Not far from home

"On the porch of his home, Jackie Bittner laughs with an old friend, in Port Deposit, Md., Monday, April 18, 2011. Celebrating his birthday, Bittner has lived in Port Deposit his entire life, moving less than 100 feet from the home he was raised in."

As I've mentioned, I've been venturing out to shoot whatever interests me - and generally that's people. It's good exercise I need, and it's a confidence booster since I've been out so long. As a friend said to me, "The world can take everything, whatever it wants, away from you, but they can never take your talent."

On the agenda today, the town of Port Deposit.

I've driven through this historic town more than I care to remember, but I've never walked more than 50 steps on the main drag. So I made the pilgrimage there, parked at the south end, and started walking north.

It's amazing how little I shoot when not on a deadline. I shot less than the equivalent of two rolls of film and bumped into a lot of friendly folk, including Jackie and his old friend John.

I spent about 30 minutes talking with the two, who are life-long residents of the town. I learned a lot of the town, and Jackie, who was celebrating his birthday.

Promising Jackie a print, I'll be sure to be back. I also am waiting to visit a certain place nearby once warmer weather breaks.