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A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

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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

4 Comments

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

2 Comments

We have some winners!

June 13, 2019

We have some winners in the giveaway for my most recent pathtag!

First, thank you to all who entered. We had more than 50 entries, which was great. The bad part is, some people who had said they did something actually didn’t, which meant I had to disqualify them. The good news is – there are going to be more chances to win this tag (and maybe some of my others as well)!

The winners will receive this pathtag!

I have a bunch of my other tags I’ve had made and plan on setting several aside for giveaways, along with a few other items I’ve collected along the way. Maybe I’ll even look to give away some geocoins, as well as some non-geocaching items.

So keep following along and you will have many chances to win!

The winners are posted below (as well as on the RaffleCopter widget on the contest post). They will have until Sunday to respond to me with their address so I can send the tag; if we get to Monday and there’s no response, I will look to pick a substitute winner.

The winners are:

  • acdc&kc (followed on Twitter)
  • Leah Batchelor (liked a ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook)
  • Adam Chater (left a blog post)

I will be contacting each of you to get your addresses.

Thank you again! I look forward to doing more of these contests!

please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: blogging, contests, Geocaching, My world, Pathtags Tagged With: a ‘lil hoohaa, contest, geocaching, giveaway, hoohaa, pathtag, pathtags

2 Comments

Time for a giveaway!

June 5, 2019

In conjunction with my new look and logos and such, I’m going to do a little giveaway, too.

And though this might interest geocachers – I think the item is cool enough for non-geocachers, too. Especially if you like collecting little knick-knacks and such.

Late last year, I had a pathtag designed to show my blog. The idea of the tag was to show a lot of my interests, and also have something I can give away through the blog or social media. That’s the thing about this tag – it will only be available this way. I won’t be trading it and such. I mean, if somebody else does with one they win – that’s up to them. But from me, it’s win it or nothing.

It took almost 13 weeks to get here after I submitted. But it came out really nice!

For those who don’t know what a Pathtag is, it’s basically a colored, collectible coin. It’s about the size of a quarter, or a touch bigger. This one is in a custom shape.

And I only had 50 made. I will give one away for up to 10 entries; two away for up to 25 entries; and three away for more than 25 entries.

This contest will run until sometime after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12. So about a week or so. You can gain multiple entries to the contest.

Ways to enter:

  • Comment on this post and let me know if you collect Pathtags, or just like this and want to win
  • Use the Rafflecopter system below to gain more entries by following on several social media platforms (liking the blogs Facebook page, following on Instagram and Twitter).
  • You can also gain an additional entry by going to the Instagram post for the contest and doing what that says.
  • Another way to enter is Tweeting it out. You can do this once daily (on entry per tweet), but please make sure the tweet is done as it shows so I can keep things in order.

One note with these: Some of you might already follow me on these platforms. If so, it should allow you to enter those still. Just make sure you fill out the items it needs in certain spots.

Whoever the winner(s) is/are, I will be checking to make sure the entries qualify.

I will be giving these out at random times for different things, too. So make sure to follow along with me on the blog.

Entries can be done via the Rafflecopter widget below! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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, contests, Geocaching, My world, Pathtags Tagged With: a 'lil hoohaa, a lil hoohaa, contest, giveaway, hoohaa, pathtag, pathtags

12 Comments

And we have a new look!

June 3, 2019

And the new look is underway!

If you’ve visited the blog over the past few days, you’ve obviously seen there is a new look. This is something I’ve been working on, and I’m excited to see it starting to take form.

Remember, this will be a work in progress as I move forward. As I work on it, I’ll find things that need to be tweaked and such, but this is something I’ve wanted to do for a while.

So, let’s take a look at the new feel.

For the overall look, I wanted to have something clean, crisp, and easy to read. Though I debated hiring out to get a fully customized look, I also realized that was a massive investment for a personal blog — especially one that hasn’t been as active as I would like (I am slowly working to change that aspect). So I went looking for something that fit my feel and style, and could be customized by me.

As you look at things, this was the result of hours of research and visiting demo sites etc. I love the feel and look of things and am happy I went with this one. From the menu across the top, to the look of the fonts and everything else, it was something I kept going back to, so I knew it was the one. This theme was made by Coded Creative and they had a couple others I liked, but this one really fit was I was seeking.

That being said, I couldn’t launch up a new look with the same old, boring logo I had at the top. I wanted to do a sort of a “branding” package for the blog. That came down to — did I want to do this myself, or find somebody to aid in it. I feel I am pretty good with Photoshop and some other Adobe products, but I really wanted a lot of things — so I opted to search Fiverr to see who is out there and who had a style I felt would work for me.

I opted to use Chryste, who did an incredible job designing logos, secondary logos, and utilizing color schemes I was hoping for (blues/turquoise etc.), as well as finding a good feel with a small icon and logo. After a few revisions, she really came through with something awesome.

Take a close look at the logo — there’s a camera, of course. The Geocaching emblem is part of the logo, as is a baseball. I felt she nailed this one for me and I couldn’t be happier with it.

Have a peek at the “brand” sheet:

I really love how she did this. The look is great. The colors are set. This is something I really wanted.

I also reached out to another person on Fiverr, and hired them to do a new logo for the Photo Blogging Challenge (you can see that one on the previous post) and I hope to have something else with that. Also, I plan on getting a new logo for the 20 Days of Chill Challenge, though I have a few months before I have to worry about that.

In the end, it’s my hope that this little shakeup of the look will get me to want to do more with the blog. I have tons of ideas I want to do, I just need to push myself to want to write more in my down time. And I probably should start doing more with my photos as I tend to take them and never process them etc.

There are a couple of small things I want to work on when it comes to my blog, so there will be some tweaks. There are also changes, as you might notice, as there are no header photos and such. Currently, the whole post is also on the main page and I’m not sure if I like that or not. I’m going to give it a few days to see if it grows on me, but I’m also trying to figure out how to have a “read more” link in case I want to go that way. Either way, I know I need to have fewer stories out on the main page as I don’t want that to scroll and scroll and scroll.

Overall, I’m pretty stoked with it, though.

What do you all think of the look and feel and the new look? Let me know in the comments 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!

Filed Under: A 'lil HooHaa, blogging, My world Tagged With: a 'lil hoohaa, blog brand, blog branding, blog rebrand, blogging, hoohaa, hoohaablog, new blog logo, new blog look

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hoohaa29

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! 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week5 #weeklychallenge

Music: Happy to be Happy (Dapun)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
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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. 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week4 #weeklychallenge

Music: Infinite Wonder (Ben Fox)

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