D.C. on a Spring Day

V-2 Rocket in National Air and Space Museum

A Spring-like Day during Spring Break was what greeted me yesterday. Who could ask for more? Really?

The day provided the perfect opportunity to sojourn into D.C. and show the sights to visiting family who were attempting to escape the frozen northlands.

Washington Monument

First up was the National Air and Space Museum, of course. I had been told that it was the most visited museum in the world, however, according to the best information that I could find, it is number three behind the Louvre in Paris and the National Museum of Natural History, which is across the National Mall from the Air and Space Museum. 

It turned out that many, many other people had the same idea about spending a bright and sunny day in our nation's capital. It was a busy day. I reconnected with many of the exhibits that I enjoy and I always learn something new. The visit even helped me answer a Jeopardy question by reminding me of events associated with the Battle of Midway. 

Walking around D.C. to see the famous structures was enjoyable. The blue skies and white puffy clouds made a perfect backdrop for the images. If only the leaves had been on the trees or the cherry blossoms had been in bloom. 

The White House

The White House was there as well as the Lincoln Memorial. I had forgotten that the Reflecting Pool is being reconstructed and it was mostly empty--marring the view to which I have become so accustomed. 

Lincoln Memorial with empty Reflecting Pool

Someone asked me where the fences around The White House were, as they are not evident in my image. I'm leaning on them to get the shot. But beware--there are a lot of fences and guarded areas around The White House that impeded foot traffic and automobiles as well--be ready to walk a lot to get to the spot where I took my image! 

There is always a lot of walking when I visit D.C.  It just seems that I like to walk to get from one place to another. 

But the day was pleasant. There is a lot of construction underway on the National Mall which does impede foot traffic--but on a beautiful Spring day, who really cares? It was fun to be outside enjoying the sights and the other people who were also enjoying the beauty of our nation's capital!

I truly enjoyed getting outside for the day and reconnecting with the sights which are essentially right in my own backyard.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 30, 2015

1. March is drawing to a close. It has been another in a series of too cold months, but at least the snow has melted here and it is melting in the frozen Northeast as well. Maybe April will be a more normal month.

2. I am getting tired of hearing the weather forecasters call for temperatures 10 degrees below normal. Can we just get some normal?

3. March Madness has been reduced to the final four--three of whom were number one seeds: Duke, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. The only outlier is Michigan State. When will the madness end?

4. I played golf yesterday, just because. It was really cold.

5. The family gathered for an afternoon together--it was good to have everyone around and it was fun to watch the kids finally be able to run around outside. 

6. Here's a sport we don't hear a lot about: Australia won the cricket world cup. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own sporting events that we miss what is going on elsewhere in the world.

7. Writing of sports, the MLB season begins in one short week! the first game is next Sunday with the rest of the league opening on Monday. The Orioles do not open at home until Friday the 10th.

8. It is Spring Break! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Clocks and Trains and Children

A visit to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore reminded me that my love for clocks and trains are entwined. 

The massive locomotives which played the rails and moved America from coast to coast depended upon reliable time keeping to make their runs safely. In the days before computers and sensors, it was the pocket watch of the conductor which controlled the progress of the trains across the nation. 

Seeing the behemoths of the past first hand reminded me of what a marvel these engines truly were. They were constructed in an era without computers to precise mechanical standards. It was a marvel to think about the machining associated with building these complex engines. I was reminded about how big an 80 inch drive wheel is--and it is all steel!

Riding the rails. I enjoyed reviewing the evolution of rail travel from the small boilers on a carriage to the super fast steam locomotives and then to the diesel electric engines of the modern rail era. 

Standard time--the time zones that we live with: Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific were established during 1883 to support rail traffic. Although not enacted into law until 1918, the standardization of time increased safety on the rails. 

I took a video of the roundhouse and some of the engines and rolling stock on display. Of course, Jax needed a diversion, so he got to enjoy the carousel. What a great way to spend a too cold day in Baltimore? I also become very childlike when I visit this great museum, but the carousel was too small for me.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

50 Shades of Green

Florida Green
March 23, 2015

The weather has been playing with my affections. During the past week I have experienced the 80's of Florida and the 20's to 70's of the Baltimore area.

I wish it would settle into a solid range--like the 70's to 80's. 

Along with the whipsawing temperatures, I have enjoyed what I will call, 50 shades of Green. 

13th Hole at Timbers at Troy
March 27, 2015

While in Florida--the green trees and grass exhibited deep and mature hues of green. Against the cyan sky--the colors were stunning and rich.

Yesterday, I experienced the faded hues of green attempting to transform from the faded tones of Winter while golfing during the afternoon.

The two just do not compare. 

I long for the deep mature greens--but waking to temperatures in the 20's is not going to make the transformation happen anytime soon. I am hopeful, however, because tomorrow morning is the last one with below freezing temperatures forecast for the next ten days!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Spring Break 2015 Arrives

One of the best parts of the school year has arrived--Spring Break. Families are traveling to warmer destinations to escape the winter and get a jumpstart on Springtime.

It is exciting. I get to enjoy Spring Break because Chris is a teacher and has this week of freedom provided to her every year.

The whipsaw temperatures of the past few days are frustrating. Wednesday morning it was 24 degrees with a high in the 40's and yesterday it was over 70 degrees. Today's high will only be near 50 degrees.

It was fun to conduct baseball practice in just shirts and not be encumbered by heavy coats--what a difference a day makes.

This year for Spring Break I will be taking a stay-cation and doing projects around the house to get things tidy and ready for the summer season. The Winter has been so long and rough that I have not been able to do many projects that need to be accomplished in advance of the Summer play season.

And there may be some racquetball and golf, too!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Youth Baseball Spring Training

Although only about 50 degrees this evening, it was dry and Jax's GORC (Gambrills-Odenton Recreation Council) baseball team had its first practice. 

The field was in perfect shape, the evening air was cool and the boys were ready to play baseball.

It was good to be back on the field and moving up with the team from T-Ball to coach pitch.

I was in the batting cage pitching most of the evening--what a good way to get my arm into shape. But since the idea is to pitch the ball so they can hit it, it is a lot easier on the arm. 

The team this year is the Pirates--which is better than last year's Tigers because the Pirates do not directly compete with the Orioles. 

I was amazed how quickly the practice passed while I was in the batting cage throwing up home run balls for the boys. Some of them can really tag the ball. 

It is going to be a long season and I'm happy that it is finally underway!

I'm back from Spring Training in Florida and now it is time for baseball to really begin!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Reflections on the 2015 Spring Training Trip

A sunny Florida March 2015 afternoon
 at McKetchnie Field in Bradenton

It is over. 

I wandered through the front door of the house about 9:30 PM last evening completing my four day 2015 Spring Training trip to Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida.

It was awesome to escape the cold of the north. The temperature this morning when I woke up at home showed 25 degrees on my thermometer. That is one third the average temperature that I experienced in Florida and it is about 61 degrees below the maximum temperature I enjoyed while not getting sunburned.

New Banner at Ed Smith Stadium

On the Orioles:

They look good. Solid. There was a lot of hustle and the pitching looks very strong. The hitting is coming around, but I am concerned about the fielding. I saw our starting third baseman commit two errors in one game--he seemed too casual making the plays.

I saw one starter really look in control yesterday! I was disappointed by our closer who had an off day and allowed two runs to score--but, overall he looked good.

Sharing the course with a Sand Crane

On Florida:

Great weather, good food, awesome golf courses and of course palm trees. Add that together with baseball and it is a recipe for fantastic! I do have to admit the traffic around Tampa at 5pm on a Tuesday evening was awful! I almost did not make it to the airport for my flight. The backup exceeded 10 miles--and it crawled.

Did I mention the critters? There were animals everywhere. It was refreshing to see so much wildlife--including more than one alligator and a snapping turtle that was taking a leisurely stroll across one golf course. The sand cranes were everywhere almost like the deer that populate on course I play near home.

Jeremy at the Tee

On Golf:

Golfing in Florida was a great experience. I'm glad that the northern courses do not have as much water. Seriously, I don't think I saw a water hazard that I couldn't put at least one ball into. Sometimes three or four. Yet, the courses were tough , but fair and fun! 

There is something awesome about having the first tee time of the day on a golf course and watching the sun wake the world for another day. Especially when it is warm and there is not a frost delay.

April is coming and I surely hope the temperatures begin to warm. I am anxious for baseball and warm summer afternoons--more so now that I have experienced a glimpse of what lies ahead from my short trip to the warm south.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Gathering of Orioles

With the Orioles Bird 2015

Sadly, the last day of my short Spring Training trip has arrived. One of the Orioles fans has already flown north and the rest of us must return to the cold today.

At least we get to enjoy another baseball game this afternoon as the Orioles travel to Bradenton to play the Pirates. From there it is on to the airport to begin winging my way home.

It has been fun and exhausting at the same time. Three rounds of golf and three baseball games by the time it is complete.

Yesterday we were drenched by a passing rainstorm on the golf course, but after a short delay we were able to finish the round.

Tomorrow it is back to the grind and my short time away will be a memory. But a good memory.

-- Bob Doan, Writing from Sarasota, Florida

Out the Hotel Window - Sarasota, FL

Green. I have been overcome with green after the long cold and monochromatic winter of my discontent in the north.

Outside my hotel window people are playing in the pool surrounded by lush green foliage. It is awesome. I don't really want to leave. The smells of life are everywhere.

Playing golf yesterday I enjoyed the wildlife everywhere.

I am more than ready to enjoy the warmth and green on my return to Baltimore

-- Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida

Guy Trip Food

Why is it that when on a guy trip, I eat the wrong foods? The wings are so good. They smell good. But where are the veggies? No where in sight. Well there were some fried pickles.

Good food and a four day road trip to Florida.

I have not seen one snow flake since I arrive here. The 86 degrees yesterday erased all of my bad memories of March in Baltimore.

The food, it's guy food.

Baseball, the O's won yesterday. Golf this morning and baseball this afternoon. What could be better?

The food. How long can someone survive in guy food?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida

It's just not Fair!

Daffodils in the Snow

Spring began yesterday and we suffered through yet one more blast from Winter.

Snow, cold, and messy roads.

I had hoped that the snow would have been melted before the end of the day, but alas, the weather forecasters steered me wrong. 

The daffodils in my gardens stoically stood their ground against the onslaught. Undeterred, they continued to repel the monochromatic snowfall with their determined green and reminded me that spring is not gone, it is just a slow starter!

Good-bye Winter, may this be your last gasp!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Start your Mowers--Spring is Arriving

Chris on the Tractor

Yesterday afternoon the lawn tractor took to the yard! It was the first sortie of the season and while it wasn't technically mowing, it was removing the accumulated winter's trash and leaves from the yard!

We worked in the yard even though there is snow in the forecast. The snow won't last long and we needed to clear the yard and get the reemergent fertilized down. 

Today marks the beginning of Spring, although we need to withstand one last punch from Winter before we can truly celebrate the passing of the season of cold and darkness.

The Yard after removal of the debris

It was really cold--my electric bill was $200 above normal as a result of our efforts to hold the cold at bay and maintain a warm, toasty home.

But Springtime is starting and the temperatures are moderating!

The yard is getting ready, as am I, for outdoors living.

Bring on the grill and the fire table!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Robins and Peepers and More, Oh My!

Robin in a Tree

During our walk last evening I took notice of the multitude of Robins which have returned and are looking everywhere for food.

I hadn't noticed them in great numbers before--but they are back and looking for critters in the thawing lawns.

And then, while on the walk, I heard the peepers for the first time this year. The arrival of their evening chorus is a sure sign of Spring's arrival although the official arrival is not until Friday.

The beginning of Spring is based upon the equinox, but the amount of sunlight available on the day is probably greater than 12 hours? It is really cool. The arrival of Spring is based upon the center of the sun crossing the equator--however, the amount of available sunlight (sunrise to sunset) is based upon the top of the sun either rising above or setting below the horizon. Hence, the first day of Spring for Elkridge is about 12 hours and 8 minutes from sunrise to sunset--Oh My! Who knew the sun was that big?

But the arrival of Spring is heralded by the peepers and the Robins. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a good picture of a Robin when the background is brown and gray? They blend.

Spring starts at 6:45 PM EDT on Friday, March 20th. 

Don't miss it!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I Took a Detour

Lifetime Racquetball Court

It seemed innocent enough. I played racquetball yesterday morning, but got done a early. I was excited about getting to work a few minutes early--about 15. 

I had talked to Chris, went over the plan for the day and had just hung up the phone as I approached the exit for my place of employment.

That is where it went bad.

There are three exits from the highway near where I work. I was a distracted as I was reviewing the day ahead of me and I turned early to exit the highway onto another four lane highway. Panic! There was no going back--suddenly, instead of exiting into the parking for my job, I was headed down a road to a destination I had not intended to visit.

No problem--I thought, the next exit is not too far, I'll turn around there and still be early to work. 

Then the car started telling me of a problem with the cruise control and lights. Ugh. I got distracted again and missed the exit! Darn. The next exit is a lot further--but I have no choice.

Traffic was beginning to build and I needed to keep my attention on the road, but the warning message on the console in my car was not only annoying, it was flashing as if it were important! Ugh, I was trapped. 

Time passed, traffic increased and finally the exit loomed. I made the exit and successfully reversed my direction and was not headed towards rather than away from work.

During the remainder of the journey I needed to stay extremely alert because traffic stopped completely on a number of occasions for no apparent reason. It can be somewhat scary to be in the middle of executing a lane change and suddenly everyone is stopped!

I finally, and uneventfully arrived at work. On time!

My detour had used up all of the extra time by driving around aimlessly on the highways. 

Moral of the story? Stay alert when driving. Bad things can happen!

As an aside, I looked up the earning message, and I need to replace the brake switch--but the lights actually do work!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Orioles Baseball Tuesday Update

Tuesday's are my days to write about the Orioles. 

Yesterday was a good day for the team. It has been a quiet Spring Training for the team, except that yesterday they belted 21 hits, 5 homers and won a blow out game 16-4 which finally saw the hitting, defense, and pitching all come together in one solid game!

Yes. Baseball season is coming and I am ready to see the team in person beginning this weekend in Sarasota.

So, do professionals enjoy games like this? Rock Kobatko reported about the Manager of the Orioles, Buck Showalter: "Did Showalter enjoy watching the offensive fireworks? You figure it out.
"You bet your sweet (butt)," he said. "Anybody who says, 'Oh, it's just spring training,' you like to see them have one of those days. They've been working hard. Get a return for it. You bet.""

The Orioles are now 4-11 in Spring Training. But the Spring Training record means nothing after April 5th. The Orioles are the defending American League East Champions!

Let's Go O's!!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 16, 2015

Et tu, Brute?

1. Yesterday was the Ides of March, I have attached the funniest image I saw during the day. An historical parody.

2. March Madness is officially underway. Go Maryland!

3. Fun times together with the family should not be missed. Especially when there are celebrations involved!

4. The weather is warmer--why is it that I want it even warmer?

5. Spring Training continues and the Orioles are still waiting to gel and have a disappointing 3-11 record. I hope they turn it around during the next couple of weeks. 

6. Spring begins on Friday! The Winter is nearly over!

7. The scary part about yesterday being the Ides of March is that there are now only 30 days left to get the taxes done for all of the procrastinators out there.

8. Is this really another 5-day week with no holidays in sight?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

NCAA - Tournament Time and Sanctions

The NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament has arrived. The conference championships are finishing with teams across the country vying for a spot in what is known as March Madness.

People are beginning complete their brackets to predict the road to the Final Four and the eventual NCAA Men's National Basketball Champion.

It is all very exciting.

What is at stake? According to one report I read, over $800 million. The tournament has become much larger than amateur athletics. 

Yesterday, the Maryland Men's Basketball Team lost its semifinal game and will not be playing for the Big 10 Conference Championship today; however, they are expected to be a 3 seed in the tournament. They posted an exceptional year and I wish them the best of luck as they start down the path that leads to an eventual champion of the nation.

One team that is not participating in the post-regular season conference and NCAA tournaments is Syracuse. The school is enduring a self-imposed post-season ban because of violations of NCAA and school standards. The NCAA, as I have written about two other times this past week, has levied a number of sanctions on the school which seem to be to be very harsh. I read an Op-Ed piece by Joe Nocera in the New York Times yesterday that expresses my feelings about the situation titled, Syracuse, Boeheim and the N.C.A.A. 

I have to agree with Joe--reading about the NCAA report in the news and then actually reading the report I was left wondering about the true intent of the NCAA in the situation. The sanctions levied on Syracuse are very severe--returning over $100 million in revenue sharing monies, vacating over 100 wins, and other equally as harsh penalties. And the difficult part is the Syracuse recognized the problems and corrected them before the investigation. 

Is it about the student athletes? Especially the ones currently in the program? No.  I did not see any mention that the program had self-corrected from 2012 onward. Is that not what the true desired end state is? Programs discover problems, correct them and move on? I guess not.

It all comes down to money. 

The tournament is about money and, sadly, college sports are about money. Everyone gets a piece except the student athletes.

The report and the capricious sanctions against Syracuse tarnish the image of the NCAA as a governing body and confirms that it is not about the students--but about making money!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Snow Swan Song

Ice on the Pool Cover

It is nearly gone. 

Finally! 

The temperatures have been above freezing for most of the week and only a few piles of snow remain in and around my yard. 

March 6, 2015
Snowy Dawn

Even the ice in the pool is mostly gone and I can begin to think about living outdoors and the impending warmth of summer with life around the pool!

Sure, opening the pool is still over a month away--but it seems a lot closer this week than it did last week. 

I am just happy about the change in the view of my yard from frozen and snow covered to greening and ready for Spring--and yes, that is the golf target ready to receive golf balls.

March 14, 2015
Rainy Dawn

What a difference a week makes. I never would have thought it possible that almost all of the snow would be gone and the green would already be returning!

This is a much different scene from my friends and family living in the frozen northlands--but the good news is, the thaw is coming to you as well!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

March Madness has Arrived!

In my writing about Springtime, I forgot to mention March Madness as a sure sign of warmer temperatures. 

While usually reserved for the NCAA tournament to crown the basketball champion of the year, March Madness encompasses the entire month as the regular season ends and the conference championships begin. 

Tonight, for instance, the Maryland Terrapins begin their conference championship quest. Seeded number 2 in the Big 10 Conference, they have a fair chance to win the championship. Regardless, they should be no lower than a three seed in the big dance--which will be announced Sunday with play commencing almost immediately for the play-in games and the main tournament beginning on Thursday. 

I am not a fan of the NCAA. The rules that support raising billions of dollars in revenue for the schools, the NCAA, television, and gambling ensure that the student-athletes receive almost nothing for their efforts. After reading the recent report on Syracuse University infractions, I am even more convinced that the NCAA governing body needs to be dissolved. It is applying 1930's logic to the 21st Century situations and requirements. In some respects, the rules harm the ability of student athletes to live and successfully complete college. 

But the madness is beginning and the excitement of the greatest basketball tournament in Earth! 

Break out the TV channel guide because it's gonna be another wild ride.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Life Under the Snow

Daffodils

I was pleased to find that my hypothesis was correct about daffodils and hyacinths poking up under the snow.

Yesterday I received confirmation. Clumps of daffodils and hyacinths making an appearance in the muddy but snow free areas of the lawn.

Hyacinths

Snow in the Yard

The warmer temperatures have accelerated the arrival of Springtime as the snow pack recedes and the lawn appears. 

Thankfully, it seems we have survived the winter which saw numerous low temperature records fall. Too many low temperature records fell. I am not really interested in receiving my BG&E electric bill for the period. It could be a record as well--in a bad way!

Snow remains in the yard mostly in the areas where it was piled to clear the driveway and walks, and of course the pool remains frozen. 

But the season of darkness and cold is clearly ending. I expect at least one more assault of cold weather--but the warmth is arriving.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Whether the Weather

I checked the thermometer this morning as I was making my coffee. 

The temperature was 41 degrees. Amazing what a few days can do. Last week at this time we were struggling with single-digit morning temperatures and the threat of snow which materialized in a big way. 

Today the temperature is supposed to hit 65 and the rain has stopped. 

I think Spring is arriving! 

Just Sunday, Makayla was rolling in the snow--she loves the snow, and today it is mostly gone and what remains is more ice than snow!

The snow is melting and I am going to check the gardens this afternoon for signs of buds peeking through the ground.

It is amazing how a little sunshine and a springtime rain can change the mood of the entire region.

I'm in a good mood, too!

Countdown:
Days until Spring Begins: 9
Days until Orioles Opening Day: 26
Days until Orioles Home Opener: 30
Days until the Pool is Opened: 42 (est.)

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Spring Training Update

The Orioles are conducting Spring Training in Sarasota, Florida, and I hope to be there in a about two weeks to see the team first hand! 

Their record is currently a disappointing 2-6. The O's have been losing a lot--but most of the games have been close and it seems that the hitting hasn't showed up yet. They have scored 1 run during the past two games and have lost 2-1, and 1-0. The pitching is coming around, now the hitters need to do their part.

Spring training records are not that important. More important is to check out the talent and ensure the team breaks camp with the 25 best players so that they are competitive. 

I am convinced that Buck is working hard to ensure the best team possible takes the field on opening day.

Opening Day is 27 days away. Spring is just 10 days away. It is so close that it is beginning to be real.

The snow is melting and hopes are rising. Play ball!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 9, 2015

1. It was over 50 degrees yesterday for the first time since the beginning of February. 

Happy Hour on the Deck
March 8, 2015

2. Happy Hour on the deck with the fire table and snow in the background. 

3. It is amazing how one day with temperatures warm enough to allow me to venture outside into the sunshine improves my outlook on life.

4. I noticed that the tulip poplars have leaf buds on them already. Spring is surely trying to arrive.

Gridlock at Arundel Mills
March 7, 2015

5. Saturday evening Chris and I mistakenly attempted to attend a movie at Arundel Mills Mall. After thirty minutes of gridlock we finally escaped after missing the start time of the movie. Note to self: Avoid Arundel Mills Mall!

6. I am appalled at the severity of the punishment levied against Syracuse University and Coach Boeheim by the NCAA. It seems inconsistent with punishments handed out to other universities.  Further, I think the NCAA is an organization that has outlived its usefulness.

7. I find it interesting that the Maryland Legislature decided not to repeal a tax on rain. Who elected the representatives that decided that?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

History's Demise

Reading in the NY Times about the widespread destruction of antiquities by the ISIL hordes in Iraq struck a chord with me. 

If people do not have to be confronted with their history, then they are free to believe anything they want. People seem to be afraid of history when it clashes with their belief system.

I have read and heard it before. For example:

In 2001, the Taliban destroyed Budda statues that was the country's most famous tourist attraction. 

There are those who deny the holocaust ever happened.

Those who want to believe that theirs is the only civilization that ever existed.

Those who rewrite history to make their more prominent or more important.

Those who strike words from speeches and books which are contrary to their beliefs.

Those who ban books, like Tom Sawyer and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from school libraries because they contain values contrary to their narrow beliefs. 

Some people operate on the principle of: Don't confuse me with the facts.

I must strive not to impose my narrow beliefs upon the world and eradicate things that do not conform to how I believe. The world is too big and my mind is too small appreciate the diversity that is set before me and as I grapple with making sense of everything, it is too easy to eradicate those things that disagree with my beliefs--so that I don't have to deal with them.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bird Watching on a Snowy Winter Day

I am not the only person in the house that likes to watch the birds outside the window on cold and snowy days.

Chris was busy with her camera during the storm the other day and took some nice shots of birds visiting the feeders. 

We both like cardinals and so the images captured are tend to be mostly of them; however, not just the males but the females as well. I think one of her best shots was of a female cardinal. 

When the snow is falling so quickly, what else is there to do except plan to shovel and be thankful that we are in a warm house with nature to provide entertainment. 

Stay warm!

-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD