Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Legends, Memories, and Life Well Lived

A month or so ago, I wrote in a blog titled Zillbilly Losing Battle to Cancer,  that the usher who had created a unique persona at Orioles games to entertain the fans, was afflicted with stage four lung cancer.

Charlie Zill, that man who served the fans as an usher at Orioles games for 17 years, died over the weekend as reported by the Baltimore Sun. I also received a personal note from a family member as a comment to my blog about Charlie to let me know the news.

I was honored to have witnessed Charlie's rendition of Zillbilly. If you remember, the Orioles suffered through some 14 losing seasons and so often, his antics during the seventh inning stretch were the only thing to enjoy during some of those long losses that mounted against the Orioles during those years.

I remember looking over to section 244 from wherever I was in the stadium to see Charlie bring Zillbilly to life. I always smiled at his enthusiasm and creativity.

I was fortunate to be at Charlie's last game last week when the Orioles honored him. I remembered that he had wanted to see one more game and I enjoyed the seventh inning during John Denver's Country Boy when he reprised Zillbilly for the last time. Many in the stadium did not fully understand the legend of the man being honored that evening--but I did. And I was happy for him to be able to attend one last Orioles game.

Charlie--thanks for the memories.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Monday, April 29, 2013

Monday Musings - April 29, 2013

1. April is almost over and springtime still is not assured.

2. Death and taxes are the only things we are assured of. Too bad we cannot reduce taxes.

3. Weather is changeable. The best weather forecast I've ever found is to look out the window to see what's happening outside.

4. When it rains it pours.

5. On this day in 1429, Joan of Arc lead Orleans of France to victory over the English.

6. Sunny days allow for more fun than rainy weather.

7. Wine is the elixir of life. Drink and be merry.

8. Baseball, lacrosse, and afternoons enjoying family. What could be better?

9. Sundays spent with family. That is what it is about, right?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, April 28, 2013

"No New Taxes!" -- The dream and the reality

I remember those words uttered by then President George Bush (the first) which came back to haunt him when he actually had to raise taxes.

What I don't understand is that cry had changed for of our governmental bodies. Now I am hearing at every level of government our elected officials crying for "Let's find new taxes!".

Truly, I have heard about special taxes for certain sizes of soda, on square footage of billboards, and even now a new tax on rain, yes a Rain Tax--to name just a few. In addition to new taxes, I am being confronted with increased taxes on gasoline and even internet purchases and nearly every other of category in which I am taxed. Maryland already has a wine tax which is 3 percent higher than the sales tax.

Everywhere I look--taxes are increasing. And there are taxes on taxes, too.

What isn't increasing? My income.

At some point taxes are going to outstrip the ability to pay them. And the problem is that new taxes are everywhere and on everything.

The only good thing about new and increasing taxes?

I can't think of any thing good about increased taxes except they may be tax deductible--but by then the damage is done.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, April 27, 2013

It Will Be Better--I Promise

Geraniums out my Window on the Back Deck
Some promises seem empty.

Everyone who reads my blog knows how much I look forward to Springtime and rebirth and the world coming alive after the dark days of Winter.

And now, effectively, I am a prisoner I my house and cannot enjoy outdoors activities.

Why?

Allergies! I am in the middle of the worst allergy attack of my life. I am so miserable that I don't even want to be around myself let alone other people having to listen to me sneeze and cough, and sniffle. Yuck! To all of you who have put up with me thus far--I'm sorry. You have my admiration for not sending me off away from you.

My allergist promised this season would be better. It's not, it's the the worst. I'm totally demoralized. I have been getting shots at least weekly since June of last year.

We are going to have a short conversation during my newly scheduled Monday appointment--I'm going to say it's not working. I am miserable. I need the good stuff--if there is any good stuff? Claritin, Benadryl, and some nose spray are just not getting the job done.

Ugh!

Maybe it will rain and cleanse the air of all of the bad stuff.

But I like the sunshine!

I'm so conflicted right now. Looking out of my window, I want to be outside and not worry aobut the consequences.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Friday, April 26, 2013

Some of My Friends are Birds

I have to chuckle each time I see the Orioles Bird in some location not at the stadium. The other night, it was outside my favorite pre-game watering hole, Pickles, that I ran across my new best friend.

The Orioles Bird always seems to be smiling. When he is waving the Orioles flag at the games after a win, he seems to be more than happy--almost jubilant.

But he never speaks.

He wears his emotion on his sleeve.

His expressions are in his actions.

He is my favorite team mascot, well maybe I appreciate the Syracuse Orange a bit more. Nope--it is really the bird.

I enjoy watching him at the games as he incites the crowds to cheer and motivate the Orioles.

Some birds are just good, but

the Orioles Bird is the best!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD



Thursday, April 25, 2013

As the Weeping Cherry Blooms

April 10, 2013 - The Buds Begin to Open



This springtime I documented the progression of Spring through the blossoming of the Weeping Cherry tree in my yard.

April 11, 2013 - Getting Fuller
As I reviewed the images, taken over a 12 day period, I noticed how not only did the blooms open on the tree, but how the leaves on the trees behind the Weeping Cherry began to fill in.

I guess the four images represent the 13 days of Weeping Cherry--or something corny like that.
April 13, 2013 - Full Bloom
It is fascinating to see the changes. I also noted how the lawn greened up during that two week period as well.

Springtime and rebirth are good for the soul. It reminds me that even though everything seems to be dead, life is contained within. 

The resurgence of the blooms and the green are a sign that the dark season is over.

I just wish the temperatures would start to climb, although yesterday it hit 77 degrees.

April 23, 2013 - Still Blooming but Fading Fast
Although the blossoms are fading fast, the tree is still a marvel to look at and admire. Why? Because I really have nothing to do with its beauty. God did that.

I just get to enjoy and appreciate it. 

Every day now for two weeks. And during the summer as I mow around the tree the image of its springtime beauty remains clear--until next year's image replaces it. Best yet, my Dad and Mom were here this year to enjoy the blossoming with me--and that is a memory I will never forget.

Maybe. despite Winter's best efforts Spring is really here.

What is next?

I only need to look and be ready to enjoy.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Springtime Fizzles

It has been unseasonably cold the past couple weeks. Spring's arrival was supposed to shake the world free from the grasp of Winter. It has not been a clean break. Blizzards and mounting snows in the mid section of the country continue on what seems like an almost daily basis. Cold temperatures continue to rock the East. Even freezing temperatures continue in my personal mecca of Florida.

I have attending baseball games wearing winter coats trying to stave off frostbite and it has been too cold to even drink beer. I think the vendors would do better offering hot chocolate and coffee as the walk through the crowd.

Summertime is on deck. Literally. The geraniums have been planted in the planers, the pool is calling to me that it is time to be open. I mowed the lawn for the first time last weekend. This is the first year I that I can recall not mowing at least once during March and then continuing weekly mowings through April. The pool deck area has been prepared for relaxation--if only the temperatures would cooperate.

I hear even the cicadas are on deck waiting for warmer weather to emerge. Although, the cold has kept the mosquitos in check--and that is a good thing.

So, in my estimation, Springtime has fizzled. I got excited yesterday morning when the pre-dawn temperature was 45 degrees. It was ten degrees warmer than the previous two days and 25 degrees colder than it should be, in my mind. This morning, however, ground was lost as the predawn temperature was only 41 degrees.

I am waiting for the warm-up to begin so that outdoor activities can get into full swing. Today's high is expected to be 75 degrees.

Waiting.

Still waiting.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD




Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Talking it Out

I had a talk with Makayla, my dog, last evening.

The house was quiet and I unloaded some of the cares of my day onto her. Why? Because she just loves being near me and I love looking into her big, brown eyes and seeing the trust and respect she has for me.

Confession is good for the soul. She never judges me--she just looks at me with anticipation and at just the right time, she licked my nose and made me laugh.

Of course the conversation was pretty one-sided. But, some conversations are meant to be one-sided. One party needs to talk and the other's job is to listen. She is a pretty good listener. Sometimes she even comes when I call for her.

Did I solve the great mysteries of the universe? No. Did I tease out some things which have been nagging at me? Yes.

Did she have to say a word?

Nope.

That's why dogs are man's best friend, they are short on words, long on comfort, and they are still there even after the cats have moved on to find a warmer spot in the bed.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, April 22, 2013

Monday Musings - April 22, 2013

1. What a week. Form the Boston Marathon bombings to West, Texas fertilizer plant explain and difficult weather in the mid-west.

2. Chris and I have done a lot of plantings in the gardens. I hope we continue to dodge the freezing temperatures--even by a couple of degrees.

3. Sunday's are for family--and yesterday was especially a family day. Thanks to everyone.

4. I am still waiting for the summertime temperatures. It is very chilly. I have slipped pool opening day by a week to the first weekend in May as a result of the low temperatures.

5. Candles, dinner, a nice glass of wine coupled with good conversation as evening falls. What could be better?

6. Night falls quiet after a busy day. Monday calls to start another week. Oh, how I long for Saturday again.

7. Why do weeks always seem busier on Monday morning than they do on Friday afternoon?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Baseball the Purest Form of Society

Yesterday reminded me of how baseball should can be representative of a perfect society. It had been many years since I coached youth baseball and T-ball, specifically, is where the emphasis is on developing skills, learning the game, and celebrating success--for both teams.

On a cold Saturday morning, the Tigers collected with hundreds of other children and adults to march through the neighborhood and open the springs sports season. During the parade I saw a lot of resemblance between our team and the Bad News Bears. It was funny (frustrating?) to watch 4-6 year olds try to carry a large banner along the parade route and stay in line and together. But we got them all to the parade's end without incident. Later, during the early evening was the opening day game for the Tigers.

The game was exciting and perfect because everyone cheered every good play--on both sides. The game was focused on helping the kids learn the game and have fun. I thought it was especially great when the other team made a good out at first--the only one of the day, and everyone cheered. It was a good play.

The only thing that would have made the game more perfect is if Jax could have been there rather than off to Texas for his uncle's wedding. But, I 'm sure he had a lot more fun in Texas--where everything is bigger.

In this iteration of T'Ball we do not keep score and I was asked by one of our players after the game-- "Who won?" I replied to him, "everyone did." It took his six-year mind only a few seconds to say: "So it was a tie?" Which made him happy.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD




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