We took a short trip on Monday and returned Tuesday so I’m feeling a bit refreshed. The visit to the Rocky Gap resort was fun and relaxing. We hiked several miles along the Lakeside Loop Trail. We had some good steaks for dinner. We spent some time in the casino and came out only down $10. Normally we walk out winners but not this time.

The drive there was sunny and pleasant. The drive home, not so much.

It’s a beautiful place to stay. We had a room on the 4th floor overlooking the lake.

Hiking around the lake and that is what we did on Monday while the weather was nice. We lost the sun to the cloud’s midafternoon and the nice breeze we had at the start faded. I’m glad we are both healthy enough to get out and hike a little bit.

Photos by Mike Hartley

I have no scheduled travel plans this coming week so I think I’ll forge ahead and purchase a firepit. I meant to do that last year and with November coming it’s the season to make some use of the patio on the side of the house.

Who knows, it might get me outside a bit more during the cooler days and nights. What triggered it was being outside by a firepit the other evening at Rocky Gap. I wandered out to one for a few moments and it was nice.

These were nice gas pits but I’m looking for a wood-burning one. I’ll gather up my gift cards to Ace Hardware and pull the trigger on that this coming Monday or Tuesday.

I didn’t get as much done today as I hoped, but I’m satisfied with the good effort. And there is still time to add to the day’s production. I’m down to the last 300 images to edit and hopefully, I’ll upload all the ones that passed some mustard to the photo site.

Random Thoughts of the Day

• I love shrimp.
• My knee doesn’t seem to be improving.
• Crap, I need to order ink again.
• The space heater has been activated for the season.
• Time to vote. One of my favorite things about living in this country.