Being a senior citizen time is always at the forefront of my mind. Actually, the alarm bell that I wasn’t going to be infinite came at 50 years old with my first cancer, and since that day I had a whole new perspective on time.

I’ve become more respectful of time. I’m trying my best to utilize it efficiently and effectively. Not always successful each moment of the day but I try to return to that focus. That mindset keeps me from wasting big chunks of it or even small pieces some days.

Sure I fall into time-wasting traps every now and then. But my mind always reminds me to evaluate and usually, I’ll get my behind up from an unproductive spot. And sometimes not, because the important part is the evaluation.

For example, my better half told me an old classic movie favorite of mine was on the other night. So I started to watch and before long the mind questioned sitting there for a couple hours watching the Blues Brothers for the umpteenth time. Because I was weighing working on a project for my son. So I thought a bit more and what I enjoyed the most from the movie was the music, so I turned the volume up a bit went in the other room, and got to work on the project. Occasionally getting up to dance from one room to another when the song Sweet Home Chicago came on.

I’m thinking more and more about how I use the time allotted each day. It’s a very good exercise but not one to be obsessed with all the time. Life is about balance. Lately, though I’ve started to look at much smaller increments of time and what I’m going to do in say the next few minutes.

I feel it’s started to allow me to get more done and the things I would like to do are squeezed more into the schedule. For this morning when I was cooking bacon, I would run downstairs and transfer a few photos to my site or write a few lines.

One of the things I love to do is go for a long cruise on a nice sunny day. It’s usually something that needs a window of a few hours at least. But I’ve gotten used to taking more short cruises to just get a few minutes of seat and stick time instead of missing it altogether because life got in the way of a longer cruise. And that is what I will be able to squeeze in today, about a 45-minute ride around town.

I find if I try to dedicate a period of time for a workout I just don’t fit it in. But if I do 5-15 minutes with some weights or the treadmill here and there throughout the day, I’m finding myself doing more of it in the long run.

But as usual, time has run out and it’s time to start working the job that pays the bills again.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Yes, I’m about as tired as one can get.
• Yes, I’m going to work all night.
• Yes, I’m working alone, my partner is out sick.
• Yes, I’m not looking forward to this.
• But as a very wise man once said to me, “Make it work for you.”

I had planned on watching a sunset on the bay maybe last night and tonight but it wasn’t to be. No problem though because our pet is on the mend. A morning at the Vet and an afternoon of servitude to our canine resident. I did manage to cut the yard in increments and the reward was this classic below at the Waverly Shopping Center when I went to get gas.

We all are faced with adjusting, adapting, and moving on in life if not every day. Seems like it’s so often that it’s the norm.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• The job that pays the bills has introduced me to a term I hadn’t heard before. Salary Leveling. I do not know if this is a good or bad thing yet. As usual, time will tell. Somehow I feel this would have been much more useful earlier in my career instead of a few months before retirement.
• The problem with small children and pets is that they can’t tell you what is wrong with them when they don’t feel good.
• I know two things about money. Too much of it makes people do bad things. Too little of it makes people do bad things. The difference is one is greed and the other is survival.
• Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day so let me get to bed so I can be up before sunrise.

Starting out the day with a smile is a nice thing. It’s in anticipation of many good plans. Some are in prep for more plans this winter and fall. Like getting my flu and COVID booster shots. This will at least allow me to venture out in peace to events like Maryland basketball and a stay in a hotel/casino. And the comfort of just being out and about in crowds.

I know they won’t prevent me from catching something, but I hope they aid in my coping with it. I’m not going into some dissertation about the pros and cons of these types of medicines. I take what is recommended for us by our doctors. And if you don’t like what my doctors are recommending then don’t go to them.

I have plans to laugh with friends today, I have plans to write and photograph. I might try to squeeze in some sanding of a horse I’m making my granddaughter.

But some plans get thwarted, like sleeping in today. And my neighbor’s dogs were the problem again this morning. Actually, they are a problem day and night. So that is something I’ll deal with soon.

I can’t believe we have an open day tomorrow. Something wrong with my calendar I’m assuming.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I know there is a day out there that everything will work out right.
• It’s very possible to feel alone, even when not alone.
• I wonder if the nickname Donald Duck will stick to #45.
• There is a lot to be said for saying nothing.

Take a bow, we made it through Monday. No small feat some weeks. Another beautiful day is underway and I so hope to enjoy it. And with the right attitude I will. I just have to find that positive outlet.

I feel like I might need feathers like a duck soon. It’s been pretty wet around here. Hopefully, the indian summer will return before fall sets in for good.

A few errands and then some thought about what I wanted to do with the few free minutes I’d have the rest of the day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I feel like a Vegas dealer when I finish a meal and give the dog a treat. I have to show her both hands and both sides before she believes there is no more.
• Looks like tonight is going to be a battle of wills, body against mind.
• I have to make tonight more productive than last.
• Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one I want to talk to.
• If you feel alone, you are.

I worked too hard yesterday. I work too hard period. So I had some fun today before the job tonight. I went for a nice ride in the western part of the county ducking in and out of the clouds. Boy did those sunny periods feel good.

A great season for a convertible. Just hold the camera up and fire away. Tomorrow should be another beautiful day so maybe another sweet treat to celebrate the changing of the seasons this weekend.

After a few morning responsibilities, I’m going to shoot for some more seat time and then work on some crafts.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I feel like my mind is stuck in overdrive today.
• Make sure your expectations of others don’t exceed the expectations for yourself.
• One of these days I’m taking my car to the track.
• Watching the House of UnRepresentitives is like watching a train wreck about to happen each day. The trouble is that it’s about to collect a lot of collateral damage of innocent people all for the sake of show.
• Don’t take things for granted. Take enjoyment in everyday things.

I’ve noticed at the beach a good number of people name their homes. One a few doors up from the one below is named “As Good As It Gets”. This one below caught my eye being an older home and the sign above the door is “AS IS” which suits it just right.

Choices are plentiful on this fine day. Do I want to cut grass or go out and take pictures? Do I want to clean the gutters or wash the fun machine (Miata) and go on a cruise? Do I want to take a much-needed nap before work or power through and do some carving? Do I want to go to Clarks Hardware and pick up supplies or pump my basketball up and shoot some hoops?

Those and many more are in front of me. So far I’ve cut the lawn and I took a short cruise and a nap. Oh crap, it’s work time. So much for fun.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I was lucky to watch a hummingbird dance through my better half’s garden and hanging plants. What a beautiful sight, I was standing at the front door just looking when he came calling. I could hear its flight’s sound as it approached a planter by the door.
• Someone special brought home my favorite snowball yesterday.
• Do you get the sense countries are just dividing into a bunch of different tribes?
• I can’t stand the thought of having to make another doctor’s appointment. Then again I should be thankful I can see a doctor.

Somedays you just got to man up and get tough as nails. Be it an action, position, duty, or just need. All of us are called to be tough as nails sometime in our lives.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Taking my time today. Tomorrow I’ll feel rushed again.
• There are wants and then there are needs. Our balance towards the wants is way off balance. Help your fellow man if you have the ability.
• I don’t know what I want to eat but I know I’m hungry. Prime time for a bad food decision.
• There is something calling me today. I’ll let you know tomorrow if I respond.

I was reminded life can be short today. That health is important and to not miss saying what is important to people you love.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• My Hump day is always Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
• Someone said I would know when it’s time. They were right.
• The proper mindset can accomplish quite a bit.
• I’m so tired.

I love to listen and take in my children and grandchildren. Feeling the joy and laughter as well as their trials and tears. We had a wonderful day together and the family cookout had me all smiles this evening. It’s not often we can all get our schedules together. And this one wasn’t complete but we will all be together soon again.

I’m starting to feel like a strong machine again. At least from time to time. This weight loss helped and I might be on the verge of moving under the 180 lb threshold. Probably been 3 decades since I’ve seen 170s on the scale. Now if I can relocate that 10 lbs around the midsection to the shoulders and arms I’ll be cooking with juice.

I’ve been working hard this week while on vacation. Probably on the wrong things but hey, that is behind me now. I do feel good about the homestead starting to look better. It did need some work and still does but the important things are getting addressed. Once we get the chimney fixed we will be set to use the fireplace this winter.

And speaking of the fireplace, Mother Nature is about to light a fire under us this week. High temps and high humidity. You won’t hear any complaints from me. I’ll be out and about in this heat because I LOVE SUMMER. Time to Tan.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• There is always a solution, it’s if we are willing to first look for it. And then if we allow ourselves to see it and finally if we can accept it.
• Stepping out from the background is good for the spirit, but also risky.
• I can’t wait to go through those gears the first few times after I wash the go-cart tomorrow morning. I mean it does need to be air dried.
• Time for my last good night’s sleep for a bit.

What a great day! I woke up and got busy with some chores and setting up some hobby work. The weather is beautiful, my better half is smiling, and my friends are contemplating taking advantage of early out Friday.

Getting ready for a cookout this weekend and contemplating the menu. I know we are doing some scallops on the grill. I’m sure several other meats and veggies will cross the grates and my better half has several salads ready to feed the family.

With the effort this week the homestead is looking good and I’m wondering if the company will notice. Regardless, I feel good about it. I really like that power washer.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Just because this was my first random thought recorded it was far from my first random thought.
• Wish I could be celebrating my mom’s 100th birthday with her this month. But very few get that wish.
• August flew by didn’t it? I met a few of my goals and continued some positive changes but more effort will be needed in September.
• It’s that time of year again to put a really good coat of wax on the ride.

I have a few more days off before I return to work on Sunday so this is a good reflection point at the midway point of my vacation. And my first thought is why do I want to return to that madness? And then I came to my senses and thought about a few bills and resigned myself to a few more months.

Good judgment isn’t always easy to come by. Rarely is it the easy path. We make judgments every day. Some right, some wrong, some that just are. I’ll be making a judgment on a great number of things in the coming few years.

But today’s judgment is that I had better use the remaining time off wisely. So off to bed, I go so I can rise early and plan which trip I’d like to take tomorrow.

I need to form more of a structure for the work I do. I started to restructure my office today and it feels good. I’ve been thinking about bringing some structure to my shooting. Maybe daily assignments would work in increasing my focus.

If you’re going to build something big you need a nice foundation. So let me get to work on that thought.

Ran over a cicada hornet’s nest today. Supposedly they don’t bother humans. I don’t think humans with lawnmowers count. They seemed plenty pissed off to me and I wasn’t sticking around to see if the adage was true.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Loving tacos today. I know, it’s not Tuesday yet. I couldn’t wait.
• I always feel good when I felt like I’ve had a productive day.
• I can’t believe it’s football season already.
• Stepping outside on a warm summer night is my idea of a pleasant evening.

I was going to reflect but then a wave of uncertainty crossed my mind.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I think I’ll listen to my body and mind and see if I can catch up on some zzz’s
• I have one of the sweetest sister inlaws. She needed our support today.
• You can be poor, but rich in friends.
• I find it more and more challenging to attend memorial services.

I caught up with an old friend today. A very old friend from my childhood. I found some shots of a couple of our friends who are no longer with us. He was the best man at one of their weddings. And I had a shot of him and John in their suits. And a few more of us at The Who concert back in 2002 which I made prints of for him. I think we first saw that band together in 1970.

He was at the one where The Who and Led Zeppelin played together at Merriweather Post Pavilion in 1969.

We promised to get together for a few Maryland basketball games this year and I’m sure we will follow through with that.

Here is another catch. We have had a few good meals here at this spot in Fenwick Island Deleware called Catch 54.

I tried to catch my wind today. And I did a good job of it out in the convertible and working in the yard. Tonight I catch up on sleep.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Salad for dinner may be smart but it isn’t satisfying.
• There is an unusual chill in the air outside tonight.
• It’s remarkable how easy it is to fall into old habits.
• I got some good Maryland sweet corn. I think I’ll try a test tomorrow on how I like it best on the grill. One straight on the grate. One wrapped in foil and one cooked in the husk.

I’m gearing up for the stretch run of Summer. Yesterday was a nice way to kick off the weekend. It’s amazing what a good night’s rest will do for you. It’s kind of a treat for me. I hear that beach calling me before the fall season is upon us. And I will heed that call from the waves and sands.

A couple of day trips are planned. A weekend with my better half and it will be another year in the books for the beach season. It also marks the last year the job will get in the way of fully utilizing summer which is a really pleasant thought. If gas prices aren’t outrageous it will be a regular thing.

Wow, I just had the thought of what it might be like to spend 2 weeks or more at the beach in a row. I’m beginning to see this retirement gig next year filled with endless possibilities.

Breakthrough – I think I found where the time goes.

I know time flies by. I know I blink my eye and time is gone. I know time passes. I know I lose time all the time. It scares me when time goes by so fast. I know I’m always strapped for time. I’m always surprised when it’s time to turn the page on the calendar. I know time disappears. I know time doesn’t last. I know I can’t delay time.

And then I looked down at my hands and I saw some wrinkles I hadn’t noticed before. I looked in the mirror and suddenly there are more grey hairs. I get measured by the doctor and somehow between 20 years old and now I’ve lost 3/4 inch in height. I know when I get out of the shower I see a lot of surgical scars.

And I say to myself Ah time, there you are.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Before this month if you said the word Hawaii, people’s heads would rise and a smile would cross their face. Now heads are bowed and lips pursed.
• Keeping it simple isn’t always the best, but it works a lot of the time.
• I used to wonder what people were thinking. I stopped because I started to find out.
• I got to see both my children in the last 2 days. Life is very good.

One of my goals always has been to just keep people around me smiling. Sometimes I’m good at it, sometimes not so good. Life can’t be all smiles but it certainly can be mostly smiles. I remember walking the streets of DC and making an effort to smile and make eye contact with people.

Not the easiest thing to do in that town. And almost impossible now with everyone’s face buried in a smartphone. But anyway I did enjoy that I could make a difference. I was able to get many smiles from people. Strangers and merchants would return a smile.

I love humor and making my friends laugh is like a high for me. And most of them have a good sense of humor and it just feeds on itself. Lots of times we leave each other with tears in our eyes. Not from sadness of parting, but from laughter.

There is so much good comedy available now it’s incredible. I could and have spent hours getting lost in laughs on YouTube. Sometimes when I’m down it’s a nice way to bounce back.

I love days I can just smile. Some days it’s hard to find them when I get in the wrong mindset but today isn’t going to be one of them. I got to see my son and his family for a few minutes which was great. They picked up their dogs today which we had been watching. They are wonderful with the exception that I lose my spot in the bed when they are here. But I get to return this evening again.

I might spend a few minutes in the seat of the go-cart tonight and get the cameras out where ever I end up. Might be a little cooler this evening, so I’ll take a sweat jacket.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• A surprise is in store for an old friend tomorrow.
• The more weight I lose the louder the ice cream talks to me.
• I’m concerned about another very good friend of mine.
• Pets are like children who never grow up.
• Beyond tired is falling asleep while typing.

I’m trucking into a long weekend after tonight’s work. Should be an interesting time. The weather looks promising. It’s been so dry I might be able to skip cutting grass. Got some important decisions to make on how to use some free time this month.

I do know the first thing I’m going to do at sunrise tomorrow. I’m going to pull the cover off the car and wipe any dust off and take a ride with the top down.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• It’s disappointing when people aren’t interested in communicating.
• Why are so many MLB pitches outside that box they put on the screen showing the strike zone called strikes?
• You can’t always count on others for happiness. Just remember to be happy yourself.
• Someone seems intent on burning this country to the ground if he can’t get his way. Seems like I remember my parents telling me about a similar person in history over in Europe.
• Good pizza, but if you can’t get my order right and skimp on the toppings, a next visit is unlikely. Goodbye, Grotto.

I can’t wait till every morning is comfortable. On days I don’t work, mornings are great, I’m relaxed and cheerful, and excited. The days I have to work the night shift morning are filled with apprehension, concern, and resignation. I know that Sunday morning starts this cycle. It’s one of the few work mornings that I wake up relaxed but quickly realize the reality of the long day and night ahead.

Maintaining this dual lifestyle no longer works for me. It might work part-time, but full-time puts too much strain on the body and mind. The limit to the madness has been reached. Come hell or high water it’s coming in months this strain will be over.

I never did sleep well during the day and the normal activities of people can wake you easily. And starting each week off by being awake from 6 am Sunday to 7 am Monday is a trick I don’t need to be pulling.

Then the nocturnal schedule for a few more days and then flip back to a normal daytime one like the rest of the family and friends. Well, it’s time to make the best of it again for another week.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Few are feeling better than a grandchild running into your arms.
• Determination adds strength.
• Relationships that can handle change have a leg up.
• I feel like swimming.

Nothing cool outside today in central Maryland. Either the team below is opening a snowball stand or plans on a big party with lots of mixed drinks. Either way, they are prepared with close to 20 bags of ice.

I limited my outdoor chores and time outside this afternoon but I hope to get out this evening and do a little shooting.

I was reading a blog by photographer Leanne Cole I follow and she wrote an interesting piece on “My bad habits when it comes to photography.” There were a couple on that list that hit home with me. Being lazy and not stopping to take a photo were two that are certainly in my wheelhouse and caused me some honest reflection.

I kicked myself in the behind for not stopping and shooting something good I see so many times that I’m finally starting to break myself of this horrible habit. The I’ll get it later attitude doesn’t get it done and it took me a long time to realize that.

Photography for me has been a catch-as-catch-can proposition for many decades, not being my primary or even secondary job. Rarely am I out just shooting. It’s in between errands, out on excursions with the family, or on my way from A to B.

Recently I was reminded of this fact about taking the opportunity when it presents itself because time will move on and change things. I had gone back to photograph this old home I had only gotten a shot or two of before but the light wasn’t that good. I went by last week and it’s been torn down.

Sometimes doing it right is a tall order. Shooting more is the easy part. Learning the craft, relearning editing tools, knowing spots and angles and light. Learning to capture people as well as places.

If I’m honest with myself I’m lazy with the free time I do have. I’ve been making some strides but I know I can do a lot better. That will change when I retire but I’ve been slowly making shooting more of a priority each day.

I could make a long list of the many deficiencies I have. But those two things on her list I need to fix first for myself.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• The difference between dogs and cats is if you give a dog a ton of love, you get a ton of love in return immediately. When you give a cat a lot of love you get some love at their time of choosing.
• There is a great deal to be said for a great deal.
• A child’s smile can touch your heart. That’s why I take so many pictures of my grandchildren.
• I was practicing patience today.

I don’t know why I chose the title, a great day. I was and wasn’t extraordinary at the same time. A number of unrelated events made it special. For instance, I was out mowing this morning and wishing I was out riding in the 2 seat fun machine instead of this chore.

Just then I made a turn and looked straight at the window in the family room. For some reason the memory of me looking out at someone cutting my grass for the first time after my first cancer surgery many years ago. And that memory reminded me to be thankful for the opportunity to cut the grass each time. Not just being here, but physically capable and out and about.

Then some special moments with my grandson. Discovery, joy, eating, and of course the game of grabbing Papa’s glasses and many more. Some more chores and then a few minutes to relax.

There were some warm hugs from my better half and my daughter-in-law and a nice talk with a new neighbor.

Now a few minutes to create and make a few prints for some friends.

Maybe I’ll put the top down and take that ride late tonight.

There is a great deal to be learned by listening intently. I got away from this, but I’m returning to this style because it’s much more revealing. Especially when you ask the right questions.

We have a very interesting new CTO – Chief Technology Officer at our company. It will be interesting to see the changes he will bring and believe me there will be changes. I’ve worked in IT/Publishing for almost 5 decades. I think his reign might be the most dramatic of all of them.

Well, at least that is my first impression of him along with a number of others. In some ways, I wish I was sticking around longer to see it from the inside but I’ll have to live vicariously through word of mouth from people still there after I retire.

I used to love riding a motorcycle. Probably one of the most relaxing and exhilarating experiences of a lifetime. A nice warm day like today would have been perfect.

My son is a chip off the old block. He calls the other day asking if we have the spare crate for his young dog. We looked and said no. He calls back today asking if we can double-check because he can’t find it. I look again, (it’s kind of big and hard to hide) but I do bend under beds and into closets and into the basement while on the phone. No luck again. I hear him pause and say, “Maybe it’s in my car”. So he wanders out and yep, it’s in there.

I told him my friends would give him a penalty shot of liquor for something like that. I said I’ll take a snowball for the wild goose chase and making me get on my hands and knees looking for it.

I finish this day searching for the right words for an old work friend who lost his life partner. Thinking how lucky I am and at the same time scared to even think about what he is facing.

I guess things have to balance out, and that means it’s time for some moisture from the sky today. Not the best conditions for the start of my weekend but I can cope.

Found an old clip of The Stones from 20 years ago in 2003 doing Gimmie Shelter. A great version but thinking these guys are still touring is incredible.

But the days are catching up with a lot of them. Robbie Robertson of The Band passed yesterday. I think they said he was 80. This means days could be catching up to me being I’m on the heels of these guys. So I had better make good use of the day ahead.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• It’s wise to redefine what priorities are all the time.
• I wonder if I’ll run out of random thoughts one day.
• The more I write the more I learn about grammar. And boy do I have a lot to learn. My English teachers wouldn’t be proud. No wonder my Mom was so upset with me. She was a proofreader for part of her career.
• Share time with those that share love with you.
• I choose to be happy this afternoon. Tonight should be even better.

A rough week so far. Hopefully a little recovery tonight. I’m in dire need of some rest. But till then a new image or two and some thoughts.

I promised myself I wouldn’t work when I was under the weather. Well, it took me a few days to admit it but I did today. Only my second sick day this year. Hopefully today I’ll be as bright as this creature above.

I was so tired last night I forgot to hit publish on this. A while back this would really upset me but hey, I do the best I can and, sometimes that isn’t much after the other responsibilities.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Surround yourself with people who make life fun and happy.
• I think people have lost the ability to be grateful or show it. Either way, it’s a loss for all of us.
• Each time I hear (Wish you were here) I think about how much I miss my parents.
• The last two days of pain have got my attention in a big way.
• Isn’t it ironic that the most recent indictment of 45 is 45 pages?

Each day, each opportunity, each conversation, each sight, and sound. Each feeling or smell, each touch, and taste. They are all so special. Each interaction with a friend or man’s best friend.

I’m feeling good today. Had a good weekend with my better half and friends. And while the workweek looms large over this Sunday evening a summer grill of hamburgers and hot dogs and trimmings brightened the late afternoon and sent me into the evening with at least a full stomach to power me through the evening.

There is a full schedule with little free time this coming week but I’m intent on making every second count. The weather should be fine and it’s going to be a good productive time. So time to power up my engines.

The smoke from lighting the charcoal has cleared. The food is cooked and consumed. I’ve got two nights of work to cram into one but tomorrow is another day and opportunity.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• You can’t make a difference until you think you can.
• I was slack and didn’t take a cruise today. I won’t make that mistake on Monday
• They say one minute is like the next. But nobody can tell me certain minutes of the day aren’t better than others.
• People might continue to play golf. But the professional TV ratings point in the wrong direction for their games.

Now this is warm, even for me who loves the heat. The deer aren’t even running away, I guess conserving energy.

I’m still recovering from yesterday and the emergency run in the middle of the night to my son’s home to help with the dogs. Had trouble sleeping this morning so I got up way too early. Did take care of the haircut and a few errands before noon.

If it was a reasonable day outside I would have cut the back yard. I won’t worry about that till Sunday when it cools off.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Feeling kind of different physically the last few days.
• You do what you can do when you can do it.
• Ideas are starting to flow again. Must mean I’m turning things around.
• Doesn’t feel like I’ve had a long weekend. I must need more time off.

I have a weak backup plan for a number of things now that I look at myself. Flowers seem to be great at it. Seems like every time I see one I just look and see more. Part of my old role in System Administration a decade ago was backups. Huge tape library systems and many disk-to-disk-to-disk systems. I’ve been out of it for a while so I’ve forgotten some very important lessons. Two are not enough backups if that information or system is that important.

I think I’ll start one here by trying to get some blog posts ready a few days in advance. I never know when events of the day will overtake me. Plus it might get me thinking about better and more interesting content. Now that I have my own phone I’ve downloaded the WordPress app and might give that a whirl soon. That is a last resort because I hate typing on my smartphone. But at least I have an alternative now.

My cameras have made me think about backup there also. I’ve got a card reader now so I can get the images off my Nikon so that is still my primary. My old Kodak now is flaking out in the transfer of image so I’ve switched to reading that card also. But it has other issues that are showing its days are numbered.

The iPhone has taken the number two spot on visual capture devices. And then there is the computer. My largest exposure to risk, I only have one. Well, I do have two work computers here but I’ve always kept personal/professional separate. So time is nearing for that purchase.

I’m starting the weekend this morning. No, I’m not taking days off, my workweek finishes at 6 am EST Thursday mornings. Just finished a 12-hour shift. Sore, tired, and burnt crispy are just a few adjectives that might make a good description of me right now. Not going to let work or chores or other obligations get to me even though it’s been a brutal week, I have a lot of work to do before I get to some enjoyment.

I’m just in the weekend mindset and spirit. So I put the headphones on because I’ve been too busy to listen to much of any music the last few days while waiting for the morning dew to lift from the grass and thought I’d knock out a few words and images.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’ve got about two months of prime weather to take advantage of.
• Some mornings listening to some old Van Halen this early might seem counterintuitive. But that ripping guitar has me ready to run through walls and the sun hasn’t been up for more than a few minutes.
• Can’t wait to put the top down for a ride today and go through that set of gears a few times. But first the mowing. Still riding and a convertible also but not as much fun
• When I go to the dermatologist soon I’m sure I’m going to hear crap about my tan. I’ve gotten really dark this year.

I’m imagining a lot of possibilities this day. One of many accomplishments and that rewarding feeling at the end of the day. Of course, imagining and making things real are two different things. So I got up early and I’m off to a good start making things a reality.

Sometimes though I imagine things to help me get through the day. Things that make me smile during the tough times. Things that help me keep working every day. Things I can look forward to that bring me peace of mind.

I’ve spent too little time and too much time imagining in my lifetime. Now I imagine and take action. I think I finally got the right balance going.

I’m imagining a more wonderful world that I can leave for my children and grandchildren. But I do have to get to work on making that much better than it is today. So let me get going in that pursuit today.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• When you are taught to think on your own without instructions or education or someone to help you is when you really learn some good lessons.
• When there is love in a family it is a strong family.
• Greed is killing this world.
• The wonderful thing about photography is the next shot.

Choosing the mode of transportation is important. So many new and modernized forms are available now with electric-powered devices seemingly becoming very popular. I still prefer the old ways myself. My feet, a bicycle, or a gas-powered car.

I guess I’ll need to adapt someday but it won’t be soon. I’ll be keeping my gas-powered go-cart (Miata) for some time. Getting a bike when I retire is a priority. And I’m walking more than I have since my very early youth.

Plus that new technology comes at a cost. I believe those Onewheel devices are between 1-2 grand. Electric scooters are between $300 to over $3,000. And electric cars still cost more than their gas-powered alternatives by thousands of dollars.

Don’t get me wrong, I think we have to do something about our climate, and anything that helps reduce our negative footprints I’m behind. But I haven’t either educated myself enough or heard a convincing argument addressing concerns about this technology.

What do we do with all these batteries, I assume they run out at some point. What about all the added weight of these vehicles and the excess wear and tear on our highways? Do we even have enough materials/minerals to make all the batteries needed to replace all the gas-powered equipment? And if so what is the impact of mining all these materials both in cost to extract them and environmental concerns?

And again I’m no expert here but where the hell is all this new power coming from to keep these gazillion batteries recharged? I thought areas in this country were already struggling to meet power demands and we want to add what percentage to it for electric vehicles and equipment.

Luckily having grown up in the muscle car era and now at the end of the combustion engine vehicles, I will probably be able to still get a gas-powered engine and stick shift even if I have to buy a used one if I can’t keep the Miata running another decade or two.

What a wonderful day it has been celebrating my grandson’s 1st birthday party. Few things in life have made me as happy as my two grandchildren. Their innocence, happiness, their expressions, and laughter leave me smiling long after the day is over.

On the other hand, I’m filled with stress and worry about a good number of things. Things like the health of those closest to me. Things like am I making the right timed decision on when to leave the workforce or will the new management regime terminate it before I’m ready? Things like should I think about back surgery or put it off again? And many more.

But that is life and while tough at times, it has its high points also.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Tired doesn’t do what my eyelids are feeling justice.
• I’m finding the biggest challenge in losing weight was still getting started at it in the first place. Once you get going it seems to be something that you keep going on because you look and feel better.
• I discovered a new part of the state today.
• Advice from experienced and knowledgeable people is easy to find. Sorting out the wannabes and the real deal is the trick.

Had another model for portraiture work show up early today but she was very shy and left as I said hello. I’ll have to work on my approach.

Unplanned maintenance was completed yesterday. The yard service that a few neighbors hired to do their lawns we also had doing our lower back yard. The part I used to do with the push mower and string trimmer because it’s so steep.

Well, it has been about 6 weeks I figure since they came. I wasn’t going to wait for it to get so long that I was going to have trouble. It still took me a while because the spots were so high. On the good side, it saved me a few bucks. All that dry weather helped save a cutting also. Plus it’s a good workout, I’m sure I lost a pound or two doing it.

And we’re halfway through the season so I’ll just take care of it this year and hopefully find a reliable young man to do it next year. The 3/4 acre in the front and upper back are enough of a job already.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• Woke up kind of conflicted about what I’d like to do today and what I want to do today and what I need to do today.
• Sometimes I feel rusty with some tasks. Not with power tools.
• Love is in actions, not words.
• I wonder when I do multiple posts in one day if I should label them “More Random Thoughts of the Day.”
• Rarely in life do you find everything you need. Don’t forget to still be happy when you don’t have what you need.
• I used to enjoy sitting in a waiting room. People would make eye contact. People would exchange pleasantries. People would strike up a conversation. Now everyone just sits slumped over looking at their smartphone. Another reason we are forgetting to really communicate with each other.