challenges

While the theme for March makes sense and keeps in what I’ve done over time, it doesn’t make it easier. Coming up with things to represent 12 was a head scratcher.

On March 14 (give or take) I thought — I should have taken photos on March 12 and did it that way. Too late. Then I thought, well maybe I could find things with 12 on them. Not so exciting to me.

Then it hit me what I could do. After all, we’re open to interpretation, right?

First, I’ll back track a little.

This is the time of year when my stress goes up and up. Work is highly busy and there’s a ton to do and get done. The weather is changing and you get a really nice day, and then you get some crappy days. At this point, I’m done with winter, so I’m just hoping we keep trending away from it.

Add in everything going on in the world and anxiousness creeps in. Then you start thinking about anything and everything else and … phew! It’s a bit much at times

Where to go with this then? What I’ve decided to do was to take the normal five photos and push it to 12. But why? Because I want 12 things (some overlap, of course) that make me happy and able to relax and feel good about life.

So here we go. Another month down. I hope you all had fun with the theme!

Anyway, onward. Here’s my five 12 for February!

1. Boops and snugs

You know that this post will be heavy on Harper. Let’s be honest, if it wasn’t for her, I’m not sure where I’d be. She’s been a loving, faithful, and amazing companion. I know a lot of people talk about emotional support animals — and so many people get pissed because they can’t take an “ES animal” on a plane or something — but to me, it’s just that she gets me. Or at least seems to. And the nights we sit and snuggle on the couch are some of the best. This photo was too much — and makes me laugh each time I look at it!

2-4. Family

Family is important, so it’s always nice when we can get to see something. The next three photos cover this. The first one is my mother and Cameron after Cameron took part in the Wizard of Oz. He likes the arts, so it’s nice when we can get to see him doing things like this. Maybe one day Broadway? That would be pretty fun.

The second photo is of Jordan and her final high school basketball game. Jordan is my brother’s girlfriend’s daughter — so basically fam! She’s going to play soccer and basketball in college. It’s a shame they didn’t win this game, but she played well and did awesome.

The final one is, again, of Cameron. He and his father came over on a weekend and we tackled the first part of a a LEGO Technic build. The second half will have to come when he is over again.

5. Walking

Though I’ve always been a walker, with Harper it is a necessity — not just doing it to do it. But our walks are great. We do multiple a day and it is, often, a really fun time. We do it in all weather — warm or cold — and it’s been amazing for me. In fact, I find it to be one of the most therapeutic things I do (most of the time, anyway). It’s done wonders for me health-wise, and it allows her and I to have time together.

6. Geocaching

Though my geocaching adventures go up and down, it is always nice when I get to go. Harper is with me the majority of the time, which is nice. I have a few others who I will cache with and I’m lucky they are fond of Harper. This is one of my geocaching pals Jeff — as he makes a find on a recent trip to Syracuse. It was a great day of caching!

7-8. New friends and dog park fun

I don’t always go to dog parks as they can worry me. You don’t know other people or their dogs. Sometimes a dog will be very unruly, or an owner doesn’t watch their animals. The dog park most local to me has a huge area with some small hills and trees etc., so it’s nice for Harper. What I usually do is leave my car near the entrance of the city park with the idea of walking around the whole thing. That usually nets us a little more than a mile. But what I can do is walk by the dog park and scope it out. If it feels fine, I head in. If not, I walk on by. In one of my trips there this month, this younger dog took a liking to Harper a bit and just kind of ran around with her for a bit. They look like they are having a chat.

The second photo is from my second trip there this month. There were a bunch of dogs and sometimes they all sniffed one another, but Harper and I kind of hung in the middle/lower section and I whipped the ball around with the chuckit stick. She had a blast chasing and chasing.

9. St Patrick’s Day

My village holds its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade the Saturday following St. Patrick’s Day. It’s pretty smart, actually, as they don’t have to compete too much to get a couple of pipe bands. This photo is of two of the local college kids putting beads on Harper (shocked she didn’t fight it) and then posing with her. Harper got a lot of attention that day, though I had to shorten the leash some when floats were throwing candy to others nearby.

10. Lambchop!

Yes, it makes me smile when Harper is walking around with her Lambchop. But the amount of people who walk by or drive by and smile when they see it is awesome. Sometimes we take breaks, too, and when I can get her to pose — I’m shocked and pleased! When she is ready to go, she grabs Lambchop and is on her way. Harper has been carrying stuffies for years now — it’s her treat after poops on walks!

11. Clever folks

I love when people are clever. This sign was placed on this cone … and a day or so later, it had disappeared. Such a shame. But I got a laugh out of it!

12. Baseball

I am not sure I’ve gone to a baseball game in March in the Northeast. Especially not a minor league game. Alas, I did it this past weekend! And it was sunny and in the 80s in Allentown for this one! It was also a bark in the park game, so that made it even better. I’m also glad I found this smaller scorebook last year — it’s easier to keep score with Harper around!

There’s my five 12 — I hope you were able to stick with me! These are all things that make me happy and smile, which is pretty important in this day and age! Let’s see what you came up with! 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 February. Make sure you drop your link there.

OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! And just like that, it’s April! No foolin’! And our theme for the month? Sidewalks and roads. Have some fun! Remember to come back on (hopefully) May 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month! I’ve set a calendar reminder for me, so let’s see if that works!

Photo Blogging Challenge: March 2025 results

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

It’s funny that the month I do a free for all, I don’t have a lot of photos! Well, there’s a bunch, but I wanted to at least change it up a little.

The weather for past couple of months has made it a little tougher, which stinks. I’m over this winter. The amount of times I’ve shoveled this winter is at least double of what I’ve done the past two years – combined.

Spring is coming. I hope.

The free for all, though, is a good way to get through these types of months. Just snap photos and find your favorites. It’s always interesting, though, to see what people can come up with and if they do it via a theme or whatever.

February is also tougher because … well, fewer days! Sneaks up on me even faster!

And here we are already ending the second month of 2025. Sometimes it would be nice to pump the brakes and slow it down. At the same time, certain things going on want me to hit the gas and speed up a bit more!

So here we go. Another month down. I hope you all had fun with the theme!

Anyway, onward. Here’s my five for February!

1. Watching

On an early evening walk, Harper and I looped the front hill of the local college. I saw a friend and his kids sledding on the hill, so we stopped and chatted for a bit. When we got to the bottom, Harper decided to hop on the pillars and stare out for a while. I loved the lighting and her look as she peered at the world.

2. Sunday breakfast

The past several months, we’ve made the effort to meet one Sunday a month to have breakfast. Me, my mother, brothers, significant others, kids etc. It’s been nice. Alas the date we chose for February got some weather (shocker!) and it would have been difficult to all meet up. So, instead, me and my mother went to a local place for breakfast. Look at the size of that tea cup!

3. Use it

My snowblower is now about three… maybe four years old? I can’t recall when I purchased it. But I think it’s three years old. And the past two years, I’ve barely touched it. I don’t tend to pull it out unless it’s really needed. Otherwise, I shovel. But I’ve used it more this winter than I have the past two combined. See a theme?

4. Slippery when icy

This winter has given us snow, sleet, rain, and ice. My backyard, at times, was a skating rink. Poor Harper doesn’t like it, either. Sometimes when we go out, she’ll just kind of sit and all. She likes being outside, but the slippery lawn makes it tough for her, at times, to do much.

5. Geocaching!

Me, Harper, and a friend recently got out for a geocaching adventure. This was a geotour, so at the end of it, we earned a coin! Very cool and a fun day. It was nice to get out and about.

There’s my five and let’s see what you came up with! 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 February. Make sure you drop your link there.

OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! And just like that, it’s March! And our theme for the month? If you have been with us, this month’s theme should have been predictable! Twelve! Have some fun! Remember to come back on (hopefully) April 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month! I’ve set a calendar reminder for me, so let’s see if that works!

Photo Blogging Challenge: February 2025 results

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoo

My goodness. Time really does move fast, doesn’t it?

First, let me say that I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. In fact, I think when people do them (most), they end up failing because of the pressure behind them. How many people do you know who are going to go the gym or whatever and then fizzle out?

Exactly.

Instead, I kind of work on goals and such and I start them whenever I feel it works. But, we flopped over into 2025 and we need to be realistic — the year likely will be like most in recent memory: polarizing, tense, stressful, and who knows what else. It’s up to you individually to make the year how you want it to go.

As noted in my last post, I have a lot to work on. And all the sound of the current state of the world is something I try and now block out. I have to for my own mental health.

But, it’s another new year. And will it be a new me? Who knows. The only thing any of us can do is work to make ourselves better human beings.

How will you have a new you? I look forward to seeing what you all do with this theme!

Anyway, onward. Here’s my five for January!

1. Not all is new me in the new year

Some things won’t be so new. This year, Harper will turn four. This year I hope I continue to bond with her and that she remains a major part of my life. I would like to do more exploring and adventures with her. I’m considering a New York State park pass so I can try and visit more parks with her and just see some of the amazing parks I haven’t been to.

Basically, in this regard … it’s just expanding things I want to do and have Harper be a part of it. I’m sure this won’t be hard!

2. Family

Family is important and it’s something I feel my family has worked hard on trying to do more. Whether it’s just reaching out, or something else, things are pretty good. We do a monthly breakfast, which is great. And going on adventures are also nice. In January, I took my mother to Legoland New York and it was a lot of fun. I hope that a visit here in warmer weather happens as well.

3. Stop and …

This really isn’t smelling the roses, but you get the picture. Life is short and we’re a speck in time when it comes to the big picture. So why not make sure you enjoy it? There are wonderful scenes around us; you just have to make sure to sometimes stop and take it all in. This is one of the covered bridges in my area and this was the scene on the way to work one morning … I had to stop!

4. Build more LEGO (and other hobbies)!

In my quest to have less screen time at night and on weekends, hobbies such as building LEGO sets is something I want to concentrate on. This photo is one project I am working on and it will take a while as I have to get all the pieces, which is fun in its own right. But it’s a 6,000-piece baseball stadium, which will be a blast. Other hobbies include geocaching, woodworking, pen pal letters, and some DIY. I feel as I keep pushing with this, I’ll be able to find way more balance.

5. More naps!

Naps are amazing for your body and soul. They are even better with Harper. I need to do more of this for myself as it’s great for the mental side of things as well as physical!

There’s my five and let’s see what you came up with! 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 January. Make sure you drop your link there.

OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! And just like that, it’s February! And our theme for the month? Free for all! I think it’s been a hot minute since we had an open-ended theme, so here it is! Have some fun! Remember to come back on (hopefully) March 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month! I’ve set a calendar reminder for me, so let’s see if that works!

Photo Blogging Challenge: January 2025 results

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

And just like that, it’s 2025!

I have probably said this before, but as I get older, the years sure do seem to go faster. So sometimes, you have to try and slow it down the best you can to appreciate what you have.

Christmas is always one of my favorite times of the year. Though as a kid it was about that day, in adulthood, I feel like it’s definitely the whole season.

It was also my father’s favorite holiday. I still have a hard time thinking that he’s been gone for 17+ years, but I still have vivid images of him on Christmas day. He sure did enjoy it.

I was really in the mood this year. Though, unfortunately, I didn’t get all the outside deco up as planned. Hopefully next year as I have some ideas and thoughts and we’ll see if I can pull it off.

Anyway, between the music and everything else, it’s been an enjoyable season. I took vacation time leading in and through this week, so it’s also been nice in that regard. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season, no matter which holidays you do or don’t celebrate!

Here’s to a wonderful 2025 ahead and we’ll keep going with this challenge. Maybe we can actually grow it again this year! Have a great January!

Anyway, onward. Here’s my five for December!

1. What it’s all about

Christmas has always been a big thing in my family and my mother has always been at the head of it. I hope we have many more with her and I love being able to spend holidays with her.

SIDE NOTE: This photo was taken with a new Hipstamatic app called Party. I don’t know if it’s on anything other than iPhone, but … if it is. The idea of it is you share a camera with others. You don’t see the photos until it expires and you then see everybody photos. It’s a really cool thing. I have a membership with Hipstamatic so I can do cameras with extra things etc., and would love to use this more. Is anybody interested in doing this every once in a while? (I just looked: The Hipstamatic Party! app is only available on iPhones running iOS 17.2 or later)

2. Santa

Each year, I make sure to get Harper to see Santa. My hope is, from this point on, to do it the same time each year. This was after the holiday parade in my town. Mr and Mrs Claus!

3. Everybody else is doing it …

I did the wrapping paper setup so many have been doing this season. It didn’t come out quite how I wanted, but it was a pretty good time to do it. I will try this again next year, but I have thoughts and ideas. I might even try and do it for her birthday this year and see if I can improve things!

4. Watching Santa Paws!

The local fire department brings out Santa to the village a few days before Christmas. I am glad I was home that night as Harper watched intently, being good, of course!

5. Presents!

I know she doesn’t really know what it’s all about. But she sure does have fun ripping wrapping paper off her presents. I don’t have kids and though I know it’s fun to watch kids open things, there’s something even more fun watching a dog do it.

BONUS PHOTO

We had a white Christmas, which was awesome. This one was taken on Christmas afternoon, soon after her friends had gone home. Yes, we had a play date on Christmas. And with all the snow… it was amazing!

There’s my five (plus bonus) and let’s see what you came up with! 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.

OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! And just like that, it’s January 2025! And our theme for the month? New year, new me! Interpret as you see fit!! I’m actually really interested to see how people do with this one. I have some thoughts, but we’ll see! I hope you all have fun with this theme! Remember to come back on (hopefully) February 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month! I’ve set a calendar reminder for me, so let’s see if that works!

Photo Blogging Challenge: December 2024 results

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