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A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

a ‘lil hoohaa

Can of Corn 1 – Play Ball!

February 20, 2020

The two words that baseball fans clamor for as the spring nears. 

Those words that many professional teams select a kid or two to say before the start of a game. 

The words an umpire will often say before the first pitch. 

Just two words that mean so much at a baseball game. 

Can of Corn Challenge logo

“Play ball!” 

And just like that, it’s time once again for the Can of Corn Challenge, after taking a two-year hiatus. Enough of that, though as you can read about the challenge, how to get involved, and all the themes by checking out the original post.

Before I get into the main part of this post, though, let me explain the name of the challenge as a few people have asked me. Can of corn is a term used in baseball for an easy/routine pop up/fly out. As the story goes, the term came about in the early 19th century because clerks at grocery/general stores used sticks to hook canned goods off higher shelves, and then use their aprons to catch the can – somewhat like a fly ball.  

Anyway, on to the post.

For me, the season is upon us. And for those who know me, you know I’m a baseball junkie. It’s gotten worse the past two summers after I gave up playing softball. That gave me, to a point, more time for games. 

To me, baseball is the perfect sport. Though it can run long at times, it’s a well-paced game with a lot going on. There’s a lot of thought and a lot of action, though it’s not going 100 miles an hour the whole time. 

I’m also a bit of a baseball nerd. At games, I keep a scorebook. I watch and try and dissect things that are going on. I question decisions and think about what I would want to do in situations. 

Overall, it’s a wonderful experience for me. 

I know many people who think differently. They can’t understand why I’d want to spend time at a baseball game. And that’s fine – fair and legit at that – but I always say it’s my peaceful place. 

Baseball isn’t just a game to me. It’s the whole experience. When I watch, it’s easy to just drift off into the game and not think about everything else going on in the world or my life. 

And I like that. 

For 2-3 hours, I can disappear into the stands and just watch. Or grab a hot dog and just bask in the day. 

I mostly attend minor league games, though I am still on my quest to see all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. Minor league baseball, in my eyes, still has some purity. That’s something missing at the majors (see the latest Astros junk going on), though the trickle-down effect likely will be there. 

The powers that be at MLB have worked to change the game a bit over the past few years and I’m not a fan of much of it. 

Baseball isn’t a game made for television. It’s made to be in-person, or on the radio. There are nuances about the game that aren’t easily brushed aside, as much as the powers at MLB would like to think so. While I do agree with several of the changes (fewer mound visits, instant replay), there are some that boggle my mind. Not having to throw for an intentional walk, for example, That takes away some strategy. 

And automated balls and strikes being talked about. Really? I have a better idea – what about making the umpires be accountable if they are garbage? If a player fails, they get sent to the minors. It should be the same for umpires. If you stink, down you go and somebody from the minors can come up and try and show they are better. 

Baseball has survived time. And it’s done so without some of these idiotic changes being proposed. 

Leave the game alone and let it evolve naturally. 

And while you’re at it, play ball!

Can of Corn Challenge 1: Play Ball! linkup

The Can of Corn Challenge is a monthly blogging challenge that runs from February-October. You can see all information, as well as themes for 2020 by visiting this blog post. Feel free to join us for any and all themes! The linkup will remain live each month for about seven days.

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!

Filed Under: Baseball, Can of Corn Challenge, challenges, My world, Writing Tagged With: a ‘lil hoohaa, baseball, baseball challenge, baseball writing challenge, can of corn, can of corn baseball challenge, can of corn blog challenge, can of corn blogging challenge, can of corn challenge, hoohaa, writing challenge

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Podcast review: Overview

February 18, 2020

I’ve gotten into podcasts quite heavily as of late. 

Over the past several months as I’ve started walking more and trying to get the health under control, podcasts have been what I use. As much as I love music, sometimes the tunes aren’t enough for me. Insert podcasts, which I’ve always liked but I’ve always kept just a few. 

There’s one or two geocaching ones; a board games one; and a couple of professional wrestling ones. 

Some of them are just too long, though. As much as I like listening to them, I’m not into it taking me 3-4 days worth of walking to get through a podcast (and my walks, for the record, are usually in the 30-50 minute range). That made me search for others – ones that I could finish over the course of a day (I usually take two walks a day). 

Podcasts are definitely not everybody’s cup of tea, so to speak. Some people love them, some hate them. The big part is having to download them, or remember to. I don’t like everything on my phone, for example, so all of mine go to my iPod. 

This series is basically going to be my thoughts on podcasts I listen to. These reviews could be monthly, or a little more often, all depending. There won’t be any set days, so basically when I can sit down with my thoughts. I’ll give my positives, negatives, and anything else about the ones I’ve listened to, or tried to listen to. Most of them will be positive reviews, however, being if I am going to listen to something, I need to like it at least a little!

Currently, I’m deep into some true crime ones. I love true crime stories, especially when they are cases and such you might not know a lot about. There’s a few other “real life” ones I’ve been into as well, which have made my walks a bit more fun.

I also have been listening in the car to and from work, though once baseball season really takes over, that won’t happen as often. 

But with this, I’m interested in what some of you might listen to when it comes to podcasts. Despite not having a ton of extra time to add podcasts, I am interested in what might be out there that might draw me in. I’m not into the ones that are very current event-like, if not just for the fact that I tend to like to be able to get to them when I can. 

I’ve also learned a lot from these podcasts, which has been good as well. The world is a crazy place, as I’m sure most of us would agree. So, it’s nice that we can kind of see a different slice of it in other areas. 

I always wanted to start my own podcast. I thought it would be cool as I had friends who did them, but didn’t garner huge followings. I now realize, though, the amount of work podcasters put into these things. From the research to the recording, to editing and everything else, it’s crazy. There’s no way I would have the time or drive to do a podcast. Truthfully told, I likely wouldn’t have enough to say about one subject to get people interested in it anyway. 

Instead, I’ll keep listening. There are some great ones out there and I love the ones I’m subscribed to, and I can’t wait to find more that interest me. 

How about you? Do you listen to podcasts? And what are your favorites?

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!

Filed Under: blogging, My world, Podcast Review Tagged With: a ‘lil hoohaa, blog, blogging, hoohaa, podcast, podcast review, podcasts, review

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20 Days of Chill: Oh, thank goodness (Day 20)

January 29, 2020

I’d been worried when it came to the 20 Days of Chill. 

First that I’d be the only one taking part. 

Second that I’d miss deadlines, which … for a challenge like this wouldn’t be good. 

And third that it would cement my feelings on blogging on a regular basis again. 

And thank goodness, it did the opposite. 

We had a couple of people be part of the challenge pretty much every day. Everything was posted as it needed to be. And it gave me a newfound look on blogging again. 

Score!

This challenge – much like others I host or have hosted – is up and down. Some years have been better than others, but when you aren’t blogging steadily, it can hurt. 

Still, the fun was there and I enjoyed reading other people’s posts throughout. It also gave me the urge to want to seek out more and kind of get the feel for blogging again. 

I think I have found it again, but we will see. 

At nights, I’ve started working on a few different things. The goal is to ground me a little more, to help with stress, and to get me writing more on my own time. While I write and do many other things at work, being able to do some personal writing it always key. It helps my mind wander and it relaxes me. 

So, I chip away. 

There have been times over the past few years where I dreaded going near a keyboard to blog or write my own stuff. 

And through it all, I still blame it on 2016. That was the year I blogged every day. 

Every. 

Single. 

Day. 

It didn’t matter if I had something to say or not. I blogged every day. I didn’t have a plan or anything for the most part. And that was the biggest problem. Sometimes I forced things and it became tedious and boring. I grew to hate blogging. 

Content suffered over the following years. I did a few challenges, but sticking to timelines wasn’t always easy. During the recent nights of blog work, I’ve set myself up on my Google calendar a bit more and I’ve started planning things out. 

Now I can see what my thought process is. 

This challenge was an important one for me, mainly to prove I could get back into a groove and know I can get things published when they should be done. 

That being said …

Thank goodness this challenge has ended and in successful way. Now on with the next one and many other posts!

This post is part of the 2020 20 Days of Chill Writing Challenge hosted by A ‘lil HooHaa. Please check out the link if you’d like to see others or join in. You don’t have to do every theme if you don’t want! And for those participating, take a moment and check out the other participants! 

20 Days of Chill: 2020 Day 20

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!

Filed Under: 20 Days of Chill Writing Challenge, blogging, challenges, My world Tagged With: 20 days challenge, 20 days of chill, 20 Days of Chill Challenge, 20 days of chill writing challenge, 20 DOC, a ‘lil hoohaa

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20 Days of Chill: Bring me to you (Day 19)

January 28, 2020

When I first went through all these themes, I had something in mind for this one. 

That’s more than a month ago, though, so … I no longer have any idea. 

Note to self: Keep that notebook with me so I can jot ideas down (I am getting better with this). 

In the end, that also means I need to punt and regroup and figure something out. And what better way than to do a blog post about blogging. 

Well, kind of. 

As I get my rhythm back into more regular blogging, I also realize how things have changed over the past couple of years when my sporadic posting kind of was more about making sure we keep a challenge going rather than connecting with others – which I always loved about blogging. 

I peeked around and looked at some old favorites and it seems they have slowed or have fully stopped blogging. Others have changed domains/themes and new people have emerged. 

One thing that has always been true with blogging – people come and go. There are different reasons for blogging and if the end result isn’t what the person wants, blogs end. 

Some want to make money. Some want comments and page views. Others just want a place to do their own thing. I’m a bit of a mix as I like to see some comments and views, but it’s also a place for me to have my personal space to write about whatever I want. 

It’s why I’ve never honed in on one specific topic to be the theme here. I write about too many different things and I like it that way. 

Truly. 

But the one thing I always loved and I have been trying to get back into even more is visiting other people’s blog. Though I was lax with it for a while with the Photo Blogging Challenge, I’m doing my best to visit, read, and comment on the majority of posts with people in this and other challenges I host. That’s because when we do a challenge, part of it is the community. And in some of the bigger ones (and even smaller) I’ve hosted, there are some people who will come, link up and leave without commenting here. And then they go to the others and comment. 

You could say that kind of made me get a little lax on my own end. 

Hosting challenges is fun, but I also do the work. So it’s fun to hear back from everybody, just as well as the others. It also stinks when somebody posts later than somebody else and not everybody goes to their posts. That had made me think about turning the challenges into a blog hop more than a linkup, because that way everybody’s link would be at the end of all posts. That might help each of the challenges to grow. 

But I digress. Let’s get back to the theme. 

Bring me to you. 

Part of getting back into the blogging world on a more regular basis is hitting new blogs and seeing what is out there. I like to learn about the blogger/writer and I like when they have ways for me to see their personality and style. I like when they bring me to them and make me want to come back for more. 

I miss the days of “readers” where you’d subscribe and have a ton of places to see new posts listed. I’m now trying to keep a list of blogs I like and would enjoy reading on a semi-regular basis. 

So keep doing what you are doing and bring me to you!

This post is part of the 2020 20 Days of Chill Writing Challenge hosted by A ‘lil HooHaa. Please check out the link if you’d like to see others or join in. You don’t have to do every theme if you don’t want! And for those participating, take a moment and check out the other participants! 

20 Days of Chill: 2020 Day 19

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!

Filed Under: 20 Days of Chill Writing Challenge, blogging, challenges, My world Tagged With: 20 days challenge, 20 days of chill, 20 Days of Chill Challenge, 20 days of chill writing challenge, 20 DOC, a ‘lil hoohaa

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20 Days of Chill: A cocktail, if you will (Day 18)

January 27, 2020

I’m going to go back in time with this post. 

Some memories, they say, kind of stick out more than others over life. 

In 2011, I went on my only cruise. It was first to be a photographer for a wedding, but I also had the benefit of getting to be on the cruise and enjoy so many things. 

When we got to Nassau in the Bahamas, one of the things I planned to do on my own (outside of doing a little geocaching) was to visit the John Watlings Distillery and experience the rums.

After taking the self-guided tour, I went to the “bar” area where they had some people tending and offering up drinks. Being I was by myself, I chatted up with those working and learned a lot more about the rums. 

As a fan of rum, this was fascinating. 

Then as I looked over the cocktails offered, the one gentleman said I had to have a “Rum Dum.” 

Sure, I said, why not?

The Rum Dum takes two types of rums from the distillery, and puts them into a tremendous drink. So, two rums, mixed in with an egg white, some lemon juice, and simple syrup. 

That’s it. 

It was one of the most amazing cocktails I’ve ever had. 

Shortly thereafter, another tourist couple came in and were just that – tourists. They were a bit loud and didn’t really want to learn anything. They just came in and ordered some Bahama Mamas (I’m pretty sure that was the drink) and went off to a corner. With leftover of that, the one bartender brought it out and set it in front of me with a smile and noted leftover gets poured out anyway. 

It helps to make friends!

When leaving, I bought one type of rum back with me. I’m still hoping I can one day get the other type of rum and be able to recreate the Rum Dum myself, though I’m quite sure it won’t be anywhere as good as the original! 

How about all of you? Favorite cocktail? Any great memories surrounding cocktails?

This post is part of the 2020 20 Days of Chill Writing Challenge hosted by A ‘lil HooHaa. Please check out the link if you’d like to see others or join in. You don’t have to do every theme if you don’t want! And for those participating, take a moment and check out the other participants! 

20 Days of Chill: 2020 Day 18

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!

Filed Under: 20 Days of Chill Writing Challenge, blogging, challenges, My world Tagged With: 20 days challenge, 20 days of chill, 20 Days of Chill Challenge, 20 days of chill writing challenge, 20 DOC, a ‘lil hoohaa

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She was so still for this photo. Make sure you f She was so still for this photo. 

Make sure you follow her on Instagram at: @harper_dublin !

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun
Life is good. #goldenretriever #dog #bestfriend Life is good. 

#goldenretriever #dog #bestfriend #dogsofinstagram #selfie #lifeisgood #enjoylife #instagood #iphonephotography #photography
After a nice snowy walk! ❄️❄️❄️ #gold After a nice snowy walk! ❄️❄️❄️

#goldenretriever #snow #winter #dog #dogsofinstagram #photography #photooftheday #ınstagood
Harper is counting down to Santa Paws! You know, Harper is counting down to Santa Paws! 

You know, of course, Santa Paws travels with Santa Clause, making sure to find treats and toys for all the good little doggies! (We know they are all deserving, right?) So, Harper put out some milk for the big guy, carrots for Rudolph and the reindeer, and special cookies for Santa Paws! She is ready! 

#SantaPaws #Christmas2022 #HarperChristmas #MyDogHarper #GoldenRetriever #DogsofInstagram #PhotoOfTheDay #Photography #Christmas #IPhoneography
One of the best parts about having Harper as my be One of the best parts about having Harper as my best friend… ❤️
Couldn't resist stopping on the way to work to sna Couldn't resist stopping on the way to work to snap this shot. The colors in the sky were fantastic and the scene was nice looking (though, to be fair, I drove by what I think would have been a better scene -- the valley and hills full of snow etc.)

#Snow #Winter #Sky #Color #InstaLove #photooftheday #picoftheday #iPhoneography #nature #love #instalove #photography #happy #smile #photo
The best of times??? 🤪🤪🤪 The best of times??? 🤪🤪🤪
Just a break on our morning walk … #goldenretri Just a break on our morning walk …

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #mydogharper
Tired. Tired.
Harper is ready for tonight! Let’s go Phillies! Harper is ready for tonight! Let’s go Phillies! 

#phillies #ringthebell #baseball #dog #goldenretriever
I look at her and sometimes still can’t believe I look at her and sometimes still can’t believe I have her. It’s been a year and four months and she makes me smile and laugh more each day. It’s amazing how much a dog changes your look on life, and how much joy they can bring. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
I’ve recently realized how many photos I have to I’ve recently realized how many photos I have to post here, as well as on Harper’s (@harper_dublin) account). So, as I start to transfer photos, I’ll try and catch up. So photos coming could be from all seasons and who knows when. 🤣

This one is recent from the courthouse square in Delhi. We had some pretty good fall colors this year. 

#fall #delhiny #seasons #iphoneonly #love #photography #photooftheday #instagood #happy #picoftheday
From a few weeks ago. I was trying to get Harper t From a few weeks ago. I was trying to get Harper to put her paws on the bridge and looked out, but she was more content jumping on me and looking up. I do love the way she seems to be looking at me.
Instagram post 17992900117561614 Instagram post 17992900117561614
Couldn’t resist a quick stop this morning with t Couldn’t resist a quick stop this morning with the fog and frost settled in. 

Hamden Covered Bridge 

#coveredbridge #coveredbridges #bridge #fog #frost #nature #upstatenewyork
Harper’s friend Lucy is around this weekend! #g Harper’s friend Lucy is around this weekend!

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta #outside #sunshine #friends
So… @harper_dublin wants to know why she can’t So… @harper_dublin wants to know why she can’t have @mallons_homemade_sticky_buns.
This is why we can’t have nice things. Saw this This is why we can’t have nice things. Saw this on me morning walk Friday with Harper. Likely some college kids, but also as chance at local hooligans. I had Harper so not a lot I could do, but I managed to get the cart off the chair. (See second photo) This was in a local park.
Harper is ready for #nationalfetchday on October 1 Harper is ready for #nationalfetchday on October 15! @chuckitfetchgames 

Should be fun! @discgolfdarren @harmm23
Starting to feel like fall! #fall #nature #autum Starting to feel like fall! 

#fall #nature #autumn #colors #foliage #instagood #seasonchange #leaves #leaves🍁
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P.J. Harmer

P.J. Harmer
A video looking at my first year and a half of owning a golden retriever, my first dog. It's had its ups and downs, but I've truly loved the ride and look forward to the future. 

Music: Happy before we get old by Michael Shynes via Artlist. 

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
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Thank you for watching. :)
When these boxes come, there usually some excitement. But this one ... is the ultimate unboxing! 

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Music: Happy to be Happy (Dapun)

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I hate being in front of the camera, but also realize sometimes it's not the worst thing in the world. So, I'm getting better with it. Week 4's theme was all about us and having us in front of the camera, so I tried to come up with a creative way to do it. 

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Music: Infinite Wonder (Ben Fox)

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