I think that all you can do is the best you can do (and then enjoy!)
Woody, always a great philosophy to live by! Never stop enjoying life, and always think positive... even though at times as we get older, certain tasks that were once easy become a bit harder.
On a seperate issue, I too am not a big fan of HDR...except when its both effective and yet not obvious. I will say though I once saw a NYC street scene where HDR was used to empasized the summertime street activites, and make them seem almost sureal. It was extremely effective. Thats probably because it was made to be quite obvious, a sureal scene.... obvious, rather than just enhancing part of the scene, which often render those parts unrealistic. Of course HDR is very subjective and like taste in food, there is no right or wrong.
Dave, like Woody, I admire your passion for photography and boundless energy to capture images. Always enjoy looking at your posted images and your photographic endevors.
Dave (D&A)