Happy New Year from the Beach | Seashore Greetings to Celebrate A New Beginning

Wishes, greetings and nautical images to honor the ending of one year and the arrival of another. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful holiday season, and hope the coming months will bring you and your loved ones happiness, health and peace. Let's celebrate!!

Christmas Humor, Part II (More Seasonal Sarcasm)

It's the time of year to give and thus I present part two of holiday humor images, cartoons and general silliness. More links to other seasonal collections are listed at the end of this post ~ enjoy, chuckle and share! (Click on any picture to open in a new larger window). Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Things That Are Gone | Bayside Cantina in Ocean City, MD (former Phillips Seafood)

During 2017 I started noting closures around our local area on the Delmarva Peninsula, wishing to preserve some of the most famous and well-known places through photos and news articles. "All Gone: Things That Aren't There Anymore in Ocean City, Maryland" was the first, and I've included a list of additional links at the end of this blog post.

Twenty-Five Holiday Pet Memes, Funnies and Cartoons to get you in the Holiday Spirit

A collection of seasonal sarcasm experienced by multitudes of households all around the world during the happiest time of the year. Nothing substantial here folks, just creepy cats gunning for wrecking your holiday displays, dogs with festive headgear and humorous cartoons about life with pets. Enjoy and share!

Visual Resources #3: Creative Sites for Text, Fonts and Clip Art Directory

This is the third installment of a series of posts featuring amazing websites which can help add life to your notes and blogs. Being more than a little handicapped (ha ha) in the areas of drawing and illustration, I've come to rely on a multitude of places to create images for articles, blog posts and tutorials.

Retro Christmas | Santa's Modes of Transportation

Old-fashioned Christmas greetings featuring Santa Claus traveling by train, motorcycle, antique automobiles and even spaceships.

re: Dear Kia Motors.....I Came To Buy A Car Today

Update 12/3/18: have recieved no (zero) communication from Kia. I wasn't expecting anything other than perhaps some dialog and a follow-up email perhaps, but being acknowledged is always a good thing, right? I'm disappointed because while I didn't need them to do or say anything, I believed that ANY company would want to hear my feedback. Maybe that's not the case? (things that make you go hmmmmmm).

Thanksgiving Humor, Celebration and Truth (Hilarious Holiday Memes!)

Welcome to a collection of seasonally-themed memes and cartoons which I felt captured the essence of the upcoming holiday. (Why do we do this anyway??) I know I am NOT the only one who feels this way, ha ha. Sending positive vibes to everyone out there getting ready for the annual observance we call Thanksgiving.

Actions Speak Louder | "Invisible Observance" on Veterans Day

Repost of something I wrote on November 11th a few years ago:

I wanted to tell you the story of what happened in a veteran's home, when an unexpected chance to observe the kindness of strangers in action unfolded in front of me. Perhaps we don't see these glimmers of caring enough, but sometimes we get a curbside seat and the opportunity to be part of those moments that matter. I wrote this about the events which took place on Veterans's Day several years ago, attempting to put into words what I watched that was heartfelt, raw and unscripted. I guess the quiet actions of people can actually speak volumes, if we just allow ourselves to listen and see.

"Finding the Perfect Seashell" (Adopting a Special Shelter Pet)

Do you recall every having gone on vacation to the beach, perhaps a small seaside town or a large resort along the coast, when you really wanted to find a perfect seashell to bring home?

Voting Humor | Election Cartoons and Funnies

To commemorate today, November 6th 2018, here are some uplifting and humorous observations. 😂 (But seriously, get out and VOTE). 

"Step Away From The Screen" (Less Time Online)

"Observations from the Summer"

I am sitting here at a park writing some notes about an upcoming event I've been working on, finding peace in my view of a small lake and serene forest. A half hour later I'm so engrossed in my thoughts that the slamming of a car door close by makes me jump unexpectedly and look up. It takes a few minutes for my eyes to adjust to what I'm seeing, since it's not exactly "normal" by today's standards, and then I realize I'm delighted to just sit and observe.

58 Hours: Finding Peace Right Here

Friday, October 12th 8:39am

My vacation-at-home is starting. All the dogs and cats have been fed and taken care of and I'm camped out on the couch with beautiful, fresh fall air blowing in through the windows. Later on the pollen will resurface I'm sure but for now, coasting on the heels of last night's storm, the breeze feels clean and crisp and I haven't sneezed once.

"If Life Begins to Seem Unfair"

If you should find that things in life seem to anger you

or cause bitterness and resentment, make changes.

Value and Respect: Appreciation for Artists

I was a little bummed out yesterday when I found one of my photos taken and used on another site, carefully cropped and edited just enough to remove the name from the image. A government agency page, no less, had blurred out the watermark on one side and chopped the image on the other.

37th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend: October 6th - 7th, 2018

While I've been aware of this memorial service held annually to honor those gave all in the line of duty, I had not realized that some portions of the ceremonies are now viewable online. With all the activities and observances taking place in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the public can join in by watching live, showing support on social media and learning more about the the 37th Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Visiting the website for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation I learned this it is not just a memorial ceremony but an entire weekend for the survivors and families. 

The Deal Island-Chance Volunteer Fire Department in Somerset County, Maryland

I’ve been posting photos of fire departments of Delmarva for a long time. Sometimes I run across a large station in a city area that has a large following on Facebook and can tag the station or sometimes it’s a more rural facility where I have to really dig around online to find information. Neither scenario is any more or less important because after all, these are our first responders and volunteer heroes that answer the calls, day or night, in sweltering summer heat and frigid winter conditions.

I Love Mushrooms | Vintage Holiday Images and Retro Mushroom Artwork

I am fascinated by mushrooms. It started about 25 years ago when we were first married and everyone would ask me what type of theme I'd decorated the kitchen with....as IF I had decorating skills, ha ha. Somehow it was one of those things that just bypassed my brain and I never even thought about picking out a certain scheme of any kind. However, once I'd seen endless collections of apple, grapes and strawberries sprawled across my friend's kitchens it made me decide I had to have something totally opposite, and so I choose 'shrooms.

Roller Coaster Rides / Amusement Parks in Ocean City, Maryland

Each year on August 16th, you will find people at amusement parks and theme parks across the country participating in National Roller Coaster Day. Here along the east coast, in an area termed the Delmarva Peninsula, we have several coasters in Ocean City, Maryland. First, let's check out a bit of history about today's celebration.

Makemie Memorial Presbyterian Church | Snow Hill, Maryland

While visiting the town of Snow Hill for the annual Blessing of the Combines, I had the opportunity to walk over and take a few photographs of this lovely church next to the county courthouse. Architecturally stunning in on many levels from the outside, I set a goal of returning in the near future to attend a service here as well as to view the interior. Buildings like these are commonly found across the Delmarva Peninsula, however not all are this well maintained and sadly, many houses of worship are being lost. This one was simply a visual delight with all the details, brickwork and design elements!

"You Can't Move Forward If You Can't Let Go"

"It's time to move on". These are some of the most poignant, truthful words that we so often say to ourselves - while at the same time it may be one of the most difficult concepts to accept.

 

Where To Go For "Real Ice Cream" on the Delmarva Peninsula (the Delmarva Ice Cream Trail)

Last summer I set out with the goal of finding business which create delicious, homemade treats on Delmarva. After seeing "lists" which omitted some farms or included places that don't make their own products, I wanted to find the best from our area. As an ice cream lover and fan of local businesses, I created a "Delmarva Made directory" for farms, and creameries in Delaware and across the eastern shore areas of Maryland and Virginia.

Life With Cats | The Ridiculousness and Reality of Finding the Perfect Food

** If You Are Currently Or Have Ever Been, Owned By A Cat, Then You Get It **

The perfect food for cats doesn't really exist....does it? I believe there are humans out there who really do believe they can open a can, place a meal in front of their home's furry ruler, and actually have them consume said food with interest. But that's....umm, not been my experiences. 🙀

Explore Local This Summer | Ideas for Enjoying Your Hometown (Shop Small)

Summertime is here! For many of us it's a time for relaxing, taking a break, getting outdoor projects done around the house - or all of the above. However, your small businesses don't go on vacation - and they are still there for you to use and support. :) You might need to stock up on foods for a big cookout, planning a family picnic or heading off for a day at the beach. Whatever you do it's super cool to choose your indie retailers and locally owned shops!

The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial | The "Wall That Heals"

I have been fortunate enough to see and appreciate the "Wall that Heals" as it has visited the Delmarva Peninsula three times in the last twelve years. If you have not yet observed this powerful display and tribute to all who served, died and continue to live with the memories of those years, I hope you have the opportunity to visit the Traveling Wall when it comes to your area. Even if you have been before; even if you have gone and seen the original memorial in Washington, DC - THIS monument is worth your time. Take your children and teach them about our history; volunteer to assist or join in the events surrounding these dates. See the 2018 schedule here.

Hello Spring (or as some of us say), "WELCOME TO ALLERGY SEASON"

I generally in life choose to consciously avoid being negative, since it's sort of a tendency of mine to gravitate towards the dark side. However, when things start to bug me a little bit....and then A LITTLE BIT MORE, I find that coping with them through sarcasm or humor seems to be a useful approach. After all, it's hard to be better when you're smiling.....see? Point made.

Are Advances in Technology Isolating Us Even More?

Crossroads of automation, technology and the past; I’m attempting to merge forward and yet part of me is still hanging back, not ready to admit that saying goodbye to personal interaction is the best thing since sliced bread. As researchers and doctors have pointed out in recent years, it’s entirely possible there are links between the breakdowns which are taking place in our society - and our desire to shut others out. Doesn’t it appear to anyone that the goal of “saving time while making less effort” may have been taken a bit too far? Inside my head, a small voice keeps telling me that we are headed for trouble.

What To Do On Delmarva | Local Attraction, Event Listings and News Sites

Directory of sites for the Delmarva Peninsula including tourism departments, visitor centers, news sites, local history destinations, area resources, car shows and more. It's a work in progress but as people are always asking me where to find such information I thought publishing a list would be useful.

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day 2018 on Delmarva

Friday, March 30th is Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. First established in 2001, a number of dedicated individuals have worked tirelessly to see it made a national day of recognition and honor. Sadly, most of our veterans remember returning home from war to anything but a welcome, and for that reason I feel all of us can now step up and ensure to acknowledge their service and dedication. Of course, you don't need to wait for a specific date to shake the hand of someone who was there and say "Thank you for your service", but especially on March 29th and 30th there are a number of events being held to express our appreciation for what they have done. Read more about WHVVD here.

Franchise vs. an Independent Family Business "Why I Use a Real Mechanic"

Dear Corporate Chain,

I don't think you are an independent, family owned business, no matter how many commercials you run telling me this. I'm hearing them constantly lately on the radio, listening to you explain how your "owners" which are actually "franchisees", see members of the community around town, at the bank or the post office, and that they know their customers.

Visual Design Part #2: Sign Making Sites and More Image Generators

The second in a series of directories offering creative image resources, editing tools and more. Almost all are free to use however to gain access to larger images and upgraded features there may be an additional charge. From icons and buttons, to map generators and photo editors, creating professional-looking images can really spruce up the visual presentation of your website or blog.