IMRAN™: In My Humble Opinion

Wednesday, April 02, 2025

A Dog’s Life: K2 Turned 4 As Kennedy Bravely Faced The Sunset Of Life - IMRAN®

We all must face the sunset of life, whether man or beast. How we live our life, and how we face our end, are what differentiate the ordinary from the great. There is so much poignancy in this photo I took one year ago; emotions well up in me as I write these lines.

Kennedy showed his grace, sitting in the background of this photo at his forever home. Nothing could stop him from showing his beautiful smile and glowing love, regardless of what he was going through. The setting sun on Tampa Bay washed him and K2 in a golden light.

When my beloved Kennedy came into my life as a rescued German Shepherd, he was estimated to be between 4 and 5 years old. He had survived life on the streets of Texas, where he was abandoned despite someone spending thousands on some amazing training he’d had.

He had hip dysplasia. He also survived the brutal treatment for heartworm and other diseases he had before I got him. On paper, he would’ve been the last dog I’d want.

Who knew how long he would live or what other issues he would have? But in reality, there is no dog in the world I would have chosen to be mine forever, whatever time I would have him. Best Dog Ever!

Monday, March 31, 2025

A Dog's Life: Hot (Spicy Pakistani Food Loving German Shepherd) Dogs - One Year Ago Today - IMRAN®

A Dog's Life: Hot (Spicy Pakistani Food Loving German Shepherd) Dogs - One Year Ago Today - IMRAN®
About one year ago I started telling the story of Kennedy in a series of ongoing posts.... "A Dog's Life" was the recurring title phrase. Exactly one year ago today, I captured a moment that carries immense meaning in my heart.
My beloved German Shepherd Dog Kennedy (on the left) and his playful puppy companion K2 shared their love for spicy food—a joyful scene. I had made slow-cooked Pakistani beef (Nihari) with marrow-filled bones, a treat too tempting to keep to myself.
Despite knowing their doggie beds would bear the consequences, I brought the bones to them in my cluttered home office. It was worth every bit of mess to see them savor the flavors and stay close to me.
Kennedy had been facing some struggles those past few days, and in his gaze, you might notice a trace of that. Yet, his indomitable spirit—an eternal part of my soul—shines through in the way he acknowledges the spicy treat with a heartfelt smile.
That moment is a cherished reminder of his incredible strength and love for life. Best Dog Ever!

© 2024-2025 IMRAN®

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #memories

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Thought For Food: Easy Choice! Why Choose Just One? - IMRAN®

Start with a sumptuous Japanese buffet in the Tampa area. Then, indulge in the desserts (not counting the ice-cream sandwich I had after these - and not even touching the half a dozen other sweet options). Finally, ponder why losing weight is so challenging.

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #Tampa #food #foodie #desserts #humor #eating #dining

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Wind Weathered White Resilient Remarkable Rose - IMRAN®

Twelve years ago, I planted rose bushes in the garden of my blessed Apollo Beach home in Florida. Over the years, some have flourished, soaring to 10–12 feet tall, their fragrant, vivid blooms a testament to nature’s splendor. Yet, a few faced tougher odds—likely due to the rocky soil in some parts of the property.

One such tenacious little bush resides by the edge of my driveway. Unlike its lofty neighbors, this resilient rose has remained modest in height—just two to three feet tall. Nestled in a wind tunnel between my home and the one next door, it has faced countless challenges but has never faltered.

Today, under the already vivid late-March sun, it bore some of its regular gifts: two beautiful white roses. Their petals, though already whipped and worn by the wind’s unrelenting force today, showcased a quiet beauty, a defiant charm. Weathered but wonderful, this rose stands as a remarkable symbol of life’s enduring will to bloom, even against the odds.

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #roses #flowers #nature #spring #resilience #perseverance #inspiration #gratitude

Sunday, March 23, 2025

K2 Sniffs Out the Hidden Stick in Autumn's Natural Carpeting - IMRAN®

On the chilly morning of December 3, 2024, my German Shepherd Dog, K2, and I ventured out for one of our cherished walks at my blessed Long Island, New York home of over 30 years. The crisp air had my nose playing frozen tunes, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying nature’s beauty.

As we walked around the tennis court and wandered through piles of fallen autumn leaves, I picked up a random stick and tossed it for K2. It landed and disappeared amongst the monochrome brown layers of nature’s seasonal artwork. But with just a fleeting touch of my scent lingering on the stick, K2’s remarkable nose sprang into action. Sniff by sniff, he uncovered the hidden treasure like the champion he is. Enjoy the video I posted prior to this photo.

There’s something magical about moments like these—celebrating the little joys with our canine companions amidst the backdrop of autumn’s splendor. 🐕💛

#IMRAN #Autumn #Morning #Walking #Nature #GSDAdventures #Gratitude #Blessed #IMRAN #NewYork #LongIsland #EastPatchogue #HeronPointe #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

6 Years Ago, Playful Kennedy MidSummer 2019 On Florida Home Dock. Best Dog Ever! - IMRAN®

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #GSD #dog #GermanShepherdDog #Kennedy #seaside #beach #summer #memories #BestDogEver

Monday, March 17, 2025

Thought For Food: Opposite Of Fast Food, At A Snail’s P(l)ace - IMRAN®

Once in a while I’ve tasted unusual delicacies at cosmopolitan buffet meals in places like Las Vegas. But I couldn’t bring myself to have one of these fairly large sized snails recently. Would you and have you tried them?

#IMRAN #food #foodie #curiosity

Sunday, March 16, 2025

GSD K2 Chilling Seaside Tampa Bay Keeping Lookout Roadside Apollo Beach Florida First Sunday In March - IMRAN®

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #winter #seaside #beach #weekend #Sunday

Tonight’s Tampa Bay Beautiful Saturday Sunset - IMRAN®

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, ##Sunset #sky #clouds #Saturday #weekend #seaside #Maghreb #Ramadan #gratitude

Friday, March 14, 2025

Thought For Food: Air Fryer Mustard Honey Wasabi Salmon, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus - IMRAN®

Yes, I wrote mustard separate from (real) honey along with wasabi, which was my random experiment recipe, not honey mustard. Delicious home cooked dinner iPhone photo May 14, 2021.

#IMRAN #food #foodie #dining #gratitude #nutrition #health #lifestyle

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Breathtaking Hibiscus At Apollo Beach Home - IMRAN®

#ApolloBeach, #Floral, #Florida, #flowers, #green, #IMRAN, #iPhone, #Nature, #pink #red, #yellow, #winter, #hibiscus

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Six Years Ago: Kennedy Commanding His Kingdom On Tampa Bay, Florida. Best Dog Ever! – IMRAN®

March 2, 2019—a twilight drenched in magic, a loyal dog wrapped in majesty. Kennedy, my noble German Shepherd, stood tall—a living monument of poise and elegance. Together, we embarked on a journey of transformation. His arrival didn’t just change my home, it transformed me. Inspiring me to walk 25,000 steps a day—12.5 miles—within just two weeks of his forever homecoming, daily 10-12000 steps walking remain my routine.

That evening, Kennedy claimed his realm from an old dock, its weathered planks creaking under his confident stance. His tail, tipped with white thanks to an accidental brush with fresh paint, seemed to wave a banner of victory. He gazed over the now-vanished golf course, surveying a legacy that only his keen eyes and regal bearing could bestow.

Just past and around the corner of homes on the right, my sanctuary—the bayside blessed home I’m grateful to call mine—waited for our return. Beyond the canal, opening to the infinite embrace of the bay, Symphony Isles was destined to become Kennedy’s canvas, his stage, his kingdom.

#IMRAN #GSD #memories #dog #GermanShepherdDog #autobiography #Kennedy #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #Florida #BestDogEver #MansBestFriend #sunset #seaside

Monday, March 10, 2025

Red Rose White Wall Fabulous Friday Pretty Petals Morning Moisture - IMRAN®

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #flowers #roses #winter #RedRose #nature

Sunday, March 09, 2025

New Year’s Eve Morning Flight Around Empire State Building & Manhattan, New York - IMRAN®

The last morning of 2024. Another opportunity to fly in the amazing airspace above my forever American hometown, Manhattan, New York City. The Empire State Building, the United Nations, Harlem (East) River, and midtown architecture gleamed beneath me. Later, I would enjoy walking my city streets where, by evening, a million revelers would gather to ring in the new year 2025 with the Times Square ball drop.

#IMRAN #NY #NYC #Manhattan #flying #architecture #travel #aviation #landmarks #UnitedNations #EmpireStateBuilding #NewYearsEve #morning #NewYear #TimesSquare

Saturday, March 08, 2025

Breathtaking Hibiscus At Apollo Beach Home Today - IMRAN®

#ApolloBeach, #Floral, #Florida, #flowers, #green, #IMRAN, #iPhone, #Nature, #pink #red, #yellow, #winter, #hibiscus

Thursday, March 06, 2025

Five Years Ago Tonight: A Breathtaking Sunset Set The Sky Ablaze Over My Beloved Tampa Bay Home – IMRAN®

On the evening of March 3rd, 2020, I had the privilege of capturing a breathtaking sunset—a radiant masterpiece of nature I merely stitched together from six Nikon D850 images. While the original panorama is a massive 360 MB in size, this smaller version allows me to share its beauty online.

For three magical years, I was blessed to call this serene corner of Tampa Bay my home. Just a month before this moment, life had thrown some challenges my way. Yet, the infinite grace of Almighty Allah, the Creator of the universe, shone upon me once more, filling my heart with gratitude.

I remain eternally thankful for His countless blessings.

#ApolloBeach, #Beach, #BeachLife, #Cloud, #Florida, #GulfOfMexico, #IMRAN, #Lifestyle, #Nature, #Nikon, #seaside, #Sunset, #TampaBay, #winter

Wednesday, March 05, 2025

Hope Inspiring Resplendent Roses & Blossoms At Blessed Home Long Island, New York, Day Before My Birthday 2012 - IMRAN®

Hope Inspiring Resplendent Roses & Blossoms At Blessed Home Long Island, New York, Day Before My Birthday 2012 - IMRAN®
A dozen years ago before I penned these words in 2024, the rose bushes at my blessed home on Long Island, New York, were in full, glorious bloom. It was the early summer of 2012, the day before my 50th birthday.
The tornadoes and droughts of total economic meltdown, brought on by the policies of Republican President George W. Bush which enriched the super-wealthy with one trillion dollars of tax cuts, had wreaked havoc on my life as on millions of ordinary individuals, families, and entire towns. The next few years were spent on surviving, recovering, and rebuilding. Even then it was a rocky road.
By the time 2012 rolled in, after a labyrinthine journey of heart-sinking troughs, fleeting peaks, and unexpected drops into new valleys, life began to hint at a promising change ahead. I had to remind myself that life’s most exquisite blooms often come accompanied by the piercing thorns of reality.
The key is to persistently tend to one’s garden of dreams, rooting it in unshakeable faith, nurturing it with the water of hope, showering it with the rain of love, fortifying it with the grains of gratitude, and ceaselessly illuminating it with the lights of confidence, and perseverance.
No matter the adversities you face, remember, they are but temporary. You possess the strength to surmount them. Never let go of your dreams. Never relinquish your authentic self. Within you lies an indomitable spirit. You are capable of blooming despite the thorns. Are you ready to live the life you dream of?

© 2012-2025 IMRAN®

Tuesday, March 04, 2025

Whitestone Bridge & New York City From Throgs Neck Bridge As Snowstorm Began Winter 2024 - IMRAN®

I captured this fleeting image from the rear seat of a limousine being driven home to Long Island after a speech on artificial intelligence and innovation in New Jersey late on December 4, 2024.

We were about to cross Throgs Neck Bridge as I watched Whitestone Bridge and the New York City skyline in the distance. It was frigid and windy as snow was starting. So it wasn’t very tempting to roll down the window for a better picture.

#IMRAN #travel #driving #NewYork #NewYorkCity #ThrogsNeckBridge #bridge #WhitestoneBridge #landmarks #night #winter

Monday, February 24, 2025

German Shepherd Dog K2 Contemplating Passage Of Time, Awaiting His Birthday, Watching Tampa Bay For Dolphins - IMRAN®

#IMRAN #Florida #ApolloBeach #GSD #dogs #GermanShepherdDogs #humor #TampaBay

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Thought For Food: Air Fryer Salmon With My Always New & Unique Marinade, With Steamed Veggies - IMRAN®

#IMRAN, #cooking, #salmon, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #AirFryer #foodie #HealthyEating

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Tokyo, We Have An Addiction - IMRAN®

#food #Japanese #IMRAN #photography #bokeh #sushi #sashimi #fish #cooking #puns #humor #wordplay #home #dining #style #foodie

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Landmark Verrazano-Narrows Bridge New York City From Belt Parkway During Late Christmas Day 1200+ Mile Drive New York To Florida Home - IMRAN®

#IMRAN #NewYork #NewYorkCity #cars #ChristmasDay #Christmas #inspiration #gratitude #architecture #bridge #landmark #travel #travelogue #trees #BlueSky #winter

Monday, February 17, 2025

Heaven's Bloodshot Eyes Crying Oceans Of Tears In Memory Of My Beloved Mom's 33rd Death Anniversary (2/2/1992) - IMRAN®

My beloved mother left us at age 50 on 2/2/1992. Even after 33 years, the tears have not ceased. Thinking of that day still brings an unending flow of sorrow.

As I saw this sunset on her anniversary at my blessed Florida home, I was overtaken by emotion. Even heaven's eyes are bloodshot, crying oceans of tears. The sun seemed to understand the pain I, her firstborn son, have endured all these years.

I do not expect it to abate now or for the time I have left before I see her again in the Universe around us.

#IMRAN #sunset #anniversary #mother #life #memories #gratitude #prose #nature #Florida #ApolloBeach #TampaBay

Photo with 18 years old Nikon D300.

Sunday, February 16, 2025

(6 Years Ago, My Search For The) Best Dog Ever! - IMRAN®

Since I was two years old in Pakistan, starting with my first GSD, Jack, German Shepherd Dogs have always held a special place in my heart. My family in Pakistan continued to have them even when I left for the United States nearly 40 years ago.

When I moved to America, starting with life in Manhattan, New York, I couldn't bear the thought of confining a GSD in an apartment—it felt like cruelty to me.

Even after building my dream home on Long Island 30 years ago, the demands of work and frequent travel prevented me from getting a dog.

Watching my neighbors struggle through the snow to walk their pets made me hesitate even more. My longing for a German Shepherd grew stronger after I moved to my fantasy home in Apollo Beach, Florida.

Yet, once again, frequent travel held me back. The hurdles of adopting from shelters—endless paperwork, nonrefundable fees, and strict terms—kept my favorite companion out of my life.

By 2018 and 2019, I was determined to bring a German Shepherd into my home. A beautiful beloved former lover, a dog owner herself, joined me in the search, even meeting with sellers in her area.

Then, on Valentine's Day in 2019, while I was visiting my New York home, she found him—a beautiful rescue dog from Texas who had traveled to Tennessee in search of his forever home.

He had been named Denver and later Westmoreland, by the kind souls who had cared for him along the way to becoming....

#IMRAN #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #Kennedy #autobiography #BestDogEver #ValentinesDay #gift #love #MansBestFriend

Thought For Food: Goat Curry At Roti Saturday Night - IMRAN®

I was craving Pakistani Indian food few weekends ago. Saturnight (that makes more sense to me than calling it SaturDAY Night) I tried out the new place in Riverview. It was opened by a really nice gentleman I got to know from his earlier restaurant in Brandon.

Ironic to have eaten Naan, clay-oven flame-baked bread — not roti, that’s made on a black metal plate on a stove — at a place called Roti. It’s a very basic place with reasonable prices for a quick bite to eat.

Closeup of the goat curry, which was ok but not as great as the butter chicken. Hoping they’ll improve.

#IMRAN #Florida #Riverview #food #dining #foodie #Pakistani #Indian #cuisine #FoodReview

Saturday, February 15, 2025

How Cool! That’s Hot! AC Unit Infrared Photography - IMRAN®

#IMRAN #Florida #photography #infrared #night #design

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Thought For Food: Butter Chicken At Roti Saturday Night - IMRAN®

I was craving Pakistani Indian food this weekend. Saturnight (that makes more sense to me than calling it SaturDAY Night) I tried out the new place in Riverview. It was opened by a really nice gentleman I got to know from his earlier restaurant in Brandon.

The butter chicken on the right was an absolutely delicious A+. (Closeup of the delicious butter chicken.)

#IMRAN #Florida #Riverview #food #dining #foodie #Pakistani #Indian #cuisine #FoodReview

Monday, February 10, 2025

Spectacular Mild Winter Florida Sunshine Selfie Entering Apollo Beach Neighborhood Gate Late Friday - IMRAN®

I wanted to take a picture of something at the gate of my Symphony Isles neighborhood but the iPhone camera switched to the selfie side.

Who was I to argue? I just clicked and got this unplanned picture. Yes, my hands are on the steering wheel as you can see in the reflection.

Wearing shortsleeved shirts is one of the perks of Florida living in winter. I still haven’t taken off the 20 lbs I put on from being at the New York home after the hurricanes hit Tampa Bay.

#IMRAN #Florida #TampaBay #ApolloBeach #driving #cars @MercedesBenz @MauiJim @Izod #humor #selfie #winter #style

Sunday, February 09, 2025

Pakistani Flag Symbol Crescent Moon & Solitary Star Framed By Palm Fronds' Silhouette At Tampa Bay Florida Last Sunset Of January - IMRAN®

Imagine how fast time flies. As the last sunset of January cast its magic on Tampa Bay, it marked one-twelfth (1/12) of this year already being over. The year 2025 itself will be the completion of literally one quarter (1/4) of this century!

As I saw the crescent moon and solitary star framed by palm fronds' silhouette at sunset near my home, they reminded me of my birthplace, Pakistan. A solo boat was also just entering the frame.

It being the last day of January, I also reflected on how quickly 36 years of my American life have flown by. Our journey on the ocean of time slides by so fast until we glide away into our final sunsets.

Grateful for every day and night, I said a Maghreb prayer of gratitude for health, happiness, and family. I asked for strength, courage, discipline, and wisdom to still achieve the many goals and aspirations God gave me the potential for. Amen.

#IMRAN, #Florida, #TampaBay, #ApolloBeach, #Sunset #sky #clouds #life #autobiography #history #prayers #Maghreb #gratitude #Pakistan #inspiration #symbology

Sweet Surreal Saturday Sunday Snow Storm Spanned Sea Sky Scene - IMRAN®

Almost 5 inches of snow fell on Long Island, New York between Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

Saturday, February 08, 2025

K2 (Not) Howling At The (Full) Moon At New York In Winter - IMRAN®

Mid-December it dark like midnight even at 6 pm in New York. During his first real winter at the Long Island home last year, K2 loved the weather. He chose to focus his energy on the big stick at hand (or paw) than to go into werewolf mode howling at the full moon.

#IMRAN #NewYork #LongIsland #EastPatchogue #HeronPointe #GreatSouthBay #GSD #GermanShepherdDogs #dogs #night #winter #FullMoon #wordplay #nature

Friday, February 07, 2025

Gold Sunset Cold Tranquility At New York Home Beach - IMRAN®

Blessed to have first seen this spot after a snowstorm end-1993, I was sold. I am blessed that it’s been my blessed New York home’s backyard for 30 years.

The gold sunset in the direction of my “forever American hometown” Manhattan, the cold water of the Great South Bay rippling onto the private beach, the bold tree stump washed ashore many storms ago, all fold into a scene that never gets old, truth be told.

I captured this moment on 7 December 2024. I was out walking there with my dog K2. A perfect moment to say a Maghreb prayer of gratitude.

#IMRAN #NewYork #LongIsland #EastPatchogue #HeronPointe #GreatSouthBay #Sunset #sky #clouds #seaside #autobiography #HomeSweetHome #nature #tranquility #wordplay

Thursday, February 06, 2025

Watching First Snowfall After Many Years While At New York Home On Beloved Father’s Anniversary - December 21 Last Year - IMRAN®

Around the Christmas holidays, I was at the blessed home I built exactly 30 years ago on the South Shore of Long Island, New York. It was a special moment as I witnessed the first snowfall of the season after nearly a dozen years of successfully avoiding that weather, especially the brutal winters.

Most of that time, I’ve been living in Florida. I made far fewer trips to New York during the pandemic years than usual for me.

Mild and light snow like this has always been a joy for me since I was a child in Pakistan. Back then, my beloved parents would take my siblings and me to the beautiful hill station of Murree, north of Islamabad, to experience the snowfalls.

My father had visited me in the autumn of 1996 but left before he saw any snow at this home. In a personal twist of fate, I recorded this snowfall on the morning of December 21, the same date he left us in 2008.

Every moment, every breath, every snowflake is experienced in gratitude for having had the parents, the life, and the blessings God gave me.

#IMRAN #NewYork #LongIsland #EastPatchogue #HeronPointe #GreatSouthBay #winter #weather #Christmas #snow #snowfall #autobiography #HomeSweetHome