THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: summer


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Still spinning

My summer wheels are still turning. I’m going to be out and about till it gets too cold to be. Regardless of the calendar telling me that summer ends today. I’ll look forward to that Indian summer that always comes to this region in late September and early October.

Yes, we are in the middle of a couple cool rainy days, an early nor-easter is coming along the coast, but the warmth will return. It always does and I love it. It’s my final gasp and grabbing some sun and sand. The last chance to tuck some warm memories deep into the mind to pull out while shoveling snow this winter.

A brightly lit Ferris wheel against a night sky, with colorful lights illuminating its structure.

Summer is my favorite season and always has been and now another is ending. I’m holding out hope for the next one that I can make more memories with.

In some ways this was a great summer. Time with family, trips or lazy days at home with my better half. I won the battle with Mother Nature and the yard this year. I thought it had won when my almost 3 decades old mower was showing its age, so I opened the wallet and got a new one while I rebuild this one for my son.

The time with my children and grandchildren the past 3 months was very special. It’s that relaxed time of year for them. Where visits can be longer and sometime for a day or two and usually 1 week at the beach.

Heat does get to me more than it used to, which was not at all. So, I do take breaks now when I’m out and about working or having fun. And I get out earlier and later in the day.

Fall and certainly winter bring depression for me. I hate the cold and snow. The increased darkness gets me in a funk. Wearing anything more than shorts and a tee shirt is uncomfortable to me. My natural instinct is to hibernate. But life forces me outside in that mess.

So, I must steel myself in mindset and cloths to do battle with the elements.


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Holding onto Summer

I’m holding on tightly to the remaining days of summer. Yes, I see the leaves starting to fall. I feel those cooler night temps. And that sun is rising and setting earlier.

To survive I capture things throughout the summer. I take mental snapshots of events, time with family and friends, quiet rides with the top down on a back road alone, big cookouts, as well as all the photos I take throughout those months. And I spend the winter hoping for one more chance at summer again.

Two surfers riding waves in an ocean, with several people swimming in the background.
Good morning. An old shot from Virgina Beach. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ll return to the beach before the temp’s plummet again and get my feet in that warm sunbaked sand. Not sure if it’s going to be warm enough to swim though.

My mind and body get uncomfortable with the thought of winter. I hate losing my tan and time in the sun. The lack of daylight is depressing. The cold makes me ache. The desire to hibernate is strong but at the same time not desirable. I have to work hard not to get in a funk about the seasonal change into winter and its surrounding seasons.

Ah, there it is, the sun is peaking through the clouds more. I hope the weather forecaster was right that we would get some more sun this afternoon so let me get up and enjoy this beautiful day before the rain comes this evening.

As they say, one day at a time.


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Sum Sum Summertime

What is your favorite season of year? Why? – The daily writing prompt with a softball question today.

Summer is my favorite season and the list of why is a long one. I’ll be as brief as possible.

Just being outdoors and comfortable. Be it in the convertible with the top down or wandering the local wooded paths along the Patapsco River. But best of all in the sands on the beach or in a lounge chair by a pool or just on my deck catching rays.

I love stepping outside in the morning before sunrise in shorts and listening to the birds sing and not shivering.

Both my daughter and daughter-in-law are teachers so the chance of seeing them more goes up. As well as some family get togethers. I can get out the squirt guns with the grandchildren.

I love to photograph during the summer months. And that means I like to explore during those times also.

It’s the time of year I can lay in my hammock and feel comfortable. Summer sunrises and sunsets are the best. Maryland crab season begins.

I can wash my car and its not covered in pollen the next day. The grill comes alive and charcoal bags arrive two by two.

Seeing the summer sweet corn growing, being harvested and the local produce stands coming alive. The fleet of fishing boats going out for the days catch or big tournaments.

The county and state fairs. The local car shows. and spirited drives unfold. The ethnic festivals and craft exhibits. Summer concerts at open pavilion style locations.

The wildlife that seems to come alive. For instance, the deer that was just born the other morning in my backyard. I like the sound the wind makes as it goes through leaves on the trees. Thunderstorms and rain on sunflowers as the sun shines.

If I thought about all my past summers with things I loved I could fill a book. I’m sure as soon as I post this, I’ll say crap, wish I had added this.

There are great things about all seasons. But nothing even comes close to summer for me.

Sunflowers in rain. Photo by Mike Hartley

View others replies to the question of the day here


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Nice Thursday

A relaxing morning and got in some photography this afternoon. I hope to squeeze in a few shots sometime overnight.

I was disappointed to see Fall encroaching on my Summer early. Please remove your leaves and dirt from my hammock till after the weekend.

Only a month or two before I roll this up for the year. Photo by Mike Hartley

Restraint

  • The trouble with cooking bacon is not eating all of it.
  • It’s not my fault the volume knob on the stereo goes all the way up.
  • I have respect for alcohol. At one time I didn’t.
  • I try not to drive when others aren’t practicing restraint. Those few minutes are getting harder and harder to find.


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One last weekend

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.


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Late August

The leaves on the trees are looking tired. Some have even started to turn and fall already.

My favorite season is going to enter its last month soon.

The sun while strong is not in the sky as long anymore. Mornings start later and night comes earlier.

The heat is still strong during the days but the nights are beginning to cool.

The actions of my daughter preparing for teaching the coming school year.

The last real warm days at the beach before the cool of the offseason hits.

Traffic is on the increase, school is to begin, and then it gets insane.

I’m reminded on some cool mornings that ragtop season only has a few months to go and fewer opportunities in between.

After this month, cookouts just seem to have fewer people around you than during the summer.

The 2024 NOAA hurricane prediction was for 8-13 hurricanes this year. We have had 3. We still have 3 months to go in the season, but halfway, we are doing well.

On a positive note, the prime months for Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs are Sept-Nov. They are bigger, fuller, and usually cheaper. So I plan on getting some steamed in front of me a few times between now and then.

I’m trying to savor the last few days of this fine month.

August fireworks. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Running out of Summer

Time is quickly disappearing for the Summer season. I have so much to fit in yet and here we are entering the second week of August. So why not schedule some time off? So that is what I did. A total of 6 nights off the rest of the month. Now that is a way to make August count.

Now what to do with those wonderful hours of freedom? So many things leap to mind. A day trip with my better half, maybe a solo trip to the ocean, or most of the day in the hammock on the old pool patio. Should I spend an entire day carving on a piece of wood?

The Dog Days of Summer are dwindling. Photo by Mike Hartley

Each day the sun rises a little later and sets a little earlier. I’m already seeing leaves fall from the trees. The warm waters will be with us a bit longer but the nights will start to cool in another month.

I’m feeling the pressure to make the most of every warm-weather day now before they slip away into the fall.

But it’s funny, after hurting badly last week all I want to do is feel healthy and whatever else comes my way the rest of the summer is fine with me.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • As I prepare for this line of strong storms I realize I’m low on working flashlights.
  • After not being accountable all your life it’s hard to accept it late in life I guess.
  • There is a lot to be said for the word, bliss. But you don’t hear it often because the person is so happy and joyful.
  • Some things are better with time.