Showing posts with label 2012 images. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012 images. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Grapes and Wine

I am amazed how many different varieties of grapes are used to make wine.

Most people can name a few.

Just a few. The biggies are:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Chardonnay
Riesling
Malbec
Petit Verdot
Cabernet Franc


But there are so many more. Including the ones above, I  found over 20 different grapes that I currently have represented in wines in my cellar. The additional ones include:

Barbera
Chambourcin
Chancellor
De Chaunac
Muscatel
Niagara
Norton
Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
Sangiovese
Sauvignon Blanc
Shiraz/Syrah
Tempranillo
Touriga Nacional
Valdiguie
Verdejo
Viura
Zinfandel

Others that I know I have tasted or even possessed include:

Barbarossa
Carmenere
Gamay
Grenache
Lambrusco
Nebbiolo
Petit Manseng
Tannat
Traminer

I likely missed a few in the list--but the point of the exercise for me was to review the different varieties of grapes that I have sampled and to realize that each grape and the wine it produces has unique qualities which when combined with the growing region and the skill of the wine maker produce very different wines.

Wines are like people. Each person is unique despite their ancestry. And like a good wine, hopefully we get better with age.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD




Monday, December 24, 2012

First Snow

And the snow started falling as if on cue on Christmas Eve. I wonder who dialed that up?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Reflections of Monticello

Sitting in the garden pavilion placed among the gardens on the south side of Monticello provides a unique view of Jefferson's plantation. Looking over the hills of central Virginia and pondering what Jefferson thought about as he paused in this space.
Monticello's Garden Pavilion

The harvest was nearly complete on plantation and the views were stunning.

It is a beautiful spot to ponder life and enjoy the scenery.

Chris in the Monticello Garden Pavilion
I have been reading more about Jefferson and he was certainly a complex man working on many intellectual levels. I am currently reading Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham. I am fascinated by the unique view of Jefferson that he provides. One of the small things I discovered was that Jefferson was in Paris at the start of the French Revolution during the storming of the Bastille.

I enjoy wandering the grounds of Monticello and it seems that every visit brings a new discovery. I almost don't need the house tour anymore, however, I enjoy strolling through Jefferson's home and hearing the stories about his life. Most recently, I took a good look at the wine dumbwaiter alongside of the fireplace leading from the basement into the dining room. I noted the reconstructed side and was able to compare it with the original condition of the other side--huge difference and the clear evidence of the disrepair of the Monticello house during the past centuries. I'm glad they have not reconstructed both sides to provide a glimpse into the condition of the house without the restoration.
Right side of Monticello Wine Dumbwaiter

Left Side of the Monticello Wine Dumbwaiter
One other thing I have come to realize, in reflecting about the amount of thinking and reflection that Jefferson did on horseback is that it must have been nice that horses have brains, unlike cars. Daydreaming while driving a car is a recipe for disaster; at least the horse has a sense of preservation.

I will be back at Monticello again--and I look forward to the next discovery.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Out the Hotel Window - Denver, December 2012

There was no snow on the ground, yet it was evident on the mountains in the distance.
Out the Hotel Window - Denver Dec 2012

This was a different view for me from this hotel which I have visited many times before. Looking north to the plains, yet with the Rocky Mountains visible in the distance.

The mountains are stunning.

The clouds foreboding.

And yet, yesterday morning, they were the majestic part of the scenery. I definitely prefer their view to that of yet another building or hotel.

The scene out of the hotel window continues to change with the seasons and the compass.

It seems so empty.

So open.

So unlike Maryland.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, CO

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Out the Cabin Window - Over the Mid-West

There is was last evening spread out before me to enjoy from my window seat on a moderately comfortable United 757 headed from Baltimore to Denver.
Out the Cabin Window at 38,000 Feet

It was the horizon and the sunset. I do not normally sit in window seats, so when on those rare occasions that I have to, I try to make the most of the experience. The sunset made the almost four hour flight crammed into a space too small to survive almost worth the adventure.

I don't often get to see the full, unobstructed horizon at sunset. Trees and buildings and even hills and mountains often steal part of the scene.

I had been watching the sunset develop, rather than taking my usual mid-flight nap. As it became deeper and deeper, I just knew I had to try an image to hold the scene in my mind. I know why painters paint--because deep in their souls they see something that needs to be captured and remembered.

Before it had become too dark to make out the details, I had been watching the towns and cities pass beneath the jet. I watched the lights come on as dusk gathered and finally began to notice the patterns of the street lights on the ground trying to stave off the darkness.

All too soon, it was dark and I was reminded that darkness is not the opposite of light, but rather the absence of light.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, CO

Thursday, November 29, 2012

KB-50 Aerial Refueling Aircraft

Is it a prop plane or is it a jet? Nope, it's a hybrid.
KB-50 Aerial Refueling Aircraft at MacDill AFB, FL

I saw this hulking aircraft on display across the field from the building where I have been working this week. As I looked at it, I at first thought it was a venerable B-29--but then I looked closer and saw the outboard jet engines on each wing and added fuel tanks.

I considered for a moment what this aircraft might be. B-50? No, they never put jets on the B-50's, I thought. A modified RB-50? Yes, as I crossed the parking lots and busy four lane road of MacDill AFB, Florida, that is exactly what I expected to see. It made sense--Cuban Missile Crisis, reconnaissance, Florida. Although the jet engines still bothered me because I didn't think the RB-50 ever had jets.
KB-50 Side View Showing the Outboard Jet Engine

People who know me, know that I am reasonably good at identifying aircraft--especially aircraft that were in service with the greatest command in history--Strategic Air Command (SAC). So when I arrived at the site and saw the aircraft was a KB-50, imagine my surprise--I had never seen a KB-50 before.

The last of these venerable aircraft were retired during 1965--what a great run.

I enjoyed researching the history of the aircraft and finding out how they were used. I think it was one of those really successful repurposing of old, but useful aircraft. Just a short walk away, and flying overhead I saw the current aerial refueling aircraft in the Air Force fleet--the KC-135R. It is good to get away to an operational Air Force Base every so often.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tampa, FL




Saturday, October 27, 2012

Franken-storm Cometh

The east coast is abuzz with talk of and preparations for Hurricane/Tropical Storm Sandy. It has become all consuming--even here at home where took a few hours of leave yesterday to begin storm preparations.
Storm Proofed Back Deck Area

We have many plants and chairs and cushions along with assorted patio related items that needed to be secured. The task was to get everything out of the open areas and secured. Including off the porch.

The pool house has become a temporary greenhouse (although dark) to hide the plants that normally adorn the exterior of the house.

I enjoyed all of the leaves that had fallen and I hope that having the leaves mostly off the trees will reduce the numbers of fallen trees and branches which create havoc when they crash through power lines, roads, and houses.
The Pool House Becomes a Green House

The news media is everywhere ensuring that people are aware of the impending storm. That is a good thing.

Schools are preparing for contingencies.

People are panicking. Others are making preparations for the impending mayhem.
Makayla Keeping a Watchful Eye on Storm Preparations

Makayla, however, is just taking it all in. She parked herself on the pool cover and just kept a watchful eye on my comings and goings as I worked to move stuff around.

Sometimes, I wish I were a dog.

Then I could lay on the pool cover among the leaves and just relax while the world around me is working feverishly to prepare for a huge storm.

Well--although the storm is named Sandy--it is really a Franken-storm because is stands to destroy Halloween.

But, more on that another day.

I think I'm going to join Makayla on the pool cover.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Ghost Bridge - Governor's Bridge Road, Maryland

Saturday, I was introduced to a Ghost Bridge--or Crybaby Bridge in Maryland.
Governor's Bridge Road Truss Bridge, Maryland

According to Wikipedia: On Governor's Bridge Road, in Bowie, Maryland, is a late 19th/early 20th century steel truss bridge; legend states that a woman and her baby were murdered in the 1930s. It is also said that in the early 20th century, a young woman was impregnated, but not married. In order to avoid judgement by family and peers, she drowned her baby in the river. Purportedly, if one parks one's car at or near this bridge, a baby can be heard crying; sometimes a ghost car will creep up from behind, but disappear when the driver or passenger turns around to see it.

We did not either hear the baby or see the ghost car while we explored the bridge--which is in need of some immediate repair. I discovered a lot of rusted and some broken metal while walking under the bridge. The bridge is a narrow, one lane bridge and fortunately, there was not a lot of traffic on the day we visited.

The view of the muddy water was actually very pretty for the autumn day. And the area is very remote--if that ids possible for this portion of Maryland.

There is a pull off for parking while people explore the bridge, but I did not see a sign to explain the ghostly nature of the area.

Standing along the rail, I could almost imagine diving off into the water on a hot, sunny, summer day as I am sure hundreds of boys have done during the many years the bridge has been spanning the river.
Visiting Governor's Bridge Road Truss Bridge

On Saturday, though, that was the farthest thing form the minds of the intrepid travelers with whom I visited the span.

And we listened for the sound of crying babies.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Colors of Autumn

I had the opportunity to spend much of yesterday outside enjoying a spectacular weekend of warm temperatures and brightly adorned trees.

From the Soccer Field in Odenton, MD

I snapped a couple of quick images with my phone to help record the autumn beauty. It was great to enjoy the spectacular display of leaves before they fall from the trees and become a problem.

I was especially enjoying the reds mixed among the yellows and oranges.

The colors in the trees made me a bit sad because I  know that this is that last gasp before the bare branches appear in preparation of the cold and snow of winter.
Y Worry Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Tree Farm
Davidsonville, MD

We also checked out a pumpkin farm. What a spectacular scene--the blue sky, the orange pumpkins in the cleared fields--stunning!

I probably could have done better with a picture, but it captures the day pretty well. A classic autumn day--one that people remember when they think of why they love autumn so much.

Pumpkin patches are an October and autumn classic. The children just love running from pumpkin to pumpkin trying to find that perfect candidate for carving into a scary jack-o-lantern.

House in Autumn Color in Odenton, MD
While we were out and about, I snapped a picture of one house, across from the soccer fields, that just made a good picture of the day. I was impressed by the clear sky and mixed colors of the leaves.

It was truly an autumn day to remember.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Out the Airplane Window - October 2012

I flew from Baltimore to Huntsville yesterday. It was a beautiful day flying along the mountains on the first leg from Baltimore to Atlanta and the scene just caught my eye.
Airborne over The Carolinas
October 16, 2012

Sadly, the camera doesn't do it justice with the mountains rising from the valley floor to meet the sky--but it helps that I have it fully processed in my head.

I just found the scenery stunning--green and alive. I think I have been traveling to Denver too often and am numb to the scenery along that journey which is essentially flat. Although sometimes I enjoy the Great Lakes off in the distance.

Yesterday, though, the mountains rising up from the broad valley floors were just inspiring to look at and to enjoy.

Thankfully the flights were both smooth and short because I get to make the return trip today.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Huntsville, AL


Saturday, September 29, 2012

Tinge of Autumn

I noticed it this week in some of the trees on my street. The first signs of autumn's brilliant colors creeping onto the trees.
First Colors of Autumn

There is a maple tree at the top of the street which always seems to be the first one in the neighborhood to take on the color of autumn. And it has begun. It is a stunning tree standing alone and I see it often reflecting the first rays of morning light. Although now that the season has changed I am going to work in darkness and no longer get to enjoy it reflecting the golden rays of the dawn.

I am noticing the color of autumn in other trees as well. The first hints of red on the edges of the leaves.

Last Saturday, when autumn arrived, reportedly, Jax got up in the morning and was shocked to find the leaves still on the trees. He thought that magically, overnight, all of the leaves would fall from the trees so that he could play in them. Fortunately, we still get to enjoy the leaves as they change color before they fall to the ground.

But, autumn is here and the colors are coming. I could complain that summer is gone, but it is a lot more fun to find joy in the daily changes around me.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, September 27, 2012

One of the Greatest Birthday's Ever

Where do I begin? My birthday was yesterday and it was one of the most awesome birthday's that i have ever celebrated.

I want to thank everyone who sent me birthday greetings. They were awesome and I am humbled by how many of you took time to send me a special greeting.

The day was planned to be a full day. I took the day off from work, Chris had the day off as well, and we decided to do some things we haven to done in a while.
Gilbert Stuart George Washington


I started in the morning by going to the Walters Art Museum. I throughly enjoy art and the Walters has some great pieces. There was no exhibit in town, just the permanent collection. I enjoyed seeing the Gilbert Stuart Washington and paintings by Monet, just to name a few of the highlights. But I always get my mind expanded when I view art and consider the period and the subject.

Then it was off to the new Clint Eastwood movie, Trouble with the Curve. A baseball movie, but more than that a movie about the special relationship between a father and a daughter. I highly recommend it.

We finished the movie, headed home for a wardrobe change and then it was off to Camden Yards to see the Orioles wearing one one my birthday presents: a new orange O's jersey! Time to rock the orange at the yard.

Windmills Near Zaandam - Claude Monet
The O's badly needed a win to keep their post-season aspirations in tact and so this game had a play-off run feel to it. So there I was, with almost 27,000 of my new best friends watching a tense game through the top of the fifth inning. With the score 2-1 Toronto, the Orioles bats finally came to life and the nightcap of my birthday turned into a celebratory rout 12-2 Orioles. And in there somewhere I even saw my name on the scoreboard to acknowledge my birthday.

Wow! What a day. Thank you to Chris for making it happen--especially the scoreboard and me name to celebrate my birthday as well as for being there all day.

I may start taking my birthday off every year!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Breakfast in the Wild

Walking outside yesterday morning, I spied a spider enjoying a breakfast feast of some unlucky bug.

The spider was fairly large--and in an accessible location.

It was feeding outside near where I was celebrating the last morning of summer by closing the pool. It was fascinating to watch the spider, who seemed not to notice me as I took some images for posterity.

I like spiders and am fascinated by their hunting skills.

And they do hunt. Their lives depend upon it.
Sometimes, it is really interesting to just enjoy their skills and watch them reduce the unwanted bug population--on dead bug at a time!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Palm Trees on my Mind

Palm in Turtle Bay, Tequesta, Florida
I love palm trees. Just being in an area where the palm trees grow makes me happy.

One morning last week, near the end of our vacation, Chris and I walked through the neighborhood where we were staying and happened upon a palm tree standing tall with gathering storm clouds behind it. It seemed defiant in its anthropomorphic attitude.

Palms are defiant by nature. They stand against the worst weather that hurricanes can throw at them and, for the most part, remain standing when the storm has passed. They may not be unscathed and have lost some fonds--but they remain tall in the storm's aftermath.

I wish I still had that much defiance in me. The storms of life continually attempt to batter me into submission--like the walnut tree which fell into my yard a few years ago. The storms finally tore it out of the ground by its roots. It took me weeks, and a new chain saw, to clean up that mess.

But palm trees stand--often alone, weathering the worst storms. And after the fury has passed--they remain.

I often remark when I am traveling--usually as we cross the South Carolina border, that once I can see palm trees I know that I am far enough south.

Palm trees are not just another pretty face in the crowd--they are strong and ready to face the worst weather imaginable.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Sunday, June 17, 2012

Sailabration - Baltimore

Baltimore is in the midst of celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Star Spangled Banner. The two year commemoration is kicking off with the Sailabration this weekend aroound the Baltimore Inner Harbor.


I had fun attending the Sailabration yesterday and enjoying the tall ships and the crowds and the air show.

The celebration brought tall ships from around the world into the harbor for viewing--and the crowds yesterday were there to view them along with us.



The ship from Mexico was a beautiful sight sitting along side the inner harbor from a distance. We actually visited a ship from Indonesia.

But I was fascinated by the flags and the people I met. During the course of the day I stod n line next to Tim Tooten, a TV personality from Channel 11 who we watch all the time. He was visiting with his wife just enjoying the day.


Wandering around the inner harbor, amazingly and without a huge entourage, was the governor--Martin O'Malley, and I got to shake his hand and say "hi" to him. I did not ask him why he can't manage the state better, though.



In addition to the ships, there was an air show and fireworks later in the evening. We did not stay for the fireworks, but did see some of the air show.



We actually had a god spot t see some of the airshow and I was nice to see the aviators flying their machines demonstrating their proficiency and seemingly defying gravity.



It was a fabulous day in Baltimore. The Sailabration is well worth the time aand effort to attend as the weather has been nothing short of awesome.

Oops, I did forget the sunscreen, so I got a bit over cooked.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Baseball, Lacrosse, and Tractor Shopping

The weekend revolved around a trifecta of activity. Friday night we traveled to Nationals Park to watch the Orioles continue their fantastic season.


They defeated the Nationals in eleven innings. I discovered that Orioles fans are far more polite when traveling into hostile parks than are the Red Sox and Yankees fans are that I get to meet at Camden Yards.

Nationals Park is a great pace to watch baseball and the evening was awesome.

Yesterday was a day devoted to yard work and trying to find a new tractor. By 7:30 am, I was looking at Craigslist possible replacements. Too bad that one did not start. By 9 am, we had driven about 20 miles to look at another. Disappointed, we did not buy that one either. Fortunately, the neighbor let me borrow his and the lawns are mowed--but the search goes on.



The afternoon took us to a lacrosse tournament. We had been watching Jax for the late morning while Ethan was spending time playing lacrosse. Sadly, it took so long to get to the tournament, we only saw the second half of Ethan's second game. But it was fun to see how much he has developed as a lacrosse player this season.


A truly busy Friday night and Saturday--and there is still Sunday to contend with!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Sunrise over Denver

I took this image yesterday morning from my Denver hotel window of the sun rising.


It was, magnificent.




Perhaps the only prettier one that I have seen recently was during our October weekend trip to the beach of the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean.

That was an awesome weekend and a great sunrise.

In love the promise of the new day that rises with the sun. Yesterday I woke up in Denver, and this morning I woke up in my own bed.

What could be better?

God sends the sun along with the promise of a new day to remind us of His greatness.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Out the Hotel Window, Denver -- March 2012

Looking off to the east the structure of Denver International Airport can be seen in the distance--the white circus looking tent like structure.

Denver Looking East
Actually, the scene is very nice to look at and enjoy as the day comes to an end and the colors begin to blend into the golden colors of the setting sun.

It was a good day, in that it ended and I am one day closer to returning home.

Traveling gets old really quickly--especially traveling alone so there is no one to do things with. Watching reruns of the Big Bang Theory on TV isn't considered enjoying the local nightlife. And the sports teams I like are out of town or not playing yet.

But at least the view out the window is expansive. The prairie is wide and open even yet, it still calls out to the adventurous spirit within me which knows that a long time ago I would have been one of those "heading west, young man!"

-- Bob Doan, Denver, CO

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Finding New Places - Solvang, CA

During my travel yesterday, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Solvang, California.



I found it to be a unique town built on a Danish theme. I admit, I had a lot of fun probably because there are numerous wine tasting rooms representing wineries from the area throughout the town.

I found the windmill to be a really nice touch right in the middle of the town.

Walking around the town provided a great way to spend the afternoon and sample some great Californian wines at the same time. I was also able to enjoy some very nicely prepared food while sitting outside at a cafe in the bright and warm sunshine.

I am sure that I will return home with a case of Spring-fever.


-- Bob Doan, Lompoc, CA

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Out the Hotel Window--Los Angeles

It seems that sometimes the best image outside of the hotel window is really inside the hotel.



The hotel I stayed in in Los Angeles had a great atrium with a lot of space,
like a shopping mall, and animals, like turtles and fish. There was even a duck in the koi pond.



It was a huge hotel.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
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