Thursday, August 31, 2017

Playoff Push


From MLB.com
Like runners in a marathon finding a little bit more gas when the finish line is in sight, the MLB teams fighting for a playoff spot are playing just a bit better as August ends and the final full month of the 162 game season is about to begin. 

The Orioles have run off seven straight wins to get back into the wild card race, and with the team from up north whose name shall remain unwritten losing three straight, other wild card spots are within reach!

The wins have not been things of beauty, like last night blowing a 2-0 lead to go down 6-2 and then blowing a 7-6 lead to have to win 8-7; but a win is a win! This time of year, every win seems more important. 

The Orioles have 29 games remaining. The end of the campaign is definitely in sight. 

Let's Go O's. Now is the time to secure a post-season playoff spot!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Devolving into Autumn


It is happening all to quickly. August has lost its grip on summer and is rapidly slipping into autumn. 

As evidence, I present the weather almanac from yesterday. 

The high temperature did not make it even to 70 degrees! The low was also in the 60's! It rained--all day! This morning the temperature in 59 degrees.

I heard people indicate that the weather seemed more like autumn than late summer! 

I am mourning the loss of summer and all of the things that I didn't get done. 

At least today will be warmer with an expected high of 76 degrees.

The trees surrounding my yard are, however, giving up their leaves in fairly rapid succession. It is making pool maintenance tough. The water temperature has fallen to an uncomfortable temperature as well.

I should probably give into the situation and begin planning to close the pool the weekend after Labor Day!

Summer certainly is devolving into autumn!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Power Outage


There was no blog this morning. 

Morning Power Outage Candles
August 29, 2017
Chris and I were without power in the house due to, reportedly, a dump truck driving down US 1 with its back up and tearing down the power lines.

It was weird.

Chris and I have survived hurricanes without losing power, yet a renegade truck changed our morning routine.

I got up at 5 AM, as usual, and made my coffee, yet by 5:20 AM the power was off, again! Yes, again. It had been off from about 2 AM until 3 AM and I had a scared 35 lb fluffy totally freaked out dog sitting on me as I tried to sleep. That is not a TV in the picture, it is a mirror!

Enjoying Her coffee
Light Provided by iPhone
Chris sent me out to Dunkin Donuts to get coffee when she got up. I felt sorry for her and gladly went to get her morning cuppa Joe.. 

Sleep escaped me. She is a mouth breather and panted all night without the fan.

I was able to shower and shave and get off to work. The water in the water heater was hot and provided a nice candle-lit shower. That was funny. 

But it all worked out.

We were much more fortunate than the people of Houston, however, because the power was restored by 9:30 AM and we are not experiencing flooding.

Chris and I are thankful that our power was restored and we urge everyone to donate money, goods, or time to help the people of Texas besieged by Hurricane Harvey.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, August 28, 2017

Monday Musings - August 28, 2017


Site of one Former Horseshoe Pit
1. August is winding down. Today is the last Monday of the month. Labor Day is a week away.

2. The destruction and chaos caused by hurricane Harvey is unfathomable. My thoughts and prayers are with the people who live in the affected area.

3. The Orioles have managed to claw their way back to .500 and are 2.0 games out of the second wild card position. There are just 32 games remaining in the regular season.

Heron at Eisenhower
August 27, 2017
4. Removing unused, but well constructed, horseshoe pits proved to be a much harder job than expected. Chris and I learned that the brute force method was not the best approach.

5. I love golf courses because of the wildlife that is usually seen. Yesterday a heron posed for me.

6. Busy weekends with great weather do not happen often. This one was awesome.

7. And so it is Monday again!

8. The coming weekend is a holiday weekend! At least it is something to look forward to with the start of September.

Headlines



Full extent of Harvey’s aftermath starts to come into chilling focus - The Washington Post

India withdraws troops from disputed Himalayan region, defusing tension with China - The Washington Post

Fatigue and Training Gaps Spell Disaster at Sea, Sailors Warn - The New York Times


Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"You know, some people say it's America's natural resources that make our country so great, but the greatest resource of all is our working men and women -- their skill, hard work, guts, and determination."
Radio Address to the Nation on Economic Growth , August 30, 1986

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Tree Trimming Weekend


Piles of Brush in the Side Yard
Mowing the yard has been a weekly affair this summer with the copious amounts of rain we have received. Our yard is lined with juniper trees which need trimming every couple years to remove the dead branches and allow for better access with the tractor while mowing.

Saturday, using my newly acquired chain saw, was tree trimming day. And the trees were trimmed. It opened up the yard and will make mowing more enjoyable by not having to duck as much under the junipers. 

Relaxing Around the Fire Pit
We created huge piles of brush which will be heading off to the dump this week in the truck. I would have preferred to rent a chipper to reduce the brush, but at over $200 for a day, it seems a bit expensive. Although, I do so enjoy running the chipper.

After the work of the day which included removing one of the unused horseshoe pits, then came relaxation around the fire pit. 

A fantastic day. Beautiful, although a bit cool, weather and hard work.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Friday Evening Reconvenes


Last evening we recognized the unofficial end of summer as our wine group reconvened to share stories of summertime travels and experiences.

The evening was cool as we enjoyed each other's company under the clear sky as the sun set. A great dinner and some fantastic wines created the perfect setting for reconnecting with friends.

The summer has not been kind to some of our band and others of us are already beginning to plan for next summer. It is almost like our own personal football season as August comes to an end and September arrives next week.

It was great to be back together with friends. I look forward to enjoying the passing seasons during the next weeks.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Friday, August 25, 2017

Friday Arrives


It is not even a three-day holiday weekend and I am excited about the arrival of Friday.

Ethan and Jax on Ocean City Beach
Last Weekend
It seems the weeks get harder and longer and the hoped for respite of the weekend gets shorter. 

While I am not planning a beach weekend,  I will be using my new chain saw to clear some trees and brush and begin to build a wood pile for the fire pit.

I am surprised how cool the August nights have become already as the humidity drops along with the temperatures.

I feel the summer slipping away as August fades into September.

I am reminded that I need to enjoy each day for itself and not perseverate on the days past. Each day is full of its own promise.

I need to mow the lawn!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, August 24, 2017

My Take: Shuttering the Government


The ultimate sign of political weakness is contained in the threat to shut down the government. 

In a New York Times article, Trump Widens Rift With Congress as Critical Showdowns Loom, the President  ". . . threatened a government shutdown over his long-promised border wall and attacked key lawmakers whose votes he needs heading into a crucial legislative period." Trump reportedly said: "Build that wall. Now the obstructionist Democrats would like us not to do it. But believe me, if we have to close down our government, we're building that wall." As reported by Wake up to Politics

It is easy to say that I'm going to "take my ball and go home." But, it shows an immaturity of thought and action that imposes penalties upon all Americans by shuttering the government in order to attempt to force through an unpopular and singly focused opinion. 

To make such a statement, with the new budget year just over a month away, is frightening especially since the President is blessed with a Republican controlled Congress that he can't get along with.

The one positive thing that the President may be accomplishing is reviving bipartisan cooperation--against him!

Why do some politicians believe that being in elected position gives them the right to impose their narrow beliefs upon others rather than developing and inclusive atmosphere where everyone is better off living under the rights and privileges that the Constitution provides?

My Take: Shutting down the government because it can be done is not living up to the inauguration day oath: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Sunrise over the Ocean


Dawn, August 20, 2017
Ocean City, MD
I am a dawn kind of guy, people who know me know that to be true.

Sunday morning, I got up early to play golf and being at the beach I was treated to a predawn show over the ocean. The sun, still below the horizon, began to light up the eastern sky.

I love the ocean and I love the colors of the dawn. 

It is a great way to start the day, especially when August is heating up before it ends in a short nine days.

I sat for a few minutes and enjoyed the show as the day began to arrive. And then it was off to the golf course. I do enjoy teeing off as the sun peaks through the trees at a low angle and the dew is heavy on the grass.

I appreciate the summer and the heat and the dampness and the mornings when it is warm when I walk outside.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Eclipse


I am already making plans for the 2024 Total Eclipse!

The eclipse was fun! I was awed at how nearly everyone was excited even the total eclipse--even in areas where the eclipse was only partial--like Baltimore and Washington. 

It was the astronomic event of the year. Some called it the event of the century, but I think that was overstating the situation a bit.

August 21, 2017 Total Eclipse Path
over South Carolina
I reflected back on a couple of total eclipses that I experienced--I don't really recall the 1979 eclipse, but I do remember the 1972 eclipse. My family was driving towards Prince Edward Island as it happened. I recall briefly seeing the sun and moon coupled together through the clouds. If only we had left one or two days sooner we could have enjoyed totality in Canada. 

I discovered that NASA has an eclipse page! It is called Total Eclipse 2017. The next total eclipse to cross the united States occurs on April 8, 2024! Of course there are a few total eclipses between then and now, but they cross other, more distant parts of the world. Time and Date has a chart of the upcoming eclipses. 

I did wander outside and borrow some eclipse glasses to view the sun and moon together. It was inspiring, to say the least. Viewing the event on TV actually made me want to travel to totality during the next U.S. eclipse, which will include such close cities as Buffalo and Syracuse. There is a map of the path with animation at Time and Date.  

It was clear from the continuous news reporting yesterday that the eclipse was renewing our interest in space and forces that we cannot control. It was fun to watch the reactions of the crowds across America as totality happened. 

I'm planning on being there, next time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, August 21, 2017

Monday Musings - August 21, 2017


Crab on the Green
Eagle's Landing Golf Course
Berlin, MD
August 20, 2017
1. A beach weekend cures all ills. 

Sign in Ocean City, MD
2. Playing golf yesterday, we had to fight off the crabs to play one of the greens. They were small and we were careful not to hurt any of them.

3. Prepare for the eclipse! It is coming to a town near you, today!

4. Out of context, this would be a strange sign and combination. In Ocean City, MD, however, anything goes it seems.

5. We in Maryland do love the idea of our State Flag. It adorns so many different things.

6. August seems to be rocketing by--Labor Day is just two weeks away!

Finding the Green
Eagle's Landing Golf course, Berlin, MD
August 20, 2017
Fish Hanging in an Ocean City, MD Restaurant
7. There is something magnificent in the power of a thunderstorm.

8. Dawn comes too early some mornings.

9. I wonder how big the traffic jams will be today on major highways that the total eclipse passes over? I'm glad that I am not traveling.



Headlines


A 121-year-old Confederate monument was coming down. This Kentucky town put it back up. - The Washington Post

The eclipse capital of the U.S. is over the moon for Monday’s solar event - The Washington Post

10 Missing After U.S. Navy Ship and Oil Tanker Collide Off Singapore - The New York Times (How does this happen again?)

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week


"If excellence is one pillar of the agenda for opportunity, equality is another, and it's just as important -- equality of rights, treatment, and protection under the law. We want every American to participate fully in society on the basis of individual merit, regardless of race, sex, or national origin. I reaffirm today our unshakable commitment to eliminate discrimination against blacks, women, the handicapped, and other minorities. And let me add, this is not just our legal commitment; it is also our moral commitment. "

Remarks at the Annual Meeting of the American Bar Association in Atlanta, Georgia, August 1, 1983

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, August 20, 2017

End of the Day

Sunset. The end of the daylight and the time the night begins.

Chris and I experienced a magnificent sunset last evening from a restaurant where we were enjoying dinner.

We took the time to pause, admire, and image the setting sun. With the eclipse just now over 24 hours away, watching the sun took on a renewed interest it seemed with many of the other patrons. We were not the only ones imaging the red orb as it sank below the horizon in the west.

The day was ending. But the night was going to be alive with activity.

It is the cycle.

But it is always nice to pause and admire the beauty that so often surrounds us.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ocean City, MD

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Back to the Beach

From the Condo Balcony
It is summer. That means that there is almost no where else that I would rather be than the beach.

This weekend it is Ocean City, Maryland. The drive to the beach on a Friday can be exasperating, but surprisingly it was mostly pleasant yesterday. Waze routed me around the worst of the traffic and I made relatively good time.

From the condo, I can hear the waves crashing on the beach. I can see and smell the ocean. And I can walk barefoot to the beach.

Being at the beach recharges me. Chris and I watched a fabulous lightening display last night as thunderstorms passed overhead. From the safety of the condo balcony, we felt the spray of the storm and absorbed the majesty of the light show occurring over the ocean.

I'm glad that we did not have plans to go out.

Weekend day 1 is ahead. And the beach beckons.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ocean City, MD

Friday, August 18, 2017

History Revised - The Civil War




By the time the news media and the revisionist historians get done, the Civil War will not have happened and the reasons for it which resulted in the death of 620,000 soldiers will be long forgotten.

Some of the things that I have heard during the past few days border on craziness. People are creating reasons and situations with little basis in history or fact.

How is it possible, for instance, to compare Robert E. Lee to George Washington? But yet, it was done.

What was the cause of the Civil War? Surely everyone knows, but yet apparently very few people really know. If it were only one thing, I'm sure public knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the Civil War would be better known.

While the issue of slavery was a cause of the Civil War, it was not THE cause. An interesting article discusses five other causes of the Civil War to amplify that it is a far more complex issue than just slavery.

Another thing that is lost in the current spate of revisionist history is context. We do not take the time to understand the history and context of the period of time. I wonder how many people knew that Abraham Lincoln was elected President and he was not on the ballot in deep southern states. Lincoln won the election with less than 40 percent of the popular vote.

All of that written, I still do not know how I feel about the reactionary removal of Confederate related statues from public areas. The well-intended people behind the decisions are trying defuse a situation which has spun hopelessly out of control by removing history. The Civil War happened and we remain are a country of diverse opinions. Taking down statues will not heal the divisions nor will it solve the current crisis. I worry that the past will be forgotten and that we will be doomed to repeat it.

Statues help us recall history. Destroying statues does not change anything dealing with the social issues behind the current unrest. But removing statues removes some of the impetus to be inquisitive and learn about why thestatue was emplaned in the first place. 

The country needs to embrace diversity and remember its history--no matter how difficult or even unpopular. It is by understanding our past in context, that we can move forward into the future. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Birdland Frustration


Wild Card Standings
From mlb.com
The Orioles were so close to gaining an advantage in the playoff hunt as they headed out on their most recent 10 game West Coast road trip.

They return to Baltimore at the bottom of the heap. They faced off against two of the teams ahead of them during the trip and went 2-4 against the Angels and the Mariners. They managed a 2-2 split against the Athletics. At least they get a day off.

The season is growing short and the Orioles have slipped to 3 games out of the Wildcard. Thoughts of winning the division have vanished as they have fallen to 3 games below .500 and are now 10.5 games out of the division lead. 

Yesterday, the Orioles dropped another one-run game in a heart-crushing fashion. Chris Davis was at the plate with the bases loaded and two outs. With the game on the line and the count 0-2, what did Davis do? He was a spectator as the Mariners' reliever threw a third strike past him to end the game and possibly the Orioles hopes for the season. The bat never came off his shoulder. 

I hate to say it, but maybe someone should have pitch-hit for him because he doesn't seem to be seeing the ball right now. There were great plays made on the field to get the Orioles back into the game with a chance to tie or go ahead and not even swing a bat at the game-ending third strike is appalling.

Beginning Friday, the Orioles will see the three teams they just played again in 9 of the next 12 games on home turf. There is a quick trip to Boston thrown in, so it is only a 6-game homestead against the Angels and Athletics, a 3-game trip to Boston, and then back for a 10-game against the Mariners, Blue Jays, and the team from up North whose name shall remain unwritten. 

The post-season, if there remains any hope, will be decided during the next few weeks as the Orioles face off against three of the teams ahead of them for a Wild Card spot. 

My optimism is not gone, but is fading fast. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Uninvited Mantis


It is hard to believe that August is half over.


Praying Mantis
Catch and Release
August 14, 2017
Yesterday was the mid-point of the month. From here on the days grow perceptibly shorter, with the darkness coming earlier every night.

Monday evening, Chris and I were having dinner on the screened porch because of the myriad bugs that were out that evening. And the rain. On the table was a small, no more than two-inch long praying mantis. It was cute to look at, right up until it started crossing the table to enjoy my dinner.

It was a disturbing moment. I was confronted with a small bug that I could easily crush, but a capable predator that eats other bugs. Even though it did not seem that way at the moment, the praying mantis was a colleague in the war on bugs. The mantis was clearly an aggressor on the prowl for prey. My concern was that I, or some portion of my dinner, was the prey.

I decided to conduct a catch and release operation. Going to the kitchen I got a glass and a piece of paper. Capturing the mantis in the glass was easy and I released the bug onto the nearest crepe myrtle, where hopefully it could find some dinner. 

The bug looked at me when I snapped its picture as it adjusted to being on the leaves of the crepe myrtle. 

I sensed that it felt betrayed, but for the life of me I couldn't imagine why! I certainly wasn't going to invite it to share my dinner.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Troy Whittemore Golf Classic 2017


Troy on the Course
Undated photo
The Beautiful Day and the Course
Trumansburg Golf Club
August 12, 2017
It is amazing how quickly the years seem to pass. The now Fourth Annual Troy Whittemore Golf Classic was played on Saturday at the Trumansburg Golf Club in Trumansburg, New York. The tournament raises money to support the scholarship fund established in Troy's memory. 

Despite the weather forecast which called for potential thunderstorms as the day went on, the weather was almost idyllic! The temperature was fabulous and the storms never materialized. 

About 18 teams participated this year. While that is not good for the scholarship fund, it made the pace of play very enjoyable. 

Carts at the Ready
The sponsors and the course did a great job of readying everything. And the hard working volunteers made the day a huge success. As always, the staff at the Trumansburg Golf Club were fantastic in getting everything ready and the course was in great shape. 
Mike Haslup
Closest to the Line Winner
August 12, 2017

The skill games played along the way were a lot of fun. The winner of the closest to the line drive competition was in my foursome and the ball nearly landed on the line. We were all pretty amazed at how close the ball came to being on the line. We knew the shot was good, we just didn't know how good until we got to the spot. It did set us up for a GIR and a nice birdie on the hole!

Hole Sponsors
I learned something about Troy from his friends that I didn't know. Troy hated mulligans! I found that amusing and so like Troy. I can see him espousing that if you make a bad shot, play the ball where it lies or take the penalty. There are no "do overs!"

Golf tournaments provide for friendly competition. The foursome I was with did very well this year, for us, by finishing 6 under par for a 66. The tournament winners, however, were an astounding 17 under par for a 55. The second place team was at 59 and there were two teams tied with 60. In the end, the team I was on tied for 6th place. I forgot to take a picture of the final leaderboard!

I can't believe that the day has come and gone already. I am already planning for next year's Classic. Thanks to everyone who organized, volunteered, and worked to make this year's event a success.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, August 14, 2017

Monday Musings - August 14, 2017


Dunkin Donuts Boston Cream Donut in a Bag
1. Yesterday was National Left-Handers Day! We lefties are still the only ones in our right minds.


Buffalo, PA
August 13, 2017
2. Hard work brings rewards of a job well done.

3. My optimism about the Orioles post-season chances is beginning to wane as they stumble through yet another road trip. They are now 3-4 on the current trip must win at least two games in Seattle coming up.

4. Driving back from New York yesterday we stopped along the way to enjoy the scenery, and some wine.

5. Did you ever wonder what a Dunkin Donuts Boston Cream donut looks like in a bag? Lonely!


Trumansburg Golf Course
August 12, 2017
6. The Troy Whittemore Classic golf tournament on Saturday was blessed with great temperatures and no rain! We had a lot of fun.

7. Since they are only playing pre-season games, can we really say that football season is here? Yet?

8. I wonder what our cats do when they are alone in the house for a weekend? At least they seem happy to see us.


Headlines

White House Acts to Stem Fallout From Trump’s First Charlottesville Remarks - The New York Times

Charlottesville victim: ‘She was there standing up for what was right’ - The Washington Post

Former spy chief: Denuclearized North Korea not in the cards - CNN

Ronald Reagan Quote of the Week



"We're strong because we still believe in a bedrock principle: We are a government of, by, and for the people, not the other way around. And we're strong because we know that true greatness begins with the deepest treasures of the human spirit, with faith and courage, with loyalty and love, with a quiet, unselfish devotion to our families, our neighbors, and our nation."
Remarks at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, August 19, 1984

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Staining Stairs

Freshly Scraped and Being Stained Stairs
Some projects require a significant amount of preparation before they can be executed.

I discovered this on Friday as I was scraping my parents deck in preparation for an updated coat of stain. It had been years since the deck had been stained, and they had been waiting for good weather for at least a year. The decking planks had been stained a week or so ago and now it was time for the tails and stairs.

I spent a good afternoon with my Dad scraping and staining. He was relieved after a few hours by Chris and we nearly completed the project before it was time for dinner and the evening festivities. There remains only one section of remaining. Hopefully we can knock it out the next time we sojourn to Ithaca.

Hard work is good work.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY

Friday, August 11, 2017

The Picnic

Luna Moth
Chris and I and the boys went to my office picnic yesterday. We had a lot of fun and it was great to see many of the office family who have retired and moved onto life after work. I'm just a bit envious. But I know that soon enough I will be there, my problem is that I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up.

The boys, Ethan, Jax, and Lucas seemed to have a great time playing in the river. I had hoped to play some catch with Jax, but the water got in the way.

As soon as we arrived at the picnic site, we were greeted by a big Luna moth sunning itself on a tree.

Don't worry, the moth was not the highlight of the picnic. Chatting with everyone and catching up on the twists and turns of life since we last saw each other was the picnic's highlight.

It w great to see everyone. I want to give my thanks to all of those who planned and executed the picnic. It was another great event. Too bad we have to wait until next year to do it again.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Numbered Milestones


On the Water
Yellowfin Steak and Fish House
Edgewater, MD
August 9, 2017
Numbered events, like birthdays and anniversaries, provide a means to track progress as we journey the pathway of life. 

Yesterday, Chris and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. It is one of those significant numbered events in life, but in doing so we were able to take the evening and enjoy a relaxing meal on the waterfront and reflect on the years we have been together.

Chris Checking out the Menu
Taking time out to remember where we have been and what we have done helps us focus on where we are going. It may seem a bit mundane, but sometimes I find that by looking backwards I can see the path I'm traveling and decide whether a change is needed or whether it is better to "stay the course."

So we took some time out last evening to celebrate ourselves. We enjoyed a great dinner at Yellowfin Steak and Fish House in Edgewater, Maryland. We enjoy Yellowfin because of its broad views of the water and especially last evening as the sun was setting during our dinner. 

From Yellowfin Steak and Fish House
Edgewater, MD
August 9, 2017
But the evening was not over when dinner was finished. We did something really crazy. Upon arriving back home we dialed up the year we were married on our Amazon Echo and listened to the songs that were popular. I was amazed at how we still remembered most of the words to those oldies, even though we hadn't heard many of them in a very long time. 

Wedding Day
All too soon, the clock indicated that our night of memories and remembrances was over and by heading off to bed we would have to return to the daily patterns that we have established. Neither of us wanted to let it go, for the moment was magical. I can still see Chris in her mother's magnificent wedding gown entering the church and being escorted by her Dad down the aisle to meet me. White lace and promises! We were again two young, too young, kids together in a church to say "I do" and then off together, arm in arm, down the aisle to face the realities of life. 

But, here we are! Two kids with a few decades of experience still taking on the world and trying to carve out our place in the craziness that is life. 

And so with a smile and a kiss the fairytale continues! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Tuesday Blues


Chris on Hole 7
Willow Springs Golf Course
August 8, 2017
I struggle with Tuesdays. It is the lost day of the week. 

Sandwiched between Monday, the start of the workweek, and Wednesday which is "hump day" Tuesday seems to have no particular identity of its own. 

There are some unking Tuesday sayings out there. For instance:

Dear Tuesday, nobody likes you either. You're just Monday's ugly cousin.

I try to do special things on Tuesday to give the day some character. Most often, the things I do are sports related. I like to go to Orioles games on Tuesdays, but my racquetball league plays on Tuesday nights during the autumn and winter. During the spring and summer I try to get out for a quick round of golf, as Chris and I did last evening. 

Heron Keeping Watch
It made for a great ending to the day. I was amazed, however, that we had to travel as far as we did to find a golf course to play. The close ones all were booked. It seems that every other golfer had the same idea about playing yesterday. 

It was a beautiful day. Low humidity and bright sunshine. 

We saw a lot of animals yesterday as well. There were many woodchucks and this one heron sitting overlooking a pond. The heron did not seem to mind our presence and even posed for my picture. 

It was a fitting end to the "in between" day. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Back at 500


Drum roll please!

American League Wild Card Standings
August 7, 2017
From MLB.com
With their 6-2 late night win against the Angels last night, the Orioles have returned to .500 for the season. Their record stands at 56-56, with 50 games remaining in the season and the Orioles continue to claw their way back into the post-season playoff picture.

The Orioles have not been at .500 since June 29th and had sunk to 6 games below as recently as July 28th. 

For now it is a sprint to the finish line of the season. The Orioles are 1.5 games out of the second wild card and there is now only one team between them and team currently in possession of that magical playoff spot.

I am not going to write about last night's game because I did not get to watch it as it started after I was already in bed. The west coast games are difficult to watch since they begin after 10 PM and I get up about 5 AM to start my day.

Manny Machado
I do want to congratulate Manny Machado for his grand slam homer which secured the victory. It was his 21st homer of the season and he now has 65 RBIs. He is second on the team for RBIs to Jonathan Schoop who has 82.

There is hope for meaningful October baseball in Birdland!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Zimbio
Top Stories