Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Phase 2 - The Project Gets Long


More painting and patching.

Ladder in the Stairwell
October 30,  2018
The realization that there are too many walls to paint became a reality yesterday. Fortunately, Mary, one of our friends, was available and helped Chris paint all day yesterday. Together, they put a huge dent in the painting part of the project.

Last evening, I was in the stairwell painting from my ladder that allows for stair adjustments. At one point, the smell of the paint was becoming overpowering and my food low-level light was flashing. Chris made a mad dash out for pizza leaving me trapped in the basement. Fortunately, there was another way out. 

The main basement room is painted, mostly. We are having some difficulties with the wall board repair, I guess I messed up the taping in one spot, but the now repaired repair is nearly complete. 

The days are beginning to get a bit long. The end, however, is in sight!

It will look great when the floor is laid. Speaking of the floor, it was supposed to be delivered yesterday, I wonder what happened?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Remodel Project Phase 2 Continues: Paint


Painting in Progress
October 29, 2018
Despite the entire we all not being ready for paint, we began to transform the color of the room last evening.

This is a huge project. Let me just say that. But the first coat of paint is mostly applied to the largest room. The laundry room, bath room, and auxiliary bedroom still need to be painted, but they are also full of stuff removed from the main room. 

The new color is a radical change from the previous color and really brightens the entire room. I think the new floor is going to be fantastic! It will be delivered today, hopefully. I checked its status and it is in Baltimore ready for delivery.

We have a few more days of work to do, but the remodel is progressing nicely.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, October 29, 2018

Monday Musings - October 29, 2018



1. Amazingly, it is the last Monday of October and Halloween is this week. Wow, where did the month go?


The Blue Mash Hole #1
Laytonsville, MD
October 28, 2018
2. The remodeling project continues, Chris and I made two trips to Lowe's yesterday for supplies. 

3. Who knew that selecting a paint color for a room could be so difficult? Why is selecting a color for the walls of a room so difficult is what I really want to know.

4. I played a round of golf yesterday at Blue Mash in Laytonsville! Yay! While it was good to be out on the course, it was cold and I didn't play very well. The temperature at Tee Time was about 50 degrees with a cold, biting wind.


Milkweed Pods
Laytonsville, MD
October 28, 2018
5. I believe that the President should have taken a more deliberate and tough stance on the recent violence that we have experienced in the country. Saying that the synagogue should have had an armed guard is not the correct response. This is not fake news, I saw and heard the President say those words!

6. Family NFL Report

   Ravens (4-4) lost to Panthers 21-36
   Steelers (4-2-1) defeated Browns 33-18
   Redskins (5-2) defeated Giants 20-13
   Cowboys (3-4) had a bye

7. On the golf course yesterday, I happened upon these milkweed pods along the banks of a pond. Autumn is definitely deepening. No, I didn't lose a ball in the tangled underbrush, I was waiting for the group in front of us to clear the green.

8. I watched the World Series final game last evening, at least until 10 PM when I went to bed. Baseball is over until February. I hope the Orioles begin reconstructing soon.

9. What are you doing for Halloween? It is Wednesday!


10. Daylight Saving Time ends next Sunday morning. I hope to enjoy the extra hour in bed, but am already mourning the loss of sunlight at the end of the day.

11. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2018 are:
              -- About 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer
              -- About 29,430 deaths from prostate cancer


12. Today in History: 1998. Nearly four decades after he became the first American to orbit the Earth, Senator John Hershel Glenn, Jr., is launched into space again as a payload specialist aboard the space shuttle Discovery. At 77 years of age, Glenn was the oldest human ever to travel in space. During the nine-day mission, he served as part of a NASA study on health problems associated with aging.



Headlines


Pittsburgh Shooting Suspect, After Massacre, Said He ‘Wanted All Jews to Die’ - The New York Times





Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week


I'm convinced that today the majority of Americans want what those first Americans wanted: A better life for themselves and their children; a minimum of government authority. 
 -- Nationally Televised Address, July 6, 1976


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Phase 2 Begins, Reconstruction


The Hole on the Wall is Filled
October 28, 2018
The remodeling project continues. We have completed most of the demolition. While there are still a few things to accomplish, we have moved into the reconstruction phase.

Even though it was raining today, Chris and I removed all of the carpet from the main room and the bedroom. We took it to the landfill and spent the rest of the day beginning the reconstruction phase of the project. 

Floors to the Concrete
October 28, 2018
The floors are now down to the bare concrete. The hole in the wall that was at the end of the now removed counter has dry wall installed and the initial coat of joint compound is in place. 

It has been a lot of work. There is still so much to do, but at least the demolition is complete and we are onto painting and floor installation. The flooring will be delivered next week. 

Painting begins, probably later today and floor installation begins next Saturday. The flooring will be delivered Tuesday, I wonder where I am going to store 43 cases of flooring? The project totals about 827 square feet of floor. Hopefully most of the painting will be completed by the time the floor installation begins. It is possible that the laundry room and back bedroom may not be painted before the flooring is installed.

The hardest part about the project is deciding where to store stuff. All of the closets are empty and this has turned into an entire house project. Empty bedrooms are being pressed into service as temporary storage rooms.

In two weeks, the project should be complete! I look forward to the house returning to normal.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Morning to Evening


Reverse Autumn Tree
October 26, 2018
It was another unique day from morning to evening.

During my morning drive to work, I had the opportunity to see a reverse autumn tree. 

Watching the Video
Me and Francis
October 26, 2018
What is a reverse autumn tree, you ask? It is a tree that still has its leaves and is silhouetted by the autumn morning sky. I saw the tree on my drive and stopped to snap an image of it. 

It was a stunning scene and the image does not really do it justice, but it does stir the memory in my mind.

The end of the day was a completely different experience. 

Chris and I gathered with friends at a local establishment to celebrate the end of the week and enjoy time together. During the evening, I was encouraged to watch a video on Chris's cell phone and Francis was watching over my shoulder. It was fascinating, as you can tell from the image.

I think the bottle of Americana wine, from a Cayuga Lake winery in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, in the foreground helps to tell the story of the evening. Yes, it was Happy Hour and we were enjoying the fruit of the vine.


Friday is for friends and, well, wine makes it all the better.

From the spectacular morning to the warm ending with friends, it was a Friday to remember.

BTW, if you are keeping track, 14 down and 30 more to go!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, October 26, 2018

What Happened to Kinder and Gentler?


A new paradigm has been created in America during the past two or so years. People who offer differing thoughts and ideas are being vilified.

I see it in the political ads on television. I saw one last night that so repulsed me that I am seriously considering changing my party affiliation. The ad stopped just short of characterizing the opposition as enemies of the state.

It is appalling the amount of fear and hate mongering that many of the campaign ads are pushing this year. Our society, encouraged by the current administration, has become sadly polarized and that is unhealthy. The ability to engage in healthy discourse about issues has eroded and we are being forced into a single and unhealthy view of the world.

That is wrong. The problems our country and the world face require thoughtful consideration and discussion. No one person has the answers to the problems and even then, there are multiple sequences and branches that need to be considered and explored.

The recent spate of explosive devices that have been apparently mailed arounds the country to those who voice differences of opinion from the current administration are a symptom of the larger problem of intolerance. Violence against the opposition is encouraged and condoned by the lack of condemnation coming from the highest levels of our government.

The Brave New World is very scary.

Is America still the shining beacon of light for the world?

If what is happening in America today is not enough reason to get out and vote in the mid-Term elections, then I do not know what is!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Autumn Gracing the Trees


Autumn Trees
October 24, 2018
Last evening as Chris and I were walking the dogs we noticed that autumn colors were finally arriving on the trees. Perhaps the light frost of the past few mornings had jump-started the autumn colors.

The trees were highlighted in the setting sun and they were stunning on the street among the still green trees.
Sunrise over Elkridge, MD
October 24, 2018

Yesterday morning, I also noticed the sunrise on the horizon while I was sitting at a stop light on my way to work. I guess it was a day to notice the autumn.

The morning sky was clear and the sunrise on the horizon was even. The trees, which still have their leaves, were silhouetted by the color of the colorful sky.

The day was bookended by the sunrise and the last rays of the sun. In between was color and life.

Life is noticing the world around me.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Wednesday Traffic Woes


Baltimore Traffic
undated
I am unsure why, but traffic always seems heavier on Wednesdays. 

I am watching the morning traffic report and one of the announcers mentioned that the traffic is so heavy that people must be heading out for an early Thanksgiving holiday.

Pretty funny unless you have to be out in it. 

I, unfortunately, have to be out in the traffic everyday. 

Baltimore has some of the worst traffic in the country! And Wednesday's are the worst day of the week. I always plan extra time to get anywhere on Wednesdays.

Today, I get to enjoy the traffic even more because I have a morning class in one location near the airport and then get to head to my regular worksite! Yay! And, as an added bonus, I get to head off for my afternoon treatment right as the evening rush hour begins!

I used to get very frustrated by the traffic, but now I just cope with it. 

It is hump day after all! And Chris and I are still working through our major remodeling project.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

The Project - Step 1 Demolition Continues


Counter and Cabinets Removed
October 23, 2018
The thing about big projects is that there is always something more to do. 
Walls Prepped for Painting
October 23, 2018

During the remainder of the weekend, Chris and I were able to remove the sink base and cupboard. Yesterday Chris and some friends began prepping the wall for painting and I began to deal with the electrical issues. There are wires that need to be converted into plugs and other wires that need to be capped for future use.

We have been trying to decide on the perfect color for the walls and the paint swatches are visible just to the left of the patio door. We have narrowed it down to two colors, until another one surfaces. In the end the room is going to be a lot brighter than the current iteration.

We have been discovering some interesting things as we prepare the room. The frame that held the range hood is constructed so well that we are trying to repurpose it for something else. Not sure what that will be yet.

But, the project continues! Behind every cabinet there is a new surprise!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Monday, October 22, 2018

Monday Musings - October 22, 2018




1. The temperature was an exhilarating and way-too-cold 33 degrees this morning. The end of October is clearly in sight as the morning temperatures continue to dip closer to freezing.

2. Big projects provide a way to spend lot of time working to improve the quality of the homestead.

3. The sound of the furnace blowing warm air into the house is certainly different from the mornings where cooler air was desired. The cat likes to sit on the register to gather the warmth.

4. Family Weekend NFL Results:

   Ravens (4-3) lost to Saints (5-1) 23-24
   Cowboys (3-4) lost to Redskins (4-2) 17-20
   Redskins (4-2) defeated Cowboys (3-4) 20-17
   Steelers (3-2-1) did not play due to Bye

Tree Beginning to Change for the Autumn
Barrington, NY
October 3, 2018
5. Why is the warmest place in the house the restroom?


6. The thought of heading out into Monday morning traffic coupled with the cold is not a pleasant thought. the Parkway is already jammed!

7. The colors of Autumn in the trees do provide a short period of joy before the dark days settle in for the Winter.

8. For my friends and family who are counting down with me, 9 down and 35 to go!

9. Congratulations to Nicole and Mike and the boys for fostering their third puppy. She is a cutie and I am sure she will be adopted quickly.

Headlines


A 14-year-long oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico verges on becoming one of the worst in U.S. history - The Washington Post


Things are bad at Sears. They're worse at Kmart - CNN


Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week


There is no more striking symbol of  democracy than the picture of a citizen casting a ballot, electing a leader, choosing his or her own destiny. 

  -- Remarks at a White House luncheon to Delegates to the Conference on Free Elections, November 4, 1982


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Step 1, Phase 1 The Project Begins


Counter and Cabinets Headed to the Landfill
October 20, 2018
It was not without its challenges, but step 1 of the demolition phase of the remodeling project was successfully completed yesterday. 

The Counter and Bar are Removed
October 20, 2018
When it was over, the counter was deconstructed and removed to the landfill. It totaled 520 pounds of construction debris but the room looks much larger than before. The hardest part turned out to be getting the foundation board off the concrete. It was both nailed into and glued onto the concrete. It was not going anywhere and had to be removed a piece at a time. The pile of wood in the picture are the remnants of the 2X10 board. It burned very nicely in the fire pit!

The big problem are the two electric wires that I need to turn into plugs and, oh yes, the missing piece of wall board! Turns out the bar was built into the basement as it was finished, which makes sense. It was build to never be removed, well, except now it is gone. 

We are definitely committed now and will be buying the new floor soon. We are also going to be painting the room  as soon as we can choose a new color. We are down to the final choices and want to get painting as soon as deconstruction is over, and when I get the wall repaired.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, October 20, 2018

On the Threshold of a Major Project


Basement Family Room
October 20, 2018
I'm sitting here at the beginning of another weekend. The rain has finally stopped, although everything is soaked. That definitely puts a damper on outdoors activities for a while, but no matter, Chris and I are lining up a major remodeling project for the basement rooms.

Laundry Room
October 20, 2018
Today we will be deconstructing the basement family room, laundry room, and bedroom including removing the counter and sink in preparation for painting and installing a new floor throughout. We have already begun to purchase furniture to populate the remodeled room.

It is always a bit daunting at the beginning of a big project. And downright scary. But we are hoping that the results are worth the effort. We have not devoted much energy to updating the basement rooms. They are the only rooms in the house that still have carpet! Both rooms have carpet that was either in place or installed as we moved into the house almost 18 years ago.
Basement Bedroom
October 20, 2018

It is a big project! 

But we hope the end results will be worth it. There will be a new floor all the way through the basement to tie everything together. 

If we can keep focus, I hope to have the project completed before Thanksgiving!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, October 19, 2018

Wine in the Finger Lakes


Sunrise October 4, 2018
Senaca Lake in Torrey, NY
Chris and I scooted off to the Finger Lakes region of Upstate NY for a quick get away and to sample some local wines during the early part of October. We had hoped to enjoy the colors of the autumn leaves, but the change had not yet begun. 


The Symbol of Heron Hill Winery
We were treated to some spectacular sunrises, some great white wines, all while enjoying a beautiful house on the shores of Senaca Lake in the town of Torrey, New York. 

The days went by quickly and during the time we were there we visited 13 wineries and sampled an untold number of wines. The white wines were, as expected, very nice and all had a fantastic price point. We were able to obtain a couple bottles of the New York Governor's Cup winning wine for $17.99 from Keuka Springs Vineyard. It was their 2017 Gewurtztraminer. 

While enjoying the wines was certainly a highlight of the visit, the stunning sunrises and and views over Senaca Lake were really the highlight of the trip. 




I enjoyed the sound of the gentle waves hitting the shore and Chris and I slept with the window open to let the sound of the waves provide a peaceful night's rest.

Radio Flyer took to the skies on a couple of occasions to document the sights we were seeing. 

It was a quick trip, but relaxing and enjoyable. 

I highly recommend a repeat visit, next year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Night Out


Elkridge Furnace Inn
Elkridge, MD
Dinner at the Elkridge Furnace Inn
October 16, 2018
Birthdays provide a great reason to change things up and head off for a nice dinner at a restaurant that we don't usually visit.

Chris and I did just that to celebrate both of our recent birthdays the other evening and enjoyed a great dinner at the Elkridge Furnace Inn

The Inn is located very close to our home, yet we do not often head there for dinner. We actually should dine there more often because we had a great dinner with superior service and an enjoyable time. 

It was very nice to get out, alone, and have a chance to talk and celebrate each other. The restaurant provided us with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine to start off the evening celebration and our waiter offered to take the image of the two of us beginning our evening out. 

It was a great evening out and we returned home to enjoy some of the cheesecake that I had made for Chris's birthday celebration.

Mmmm. cheesecake!

It was great evening out at a local restaurant.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Countdown


Russian launch to ISS
October 11, 2018
I have experienced the thrill of watching, in person, the countdown of launches into space. They are far better than watching on television, but the effect is similar.

In person, I have walked out to a beach or stopped on a causeway with a radio near to hear the NASA announcers as they talk about the time remaining to launch. The excitement builds and then t=we hear the final seconds 10..9..8..7..6..5.. all the way to zero and the engines light and the vehicle lifts off the pad and begins its journey into space.

It is thrilling!

Hopes and dreams ride with the ascending vehicle.

My Closed Pool
There are other countdowns that I employ.

How many days until my next vacation or cruise. I have an app on my phone that lets me know how many days remain. It is a countdown. The time always seems so far away--and then it is here.

Some people have the annual Christmas countdown of shopping days left until the big day! One always seems to scream by at almost light speed. But I remember as it kid it was incredibly slow. The days remains until Christmas 2018 are 69 meaning there are 68 shopping days remaining.

I have countdown for the number of days remaining until I open my pool for the next summer season. Currently it is 202. Ugh!

I am currently near the beginning of another countdown. They always seem to go slow at the beginning. I have completed 6 days and have 38 remaining. Mine is based on weekdays with Thanksgiving and Black Friday not included. December 11th will mark the completion and hopefully success!

Countdowns help me achieve goals! I cannot climb a mountain except one step at a time and I cannot reach a goal except one day at a time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Tuesday, October 16, 2018

October's Revenge


Evening Falls
October 15, 2018
I reflected back on the beginning of October and I recall 80 degree days and warm temperatures. 

Things have significantly changed.

Yesterday was cool and gray. Very gray. Like the economy and the stock market.

We are facing another day where the high is going to top out at 60 and the low tonight will be in the 40s. Similarly, the stock market will likely drop again. 

Brrr. Winter is on the way both in terms of the season and the economy.

It has been very cold lately with stocks dropping like a rock. 

That is the fallacy of forcing people to fund their retirement plans through investments instead of pensions. When the market bottoms out, retirement funds evaporate.

In our current situation, the meaningless trade war is really reducing the value of investments. 

Hopefully, change will arrive soon. I long for the warmth of the sun and the rising tide of the markets.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, October 15, 2018

Monday Musings - October 15, 2018




1. We have arrived at the middle of October. Amazing how quickly it seemed to appeared. I felt like it took forever to make it to July and now we are facing the end of October.

2. It is birthday season for the family. We have two this week!

3. Chris and I were working outside yesterday and settling in to put a dent in the downed tree project--and then the rains began. Again.

4. Two days in a row the high temperature has failed to achieve even 60 degrees. Today managed to make it to 55 degrees!

5. Weekend family NFL Team report. It was a good weekend for the family teams.

  Ravens (4-2) defeated Titans 21-0
  Steelers (3-2-1) defeated Bengals 28-21
  Cowboys (3-3) defeated Jaguars 40-7
  Redskins (3-2) defeated Panthers 23-17

md 
Sunrise on MD Route 175
October 12, 2018
6. I wore one of my Orioles hoodies yesterday and was reminded that it was football season. I had to remind the individual that baseball was still being played by four teams as the World Series looms and that the Orioles were intently watching the playoffs from the warmth of their own living rooms.

7. I snapped an interesting image the other morning headed home from playing racquetball. It was the sunrise. It is getting light later and darker earlier. It is very noticeable.

8. Is it un-American not to pay taxes? I wish some of our leaders felt the same way.

9. Today in History. Mata Hari, the archetype of the seductive female spy, is executed for espionage by a French firing squad at Vincennes outside of Paris on this day in 1917.


Headlines


Saudi Arabia says will retaliate against any sanctions over Khashoggi case - Reuters
North Korea leader sincere, must be rewarded for move to abandon nuclear weapons: South Korean president - Reuters



Sears, the Original Everything Store, Files for Bankruptcy - The New York Times


Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week


“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Now Arriving -- Autumn


Looking towards the Tee Box
13th Hole
Patuxent Greens
October 13, 2018
It was a cold day and I began it on a golf course yesterday. The round was played under cold and wet conditions.

Plugged Golf Ball
13th Hole
Patuxent Greens
October 13, 2018
It was cold in another way as I also learned that the course on which I was playing is going to be plowed under at the end of the year to become another residential development blight upon the world. I will be sorry to lose this course as it is relatively close and easy to visit.

The rain and cold have been rough on the course; it was in terrible condition and it was not a lot of fun to play. To say that it was a struggle would be an understatement. The course was covered with mud and water. Sometimes the ball would go "ker-plunk" when it hit the course and create a shower of water. The course is clearly not being maintained as it preparing for shutdown at the end of the year.

The cold complicated the remainder of the day as well. The temperature never got above 57 degrees and it started in the 40s. 

Fire in the Pit
October 13, 2018
Lights in the Wine Glass
October 13, 2018
The good news, however, was that Chris and I were able to enjoy the fire pit during the evening without being besieged by mosquitos. 

We enjoyed some wine and the fire for a few hours talking about plans for the basement makeover and next year's vacation. It was enjoyable and the fire was warm, hot even, and drove off the cold as it settled for the evening. 

As it was only 44 degrees this morning, it appears that another cold day is on tap. I have a few outdoors projects to accomplish and the cold weather will definitely make them a bit more challenging.

Autumn has suddenly arrived. We have gone from highs in the 80's to highs in the 50's in about 48 hours!

Ready or not, here come the dark days.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD



Saturday, October 13, 2018

Life by the Numbers


I woke up this morning, to the sound of the rain potentially drowning out my planned golf outing, and began to think about, for some odd reason, the numbers that have been important in my life. 

It is weird how some numbers have been prevalent in different aspects of my life.


Take 49, for instance. It was my Boy Scout Troop number and my high school varsity football number. I still like 49 as a number and often choose it when I need a number between 1 and a hundred.

And then there is 19. It is the number of of my relationship and marriage with Chris. We were born 19 days apart--yes, in the same year. We found out that our parents were married 19 days apart--in the same year. We were 19 when we got married and our first son was born on the 19th day of the month. Definitely something going on  there.

These are both interestingly significant numbers from the coincidences that are the fabric of our lives. 

Of course there are other numbers which all have various meanings: 26, 3, 31, 11, 15, and 21, for instance.


The number 21 is interesting in that we were both 21 years old when our first child was born and I served 21 years in the Air Force. I was also 21 when I graduated form college Wow!

A number with some special meaning right now in my life is 44 because something very significant be completed when the the week day countdown from 44 reaches 0. My time with 44 will, hopefully, end on December 11th. I am currently 4 down and 40 to go in the count. Thanksgiving and Black Friday are not included, BTW.

Numbers are how I mark events and I am still amazed, even as I write this about how certain numbers have special meaning in my life.

I just noticed that this is my 3833nd blog post! Now there is a number for you!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

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