tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.comments2023-12-30T21:42:48.787-04:00Figuring it outJan Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01882825000995177531noreply@blogger.comBlogger590125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-70997601711259042152023-12-30T19:53:52.181-04:002023-12-30T19:53:52.181-04:00Glad to hear your wrist is better. I had one fall ...Glad to hear your wrist is better. I had one fall a couple years ago where as I was going down on a slippery pool deck, I was thinking, "this is how old people break their hips." I didn't. I'm more careful thinking about balance now.<br />I haven't had that feeling of discomfort where my mood doesn't match the photo, but I had my favourite model looking at one photo that I thought was really good, and she had been thinking unhappy thoughts.<br />Lovely light in the Ross farm! I've tried to capture light between the trees a few times, but the camera does not see what our eyes see, and I'm still figuring it out.<br />Yay for your niece holding the camera correctly. I'd love to get back to Blue Rocks again.<br />The bee photo is fabulous!<br />I love the subtle shades of white in the cactus. Also in the first photo with the sunset.Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-80352485776850359472022-06-16T11:15:32.817-03:002022-06-16T11:15:32.817-03:00As always, lovely photos! I learned as a teenager ...As always, lovely photos! I learned as a teenager (It's a long story involving a bankrupt millionaire, a stockbroker's office, and time to kill) that people are ruled by fear and greed. There are a few, rare, exceptions. Very few, very rare. Nothing since has caused me to change my mind, though I've been surprised a few times.Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-47958688882895034642022-05-19T11:28:30.615-03:002022-05-19T11:28:30.615-03:00Lovely photos and the flying bee is spectacular!Lovely photos and the flying bee is spectacular!Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-91910434088451596332021-11-07T00:49:36.178-03:002021-11-07T00:49:36.178-03:00And blogger ate a long comment because I wrote it ...And blogger ate a long comment because I wrote it on the wrong browser. My bad. Sigh. The gist...<br /><br />Friendships should be balanced. It shouldn't always be one person taking that first step. I once started thinking I was always doing that with one particular person, so I made a note in the calendar and decided to let them demonstrate how they felt. Years. No contact. Now I know.<br /><br />It used to be there was 3 ways of staying in touch with someone. An actual visit, a phone call, a letter. Now, I don't even know how many channels there are, probably not to the nearest dozen. And yet, how actually touchy are they? Not terribly. Having someone click that like button just says their eyes scanned past your text or photo long enough to find the button. It doesn't indicate any actual communication. People are still getting used to this, still figuring out the social expectations. Even uncouth me knows that if you're invited to a wedding, you RSVP. I had to explain that to a younger co-worker. They thought they had to keep the RSVP card to show at the door to get in.<br /><br />Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-41693156654082156762021-10-27T12:56:43.926-03:002021-10-27T12:56:43.926-03:00I keep telling myself that out of all the smartest...I keep telling myself that out of all the smartest people who have ever lived, half of them are alive right now, with communication and collaboration tools that their grandparents couldn't dream of. The downside of that is half of the stupidest people are alive right now as well, and have the same communication channels, and have the shamelessness to be louder than anyone else. <br />On the other hand, in one of Jared Diamond's books, he talks about Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the fall of what passed for civilization there. They knew they were running out of trees, yet someone cut the last one down.<br />I'm pretty sure that if we survive, future historians and climatologists will be discussing the various events along the way to climate collapse, and pointing to this or that event as 'the last chance to turn things around and they didn't, and here we are.' Or maybe, being an optimist, they'll point to an event where things started changing for the better. Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-70364825203928077372021-10-27T10:22:18.644-03:002021-10-27T10:22:18.644-03:00Thanks, Sara. I think you'd enjoy it too. As y...Thanks, Sara. I think you'd enjoy it too. As you'll see in later posts, traveling in a small camper offers heaps of opportunities to stay in beautiful quiet places. As an introvert, I'd much sooner that than stay in noisy, overcrowded campgrounds.Jan Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01882825000995177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-26870542989337039482021-10-27T09:08:26.500-03:002021-10-27T09:08:26.500-03:00I have never traveled this way, but I think I woul...I have never traveled this way, but I think I would love it. I like the idea of traveling with my own space rather than staying in a hotel. The size of your RV looks quite manageable. Looking forward to reading about your other adventures!Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05042081996333393969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-61966721655798256432021-10-25T12:08:17.315-03:002021-10-25T12:08:17.315-03:00I think if I could run on a beach, an actual real ...I think if I could run on a beach, an actual real ocean beach, not just a gravel bar on a river, I'd still be out there regularly. <br />The fearless thing, yeah, I had that on my bike for a while. Back then I was all yeehaw going downhill at more than 80 KPH, and MEGA-YEHAW at more than 90, and all I could think of in more recent years is the result of a twitch, or a chunk of rock or wood, or an animal out of the bush, or any number of other events.<br />I never had a problem running alone, any time of the year, even at night, on dark paths, along the river, where ever. But people knew where I was, and I had a phone. It's a sad commentary on our society that I would tell any woman that running alone was a really bad idea, that a running buddy was even more important than a good bra and pair of shoes.Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-58237095732144115322021-10-24T12:13:45.181-03:002021-10-24T12:13:45.181-03:00Welcome back! Two of my blog rollers back in less ...Welcome back! Two of my blog rollers back in less than 24 hours! Maybe blogging is making a comeback?<br />But I hear you on the running. It's been more than a year for me, and there are some days I feel like I could run, and there are some days I want to run. Then I remember how cranky pretty well everything between my shins and my mid back was about it. And the 10 pounds thing... <br />Getting back to swimming was tough sledding after the pools closed at the beginning of COVID. I'm back to a 20 minute K, just barely, and thinking about my next goals.<br />One of the things I've discovered about retirement is that there's always lots to do, but some of it seems more like a force of habit than something you actually want to do. For me, following the news has pretty well dropped off the radar. A quick look at CBC in the morning and I'm done. Not having the exposure to toxic stupidity has made me a happier person. I take quiet days and don't beat myself up about 'not getting anything done.' There's some busy days where I don't know if I'm coming or going, and I'm trying to cut down on those. The best days are where I'm in the mood to do something, and can actually spend some time doing that. <br />I love seeing photos of NS, so I'm looking forward to more travel photos!Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-72883881333807673322021-09-04T11:27:15.964-03:002021-09-04T11:27:15.964-03:00Words can be hard at times. Sometimes you have to ...Words can be hard at times. Sometimes you have to write out the imperfect words to at least partially express what you're feeling, and get that out of your face so you can write other things. I think lots of people are so emotionally blocked dealing with COVID and all the fallout that they don't know what to think or say, let alone write. <br /><br />We only visited Peggy's Cove the once, and were unimpressed with the unremarkable lighthouse. But then, we didn't have the time to wander around the nearby area like you did. The rest of Nova Scotia is beautiful, why wouldn't the area around the lighthouse be the same?Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-38987416749088775912021-04-27T14:17:39.508-03:002021-04-27T14:17:39.508-03:00Thank you. I miss the beach so much! I keep asking...Thank you. I miss the beach so much! I keep asking myself why I live here now.<br />Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-28425301397681922672021-01-23T23:46:45.074-04:002021-01-23T23:46:45.074-04:00I have to admit last year as a surprise washout fo...I have to admit last year as a surprise washout for reading, and this year doesn't look to be much better. This work thing is getting out of hand. <br /><br />You've just retired, so it's natural to be taking some time to settle into your new life, to find the patterns that nurture you. Plus all the uncertainty in the world these days, it's hard to make plans.<br /><br />Looking forward to seeing how your 2021 turns out!Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-21908406568476008392020-07-06T10:23:18.139-03:002020-07-06T10:23:18.139-03:00You're not alone in having these feelings..I c...You're not alone in having these feelings..I can complete relate. <br />Also, it's so nice to discover someone else who is trying to naturalize their property. I am currently a "townie" and am gradually removing our front "lawn" and replacing it with pollinator friendly plants. Most of my neighbours either use pesticides or are ripping their lawns out and replacing them with gravel. It makes me want to tear my hair out!Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05042081996333393969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-74492282874982770282020-06-26T20:53:22.613-03:002020-06-26T20:53:22.613-03:00Glad you're still here! It's easy to get f...Glad you're still here! It's easy to get feeling down, and even easier if you're a news junkie. I try to parse the headlines a couple times a day, browse a few of the more interesting articles, but really, I don't need the gory details. So much of what passes for news is just a series of screen shots from twitter, and as soon as I see that I'm out of there. That's a sure fire sign of a lazy journalist. For us the pandemic hasn't been a big deal, and we've come through well. So far...Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-61351894066385350822020-01-23T08:21:46.482-04:002020-01-23T08:21:46.482-04:00This book wasn't on my radar and now because o...This book wasn't on my radar and now because of this review it's on my to-read list. Thank you!Colleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08639713787297901485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-18296283792999629442020-01-22T12:36:45.120-04:002020-01-22T12:36:45.120-04:00This is why so many movies are terrible, their mai...This is why so many movies are terrible, their main characters make cardboard look personable. I don't care how exciting a chase might be, or how novel, or what the setting is, if you don't care about the characters it means nothing. The best books and movies are the ones you fall in love with the characters, and are fascinated by them, even if you won't do coffee with them.Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-77000569316790875412020-01-22T10:28:04.553-04:002020-01-22T10:28:04.553-04:00Great advice on the writing, Keith. Thanks!
Great advice on the writing, Keith. Thanks!<br />Jan Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01882825000995177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-52431924732639434372020-01-21T14:12:55.060-04:002020-01-21T14:12:55.060-04:00Intentions is perilously close to resolutions, whi...Intentions is perilously close to resolutions, which I don't do. The closest I think I've come to a word of the year is balanced. Some activity but nothing crazy like training for ironman. Some photography, maybe even lots of it, but I'm trying to get better photos not more photos. <br /><br />There are so many causes that cry out for attention, where the people with the damaging agendas are counting on the lack of attention. There's the problem, so many causes! It's easy to get sucked in and drown. I'm trying to figure out where I belong on the activism front.<br /><br />I was sure you'd like retirement. Sounds like you have lots on the go. The running thing is tough. I miss it, but my knees don't. I'll start feeling good and think about an easy run, then next thing I know something is cranky again.<br /><br />The writing part is easy. Pull out the laptop and start writing whatever is in your head. The juicy conversation between two characters that are only alive in your head. That rant that belongs in a blog. Whatever. Don't worry about making it perfect. Write it out and then you'll have something to edit. Or post it on the blog as is. The more writing you do, of any sort, the easier it becomes to do. Remember, those very first words of chapter one are typically the very last words written. Have fun!Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-10510216713704307922019-06-24T20:03:40.972-03:002019-06-24T20:03:40.972-03:00Enjoyed your honest and self-aware post, Jan. Long...Enjoyed your honest and self-aware post, Jan. Long ago a person I knew said I hassled myself too much. I think we sometimes hassle ourselves to do more, do it better, and do it fast. I'm still working on it.... and you, my friend, are amazing.Leahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-2202762333486546182019-06-24T20:01:07.182-03:002019-06-24T20:01:07.182-03:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Leahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-61344092813093786652019-06-22T19:21:49.153-03:002019-06-22T19:21:49.153-03:00Like the saying, getting old isn't for weenies...Like the saying, getting old isn't for weenies, much the same for retirement. I've been able to ease into it, what with periodic breaks between contracts. Linda is just on 2 years retired, and is still settling into it, finding her groove.<br /><br />The aches and pains are a funny thing. You're doing different things now, and that takes a while to adjust. Being older has nothing to do with it, and when I say nothing, I mean almost everything. It's very cranky making some days.<br /><br />As for working the list, I suspect you'll find things added onto it as you scratch some others off. Your list might even get longer, rather than shorter. This is a good thing!! Because when you cross off the last thing from your to do list, what's the point of getting out of bed. Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-16777477956840014352019-02-03T16:27:00.657-04:002019-02-03T16:27:00.657-04:00This comment has been hidden from the blog.Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-75243775759967227372019-01-06T14:51:26.465-04:002019-01-06T14:51:26.465-04:00Best Moment? Hmmm. Firing my last employer.
Best ...Best Moment? Hmmm. Firing my last employer.<br /><br />Best book? None come to mind, but I haven't been reading much lately. Probably a photography book.<br /><br />Best lesson? Related to number 1 above. Doing the right thing for me.<br /><br />Best Buy? Not buying much, or trying not to. New lens!<br /><br />Wish for 2019? That the travel goes smoothly, and we have fun, and I get a ton of great photos!Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-56242774085329042412019-01-03T11:09:08.030-04:002019-01-03T11:09:08.030-04:00Glad you liked the 5 Questions Game, Janice...and ...Glad you liked the 5 Questions Game, Janice...and some nice reflection here. Happy New Year :)Janethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13297537075103893956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291143103033467520.post-7672305757329149422018-08-02T20:57:55.305-03:002018-08-02T20:57:55.305-03:00Still reading! Part of the exhaustion at the end o...Still reading! Part of the exhaustion at the end of the day comes from your brain switching tasks. Try to do just one thing on the bus, rather than flit from email to facebook to the book to the news. No advice on the hot flashes, I'm afraid, other than the word linen. If we were sitting together with a beer I'd tell you one of Linda's solutions that makes her feel better, at least. :-)Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09364395150014197905noreply@blogger.com