Monday Musings - October 17, 2016

1. I'm in shock realizing that October is already half over. 

Autumn Kissed Trees
at Arundel Mills
October 16, 2016

2. The weather is going to be fantastic this week. Highs in the 80's and lows in the 60's until Friday when more seasonally cool weather returns!

Tina working on Jeremy's Gift

3. I noticed that the trees are becoming "autumn kissed" with color.

4. Sometimes birthday presents are more fun in the making that the recipient even realizes. This was Tina and Patrick working on a gift to Jeremy yesterday. 

5. The NFL is concerned because the numbers of people watching the games on TV are down 10 percent. Perhaps they will figure out they are offering a flawed product which has become too commercialized and the rules too complex. 

6. When did clowns become scary?

7. The battle for Mosul started, according to the New York Times. 

8. Will there be any relief after election day from hearing about Trump or Clinton every hour of every day? Sadly, probably not.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Celebrating Another Year

Birthday Cheesecake

Yesterday Chris celebrated the completion of another year since her birth. 

It was a atypically quiet day. We were able to get a few things done around the house in preparation for the coming dark days. 

She received a rousing birthday chorus during the evening as her favorite cake was served--cheesecake. The boys did an adequate job. I usually make a special New York Cheesecake, but she called it off in the interest of time because it takes about five hours for my special cake.

Birthdays are special days, although I try to avoid mine. But I believe everyone needs to be celebrated and birthday's are a natural time to celebrate.

Happy Birthday, Chris.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Reflecting on NY, NY

First Street Vendor Chili Dog

Two weekends ago, Chris and I took Ethan to NYC for a fast weekend of sightseeing and excitement.

Chris with Morgan Freeman

There were the usual sights to see, however, there were a few other things that we enjoyed that helped to make the weekend very special.

One of the most enjoyable was Ethan's first chili dog from a street vendor! He thoroughly enjoyed it and there were a few more chili dogs consumed over the weekend. It seemed, however, that none of the follow-ons were as good as the first one. But he definitely enjoyed them all.

And then there was posing with a celebrity along the street. Who knew that they were every where? And he stood still for so long. He never even moved. Of course he was wax and standing in front of Madam Tussauds.

As we happened along the street, I ran across an NHL (yes I meant to type H) store. With hockey season about to start, I had to head inside. And what did I find? They were expecting me and had a jersey already prepared with my name on it! Actually it was a replica of Shane Doan's jersey. He is captain of the Arizona Coyotes. But it was cool to see the jersey with my name on it. I would have purchased it, but it was over $400! A real game jersey.

Memories made and remembered. That is the true gift of vacations and traveling.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Weekend Arrives Again

Friday's are becoming the catch-up day of the week.

I seems to get further and further behind on normal weekdays and then, Friday magically arrives and I have time to take care of the multitude of tasks that have befallen me.

Thank goodness for Friday, the savior of the week!

I have noticed that everyone seems to be in a better mood on Friday--and that is a good thing.

I am looking forward to catch up day today! Secretly, however, I wish that it was already Saturday!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Evening Falls and the Deer Play

Whitetail Playing
Photo by Chris

Evening arrives about two minutes earlier every day and so it has become easier to be positioned around the fire pit to enjoy the darkness as it envelops the region. 

The cold temperatures, in the 40s and 50s, have made the daily string of sunrises and sunsets stunningly spectacular. I enjoy the early rays of the sunrise on my way to work and the sunsets sitting around the fire pit chatting with Chris or friends recounting the activities of the day.

Two Deer on the Edge of the Yard
Photo by Chris

Last evening was especially enjoyable as two groups of deer decided to join the evening festivities. There was a small herd of five which played in the yard near us, even with the fire going. They seemed unconcerned about Makayla, who I was holding because she wanted to run and play with them. 

It was enjoyable watching them venture into the yard and then seeing the youngest of the group actually run and jump in the open space. The senior doe of the group kept a close eye on us as we sat an talked and they eventually moved along. Shortly after that, a group of two, presumably a doe and Falene, from earlier in the year, happened by for a visit. 

Watching the deer in the yard reminded me that we share the area with other wildlife. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: the Ballot Arrives

My Sample Ballot

A copy of the Official Ballot for my voting area arrived in the mail yesterday.

The past two years of political position jockeying have melted away and the reality of the decisions the are going to be made in a few short weeks are now squarely in focus. 

The debates that weren't, the mud slinging, the ads on TV will soon be over. Since I do not live in a battleground state, I have not been subjected to the complete ferocity of the campaign. I am sure that those whose lives are tied to states like Ohio, Florida, andCalifornia are  being subjected to a never-ending tirade of advertisements. And they cannot be good.

I have heard some disparaging comments about the upcoming election, for instance. "There are 300 million people in the U.S. and these two are the best we can find for President?"

My Take: Decision time is rapidly approaching!


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Opportunity of the Day

Each day brings new opportunities for action and reflection.

Garden of Remembrance
Clarksburg, MD

I receive emails offering opportunities to buy things or change occupations almost every day. Every commercial on TV presents an opportunity. Even driving to work in the morning presents opportunities. 

What I do not get every day is the opportunity to stand at the top of a hill with a hundred other people and reflect about the meaning of life as we remember and celebrate someone who is no longer walking with us.  

It is a sobering perspective changer.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 10, 2016

1. Happy Columbus Day observed!

2. The weather has quickly become very October-ish. The temperature this morning is in the 40's. Brrr. It was the first 40's of the season.

3. Last evening's Presidential debate was more of a backyard brawl than a debate. 

4. The leaves are falling from my trees without ever changing color. They are just turning brown and falling. Everywhere. 

Patient Greens
October 9, 2016

5. Heading off from the 1st Tee at Patuxent Greens on a cold October morning for a round of golf. I had to wear a coat for the entire round. I long for the lazy, hazy days of summer.

6. I noted that Toronto swept the Texas Rangers in their Division playoff series. It should have been the O's sweeping the Rangers!

7. I actually got to spend a quiet weekend at home, mostly. I got yard work accomplished and I relaxed. What a concept!

8. Short work weeks usually are harder because five days of activity get crammed into four.

9. Heard this the other day: "Couches are like bathing suits, they look great in the store and then you buy them and wear them or sit on them and they no longer look as good."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday Football--In the Rain

GORC Field
October 8, 2016

It happens at least once per season, we attend a football game in the rain. It just seems to be the way autumn plays out.

Jax with the Brace on his Arm

Yesterday was homecoming for GORC and the mist and rain fell during the whole game. Jax's team lost, again. The good news is that it was not a shut-out--they did score a touchdown.

Jax made some great plays, sacking the quarterback and causing a fumble was one of the best. He continues to play with a brace now, no longer a cast, on his right arm. 

Cool Rain Gear on a Young One

We did spy a small gator on the sidelines chasing a balloon--I thought the rain gear was very cute. Ot provided some comic relief on a dreary and rainy day.

The games are a lot of fun to attend, but I have to admit, they are a lot more enjoyable when the team wins. Which has only happened once this season. I guess there are only three games left. I hope the weather holds and that the rest of the games are played under a bright autumn sun with a blue sky above.

And a win would be good, too.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hurricane Matthew

The path of destruction through the Caribbean, especially Haiti, reminded me of the awesome and raw power of such storms. 

I was very happy when the storm track changed from moving up the Atlantic Coast into a hard right turn essentially creating a donut in the Atlantic Ocean--while my area will be spared, there are too many other places which will not be as fortunate. The destruction across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina caused by the storm is significant. 

Those of us who have been spared need to be prepared to render assistance and aid in the wake of the storm--where ever it is needed. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD