Thursday, December 6, 2018

Tribute to a Father


Chris and I watched the State funeral for President Bush yesterday.

We watched the television coverage for the hours that it was on beginning with  the Capitol departure, where we paid our respects, through to where the family departed on Special Airlift Mission 41 from Andrews Joint Base.

What did I take away? 

I was reminded of the history of the man. From a young Naval aviator during the Second World War, to Congress, to The CIA, Reagan's Vice President and then the 41st President of the United States. 

I listened to the speakers who told about his life and our times. Their words were recounted a life of joy and sorrows about a man who was genuine.

Alan Simpson said:

The most decent and honorable person I ever met was my friend, George Bush.

He never lost his sense of humor. Humor is the universal solvent against the abrasive elements of life. That's what humor is. He never hated anyone. He knew what his mother and my mother always knew: hatred corrodes the container it's carried in.

John Meacham said:

George Herbert Walker Bush was America's last great soldier-statesman, a 20th century founding father. He governed with virtues that most closely resemble those of Washington and of Adams, of TR and of FDR, of Truman and of Eisenhower, of men who believed in causes larger than themselves. Six-foot-two, handsome, dominant in person, President Bush spoke with those big strong hands, making fists to underscore points.

But, most importantly, I learned that the 41st President was a committed father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a friend. He had honor and integrity. He was humble. 

His son, George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States said this about his father:

In his Inaugural Address, the 41st president of the United States said this: “We cannot hope only to leave our children a bigger car, a bigger bank account. We must hope to give them a sense of what it means to be a loyal friend, a loving parent, a citizen who leaves his home, his neighborhood and town better than he found it. What do we want the men and women who work with us to say when we are no longer there? That we were more driven to succeed than anyone around us? Or that we stopped to ask if a sick child had gotten better, and stayed a moment there to trade a word of friendship?”
Well, Dad—we’re going remember you for exactly that and so much more.
And we’re going to miss you. Your decency, sincerity, and kind soul will stay with us forever. So, through our tears, let us see the blessings of knowing and loving you—a great and noble man, and the best father a son or daughter could have.

The character of a man defines him.

But through all of the words and tears what really moved me was that George H.W. Bush was a family man. He put his family first--and what a family he and Barbara developed. 

It was a great tribute to a father, who just happened to be President.

I hope that when I dross the threshold to change my permanent residence that I will be remembered for the family that Chris and I have and not what I have done, but how I have accomplished the things in my life.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Saying Good-bye to a President


The Capitol with the Lines to Honor a President
December 4, 2018
Chris and I sojourned into D.C. last evening to pay our respects to the late President George H.W. Bush. We were joined by thousands of other Americans who stood in line for hours to spend a few minutes in the Rotunda of the Capitol, the Cathedral of Freedom and Liberty, honoring the memory of the 41st President of these United States.

When we finally made it into the Rotunda with the flag draped casket, no one hurried us on or out. The crowd was respectful and well behaved. No pictures were allowed. We stood there, in the grand hall surrounded by the paintings of the founding of the Republic, to honor the memory of one of a select few men elected to lead this nation. 

The Remembrance Card for President Bush
(Front and Back)
And lead us he did. Through the difficult war with Iraq by building a multinational coalition such as the world had never seen. But even more, we were there to honor his grace and service to the nation. Qualities that need to be restored in and revered by all who would lead this nation.

It was a cold night. Very cold. Chris and I departed the house shortly after 4 PM to head off to the Greenbelt Metro Station and then to ride the rails into the city. We arrived in line outside the Capitol about 5:45. We stood in line, in the cold, for about two and a half hours until we were finally inside the Capitol building and then about another half hour inside, in the warmth, until we were finally in the Rotunda. It was after 9 PM when we were outside again and headed home after signing the remembrance books. 

The lines of people waiting to spend a few minutes in solemn remembrance had grown incredibly behind us. We estimated that those arriving in line when were leaving would have a five hour wait, in the cold. It was gratifying to see the numbers of people, like us, who were willing to take a few hours out of their busy holiday schedules to remember and honor the memory of a President and a very special man who meant so much to his family, friends, and this country.

It was almost 10:30 PM by the time we arrived back home. We had been gone over six hours.

Was it worth it? Yes. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Demise of the Fitbit


Until Sunday I had a Fitbit strapped to my arm all of the time, except when it was charging. 

I had used my Fitbit for a couple of years to ensure I maintained a relatively constant level of activity. My job is pretty sedentary and so I like to ensure I get about 10,000 steps per day.

As Chris reminded me, it is pretty easy when I play racquetball or golf to get more than the threshold level of steps. But, many days I need to walk the dogs or do some other activity to keep moving.

Sunday was, however, a dark day for my Fitbit. I am not sure when during the busy day it happened, but my Fitbit fell off my arm, probably when I was taking my coat off. It would be the last time my faithful piece of electronics would fall from my arm. For some reason, Finnegan likes to chew. He chewed my Fitbit before I realized that it had left my arm.

It is gone.

It actually was a two Fitbit weekend for Finnegan, he also chewed Chris's Fitbit--that one he snatched from her nightstand.

Chris has so far talked me out of purchasing a replacement. I am still undecided.

We will have to see how that goes.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, December 3, 2018

Monday Musings - December 3, 2018



1. December has arrived. The last month of the year. Christmas Eve is three weeks away.

2. It is amazing how life can turn on a dime. The passing of George H.W. Bush has really brought home how special life is and how one person can make a difference in the world.


Range Hood Mounting Structure
December 2, 2018
3. The remodel on the basement continues. Yesterday the bathroom was completed with the installation of the light above the vanity. Work progressed on reconstructing the former frame that supported the range hood. I only have to get it mudded and then install two lights above the counter and the remodel will be complete, mostly.

4. Family NFL Results

  - Ravens (7-5) defeat Falcons 26-16
  - Cowboys (7-5) defeat Saints 13-10
  - Steelers (7-4-1) lost to Chargers 30-33
  - Redskins (6-5) play Eagles tonight

5. There are 22 days until Christmas.

6. There was something enjoyable about 53 degree temperatures yesterday. Too bad it overcast all day. The forecast has 1-3 inches of snow for Saturday, brrrr.

7. Today in History. On this day in 1947, Marlon Brando’s famous cry of “STELLA!” first booms across a Broadway stage, electrifying the audience at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre during the first-ever performance of Tennessee Williams’ play Streetcar Named Desire.



Headlines


U.S. and China Call Truce in Trade War - The New York Times



Stunned Parisians clean up posh central district after worst riots since 1968 - Reuters



George H.W. Bush Quote for the Week


In honor of the 41st President of the U.S., I will be providing a quote of his today.

"In the wake of the Cold War, in a world where we are the only remaining superpower, it is the role of the United States to marshal its moral and material resources to promote a democratic peace. It is our responsibility, it is our opportunity to lead. There is no one else." 
—Jan. 5, 1993, West Point speech.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Remember Movember


Movember has concluded. 


Me with Mustache
December, 1, 2018
I grew a mustache to show solidarity with others advocating for men's health issues. 

At the request of Chris and my friends, it is gone now. I was enjoying having it and had begun to grow used to the additional whiskers on my lip.

I think I looked good with it, however, many of my friends felt otherwise.

I only had one picture taken with it, and I posted it here. It was taken yesterday before I shaved.

What a year 2018 has been already, in terms of my appearance. I have begun to wear glasses full-time and I grew my first ever mustache. 

Wow!

Just because the mustache is gone does not mean that my drive to support men's health issues has concluded! That is becoming a full-time passion, especially given my own journey with prostate cancer.

Men, and women, need to discuss mens health issues. The big four men's health issues are: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, suicide prevention and  mental health issues.  It is a complete package and men need talk about these things.

According to the Cancer network, an estimated 29,430 men will die from prostate cancer this year. According to the American Society for Suicide Prevention, an estimated 31,475 men will take their own lives this year as well.

I know that from my own personal journey that I am continually amazed at how many men have a close relative that has had prostate cancer. Yet, many of them have no idea about their own PSA

Remember Movember.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Saturday, December 1, 2018

It Was a Different Era


I was surprised, but not shocked, as I woke this morning and learned of the passing of our 41st President, George H.W. Bush.

In reflecting upon his life and times I realized it was truly a different era. 

We saw an era of grace and respect. A call for volunteerism and service before self. 

It was the end of the Cold War and the promise, now unrealized, of world peace and prosperity.

We had ideals and goals. We knew that America was the greatest country on the planet and we believed in our direction and ideals.

We were a thousand points of light for the world!

Quotes from President George H. W. Bush


"I will never apologize for the United States — I don't care what the facts are. ... I'm not an apologize-for-America kind of guy." —comments during an Aug. 2, 1988, campaign stop about the USS Vincennes' mistakenly downing a commercial Iran Air flight, killing 290 civilians.

This is America ... a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky." — acceptance speech at Republican National Convention, Aug. 18, 1988.

"America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral principle. We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world." —inauguration speech, Jan. 20, 1989.

"We're going to keep trying to strengthen the American family. To make them more like the Waltons and less like the Simpsons." —1992 Republican National Convention.
"My dog Millie knows more about foreign affairs than these two bozos." —during his unsuccessful 1992 re-election campaignagainst Bill Clinton and Al Gore.
"Losing is never easy. Trust me, I know something about that." —Jan. 5, 1993, speech at West Point, two months after his failed re-election bid.
Quotes compliments of CNBC.com

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, November 30, 2018

91.67 Percent


Some of you probably recognize the percentage in the title. It is more common than you think.

I wonder why we always default to 95 or 98 percent for things. Do we really know what is 95 percent of something? Or even 98 percent?

In trying to assess the completeness of the basement remodel project I struggles with a percentage. Should I do it by dollars spent? Or the time taken to perform the activities far divided by the total time I expect remaining?

Ugh, no. 

I am just estimating, and probably poorly at that.

Today marks the 91.87 percent completion for the year 2018. Being that it is the last day of December, the year is 11/12ths complete.

It makes me sad. 

While 2018 has not been one of my better years, it has been a solid year. I have great memories of the family cruise aboard Allure of the Seas and I have great memories of spending time with friends and traveling to Florida. There was a great Kenny Chesney concert as well. I will spend time giving over my blogs pulling together the memories of the year that is nearly complete.

Today also marks the 86.36 percent completion of my prostate cancer treatments. By the end of the day I will have completed 38 of the 44 schedules sessions, leaving 6 to go! My how the time has flown. It really has.

Today also is the last day of Movember. That does not mean that I will stop advocating for men's health issues--that is a full time project. But, I will likely shave my mustache over the weekend.

Maybe I'll take an image of it before I do!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, November 29, 2018

The Power of Two Words


Dow Jones, YTD as of November 28, 2018
There is an interesting article in the morning's New York Times that highlights the importance of two words. In this case the context is the economy and the world we live in.

The articles is titled:

Two Words From Fed Chairman Jerome Powell Sent Markets Soaring

The two words were: "just below."

From the article the description of the effect of the two words:

The chairman, Jerome H. Powell, said the Fed’s benchmark interest rate was “just below” the neutral level, meaning the central bank was close to the point where it would not be tapping on the brakes or pressing on the gas. Only last month, Mr. Powell had said it was “a long way” from neutral, leaving investors worried that the rate increases would crimp growth.
The small change sent stocks soaring 2.3 percent, erasing the losses from a rocky November. To investors, the new wording meant that the Fed might leave rates closer to their current level, keeping in place the steady fuel that low rates have provided to a 10-year-long bull market.
For those who have retirement accounts invested in the market, all of their savings, so to speak, those two words hopefully marked the end of a disastrous couple of months that has seen overall values drop by over 9 percent since early October wiping out any gains made this year.

In looking at the Dow Jones chart, it has clearly been a roller coaster ride this year. I remember that earlier in the year the president was taking credit for the economy and the stock market. That talk of economic success stopped after the market declined significantly in February. Since then, the trade war, tariffs, rising Fed interest rates, tech stock weakness, the threat of an impending government shut down have all battered investment accounts. 

I'm not saying that declines are over, but I hope we can level out the wild roller coaster ride that has been 2018.

And all because of two words!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Rolling into Mid-Week


Wednesday has arrived. 

Wednesdays will forever be special and known as hump-day, the spot in the workweek where we transition to the weekend being not that far off. I begin to look at the weekend weather on Wednesdays. I hope for good weather, but lately have been disappointed. This weekend looks to be a mix, rainy Saturday followed by a very enjoyable Sunday. Maybe even some golf?

I suppose that someday, when I retire, Wednesdays will not be as special for me, but I sincerely hope that does not happen.

Amid unboxing the Christmas decorations last evening for another season, we also continued with a couple of the smaller projects for the basement remodel. It is something that will happen each day until the project is complete--or nearly mostly complete. Last evening I was finally able to install the toe kick on there cabinets and put a cover over the hole in the ceiling where the ceiling fan was removed.

I expect Saturday to be the last nearly full day of activity. I am looking forward to getting the project completed. I have a couple of lighting projects to complete and then we will be at the 98 percent completion point. I am not sure the project will ever be done. We are currently decorating the rooms, but for the Christmas season. After Christmas we get to decorate all over again.

I am excited about the prospects of getting our free time back. Although, there are many other projects to fill and free time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Welcome Christmas Shopping Season


Was I ready for the Christmas Shopping Season to start? Definitely not! I'm still lamenting the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

This, however, is the longest official shopping season we can have. Thanksgiving was the earliest that it can be, November 22, meaning shoppers get a few precious extra days to surf the net and buy those perfect gifts for relatives and friends.

White House Christmas Tree
2018
I am still trapped by the basement remodel and have not even begun to think of shopping and the holidays. Last evening I started on the final projects. I demoed the bathroom light and the ceiling fan in the main basement. I then installed a new ceiling fan, in a different location. We are still cleaning up the ceiling around the old fan's location in preparation for painting and covering it. The important aspect of the new fan is, no light unit. The ceiling in the basement is just low enough that a light unit becomes a hazard to taller people.

I do enjoy the sight of the Christmas trees in the malls and the stores. Well, I haven't actually been to a mall since the trees were installed. I need to get over to the Columbia Mall so that I can take my annual image of the poinsettia tree. I always find the tree to be stunning.

Well, there are some 28 shopping days remaining until the big day! 

Keep smiling! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
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