Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Autumn Airs
I can feel it in the morning when I can also see it in the stars above. Autumn is approaching.
Morning temperatures have been in the 60's--which seems cool. I even had to drive my convertible to the golf course on Sunday with the heat running and the windows up because the air seemed too cool on my arms.
Orion has returned to the morning sky and the fact that I see stars again as I head out for my day reminds me that the days are growing shorter. Too short it seems. I went out for a walk last evening about 8:30 PM and it was dark. Totally dark. Scary dark.
Daylight has been reduced to just over 13 hours per day and I noticed yesterday morning that the sun was only just beginning to rise as I left the club following a tough racquetball match. Since daylight peaked during the solstice, at just less that 15 hours during June, we have lost almost two hours of sunlight.
With the demise of August, the slide towards December darkness continues at a steady rate of about two and a half minutes per day. By the end of September the sun will be rising after 7AM and setting before 7PM. We lose over two hours of sunlight per day as September progresses and finally becomes October.
I need to make the most of the remaining daylight. And enjoy it and remember it until it begins to return and strengthen.
The first days with a highs less than 80 degrees are on the horizon for the weekend.
Summer is slipping away. Too fast.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Orioles August Blues
OPACY August 29, 2016 The Sun Setting on the Orioles Season |
I witnesses another lackluster hitting performance by the Orioles last evening which squandered some outstanding defensive plays and a solid pitching performance in a 5-1 loss.
It was good to be at the park, although at times the most exciting thing happening was happening with my Pokemon Go.
It almost looks like the Astros visit to the OPACY two weeks ago all over again. The pitching staff responded admirably with 11 strike outs against a Bluejays team that is definitely gearing up for the post-season, but the hitters were largely ineffective at the plate.
Box Score for Middle Five Hitters AB, H, R, RBI, BB, SO, LOB Bluejays vs Orioles August 29, 2016 |
September is almost upon us and here's hoping for a resurgence of the power that I witnessed earlier in the season. The playoffs are in sight, but the vision is fading.
It is definitely go time!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, August 29, 2016
Monday Musings - August 29, 2016
1. It is the last Monday of August 2018. The eighth month of the year will come to an end later this week leaving us at the mercy of September.
Sunrise at Renditions in Davidsonville, MD August 28, 2016 |
3. I just learned that although Maryland has a 6 percent sales tax rate, and a separate 9 percent tax on alcohol, it also has a variable tax on other items, like golf courses, up to 10 percent. Based upon cost of living computations, Maryland residents are the 7th most taxed in the country, ranking 44th out of 51.
4. The Zika panic is spreading across the country after cases have been discovered in Florida. Could it come here? With the exception of Wyoming, it already is, although Florida is the only state, so far, where the virus is being caught from local mosquitoes.
Little League World Series Winners Maine-Endwell, NY |
6. I remember reading an interesting assessment of the most dangerous, to humans, animal in the world. It was the mosquito.
7. After giving up 25 runs in their previous two games against the "team whose name shall not be spoken" from up north, the Orioles clawed out a stirring 5-0 victory yesterday. Sitting at 3 games out of first place in the division, and with the division leaders coming to town tonight--this series could be for the division lead!
Preparing to Blend a Bordeaux Style Wine Pearmund Cellars, VA |
9. Had fun blending wine with friends this weekend at Pearmund Cellars. A different approach to blending great wine. We even got to bring some of our blend home.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Crazy Drivers
I think too many drivers have been watching the scenes from adventure movies and are adopting some of the poor driving practices in their own lives.
That makes driving dangerous for everyone.
Within a five minute span yesterday, I was faced with two dangerous driving situations which should never have happened.
The first was a white SUV driving in the wrong lane--not just one wrong lane, but coming towards me in the right turn lane of a three lane road. The other two lanes were full of people stopped at the traffic light. I'm not sure why this person decided to use the lane, at first I thought they were going to turn into the gas station, which is near the corner--but no, they drove the entire distance almost to me and where the traffic opened before they zipped across the other two lanes and into the proper lanes for the direction in which they were traveling.
If that was not enough as I was entering I-95 on a long ramp with a blind curve just a few minutes later, just as Chris urged me to slow a bit a minivan came into view driving in reverse in the middle of the ramp. Reverse! There was no where for me to go, although I had a plan as I laid on the horn--I wished I had a bigger horn. For some odd reason, the person driving the minivan stopped, put their vehicle in drive and then proceeded to enter I-95 and I have no idea what was happening--except another very dangerous driving situation.
Be careful out there! It is a jungle!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Making Trucks Go Slower?
I read an article in this morning's Baltimore Sun about how some brilliant person in the government wants to impose mandatory speed restrictions on trucks--supposedly in the name of safety.
As I did my research on the topic, I found a lot of information especially in BigRig Blogger.
Obviously, I do not have access to any scientific research on the matter, however, I my observation is that most truck accidents involve an automobile. Clearly, there are the single truck accidents where the accident can be attributed to too much speed--but even so, it is likely because the operator was traveling too fast for conditions--like sliding off a slippery road or flipping while traversing a cloverleaf.
The problem, in my mind, with trucks is not that they go too fast, but rather they travel too slowly and that causes automobile drivers to do dumb and dangerous things to get around them which contribute to the accidents. When trucks become blockers the speed demons on the highway's start driving aggressively to get around them.
Limiting the maximum speed of a truck to 68 MPH, as proposed, might increase dangerous driving activities and possibly increase truck-auto accidents. There are places in the country where the speed limit on the highways is 75 MPH or higher! We tend to be myopically focused upon the east coast and extreme west coast areas.
The bigger problem, I believe, is to create situations where the trucks do not become blockers. Improve the highways so that the trucks do not block faster traffic--especially in hilly areas as they lumber at 60 MPH us a long hill with a 70 MPH speed limit.
Installing speed limiters in trucks is not the answer, in my mind.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Friday, August 26, 2016
Falene Wanders By
Falene in the Garden June 2016 |
Falene and Mother 25 August 2016 |
They were not particularly concerned about my presence, in fact, the doe made a gesture that I interpreted as almost wanting to come to me for food. We have not been feeding the wild animals. But, they understand that our yard is relatively safe space. Makayla is very good about not chasing the deer, although she was the one who alerted me to their presence in the yard yesterday.
It is fun to watch the small, seemingly helpless fawn grow into a deer. Life continues. Even in our relatively small community.
I hope we have a mild winter.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Thursday, August 25, 2016
O's v Nat's
The annual beltway series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Nationals is underway.
The MLB schedulers certainly have come up with a good plan by ensuring that these two teams face each other in a four game 2 and 2 series each year. What does that mean? They play four games with two games in each stadium.
The O's are doing well this year having won the first three games, with the last game to play tonight.
Last evening was a significant game, however, because Zach Britton's Orioles record of over 43 appearances without being scored upon was broken as the Nats scored a run late in the 9th inning. At least he got the team out of the wild 9th inning that saw the Nats score 5 runs to make the final score 10-8.
But it is a win!
The O's are now only one game behind the tied division leading Bluejays and Red Sox.
As the season slides closer to September, every game becomes that much more important. An ugly win is still a win! And to get into the post-season, the team needs wins!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Cool Evening
Not My Feet! |
But last evening was markedly different. I could feel the summer season beginning to pass right before me. I enjoyed stepping onto the still warm pavement of the driveway as I walked the hundred or so paces to the mailbox.
It was an exciting feeling--the coolness of the evening air and the warmth of the pavement beneath my feet.
I see more 90 degree days in the immediate forecast, but I know that they are becoming less prevalent. It is August, after all, the transition month from the ecstasy of the summer to the dark times of winter. The arrival of September brings changes as leaves fall and frosts arrive to paint colors onto the canvass of the scenery.
I did enjoy the coolness of the evening air, just as I enjoyed the 60's of this morning as I let the dog out. But I miss the dog days, which by some reckoning ended on about August 11th. Summer is slipping away!
How did it pass so quickly?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Troy Whittemore Classic - 2016
Sunday, I played in the Troy Whittemore Classic Golf Tournament at the Trumansburg Golf Course in Upstate NY.
It was the third annual offering of the event designed to remember my very special nephew and fund the scholarship established in his name.
I really enjoy the weekend, remembering Troy and his special humor and life along with many of his friends that I have come to know.
Best Dressed Golfer? |
The rain, however, did cause some fun on the course. Once I donned my rain jacket, which did not go well with my outfit, I was an interesting sight. I ran across another golfer similarly attired. Which one pulls the look off the best?
Thanks to the golf course and thanks to Mike and his family and friends for all of their hard work. I am already looking forward to next year's tournament.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, August 22, 2016
Monday Musings - August 22, 2016
Troy Whittemore Classic Trumansburg Golf Club August 21, 2016 |
2. I did get to play 36 holes of golf over the weekend.
3. The Orioles are suffering through a mid-August drought of their own. They are 1-5 in their last 6 games!
4. I did finally get a good image of a hummingbird in flight at my Dad's feeder! I successfully stalked the hummingbird.
5. School is beginning in some Maryland counties. Drive safely!
6. Hate is unacceptable and often directed at the wrong people. An article in the Washington Post made me very upset that people can be so shallow!
7. The Olympics are over. Congrats to the U.S. team! They represented us well by bringing home 121 medals.
8. Want to know your trash score? How eco-friendly you are? Check out the quiz from the Washington Post.
9. It is good to be home again.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Stalking the Elusive Hummingbird
I find hummingbirds to be fascinating. They are so quick at everything that it is hard to get an image of them. Chris and I have been unable to consistently attract them at our house.
I sat in my parents back deck this morning trying to get a good image of a hummingbird at the feeder. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. They seemed to know when I looked away and then swooped I. To feed. By the time I took the image, the hummingbird was gone.
I did manage this one image of a hummingbird trying to decide whether to feed. I wouldn't call it spectacular, but it was the only one that I managed to obtain during over 30 minutes.
It was a beautiful and clear morning. Hopefully it foretells another fantastic day.
The hummingbird stalker was mildly successful.
-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY
I sat in my parents back deck this morning trying to get a good image of a hummingbird at the feeder. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. They seemed to know when I looked away and then swooped I. To feed. By the time I took the image, the hummingbird was gone.
I did manage this one image of a hummingbird trying to decide whether to feed. I wouldn't call it spectacular, but it was the only one that I managed to obtain during over 30 minutes.
It was a beautiful and clear morning. Hopefully it foretells another fantastic day.
The hummingbird stalker was mildly successful.
-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY
Friday, August 19, 2016
As the Mist Rises
Driving through northern Pennsylvania last evening as the sun was setting Chris and I saw the fog, or was it a mist, rising from the low areas. It had just rained to quench the parched and hot earth. I could almost smell the wet earth in the scene.
It was pretty. The clouds, the setting sun, the hills, and the mist created a visually stimulating sight. It was more beautiful to me because I have been living in flat areas. I do enjoy the beauty of the scene.
It was a beautiful evening. One to remember and fun to observe as I was driving. I still enjoy the sunrise more, however.
-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY
It was pretty. The clouds, the setting sun, the hills, and the mist created a visually stimulating sight. It was more beautiful to me because I have been living in flat areas. I do enjoy the beauty of the scene.
It was a beautiful evening. One to remember and fun to observe as I was driving. I still enjoy the sunrise more, however.
-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Pokemon-Go Rocks
I am hooked on this game.
I have been able to kill a lot of dead time by chasing and capturing Pokemon.
It was fun to play in the airports while on vacation. It was fun to play in a restaurant last evening while waiting for the other couple to join us.
The game has brought my family closer together because so many of us are playing it. We even went out as a group the other day looking for Pokemon and conquering two gyms.
Even while the evening thunderstorms were crashing around us and the television went out, we played the game.
It is a great diversion. It has provided something to do other than watching the Orioles lose, listen to the political pundits, or even watching the Olympics.
Tonight, I leveled up to level 13!
I caught four new creatures (Pokemon) and generally had a great time.
Keep the Pokemon coming!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Completed Repairs
The truck is fixed!
Yay!
My Truck -- Hauling |
I think all of the broken things that occurred over our vacation have been repaired!
The pool is back and supported a swimming extravaganza today. The washer continues to run and now my truck is repaired.
I think it is strange that it seems that there are more repairs to do than what the vehicle went in for--but my truck does have almost 180,000 miles on it. I probably really needed a new serpentine belt and tensioned, a muffler and tailpipe along with the broken transmission line.
But it should be good for another year!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Olympics Provide a Political Respite
The news continues to be dominated by the Olympics and the exploits of the athletes from around the world excelling in their sports.
It is a great relief from the droning of the US political landscape.
I know what is coming--the 84-ish day sprint to the election.
Our two presidential candidates are similar:
One has a body of work fraught with failure and the other couldn't recognize the truth if it had a lighted sign on it.
I believe that the above statements may apply to both of them.
At least the Olympics has provided a different kind of drama, such as:
Who will be the next olympian to be robbed at gunpoint on the streets of Rio?
Will the US Men's gymnastics team win a medal at the Olympics? Actually they won a bronze the other day--their only medal. The women's team has thus far earned 7 medals.
Who will win the decathlon?
Has Michael Phelps really retired, or will he be back in four years to win more Olympic gold?
I wish the Olympics would continue until mid-November, maybe then we wouldn't have to suffer through the onslaught of mud slinging that is ahead.
Someday I want to go to the Olympics so that I can hear the chant: U S A, U S A! I heard it in a World Cup Soccer playoff game once--and it was awesome!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, August 15, 2016
Monday Musings - August 15, 2016
1. I saw the constellation Orion rising in the eastern sky this morning. Summer is coming to an end. The stars were beautiful, however.
2. Despite the oppressive heat, I managed to get in a round of golf yesterday. I wish I had played better, but there were some definite highlights.
Big Cork Vineyards August 14, 2016 |
4. While the Orioles have slipped into second place in the American League East, they pulled off a stunning comeback win yesterday. Trailing 7-1 after 5 innings, and then training 7-5 in the top of the 9th, they won 8-7. The Orioles are now 2-48 when trailing after 8 innings of baseball.
5. The evening thunderstorm provided some temporary relief from the heat yesterday.
6. August is half over. It is hard to believe. Summer is ending.
7. I am beginning to believe that Labor Day is my least favorite holiday because in a sense it marks the end of summer and the beginning of the autumn season.
8. The Olympics continues to dominate! The stories of the athletes are compelling, but the stories of robberies on the streets of Rio are scary.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Olympics
I have been watching a lot of the Olympics. It has been easier this year because the time zones are compatible.
Medal Count as of Sunday Morning August 14, 2016 |
Michael Phelps with Olympic Gold |
I have been cheering the entire U.S. Olympic Team. I was crushed when the Women's Soccer (Football) Team lost on penalty kicks to Sweden. I have been excited that the Fencing Team is winning medals, while I wonder why our golfers are not competing as well as they could be.
I continue to marvel at the finely trained athletes that are participating from all of the countries around the world. How exciting to participate in an Olympics and then how much more grand to win a medal. It is fun to celebrate their successes with them.
I like the summer games more than the winter games. I still love the heat!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Mid-August Heat Wave
It has been a hot and very damp and humid August.
I don't actually remember an August as hot as this one.
At least the temperatures are beginning to moderate.
The real problem is that the lows are staying above 70 degrees, this morning for instance it is 77 degrees as I wake up. And humid!
Forecast Weather for August 13, 2016 |
Yesterday the high was 96 degrees! The normal high is 86 degrees. The low was 79 degrees and the normal low is 66 degrees. At least today is cooler already than yesterday!
I am careful not to encourage the heat to leave, however! When the August heat subsides, then it is Autumn and I do not want to bring the dark season into the area any faster than it is going to arrive on its own.
I think the weather map projection for today says it all: Steamy and sweltering!
I think the pool is finally recovered, mostly, from my vacation and I believe I will be getting out of the heat on a floater with a cold drink in my hand.
As the sergeant used to say on Hill Street Blues: "Let's Be Careful Out there!"
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Friday, August 12, 2016
Unplanned Vacation Costs
Things break when I go on vacation. It just seems to be the way it is.
Broken Garage Door Opener |
This year when Chris and I returned from vacation we had three broken items: the washing machine, the pool, and my truck. Ugh!
The pool was a mess because the skimmers got clogged and there was too little water circulation meaning the chlorine levels fell and the water became cloudy and tinged green. After four tough days, I am winning the war of the pool!
My Broken Truck |
My truck developed a transmission cooling line leak. It has been towed to the garage for repair.
The most frustrating has been the washer. I had though an $18 part would fix it, but the results so far have been mixed. Last night I ordered the next part in there troubleshooting checklist-$110. But, then, magically, with a little cleaning and readjustment the washer started working so now I don't know if I need the $110 part--too late, it is not cancelable or returnable!
Broken appliances and a messed-up pool are the hidden price I seem pay for a fun week away.
I just wish I could come home and have everything working.
But, that would be different.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Anniversary Dinner
Chris and I celebrated our wedding anniversary a couple of evenings ago. Having just returned from a seven-night cruise, we opted to celebrate with a home cooked dinner.
We had just experienced seven glorious dinners aboard the Liberty of the Seas, well maybe the chicken piccata was an exception, and we really didn't need to head out for another dinner.
When we decide to stay home for special occasions, the dinners that we create for are truly great.
Perfectly grilled steak, salad, sweet potato, corn on the cob, and of course a great wine. The wine we chose last evening was one of those special wines we could never afford in a restaurant--a 2005 Axios from Rutherford in Napa Valley. It was truly a special wine for a special dinner.
I just wish that so many things around the house were not broken. The pool is a mess because of the storms we missed; the washer broke, but I fixed it; and my truck is leaking transmission fluid. It seems every year things break while we are away vacationing. I wonder if it is punishment for getting away and having fun?
But for a few hours, I was able to put all of that behind me and enjoy a dinner with my bride.
And we both enjoyed being together and reminiscing about anniversaries past and planning for the future.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Bay and the Lighthouse
Cruising reminds me of my connection to the sea and how much I appreciate a good sunrise or sunset over the open water. I also appreciate the beauty of the day when viewing the shoreline.
Lighthouse at Nassau, Bahamas Harbor |
It was a stunning scene--right outside my stateroom window. Shimmering in the bright afternoon sunlight, protecting the mariners from the dangerous reefs.
Beach in Mexico |
I still can imagine the beach chairs and sipping a cold drink against the oppressive heat of the day.
I love going over the memories of a great vacation.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Seahorse Sail and Snorkel Adventure
Since I went a week without the internet, I could not share my cruise vacation adventures. I guess that gives me something to write about this week instead of the terrible state of politics in the U.S.
During one of our shore excursions, Chris and I did the Seahorse Sail and Snorkel Adventure from Nassau though Royal Caribbean. Since Nassau was not on our original itinerary, we were unable to check out the trip before hand, but the price seemed right and without internet we were not able to schedule our own excursion.
The video was taken during the snorkeling and sail adventure. There were three ships in port that day--which was an interesting sight to see.
Sergeant Major in Nassau August 4, 2016 |
Nassau Snorkeling People Clustered |
Getting back onto the boat was dangerous and I was glad no one was lost. They used a single ladder for about 90 people. There was a lot of time treading water in the waves which stressed many inexperienced snorkelers. It also significantly reduced our already short 1 hour snorkel to less than 50 minutes.
The rum punch on the trip back to shore was enjoyable, but there was no sailing adventure. Although the boat is a fully capable sailing catamaran, the captain only put up the jib and ran under power all the way back to the port--that is not my idea of sailing.
Recommendation: Best for inexperienced snorkelers who want to see whether they enjoy looking at fish in their natural environment. The reef is not complex enough to hold the interest of more experienced snorkelers.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, August 8, 2016
Monday Musings - August 8, 2016
Liberty of the Seas Cozumel, Mexico August 2, 2016 |
2. Yesterday morning I awoke is a stateroom on a cruise ship in Galveston. Today, it is back to work. That is just wrong!
3. The worst part about vacations is that they end.
Sunrise Over the Gulf of Mexico August 1, 2016 |
5. Sunrises are awesome on a cruise ship at sea. Yup, I was awake! (at least once!)
Miniature Golf on Liberty of the Seas August 7, 2016 |
7. I was surprised how smooth travel was back to Maryland yesterday. I was expecting a travel nightmare and was pleasantly surprised.
Southwest 737 in Maryland colors Houston Hobby Airport August 7, 2016 |
9. I saw the Southwest Airlines 737 painted in the colors of the Maryland flag yesterday in Houston. We in Maryland do love our unique flag!
10. There is something strange that happens on a cruise ship--we all noticed it. Our clothes shrank!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)