekly cycle, the more relaxed and freer I feel.
So, while I wish you all a great week ahead, I’m taking it more day by day and seeing what life brings me.
I haven’t missed the commute back and forth to work at all. But I have become too much of a homebody and need to get out more.
In the background I hear the local news talking about possible snow. I’m going to keep a brighter outlook and ignore that nonsense. I can hibernate for a few more days if needed.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Photography Thoughts of the Day
Uploading prints to my photo site is pleasing. Making prints makes me happy.
One of today’s assignments is to finish shooting all the family cameras I have collected. I’ll post them here when finished editing.
An old camera can take a fine picture. At least that is what I’m hoping, most of mine are old.
Textures have been appealing to me lately. I ran a few shots of wood this past week. I’m photographing some more.
I’m going to try to finish reading the book – The Photographers Playbook in the next day or two.
Just doing my part to put a brighter face on a sloppy day. Old man winter is telling me I better get a snowblower and hang up the shovel or there will be hell to pay. I guess this last decade of just dustings gave me a false sense of security. I just looked outside and the snow is beginning in earnest.
Natures Fireworks. Photo by Mike Hartley
Just about time to head upstairs and prepare dinner. I’ve met my goal of cooking a few times this week and hope to build on that this coming week. I’ll have to get a few new ideas for our feast.
I see the Lakers and Celtics play tonight. The time when you would say that you would have a major viewing event is long past. While both teams are good and the Celtics could compete for a championship, the Lakers would need a miracle to make the Finals. I might catch a few minutes, but I’d rather work on my hobbies.
I’m on a roll building out my photo site more this past week and hope to continue that effort. Now if I could devote some time to the easel and woodwork, I’d be smiling ear to ear.
It doesn’t feel like a late Sunday afternoon. The kids are probably excited that the prospect of school tomorrow is fading away with every snowflake. And parents are wondering what we are going to do for childcare because work is still going to expect staff tomorrow morning.
My only responsibility is to check to make sure that the snow isn’t getting too deep tonight where I have to do it in two sessions. Other than that, I wake early to do my hobbies and that is so sweet not to have to think about fighting the elements if I don’t want to. I really should get out and take some snow pictures though. These bright flowers are a bit out of season here.
A ton of snow and ice outside that’s going to take a while to disappear. So why not add some white from the inside. Flowers in the heart of winter give hope that there is spring.
I know a few people who love yellow. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m starting to feel like a block of ice the longer I’m outside.
Random Thoughts of The Day
It had better be a very hot and long summer to make up for this winter.
Crap, almost out of a few inks for my photo printer, better order today before I run out.
I’m worried that my normal dark tan this summer might lead to an unfortunate encounter. I can see a border control asking me a question and my smart ass answering No Habla Ingles.
Amazon acquired the film Melina for 40 million dollars and is spending another 35 million dollars on marketing. I see Bezos is going to cut staff at Amazon by 16,000 people and at The Washington Post with number much smaller but with devastating impact. Wonder if that is the tradeoff to make up for the loss?
Word is there is a white out on the way in Central Maryland. Just a little moisture coming. So, I’ll think of spring.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I guess I can deal with a few drops of moisture.
Photo by Mike Hartley
But after stepping outside a few minutes ago it’s the cold I’m worried about. I guess I should make sure the batteries on the cameras are charged because this kind of weather takes a toll on them fast.
Random Thoughts of the Day
When you having trouble going on with life as normal, when things aren’t normal and you stop going on with life as normal, you’re having a normal reaction.
It bothers me that trying hard and being smart is difficult for some people to deal with. And no, I’m not talking about me, I’m not smart, but I do know some people who are.
And on the health front – Houston, we have a problem – CDC Measles page
Fingers crossed that we maintain power to our homes this week. I’d miss working on the blog and photo editing.
It’s never just another day. Unless you want to look at it like that. I find each one unique and special in some way. Even the worst days. It’s my own fault if I don’t learn something or find something special about the day.
Just trying to brighten the day. Photo by Mike Hartley
Trying something new. Not being afraid. Taking a chance. Living, it’s great and it’s tough.
The flip side of life and not finding those special moments or parts of each day is remarkably easy when feeling down or troubled. They are ignored, overlooked, bypassed or not attended or answered. And that is a shame because we don’t get those back.
I’ve wasted time myself stuck in ruts. Age gave me some wisdom and that helped me avoid some, but I still go off road occasionally and get stuck.
Random Thoughts of the Day
With the fire warnings out, I won’t be lighting the firepit tonight.
I like pizza in the morning. Not all the time but occasionally.
I’m going to do something out of the ordinary that I’d like to make routine. I’m going to pick up a book.
There are few things better than a day without obligations other than to yourself.
Less pain than yesterday so a victory to start the day. And a beautiful sunny day outside to enjoy and revel in. I’ll open the shed soon for the implements to battle Mother Nature. The hammock and cushions are already out.
An open day except a trip to Lowes and some chores. A busy weekend ahead filled with family and activities.
The rain was really needed. I’m worried that it’s been so dry that the color this year might be a bit muted.
Just looked at the list and it’s a very packed week. So much for the schedule I was thinking about. I’ll adjust because that is what life is about. A never-ending series of adjustments and modifications. And being a senior, it’s going to be one after another.
But the few free minutes I will have I’ll make very good use of it. I’m going to work my behind off this evening. Oh yeah, catch a few minutes of the Home Run Derby.
I was thinking back when I started blogging and I would use photos I had taken to kind of inspire the days thoughts or topics. I’ve gotten away from that, and I feel the need to return to that formula.
Color me. Photo by Mike Hartley
This flower made me think about all the beauty possible but the UGLYNESS killing it on so many levels is making me sick and it’s time to rock and roll against it. This greed and lack of compassion is out of control, and it only keeps being reinforced by those in power.
I’m going to have to work harder for a change. Not for me, but for my children and grandchildren.
Random Thoughts of the Day
It’s good to be feeling better today. Whatever attacked my sinuses this weekend has abated.
There are Monday’s and then there are MONDAY’S.
I feel like I’m in a washing machine that has lost its spin cycle. You feel wet if it’s raining or not when stepping outside.
As one of my best friends is commonly heard saying, “it’s time to turn it up.” And he isn’t talking about just the music.
I know flowers like the rain. And there is a good bit coming. But they also like the sun. It started to get a bit overcast as I was finishing up outside. So, like them I was just soaking up the last few minutes of sunshine.
We went out to dinner at Ledo Pizza and then to the Snowball stand for a treat before the rain started. As I sit here yawning, I know it won’t be a late night. But then again, there is a baseball and basketball game I would like to see.
Brightening up my afternoon. Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s been a good week and I’m looking forward to the weekend. I do have to get out and get some new images regardless of the weather. That just might be my focus. How do people handle the rain.
I guess I could capture some scary car video of people attempting to drive on wet roadways. They can’t do it in dry conditions, so you are guaranteed some good footage. That would be too easy though. I’ll have to see what I can come up with.
Random Thoughts of the Day
With the rain I sense a creative streak at the easel coming this weekend.
It’s been a good year. But the best is yet to come.
I really have to finish a project for my granddaughter.
I slept longer than normal and now I’m feeling rushed. There is much to accomplish today so I best make use of every minute. I haven’t had time to create much new work on the photo side, so I grabbed a shot I hadn’t used before to get this week off to a colorful start.
The only shooting I did this weekend was from my granddaughter’s birthday party. Which I have to edit, send and make some prints from later today. I did charge the batteries up for today if I get the opportunity there will be some new images later.
The weather today looks nice so some time outside will be had. I love soaking up the sun. It’s almost, warm enough in the afternoon for shorts and tee shirts. Like I said, almost and that is only a few hours in the afternoon. But hope of even warmer days is ahead and I’m pumped.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
Watching another beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic this morning.
I wonder what the tipping point will be in support of Trump. There is one coming, I’m just not sure which or what combination of events will trigger it.
There is a ton of pollen out there already. And I’m ready to sneeze through spring.
It’s almost warm enough to move the woodworking outside. Less cleanup that way.
We might be skipping further into history than I thought. Maybe near the fall of Rome.
My day is packed at tight as this group of flowers. That little space in between is me moving from one activity to the next. I’ve got a good start and the future of the day looks as bright as this group also.
Come on Spring. Photo by Mike Hartley
I don’t have any skin in today’s football game. But I do have a lot in the Maryland Basketball game at noon. It’s a blackout day do I’ve got my black MD tee shirt on and I’m ready to give Rutgers University hell. Well, not hell but a good butt whipping. I wish I was there for the game today. There are times I get inclined to remind the officials it’s a HOME game.
Today will be a challenge with food. I finally got that back under control the last few days and those extra few pounds are fading away. They come on more quickly than they leave. My better half made something that could easily add a few pounds so I’ll try to practice moderation.
It’s a great day and week ahead to put a productive effort forward. And snap out of the funk I’ve been in.
I’ll drop another post or two today and hold myself accountable for some work.
Despite the call for mixed snow and ice today, I’m sending up signals to Spring that I’m behind an early bloom, if they are so inclined.
I slacked off on the tradition exercise a bit yesterday and watched my grandson, which uses an entirely different set of muscles. Like the ones that move me across the floor, but not walking. Actually its good exercise to get up from the floor as a senior. I always feel a few muscles I don’t normally use after watching kids.
Today though, I will catch up and get back on track.
Create
Today, I hope to create something new. Be it a photo series, chapter in the book, filling out the photo site, drawing or sanding. I’ve got a good start on a few things this morning. It would be nice to work on all of them.
I’ve got a nice drawing of the kids first pet that I’d like to transfer to wood for them.
And I’ve got to get a few new meals planned.
This is the year I complete more things.
Random Thoughts of the Morning
Don’t get me wrong, I like eggs but if the price of bacon goes up, you will be hearing from me.
Trump installing himself as Chairman of the Kennedy Center is like the arts dying a slow death.
I feel like a logger. I just keep chipping away at things.
Feeling alive this evening. There still is time to fit in some more exercise, start to set up the basement studio for some shell photography, and work on the pastel abstract I’m almost completed.
Swallow me up. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m feeling good about the start I’ve gotten this month. I’m getting a balance of varied work each day. Some time carving, drawing, photographing and writing.
This season needs a little color. Photo by Mike Hartley
Tonight calls for a little organization though, along with the fun. Both sides of both desks are littered with notes and prints and clippings and slides. Time to declutter.
Random Thoughts of the Evening
I wonder if the weatherman is pulling my leg with 2 days above 50 degrees outside coming up?
I wonder if the Presidency has a morals clause?
I wonder if we have seen the last Royal Farms commercial with Justin Tucker?
I wonder if we will go to the movies this week?
I wonder if people will be cutting back on making Easter Eggs?
I was searching for some inspiration looking through some of my older shots, and came across this one. It fit my morning being I’m just feeling a little out of focus. I’m trying to get the body comfortable with limited success.
I’d like to be as flexible as those pedals. Do I miss those days where I get in about any position. And the only way to get near that again is to keep working on it, and I’ll continue to apply myself at that goal.
I see the feels like temp is 2 degrees outside. I can attest to that fact as I went out to warm up the cars.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I’m one of those people missing out on all the benefits of coffee. Never drank a cup and therefore never contributed to the Starbucks of the world.
I think I’ll spend some time cooking today.
It also feels like a good day for drawing.
I don’t see a problem eating ice cream on a very cold day.
There were a good number of days this past year where I didn’t like or wasn’t satisfied with what I had shot that day. So, I would use a picture from a past post that I did like or fish through some old shoots for something. I said one of the things I wanted to do this year was take risks and that means showing my work.
Sometimes being very critical hurts me. I keep forgetting the phrase – beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and I go making that judgement myself without sharing it.
This year there will be a shot from that day. Yes, I still may reach back for some old ones on one or two posts, like this one, but in at least one of the 4 posts I hope to kick out each day, will have fresh images from that day. And if possible, everything will be new.
And once I download todays few shots they will be on the last post of the day.
I was missing the color of the holiday season after the decorations came down today. So I found some that spring will provide me in a few months. Photo by Mike Hartley
I find it amazing what I can do when I put my mind to it. I also find it amazing how little I can accomplish on my own even with working hard.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Come Together is a great song by the Beatles. There are few groups you can listen to different songs for hours and still not tire of.
I’m like my car, I can turn on a dime.
Found the perfect shoe/sock combo for feet recently. Finally happy feet.
I think a new office chair will be in the cards sometime this year. You can probably guess which part of my body inspired that thought. That part also has a number of other ideas but this one sounds legit as opposed to most others.
It’s been a fairly creative day. Not especially on the photographic end but overall.
A gift from friends that is brightening up our kitchen. Photo by Mike Hartley
Photography Journey Day 39 – 12/9/24
I hope to get out later and take a few fog photos. I see some rolling in already and if it thickens up that might make for some interesting shots. In the meantime, I’ll upload some images to Zenfolio.
Some images were added to the family wall. Also, some editing on some recent shots and cleanup of some that should have been trashed on the first edit.
I should have taken a few photos in the attic while I was cleaning it out. I’ll add that to the very long list of things I should have shot. Laziness got a hold of me a bit the last few days in terms of my hobbies. I didn’t abandon them, just didn’t make the dedication I’d like to.
As long as I’m alive and kicking I’ll work to turn that back around. And work to make the village around me a better place. Have a good evening. all.
I don’t have to worry about the cat, but I do have to keep an eye on the grandkids. Photo by Mike Hartley
I still enjoy washing and detailing my car as much today, as when I was a young man. It must be love. No, it’s not the same car. So I had to take it for a short spin around the county before rush hour started.
I’m moving to the music this fine Monday, with a smile, and a happy heart. I had some old friends reach out and touch me yesterday. It felt good. Not to mention the day with the family playing and feasting together. Plus the bonus of my son helping me with some heavy yard work.
Ding, I’m rocking and rolling in The Zone this fine day. We no longer reside at Mission Control, the nickname I gave my work office. That one is history and now I work with a team of me, myself, and I. This basement office room may seem bound with walls but its imagination is endless and the 3 of us trip over each other to get to work each day.
Feather petals. Photo by Mike Hartley
This isn’t a hump day, for I like putting in 7 days a week. And I don’t consider what I’m doing work. Yeah, it’s a bit of effort. And the better I make it the more effort it will take. But so far it’s a labor of love. One that I hope to sustain for a very long time.
My eyes itch looking at the center of this flower. Photo by Mike Hartley
A few errands to run today of the fun ahead. Some photography this afternoon and the Maryland game kicking off the Big 10 Hoop championship this evening. Hopefully, a few rounds of ball are still in them.
It might not feel like it this weekend but spring is about to explode and many of you will suffer. I still have some allergies but they are light compared to what I fought when I was younger. There are days that even the most resistant of us are affected by pollen.
Photos by Mike Hartley
I’ll have a few moments of short sneezing fits here and there but nothing I can’t work through. Mostly when the pollen is on the grass I’m cutting, the wind will come up and blow a cloud of it in my face.
I’ll curse that yellow layer of pollen on my car cover and then on my car because at peak it can recover it completely in 24 hours.
The anticipation is building for me as I see the first buds on the trees starting. The thought of the Cherry Blossoms out in the Tidal Basin in DC and the colors in our garden in my front yard provided by my green thumb better half. I’m the half responsible for keeping everything green, cut, and trimmed outside the garden.
Cherry Blossoms and Jefferson Memorial. Photo by Mike Hartley
I wish all of you a healthy spring and a box of Kleenex at hand.
More buds. Photo by Mike Hartley
My goal is to get out this spring like I’ve never before. And if I’m smart enough to take the cameras and time I’ll share it here for the next few months.
Fewer words, more words, right words, wrong words. Today’s words – Petal Power.
Bringing some warmth on a cold day. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m looking ahead to the months of these outside my front door. I know, I must be patient.
I’m having issues holding that heavy Nikon with the busted finger. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Time to pick up the pastels again.
I’ll be glad when it’s Wednesday night.
What a year for Baltimore sports teams. Finishing the regular season in first place and into the playoffs. And while both didn’t make it to the Series or Super, they had great years with great thrills for the city and fans. Hats off to the Ravens team, coaches, and organization.
CBS Sunday Morning did a very nice tribute to Charles Osgood yesterday.
I tried something new. I recorded the 49ers/Lions game and watched it early this morning. I figure I saved 2 hours instead of watching it live by fast-forwarding through all the talk and commercials. I’ve done it with basketball but the time savings aren’t as good as they are for football.
