Last Gasp

Summer does not realize that its run is over. Yesterday saw a new high set in Baltimore. The high temperature yesterday was 95 degrees eclipsing the previous high by 3 degrees. Summer is still here. It was the hottest October day since they began keeping records in 1872.

We enjoyed baseball practice last evening in the heat. While the boys withered a bit while working out, but I enjoy practice in the heat far better than in cold weather. I remember last April when the temperatures were in the 30's--it is hard to concentrate. 

The weather reporters are forecasting that Autumn is on its way. they are saying cod front is on its way and Saturday morning the forecast is for lows in the mid-40's. Now that is cold. 

I suppose that yesterday's temperatures are summer's last gasp. Today is supposed be in the 70's. Over 20 degrees cooler than yesterday's high. It is 77 degrees right now but the cold front is on its way and the temperatures will drop. 

On the weather front--we really could use some rain. But I am sure that will come and then I will complain.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

A-12 on the Deck of the Intrepid
NYC
September 29, 2019

We took a lot of pictures during our two-day visit to NYC. It seemed harsh to share just four of them in yesterday's blog. So, I decided to do another day on the city and focus upon on specific stop.

Jax and Chris in Gemini Capsule Mock-up
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, NYC
September 29, 2019

Amidst all of the fun of walking around in the man-made canyons beneath the towering buildings, there were a lot of fun things to see and experience. We had a very busy schedule and there was almost no downtime. 


Today, I am going to focus on the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. I had never been to the museum before, but I will not miss it again. It is definitely on the stop for every visit to the Big Apple with people who have never been there before. First, the view from the ship of the skyline is stunning! But even more important, the aircraft carrier and its history is presented in spectacular form and the ability to wander around the carrier is a second-to-none experience. the museum represents probably the best nexus for sea, air, and space that I have ever experienced. 

Me and Jax
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
September 29, 2019

Regulus Cruise Missile
Cold War Nuclear Relic
USS Growler
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, NYC
September 29, 2019

The exhibits are in great shape and they are, most importantly, accessible. It is east to get close--but do not touch. There are many hands-on exhibits for the young people in your life. 

The tour of the submarine and the the space shuttle Enterprise hangar are highlights--but there are highlights around the entire complex. The museum is truly a gem in the heart of the city. 

It is a must see.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Conquering NYC

At Night from the Empire State Building
September 29, 2019

Reflection of the new World Trade Center 1
on another building
September 30, 2019

It was a whirlwind trop to the Big Apple for Chris, Jax, and me. 

We left Sunday morning and returned last evening. It was a trip to celebrate his promotion from 5th grade and into middle school. We could not have picked a better weekend for the visit and making use of a school holiday made it an even better trip. The weather was generally fantastic with only a few raindrops falling onto us as we disembarked from the oat which brought us back to shore from visiting the Statue of Liberty. 

The trip included a visit to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, the obligatory visit to Times Square and dinner there followed by a nighttime visit to the Empire State Building--which was awesome. I had never seen the city from there at night. 

Chris and Jax at the Shuttle Enterprise
Intrepid Air and Space Museum
September 29, 2019

Statue of Liberty
September 30, 2019

Yesterday was a fast paced day. We began by going to Rockefeller Center and visiting some of the shops. We missed the Today Show by a few minutes. From there, after retrieving the car, we headed off to the World Trade Center Memorial and from there the Statue of Liberty. There is so much to do in NYC, a short overnight just does not seem to do it justice. 

But we had fun and squeezed in a much as we could. We drove this time and it was not too bad. I even did pretty good in the NYC traffic. It is not all that much worse the Baltimore traffic.

And now, we return to our regularly scheduled week.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Unsatisfying Result

It was a doubleheader Saturday and the GORC Cooperstown 12U headed to La Plata to play the Senators. 

Lunch Between the Games
La Plata, MD
September 28, 2019

It was a long drive. But everyone arrived ready to play the games. The day started cool due to the heavy overcast, which was great--but, we began the first game in a drenching rainstorm, which while keeping the dust down on the field also seemed to quench the intensity of our bats. The games ended under a burning sun. We managed only three runs over the two games. The final results were losses: 14-1 and 14-2. The mercy rule kicked in for both games. 

We made some good plays in the field, but the Senators bats were very hot and they were able to find holes in our infield and outfield all day. 

It was a learning experience!

We will be better for it next time. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Crashing through the Weekend

Me with Jeremy, Nicole and Patrick
Elkridge, MD
September 26, 2019

We have so much stuff planned this weekend that two days were not enough in which to complete everything and so I stole a day from the workweek and added Monday to make this a three-day weekend!

We are going to be "crazy" busy. 

We have already been busy starting with my birthday on Thursday, followed by Happy Hour with friends last evening. 

Today the GORC Cooperstown Wildcats play a double header in La Plata! At least we get two games because it is over an hour drive with no traffic. That will eat up most of Saturday. But it will be a baseball Saturday--what could be bad about that?

Tomorrow, bright and early probably before dawn, Chris and I head out for NYC with Jax for an overnight. I am taking a day off on Monday so that we can explore NYC and then return at our leisure. 

By the time the weekend is complete, I may be looking forward to getting back to work to get some rest. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Birthday

Thanks to all who provided greetings for my birthday. It is overwhelming to get greetings form so many people. I remember that in the olden days we would rush to the mail box for greetings and now we go to Facebook. 

I cannot believe that I am another year older--I hope I have the mental capacity to remember my new age when asked--whatever it is.

I have been asked about retirement and I think the end of the daily work rodeo is forming out on the horizon. It is still in the distance, but I have begun to get ready for the day when I no longer report to work promptly at 0700--but not yet. 

What will life after retirement look like? 

I am still looking for that answer. 

Prostate Cancer Awareness Ribbon

From seeing my retired friends, I know that there is life after retirement, but I am not too sure what it is at this point. 

But this birthday reminds me that the year past was a traumatic year. I went through 44 prostate cancer treatments starting right after my last birthday and have been recovering marvelously since then. September is, after all,  prostate cancer awareness month.  Chris and I bought a condo in Florida--but did not go on a cruise, although we recently went to Hawaii. But most importantly, we have spent time with family. 

A wise man once told me that after I retire and leave the organization where I work that people will quickly forget what I did there, but my family will never forget the times we spent together and the times we spent apart. 

I have had both times with and apart from my family.  Last evening was special because I was able to gather with my whole family--minus one, to celebrate.

Let the next year begin.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Craziness in D.C.

The back and forth summer of jockeying by the President and the Congress has continues into autumn and the wheels are threatening to come off the country. My minds is reeling from all of the activity. 

Wow it has been a wild week! Or is that a month? Possibly a wild year? Maybe two-and-a-half wild years?

Accusations. Charges. Counter-claims. Whistle-blowers. Indignation. Ukraine? Elections.

And then there is the impeachment probe being initiated in the House. More dysfunction at work. 

Is anyone governing the country? Managing foreign policy? Ensuring Domestic tranquility? 

Who is in charge at The White House? 

Will there be another government shutdown as early as Tuesday? 

Is anyone in charge anymore?

Have our leaders lost sight of their primary mission?


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Autumn Arriving

Autumn Evening
Elkridge, MD
September 24, 2019

Last evening the weather changed and I felt Autumn in the air. The temperatures were below 80 and the humidity finally dropped. Chris and I sat outside under a cyan sky sipping the white wine of summer past and enjoying the moderate temperatures. Although we were afflicted by hordes of gnats.

Sitting outside as the twilight fell, I noticed that autumn colors were beginning to make their way into the trees. The dry weather has meant that many leaves are already falling and are  covering my yard. But, we recently had the yard aerated and over-seeded  meaning we are watering right now trying to get grass germinated and growing before the warm weather departs. 

What we do to try and enjoy good lawns, so that we can mow them. With Autumn arriving, the end of the lawn care season is in sight, just as the pool season has likewise ended. 

It is time to begin to make ready for the dark season. We retrieved the Halloween decorations from the attic last evening to begin to make ready for the season of goblins and ghouls! October is getting close! Soon there will be frost on the pumpkins. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

October Baseball

Major league baseball teams dream of playing October games because that means they are in the playoffs with a chance to play and win the World Series. 

The Orioles will not be playing in October this year. They are 51-106 .325 with five games remaining. They have bested the record of the 2018 Orioles who only won 47 games--but to say that there is improvement is searching for positives among the thorns. Last night they lost a 15 inning game 11-10 by virtue of a walk-off homer to the Blue Jays. They have two more games in Toronto and then it is off to Boston for the final three games of the season.

Practice 
GORC  Cooperstown 2020 Wildcats 12U
September 23, 2019

As for meaningful October games. the GORC  Cooperstown 2020 Wildcats 12U team will be playing the entire month. Yes, it is Fall Ball and while the normal autumn sports are being played, there will still be baseball to fill the void left by the Orioles departure. 

The team has played two games already, both losses--but close losses: 5-2, 8-6. There is a doubleheader on Saturday in La Plata against the Southern Maryland Senators that promises to be interesting. The Senators are one of the best teams in the area and it should be a true test for the team. And the baseball season continues even as the Orioles lick their wounds and try to figure out how not to lose 100 games or more next season. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - September 23, 2019

1. Summer slipped away and Autumn began while I was sleeping. The leaves falling on my yard are now properly aligned to the season.

2. Returning home after being away has been a bit of a whirlwind with parties and football. And now it is back to our regularly scheduled life.

Finn and Riordin Sleeping
Elkridge, MD
September 22, 2019

3. Buddies sleeping together in a sunbeam who had been reunited after a week apart. They were cute laying there stroking the same pose. 

4. Family NFL report: 

    Ravens lost to Chiefs 28-33
    Steelers lost to 49ers 20-24
    Cowboys defeated the Dolphins 31-6
    Redskins meet the Bears tonight

Spider in the Bushes
Black and Yellow Garden Spider
Odenton, MD
September 22, 2019

5. There was this huge spider. It was in a bush outside of Nicole's house and it made for a great image. It did not seem to mind the attention it received. 

6. It is amazing how quickly Chris and I can unpack--we had everything unpacked and the first load in the wash and were out the door for a birthday party just an hour-and-a-half after arriving home on Saturday.

7. With the ending of September on Monday next week, the progression towards winter will begin unabated. At least we are still playing baseball until November. 

8. Today in History. On September 23, 1875, Billy the Kid is arrested for the first time after stealing a basket of laundry. He later broke out of jail and roamed the American West, eventually earning a reputation as an outlaw and murderer and a rap sheet that allegedly included 21 murders.

The exact details of Billy the Kid’s birth are unknown, other than his name, William Henry McCarty. He was probably born sometime between 1859 and 1861, in Indiana or New York. As a child, he had no relationship with his father and moved around with his family, living in Indiana, Kansas, Colorado and Silver City, New Mexico. His mother died in 1874 and Billy the Kid—who went by a variety of names throughout his life, including Kid Antrim and William Bonney—turned to crime soon afterward.

Headlines

Hong Kong Police Posed as Protesters, Launching a Bloody CrackdownHong Kong Police Posed as Protesters, -New York Times

36 Hours in Albuquerque - The New York Times

Iran resists sanctions, U.S. is 'desperate,' Rouhani says - Reuters

Five civilians killed in air strikes by Saudi-led coalition in Yemen: TV - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

All my life I've seen that when people have freedom and a vision, when they have the courage and the opportunity to work hard, and when people believe in the power of faith and hope, they can accomplish great things.
  -- Remarks at a Question-and-Answer Session at St. Agatha High School in Detroit, Michigan, October 10, 1984


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD