photo blogging challenge

I imagine most of you know where I’d be going for the most part this month.

But no matter what — getting out to play has been an important part of trying to get grounded. What’s more, on the inside aspect, I’ve actually found time to blog a little. That is hopefully also going to get me back into the rhythm of doing more than looking at other blogs — but actually leaving thoughts!

One thing is for sure … getting out and doing something fun is good for your mind and body. I’m still not quite where I need to be for health things, but I’m getting back to where I need to be a little at a time.

The weather my way hasn’t been the most perfect, but it’s been decent enough to get out and explore. Playing is also a key with having a growing puppy, that’s for sure.

So that’s where I stand this month.

I actually had the chance to attend a minor league baseball game this month, too. That was all because of how the schedule worked out this year. Who knows if I’ll ever get that chance again, so it was pretty neat to do so.

Here’s hoping you are all doing well, getting outside, smiling and trying to live life to the fullest!

Here are my five for the month!

1. Happy place

I’m starting this post out with a non-Harper shot. For the first time in two years, I had the chance to take my yearly Columbus Day weekend trip to the Jersey Shore. I spend several hours for two days on the beach, walking it, taking photos, having chats with people and just enjoying the slower side of life. Harper was boarded for the weekend, which was nice, but at the same time … I look forward to next year and hopefully being able to bring her to enjoy the beach as well!

2-3. Dock Diving

Harper did her first two lessons of dock diving! I’m hoping she’ll be able to do one more lesson this weekend before the weather really starts to turn. These two images were from her first lesson. The second one I went in the water, so the photos I have are not ones I took, so … no using them here!

4. National Fetch Day

National Fetch Day fell in October and it was nice to be able to get out and have some fun with Harper. The weather got poor in the afternoon, so I made sure she got a lot of fun play in the morning!

5. A good day of play

I have a lot of photos of Harper sleeping. This one isn’t the best, but it’s the one that makes me smile the most (at least of the ones taken this month). This was after a good day of play and she was exhausted at night. Note that she is curled up on my foot (which eventually that means my foot might go numb). Nights like this are when I know her and I are building a really strong bond.

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.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for October. Make sure you drop your link there. The theme for November is Give thanks! Remember to come back on December 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!

Photo Blogging Challenge: October 2021 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!

Talk about my world.

My world has been a zoo. Between work and life outside of it, I haven’t been on a computer as much as I used to be. But hey, let’s be real here — that’s a good thing.

But, with that in mind, I should have probably scheduled this post knowing that I had a zillion (OK, maybe not a true number …) at the end of the month! Alas, we’ll get through it.

So, hey … it’s a world we are all in. Some things are a bit more prevalent than others. I know my world has really been flipped upside down for the past three months and will continue to be that way.

I knew that when I got into things, though!

My world will take on a bit of an obvious theme this month. I do have a few other things, but there is one true theme. With Harper, I’m learning a lot. Some good. Some bad. A lot of patience. A lot of new things. This is all new for me — and for her. But at the end of the day, when she flops at my feet, or just comes in front of me wanting some chest scritches, it’s all worth it.

Here are my five for the month. Sorry for being late!

1. Happy

This has been one heck of a trip with Harper so far. I’m learning. She’s learning. We’re all learning. Sometimes I’m sure we get on each other’s nerves. But we’re getting there. She doesn’t always chill for photos, but we’re working on it! This is one of my favorite images from the month and when I look at it, it reminds me why I wanted a dog in my world.

2. Vintage

I’ve been wanting to do more with my regular camera (even though the iPhone is outstanding). I had the chance to get out to a vintage baseball game on a Saturday afternoon and it was really nice and fun. I know this much — I don’t think I’d be too excited playing it with the lack of gloves!

3. Bark in the park

I always said if I got a dog, I’d never be that person who would take their dog to a bark in the park night. I said this with good reason. A lot of times, people have barking dogs etc. Harper is actually really good around other dogs. So we went to one at the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. We last through five innings, and a little into the sixth inning. It was actually really enjoyable and I see me doing more of it in the future.

4. Oh look, an airplane!

I was out playing fetch with Harper one day and she caught a small airplane going over. It was one of those first time things and she just stared — and didn’t even drop the ball!

5. Cheers!

Had the chance to sneak away for an overnight geocaching/baseball trip. Took in one game and found a bunch of caches. But the one night was a stop at the Guinness American brewery. It was a fine stop, good food, and good drinks!

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.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for June. Make sure you drop your link there. The theme for October is Get out and play! … Remember to come back on November 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!

Photo Blogging Challenge: September 2021 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!

Adventure.

It’s my hope many of you have had the chance to have some adventures recently. For me? Here and there, but not as much as I normally would during the summer months. And heck, the summer months have flown by and are almost over.

I’m not two months into puppy life. And it’s hard still at times, and other times very rewarding. Tonight (September 1), she is testing out for her Star Puppy title, so that will be neat and hopefully fun. She’s had adventures, too, because we’ve used some puppy daycare for her. She has friends and that’s good!

Still, I’ve felt restricted. I look long term, though — and I know eventually she will be a great dog and what I seek in a pup. But the road is long, and I’ve had to do things a lot differently.

So, I hope you have all had a lot of adventures. I’ll live through some of them. I did get to do a geocaching day, though, and that was fun. I also plan to doing a few in the fall. A fence is also coming for the yard, so I hope that also helps calm the pup down so I can take her on many adventures with me!

I will be blogging about Harper soon. I have one almost written (it’s long), but it needs some changes. It will come!

Until then, here are my five! Adventures indeed!

1-3. Harper

You can bet Harper will be part of these challenges when I can. Else there will be a bonus photo or two. But this month, I’ve found she likes nature trails. AND she also found a geocache with me. Mud puddles are a favorite. And she loves to be outside. She bites a bit too much (puppy), but we’ll work on that. And we need to work on normal walks.. cause I need that! As for the one photo, it’s what happens after a full day of fun!

4. Geocaching

It’s nice to get out to an event and find some caches. Fun times!

5. Covered bridge

I love covered bridges and we stopped at this one on the way to the geocaching event. Loved the early-morning look!

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.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for June. Make sure you drop your link there. The theme for September is It’s Your World! … Remember to come back on August 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!

Photo Blogging Challenge: August 2021 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!

A lot has happened since last month’s challenge.

At least in my world.

The biggest change for me is the addition of a puppy to my world. And that hasn’t been easy. Yes, that is part of my happy post. So stay with me. But, it’s also been a different side of things for me. Until now, I’ve never dealt with something like this. Besides happy, it’s also been many other emotions for me. Not all of them positive, either. But, it’s a learning process.

This month, overall, has been tough. My normal deal in the summer is … I go to baseball games. I might take a trip or two. Maybe work on a project. And maybe get some geocaching or photography in. That’s changed.

Instead, this summer has been dealing with a puppy, going to a trainer, puppy classes, getting less sleep (especially on the weekends), and hoping things get better. Now, remember, first-time dog owner, so I’m not used to a lot of this. It is getting better and hopefully it will continue to do so. It’s frustrating, too, but we celebrate the small victories and look to the future!

I’ve been working on a blog post for this whole subject, so it will be coming. Until then, let’s get to this month. Here’s my five!

1-2. Harper

Yes, Harper (Harper Dublin “officially” for AKC purposes) is now in my world and will be for hopefully a long time. I struggled hard early, including second-guessing, debating calling the breeder or worrying about rehoming. But, a lot of that is because it’s constrained a lot of what I am used to be able to do … and in time, I know things will change. We’re getting there, but here she is. Purebred golden retriever. The second photo is of Harper and my friend Darren’s dog Lady, who was the first other dog Harper met and played with.

3. Vintage

One thing I am trying to work on is realizing I don’t have to be with the dog 24/7, and I need to still try and do some things. I had the chance to go check out a local vintage baseball game and brought my camera with me … enjoyed it. I might try and get to one or two others this fall.

4. Soap box derby

Things getting back to somewhat normal makes me happy. My town has an annual “fair on the square” that runs every Friday during July. This year they only did three of them, but the final week always features an adult soap box derby. They missed it last year, but this year was fun to watch!

5. Flowers

I love the colors of flowers and they always make me smile. Especially when I see them while out 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.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for June. Make sure you drop your link there. The theme for August is Adventures! … Remember to come back on August 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!

Photo Blogging Challenge: July 2021 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!

Note: Please make sure you see the end of this post for the new way of doing things. It’s only one small change we made in November, but a change nonetheless. Thanks!

To say that my world has been busy would be an understatement.

But, it’s mostly for good reasons! And with that, I can’t be upset. If any of you follow me on Instagram, you’ve likely seen the photos I’ve posted of a puppy. By the end of this week, she’ll be here and a whole new adventure will be starting. There’s so much more going on in my world and I’m excited about it all. I’ve always started writing some blog posts offline, so hopefully everything that is changing will help me get back into this on a more regular basis.

Outside of that, it’s been an interesting month. We’ve had cold days and super hot days. Work has been a bear, as it is during this time every year. and it will keep me busy into the first couple weeks of the summer, and then it’s gearing up for the fall. Working in education can be quite crazy for anybody, but in my position, I have certain times that go into uber crazy mode — this is pretty much one of them. Then add to it some other things going on and I’m all over the place. I’m tired, that’s for sure, but I’m pretty excited where things are going and the direction of everything. I’m not saying everything is perfect by any stretch, but overall I can’t complain. And that is a good thing. I’ll keep plugging along and seeing where things go and hopefully I’ll be able to keep smiling!

And now, we slowly start to head into the summer months. It seems, at least in my part of the world, things are easing up. I’m still on guard, so to speak, but it’s nice to see smiles again and see people doing things. I hope, however, you all remain safe and diligent in doing your part so we can keep moving forward.

Now … let’s get to the photos! It was a DIY sort of month and here’s what I had for my five!

1-2. Building

Cameron stayed over one weekend and Legos (as well as Nerf wars) were on the docket. This kid is really quite good with Legos and building. We had to abandon one set as it was just a bit too much, but we attacked another one and he did an amazing job!

3. Being a DIYer

I’m trying to learn new things, including some woodworking. This was a setup one weekend. Stay tuned to the end of this post for some bonus photos!

4. Learning

I now own some pretty decent power tools as I learn more. This is my friend Darren showing me a bit about the circular saw. Reality is, I never needed to use a lot of these items. But I’m not doing my best to learn them as I found it’s quite enjoyable to do some DIY stuff.

5. Leftover

From the project that day, this is some of the leftover small pieces. I thought it was kind of cool looking!

BONUS PHOTOS!

So, what did we create that day? A couple of benches! Here are the end products! I learned quite a bit that day, and look forward to learning a lot more and creating more. Now these lumber prices need to come down!

And there are my five (plus bonuses) 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.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for June. Make sure you drop your link there. The theme for July is Happy! … Remember to come back on August 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!

Photo Blogging Challenge: June 2021 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!