Author Archives: Jay McLaughlin

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About Jay McLaughlin

I am a rehabilitation counselor. I have many friends with autism and traumatic brain injuries. They help me learn new things constantly. I hike with dogs at the James River in Richmond - a lot. I've completed an Iron distance triathlon a year for 11 years. My most recent was in Wilmington, NC in November, 2013. I currently compete in mid-distance triathlons. And work and hike and take pictures and write and eat.

The struggle (the flying lesson struggle) is real

Posted on October 14, 2018 by Jay McLaughlin

14 October, 2018            The struggle (the flying lesson struggle) is real   I’m kidding, of course, about the “struggle” part – flying is a blast, 100% of the time. My brother Shane took that top picture … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, cats, Cessna 172, Flowers, Fun, People, raptors, Red-tailed hawks, Rivers, roses, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

When there’s nothing to say… 

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Jay McLaughlin

7 October, 2018             When there’s nothing to say…  …it’s better not to say anything. No brilliant revelations or images this week, just the usual. Hawks (of course) and the moon more than a few times. … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, Cessna 172, Fun, moon, raptors, Red-bellied woodpeckers, Red-tailed hawks, Rivers, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!), Wildlife Book Club, Wildlife Center of Virginia | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sort of like a road trip…

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Jay McLaughlin

30 September, 2018            Sort of like a road trip …except we flew!  Tuesday my instructor Ernest and I flew to Tangier Island Airport (KTGI) because you can’t get there by car. You can take a boat … Continue reading →

Posted in Rivers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Sorry to write such a long letter… “

Posted on September 23, 2018 by Jay McLaughlin

23 September, 2018            “Sorry to write such a long letter… “ “…I didn’t have time to write a short one.” – Oscar Wilde (I thought). But one web site I read said that quote “…has … Continue reading →

Posted in Rivers | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

nostalgiaphobe

Posted on September 16, 2018 by Jay McLaughlin

I am a dedicated nostalgiaphobe. I have no use for nostalgia. The past is just fine exactly where it is. The moment we’re alive – this very instant – is the best one ever. “That’s why they call it ‘The … Continue reading →

Posted in Rivers | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Random – but fortunately a hawk came to visit

Posted on September 9, 2018 by Jay McLaughlin

9 September, 2018            Random – but fortunately a hawk came to visit   Some weeks I don’t get any pictures I love (except gardenias) but this week a young hawk landed in the backyard. Right while … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, Dogs, Flowers, Fun, fungus, Gardenias, Insects, James River, Pony Pasture, raptors, Red-tailed hawks, Rivers, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Why isn’t there anything in holes?” – O. Henry

Posted on September 2, 2018 by Jay McLaughlin

2 September, 2018            “Why isn’t there anything in holes?” – O. Henry   The quote is from a story by O Henry called The Ransom of Red Chief. It’s unrelated to this blog post. I was riding … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, Cessna 172, Dogs, Flowers, Fun, Gardenias, Insects, James River, moon, Pony Pasture, Rivers, roses, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!), Spiders | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

More is better

Posted on August 26, 2018 by Jay McLaughlin

26 August, 2018           More is better  I turned 57 on Thursday. I took this picture Saturday at sunrise looking across the Potomac River on Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. There is nothing – ever – … Continue reading →

Posted in accipiters, Birds, Cessna 172, Cooper's Hawk, Dogs, Endurance, Flowers, Fun, James River, Pony Pasture, raptors, Red-tailed hawks, Rivers, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!), triathlons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

 “Try to be a little kinder” – Aldous Huxley 

Posted on August 19, 2018 by Jay McLaughlin

19 August, 2018           “Try to be a little kinder” – Aldous Huxley  That’s my whole family on October 28, 2012 at my brother Kevin’s house in Doswell, VA, a few days before Halloween. Even though we … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, Dogs, Flowers, Fun, Gardenias, James River, People, Pony Pasture, raptors, Red-tailed hawks, Rivers, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Civic duty/ dumpster diver/ quick and dirty

Posted on August 12, 2018 by Jay McLaughlin

12 August, 2018            Civic duty/ dumpster diver/ quick and dirty When we get to the river, Mackey and Turner jump out of the car, and Mackey poops on the ground – first thing – before we’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, James River, Pony Pasture, Raccoons, raptors, Red-tailed hawks, Rivers, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!), Snakes, whitetail deer | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments