Dan Antion

Looking Back Ahead

The title worked in preview mode; I hope it worked once published. The word ‘back’ should be struck through, albeit anemically. My choice to emphasize looking ahead is due to 2020 – ‘nuff said about that dismal failure of a year.

Since Thursday Doors is on its annual hiatus, and since blog readership on New Year’s Eve is historically low (even the Editor would rather use her “Get out of Editing” card), I decided to yield this space to the reflective brain cells, i.e., the one’s not currently sucked into the Twilight Zone Marathon.

Looking ahead from the perspective of No Facilities, you can expect, well, you know, more of the same. Sorry to those of you who were looking forward to big changes in the new year.

No Facilities, in case you didn’t know, is now hosting Thursday Doors – although, I still prefer to think of it as Norm Frampton’s Thursday Doors – which will resume next week. Voting begins tomorrow on the to-be-publicly-selected badge for the challenge and I promise a fair and accurate count, assuming WordPress didn’t subcontract the development of the Poll block to nefarious nogoodnicks.

On the subject of blocks, I will continue to experiment with ways of making the Block Editor a slightly smaller train wreck, even if I have to learn how to use more of its advanced features. Of course, I will try to explain any random success I have in that endeavor, usually on a Monday.

I was thinking, briefly, of a New Year’s resolution not to include math (maths for UK/Canadian readers) on Mondays, but I would fail. Therefore, I will continue to attempt to weave in science and math (see how I snuck science in there) on certain Mondays but will continue to try and improve the way in which I write about those topics. No more ‘trains leaving Philadelphia’ and such nonsense.

I am happy to report that Cheryl’s contract has been renewed, Skippy will still be working part-time and neither David nor I have gone on the virtual wagon. Visiting the bar will remain a Saturday feature and I will play by the SoCS rules established by Linda G. Hill. Speaking of Linda G. Hill, I also plan to continue to participate in her wonderfully amusing One-Liner Wednesday challenge, although I will maintain my casual relationship with the concept of one line.

2021 will include some home-improvement projects, beginning with the completion of my workshop expansion. Then I will have to see what I can do with more, and more efficient space. I hope 2021 provides the opportunity to travel to the exotic destinations of Pittsburgh, PA; Ames, Iowa and a few fun places around New England. I’m not asking for much, but the ability to drive over the border eleven miles north of my house without breaking the law would be nice. Perhaps a visit to New York City won’t be out of the question. I could use a few more doors from lower Manhattan.

In a tiny bit of looking back, I want to thank the participants and followers of Thursday Doors for supporting the transition to my site from Norm’s. While I am at it, I want to thank all of my regular readers for continuing to make me feel good about publishing this blog.

I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year!

Today’s gallery is a collection of photos from 2020. It was hard to narrow this subject down, so there’s a lot of images. These are from some of my favorite posts, with some of my favorite people (and animals) and in some of my favorite places.

Sorry – Sorry, sorry, sorry. I took this yesterday. I’m having cereal today. Sorry
It warmed up yesterday, so we decided to sit in the sun.
CT Rail – The Hartford Line locomotive.
Sign for Crofut’s Inn – date from before 1892
“I could have moved them for you.”
“I love these new decks. This stuff is so warm!”
Saturday morning. Snoopy is in there. I’m guessing she isn’t happy either.
Maddie’s response when I tried to remind her that she’s at my end of the couch.
Not sure what Jinx is eating, but it must be better than an orange slice.
I took the precaution of masking her face. I don’t want Maddie putting out an APB.
Bunny
Visiting the rhododendron
After one of our recent storms.
“I’m up on the tight wire One side’s ice and one is fire It’s a circus game with you and me.”–Leon Russell
That’s the way we like it.
This looks like a female Pileated Woodpecker. The males have a red stripe on their cheek. To be honest, I don’t see the red strip on the identification website.
i love the reflections.
The canal is the only place around our home that ‘I’ve seen herons.
This locomotive is pushing that train away from me, but I love it.
“Hey. Can a girl have a little privacy, please?”
The honeysuckle is so pretty. It has taken over our fence in one corner, but…
The bar does serve very good chowder.
The back is finished as well.
I am once again able to eat at the counter at Skooter’s. We can’t sit in front of the food preparation stations, and we must maintain a safe distance, but the food is very good.
Chippy, that peanut is bigger than your head.
Close up of the calm flag.
We have had some welcome rain this week.
Going up! This is the scaffold in “crane” mode. I was testing the setup before the actual lift.
There are at least three black squirrels. This one is the boldest.
Splish Splash
Target doesn’t seem to have enough backup power to keep the refrigeration units and freezers running.
OK, not quite finished, Those exposed nails will need a dab of roof cement.
Broken heart.
John Howell’s Bourbon (with a little help from PhotoShop)
Not our Smokey, this guy lives at the end of the road.
There were lots of birds flying. I got a picture os an eagle, but he was heading away. I’m not sure what this is, but it’s the best shot I got.
Easthampton, MA. Faith and I agreed that the sidewalk looked a little dicey.
This has been my favorite thing to photograph this fall.
They look good enough to eat.
She is cute, but aggravating at times.
We decided to get a group photo before David and Teagan (and some guests) arrived. L-R Chris, Pam, Mary, Cheryl, Jennie and Marian. Photos courtesy of the characters.
Sky over Hartford on Friday as I was on my way to get a haircut.
Help me! I don’t know how this leaf got trapped behind the wire, but it looks so sad.
“The only dry spot on my porch and you put bags of leaves on it. What were you thinking?”
By the time we were halfway into a 5-mile walk, we were both carrying our vests.
This is the male, looking for food in the river? It’s hard to know. We stayed for a long time, hoping to see them move.
That’s a C-130 from the Air National Guard base at BDL (about 2 miles from here). It flew over while I was raking leaves. There’s no not noticing that plane.
MiMi wanted Maddie and me to know that she wasn’t happy with the amount of noise.
Jinx – strutting his stuff.
Brad, during his acting days.
We had some heavy rain. This was the first time that this particular puddle was still there in the morning when we were walking.

86 comments

  4. The title worked at this end and lots of good photos to enjoy. Thanks for the pleasure (and science and math) you’ve brought into my life this year and I look forward to more as well as more drinks and conversation at the bar. Not used to you posting at this time though!

    janet

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    • Thanks Janet, it’s always my pleasure to share these things. I schedule the Thursday Doors for 12:01 am to give the people participating from earlier timezones a bit of a head start. I”m glad the html in the heading worked. I don’t like the style of the heading in this theme, but I’m not sure I can make it any better (I wish it wasn’t all upper case). I changed the title font in the old theme, but it was often slow to respond, so it would appear and then change.

      Happy New Year – I am looking forward to 2021.

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  10. It is always a pleasure to wander through your pictures!. And yes, the closeup on the leaves is my favourite. I think you follow Linda G Hill’s rules just fine. You do use ‘one line’. you just send a few more friends along for the ride.

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  11. Exotic destinations like Pittsburgh? Way to keep the bar low for 2021! The title didn’t strike through on my end, but I’m reading from my iPhone. Let’s hope the New Year brings an end to Covid… and more bunnies.
    ❤️

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    • Pittsburgh was home for over 20 years. I’m hoping to get back for a visit. I did see a bunny this morning, but it was too dark to get a clear picture. An end to Covid would be a nice gesture on the part of 2021. The strikethrough might depend on the browser. I do see it on my phone (but it’s very thin).

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  12. You have been a breath of fresh air (as we’re all wearing masks), a bundle of information and a supplier of laughs in what could so easily been a year of complaints, Dan. Thank you for helping to make 2020 bearable!

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    • Happy New Year Judy! Ironically, those shelves were empty during the aftermath of a big storm. Still, that’s the sight that will characterize 2020 for me. I’m looking forward to spending time in the shop, and it’s impossible for me not to share ;-)

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  16. Normal is good. I’m all for same ol’, same ol’. Glad you intend to continue with the regular scheduled program, because I, for one, am not ready for any more change.
    Thanks for your steadfast contribution to the blogs, Dan. All the best to you and the family for 2021.

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  18. A terrific post, Dan. Yes, don’t change a thing. Your place has been a refuge this year and I would like to think it will be the same next year no matter how things turn out. I’m looking forward to more project work and visits to the bar. Speaking of the bar I loved the redo of the Willett label. I tried to post a comment on the photo but was told to try later. A very Happy New Year to you, the Editor, Faith, and all the characters on No Facilities. It was a super year, Dan

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    • I think the posts I had the most fun with were the ones where people joined me in the bar. It’s always fun to have real live guests. I think the photo might be tied to the post, and comments are off after a certain time. I tried that to avoid spam. I should turn them back on, since I no longer even check the spam queue.

      At least out here, in this community, 2020 was a fun year. I’m so glad you (the Producer, Lucy & Twiggy) were part of it.

      Happy New Year!

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  19. Boy howdy! What a fantastic gallery today. Nice reminder that there were good things in 2020.

    Happy New Year to you, the Editor, Faith and the 3 M’s. May 2021 be Covid free for you and yours…. and the rest of the world. I hope you’re up to your ears in good health, good fortune, laughter, Corona BEER, DIY projects, but mostly love.

    Looking forward to another year of entertaining, thought provoking, funny posts.
    Ginger

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    • Thanks Ginger, you’re the best. Give Murphy a scritch and a snuggle. It’s fun to look back at the good memories, but, ore than ever, this year, I’m looking ahead.

      Happy New Year!

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  20. Dang it Dan… you’ve got a real mean streak, leading with that breakfast photo. Thank goodness I gave myself a decent breakfast this morning. (I’ve been promising myself that a “steamer bag” of butternut squash wouldn’t be too much to cook in the morning. Added a pinch of sugar and a dash of nutmeg to my serving and it was actually very good. I should have added some bacon… Next time. LOL) But because of the rest of this spectacular gallery, I can ignore the gorgeous breakfast. ;o)
    I never make New Year’s resolutions — but this time I’m making an exception. I resolve to come up with imaginative ways to do Doors posts, so that I can participate more often.
    I’m looking forward to a 2021 filled with all your projects and themes. Except math. LOL.
    Happy end of the year! Hugs on the wing.

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    • I am sorry about the breakfast, Teagan. Truth be told, I did stop at that place yesterday after my haircut. No bacon and eggs today, though. I look forward to your posts, whatever day and whatever the subject.

      Happy New Year and hugs in 2021.

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  21. Thank you so much for keeping me on as bartender, Dan. I so love the interaction and fun of serving you guys and putting up with Skippy (bless his heart), plus I need the cash, virtual or not. I love that your favorite people are animals and such cute ones! The squirrels are adorable. But my favorite photo in this series (although the train is a huge contester) is the crushed heart leaf. ❤️We have had a rough four days here but thanks to the most excellent and caring treatment the hubs has gotten we are around the bend. Wishing you a most peaceful New Year holiday as we pray for a brighter year ahead. Math on Monday eh? You may be getting a few ‘the dog ate my homework’ excuses in the future. 😂😉

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  22. You know when people say, ‘Don’t change a thing!’ and you wonder if they really mean it? Well, I really mean it. I do enjoy your blog, Dan. Mondays have me scratching my head sometimes, and your one-liners are always fun. Plus, I really don’t do good with change. The gallery was wonderful–some photos I remembered, some I didn’t so those were a special joy. It is storming here and supposed to go on all day. I hope that keeps some of the revelers off the streets for the ‘social distancing’ NYE parties that are scheduled for downtown. Now, there’s a thought…… Anyway, Happy New Year to you and your family–furry and feathered ones included! See ya’ next year!!

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    • Thanks Lois. I’ll try to have fewer head-scratchers, but you know me, I never met a word problem I didn’t like. I hope the storm dampens some of the crazies – let’s not enter 2021 with a new surge.

      We’ll all be back for another year, starting with a rare Friday post (the badge contest).

      Happy New Year to you, your family and all those little mouths you feed.

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  23. Dan, I admire your discipline and consistency with regard to your blog, and the time and effort you put into it shows. I personally appreciate your wit and wisdom and your galleries are always a delight. Looking forward to more of the same in 2021. I can’t say I am in awe of your travel plans but as for crossing the border legally, that can’t come soon enough! Happy New Year!

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  24. Hi Dan – wonderful selection … Maddie and Mimi ones stand out … but then one can’t ignore other essential critters … as the magpies make their feelings known here! Also a clear sunny day … and like you here’s to an easier, happier New Year – take care – Hilary

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  27. You didn’t do too shabby in this dismal year, taking up a well loved challenge like Thurs. Doors, lol. So it this happens to you in a year of down turn, no telling what maybe happening to you coming year:):)
    My year was somewhat different than for most. I had trouble keeping up with 3 living situations, 2 of which I did not count on at the beginning of the year. But I’m good, which I know because I have started painting 3 weeks ago.

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  29. I’m glad to see you’re looking forward to 2021, although I think we all are – hoping for changes and better things to come, like traveling outside our limited radius.

    I’m a little disappointed that you are not completely excluding Monday morning math, but as long as you leave out algebra and Roman numeral equations, I’ll be fine. I am happy that you are continuing with the almost one-liners (you know I get how hard it is to not say more), Thursday doors and Saturdays at the bar. All treasured blogging events for many. May your writing and blogging days be happy and blessed and filled with animal hijinks.

    Happy New Year, Dan!

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    }ppy New Year , Dan

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  33. I’m looking forward to your 2021 posts…even the ones on Mondays that include math. There’s no guarantee I’ll get any of the math, but your telling the story is what’s best anyway.

    Let’s hope Walker Lady continues her walks even though Maddie isn’t keen on seeing her, and there aren’t too many days at the bar with Skippy tending drinks and food. That bottle of John Howell’s looks like it would make a great lamp after it’s empty.

    Happy New Year to you and the family, Dan!

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  34. I enjoyed the best of 2020 photos, like the close up of the chipmunk and the bunny. I think that big bird in flight is some kind of a buzzard or vulture. It’s good to know some things will remain the same – when something works, consistency like yours is comforting.

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  35. Hi Dan! I love your year in review photo gallery. It must have been hard to pick your favorites. Maddie, and the leaf facing the sun are my faves…and the train. I’m glad you’re keeping what you do on your blog. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Looking forward to 2021!

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      • You’re welcome, Dan. Thanks for not changing things in 2021. I already love what you write, and I hate change (I sound like David at the bar!) Going with memories is always a winner.

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  36. Seems like very good things to look forward to in 2021 and not much change needed because you have your groove here at no facilities
    Keep doing what you do Dan
    And wishing you a wonderful rest of the weekend

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  37. It has been a costly lesson for some that continuing on as before and pretending everything is normal is not always the best course but I think in this instance it is the correct choice. Thanks for all the photos – gave me a chance to catch up a little bit having not been about much. With challenges easing, I hope to be around more. Especially for Maths and Science Mondays. :)

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