Maine Forest Cafe

This Iron Ranger is a test of personal integrity.

When no one is watching, will you stop and pay the access fee anyways? Certainly , they could make it easier by charging whole, not half dollar amounts. But then again, a fifty-cent tip for self service is a wee bit excessive. Perhaps, I was unintentionally paying it forward for a next car through.

I double folded my Lincoln and pulled forward into the park with a clear conscience.

After having a thoroughly enjoyable walk down and back across the uniquely famous one-mile beach. I exited the park, stopping at the entrance to use my iPhone maps app to get my bearings towards the next destination. While there, a micro SUV zipped by, scarcely braking for the posted speed limit, certainly not stopping to honor the Iron Ranger.

Integrity is doing the right thing. Whether or not any one else is watching.

Should I have gone back, to at least take a photo of the offensive violator? Would it have made any difference if I had? What would you have done?

Posted in Maine, Travels
Tags: Ethics, Maine, Reid State Park

One Size Fits Most

New year, new robe. The size tag says, “one size fits most”.

Well, I’m on the lower demographic of most. The sleeve extends to my finger tips. The waist, well let’s just say it is more ample than I hope I never become.

This is lazy retailing. No more worries about running out of the right size stock. Fit everyone, well most everyone, into a singular easy to keep in stock size. Most is not a size. But I bought a new robe anyways.

Lesson Learned-never be in a hurry and settle for one size fits most.

Moral: Lazy gets what lazy does.

Posted in Life
Tags: Kohl's, lazy, retail, shopping

Day 1, originally uploaded by Zeus Ocean Storm.

2012: First Light. Blue Jay on a high snag of the backyard forest apple tree. I call it a forest apple tree because it grew tall first and never developed the lower branches.

At this time year – just after the winter solstice, the sunrises in the windowless corner of my study. One more window would turn this study into a solarium, so it may be just as well. I have views north, east and south. And that makes all the difference.

Posted in 365, photography
Tags: Blue Jay, First Light, Maine, photography

Day 0, originally uploaded by Zeus Ocean Storm.

Well, once again, I begin again.

The temperature was hovering just below freezing with a rainfall rate drifting between drizzle and light. This picture was taken on the shores of Runaround Pond, a wilderness pond down and around both ends of my road. There will be more.

Posted in 365, photography

Much of our modern life is battery operated. This iPad, the iPhone used to take this picture, digital photography, et al. Remember when batteries were for flashlights, emergency radios, and vehicles?

But candles? Really? Sure, a case can be made for the cool safety of this nonflammable entity. But, in my reality, the loss of ambience is perturbing. Candles flicker, casting shadows, creating gleaming, sparkling moments and memories. Battery operated candles flicker by subtly flashing. This is not the same warm glow of shared romance.

The business model, as applied through the bean counters, as endorsed by the insurance underwriters, make the practical and logical case for battery operated candles. All while the spirit of romance is sterilized, neutered, made less than before.

Candlelit. Batteries not included.

Posted in Uncategorized