THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: night


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Gratifying

Working hard brings a lot of gratification. However, I always had difficulty finding a good balance between working hard and overworking. And in recent months I was beginning to feel I wasn’t making the best use of time. This week I mentioned I’m trying a new mindset and trying to be much more productive with my time.

And it’s working out without overdoing it. So far I’m finding that sweet spot. Being very satisfied with the day’s work at the day’s end.

I was doing some editing I ran by this shot from earlier this year. It reminded me of that early morning. A few hours before sunrise I was wandering the back streets of Ocean City Maryland in February when I walked by this about a half hour before daylight.

It was both cold and mostly deserted. I ran across this mural and a partial piece of another one in front of it on a sidestreet downtown lit by dim streetlights. It’s not the best photo but it reminds me to work early and often because I have never seen it all.

And for my lazy butt to carry a tripod when out at this hour.

Getting out at various times of day and night is a great way to see things from different perspectives. I think this looks quite different during the day. Maybe I’ll get out early Thursday morning and see what I can capture around home. Opportunity awaits.

Ocean City Maryland. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Old school

As I opened my morning Coca-Cola this morning and waited for the sun to rise while knocking out the morning reply to the daily writing prompt I ran across this image which seemed fitting to kick off the day. I shot it a little before sunrise off a side street in Ocean City. It’s an old Dumsers Dairyland sign.

Side streets have a history. Photo by Mike Hartley

Another warm day ahead and I’m headed outside with some power tools again. Yep, Mother Nature and I are in another 15-rounder. I’m a little sore from yesterday’s match but still standing.

Wow, time flies. It’s noon now and a few hours of work is already in the books. Again I’m dirty and tired. Another hour or two and then I’m shutting the chore whore activities down.

Observation

Many people think Karma isn’t watching. Don’t worry, we’re sending him videos.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Anyone for a conga line? I don’t care that it’s a Tuesday.
  • I’m learning some good techniques with the power washer.
  • My home gets more special each day.
  • I believe I’ll treat myself to a rack of ribs this weekend.
  • Now that I’m retired most of the miles I drive are more enjoyable.


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Morning Moon

On the morning of 2/27/24 in Ocean City, I’m usually up before sunrise so out I went. Still, some remnants of the full moon left so thought I’d try it with a couple of landmarks as I wandered the downtown area with the first 2 images below.

The fish are jumping early this morning. Photo by Mike Hartley

Yes, I was lazy, my back was hurting and I didn’t grab the tripod as I should have. Something I promise not to do anytime I’m working nights from now on. I’m going to visit in the offseason again next year because I missed many opportunities.

The moon getting ready to set in the West. If Tony’s opened at 5:30 am I’d have a slice of pizza. Photo by Mike Hartley

With the water in the 40s I didn’t feel like dipping my toes in yet.

The sun is MIA. Photo by Mike Hartley

It’s such a contrast from the other 10 months of the year. Come January and February the place is a series of builders, maintenance, and infrastructure workers. Of course, a few locals and the staff for some hotels and restaurants but it’s nothing like the other months.

Grab a seat now. They will fill up soon. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m not a big crowd person, for some reason, they don’t bother me that much here during the summers.


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After Dark

For the next few evenings, I’m hoping to take advantage of what will be some warm summer nights to do some night shooting around the county. I’m not an expert at shooting in the dark but experience is a good teacher.

Chesapeake Bay after sunset. Photo by Mike Hartley

I do have a lot of experience being out and about in the dark though having some pretty weird work schedules. I already know I’m going to try to shoot some of the roadwork going on Rt 29 at night. Then venture into Columbia and maybe Ellicott City to do some night lights. I’ve got a ton of ideas and some time to get to them.

Bridge support. Thank you for bringing us to the Eastern Shore. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ll throw a few tripods in the car, fill the tank up, and cruise to various spots. I could also use some exercise so I’ll try to get some walking/hiking in. I’d like to get a few miles in on the treadmill when it’s raining this afternoon.

So here is to a very productive day ahead once I catch up on a little rest.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’ve got to find ways to reduce all the plastic we use.
  • There are some carvings I need to return to and finish.
  • I’ve made the mistake of worrying about something instead of doing something.
  • The cloudy morning matches my clouded mind. Hopefully, a few hours of sleep will clear it up.


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In the air tonight

It happens to be a song I like (In the air tonight), but it also means to me, a keen sense of what is around you at night. Being a night owl and out and about in both city and country you become much more aware of your surroundings. Your senses become alive.

Not a full double rainbow but it was trying.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Sight is challenged and there are a lot of things out there in the dark with night visions. You know the guys in DC where I work roaming with their night vision goggles. Then there are the night people that work as coordinated teams and while there vision isn’t better they have more eyes on you than you do them. Of course, nature has a huge natural advantage over us due to several differences in our eyes in both makeup and size. They are on you well before you will ever see them.

Being that sight is limited, the sound becomes more important. Hearing can tell you where to look before you can see it. When to and not to take that next step or move quickly.

And that is useful in both country and city environments. Being I live next to the woods I’m familiar with wildlife and sometimes very closely. I’ll open my back door and be face to face with deer or fox.

But don’t overlook the sense of smell. The night and things out in it certainly have smells. Just like that drunk behind you that smell before he stumbles past is a sign of danger. So is an especially change of odor outside. IE Skunk or maybe a bear.

I don’t know what got me thinking about the night again. I used to take late night walks in DC but I stopped that nonsense. Walking in the woods at night isn’t much safer. But I love the night and I’m thinking I’ll get out and shoot a little tomorrow night. I’m so tired now I can barely keep my eyes open.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I see where Maryland (my home state) ranked dead last in the best state to retire in. Wow, that kind of put a damper on my spirits.
  • Things change so fast. Good thing I got a scorecard.
  • When I say sleep is on the horizon that means I’m going to bed at daybreak.
  • Going to visit a few special people tomorrow.