Fifteen Years with Oliver

2011 Oliver Running

Today is a big day in our house. Oliver turns 15.

Fifteen years. It is hard to even type that without pausing for a second. It does not feel like it has been that long since we brought him home, this tiny little dog with a big personality who somehow became the household supervisor, always keeping an eye on everything happening inside and outside. If someone walks by the backyard, Oliver is on it. If another dog is around, he is on alert. In his mind, he is not just part of the neighborhood watch, he is leading it.

Oliver and Aunt Dina in 2011

At the same time, he has always been social in his own way. If you have ever been around him on a patio or out in public, you know he enjoys watching people come and go and greeting whoever he can. He is just as happy sitting and observing the world as he is being right in the middle of it.

Sleepy Oliver... Long Before Camping 2013

Over the years, Oliver has been on a lot of adventures with us. Camping trips, vacations, simple walks around the neighborhood. Some of the best memories are not the big trips, but the smaller moments. Sitting outside at a campsite, going for a walk in a new place, or even just letting him explore and sniff everything in sight.

Oliver Camping in 2025

Camping with Oliver has always been a favorite. There is something about getting him out into a new environment where he can take it all in. New smells, new sounds, new places to explore. He might come back tired, but he always seems happy, and those trips have become some of our best shared experiences.

Lately, those moments have taken on even more meaning.

Oliver Back Yard May 2026

As many of you know, the past year has brought some health challenges for Oliver. He has an enlarged heart and a heart murmur, along with a cough that comes and goes. There have been nights where sleep is interrupted and days where we are carefully watching how he is doing. He is on medication now, and there are good days and tougher days.

But through it all, Oliver still finds ways to be himself.

He still gets excited for walks, even knowing they might trigger a coughing fit. He still wants to play. He still enjoys being near us, whether that means sitting nearby, following us from room to room, or settling in close for a nap. While he used to spend a lot of time stretched out on the couch, that has changed over the past few months. He prefers to be stretched out on the floor or in places he would never have been previously... but that is OK.

And maybe more than anything, he still reminds us to slow down and appreciate the moment we are in.

Back Yard Selfie April 2026

That has been one of the biggest gifts of the past year. When things get uncertain, you pay more attention. You take the extra walk. You let him sniff a little longer. You sit with him a little more. You become more aware of just how much these everyday routines actually mean.

Oliver has also been incredibly lucky to have Carrie taking such great care of him. There is no doubt he is spoiled, in the best possible way. He gets the attention, the treats, the snuggles, and whatever spot works best for him these days. If he could write this post himself, I am pretty sure it would mostly be a thank-you note for all of that, followed by a nap.

Looking back over fifteen years, it is hard to capture everything Oliver has meant to us. He has been there through so many seasons of life. Through changes, routines, trips, and everyday moments that probably did not feel like much at the time but now stand out as meaningful because he was part of them.

Photo Op at Hotel

He has made us laugh more times than I can count. He has tested our patience a few times too, especially when he is barking at something on the TV where there are dogs or horses. But mostly, he has brought a steady kind of joy that is hard to describe until you experience it.

And that is really what today is about.

Not just the number 15, although that is incredible on its own. It is about everything that comes with it. The years, the memories, the routines, the trips, the walks, the quiet moments at home. All of it adds up to something pretty special.

So today, we celebrate Oliver.

Walking Oliver June 2024

We will take extra pictures. We will probably take a walk. There will definitely be treats. And we will spend the day doing what he has always loved most, just being together.

Happy 15th birthday, Oliver. We love you.

If you have followed along here over the years, you have seen Oliver pop up in all kinds of posts. Sometimes he is front and center, sometimes just in the background of a picture or a quick story, but he has been a constant in our lives and in this blog.

A Simple Camping Weekend with Great Food and Better Weather

Tents Up and Ready

The 2026 camping season has officially started for us with our first trip over Memorial Day weekend. It was some of the best camping weather we have ever seen. It did rain for about an hour on us the first night, but overall it was wonderful. Cool during the day and dipping down to chilly in the evening, but with a fire going, it was perfect.

We went back to our regular spot in Council Grove, where we have camped a number of times. We love the location, and this was probably our sixth trip there. I have truthfully lost count, but it was another great weekend.

This trip was a little different for us. We went out Friday and came back on Monday. The only thing we cooked at the campsite was hot dogs, which we had for lunch one day. We decided to keep things simple and, since we were close to town, eat at local places instead. We went to the Mexican restaurant twice during the weekend since it was the only place open on Sunday. We also tried a brand new BBQ place that opened that Saturday, and it was delicious. A Chinese place was new to us as well, but they were closed for the holiday weekend.

We arrived at the campsite late Friday afternoon. After getting everything set up, we were ready to relax. Carrie and I bought a new tent that sleeps nine, and we can actually stand up inside it. It is also a fast-up tent, which is nice, but we had no idea how to set it up or take it down. Thankfully, Erin helped us since they have one that is similar.

Margarita's and Dinner

Friday night was our first visit to the Mexican restaurant, El Rancho Viejo, and it was excellent. The AC was not working very well that night, so it was a little warm, but the margaritas and food made up for it.

Cards Under the Canopy

We stayed up late that first night after returning to the campsite, keeping a fire going into the late hours. We listened to music, talked, and enjoyed a few drinks. It rained on us for about an hour, but we had a canopy set up and moved under it to play cards. It was actually pretty peaceful listening to the rain tapping on the canopy while we played. After the rain stopped, we moved back to the fire, which somehow kept going. A fun first night.

Sunset Over the Lake

On Saturday, we had some friends come out to visit us that evening. Laura and Jason stopped by in their new vehicle. We had a few drinks around the fire before the girls ran into town to pick up Pizza Hut for dinner. After we ate, we all went up to watch the sunset over the lake. Laura and Jason left shortly after, and we spent the rest of the night relaxing around the fire once again.

Cottonwood Falls

Sunday’s plan was to take a trip to see some waterfalls. We drove to Cottonwood Falls, about an hour away from our campsite. Erin and Greg had been there a few years earlier and thought we would enjoy it. It was another beautiful day, and we took a short hike to reach the falls. It was a popular spot with a lot of families, and a great way to spend the day. The area was beautiful, and the water was cold.

After our trip, we drove back to Council Grove and picked up BBQ from Jonny V’s, which had just opened that Saturday. We brought it back to the campsite, and it was really good. The beans were especially good.

Campsite with Lights

Sunday night, we went back to the Mexican restaurant, which was a nice way to wrap up the weekend. We all ordered something different from our first visit. The AC was working this time, which made it more comfortable. It was a fun way to finish out our meals for the trip and a nice break for Carrie, who usually does the cooking on our camping trips.

Of course, we had to make the most of our last night by staying up late around the fire. We had a lot of firewood to use up before we left, and we managed to go through all of it. Erin and Carrie had gathered wood from the woods earlier in the day, so it was fun putting that to use as well.

Selfie of Us Watching Sunset

This was a different type of camping trip for us, but we really enjoyed being close to town while still having that camping feel of staying up late and enjoying the clear night sky. We are already trying to figure out where our next trip will take us and how many we can fit in this summer. We know we will be camping in October, possibly around a Washburn football game, but nothing is scheduled yet.

Until next time, have a great rest of your weekend and a wonderful week ahead.

Discovering Little Rock One Meal at a Time

Carrie and me walking across the bridge

We took a vacation this past week while Carrie was on Spring Break at her work. I took a few days off so we could all go on a trip together. We traveled with Erin and Greg, and while we had originally planned to go to Florida, those plans did not work out. Instead, we threw a bunch of destinations into a virtual hat and voted.

From that list, we narrowed it down to Chicago, San Antonio, and Little Rock. We do plan to go to Chicago at some point, likely by train, but decided now was not the right time. While we had all passed through Little Rock on various trips, none of us had ever spent any real time there. With the voting finished, we started researching places to stay and, more importantly, places to eat.

We reviewed several Airbnb options and selected one. About two weeks before our trip, the owner reached out to let me know they needed to cancel. What? There was some mix up on their end, and they said they could no longer host us. The host asked us to cancel the reservation so they would not lose their preferred host status. Instead, I contacted Airbnb customer service and asked them to assist with the process. The host was not happy about it, but they ultimately had to cancel, which allowed us to receive a full refund. Airbnb's FAQ clearly states that if a host asks a renter to cancel, you should not do so and should contact customer service, which is exactly what we did.

Lunch at Torchy's Tacos on our Way

We scrambled to find another place since several of the spots we had originally saved were no longer available. We did find one that had been on our original list, but it was outside of Little Rock. The house was in Alexander, about twenty minutes from downtown. It turned out to be the perfect spot. The host was excellent, kept us updated on everything, and provided great recommendations on where to eat and drink.

We stayed in the Little Rock area for five nights, leaving on Saturday, March 14, and returning on March 19. We could not take Oliver with us, so Joan and Eddie watched him while we were gone. We figured he would have a better time with them than traveling with us, and the Airbnb we selected did not allow pets anyway.

Between friends, Reddit, vloggers, and our Airbnb host, we had no shortage of recommendations for places to eat, drink, and visit. We had a great time exploring the area and even managed to fit in some cultural stops along the way.

Some highlights from our trip included the following.

• George’s Little Rock is an upscale Italian restaurant in the Heights neighborhood of Little Rock, located on Kavanaugh Boulevard. The menu focuses on classic Italian dishes, along with house made desserts and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
  
  

  

  Lasagna at George's

  
  
• Brave New Restaurant overlooks the river and is located in a business area. The food was delicious, with a menu that includes seafood, wild game, and locally sourced ingredients. It was a perfect spot for lunch or dinner. We went for lunch and sat outside.
  
  

  

  Shrimp for Lunch at Brave New Restaurant

  
  
• The Oyster Bar was a place we discovered while searching for local spots. It was a great find, offering oysters, Cajun options, and other seafood selections. It worked well for either lunch or dinner.
  
  

  

  Oysters and Lobster for Lunch

  
  
• Dust Bowl Lanes was another spot we found when we decided to go bowling on Sunday. It is a retro location where we bowled on old school lanes, drank local beers, and had a great time.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Brood & Barley was recommended by vloggers Kelly and Cody, whom I follow. We stopped in for drinks. While we did not eat there, the food coming out of the kitchen looked amazing. We almost went back before we left town but decided to try something else. It is definitely a spot we will visit again on a future trip.
  
  
• Local Lime was another place we came across while researching. It offers Mexican inspired street food done very well. They also had some of the best margaritas I have had in quite a while. A great spot overall. No pictures from this visit.
  
  
• Scoops was one of the ice cream places we found that had not been on our original list. We each ordered two scoops, which turned out to be a lot of ice cream, but I finished all of mine. It was a great stop and one I would highly recommend if you are in Little Rock. We almost went back again before leaving the area. No pictures from this visit.
  
  
• Delicious Temptations was the one breakfast spot we visited. It is family owned and was very busy, with about a twenty five to thirty minute wait, but it was well worth it. This was a recommendation from our host, and I would absolutely suggest stopping in if you are nearby. No pictures from this visit.

Bill Clinton Presidential Library

Those are just a sampling of the highlights from the trip, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and dessert. We all want to go back again, as there was so much more to do beyond eating and drinking. We also did some sightseeing to expand our cultural experience. We visited the Bill Clinton Presidential Library, which was interesting to see, and stopped by the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, a key moment tied to the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling and one that connects directly back to Topeka, Kansas.

Sunset in Little Rock

It was a fun trip, and we all hated to leave and head back home. I cannot wait to visit again. Hopefully next time we will be camping, as we scoped out several locations for a future camping trip. After all these years of driving through Little Rock without stopping, I am glad we finally did. It was well worth the trip, and I look forward to going back.

Looking Back on 2025: A Year of Growth, Adventure, and Connection

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the moments—big and small—that shaped 2025. This year was a tapestry of personal milestones, professional growth, outdoor adventures, and cherished family traditions. Here’s a look back at the highlights that made this year unforgettable.

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Health and Wellness: A Journey of Transformation

One of the most significant chapters of 2025 was my health journey. Since October 2024, I’ve lost about 45 pounds thanks to Mounjaro, and I’ve been able to eliminate CPAP use entirely. December brought a new focus: building an exercise routine. My goals for 2026 include adding cardio, weights, and even running—something I haven’t done in years. I’m curious to see how my body responds now and excited to take this next step toward a healthier lifestyle.

Family and Holidays: Traditions That Ground Us

November and December reminded me why Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite times of the year. From grilling turkey breasts on the Big Green Egg to savoring Mom Shirron’s sweet potato pie, these moments were filled with warmth and gratitude. We gathered in Topeka and Lawrence, shared laughter, and honored traditions—even as we felt the absence of loved ones who couldn’t be with us. Christmas Eve brought its own quiet magic, a time to pause and appreciate the blessings of family and home.

Outdoor Adventures: Nature’s Reset Button

Camping continued to be my sanctuary in 2025. From summer weekends that offered a break from routine to October’s grand finale at C2T Ranch, each trip was a reminder of the restorative power of nature. That last outing was unforgettable—winds gusting up to 50 mph, coyotes calling in the night, and cornhole tournaments under the open sky. These experiences weren’t just escapes; they were opportunities to reconnect with what matters most.

Music and Community: The Rhythm of Life

October also brought the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas—a two-day celebration of music, friendship, and Southern charm. Perfect weather, incredible performances (Anson Funderburgh was a standout), and shared laughter made it a highlight of the year. It was more than a festival; it was a reminder of how music brings people together.

Professional Growth: Learning and Leading

On the professional front, EDUCAUSE 2025 in Nashville was a standout experience. I dove into networking, led a Braindate on staff upskilling, and explored sessions that sparked new ideas. Vendor events, CIO dinners, and even app critiques rounded out a trip that blended learning with connection. These moments reinforced the importance of community and continuous growth in our field.

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Themes That Defined 2025

• Health and Resilience: From weight loss to new fitness goals, this year was about reclaiming energy and well-being.
• Family and Tradition: Holidays reminded me of the joy found in simple moments and shared meals.
• Adventure and Renewal: Camping and music festivals offered space to recharge and celebrate life.
• Professional Engagement: Conferences and networking fueled ideas for the future.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As I turn the page to a new year, I’m carrying forward the lessons and joys of 2025. My focus will be on building a consistent fitness routine, deepening professional connections, and continuing to make time for the outdoors and family traditions. Here’s to a year of balance, growth, and meaningful experiences.

Thank you for following along on this journey. I’d love to hear from you—what were your highlights of 2025, and what goals are you setting for the year ahead?

Returning to C2T Ranch: A Perfect End to Camping Season

We went on our last camping trip of the season and returned to a place we had only visited once before but loved so much that we had to go again. We stayed at C2T Ranch on the Saline from October 17 to 19. This is a HipCamp site we first visited in 2022, and we were excited to go back. This spot never disappoints. It is on a working ranch where we saw and heard cattle roaming the land. At night, after going to bed, we heard coyotes in the distance. It was a fun spot, and we ate well too.

We decided to rent a U-Haul so we could all travel together in one vehicle, which worked out great. We went with Erin and Greg, who joined us on our first trip to C2T Ranch in 2022, so we all had good memories to revisit. We left early Friday morning and already had plans for lunch in Plainville, Kansas, where we ate at The Handle Bar Tavern and Eatery. It is an excellent spot north of Hays, Kansas, where we enjoyed drinks and delicious food. The Handle Bar Tavern and Eatery has a large menu, and everything the four of us ordered was excellent. I highly recommend stopping by if you are in western Kansas.

Check-in for our HipCamp was at 2 pm, and we arrived right on time. It looked just the way we remembered from our first visit. We set up quickly and were ready for the evening with fresh hamburger meat delivered by the HipCamp host. We did this the first year and remembered how good the burgers were on the open range. Along with the meat, we ordered potatoes to cook over the campfire.

Since we had an early start Friday morning, we did not stay up very late that night. I think we were all in our tents by 1 am. It was getting rather cold, so we were ready to call it a day. It was a fun first day of travel, camping, and relaxing.

Saturday morning we all got up somewhat early to make pancakes. Waking to the sound of cattle far off in the distance was something I had never experienced before. We all talked about how, during our previous visit, we did not recall hearing any cows. We guessed they were in a different pasture in 2022, which is why we did not hear them then. This time they were loud throughout the night and most of Saturday. Mid-afternoon the winds started, just as we expected, and that helped drown out the cows, but then we had to deal with gusts up to 40 to 50 mph. Chairs were flying around, items blew off tables, tents came unlatched, and even a few tumbleweeds rolled through our campsite.

We managed to play some cornhole Saturday afternoon before the winds really picked up. We had a few tournaments, but as the wind strengthened, we realized the game had to end because the bags were turning in the air and landing in random directions. It was still a fun afternoon as we listened to the sounds of the ranch, played music, and enjoyed games.

Saturday night we planned to cook pork tenderloin for dinner over the campfire. Greg took the lead in preparing the pork, and we got the fire ready for cooking. The pork turned out juicy and flavorful, and everyone enjoyed it. Erin and Carrie made instant mashed potatoes that paired perfectly with the pork.

After dinner and cleanup, we sat around the campfire enjoying the warmth. Having an unlimited supply of firewood is a real treat at this HipCamp because it allows us to keep the fire going as long as we want without worrying about finding more wood.

When Sunday morning rolled around, we were all sad to pack up and head home. As we packed, we talked about how we need to do the Hays, Kansas trip again and stay for more nights. We will see when we can fit that into our camping schedule since this year was busy with multiple trips. We enjoy camping so much, and I look forward to doing it again next year.

Until next time, have a great rest of your Sunday and a wonderful week.

Blues, Friends, and Good Times at King Biscuit Blues Festival 2025

I’m behind on this week’s update since I was away camping over the weekend, so here’s another short recap of the prior week.

The 2025 King Biscuit Blues Festival took place over two days this year: October 10 and 11. That’s one day shorter than in previous years. After almost not having a festival at all, it was great to enjoy two days of music, friends, and blues.

Corrie didn’t attend this year, which meant Carrie didn’t either. Eddie and I headed down on Wednesday even though the festival was only Friday and Saturday. We planned to meet up with Tommy, Eddie’s childhood friend, Tommy’s nephew Eddie, and Bart, a family friend. We stayed together for four nights in a VRBO. Two nights on our own before the festival started gave us time to relax and get ready for the fun.

The house was in Dundee, MS, right across the river from Helena, AR. It was our first time staying there for the festival, and it turned out to be a great spot. We spent time relaxing by the lake, enjoying the sun patio, and watching baseball at the house while we prepared for the weekend.

Thursday is usually busy with the festival kicking off, but this year was different. We had a laid-back day with lunch in downtown Helena and plans for dinner at Kathryn’s that evening. We called ahead and heard their voicemail say they were now open Thursday through Saturday. Perfect! We left a message for reservations. But when we arrived Thursday night, they were closed. We were so disappointed because we had really been looking forward to that meal. Instead, we headed back to the house and had leftovers from the night before.

Friday, the festival began, and we had a great time. There were some solid acts, including regulars we see every year like Anson Funderburgh. The weather was perfect, not too hot, cold, or rainy. Ideal for a festival.

Saturday was another good day of music and catching up with friends. With the schedule changes and uncertainty about the festival, the crowd wasn’t as big as usual for a Saturday night, but it was still a fun day and a great festival overall.

Until next time...

From the Caribbean to Camping: 23 Years of Us -- Happy Anniversary, Carrie

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that Carrie and I have been married for 23 years. Yes, I know — I’m getting older. It feels like just yesterday we met on a cruise somewhere in the Caribbean. Somehow, our paths crossed 24 years ago, and that chance meeting brought us together. So many great memories stem from that cruise back in 2001. It’s one of those moments that feels both distant and fresh, like it just happened. I still vividly remember our first meeting.

Recently, I revisited the website we created to announce our wedding — and yes, it’s still available at https://www.haverty.net/projects/wedding. Back then, it was hosted at wedding.haverty.net, but the domain wasn't carried forward in new site design. The site still exists, and it’s a nostalgic trip to revisit it and read both my version and Carrie’s version of how we met. Note: some links on the site, such as guestbook and gallery, no longer work.

Like any couple, we’ve had our share of ups and downs. I choose to focus on the good times and look forward to many more ahead. We love to travel, attend sporting events (well, Carrie tolerates them), read, hike, watch shows, and — most recently — we’ve gotten into camping. Over the past four years, camping has become a shared joy, and I’m looking forward to the day we can get a travel trailer and explore the country together. Retirement is still about 12 years away, but I know those years will fly by before we know it.

Looking back at the wedding website I created, I can’t help but laugh. The design was simple — not fancy — but it got the point across. Some of the links, like the photo gallery and guestbook, no longer work, but the core details are still there. It makes me smile to see how basic web design was back then and how far things have come.

Reflecting on the past 23 years, I’m filled with gratitude. We’ve traveled more in recent years, and I’m excited for the adventures still to come. I think back to our first anniversary trip to Costa Rica, where our friend Javier was our tour guide. What an incredible experience! Since then, we’ve taken numerous cruises together and discovered a love for Virgin Cruise Lines. I can’t wait to take another cruise with Carrie.

There are so many reasons I’m thankful to be celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary. As we move into our mid-to-late fifties, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed and how much life we’ve shared. I love Carrie deeply and wish her a very happy anniversary.

Here’s to many more years of love, laughter, and adventure.

242 Sundays Later: What Weekly Blogging Has Taught Me

The Commitment

I have been blogging regularly since Sunday, January 3, 2021. I’ve posted at least one entry each week since that date. Some weeks are easy, while others make it difficult to think of what to write. Trips provide easy topics, and tech-related events often lead to straightforward posts. But weeks like today—when I’ve waited until Sunday afternoon and nothing comes to mind—are more challenging.

I initially started blogging to drive traffic to my website. Over the years, I’ve made a few changes. Now, everything going to https://www.haverty.net redirects to https://blogger.haverty.net. Although I secured the main site about a year ago, it still redirects to the blog.

I’ve had my website and blog since before Carrie and I were married. I used it to host our wedding site, a discussion forum, and various sub-sites focused on family, site design, and more. Over time, the site evolved into a testing ground, but its primary purpose is now blogging.

My first blog post was in 2006 on Blogger. After years of inconsistent posting—sometimes going months without an update—I learned that building a consistent audience requires weekly posts. As I mentioned earlier, this can be a challenge, but somehow I’ve managed to keep it up since 2021.

Each week, I spend time thinking about what I’ll post. I usually start early in the week, though I often forget to write down my ideas, which means I revisit them later. If I have something in mind, I start writing on Saturday. Otherwise, I begin Sunday morning.

This process is part of my routine, whether I’m busy, on vacation, or out of the country. If I know a week will be hectic, I write ahead and schedule the post to maintain my Sunday cadence. Occasionally, I’ll post additional entries for holidays or special family occasions.

I genuinely enjoy posting regularly and being able to look back over the years. I try to use consistent keywords so I can easily revisit related topics.

Today, I reflect on my process—and the reasons behind it.

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Discipline Over Perfection

Some weeks my writing is brief; other weeks, the posts are longer. It depends on how much time I have and what’s happened. It can be challenging to show up each week and write something engaging enough for someone to click on when it appears in their social media feed. I find it interesting to watch the metrics—some posts get lots of clicks, while others I expect to perform well barely get any.

Posting consistently has helped build a following. I get regular visits and interactions on social media. Before I started posting weekly, I read that consistency is key—if visitors don’t know when to expect new content, they’re less likely to return. Posting every Sunday helps keep people coming back.

I also believe that consistent posting has helped me grow as a writer. Each week, I brainstorm the topic, title, keywords, and how to promote the post. I’ve automated social media sharing for platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Occasionally, I manually post to other platforms if I think a post will attract high traffic.

When I struggle to find a topic, I aim to write something short—around 250–300 words. It may not be perfect, but it keeps the habit going. I work hard to avoid spelling, grammar, or usage errors, and I appreciate it when someone points out a mistake.

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Capturing Life in Real Time

Blogging has become a digital journal of my weekly life or focus. Whether I’m writing about a trip or looking forward to a camping weekend, it’s a way to review my year—or even revisit earlier years to see what was on my mind. It’s fun, and I enjoy the process.

I’ve used the site to post about sporting events—from the Royals and Chiefs to Washburn sports. It’s a journal that helps me remember where we were or what we did on a particular date. It’s come in handy more than a few times.

Beyond sports, blogging helps me capture personal events—changes at work, losing a parent, or saying goodbye to a pet. It’s a way to reflect on life’s moments, both joyful and difficult.

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Finding Your Voice

Over the years, my writing has evolved—or at least I think it has. Early on, I posted sporadically and kept things light. Back then, posts were often just text—playlists, random thoughts, or sports updates. These days, I try to include images, even if they’re shared visuals that match the week’s content. Lately, I’ve used AI to generate images based on the post’s theme. Images help keep readers engaged and break up the text.

If I’m going to ramble, I try to call it out in the title or early in the post. Some weeks, that’s the easiest way to get my thoughts down when I don’t have a specific topic. I just have to be careful not to ramble too long.

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Connecting Through Stories

It’s fun when people tell me they read my blog or connected with a post—like a camping trip they saw on social media. I’ve met people through work who mention they enjoy my site. Sometimes the conversation is about exercise (or the struggle with it), and other times it’s about the places we visit and the summaries I share. It’s rewarding to know others are reading and connecting with my posts.

I try to write as if I’m speaking directly to the reader. Sometimes I tell a story, recounting each day—what we ate, what we did, and the sights we saw. I’ve received positive feedback on those posts. I wish there were more interaction on the site. While I do get comments, many are spam. Occasionally, I get meaningful comments and have a fun discussion with someone, which I really enjoy.

Posting helps me stay connected—with family, friends, and even strangers who find my site through a Google search. They might land on a post that matches something they were looking for and then explore more.

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Lessons Learned

Each week offers a new opportunity to reflect on what happened—what to highlight, think through, or share in a way that might interest someone. Writing doesn’t come easily, and this year especially, I’ve found myself frequently struggling to come up with something to write.

Writing consistently on the same day each week helps build a steady stream of visitors. Having something to post not only attracts regular readers, but occasionally a post will resonate widely and spike in traffic—which is fun to watch as it gets shared and revisited. I’m not a great judge of which posts will be popular. Some weeks a post gets hundreds of clicks, while others barely get any. That unpredictability is part of the fun, and I enjoy collecting my thoughts in this electronic journal.

I’m not afraid to try new things or explore new topics. Over the years, I’ve reviewed new products and shared how they worked for me. I’ve also written about new blogging tools and continue to look for fresh ways to enhance my posting process.

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Looking Ahead

I plan to maintain my regular cadence of Sunday postings. Watch for new entries each week, and feel free to leave a comment—I do read and reply to them. I enjoy interacting with readers and hope to see more engagement in the future.

One of my goals this year is to post more frequently. In addition to my regular Sunday posts, I’d like to add one or two extra entries during the week—focused on topics that interest me, such as technology, politics, or sports. While I’ve occasionally posted more than once in a week over the past few years, those extra posts have usually been tied to holidays or celebrations. I’d like to expand beyond that and share more spontaneous content.

If you’ve made it this far, I’d love to hear from you:

• What have you enjoyed about the site?
• How long have you been following?
• What would you like to see more of?
• Is there anything you’d prefer to see less of?

This is a fun process, and that’s what matters most—I genuinely enjoy doing this each week. I hope you have a great Sunday and a fantastic week ahead!