Christmas is in the House

The Saturday after Thanksgiving is our decorating day and yesterday was no exception. With the movie The Santa Clause playing in the background, supplemented by music of the season, we "Christmafied" the house. And somewhere during the day Chris also rendered the former Thanksgiving turkey into a soup.

Of course there was the obligatory trip to Lowe's for emergency supplies, new lights for the tree, when it became apparent to some that my attempt to swap out one string of lights for a non-functional one resulted in two different colors of lights on the tree: yellow-white and white-white. This, I was informed, was a major decorating faux pas. I admit, I never saw the difference. But it worked out because we purchased two Christmas gifts while we were out thereby contributing to the holiday retailer's profit margin.

But the best part about decorating this year was found in two new "toys." The Polar Express train circling under our tree is one and the new remote control lighting switches that we installed to control the lights is the other. No more crawling on the floor to turn on the Christmas Tree and all of the associated lights. 

Columbia Mall Poinsettia Tree

I am sure there will be more decorations to hang before the season is complete. We are undecided about setting up the Snow Village this year. While it will be hard to break an almost 30 year tradition, I'm not "feeling it" this year. Time will tell. 

I did have the chance to snap a quick photo of my favorite shopping mall decoration this year--the Poinsettia Tree in the Columbia Mall. Yes, I was out shopping with Chris on Black Friday for a few short, although seemingly eternal, hours. 

Another check in the holiday checklist is accomplished.

Next up? Shopping. Ugh! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Surviving Ravens-Steelers: The NFL Needs to Clean up the Fans

M&T Bank Stadium
November 28, 2013

It was cold. Let me start there. I was prepared for the cold and for the most part, except at the very beginning of the evening, I adapted to the sub-freezing temperatures and enjoyed myself.

The game was good--I have to like the outcome because the Ravens held on, literally, by stopping a two point conversion to secure victory on their home turf. 

Me and Jeremy before the Game

I was lucky enough to attend my first Ravens-Steelers NFL football game in person with Jeremy--a rabid, but reserved, Steelers fan. He had been there before and knew how the evening would unfold. I wore my venerable Todd Heap, number 86, Ravens jersey and Jeremy wore his usual Ben Roethlisberger, number 7, Steelers jersey. 

We had an awesome time tailgating before the game and met up with many other great people who were looking forward to the game. 

But, once we entered the stadium,  things changed. I feel compelled to condemn a significant, but small, percentage of fans who feel that they must abuse those wearing gear from the visiting team. It bothered me a lot. The slurs I heard directed at Jeremy and other Steelers fans were uncalled for--whether children were present (which they were) or not. 

I admit that the slurs and the nasty behavior of a few fans put a damper on my enthusiasm for the game. In one sequence of uncalled for nastiness near the end of the game while the outcome was still in the balance, a man in front of us grabbed Jeremy's Terrible Towel, uttered words about his parentage and how by waving his towel he was disrespecting his wife, threatened Jeremy when he returns next year to the Ravens-Steelers game, and threw the towel towards the edge of the stadium where another fan helped it to fall down from the upper level into the stadium below. 

Jeremy displayed an awesome sense of composure and we managed to get out of the situation without being surrounded by police and thousands of other drunken fans. 

I know how I feel when Yankees or Red Sox fans come into Camden Yards--but I never will abuse them nor do I tolerate those who do. They bought a ticket and they have a right to enjoy the game. I just hope the home team wins and they go home losers. Nuff said.

The NFL needs to get control of the unacceptable behavior. In baseball, there are ushers everywhere who help manage the rowdiness. That may be the answer. I did not see an usher anywhere all evening. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Thanksgiving - 2013

Turkey and the Snowman

The Holiday to begin The Season has arrived. Thanksgiving dawned with clear and cold skies. The season of the Turkey comes to a gut gorging conclusion later today with dinner and football and wine. 

Thanksgiving is the holiday that every American can celebrate--there are no overt religious overtones to divide us from the celebration and it truly is--not a memorial or remembrance type of day. Thanksgiving is the holiday to give thanks to God for his blessings and also say thank you to the ones you love for being there during the past year through the good times and the not so good times. 

Thanksgiving is also a time to remember those from whom we are separated--but to give thanks for them and their love and support.

Thanksgiving is also a transition point. The time when the turkey and harvest decorations give way to the winter and Christmas decorations. The snowman is already trying to push the turkey off its briefly held perch in front of the fireplace. 

Give thanks. Have a great day and don't forget to phone home.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Snarled Traffic on the Rain Swept Roads

Last evening's drive after work was an experience I hope not to repeat soon. My usual 15 minute trip extended to almost 45 minutes because the snarled traffic. The Parkway was jammed and then my next road, Route 100,  was not moving presumably because I-95 was also at a stand still and there just wasn't anywhere for the traffic to go. 

The lights of the cars reflecting off the rain drenched road were strangely fascinating. I took the image while stopped on Route 100--waiting for whatever it was I was waiting for and for which I never discovered. 

The cars and lights were blurred in an almost impressionist painting style, except that I was expected to drive home in the storm. The dark sky of the early evening, it was only just about 5 PM, reminded me that this was winter's calling card.

Storms in Maryland bring out the worst in drivers. As I was waiting in the traffic looking at the long line ahead trying to merge, I was amazed that a mail truck, yup USPS, drove on the shoulder to until where the traffic was joining and then muscled into the lane. My guess is that the driver was late getting back to the post office and wasn't getting authorized overtime. The driver certainly was not delivering the mail.

Dangerous decisions fueled by frustration.

Be careful, its a jungle out there.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Inner Keeshond Appears

Makayla after Spa Day

Spa day was a success. The inner Keeshond has returned and Makayla is ready for Thanksgiving.

She smells better and is walking better on the wood floors. The groomer cuts her nails shooter than I am willing to risk. 

She is not much worse for the wear, I know she does suffer a bit of separation anxiety when she is spending the day at the spa, but they keep her busy.

Keeshond or Norwegian Elkhound?

She is a lot of work! 

My only complaint is that I think they trim her a bit too much and make her look more like a Norwegian Elkhound than the Keeshond that she is. 

But, she looks better and smells better than just a few hours earlier. And the inner Keeshond has returned.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Makayla's Spa Day

Makayla Before her Spa Day

Every few months, Makayla gets a spa day. I'm not sure she appreciates it the same way that many people do, but she gets to spend the entire day getting a make-over. 

Today is the day.

I just returned from dropping her off--she makes it so difficult. She looks at me with her big brown eyes and whines as if to say, "Don't leave me."

Makayla Waiting for Spa Day

Well, as you can see, she really needs a spa day. I've been brushing her, but sometimes I just need professional help with her coat. 

Today is that day.

I expect her to come back home looking awesome. I always love the way her fur bounces as she walks after a spa day. I want to believe she likes the way she looks, too. Almost as if she is saying, "Look at me, I'm beautiful." No anthropomorphism here! (When was the last time you saw that word used?)

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wine Tasting Evening with Laurie Forster

While it may seem boring to some and it may seem I do a lot of of it, the most important thing that happens when I go out to taste wine is that I meet people. Wine drinkers seem to be a group of people who are willing to celebrate life and enjoy the fruit of the vine.

Last evening Chris and I along with two close friends went to a wine event (not entirely a tasting) at a recreational store in Annapolis and enjoyed not only an evening together but rekindled a relationship with a star of the wine world, Laurie Forster.  We first met Laurie about five years ago at the St Michael's Food and Wine event. I must have made an impression because she remembered me. How do I know? She told me where and when we first met! Wow.

Laurie Forster

During the evening, I had the opportunity to play a how good is your nose game--mine isn't very good because blindfolded I confused a banana with an apple and couldn't identify Old Spice aftershave, and wine a book written by Laurie while enjoying an evening of wine and learning. 

Learning about wine is what makes the whole process fun. It is not all about the drinking, but the learning to slow down and appreciate wine. 

Laurie has a great approach to help people learn about wine without that snobby approach that turns so many novices off.

Wine provides a means to meet people and to share experiences. Laurie has developed a subtle comedy act that helps to to educate while also encouraging the enjoyment of wine--and especially moderately priced, good tasting wines. 

Chris and I enjoy learning about wines from new places and even new wines from known locales. The best part is tasting them to appreciate their strengths and to enjoy their complexity.

Good wines, good friends, and meeting new people. What could be better.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Airport in the Morning

I had a unique experience yesterday morning. I was in Teminal C of the Denver International Airport as dawn arrived while waiting for my flight home.

The bright morning sun was pouring through the windows. The day was dawning and the terminal was empty, a prelude to the crowded bustling place that it soon would become.

Outside, the bright skies were changing to gray, snow filled clouds forecast to bring as much as four inches of snow to the area beginning overnight and into today. 

I was shocked at how quickly the terminal filled with people headed for planes and destinations across the country. Maybe, it seemed, they were anxious, as was I, to escape the gathering storm.

I did escape that storm, flying away on the aluminum wings to enjoy sunshine and accomplish some yard work once I arrived home. But, it all started yesterday in Terminal C.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Hotel Window - Denver, again, November 2013

Looking East form my Denver Hotel
November 19, 2013

I come to Denver often it seems. Maybe too much and too often. I would love to go somewhere else on occasion, but that doesn't seem to be in the cards at least until March when I get to return to Sarasota for a few days and enjoy Orioles Sprint Training.

The views out my hotel window from Denver are, however, some of the the best I experience. While they often seem the same and I almost never get a mountain view, they are always different. Yesterday, I sat on my bed and watched the sun begin to rise in the east. It was awesome to witness the birth of a new day filled with hope and promise.

Looking East from my Denver Hotel
November 18, 2013

The day before, after arriving at the hotel I snapped an image out of the window--just in case I didn't find something better. Watching the dawn, however,  is always better.

Although I can see the lights of the airport in the morning picture, I can see the actual spires of the main terminal in Denver in the daytime shot.

Today is another travel day back to home.

But the memory of the dawn will remain.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, CO

Gray, Fog, Autumn's Demise

Frost Nipped Mums

As I sat this morning watching the dawn break, because the cat decided to start knocking things off my night table at 5:30 AM, I realized that successive mornings of temperatures in the 20's had brought the colorful autumn season to a close. 

Crepe Myrtle Tree

The mums were showing signs of the freeze and many of the remaining leaves on the trees were brown and dry, waiting for their inevitable fall to the ground to begin the cycle of life over again. 

The day would be better with blue skies to highlight the remaining color and soften the stark grays and browns beginning to dominate the scene. 

I already long for the greens of summer, heightened by Chris being in Orlando for the weekend enjoying green and, well, rain. But warm.

There remains some color in the autumn berries, but even they are beginning to fade in preparation for the cold winter ahead.

Even as autumn begins its slide into winter, there remains some beauty to be found. I just need to look harder for it. Of course if the sun would shine it would be easier to find.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Another Upgrade--Garage Door

I found out that garage doors wear out. They get old and they begin to separate and not only that, they look bad. New garage doors aside from looking good are insulated and should serve to help mitigate the cold winds of winter as well as the hot summer sun.

For all of these reasons, and mostly because the old door was beginning to come apart as the seams, literally, we had a new garage door installed. Another repair/upgrade/maintenance activity on a 20 something year old house.

The new door looks great. 

I wanted windows because I like the light in the garage. Doors without windows make it so dark in the garage. 

I was amazed that the entire demolition and installation took only about two hours.

And now--we have a garage door that will last for a long while and also looks good!

It is amazing the amount of work and upkeep a home takes to remain current.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Boys, Leaves, and Fun

Jax and Ethan in the Leaves

Proof that fun doesn't have to involve a ball, puck, or electronic device was the joy that Ethan and Jax had in a pile of leaves on Sunday afternoon. 

The leaves have been piling up in the yard and with the help of a blower Chris made a gigantic pile, which still remains, for the boys to play in. 

It is amazing how much fun kids can have in leaves. A number of the local kids joined in for a while. 

Jax watches E disappear into the leaves

And it was wholesome. No electronics were harmed in the making of the fun.

I remember raking leaves into a pile to enjoy when I was a kid. I never was able to get a pile as large as this one. I'm not sure I ever had this much fun in a pile of leaves wither. This was truly a huge leaf pile!

Fun on an autumn afternoon consists of sun, blue skies, kids, and leaves. What could be better?

Oh yeah, a glass of wine.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dinner on The Porch

November Dinner--An Autumn Offering

I was reflecting upon the beginning of the month, and I remembered that on last Friday, November 1st, the temperatures were so mild that Chris and I celebrated the beginning of the weekend by eating dinner on the deck. Yes, it was that warm and clear. A great day.

At that time we noticed that the trees had really dropped most of their leaves in two short days. From peak color to no color in 24 hours. Autumn is progressing at an incredibly rapid pace. 

The seasons, in general, seem to be flying by at an ever increasing pace. It is almost hard to keep up with them. The food we are eating has also begin to transition. More creamy soups and harvest dishes like apples and squash. 

I guess we are hunkering down for the winter season which is too rapidly approaching. 

Dinner on the back deck was a treat--the moderate temperatures and the fire pit provided a special atmosphere to reflect upon the week that flew by too fast.

I am going to work in darkness and now coming home with the darkness as well as the daylight winds down towards the winter solstice. I wish it would come and be over.

But a nice dinner on the deck was a reminder of the good times past and the adventures yet to come. Maybe it helped that we were discussing our summer plans.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Season of the turkey

House Turkey

It is here. That short season of relative sanity between Halloween and Christmas--the Season of the Turkey. 

The season of Thanksgiving. The season of joy and realizing the gifts and blessings that we have been given. 

We have decorated our house with the mascot of the season--Elmer, the Turkey!

Elmer is the name my family has always given to our Thanksgiving bird. Tradition has it that it is the name of an old boyfriend from long ago--and that the relationship didn't work out because, well, he was a turkey. I really don't know if that is a true story or not, but it sure sounds like a keeper.

The topper over our entryway says it all about this season: "Let us give Thanks."

This is a good time of the year to pause and remember all of the things for which we should be thankful.

Thanksgiving Door Topper

I'm not going to tell you all of them here, but I urge you to pause, whatever your situation, and realize that there are things for which you should be thankful. Basic things like a warm bed in a dry room to sleep in to the extravagant things like three wild grandsons who always make me smile and laugh at their exuberance for life. 

And so, the season of the turkey precedes the season of the excess. Enjoy the respite before life gets out of control.

BTW--did I say that I love turkeys? 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Soccer on an Idyllic Autumn Morning

Ethan in the Game

The day started cool, in the 40's, but soon warmed into the high 60's. The sun was bright and warm illuminating the colorful leaves on the trees. The sky was clear and blue, in the morning making a perfect day for outdoor sports. 

Soccer was the game of the day. It was Ethan's final game of the season. Ethan, wearing his favorite quarterback's number 10, was leading the charge against the undefeated opponents. The team performed admirably until midway through the fourth period when the other team unleashed their secret weapon who scored three quick goals to win the game 4-2. 

Ethan Playing the Ball

It was warm on the soccer field. I had taken a jacket, but did not need to wear it. We have been experiencing some beautiful days as autumn begins the inevitable slide into winter. 

I was chatting with someone who suggested that the colors of autumn were more beautiful than the spring, but I reminded them that summer follows spring and that the darkness and desolation of winter follows autumn. We laughed.

Tonight, we are expecting our first real freeze of the season with temperatures into the 20's. The fine weather may be over.

And, alas, with the cold weather comes the realization that the soccer season is now behind us and ahead lies basketball! Another day another sport.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Hand of the Painter

Autumn colors have finally arrived in the Baltimore area. I noticed them this afternoon. The leaves on the trees are finally beginning to change and approach peak color. It has been a long, slow, tortuous autumn.

The hand of the painter was at last evident in the trees and the hills. 

I noticed the vibrance of the colors even though the day was foggy, cloudy, and gray. 

The painter of the universe was evident in the intricate colors which are adorning the trees and bushes. 

Although I am not a fan of autumn, I enjoy the colors and the leaves--right up until they need to be removed from my lawn. What a mess!

But, they are beautiful.

And bright!

And they remind me of the glory of the season before the leaves depart from their homes and become piles on my lawn and in the woods.

Next up? Bare trees, cold temperatures and snow.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Halloween Housewarming

Family Halloween Portrait

I am not a fan of Halloween. Most everyone who knows me knows that. I stopped trick or treating when I was in fifth grade because I thought the whole holiday was contrived. 

But, last Saturday evening I went to a Halloween Housewarming Party and had a great time. I even dressed up--notionally I was Marc Anthony and I was going to the party with my Cleopatra. 

What a party--food, games, fun, and most of all family celebrating the excitement of a new house and a new home.

The Women in my Life

Friends. Wow, what friends were there to celebrate. The costumes were magnificent and demonstrated a high degree of creativity.

And there were new acquaintances. 

Maybe I will do more Halloween parties in the future and enjoy them more. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

The Pumpkin Farm and Nicole

It is the season of the Great Pumpkin and Halloween is just around the corner. That meant that the time for our annual trek to the pumpkin farm in Davidsonville, MD was upon us. 

Yesterday was the day. Clear blue skies and moderate temperatures combined to make an idyllic day on the farm with the pumpkins. 

Jax: I Like it but I Want a Moon Pumpkin

There were, of course, pumpkins everywhere, but there was an incredible amount of fun as we charged through the corn stalk maze launching corn kernels at each other while running sneak attacks across the rows of corn. I admit, I had never done that before and ensuring that the other non-family members in the maze were not inadvertently attached added a sense of realism and fun to the game. 

Ethan: Is it the Great Pumpkin?"

We were a bit disappointed in the quality of the pumpkins in the field. Many were broken and rotting already. In fact, we did not purchase any large pumping, settling for a few small ones and some gourds. 

The Corn Maze

There was the obligatory posing on the straw bales for the annual photos--but with it being such a beautiful day, the posing was not a problem.

A great afternoon and fun memory it just makes me want to say: Happy Halloween!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

No Pets makes No Sense

I stopped and looked at the sign posted prominently on the entrance to the rest stop building. Why must my beloved dog remain outside complicating my life when she is traveling with me? It makes no sense--none at all. After all, they let children into the building and we all know that they are far dirtier and more destructive than pets.

On my most recent sojourn, I discovered that most of the wineries in the Seneca Lake region of New York allow dogs to accompany their owners into the tasting rooms while sampling the fruit of the vine. Why must my dog remain outside at a rest stop where food is not being served? Or for that matter, why discriminate against pets anywhere--food or not? 

Pets are companions. I am sure that soon there will be a movement to ensure that dogs and cats are seat belted when traveling in a car--not only for their own protection but the protection of the driver and other occupants. I mean, who needs the family pet flying around the interior of the vehicle during an accident?

For now, I am contemplating some radical action to try to get these ridiculous laws and rules reversed. What would be the harm in allowing my dog into an establishment especially on an extremely hot or cold day?

We seem to spend a lot of time writing laws and making rules that have precious little hope of being enforced, why don't we begin to take some rules and laws off the books thereby restoring freedom of choice and begin enforcing personal responsibility?

Makayla rules!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Second Favorite Rest Stop

I think it a bit odd that I have favorite rest stops along the highways I traverse. These are places where I pause to gather my wits during the hours of highway driving. My favorite rest stop is along I-95 shortly after entering Florida. "Welcome to the Sunshine State" the signs proclaim! Yeah. I really could use some sunshine right now.

My second favorite rest stop is no where near the first. It is along Route 15 a few miles after entering Pennsylvania from New York. It sits high atop a ridge overlooking a valley and a dam with a lake behind it. 

During the autumn, the area is especially pretty. The colorful trees surround the scene making it seem as if a painter had stopped and decorated the region for their own use. 

The small town in the valley below the dam is quaint and bucolic. I would like to visit there some day, when I am not feeling the stress of trying to drive more miles per hour than the speed limit allows. 

I am, it seems, always hurrying from one place to another with just enough time allotted for the trip and none available for the pleasantries of visiting places along the way which are more than a just few yards off the ribbon of macadam I am traveling. 

But this rest stop is a stop I must make. It slows and grounds me and makes me pause to enjoy the beauty of the region. 

I am thankful that it is there to slow me down and to break up my trip.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD