On The Fly

In this episode, 2024–In Review . . .  Wow, can you believe another year has passed? Time flies. I hope this year has been an incredible journey for you, too! Looking back at 2024, I’m so grateful for the moments I’ve captured On the Fly ; without it, all those experiences would be a blur. As we wrap up this year, let’s summarize some of the highlights of 2024.   We begin with a January post titled Childhood Revisited , which reminds us to embrace our childhood dreams and creative notions as a delightful escape from challenging moments. February brought us the Netflix special The Greatest Night in Pop. This documentary beautifully shares the inspiring story of creating We Are the World and reminds us of how creativity, charity, and the power of music can truly uplift others. In March , my colleagues and I enjoyed chasing whales . The weather in Dana Point was perfect for a delightful “three-hour tour,” and we enjoyed every moment without any island landings interrupting o...

In this episode, Respect for the Hunt . . . As the first light of dawn softly painted the sky shades of orange, Ronnie (Ron) and Rodger, two brothers, left their houses. On his way out of town, Rodger stopped at Casey’s to get his morning drink while Ron grabbed a cup of coffee and quickly dictated a text. “I’ll meet you at the gate.” The arrival of deer hunting season stirred excitement in their hearts, filling them with a sense of purpose and connection to nature. “My deep freeze is getting low; we must bag a big one this year.” It's still dark in California. I’m checking the weather app (15 degrees) to see their weather this early morning, so I texted them. “Are you guys in the woods this morning? It looks pretty cold there.” Ron’s response, "Perfect weather, if the snots not flowing, I’m not going!"–Not exactly something you’d find in a Carl Sandburg poem. I chuckled, thinking . . . we have a comedian in the family. “Do you guys have snow?” “No, Snow.” Yes, I underst...

In this episode, Poetry’s Magic . . . As autumn's crisp air ushers in the holiday season, I'm drawn into the magical realm of words. The soothing rhythm of poetry, the delight of children's stories, and the possibilities of this year's children's podcast create a joyful symphony. Recently, I have been exploring the classic works of great literary figures from my library. With his earthy poetry, Carl Sandburg paints such vivid pictures of the American landscape that you can almost feel the breeze. Dr. Seuss , the master of whimsy, joyfully transports us to fantastical worlds brimming with colorful creatures. And let’s not forget Edgar Albert Guest , who beautifully captures the essence of everyday life, making it feel extraordinary: simple yet profound reflections on love, hope, and friendship. You may have noticed recently that I've been adding poetry to my On the Fly blog posts to brighten things up. It’s been a delightful and rewarding journey, and I've ...

In this episode, Unplugged and Strumming . . . Welcome back to On the Fly. Today, we're exploring the joy of summer vacation and the significance of taking a break. Yes, Summer is winding down, and the lazy vacation days are ending for many of us. Whether you hit the beach, explore a new city, or relax at home, it's important to take some time to recharge. Summer vacation is about biking, exploring new cities (like last week’s episode, Tecate, Mexico) , and immersing myself in playing chords and melodies on my guitar. Getting lost in the music is deeply satisfying, and it's a powerful way to unwind and let my creativity flow. And let’s not forget the 2024 Paris Olympics! The energy and excitement were electric. It was inspiring to watch athletes push their limits and achieve greatness. A special shoutout to Michael Phelps for his incredible commentary on the swimming events—his insights and passion for the sport were unmatched. Remember, it's okay to unplug and disconn...

In this episode, More Than Just Stats: The Enduring Impact of Willie Mays . . .   Welcome back to On the Fly! Today, we're dedicating this episode to a true giant of Baseball, the one and only Willie Mays, the "Say Hey Kid.” The passing of Willie Mays on June 18, 2024, has deeply saddened baseball fans everywhere. However, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy. To honor him, we can't discuss Willie Mays without acknowledging his fellow New York baseball legends, Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider. These three outfielders dominated the baseball scene in the 1950s and 60s, creating a golden age for baseball in New York City. We’re talkin’ baseball . . . Especially “Willie, Mickey & The Duke." As a young little league player, I vividly recall the day my mother purchased my first baseball bat. It was a special moment when we visited our local True Value Hardware store. There, we chose an “autographed” Mickey Mantle bat. This bat became more than just a piece of equipment; i...

In this episode – Introducing Gemini . . . Today, I'm excited to introduce you to someone who might change your thoughts about podcasts and AI. This isn't your average guest, but rather a cutting-edge technology shaking things up in the audio world. Let me introduce you to Gemini, an AI-powered podcast co-host. Gemini: “Greetings! How can I be of service today?” Patrick: “Hold on there! “No need to be so formal, Gemini. Tell us a bit about yourself. What exactly are you?” Gemini: “I'm a large language model, a conversational AI. Think of me as a vast library of information and a creative writing assistant all rolled into one. I can access and process information from the real world through Google Search and keep my responses consistent with search results. I can also generate different creative text formats, like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, emails, letters, etc. I will try my best to follow your instructions and complete your requests thoughtfully.” Patrick: “That...

In this episode - Refire! Don’t Retire . . . It's 2024, and I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the talk about New Year's resolutions, goals, exercise, and spiritual growth. On top of that, this year marks the 50th anniversary of my graduation from Cuba High School. Some of my friends have been suggesting that I take a break and enjoy the simple pleasures of retirement. Imagine sitting in a cozy rocking chair on your back porch, watching the beauty of nature unfold before your eyes. Being able to pull out that old camera and explore the creative world of photography, travel again, explore the Sierras, or just spend some time with family and friends. You’ve heard it said that it’s important to prioritize your well-being and find joy in the little things, so why not consider retiring and taking it easy for a while? Doesn't this sound inviting? Be careful what you wish for. Recently, while meeting with my primary care physician for an annual physical, he asked, “Do you have a...