A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

Secret Subject Swap: Broiling hot

This post is for the Secret Subject Swap, a monthly blog challenge. Information about the swap can be viewed at the end of this post, as well as links to all others taking part. Have a peek at some of the other bloggers and see what they had to come up with. If you are a blogger, consider joining up for future months!

My theme is “Tell us about a time when you believed in something strongly but My theme is “What do you do when it’s broiling hot out? Do you prefer to stay in air conditioning? Go to the beach? A pool? Something else? Have you made adjustments this summer?” and it was submitted by Karen.

One thing I love about living in the northeast of the United States is the changing seasons. We get to experience all four and, depending on the year, some might be longer seasons than others. 

It’s usually a good bet we’ll get a few days in the 60s in December or January. 

At the same time, you can usually plan on a good snowfall in March, April, or even May. 

There have been years where fall or spring is almost non-existent. 

As many communities in the northeast probably say – you want the weather to change? Just blink. 

But that heat. 

I’ve always said if I could stay anywhere from 40-75 degrees, without worrying about humidity or frigid temperatures, I’d be a happy guy. We know that doesn’t happen, though. And in the midst of the summer (and sometimes “spring”), the temps will go very high with a lot of humidity. 

And I hate the heat. 

I don’t mind when it’s warm out. I don’t hate the sun. But when it gets really hot out? Ugh. 

Sweating is something I loathe. Plant me in some air conditioning and I’m happier. When it’s really hot out, I still get my walks in, but I tend to go in the morning or evening to avoid the peak levels and times. 

And though I like the beach – I really don’t live that close to one. I also prefer to go in the off-season as you can walk and stop and stare and not have to worry about hundreds (or more) people. I don’t think a beach in the middle of the summer is my thing. 

It’s funny how things change from childhood to adulthood when it comes to summer. When I was a kid, I would spend all day outside. We’d play baseball. We’d go to the pool. We’d explore the woods. Splash in the creeks nearby. Heck, we used to drink out of said creeks. I’m not sure I’d do that in this day and age anymore. 

As I got older, I became way more self-conscious about things.My interests also changed. Before you know it, you’re an adult. 

Those days of going to the pool and such are long past me. And honestly? I’m OK with that. 

I know many people love the hot months. They love getting out or chilling next to their pool. Maybe floating with a drink. Others plan summer trips and vacations around the beach. I like to find some AC. Or just put my feet up in the shade somewhere. 

And if it gets too hot, I like to find any way possible to avoid it. 

I can’t say I’ve made any adjustments this summer. It actually hasn’t been too bad. We’ve had a few really hot days, but for the most part, it’s been bearable. The hardest part is not really being able to travel anywhere, but maybe next year. 

At this point, I’m ready for the fall. And hopefully … eventually … a return to normalcy.

Let me end this post with a bit of an apology. I haven’t been the best at visiting others posts over the past few months and for that, I’m sorry. I will slowly be going back, visiting, reading, and commenting. It’s been a rough few months and I’ve not had a lot of push. I need to get back into it as I know it’s helpful and I want to get back into the flow of things!

Four others have taken part in this challenge, so go check out the other posts and have some fun reading their secret subjects!

Enjoy blogging challenges? We have several that happen at A ‘lil HooHaa, and we’d love to have you join us! The Photo Blogging Challenge is one of our main ones and it runs monthly! We also have the Food Photo Challenge (current theme listed at end of post) and the Can of Corn Challenge. We’d love to see you!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

On the Trail: Lake Louise/Banff Gondola

As I try to get back into regular blogging (again) and work on some of these features, it’s time to dial back the clock nearly a year for this one. 

It’s crazy to think this trip to the Pacific Northwest and Canada was nearly a year ago. When getting on a plane didn’t require masks and worry. When the ability to go to places didn’t require six feet of separation. It’s nice to remember these things and hope they will get back there. 

This trip was a geocaching-based one and got bigger as it was planned. We covered a lot of miles and saw a lot, but one thing was getting to Banff and Banff National Park, even just for a day. I’d like to go back some day when I can spend more time there, that’s for sure. 

On this day, we hit two places – Lake Louise, and then the Banff Gondola. I’ll put the two of these together as they were on the same day. Be sure though – they are highly different. 

Lake Louise

First, by the time we reached Lake Louise, it was too late to get parking, so we had to get a shuttle. And that took forever, it seemed. We waited for one at the wrong spot and if we had just driven back up to one area, we would have been there much quicker. Alas, live and learn when you don’t know the area. 

But, we did arrive. And we explored. Though we didn’t go hiking up, we took the trail around the lake for a bit. It’s a striking area, that’s for sure. The Lake Louise “hike” was a bit more than four miles, but if you had time, there are many more miles to explore. And it seems quite a bit of different terrain, too.

Remember, though, that the Banff area is very touristy. And with that brings a lot of people. I think to visit a spot like Lake Louise would mean getting there very early, spend your time there and then try to get out of there by 12 or 1 p.m., and then go visit some areas that might not be as crowded. 

Lake Louise itself, though, is striking. The color of the water and the wandering trail that takes you around the outside of it is wonderful. There are also a few geocaches, which is cool. It’s truly amazing to see what kind of things nature can give you. 

And photo opportunities? Plenty! There’s no chance you could leave here and claim you didn’t have anything to take photos of, that;’s for sure. But don’t just focus on the photos, focus on the beauty. 

The great part about this trail was all of the different people. Because it’s not the most strenuous stroll you will take, there were people of all shapes and sizes. It’s nice when you can get that in a place like this because it allows everybody to enjoy the scenery and brilliance. 

Banff Gondola

This was a definite on the list to hit. The gondola ride up was a blast. And there weren’t many people when we got there.

Remember, we went in the fall, and later in the day. That’s a check mark to each item as that meant fewer people. When on top of the mountain, there are a series of “trails” that take you to different parts and viewpoints. While

I might not consider this a trail, per say, it’s nice to know when you get to the top of the gondola ride, it’s not just one viewpoint and back down you go. Instead, you can go find a bunch of different places and there’s also (of course) a gift shop at the top as well. 

We didn’t have issues parking here, but I could see where it could be tougher during tourist season. Either way, it’s worth coming to and experiencing this. 

When done, I would encourage you to jump down into Banff and explore a bit. We only got to do so for an hour or two (including dinner), but what a cool town. This is definitely a place I want to visit again – preferably in the spring or fall when there are fewer people. 

Final thoughts: 

Positives: Lake Louise is an amazing and relatively easy hike. If we had more time, I think we would have tried some of the other trails and maybe looked to see where things led. The Banff Gondola is a great experience and spending time at the top of the mountain is really wild. A lot of fun. 

Cons: Parking at Lake Louise. Do the research. Either get there really early, or know where the best place for the shuttles is. The gondola has a price tag, so make sure you know that ahead of time and make a reservation if possible. 

Overall: Both are well worth the time. Lake Louise is breathtaking. There are some great spots to stop and soak it in. I have no doubt if you explore the other trails, the views will be simply amazing as well. The gondola “trails” give you some awesome looks and make you appreciate where you are. Make no mistake – if you go to places like this, appreciate what you see. If you ever get the chance to visit the Banff area, spend more time there than I did. I really want to go back one day … it’s truly an amazing place. 

To watch a Relive video of this hike, please see below!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

The reality of life today

This year is a blur.

I mean, I’m sure most of us are happy that 2020 is already in its eighth month. And goodness knows we are all *hoping* 2021 will be better. 

It has to be, right?

The past five or six months have been a total blur. They’ve been some of the longest and toughest hours I’ve ever had professionally. Don’t get me wrong – I’m happy to have a job. I’ve been where millions of Americans currently are and I know how stressful and tough it can be. I feel for them and hope they’ll find work sooner rather than later. 

Stress since March comes in many different packages, though. 

For those on the front line (medical etc.), it’s been crazy. Having to deal with so much illness and death. For those who have had to work through this whole thing (raises hand), be it in a supermarket, or some other job considered essential. And those who were left in charge of trying to help their kids get through the end of the school year without messing up any sort of a learning process. Or having to find a way to do it and hold down a job. 

Then there’s the having to stay inside, or wear masks, or wash your hands more in a day then maybe you had in weeks before. Or hoping to find toilet paper (and other paper products) or hand sanitizer. 

I’m missing a lot here, I know. But if you think about the past 5-6 months, we’ve faced so many things. And that doesn’t even include the political or social justice side of things, which has put so many people on edge or ready to yell and scream at others. 

It’s all a blur. 

My head hurts from it all. I’ve been working in the office for a lot of this pandemic. Some days there was hardly anybody else in the building. Other times, a handful. Recently, there’s more. When I did work at home early on, it was hard. Concentration was very hard, and focus was tough. I came into the office because I could get things done. That, of course, added more though as I had this or that to help with. 

My body of professional work was actually kind of impressive. From ideas I had, to the executing of many massive projects, I am quite proud of things. 

But my mental health took a beating. And though I know depression and things like that are real, I’ve never really dealt with it. I still don’t think I have, but I definitely had some mental health battles over the past several months – and believe me, I know I’m not the only one. 

Flower photography has helped at times. Nature remains beautiful during a pandemic.

Though part of me in recent years has tended to be way more of an introvert, I still like some human contact outside of work. And doing Zoom meetups and things just don’t do it for me. Simple things weren’t possible, and that made it hard. I walked a bit more. I tried to be outside. I take a lot of photos of flowers and things like that. I listened to many podcasts. I played around online and dealt with virtual settings and games and things to try and up the entertainment value. I watched things on Netflix. 

It didn’t make it easier. 

It’s August now. 

I haven’t seen a baseball game in person this year, and I know I won’t. That’s hard for me. Baseball is a huge part of my summer, be it going by myself, with friends, or family. I love the ambiance and the sounds and the sights. I usually go on a baseball trip or three and those were canceled early in this, knowing we’d likely not be doing it. 

I had tentatively planned to work on a trip to Iceland in late September. That won’t happen. Though I’ve saved a bit more toward next September – hopefully. 

A couple of us had talked about maybe the UK in November or December to see Genesis on their reunion tour … they’ve postponed that until next year … so maybe. 

It’s still all a blur. 

You’d think I’d have blogged more with as much screen time as I’ve seemingly had. But the drive isn’t there. I stare and can’t get the words to flow. My eyes and head hurt. I am on a computer too much. Often, I’ll sit at night with my laptop on my lap and stare at the TV. Talk about a zombie at times. 

I’ve wanted to really start rolling creatively. I’ve worked on a bullet journal. Some pen pal items. Postcards. And I often stop and stare. I can’t get the creative juices flowing. I watch YouTube videos and surf groups and social media for inspiration. There’s a lot of talented people out there and I still can’t get the drive. 

I realize, too, I’m not the only one in this position. I’m lucky in that New York is one of the few states that has really improved with all of the COVID items. It’s kind of under control, to a point, and things are slowly allowing you to feel “somewhat” normal. No, you can’t do things you did before this or the same way. But we’re “under control” for a reason and we don’t need to screw that up. 

Other states are currently where New York was at the beginning of this. And that hurts everybody as it’s the warm months and people like to travel, even if they maybe shouldn’t. There’s no middle ground. 

So, we continue. 

I’m not sure if life will ever be normal again. The things we took heavily for granted might be things of the past. Businesses have closed and may never come back. Wearing a mask in some situations is almost becoming second nature. I’m curious how my job will be this fall as I expect I’ll be wearing masks more often and have no choice in it. That’s fine, too, I want us to be safe and smart so hopefully 2021 will be better than 2020. 

It’s incredible that it’s been so many months since this whole thing started. And yet, we’re not at the end yet. I once had a lot of optimism and hope. Now, I try and avoid the news and just hope eventually some positive news comes out with everything going on. 

The blur hasn’t changed, but I hope things eventually come back into focus.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Photo Blogging Challenge: August 2020’s theme is …

Most of the themes for the PBC were decided at the beginning of the year. You know, when times were a bit better.

These themes have become a bit harder with everything going on, but I guess that’s why they call it a challenge. Some people might have different levels of difficulty, based on where you are in the world.

PBC logo

I’ll have a blog post coming out in the next day or so discussing this a bit more in-depth, but the longer this global pandemic goes on, the harder it gets to do some things. Maybe it’s mental or whatever, but times aren’t easy to get that creative. My juices don’t get flowing and I find myself putting things like this off. I need to start pushing myself again and I’d really like to do it through photography. So, hopefully I can bust out of this.

So we’ve reached August. The eighth month of the year and we continue into the home stretch of this not-friendly year. Thanks for sticking with us.

The new theme is below!

So with that in mind, let’s look at the monthly “group” challenges:

Challenge 1: Tell others about this photo blogging challenge and get some friends to come join us.  Let’s see if we can get people interested in the challenge again.

Challenge 2: Make friends with your camera and see what you can come up with. Have fun!

Challenge 3 is at the end of this post (the theme!).

Before this, here’s some housekeeping items. For those who might be new to the challenge, here’s how it works.

  • See the theme (first day of the month);
  • Take photos throughout the month (don’t use old ones!);
  • Select five photos and create a blog post;
  • Come back here and link up on the final day of the month;
  • Use the official hashtag — #Photoblogchal — on social media posts;
  • Hopefully go visit and comment on other blogs.

That’s it. There’s no rules on equipment or anything else. Blog posts can be short and to the point, or in-depth. Interpret the themes as you see fit.

The one big rule?

Have fun!

This month’s theme? Sports. This should and could be good. Maybe you’ve started a new hobby? Or worked on an old one? Maybe you’ve found other ways of keeping busy through all of this. Show us! Please make sure your blog post publishes Monday, August 31. Then come back here and link up.

If you think you are going to take part in this, drop a comment below so we can see who all might be trying to tackle this challenge!

There is also a Facebook group for those who are interested.

If you would like to visit the history of the challenge, which started in 2013, please go to the Photo Blogging Challenge page for more!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Photo Blogging Challenge (July 2020): Letters

Talk about a wide-open theme for interpretation.

Letters can cover a whole heap of different things, so it will be interesting to see how people look at things. For me? I kind of went toward a mixture of things, but it was with the idea of the written letter.

When I was younger, I used to love writing letters. I’ve recently discovered a whole new and modern world of pen pals. That is cool because with technology, it’s nice that people still like to take the time to write.

A lot of the newer people who pen pal are uber creative, too. It’s not just writing a letter but so many things that make it a personal and very cool experience. The accounts on Instagram are aplenty if you want to look.

So far, my experience with pen pals is mixed. I have one I made earlier this year and I’m up on the next round of writing. I have an idea on what I want to do and am getting everything together. I also am supposed to start one other person, and I’ve been working slowly on it. It’s a fun and creative process. I’ve sent one other and I hope it’s arrived as I sent it more than two months ago. Maybe it wasn’t what they were expecting. Not sure. Hopefully it went through and all was good. A couple of others were going to start one with me, so I await those in hopes they come through.

Letters overall are fun. They make up a lot of things and as I was working on this, I tended to notice so many items and the letters that go with them.

Below is my take. I hope you enjoyed this month’s challenge!

I also hope, during this time, you are taking care of yourselves, staying healthy, and being safe. Without anything further, here are my five for the month!

1. Stamps

If you are going to send good old snail mail, you need stamps These are four stamps I won in an Instagram contest. How cool are these? Most news stamps, at least that I see in the US, are sticky back etc. They are essentially stickers. The old-school stamps like this are very cool to find. These are definitely older and not sure what I will do with them as I almost don’t want to use them.

2. Stencils

I’m trying to get more consistent with a bullet journal. My way of doing things, though, is using it as a journal. I want to get track of things. Be creative. Have fun. I don’t want it to be a planner, though I do have calendars and stuff in it to mark down important things. I’m still trying to find my style, though.

3. Snail mail

This was the first pen pal letter I received this year. I’ve since sent and then received another. I am working on the next response. Love the wax seal and this inspired me to get some of these as well!

4. Washi tape

As I find my own style with journaling and writing letters, I am trying to get creative. And I’ve discovered washi tape, which is awesome to have. It’s very useful. These are ones I recently received, and I like how those words (letters!) are in English and Chinese.

5. Hand-written signs

For those who know me, you might know I do love signs. And I really like hand-written ones because I feel it’s a slice of Americana. This is one that’s been hanging in my town for a while. I pass it a bunch when I am walking.

And there are my five for the month!

If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below.

And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!).

Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too! NOTE: We have a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.

Make sure, too, to come back tomorrow to see August’s theme!

Photo Blogging Challenge: August 2020 results

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!