The daily prompt asks – What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?
This is a tough one because I like all holidays now. I worked a lot of holidays over the decades, and I grew very sick of it. So, I savor each one now.
Memorial Day is my favorite. It’s both a holiday of reflection and anticipation and family. I grew up with grandparents who served in WWI and parents who were part of WWII, Korea. I will always remember and respect the members of our armed services. And especially this day to those who gave their lives.
May is a month for remembering my family. I hope to go to Arlington National Cemetery this month to visit my parents. Flags In day is May 21st. That is a beautiful sight.
I like it because I remember what the holiday is for. Not just the kickoff of summer.
Flags lined headstones at Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day. Photo by Mike Hartley
Sometimes words provide an insight into life and purpose that we know is there but not defined well. I went back and found some words that I think provide those insights from the man whose day we celebrate today.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Important Quotes from MLK I like.
It is always the right time to do the right thing.
May I stress the need for courageous, intelligent, and dedicated leadership… Leaders of sound integrity. Leaders not in love with publicity, but in love with justice. Leaders not in love with money, but in love with humanity. Leaders who can subject their particular egos to the greatness of the cause.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
The SILENCE of the good people is more DANGEROUS than the BRUTALITY of the bad people
We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.
Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.
History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’
No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity.
If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.
The decorations are down, and everything is bare again. That is the part of the season that I dislike. There is something about holiday decorating that raises my spirits. Now we are back to the grey winter months. Yes, there is a birthday this month that the cray paper and balloons will come out. And I might have a gathering for some old and good friends.
But those lights and the smell of a fresh tree and ornament’s hanging signals a time of family and smiles and peace to me. Here we are a few days into the new year, and they are gone again.
As I boxed up the last of the lights, I think how quickly this year came and went so in no time we’ll be pulling these boxes out again.
Till next year. Kenilworth Mall. Photo by Mike Hartley
Being in my senior years I have a lot of past Christmases to look back on. From the days in a small apartment with mom, dad and my sister. Too muted Xmas celebrations after my father passed. Then celebrating with my better half and our families together or at each home during the holidays.
Remembering those past celebrations with both a smile and a few tears. Photo by Mike Hartley
And as parents transitioned from their homes, ours became the focal point for family gatherings. Both our parents have been gone a while now even though at this time of the year always seems closer than it was.
Holiday are times of highs and lows for me. Not much middle ground. Our children and grandchildren provide much of the joy. But those times alone and even when together I get pains of those who were so loved but missing now.
Sometimes I smile when thinking of Christmas’s past. Sometimes it brings tears to my eyes. I guess those strong memories will never fade and always be part of the celebration and sadness.
So many struggle with the perfect gift. So many are under the pressures of travel and stresses associated with that. Then there are the struggles of family who aren’t on the same page. We have a few family members who have removed themselves from everyone. My own sister being one of them. I kind of feel sad for them but that was their choice and the only thing I can do is control how I feel and not worry about their decision-making process.
It’s hard to remember some Christmas seasons after a significant loss. I’m sure my son and his family will have mixed feelings, this one being the first without their beloved pet. She was such a part of celebrations because I’ve never seen an animal unwrap gifts like a human before. So gentle to just remove the paper.
I’ll be spending a lot of time checking in with friends and extended family the next few days trying to spread some joy and cheer.
Sorry I’m late getting into the holiday spirit. Now that I’m feeling better, I’m going to dive headlong into the season.
Photo by Mike Hartley
The season means a lot of things to me. It’s changed quite a bit over the years. There are many things and people I miss from my past. There are new things like the grandchildren to help fill those voids. There are my own children who each past Christmas are etched in this brain.
Some seasons in the past have been difficult. The pressures of having the right gifts, being able to do all I hoped and feeling like I’ve come up short.
From a very young age missing someone important each year was very hard. More so in watching the impact on my mom and sister. Mom made heroic efforts to make sure our holiday was good, but it always came with her tears and cries, no matter how hard she tried to hide and muffle them. I could see the longing in her eyes, missing her husband. The loneliness she tried to push down was just below the surface.
I also remember her refocusing some years later and the times she would load the car with crafts and gifts and decorations to take and make Bethesda Naval Hospital a festive holiday scene in the units she worked as a Red Cross volunteer. She really got into it. Making so many things by hand. I wish I had a sliver of the artistic talent she had.
I can remember her telling me stories about some of the patients. I think she always looked at these servicemen as an extension of what she lost and could help. She was active in the VFW Woman’s Auxiliary for years also and would do holiday things for them for some years. But she really got into the Red Cross work.
Makes me think I should get more involved in helping others this season. There is no such thing as a effort too small or too late. Sometimes the smallest gestures or gifts mean the most to some. Think I’ll start by making a donation in Mom’s name today to the Red Cross.
It’s going to be the coldest it has been in a long time today. I’m going to hibernate inside and listen to that wind howl outside and not feel it. I think I’ll make it rather tropical here today.
Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s nice and toasty here already. I had the space heater on for a few minutes to take the chill out of my office and now I’m in better spirits already.
Standing outside was so crisp and clear out for the few minutes I could tolerate it. Barely a breeze earlier around sunrise, but strong gusts are coming they say. Think I’ll go get the cover off the car before trying to do that in the wind later.
Hope everyone was able to have a nice feast yesterday. I’m guessing the word of the day is leftovers. My son hosted yesterday, and it was a wonderful gathering. A relaxed one and they did a great job with the food.
Soon to be filled with food again. Photo by Mike Hartley
We will all belly up again in less than a month and maybe have a few more at Christmas time which is now a very short time away. Despite that I’ll skip shopping this weekend.
My better half and I have an unexpected free weekend. She is cooking a turkey today, we had ham yesterday. Lots of leftover stuffing to devour which is no problem for me. They don’t call this Feast Week for nothing.
We haven’t been in a few years and my son mentioned it just the other day. And by chance I came upon some images from a shoot in 2014. I’ve run shots of that before, so I won’t repeat those. I did find two gems that I guess I didn’t like the first edit to share this time.
I can’t be running holiday shots already, can I? Photo by Mike Hartley
So, if you need to get the family out of the house on the coming holiday weekend this might be a nice change for a good cause.
Only 41 days till Christmas. 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
A fun day so far. Pictures from the kids and grandkids at the parade. A trip to the local ice cream spot with my better half. About to get the cushions for the deck chairs out and sit outside this evening a bit.
Not only is it a Friday, but it’s also the 4th of July. We passed on an invite to a parade this morning with the kids. But that doesn’t mean we won’t appreciate the day. I grilled out last night and I hope to grill out tomorrow night and through the weekend. Tonight, I’m kicking back.
We haven’t been out to fireworks for some time now. Not that we don’t have a lot of neighbors who are into private displays. I remember taking the kids to the county events when they were young.
A few years at work I got to go to the top of the Washington Post buildings in DC and watch the fireworks from the National Mall. The only benefit of working that holiday night.
Be safe this evening. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’ve pulled the cover off the car and took a ride to the hardware store. Good thing I have a convertible because I learned the AC has stopped working. I guess after 9 years an issue of some kind is due. Could just need a charge. I can’t remember having that done. Not that I use the AC much at all.
No problem at all. I love this car and will just fix things on it from here on out. I think I’ll head out late tonight for a long cruise.
Random Thoughts of the Day
That Hot Honey Chicken Sub from Jersey Mikes is Goooood.
I like Backyard Billy’s just over the Bay Bridge in Grasonville.
What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite? – A decent question from the daily writing prompt.
So many answers leapt to mind. The first thought was all of them. And my reason for that answer is that for many years I worked a lot of holidays. Some years, just about all of them. Having recently retired I have had a year to experience all of them in a different way, and they are great.
Working not only had a negative impact on me, but my family I feel. But that is behind me, and I’m celebrating with joy on just about every holiday that rolls around.
I guess my favorite holidays have always been Memorial Day and Independence Day. One is the unofficial kickoff to summer and the other is a mid-season blast. Usually, it means family and friend cookouts and maybe some crabs and other seafood on the 4th.
For many years our family vacationed together at the beach on the 4th of July holiday and that was fun seeing those fireworks and the kid’s excitement.
These two dates are difficult at the same time, because both my parents passed very near to those holidays. Which reminds me I’m overdue a visit to them. I’ll have to venture down to Arlington this May.
A manic start to a Monday. Oh that is right, it’s a holiday today to celebrate MLK day. I thought I’d look up a few quotes from the man and share them. And at the same time increase my knowledge of the man.
To our Legislators. –
“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”
From Strength to Love.
To our Educators –
“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
Martin Luther King Jr. wrote this in the “The Purpose of Education,” a 1947 article for Morehouse College’s student newspaper.
To all of us –
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
From his 1963 book, Strength to Love.
For myself –
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”
From his 1957 speech in Montgomery, Alabama.
Another one for me to remember –
“A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.”
From his 1965 sermon delivered in Selma, Alabama.
It seems we may have entered this period again –
“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”
From his 1959 address at the Fourth Annual Institute on Nonviolence and Social Change.
I’ll be spending mine next to my better half. Nice. A night of joy, celebrations and expressions of love.
As the guys shirts below state, a night of free hugs and kisses. Some booze inspired and short lived, some with meaning so deep it lasts a lifetime.
Have a Safe and Happy New Years Eve. Photo by Mike Hartley
I think I’ve had the full range of New Years experiences. Done the wild and casual parties, done the casual dinner with good friends. Did the family for a few years if memory serves me right. Celebrated with a nice dinner and night together with just my better half most years. Celebrated babysitting grandchildren. Celebrated alone. Been hammered drunk for a few but sober for most.
Never been interested in Times Square celebration. Unless it’s on the TV. Very few nights have I missed the stroke of midnight. Can’t even remember the last one I didn’t see. Probably when my kids were very young. Actually, a faded memory of one year waking up next to my wife shortly after midnight realizing we missed it, rolled over and kissed her and we each said happy New Year and went back to sleep.
I feel both invigorated and sad. I feel challenged and nervous.
I’m going to go to bed tomorrow morning and I’m going to SLEEP. Having worked the last several New Years Eves’ and days’, it’s nice to kick back and join the crowd who enjoy these holidays.
Some illnesses this year have led to some schedule changes, but as long as we get together later, it will be okay. Today will feel strange not gathering with our children and grandchildren, but it’s another story to add to the holiday list.
Taking a care package to one of them for a porch exchange and talked at length with the other last night.
I was up early, as I am most Christmas mornings, wrapping my better half’s gifts and thinking about our parents who are no longer with us. Even holidays when they were older seem distant now. So much has changed.
I paused once or twice when I was decorating our tree and still using some ornaments my mother would decorate her tree with. Or special ones with pictures of my better half’s parents. Some years or times those things bring a smile, sometimes a tear, sometimes both with a chuckle.
Being together is always possible if you let the memories make it so.
I’ve never been so relaxed for the end of year holidays. Not having the pressures of work at the same time has allowed me to enjoy things like putting up lights and decorations. Or enjoy some social time without being so tired I can’t enjoy it.
My better half and I stopped giving gifts years ago and just take a night or two away together in January or February, as our gift. And we are lucky to be able to give to our children and grandchildren.
At the same time, I see friends and loved ones on the edge because of numerous circumstances. So, I will try to help them stay positive and enjoy them as much as possible.
Don’t Stress over the Holidays. Photo by Mike Hartley
Missing loved ones this time of year is always difficult no matter if it was recent or many years ago. The social pressures and expectation of gatherings and parties. The stress companies are under to finish the year strong and therefore as we all know what runs downhill, it ends up in our laps.
Then the financial pressure so many face, are staggering. The pressures to donate to those less fortunate. There are also others like food and drink which can be done to excess. And those struggling maybe not enough to enjoy the season with a full stomach.
My advice to you is enjoy this year. I don’t see things improving in the next few IMHO.
But on a more positive note. Find a young person and try to live in the spirit they have for the season. It’s infectious.
Do you or your family make any special dishes for the holidays? – A timely question from the Daily Writing prompt.
So we are going to start talking food the day before? Might as well, the smells in the home are about to become wonderful.
All the dishes my better half prepares are special because of the effort and LOVE she puts into it. For instance the stuffing. She knows how much I liked my mothers, but she puts so much love and taste into hers that I devour it Thursday and for days after. It’s become my favorite.
She also makes an artichoke and cheese dip that I also can’t get enough of.
Here is the special dish I’ve been served this holiday.
I’m not working so I can enjoy it.
My family is healthy.
My family is expanding again.
My family will be together.
My family will have great food on the table.
Now I’m going to finish this post and then go to the Maryland Food Bank and make a donation so someone else can enjoy tomorrow.
I’ll be eating turkey till Christmas when its time to have turkey again. Photo by Mike Hartley
Invent a holiday! Explain how and why everyone should celebrate. – Not much into playing Fantasyland today but I’ll go with the flow from the Daily Writing prompt.
Have you seen the number of holidays already invented? You have asked the almost impossible. I found this site long ago and the lists by day, week, and month of holidays are ENDLESS.
So I found a photo that gave me an idea. Carry a Red Bag Day. Put something fairly heavy in it and carry it. At the end of the day sit it down. Imagine those are all your troubles. Stand up again without the bag. Now go take that smile to the fridge and get a bowl of ice cream (or insert your favorite food/drink/dessert).
Carry on. Photo by Mike Hartley
Option 1
Hold and play with an infant child, puppy, or kitten day. Do it for an hour minimum. I bet the smiles would tell me why it’s celebrated. Those fortunate enough to have that job full-time you get an hour or longer break from it.
Why is it obvious? We need to remind ourselves of the innocence of life and how precious it is.
Option 2
Re-USE It Day All day think about how you can reuse or repurpose something you would normally just trash. See how much you can reduce your waste. This is something we might want to think about before we’re all living on garbage.
Option 3
You Do IT Year – I know everyone likes holidays. Family and friends gather, a day off the job to do what you want, or just lay around and do nothing.
You see the holiday wound is still rather raw with me. I along with many others ended up working an inordinate amount of holidays in our lifetimes.
On You Do IT Year which is every official holiday for a year we reverse things. Oh everyone will celebrate but it will be different and not together. Everyone who is normally off on the holidays will go to work for us and we will be off.
Everyone might not celebrate but it may teach those who don’t or haven’t ever worked holidays to appreciate them more because of those who do.
Sorry, I appear to have woken up on the wrong side of the bed. Let me get to work on improving my attitude.
How do you celebrate holidays? – Interesting question from the daily writing prompt.
The quick answer is I celebrate holidays with joy and abandon now. This is the first year I’ve enjoyed them in decades. Having worked them for so long it’s a real treat now to have that time and not night shifts of work bookending the day.
I hated working holidays. I tried to put on a fun face with the family/friends but I resented working so much it always left me frustrated that I couldn’t have the same enjoyment as others. Most of the time it just meant that I would miss a day of sleep. Maybe an hour or two nap, but mostly up all day and night.
Also, there was little to no appreciation for those who worked the holidays. The bosses who would say thank you once in a while for covering holidays were few and far between. Those are the people you remember. Thank you, Linda, Joe, and Mike.
Holidays now I get to soak in our children and our grandchildren. I get to exhaust my energy during the day with people and then rest. I get to enjoy the meals and laughter. I’m relaxed, happy, and content.
I get to appreciate the true meaning of each holiday again and savor the time.
Reminder – There are many professions where holiday work is part of the job. One that many of us take for granted too often. Maybe take a moment to thank someone if they assist you on a holiday.
Gentlemen catching a coffee and sunrise on July 4th at Bethany Beach. Photo by Mike Hartley
One last time for the young and old to put their hands in the sand and feel the sun’s warmth on their backs.
Lots of kids are already back at school, and those who aren’t will probably return this coming week. Thankfully, the clouds and rain will fade, and the holiday weekend will be there for all to enjoy.
We won’t be fighting the crowds this weekend, staying home and local if we do venture out. Lots of work to do with company coming Sunday.
I will be firing up the grill each of the next 3 days. A full supply of charcoal is on hand and I’m going to try a few new items.
Every holiday this year has been a real treat. I used to work a lot of holidays. So being off for each one now, I can enjoy it and relax with others.
Another HOLIDAY I’m NOT working for the MAN. Again, hats off to those who toil on holidays, weekends, and nights. You keep this world running. Happy 4th of July to all.
I remember not dealing well with working holidays downtown late in my career. It had gotten old and I was starting to get resentful. Only one or two years did I ever get to see a glimmer of the National fireworks on the Mall in DC.
Aim High, Shoot Low. The title of an old Yes song. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m sure we will hear some fireworks tonight. I’m a little surprised none have gone off already.
It was a great Wednesday evening with one of my best friends. One of those nights when I get home and sit in a chair and many hours later wake up in said chair.
Cooking some bacon this morning and hope to get outside a bit before the rains. And of course, I have to grill something today being it’s the 4th.
What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite? – There’s a decent question from the Daily Writing prompt.
This answer is subject to change being I used to work most holidays so I’m experiencing some of them for the first time in decades.
In short, my favorite holiday is the 4th of July – We usually spend THE DAY with family. There is no pressure of gifts. It’s warm out and we cook out and eat together. Kids can play outside. Everyone looks skyward together in the evening, and goes “oohhhh and aaahhhh.”
New Year’s – I don’t need to be reminded another year has passed in the blink of an eye. And it is January and cold outside. Plus it’s amateur night and it’s a 20-second holiday. The 10-second countdown and the 10-second kiss. That’s if my better half is still awake.
MLK Day – It’s January and cold outside.
Presidents Day – It’s February and it’s cold outside still.
Memorial Day – is too close and sometimes falls on the day my mother passed. And I usually visit Arlington National Cemetery. So it’s a difficult weekend.
Labor Day – Signals the end of my favorite season.
Thanksgiving – It’s getting cold outside and I overeat.
Christmas – A close 2nd because I love giving and seeing children and grandchildren happy is the best. But it’s so commercial and the spirit of the holiday has changed in my lifetime. Plus it’s December and cold outside.
I was never a government worker so I can’t tell you all the other holidays they get off.
This was the first Super Bowl I’ve watched from start to finish in the last decade. Working Sunday nights for those years kind of made it just another thing I was missing out on. It was a competitive game so it was fun to see from kickoff to the end of overtime.
Dad showing me the proper grip on a football. Photo by Shirley Hartley
I had just turned 9 in the photo above, we never got to watch a Super Bowl together because he passed just a month before the first one was played. I’m glad I got to watch a few with my son.
Another milestone also in the form of a holiday Monday next week. If a holiday fell on a Monday we were working. Also the Sunday night before the long holiday weekend. I was kind of giddy being off New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. And then off for MLK Day and now Presidents Day.
I find myself smiling and rested on a Monday now instead of exhausted. I look forward to holiday weekends knowing I’m available and can be at events with family and friends.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I thought it was a better-than-average year for Super Bowl commercials.
The more I accomplish each day, the better I feel.
Decisions are just a part of every day. Making the right ones makes the day easier.
A day full of errands, I think a pizza reward is in order.
The stress of the holiday season has passed. Bringing in the New Year is all that remains. It’s the morning after Christmas which is always a peaceful thing. Children are sound asleep after a day of excitement. Parents are asleep from a month of sheer exhaustion.
I have the night off but I’m usually up at this hour (2 am) in the morning so it’s no big thing. It’s kind of peaceful and quiet. I’m reflecting on some of the personal gifts I got this year from my children and grandchildren and smiling.
How I feel this morning. Photo by Mike Hartley
All of them are such gifts themselves, but they touched our hearts again as usual. Thoughtfulness is shown through the things they give. Making my better half cry seems to be their goal each year, and they succeeded again.
It was one of those family days I stored deep in me that I call on throughout the year if I can’t see them as often as I like to remind myself that they are right here in my heart and that the next time together is close at hand.
Two of the gifts I received reflect one of my future interests. I’m going to become a reader of books. Not that I haven’t been a very active reader in my lifetime. Most of it was geared towards work (technical) and news and magazine-style pieces.
The time to sit down with a good book for enjoyment was nill. But now I hope to read for enjoyment about the interest of mine and maybe beyond. Maybe I’ll add to what is probably a gazillion opinions on books I’ve read.
Random Thoughts of the Day
In some ways, I miss a white Christmas but I’m glad my children didn’t have to travel in it.
Every once in a while I like listening to some very old tunes my parents liked. Especially this time of season.
I don’t often fall asleep at the computer but I did this morning. Feeling better after a nap now.
My last trip to the downtown office this week while still employed.
We are on Christmas Eve and I’m both joyous and sad. Joyous about my situation but sad about so many others. Ones who can’t celebrate because of war or poor health or just unable to do what they want for family and friends. As I sit here while my better half is fixing me a breakfast I think I’ll spend a minute donating to the Maryland Food Bank so some can at least have a meal.
This is kind of a special holiday for me. The time together with friends and family once again. Even though I work Christmas Eve into Christmas morning at 6 am, I’m off on Christmas night. This will be the first of all holidays to come when I don’t have to work.
When you work a lot of holidays in your career it takes a toll on you. Even attending after working all night I was kind of half there and wasn’t able to fully enjoy things because I knew I had to work all night that evening also. But moving forward that won’t be the case and that makes me smile.
My hat is off to all those who because of the role they fill end up working holidays. I hope it isn’t taken for granted but I know it can be and often is. People just expect 24/7/365 which means a lot of important jobs are staffed with people missing holidays.
I fondly remember a company in my early years that on Thanksgiving and Christmas would provide us with Turkey dinners with all the trimmings. It was a wonderful jester and much appreciated by myself and others working but didn’t last. But I would say most years have gone by without as much as a thank you. And to be honest, that kind of stung.
But that is water under the bridge and like I said, moving forward I can be part of celebrations, not have to leave early or show up late or be exhausted. Who knows, maybe I’ll turn into the life of the party.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I’m on a roll lately getting things done. Wish I could bottle whatever it is driving me.
I hope I can maintain some responsible eating in the coming week.
Many things will be behind me after this coming week.
Endurance – how long can you leave a fresh half-gallon of ice cream unopened?
I’ve tried repeatedly, but I can’t get someone important to come out this year for Christmas. She is depressed and just can’t bring herself to celebrate much if at all. I’ve been trying with repeated calls and texts but to no avail. I’ve left the door open and will probably make another last-minute plea tomorrow, but I doubt it will change.
Very few have gotten by in life without significant losses in life. Those are especially hard to cope with this time of year. The passing of loved ones during this time changes holidays, sometimes for good. But sometimes those losses are so deep that no day or holiday going forward can change the pain.
Losing a child is a pain that I’ve now seen in someone close. It’s a pain that even when that person seems fine, you feel the disturbance, you sense the distress, you feel the unease. When they are suffering the pain spreads an aura around them and encircles those close.
One relative who I was with at a funeral service this week who had also lost a child had to leave funeral services for an Uncle because the pain came rushing back. She was able to rejoin after for a luncheon but I’m sure there have been more times where that might have triggered days more pain and possibly still does.
But like I said, most have had losses, mine have brought me to tears already a few times. Good chance I might shed a few more tomorrow night because I’m missing family.
A time of year things can spiral out of control. Photo by Mike Hartley
So if you can spare the time, reach out to someone you know who might be having a difficult time. It might not turn their holiday around. But those few minutes you may spend talking or having a bite or just texting back and forth might give them a few minutes of peace and relief from pain. And if enough of us reach out they might even get a peaceful night’s rest. I know this is the hardest time of year to spare time. But it’s imperative to help those suffering from depression, especially at this time of year.
Be supportive to all not just at holiday time but throughout the year.
Random Thoughts of the Day
When I hang some Xmas decorations on the tree they cause me to pause and remember.
I’ve worked many Christmas Eve’s. Tomorrow will be the last.
A wonderful breakfast is ahead tomorrow.
I’m feeling at peace for a change this evening.
I had an old favorite of mine tonight at dinner. A Monte Cristo sandwich.
I love holiday lights from the simple to the extravagant. So yesterday’s trip to the Festival of Trees at the Maryland State Fairgrounds was a nice treat. The wonder in children’s eyes, the smiles on the adults. The memories triggered, or the thoughts of how to improve one’s own home with new themes or colors.
Samples from Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees. Photos by Mike Hartley
It got me in the season spirit already. Watching my grandson look at the displays, his mother and father smile with love. Thinking of their excitement when the trees go up and are decorated in their own homes. The smell of holiday meals and the laughter of family. I can’t wait myself.
New Lights
I haven’t purchased new holiday lights in years. I usually keep it pretty simple with white lights on the front porch area. But I got 4 boxes of new red and white mixed and a long white string for the deck. This is the year to sort the ornaments and donate what we no longer use.
My better half has been talking up an artificial tree. We have one that we use for the basement and we usually get a real tree for the family room. I’m the one partial to real trees. I won’t argue all the advantages of an artificial tree. I will probably give in someday but not this year.
I’ll have to see if I have a few minutes to run the extension cords and get the lights started later today. Whoops, just looked outside and I saw rain. Light work postponed.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The service at Clarks Hardware. Knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly.
I have slept only 4-5 hours a day for so long that I automatically wake after that timeframe now. I hope to change that in retirement.
I feel lazy today but I can’t afford to be lazy today.
Tomorrow I’ll sign my name. It will signify the end of a long partnership.
Lately, I’ve had a lot on my plate. I think I was losing perspective a bit. And then yesterday, Thanksgiving, where a feast was ready to be put on my plate. But just before that, I looked down at my place setting and a very fulfilling thing was there.
I love personal memories. Photo by Mike Hartley
When you have loving grandchildren and children, I believe it adds time to grandparent’s lives. Maybe the occasional ache and pain from trying to lift them like we remember lifting our own children many decades ago might create a temporary pause in that excitement. But that is almost an afterthought with the joy they provide. I’m still basking in the fun of the holiday.
Dogs, children, football, multiple grandparents to play with the children, great food, a walk, desert, and a smooth drive home with the exception of a few people who shouldn’t have been on the roads. Life is good.
And here we are today on our weekend (normally off Fridays) and I’m up well before the crack of dawn and knocking out tasks like Mr Judge hits homers.
Time to start working on prints for my next photo project. The town of Ellicott City Maryland. I hope to have some friends and family over during the next month or two to judge what they like best on these walls.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Just think, if you make one person’s life better today, maybe they will pass it on. And maybe that person will help change many people’s lives.
Yesterday is the first day in a good while where I’ve said “I’m full.”
Becoming narrow-minded and selfish makes one lose perspective on what is right and wrong, what is important and not, what to act on and what not to, and what is appropriate and what isn’t.
The bigger bag of tools you have to get you through tough times, the better equipped you are to fix the situation.
I hope the younger generation is capable of a slower pace of life sometime in their lifetimes.
I missed 2 very special people yesterday. They are in my heart and mind this morning.
Even though things are far from perfect in the world and in my own life, there is so much to be thankful for that worrying about what isn’t right, is a fruitless exercise. Not to mention a waste of time. I’m going to get in a good mood and carry it onto others who need a boost.
Leg, check, wing, check, breast, check. EAT Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s a sweatsuit day. One that I can adjust the waste if needed. I’m looking forward to eating well today and ready to do some extra time on the treadmill to make up for it. I can already envision the end of the feast with a slice of pecan pie (warmed of course) and some vanilla ice cream on the side.
I’ll retire to the office later after our family day is done and try to crank out some more work, listen to some music, and think about what I can do tomorrow to help others.
Random Thoughts of the Day
My food always tastes better at Thanksgiving and Xmas when I know I helped someone else I don’t know eat well. You should try it.
The less I focus on myself the happier I am.
The more you look to brighten someone else’s day, the better day you will have.
If you have the ability to make others smile and don’t use it, you may be wasting an incredible talent.
If you can make others smile when you’re not smiling on the inside, that is a very nice gift.
Can’t start the day without thanks to our Veterans on Veterans Day. Such commitment and sense of duty by so few to protect so many.
Inspection. Photo by Mike Hartley
It felt good to sleep in a bit this morning. Didn’t crawl out of bed till almost 7:30 am. But we are rocking and rolling today.
I’m attacking the workroom/shop to make it a productive facility again. Organizing, trashing, hanging, and cleaning. Woodworking and engraving are something I’ve been learning slowly but I need a lot of practice. I’ve made a few simple pieces but creating something from a material is pretty fulfilling.
I hope to squeeze in a few photos between some short trips and errands. And tonight I hope to make a ton of progress and finish up my Eastern Shore wall of images and the Arlington Cemetery wall.
I’m paddling along today. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
When you change things up, you learn things.
If you’re the last picked for the team, use it to surprise people.
The more you know about yourself, the more you will be able to tell more about others.
You can learn a lot from communication, or the lack of it.
Trying to focus on production today. Got a decent start this morning with a few more prints made, batteries charging, and lenses cleaned and packed along with some office cleaning. I look out the door and clouds fill the sky. I step out 20 minutes later and rains. No nice sunny day like below.
A picnic lunch in St. Michaels Maryland. Photo by Mike Hartley
That’s okay because there is no shortage of things to do and opportunities to fill.
Show Your Appreciation
In preparation for Veterans Day tomorrow, here is a link and list from Charity Navigator of great Veterans organizations you can donate to. Don’t miss the 3 tabs at the top. The first list is for Military Families, the second for Military Social Services, and the last for Wounded Troops Services.
I chose an organization this year called Operation Second Chance. Something I wish was around when my father left the service.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Advice is free, decisions are costly.
An early winter chill is in the air today.
Hard to find happiness if you’re looking in the wrong places.
I need to hit the hardware store.
I took the snow shovels out of the shed yesterday. It made my back twinge.
I wonder when I retire if I’ll start looking at this house differently. Like all the things that need doing?
Wishing all a Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas on this Xmas eve. It’s time to stop thinking of presents and feast and family and friends for just a few minutes today. There will be time for that tomorrow. If nothing else, pause and thank your lucky stars that you are not in Ukraine or any other country in conflict. Be thankful for that wonderful meal when so many will be hungry. Look at that roof over your head and be thankful it’s not a tent in these cold temps. Look around while you’re standing and be thankful you’re not in the hospital or rehab or flat in your own bed sick.
Look at the happiness of people who have so little but still appreciate every little thing in such a special way. So if you have the resources I hope you have it within you to share a little or even share again because I know a lot of you already have. If you’re new to it and want to make sure it’s going to a good organization the Charity Navigator site is a good place to start.
I love the lights of the season. Photo by Mike Hartley
I noticed that the Red Cross was having its usual winter issues with blood shortages because of the weather and everyone being so busy. One of my best friends is a donor. A secret he kept from us for many years. He is also very generous and supports many good organizations. I can’t give blood to them but I did make a donation yesterday.
What I get done today is what I get done. Long gone are the days I used to beat myself up endlessly about getting the right gifts, having the right decorations, the right tree, the right clothes on, and the right plans. It doesn’t mean I still don’t try hard, it’s just that I’m satisfied with whatever effort I’ve made and I relax and enjoy the holiday.
I guess that being finally able to relax is one of the benefits of wisdom. Having the right gift for your girlfriend and future wife and then the right gifts for her all those years. And yes I’ve missed the mark on a few but I’ve got a pretty good batting average. Then the right gifts for the children. Truth be told my better half does most of that but I get involved also. The right gifts for family and friends. It was pressure instead of the fun it always was meant to be. And that pressure was self-imposed but also somewhat external also.
You always want to do special things for those you love the most. And when you see those with more means I used to think it would be nice to do so much more. But when you’re with the right people, any gift you give is a special gift. Because it’s you they appreciate.
Gone are the days of making our parents smile with nice gifts. They have been replaced by making our grandchildren smile. So much has changed with the holidays within the last decade for our family. Time rolls on so quickly. And replaced was a bad term because nobody replaces your parents.
Random Thoughts of the Day
No matter how old you are it’s OK to feel the excitement you used to as a child today. Though if you are older you may have that feeling more for the young ones you will see opening your gifts tomorrow.
At least I’ll have no shortage of snacks from home to select from as I work Christmas night.
I look back fondly on the days when the company would prepare us Turkey dinners with fixings on Thanksgiving and Xmas for those of us who worked. Lots have changed since then.
I know exactly the reasons people want to be police officers. At that same time, I understand why each one of them probably questions themselves about that decision often. To the ones that continue to make a great impact on people’s lives and protect us from those who don’t value life, I say thanks and Merry Christmas.
This coming year is when I start making more personal gifts for those close to me.
