Sleeping and waking up in my own bed today. A pretty good feeling and some good rest. I slept like a rock when I hit the sheets. It was nice to be away but nothing like home.
Days of work await because things don’t stop because I was away. The grass continues to grow, bills come in, home maintenance needs continue to build. And I still have a smile on my face even though I can see I’m going to be beat at the end of the weekend.
I’ve spent a few hours cutting grass and weeding till lunchtime and I’m sore already. Plus, two other injuries of late have this body feeling the pain again. Well, it’s mind over matter today. I’m going to power through.
But first I am going to take a break and put my feet on the gas and clutch on the Miata. And remind myself how much my tires like a warm track and some great rock and roll. YEEE HA. Don’t worry, I’ll calm down a bit before engaging gears. That shower revived the body a bit. Time to free the mind.
It feels so good also to have taken a break from writing and it feels great to be back to it. A change of perspective is sometimes helpful.
When I still feel like a kid, it’s very hard to think of my kids as grown adults with kids. But it’s happened, and the stages of life have progressed with abandon. Big anniversaries and reunions have passed.
This can’t be, I’m still dancing around to the music, I’m creating more than I did when I was in my 20s and inspired. I see endless ideas and opportunities.
The mind feels as young as it ever did most days.
It’s the damn body that is the reminder. That look in the mirror and seeing grey. Just for the record grey doesn’t bother me. It’s a normal part of aging. You won’t find me coloring my beard or hair. But that grey wasn’t there at 40 or 50 and a few that were barely noticeable at 60, are now the predominant population in the beard. And now it’s moving north and the temples are starting to lose that brown color.
Things taken for granted like walking and hiking can be dangerous to attempt now. Turning an ankle is one thing. Done that a hundred times as a youth. But I bet the turned ankle now would result in a fall which might result in another injury.
The number of people getting pieces of them replaced is incredible. Hips, knees, shoulders and I guess more that I don’t know about.
I hurt my knee months ago playing with a grandchild. But that won’t stop me. Sometime my grandson can ride on my back and it’s no issue. Other times not. But this horse will still saddle him up. I’ll do that and do anything to make them happy and laugh.
Happily, by the time they are getting to the age where physical rides on Papa and races and wrestling matches will fade and they will see that Papa could use some help and give me a hand around the house and yard when they visit.
Of course, I have a hard time admitting I can’t do anything. Not that I’m any master tradesman, I just have skills that have gotten me by without a tremendous amount of assistance.
I hope I don’t lose that youthful mindset, but reality is in that mirror each day. That is why I avoid them.
Art and youth. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Watching the wind move the tops of trees is like watching nature dance.
Watching and enjoying it is good. Watching and learning is good. Watching and being moved to thought, emotion or action is good. Watching and getting nothing is a waste of time.
Watching the speed of days increase as we age.
Watching the screen gets more difficult to see with time.
I have a lot of emotions and feelings, but boredom isn’t one of them. I guess I find or think about things to entertain myself. I’m lucky in life to be full of things to keep me interested and engaged. I guess we learned that as kids when we were sent out the door and had to make our own fun.
Creating games, building forts in the woods, making contests up, modifying conventional games to new games.
I used to think school was boring. I was just ignoring what I was there for. Luckily, I got excited about learning shortly after.
I find bored to be kind of a sad emotion.
Life is full of opportunities to be bored. Yeah, sitting in traffic is boring for some. I used to see how many personal license plates I could find. Or guessing the year and model of the cars around me. Listening to music and seeing how in tune I could sing and remember lyrics or stay in rhythm playing drums on the steering wheel.
Some people get bored on long drives even when not in traffic. Not me. I love seeing different places. Even the same route to the beach I take, which is just short of a 3-hour drive, I still find interesting. Noting the changes over the decades along the way and stopping at new places.
People in waiting rooms look bored because they have their faces on their phones and frown instead of smiling from talking to the person seated next to them.
My favorite boardwalk, Ocean City Maryland. Photo by Mike Hartley
And yes, I know the difference between board and bored. I just didn’t have a good shot of a bored person.
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.
I had the annual eye exam this morning and there has been no substantial changes which is nice to hear a doctor say. I didn’t think much had changed but I didn’t think I needed glasses till I got them either. What a relief to hear a doctor say you’re good for another year. Now if I can get the rest of them on board with this attitude.
I’ve gotten used to wearing glasses. I always keep a pair nearby.
How are these pair of glasses? Photo by Mike Hartley
Low and behold it’s MARCH MADNESS time. And Maryland made it by the first round of the Big 10 Tournament and played again today so that had my attention for a few hours. One of my two best friends and I watched the last game of the season.
Tonight, I’m getting away from this box and trying my hand at some painting. This afternoon I spent working in the yard but hope to put in a few hours editing images before calling it a night on this system.
Saturday resumes the biggest area car show/meet and I’ll probably attend that for an hour or two. The weather isn’t going to be that warm that day so attendance might not be what the summer months bring. Plus, it will give me a chance to grab a sandwich from the sponsor of the event Mikey and Mel’s Deli.
I have no regular sleep pattern. I was doing okay for a while after retirement, but it didn’t last. I’m up all hours of the day and night. I nap mainly. An hour here, 2 hours there, maybe 3 or 4 hours when I actually get in bed. But no longer usually. I guess that works for me.
I wake up lots of times due to my restless mind. The majority are aches or spasm related that disturb my rest. Sounds also play a part in that because I guess I hear very well still.
I have no trouble falling asleep. But still, a few hours and I’m awake. I’m getting better at making use of the time instead of fighting it. And I think that is helping when I do lay down for some rest again. I’ve stopped being frustrated when I wake up.
Like this evening, I fell asleep around 9:30pm and woke at 1am and worked till 6:30am and then nap for another 3 hours.
There is still the occasional night, that I’m just up all night and sleep a few hours during the day.
Maybe after a certain number of years of working night shifts, you become part or wholly nocturnal.
I love standing outside on a summer evening looking at the darkness and listening to the sounds of the night. Photo by Mike Hartley
Tonight, I will probably flip the script and stay up till 2-3am and then crash for 3-4 hours. I can’t wait till it warms up so this nocturnal creature can start venturing out at night again.
I’m walking much more this year and I’m feeling better for it. I’ve exceeded last year’s effort already and hope to increase my time as I go throughout the year. Most days my back feels better for it. At least I’m having more good days than not. Days when my back does ache, it’s sometimes difficult to get on the treadmill. And I usually limit the time those days.
I like walking in and around Ellicott City. Photo by Mike Hartley
Soon I’ll be outside again, and I’ll need to remind myself to watch the terrain a bit. Plus, the difference when I’m walking outside, is that I’m usually carrying a camera of some type.
Then there is the hiking walking when I choose that route, more inclines and dips, uneven footing even on worn trails. One thing I have to get this year is a harness strap vest for heavy cameras. I’ve seen a few that have one mounted on the middle of the chest and one on the hip. They look like they distribute the weight much better than just having a heavy camera around my neck which hurts both my neck and lower back after a while.
Today I’ve gotten a good start already having put an hour in on the treadmill.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The government clown show continues. And it gets worse every day.
Saw a pair of beautiful foxes hunting in our backyard yesterday.
The daily prompt asks – What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?
I guess it’s the same biggest challenge we all face every day. Our health. From the dangers of getting in a car and entering a highway to the doctor’s test results you get.
No day is guaranteed for any of us at any age. Some of us, including myself, didn’t think like that for a long time. After a few battles with cancer, I stopped taking health for granted. I will have another test in 6 months, nothing unusual, have been tested for many years now. But that will be my biggest challenge. It helps me appreciate each day now like I didn’t before.
It helps me think about time and how I use it. I can put things in a better perspective and order now. I wish someone would have shared that nugget of knowledge earlier in life with me.
Biggest challenges used to be helping raise a family, my career and keeping the bills paid. Now it’s just making each day count. Be it a conversation, a photo I take, a hug from my children, a laugh with a friend. Simple but very important things to me.
Lots of us work a very long time and very hard making other people lots of money. I didn’t learn that one till almost retirement. I was out of balance with work and life. Maybe that is why retirement is so sweet to me.
Health will always be our biggest challenge. Without it everything else can be more difficult or impossible.
If I were to put the test aside, my biggest challenge would be getting all my ideas and projects completed in that timeframe. And fit in a lot of love. I look at life from one test to the next and fit as much as I can in between those dates.
I wish I could eat healthier. Photo by Mike Hartley
Feeling tight this morning. The body is constricted and therefore the mind isn’t free. Let’s see if we can work things out. The treadmill hasn’t helped so far. Neither has some stretching. Trying round two of both of those with some light dumbbells to hopefully work out the kinks.
It sort of feels like a rude cloudbank creating a lot of turbulence that bounced me around too much.
Rumbling through the morning so far. Photo by Mike Hartley
Monday was very productive. Uploaded a few series of shots of a local town I had missed before and filled out a better look at that little slice of Maryland. I’m going through my vault each day and trying to find things I haven’t uploaded to the photo site before. That is one of my priorities each day this year.
Once I’m satisfied, I’ve got most of my good stuff there and organized and presented correctly I’ll start making more references to it here. The Canon printer was also active on Monday so there are some new images to hang on the family and friend walls.
Accomplished some editing from the Florida shooting and will finish and upload that later today.
But I’d really like to spend some time painting and photographing. So let me get up from this keyboard and back to addressing feeling better.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Oh crap, tax season.
Oh my, Tuesday already.
Oh jeez, I’ve heard enough politics for the day already.
Dentist and Doctors. We all see them, well at least we should. Recently the dentist asked me to come back for work that must be scheduled to get done. I’ve never had more than a few cavities in my lifetime. I need my first crown I’m told. Anyway, I asked questions about this procedure and the reasons for it and they satisfied me.
In a sense that’s a no brainer. But other decisions get more difficult as time goes on. I’ve seen it with our parents and older friend. From tough decisions like hip and knee replacements to more serious ones like treatments for serious health challenges.
Health to me comes down to quality of life. I’m trying to prepare myself all the time for adjustments I may have to make. For instance, my hands one day won’t be able to type with the fluid motion I once had. I already noticed I’m not as fast as I used to be. I may have to use voice recognition at some point in the distant future.
I walk as much now as I can just in case one day I can’t. Photo by Mike Hartley
Mobility has also changed. When younger, there wasn’t obstacle or path that couldn’t be overcome. Now I stick to better trails because I don’t need a torn ligament, broken ankle, kneecap or hip. I even use the treadmill some days that it’s nice outside just because each step is predictable and not challenged by me looking around and not watching where I’m going.
A while back life started being about adaptability to change. Not to just those external things but within your own body and mind. Of course, we are the lucky ones. Many face these challenges early and have lived a lifetime with a disability or disease and persevered.
While each of us will be faced with our own challenges and decisions, we all have to make a collective decision on how to move ahead with healthcare. By not making a decision, we are making one to leave a significant part of the population without healthcare while at the same time making hospitals and ones who have insurance pay for those uninsured because they will go to hospitals for treatment covered or not.
It’s a moral, financial, logistical and industry discission. It’s too complex to be taken as separate pieces. In my opinion it must be fixed as a whole. It’s going to still include painful decisions. Do we spread the cost for those in need of the greatest financial care due to the complexity of their illness or disease. Or do we change them much more for insurance, making the cost for others less.
How do we structure prescription and insurance industries. How do all the hospitals survive, do the profitable ones share with the rural ones struggling? Same with people, those decisions are being made every day in every country including this one. Many different levels of care are available to those with the money for it than those without resources.
There are some brilliant articles from many scholars on the issue of healthcare. Many with some good ideas. But it comes down to you and I and how we vote to solve this. I don’t see anyone on any side pushing any plan that will get to the heart of the issue because it all involves tough choices.
Please
So, we push the broken barrel down the road for another year while the system gets worse. And more people go bankrupt each year from medical bills, (you should look at those numbers). Hospitals continue to struggle till they shut down. People in the profession get burnt out or don’t have the supplies, tools or meds needed or aren’t paid for the incredible job they do.
And when lots of people go bankrupt, hospitals and doctors don’t get paid so they pass it on to those of us still able to pay.
It seems we’re starting from a strong point. The following is an assumption on my part. I’m guessing we have some of the best hospitals, doctors, equipment, prescription meds, research, caregivers, Ems, insurance people and systems in place for healthcare in the world. How we work on it, change it, modify it again, or just push it down the road will say allot about us as a society and the leadership we choose to address it.
We need to talk about this and many other issues. We need leaders who have plans that can adapt and modify to make a better plan and then get consensus and implement.
Found this link below for the Maryland folks wanting to know about what is going around the state now with flu, covid and rsv.
I’m feeling my age today. Maybe, a bit older. Time to get some exercise before I stiffen up more. I’ve been pretty good at walking every day, but the weights haven’t been moving much. Feeling younger takes a bit of work regarding the body.
The mind has no problem thinking or acting young. Like tonight, I’ll stay up way past normal and probably work on several areas of photography.
Even though the mind thinks young, it’s not telling the body to do the active things it did in its youth. And there lies the issue. I’ve really got to turn that around this year. Besides walking and light weights, I have to add another aerobic activity.
It’s going to be tough because I spend a lot of time seated working on the computer and reading. I did hear my neighbor’s son outside with his basketball and hoop. Maybe I should get outside myself. I had it out a few weeks ago dribbling keep away from my granddaughter.
This makes 2 of us that need maintenance. Photo by Mike Hartley
I think I’ll work on some of my favorite nature shots. I guess I should order some more ink tomorrow because I’m going to be doing some larger prints. Now I just have to find room or people to give them to.
In between those coming out of the printer I’m setting up something to test my lighting and angles on some old cameras as subject matter. Have a good evening, all. Go Packers.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Don’t lose your perspective if you find yourself talking to yourself more than others.
I don’t know why I got away from doing Random Thoughts for a while. It’s not like I didn’t continue to have them.
I’m using change to help with my motivation.
I have a daily desk calendar again. I like that. I haven’t had one in a few years, so this is nice to keep me up with the day and date. No wonder the last few years have gone by so fast. I lost track of time.
Time has flown by the last two weeks, and I have little to nothing to show for it. I haven’t touched a paint brush, and the cameras have been in their cases for the most part. The energy needed to be in my workroom just wasn’t there.
I’m good at writing to both my children very often and that was on hold for two weeks. I just got back in that grove yesterday.
I haven’t seen my best friends in almost 3 weeks now and that this about the longest we have gone this year or more. I haven’t been out to see any holiday decorations and experience shopping.
Yesterday I got started by hitting the grocery store with my better half. But boy did that wear me out. Got a good night’s rest for a change of pace so I’m on a mission to accomplish a lot today.
Building bridges to better health. Photo by Mike Hartley
If you are a senior citizen, please take this new strain of flu called Subclade K seriously. It’s nothing like what we have had for years, and we are pretty good at dealing with the ones the flu shot has covered previously. It’s the first time I’ve thought about going to the hospital in years and has changed my future perspective if I get that sick again I will.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Republicans – defending the indefensible.
The heroic actions of the people who tried to stop the shooting rampage at Bondi Beach are remarkable and should be honored. I hope that if faced with a similar situation I will act in that way.
Verizon service this year after the new equipment install has been piss poor – Bet it’s not just my Opinion.
People who consider themselves so smart are pretty good at accepting lies each day.
Pardons for some of the vilest creatures on earth seems to be this presidents cup of tea.
Even though I’m retired Monday is still a kickoff day. One that I tend to get organized and formulate a plan for the coming days.
Unfortunately, I was still less than half. A complete lack of energy has set in for both of us. A friend said he spoke to another friend who had this for a month. I’m only about 11 days into it and it’s a slow go. Last night I learned my granddaughter is ill with the flu and I’m hoping my daughter doesn’t come down with it.
At least I’m up in the mornings to catch sunrises on webcams till I can get back out and shoot the real ones. This one is from my favorite spot overlooking the Howard County Conservancy. Photo by Mike Hartley
Tis the season they say. With the joy comes the viruses we love to hate. All I know is I don’t want to be sick again this season so I’m going to be masking up when in crowds till spring.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Only Trump could make the tragic deaths of the Reiner’s about himself in the sickest way possible. What a piece of crap. He and the clown show need to go NOW.
When will this country grow a spine and get gun control enforcement that reduces our children being killed.
Verizon really pisses me off. Trouble is all the alternatives seem to have the same number of pissed off customers. Oh yeah, this AI crap when we call to speak to someone, has to go.
I’ve had enough of the cold already, and we aren’t even into the first day of winter yet.
The 30 For 30 special on ESPN about Stuart Scott and his battle with cancer was good last night. We share a lot of the same thoughts about cancer. I guess a lot of people do. We live for our children and family.
I remember hearing the first time I had cancer. I thought it was a death sentence then just as he did and many others do when they hear that word and their health mixed for the first time.
Years later again I heard those words a second time and I started to wonder about life again. I may not be as good as some or how Stuart attacked his cancer, but I still try to make good use of time.
Very early next year there is another test for me. But nothing has changed in my feelings. Stuart passed much earlier in life when his own children were young. Mine are grown but I have grandchildren and love them very much and want to be part of their lives for a long time. And of course, my life partner who gives me strength and love daily.
There are so many emotions when facing any health challenge. I’m just as terrified of that word now as I was before I had any experience with it.
Be YOURSELF. Don’t let cancer change who you are.
This organization does a lot for cancer research and is one I donate to because 100% of the donation goes to research. V Foundation
Yesterday broke my 484 day consecutive posting streak. I just didn’t have the energy to get out of bed and to the office and decided discretion was the better part of valor.
Today wasn’t much better but I’ll take any improvement at this point. I can’t wait to fully recover and enjoy the holiday season. So today starts a new effort at consistency.
Hillside, Headstones and Wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery
Thought – I’ve been watching some of the news on that drug boat strike and the call to kill the two survivors of the first strike. My father was a Hospital Corpsman, which is the title now but I think it was Pharmacist Mate during that war and changed afterward. He served on a destroyer in the Pacific in WWII, in Korea and on Operation Deep Freeze.
I think he would have been appalled at the crap being peddled now by the clown show in office. Killing defenseless people is wrong. Of course, I could also imagine him being disgusted at the ass kissing our President does with the Communist leader of Russia.
I can’t help but feel the current people are putting so many of our service members in harm’s way. Not only that, we are all less safe with this incompetent leadership at the helm. Trump and Hegseth have proved they will throw you under the bus in a heartbeat, so the military leaders and law enforcement are going to be quickly faced with a number of very difficult decisions. Are you going to follow orders of a lying malignant narcissist and a news host, or are you going to do the right thing.
Day 3 of this flu bug and no better yet. My better half also has come down with it so it’s ugly here. We think we must have gotten that new variant because neither of us has felt this sick in a long time.
I was walking a trail the other day, and the footing was not good. The ground camouflage is deep and filled with traps. Each year I head out at this time I say, how bad can it be. Wet leaves covering tree roots and rocks and holes.
And anything slithering around underneath.
I’m guessing some would say it’s less than wise for an old man with a heavy camera. And they probably are right but I’m going to increase my outside walks with my better half. Were a good team of, we get there when we get there.
I think I’m going to look into walking sticks for us.
Have a good walk today.
Get out but be careful with your footing. Photo by Mike Hartley
What a crap shoot staying healthy is. So many variables are in play. We do our best, see our doctors, listen to their advice.
Sometimes there are good seasons and difficult ones. We get most all the preventive shots because that is what our doctors recommend.
We go out to eat, we travel a bit, have family gatherings, go to public indoor events in the winter season and are probably exposed to just about everything. Sometimes we catch it, sometimes not.
Time to time we help our children with their children. For instance, my better half picked up our granddaughter from school because she had picked up something and wasn’t feeling good. Something we have no problem doing and are always there for them and glad we are.
We are careful. I wash my hands a lot. If we travel this season, I’ve thought about wearing a mask on a flight.
But it’s really a crap shoot. The wrong spot, the wrong time, the wrong contact. I hear several things are going around already at schools.
I’m not going to obsess about it. But I am more cautious this time of year. I hate being out in the cold anyway. Except seated or standing near my firepit.
So, step up, do your part in keeping yourself and others healthy. And care for those who aren’t as lucky.
Looking up some old steps on Court Avenue in Ellicott City. Photo by Mike Hartley
I see right down the road from us there has been a large sewage spill from a local pumping station. No communication from the county so I just wrote to the county executive and said we are less than a mile away from this area but we are all on wells and our own septic this side of the road.
I’m awaiting his reply, but I can’t see how 245,000 gallons of sewage isn’t going to make its way into the groundwater supply. If they won’t provide testing, I’ll get my own done. And if they have funked up our fresh water, I’m going to make sure this county is a bit poorer in the near future.
It’s funny, they say signs around the stormwater pond have been posted. I’ve driven by it a half dozen times since and haven’t seen one, I guess they are down by the water. I’ll have to go find one later.
The county exec seems to have no problem doing a lot of publicity shots of events and people in the county. How about communicating to people in the area affected by an environmental issue affecting county residents?
I don’t see a health alert issued by the county as I’ve seen in some previous spills. I also wrote to the public works department, and I’ll post if they or the executive replies. As far as I’m concerned, the county has dropped the ball on this one.
I saw a health alert for a spill in Columbia earlier this year in May. Why none for this one? I’ve contacted the health department for the county about having my well tested. I’ll also get an independent one done to verify.
Below is the pond that is now off limits they say.
A past beautiful morning in Howard County. But it’s not this one. I’m sure the wildlife isn’t in there, but if they are they will regret it. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m hoping what I had yesterday was a case of food poisoning. All I know is I was very sick for a day and felt very weak today. Hopefully on the mend so I can get back to chores and my creative efforts throughout tonight and tomorrow again.
I’ll be taking it slow though. Losing 6 lbs. in one day kind of depleted my energy reserves. That and I haven’t eaten anything in a day.
When I do start eating again, I must do a better job with the fruits and veggies.
Green health. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
I’m looking forward to a night of rest, being last night wasn’t one.
There is so much to catch up on tomorrow.
Health is everything.
TV is a nice distraction when you’re under the weather. I watched more in the last 36 hours than I have in years. Think I’ll turn it off the rest of the week.
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.
How do you practice self-care? – An interesting ask by the daily writing prompt.
Well, I’ve never been good at eating well or making sleep a priority. I’m making efforts to turn both of those things around.
I do walk and I like being out in nature. I exercise a bit but not as much as I should. I love to drive so I do that often.
I do things like listening to music and finding ways to express myself. I like being with people. I love working on my hobbies and sharing them. And being with my better half certainly is very important.
I love to laugh and find things to make others laugh.
I haven’t practiced enough self-care in my lifetime. Don’t make that mistake. Get off self-destructive tracks.
Practice some self-care in this heat please. Keep pumping fluids if you must be outside for periods.
Have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic? – This question from the daily writing prompt really caught me off guard this morning.
Strangely enough, I just finished fighting off Covid again. So, yeah I guess I’m adapting. We get our vaccines each year. Just like our flu shot and other vaccines. I have nothing against vaccines and I’m all for them. I trust the science.
I had made it through the entire fall and winter seasons without getting sick and the day before spring, I get Covid. I’m not used to and haven’t adapted to how long it takes to fight this virus off.
Commentary – I think what is being done to our Health and Human Services, the CDC, NIH, and FDA is going to kill many of us. You just don’t know it yet but it will. Now if the fallout and deaths from this were just going to be the people that voted for Trump I wouldn’t be complaining, ignorance has a price. But innocent people are going to get caught up in this and die.
I’m worried that RFK Jr. is going to destroy vaccine programs and make Covid seem like a walk in the park compared to the next event. This administration doesn’t care about good science, they don’t care about you and I. They just care about enriching themselves and you had better wake up to that fact soon.
And here is a promise. If government negligence touches my family, you can be assured I’m going to reach out and touch someone.
For the first time in a few days I was inspired to come to the computer and write. I also plugged the camera batteries in because I need to get back to work this week. I lost some production time for sure. The clarity of thought is returning, I’m looking forward to leaving the house again Monday and a positive mindset is returning.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I’ve got 4 sick days on my calendar where I keep track of my treadmill miles and I’m looking forward to putting numbers on there again.
I’m missing a family event today. Few things frustrate me more. Actually, nothing frustrates me more than that. I’m on the mend but this persistent cough I’m sure would have made others uncomfortable and my energy reserves would have been severely tested. I get winded and coughing going up the stairs.
I’ll make it up to my daughter and take her and her daughter out to dinner soon.
Sports
The Maryland Terps play tonight and if they win they make the Sweet 16, something nobody predicted. At the beginning of the season and they weren’t even picked to make the tournament this year. Picked to finish 10-11th in their own conference (finished 2nd).
Our group lives for these games. Some of my friends, became quickly spoiled this year when the early games showed a lot of promise. Forgetting the complete unknown they were before the season started. No idea how 4 new starters would jell with the senior fixture in the center.
It’s a credit to these young men and the coaching staff that they made the round of 32 and if they win tonight, the round of 16 which before the season would have been unheard of. There is something special about this group and I hope they go further. But I thank them for the excitement, promise, and opportunity to really enjoy the March Madness.
I was able to attend 5 home games this year. And what fun they were with friends and my son. I have one wish for that program and they really need to fix this. The good seats are sold out but rarely completely full. Sometime embarrassing partially full. There has to be a way to get those seats that aren’t being used to kids and families that someday might be inspired to play for their home state. Get my drift. It solve two issues. It helps with recruiting and it keeps the stadium packed.
Oh, retaining this coach would be a good first step before anything else.
I think my fever broke last night and hopefully I’m on the upside today. Like getting up off the mat after losing a fight. This guy beat the hell out of me. I guess age is a factor in fighting viruses now. I only have half a kidney on the right side due to cancer and when I’m sick it feels like George Forman (RIP) was giving kidney shots for 12 rounds.
My better half was sick earlier in the week and some friends seem to have had the same thing and they all were saying it takes 4-5 days to start feeling normal again.
Hopefully this week I’ll be able to get back into the surf of things.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Frustration
For the first time this year I couldn’t put some miles on the treadmill. I was sick on my daughter’s birthday. I had to move 3 days of planned to do list items to future days. There was a nice day when I missed riding with the top down on my car in the warm sun. I haven’t picked up a camera or worked on a piece of art in 3 days. I haven’t worked on yard or home in 3 days. It bothers me that I haven’t kept up with blogs I like.
And now the sun has set, and my cough is coming back and I feel warm. Maybe a premature prediction of life returning.
Politics
I see our Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was quoted saying “Let’s say Social Security didn’t send out their checks this month. My mother-in-law is 94, she wouldn’t call up and complain. She just wouldn’t. She would think something got messed up and she’d get it next month,” he said. “A fraudster always makes the loudest noise, screaming, yelling and complaining.”
Well I’m no fraudster Lutnick, and yes I’m going to be pissed as hell if I don’t get my check on time. You took it out of every one of my F’ing paycheck so do you part and get it here on time or there will be HELL TO PAY for it.
71 Million Americans will be letting you know how we feel about missing even one social security payment.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I believe I’m going to start to supporting the organization Democracy Forward.
Mess with my Social Security and I will FUBAR YOU.
If you don’t have your health, it seems to stop life.
I seriously doubt we will make it 4 years without major unrest.
I see by the flood of emails from organizations I support, it’s World Cancer Day.
The V Foundation says- It’s a day of encouraging those faced with cancer, honoring those who have been taken from us, and celebrating those who are now thriving after their cancer journeys.
Those are some good points for the day. And I’ll make a donation later today.
Wristband I wore during treatments. Photo by Mike Hartley
I kind of fall in that last category but I’m not celebrating. Nor does it feel right to celebrate being lucky while so many are engaged in difficult fights. I’d rather share compassion than celebrating my good fortune.
Oh, I’m trying to live each day well and don’t think that these events haven’t given me a special appreciation for life.
After a few years following the first successful surgery and good tests I was in a celebratory mindset. But a second cancer and a second surgery came along a few years later. And I wanted to celebrate but radiation was needed. It’s been some years since then but being tested often doesn’t lend my mind to celebrate.
I’ll celebrate when I’m a very old man, with grown grandchildren and having lived a long, somewhat healthy life.
Cancer still scares me. I don’t even like hearing the word. I’ve been one of the very lucky ones. I’m still here typing. I’d rather not tempt fate again.
There was a cancer support group at my job. It was a private Slack chatroom that was used to support one another. I miss that in both supporting others as well as getting support. I don’t talk to people about it much now.
NOTE: I’m repulsed at the thought of RFK Jr as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Do you ever have an appointment you wish you didn’t have to keep. I get a few of those a year for medical checkups that I don’t care about. It’s not so much the appointment itself it’s the possible ramifications.
It’s like going to a casino in some ways, give some blood or take another test and spin the wheel of results. I got one of these coming up. I’ve got a busy schedule between now and then, so I won’t dwell on it all the time but it’s in the back of my head.
Many are wandering around thinking about that next appointment. Many have so many appointments they blur together.
At the hospitals waiting rooms I always try to be very positive and smile. I see a few others doing the same, but I see more that are having trouble smiling. Either due to concern or knowing results and there for treatments.
So how do I react to this? Getting to work is usually a good one and employed often. Adding some music to the mix is also helpful. Focusing on another aspect of life for enjoyment. And I’ve got some of that planned with friends and family.
It’s a waste of time thinking and writing about it. I should get busy and put the morning to good use.
I need to make each days outlook this bright. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Feeling good about the exercise start to the day.
Doesn’t it make you wonder how much money gambling is raking in if they can afford to advertise more than pharmaceuticals, insurance and energy. I don’t know that for a fact but it certainly feels like it some days.
An old friendship was on the mend. And then came politics again.
I wanted to make a snowman but these past snows weren’t good snowman material.
I wonder how much further the rule of law can bend. We might be on our way of finding out.
Wow, some virus put me down for about a day and a half. Feeling very weak but alert and on the mend. So I have to make up for some lost production time and return to my hobbies. With all the rain forecast in the next few days some time on woodworking is in the works.
I always feel this frustration after being sick that I’ve missed out on life. Like not stepping outside I’ve somehow missed a day in the life as the Beatles might say. At the same time, I have this appreciation for the health returning and how important it is to take care of myself.
So I’ll try to make up for lost time starting this evening. I slept half the day from being up all night.
One thing that bothered me was that I had hoped to go to the Howard County Fair on Monday and today. If there is a break in the weather in the next three days I’ll try to venture out.
I felt like everything was in motion last night. Photo by Mike Hartley
So far this year I’ve felt pretty healthy. There are some ongoing concerns but I don’t have to worry about a check there for a few more months. I do have several other appointments but those are maintenance mostly like a physical and yearly dermatologist. Oh yeah my every 6 month cleaning of the choppers.
I feel so thankful for my health. My goal each year is to stay out of the hospital. I’m sure those who have been healthy all their lives are appreciative of it. But if you have a setback or face something challenging health is something you never again take for granted. A special appreciation for each day is instilled with a different perspective.
Well, back to work here and in other areas. Be well. The alternative sucks.
Have you ever had surgery? What for? – Now the Daily Writing prompt wants my medical records.
I’ve spoken before about fighting some cancers so yes I’ve had surgeries. Also, some other issues with the shoulders and knee required operations. A few others when I was young like an appendectomy. I believe the number is 20 surgical scars so far.
I’ve been told my back in 2 places could be helped with some cutting but I’m holding off on any more time in a hospital if I have a choice.
Nurses Memorial in Washington DC. Photo by Mike Hartley
How do you practice self-care? – Another rather personal question from the Daily Writing prompt.
Good old Google to the rescue – the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.
I had to look it up because I have so little practice with it.
Before I get to what I do now, my history might be a list of the things you might now want to do if you’re interested in self-care. I’ve had old acquaintances see me and the first thing they say was “Wow, you’re still alive.” I lived a little hard for parts of my life.
I’ve never been a daily workout guy, but overworked at the job. My diet hasn’t been horrible but it probably falls on the unhealthy side for most of my life. I’ve taken too many risks sometimes in the thought of self-care.
Now I just try to eat smart and exercise a bit. I do things that make me happy and feel good. I stay active in both actions and thoughts. Unless I’m in the hammock.
Shade is a good idea in this sun. Photo by Mike Hartley
When life comes together and you feel that inspiration or surge of energy or clearness of thought its a great start to any day. And it feels like one of those great ones today. Health is everything and the morning has been good.
Musician on Main St in Annapolis. Photo by Mike Hartley
I was going to say its good to have appreciation for the simple things but health is anything but simple.
Life has turned into one endless series of tests. Ones that results sometime cause such relief, excitement and exultation like an umpire calling strike 3. Turning to the side, dropping to one knee and extending his left arm and then drawing it back while throwing the right fist forward to punch out the batter. (figuratively not physically)
And when the test results are the other way it completely changes your world. Things that were important a couple minutes before fade like a distant memory. Desires set aside years ago become priorities. Having had a few scares like that I’m focused on living those desires and dreams now.
But there are a few weeks each year that pending results kind of preoccupy my thoughts. I had gotten pretty good managing the daemons of the mind years ago after my first cancer, then a second cancer that didn’t go away after surgery and needed further treatment.
I thought I was free but test every 3, 6 or 9 months for years now tell me the doctors aren’t convinced.
Each day forward from there has been a sense of urgency never felt before. Desires to return to what I was I thought I might want to do in life before I took on a career in Newspapers. I was able to finally push work down the list. And a lot of other things.
My goal then was to make it to retirement and enjoy those years. So here we are and I enjoyed my first month immensely. I’m working hard at my passions. But here I am waiting for test results again. Trying to fight the instinct to stop creating and waste time wondering, worrying or wilting.
My thoughts become scattered. I sometime don’t finish listening to a song that I love before my mind will wander. I catch part of a conversation. I daydream and lose focus. A sudden onset of Attention Deficit Disorder.
The fight for control and to regain positive thoughts, creative energy and hard work. Because hard work in passions is good therapy for anything that ails you. So its back to work tonight I go.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Now that I’m reading more I enjoy moving my mothers bookmark along each time now.
I miss playing ping-pong. I’m going to have to do something about that.
When I listen to the Beatles music it takes me back to Art class in high school because our teacher would play them all day. I believe he used to start first period with “Here Comes the Sun” Thanks Mr. Perrine.
When I listen to RUSH I miss two people. A good friend of ours, Dan and Neil Peart.
Never forget to look up. Both mentally and physically. So easily said and so often forgotten. It’s pretty simple actually but when depressed, in a funk, or in a neck brace, looking up seems impossible.
It’s so easy to stay down and go deeper instead of changing perspective. Been there, done that. Repeatedly if truth be told. But time has taught me methods to work out of bad spots.
Looking up off the boardwalk in Ocean City MD. Photo by Mike Hartley
Looking up makes things here on Earth seem small. Like looking out over an ocean does on a clear day. But not all of us live near a large expanse of water or have a view from a mountain. Sometimes our world feels like our office cube or home or car.
Our day-to-day problems seem to make our world very small and focused. Looking up for me lets my mind pause if things are in hyperdrive with problems. My breathing relaxes, and I’m forced to gaze upon blue skies or clouds or stars or birds flying by, the wind blowing leaves on the tree or maybe even raindrops falling on my face.
I remember the first time I rode a motorcycle and it was like a different world out on the roads. Everything was in view. No windows or roof or A-pillar blocking your view. I was so relaxed and alive again at the same time.
All I know now is that looking up both mentally and really looking skyward is helpful. Yes, I still get down, we all do. But you have to find balance at least and then tilt it towards a positive and optimistic lifestyle and outlook. Problems will find us all. So it’s our job to keep that side and outlook that allows one foot ahead of the other with a smile and determination.
That is why I like stepping outside often and looking skyward. During a break in the middle of the night from a stressful overnight shift for the stars and fresh air. Or maybe on my deck for a few minutes between mowing the lawn and cleaning gutters on the lounge chair watching the dogwood leaves blow and feeling the calming summer breeze. Sometimes I just gaze skyward from my kitchen window on a cold day trying to find that view that will turn things around.
Find your view and let your mind relax from that pressure.
Sorry, didn’t mean to start out the day all preachy.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The World used to be a very dangerous place. Today it’s just a matter of how long the fuse is.
But till the day everything explodes there will be a smile on my face, a helping hand at the end of my arm, a hug for all family, friends, and strangers, and trying to find or create some beauty and love in the world.
Looks like a nice day to pull out the cameras.
I love building things with youngsters. They get so excited.
