DUE TO THE HOT HUMID WEATHER LATELY EACH OF TONIGHT'S PHOTOS HAS A SMATTERING OF COOL SNOW IN IT......PHOTOS WERE TAKEN THIS PAST MARCH WHEN WE VISITED CANYON DE CHELLY IN THE NORTHEAST AREA OF ARIZONA
Ooooosh, it was another one of those stand still & sweat kind of days. Humidity levels are up again & the main objective of the day was to stay cool. We decided it was a good morning to slip down to the Ritz Villa care facility & visit my Uncle Harry this morning. He is doing reasonably well despite his age but is still on medication for pain in his lower back. His spirits were good & he was mentally alert. I think Uncle Harry is going to live to be 110:))
Some of you folks spotted the error I made with that 5th wheel right away in Thursday night's post. Yes, it was the front leveling jacks that I had not fully retracted. Don't know why I didn't see & understand that danger at the time, but I didn't:((
Can you imagine the shock of opening up your mail & finding out the tags for your Motor Home had gone up 78% over the past year. Yep, happened to the MTNAIRE TRAVLERS alright!!
Lizzie Jack comes in as our latest Blog Follower & we here at the Bayfield Bunch say, welcome to our travels LJ & nice to have you aboard.``
I appreciate & thank everyone for their comments on last night's post. All comments are helpful in giving me new food for thought & direction & yes, I did pick up some ideas from the comments. I am trying some new things with our blog roll idea on the side bar so you may notice things shifting around there over the next little while. I have some things duplicated right now but I will get that straightened out & once I know what I'm doing I will let you know what I am doing. The Shout Box will stay & I am still adamant about not cluttering our site up with advertising. Someone commented about the blogs background color appearing different but I haven't made any changes & it still appears black to me here. Somebody else mentioned about the Bad Nick link being broken so I hope I now have that fixed. Somebody commented they didn't like Bad Nick but I will let Bad Nick deal with that one. Remember, I am just trying to add some thought provoking alternative thinking here. Like I've said before, I enjoy creative change & am always open to new ideas. Sometimes I get things right & sometimes I do not.
Max in Virginia left me a comment that actually put a smile on my face this morning. Max said. "One new idea might be to quit writing so much about yourself." Well Max, I actually am inclined to agree with you. However, the problem I have here is that I am one of the main characters in this cast of characters at the Bayfield Bunch. I am the guy who writes my blog, so yes the opinions, ideas, thoughts, humor & everything else you see all comes from me. I often use myself as a foil for humor. Better that I talk about my own foibles, criticize my own mistakes & lament about my own current modes & moods than yours or somebody else's.
KELLY CHATTING IT UP WITH SOME OTHER FROSTY SIGHTSEERS
I don't know how many other blogs you read Max but if you have read my blog for any length of time you will see that I try to vary my content every day. Rare for me to write a blog entirely about myself & you will not see a blog coming from my keyboard that details my every waking moment day after day after day. What you will see is a blog with varying topics & subject matter not only from paragraph to paragraph many times but from day to day as well. In fact, my posts have of a habit of jumping all over the place from one topic to another occasionally. And yes, sometimes those topics include me. On my site you will frequently find links to other Blogger's sites because of interesting things I think they have written. You will find my thoughts & links to new Bloggers as I try to cast some exposure their way. New Blog Followers are welcomed & old friends remembered. When traveling I try to bring photographs & descriptive comments & feelings to readers about the beautiful & sometimes not so beautiful things & places we see. And, to do all this every day Max ,requires a whole lot of me in the blog.
THE STONE WALL TO THE RIGHT OF CENTER IN THE TOP PHOTO IS THE WALL KELLY IS STANDING BESIDE IN THE BOTTOM PHOTO
My blog is different than some in that I do not write my blog like a detached magazine article. I write from a first person point of view & tell you what I think & how I feel about what I see. Not just what I do!! I know my blog at times may come across as me talking about myself, which is true, but it is my way of conveying my thoughts in a matter I feel comfortable with. So, to sum things up Max, let me just say that I understand & agree to some degree with your comment & I can see your point of view. Thanks for taking the time to say what you think.
As a last word on all this for today let me just say I intend on answering a few more Anonymous comments over the next few days. This may come as a surprise to some readers but I did not take the 'Anonymous' comments about Thursday night's post in a negative way. However, I do get very upset with rude, sarcastic, demeaning & condescending types of people & their comments who try intentionally & deliberately to be hurtful. That happened last winter but I didn't take any of today's 'Anonymous' comments that way. In fact I felt one was a good example of constructive criticism & the other one brought up some very good bones of contention. One last Anonymous comment came in tonight that set me back in my chair a bit but I will have something to say about that one as well. Sometimes constructive criticism, even though it is given with good intentions, can step right up & smack a feller right in the face. In Thursday night's post I asked for ideas, suggestions & constructive criticism & today I got an earful & that is exactly what I was looking for. I thank you all for your input.
GROANER'S CORNER:(( Evidence has been found that William Tell and his family were avid bowlers. However, all the league records were unfortunately destroyed in a fire. Thus we'll never know for whom the Tells bowled.
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EMAIL THE BAYFIELD BUNCH:))
stargeezerguy@gmail.com
OUR PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/
The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right
now...... AL.
Al, I was wondering about Max's comment myself... kind of hard to right about the Bayfield Bunch and not talk about any of them, never mind the brains behind the blog.
ReplyDeleteI personally have been reading your blog since just after meeting you, way back in November of 07; and I look forward to reading everyday... especially to see what Al is up to...don't change a thing.
MnM
Keep up the good work Al.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't care for peoples opinions if they do not want to tell who they are....but that's just me.
World English Dictionary
anonymous (əˈnɒnɪməs)
— adj
1. from or by a person, author, etc, whose name is unknown or withheld: an anonymous letter
2. having no known name
3. lacking individual characteristics; unexceptional
4. ( often capital ) denoting an organization which provides help to applicants who remain anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous
wow I went back and read that last comment..what a jerk or jerkette,it's hard to believe some people could be so insensitive.When you read peoples blogs for a long time, they become friends and that includes their animals,we grieved with you when you lost your pals and we remember them too. We love to see their pictures as they travelled with you.
ReplyDeleteJean
1. I like your bolg.
ReplyDelete2. I like to read about what you think and experience.
3. I think you are the best photographer in blogville.
4. You have inspired me to look at things around me.
5. Your blog is your own. Write and post whatever you damn well please.
6. Remember and post about your dogs as long as you want. We have all lost nonhuman friends and understand the lingering pain.
7. Block Anonymous so he or she has to pot under his or her own name.
I did not comment on your last night's blog because I had no suggestions. I feel it's your blog and you should do what you want with it. People will read it or not. That's the way it goes.
ReplyDeleteCan't remember if you've said in the past that you write the blog mainly for yourself or not, but I think even those that say so are not being totaly truthful. If they're only writing it for themselves, why care what other people think?
I'd better quit before I get further off on a tangent that doesn't have anything to do with tonight's post.
The touches of snow were refreshing during the latest hot humid weather. :)
“My blog is different than some in that I do not write my blog like a detached magazine article. I write from a first person point of view & tell you what I think & how I feel about what I see.” Have you ever heard the phrase ‘self praise is no praise’? You should try it sometime!
ReplyDeleteMary
Beautiful and spectacular photos tonight. Technicolor!
ReplyDeleteI think the black background actually makes the photos and your text rally pop. I like it.
Sorry, but I just can't let the comment from "Anonymous Mary" stand without further comment.
ReplyDeleteShe says "self praise is no praise...you should try it sometime". She obviously has not been reading your blog for any length of time. If she had, she would know by now that you receive praise from many readers....both for your photography skills as well as your writing.
Your blog has stood out over time as one of the most interesting, thoughtful, sensitive, caring, though provoking, creative works in the RV blogging community.
Anonymous Mary must have very limited exposure...or she would already be aware of this.
Al, for what it's worth....I don't recall you ever trying to praise yourself undeservedly for anything. Quite the contrary...you usually do use yourself as the point of criticism and the butt of jokes and other comments. And...you are always quick to give credit to others, and links to other blogs you find interesting. That's one of the things you do best..and that's one of the things that others respect about you.
I believe that anyone who posts comments as an "anonymous" poster, either is lacking in the skills to have a legitimate presence on the web...or, has very little respect for themselves and the people they comment on.
have you read Travels in Therapy tonight?..you should..Donna did a great job!..worth the read!..she hit the nail on the head!
ReplyDeleteI, for one love the old pictures of the 'bunch'..we still miss our old girl and her face does pop up once in a while too..even after all this time...
I love the photos of the Canyon, one of the most sacred places I know. Gonna jump in here with an opinion. I wanna slap that dude that said to quit posting photos of the dogs. Another opinion. You are depressed, yeah, depressed, feeling stuck, and missing the furry kids. Is it time to fill your life with some more kids? So many dogs in the world who need people like you to love them. No one can replace Max and Checkers, but they sure could take up a lot of time that you might otherwise spend ruminating about what to write. It would be an unselfish move on your part to take on a dog that needs you even though you miss your others still a lot. Cora would probably be happier too. Mo got Abby just a month after her beloved Molly left the world at 13 years old. Best decision she every made.
ReplyDeleteAl, "Anonymous" is a troll. Trolls are miserable, attention-seeking people with no lives of their own. They enjoy provoking and attacking others for their own amusement. It's very easy to blacklist an IP address. "Anonymous" is trying to be hurtful, not helpful. I hope you see him for what he is and get rid of him.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have no suggestions. I just know I love reading your blog regardless of what the topic is. I recognize and accept my limitations as far as creativity and writing ability, but I certainly enjoy others who do have those skills and you are right there at the top of the list. I personally think your blog should be about you. So make whatever changes you want to make and I'll still be reading it because I enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteAl, I don't read or comment on too many blogs but I just wanted to say that I love reading yours. It's one of my favorites. I don't think you need to change anything. Hope we can meet you and Kelly in person someday. Hugs to both of you and Cora........Pat
ReplyDeleteAl, why do you bother to explain yourself to Max? You are second to none when it comes to outdoor photography and a great writer. You have opened everyone's eyes to the beauty of the Southwest, the RV lifestyle, other bloggers and you are the first to admit your shortcomings. You obviously have a higher than average level of creativity that you are gracious enough to share. I am definitely a big fan. Not Max' Virginia.
ReplyDeleteVirginia
Since I was traveling I think I must have missed the comment from Anonymous. I get comments now and then from an Anonymous, and I think it's always the same person, but when Anon writes I feel like blocking all Anonymous comments. I know there are some folks who just don't have a google or yahoo account, or who don't fit any of the options provided, so they check off "Anonymous".
ReplyDeleteI have always felt there is no such thing as constructive criticism. ALL critism is hurtful.
Lastly I will say that it would be rare to find a blogger who doesn't write about themselves or what they are seeing or doing. Some don't write about how they feel, but we all are the centers of our own universe, in that it's our unique perspective. No one should have to apologize for that or defend it.
I've been following you for quite a long time. I don't have a blog, but really enjoy reading others. We take frequent RV trips for a couple of months or so at a time, so I do enjoy reading travel blogs.
ReplyDeleteI like your blog very much, I find it very easy to read, I hope you keep the black background and the colourful, larger script. All in all it makes it very easy for older eyes to read. Your photography is among the finest.
I don't share your love of animals, but so what? I don't understand why some people are so spiteful, critical and down right mean about what a person says or does on their blogs.
I'm a great believer of "live and let live", I have always told my own three kids and the students I taught over a period of 20 years in Manitoba classrooms to do what you feel is right for you and to heck with what the rest of the world says.
So chin up Al and don't let the masses get you down, just keep on doing what you're doing, you've got a lot of fans and you can't win 'em all, no matter what you do.
Elaine in BC Canada
Merikay and Russ said it all... I don't need to say another thing!
ReplyDelete~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Karen and Steve
(Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
Al,
ReplyDeleteDon't let a few jealous, mean spirited people get to you, suggestions can be constructive, but some of the comments? I guess
it pleases some people to attack anything far superior to anything they are capable of doing.
You put tons of effort, thought and love into this, and turn around give it to us for our enjoyment. You are a bright spot, one of very top level bogs on internet, keep it coming!
Wayne
Al, as far as Suzy and I are are concerned, you can do anything you want with your blogroll or sidebar, as we never look at that anyway. Your words and pictures, yes your thoughts and opinions, are what draw us in, not the sidebar. As far as signing in as "anonymous," I've had to do that a few times on others' blogs when I couldn't get the blog to accept my profile, but I always put my name at the bottom, 'cause I ain't "anonymous," I'm me! And you're you, and that's great.
ReplyDeleteIt's your blog! It's your story! The negative commentators need to find a life! Those negative comments are water on a duck's back. No changes needed Al.
ReplyDeleteAmen to everything everyone else said...I think you know how I feel about your blog and writing style. I appreciate your blog, and I also appreciate blogs that are very different from yours. We all have our own style. The only thing I would like to see you add is maybe some data on some of your photos, shutter speed, aperture, ISO. Maybe not on all but on some of those really fantastic ones. That might be too much work but it is just an idea.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog for a long time...heck, I've even commented a time or two...but today I finally became an official follower.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your adventures, pictures and opinions with us. We may not always agree, but your thoughts often make us consider other options!!
Selene, NC
Sheesh. I skip a few days reading and miss all the good stuff. I've said it before and I'll say it again, your blog is your blog. Interesting, different, insightful, sometimes rambling and goofy (in a good way). I love it.
ReplyDeleteI think your intellectual restlessness comes mostly in your stationary periods, like right now. When you are traveling, yo are happier and more inspired.
The jerk who said you should stop posting pics of your dear departed dogs clearly is not an animal person and doesn't understand. Just because they're gone, doesn't mean we want to forget them. They were here, we loved them, and we honor their lives with our memories. And sharing old pictures of happier times is one of those ways.
I also love the pictures you post from previous travels. You are a great photographer, and not all of us were following you from the beginning, so it's interesting to see the places you visited before we knew you.
Don't give up. There are way more of us out here who enjoy your blog just the way it is. The ones who don't can just skeedaddle!
Jo
Sheesh. I skip a few days reading and miss all the good stuff. I've said it before and I'll say it again, your blog is your blog. Interesting, different, insightful, sometimes rambling and goofy (in a good way). I love it.
ReplyDeleteI think your intellectual restlessness comes mostly in your stationary periods, like right now. When you are traveling, yo are happier and more inspired.
The jerk who said you should stop posting pics of your dear departed dogs clearly is not an animal person and doesn't understand. Just because they're gone, doesn't mean we want to forget them. They were here, we loved them, and we honor their lives with our memories. And sharing old pictures of happier times is one of those ways.
I also love the pictures you post from previous travels. You are a great photographer, and not all of us were following you from the beginning, so it's interesting to see the places you visited before we knew you.
Don't give up. There are way more of us out here who enjoy your blog just the way it is. The ones who don't can just skeedaddle!
Jo
Hey Al, and all the rest of you bloggers...Please don't block out anonymous..Just because of some jerks..I post anon. because I don't have those accounts..I rarely post but when I do it's always pleasant. I feel you-all are someone I just ran into on the rooad and we are just sharing conversation.
ReplyDeleteThis past week I took a 400 mile trip and met another couple who had never heard of hitch-itch and they were happy to find where they could see the pics of tractors from Laurie an Odell last week.
UPRIVERDAVID
I didn't read the comments and usually don't read them anyway. But, I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteHere's my top 10 for the Bayfield Bunch
1. The photography is awesome.
2. Groaner's Corner is a must.
3. Love the dogs and miss them too.
4. Wish you were full time, but I do love Ontario. (from what I can see on your blog and others)
5. Love to hear about the squirrels and your attempts to keep them at bay. (this might be #1)
6. Anytime you have a tool in your hands.
7. Anything Arizona
8. I like seeing pics of the family. Wife, dogs and you.
9. Your shout outs to other bloggers.
10. How you use headlines for each different subject for each post. (Oh, maybe this is a suggestion.)
Seriously, your blog is great the way it is. Don't change too much.
I love it when a blogger shows their personality through their writing. I like the human connection to a person's feelings, thoughts and motivations for why they do things. I think it takes courage to express your feelings out there to a public audience and I admire you for that. Your blog is a wonderful blog, full of beauty, sadness, joy, curiosity, wonderment, and you have fabulous photos of God's creations, the whole kit and caboodle of what we humans are all about. Keep on blogging, expressing yourself and ignore the naysayers, pessimists, dysfunctional unhappy people, whatever they are! We love the Bayfield Bunch! And it's obvious you are doing something right as evidenced by the BIG number of followers you have and the great stats behind your blog.
ReplyDeleteAl, I read your blog because I love it just the way it is! I read very few blogs but yours I never miss and is always the first on my list. Stay yourself, that is what your readers love about you!
ReplyDeleteAL.
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you that I am developing a real inferiority complex on a photographic level, as I admire your pictures. But I still really enjoy studying them:)
Hi Al,
ReplyDeleteFYI for awhile I was having to post as anonymous as there was something wrong with blogger. But that is the only reason I would ever post as anonymous. By the way it was not I that made the anonymous posts to your blog.
Happy trails...Susie
Hi Al,
ReplyDeleteMerikay told me that I have to come by your site and see your photos. She was right. They jump off the page! I'm now a follower and I want to know all about your camera and your processing. Take care and have a wonderful week.