Showing posts with label 2014 Images. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2014 Images. Show all posts

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Good Morning Virginia


The sun is breaking over the mountains of Virginia this morning. In all of my recent travels, seeing mountains is a relatively new experience.

Florida is flat. So are the Bahamas. The hugest points of land in both places seem to be bridge overpasses. That is why it was so good to watch the rising sun illuminate the mountains this morning.

A change of pace and scenery.

Springtime is not lost, it is just taking a detour.

-- Bob Doan writing from Earlysville, VA

Friday, April 10, 2015

Home Opening Day--Go O's

Orioles Opening Day 2014
It is finally here. 

Major League Baseball returns to Baltimore as the Orioles 2015 campaign begins!

With temperatures in the mid-70's and a forecast calling for thunderstorms to begin exactly at game time, the excitement returns as the Orioles take the field and continue the defense of their American League East Division crown. 

I love the excitement of the crowd and the anticipation. The Orioles already possess a winning record and expectations are already high--much higher than last year when they took the field.

The traditions of opening day as fun and as the fans stream into the park, you can sense the joy as baseball has returned. It is another way to cast off the chains of the long winter.

What do I like most about Opening Day? Being there to enjoy the national anthem, to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and along John Denver's Country Boy.

Yes--the food is too expensive, but there are downsides to everything. 

I'm ready to: Play Ball!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Image of the Year

5th Place (Tie) Going to the Game with E-Dawg


At the end of every year, I like to review the images (pictures) that were taken to both remember the events and to select the image of the year. 

5th Place (Tie)
Taking Pictures of Poppies in Oregon
There were over 1300 images in the running this year and I narrowed them to 17. I was surprised that 11 of the images were collected during the July trip to Oregon. Well, Oregon is a stunning place and the forests, wineries, and waterfalls are truly sights that must be visited and enjoyed.

5th Place (Tie)
Sasquatch Hunting in Oregon
Every image has a story behind it--and that is truly the interesting part. It is not the artistic value of the images, but rather the memories they recall that make them truly special to me. 

I wanted to show the top 5, but it turns out that there was a three-way tie for 5th place and so there are 7 images. 

Even culling them down, 5 images from Oregon made the top 5 (or is that 7) for the year. 
4th Place
Chris on Her Morning Walk through the Willamette Valley Vineyards vineyard
Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the vineyard every morning during our stay at the Willamette Valley Vineyards. There is something just relaxing and idyllic about starting the morning walking through the grapes on the vines. Every morning was different and enjoyable.


3rd Place
Sunset Across the Willamette Valley

Watching the stunning sunsets across the valley in the evenings was  the perfect way to end the day. Of course, sipping on a glass of wine on the veranda of the guest house is a great addition to the view.
Runner-up
Standing Above the Pacific Ocean on the Trail

After hiking a short mile or so to get to the overlook, the reward was a fabulous view of the Pacific Ocean from a spot, which potentially, Lewis and Clark stood to get a view of the ocean. Stunning, awesome, and expansive are the words that come to mind.
Image of 2014
Looking Over Cayuga Lake
This image was captured during June on a beautiful summer afternoon. This is one of those images that just calls to me through the water and the empty adirondack chairs that just say--come and sit for a while. The scent of the summer was hanging in the air and the lake called to the primal instinct to come down and play in the water.

There they are--my top five (OK--7) images of 2014 and the memories they recall.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, January 2, 2015

Kitty Leaves the Nest

Kitty Departs
It finally happened. On the last day of 2014, Kitty, my Jaguar, left the nest and was donated to the National Kidney Foundation. 

There is a huge space in my driveway where it was parked, and a hole in my heart. Kitty was, after all, my first Jaguar. I had tried selling the car for the past almost eight months--but there were no serious buyers. In the end, it just made better sense to donate Kitty to a foundation that works to make lives better for people.

As I was going through the paperwork, I realized that I had owned the car for just over seven years and in that entire time put only about 6,000 miles on it. 

So, good bye to Kitty--I begin the new year with one less vehicle.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Wednesday, December 31, 2014

And so it Passes

Pikes Peak during January 2014
2014 ends tonight. What a year it has been. I am at the same time happy and sad to see it pass.

It is the turning of the year that helps me take a moment and review the year.

One of the high points was the trip to Oregon during July. Wow, what a beautiful place. I highly recommend it as a place to visit. It may be too rainy and cold to live there.
Consensus Blending: The Mad Scientist Lives

I had forgotten how much I traveled during the year: to Colorado a bunch of times and to Alaska during February. Then there was also the Consensus Wine Blending at Keswick--which is always a great weekend in Charlottesville, VA. Spring Training to Sarasota got me out of the cold for a few days and into a baseball state of mind.
Alaska in February: Who Travels There Then?

And there were also trips to Ithaca and wineries. I lost count of how many wineries were visited this year--but I know they were in five states: Maryland, Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Oregon. 

There were wine dinners and wine evenings throughout the year the kept me busy and helped me to enjoy life to the fullest. 
Sarasota with the Orioles Bird

Spring finally arrived, and with it Opening Day and the fantastic Orioles baseball season which saw my team come just short in the League Championship Game. OK, so they were swept. But the Orioles proved themselves as one of the best teams in baseball. 

There were celebrations during the year: I officiated at two weddings during the year and celebrated my parents 60th anniversary and a host of birthdays. But, there was also the mind-numbing loss of our nephew, Troy,  that will never be fully overcome or understood.


Mom and Dad do 60

Out of the loss though, I began learning a new sport: golf! I played in a tournament and discovered that golf is enjoyable, frustrating, more frustrating, and a life sport to compliment racquetball as something that I do and not something that I only watch others do.
Tracks in the Hail Stones after the Storm

During the year, I survived a horrific tornado-infested hail storm in Denver. I have never seen hail fall from the sky in the volume or size that I witnessed during one afternoon in the Mile High City. 

Beach time was very limited and I was able to make it to Ocean City for Labor Day--my only beach trip of the year. For the first year I can remember in a long time, I did not snorkel or dive into the waters of an ocean. I barely got my feet wet in Ocean City as the surf was rough and cold.

Chris Enjoying a Late-October Evening fire
An October evening fire and wine began capping the year's events. As the mosquitos finally went away we were able to reclaim the backyard. From there there was the succession of holidays: Halloween, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas--all great and all special.

As I reflect upon the year, there are so many events that occurred that is it hard to recap them all and I know I have missed a few great ones. But that is the point--even with the numbing loss we experienced, 2014 was a great year. New vistas achieved, new places visited, and friends and family were at the center of all of it. 
On the Beach
My Preferred View of the World

Who knows what 2015 will bring. I already know that will have a new experience before January plays out--and I am looking forward to the Caribbean warmth that goes along with it.

Another Consensus Blending trip is on tap in an effort to repeat as the champions--and if not, at least have a lot of fun.


--Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, December 29, 2014

Bullseye!

It is a beautiful sight in my backyard. The bullseye!

It is a Christmas gift purchased with the gift cards that I received form a local golf store.

I admit, the bullseye may be a bit excessive, but having my own driving range in the backyard is really neat. I even acquired a bag of about 100 used golf balls to launch at the target. 

And it makes a really nice, and loud, sound when it gets hit right in the center--which is not that often. 

Hopefully the mat will save my yard a bit of wear and tear.

I wandered out a few times yesterday to launch balls and frustrations at the target. It is a lot more satisfying hitting real golf balls than the spongy ones that I have been hitting.

The other nice thing is that i don't have to worry about hitting any houses if I mishit a ball--which I do pretty often.

I wonder if I will actually get any better?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Warmer Weather and High Spirits are not just for the Birds

The temperatures for the holiday period have been unseasonably warm. Today the temperature is supposed to top out near 53 degrees, and of course that means a trip to the golf course for a bit more frustration and jubilation. 

But, the fun part of the weather has been playing with one of my gifts of Christmas. I got a GoPro and am still learning about it. It has a lot of really exciting features--like its small size and ability to ride in places that allow for continual imaging of situations allowing for unique views.

Earlier this year, Patrick took his GoPro diving in the Bahamas. Not just diving, but diving with sharks and obtained some stunning video. I was sold right then and there. The GoPro is a versatile as any camera I have ever come across. 

I have created my first GoPro movie: Birds at My Feeder. It isn't too exciting, but the weather was awesome and the birds were anxious to get some food before the colder weather arrives. 

Even the birds are happy about the warmer weather.

Go forth and celebrate before winter decides to resume its grip on the land.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, December 26, 2014

What did You Get?

Weirdest Gift if Christmas
Isn't that the question that we get asked the most in the days after Christmas?

While we are still trying to come to grips with the idea that Christmas is over and the gifts are opened we try to extend the magic just a bit by talking about the great gifts of Christmas.

Of course, it is not all about the gifts. Really. And I think our family proved that yesterday. Christmas is about being together and enjoying each other during the celebration of life and gifting. What took center stage yesterday? Was it the food? Or was it the games we played until after dark? Was it the conversation or the wine? Was it the gifting? 

No--it was all of it together. Even the couple of minutes I took before noon to whack a golf ball around my yard. It was a complex and fantastic day that began about 5:30 AM and didn't end until after 10PM when I slipped under the covers on my bed and fell almost instantly asleep.
Earthworm on Christmas Eve

So, what did you get? Well, in the weirdest gift of Christmas category was the book about the Hittites received in a gift exchange. Really? Hittites?

The most interesting gift was seeing the earthworm in the driveway during the Christmas Eve rainstorm. We never see earthworms that late into December.

But the best gift of Christmas was not just a gift. It was a collaboration! A group and and event. It is our clan all gathered together again to celebrate. Together! 


Christmas 2014
And the dogs, too!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, December 21, 2014

And the Evening was Quiet

A funny thing happened yesterday evening--Chris and I were at home. . . 

And that was the funny thing! For better than the past two weeks we have been on a constant tear with somewhere to go and something to see or buy. 

Not so last night. A quiet, sappy movie, The Holiday, was on the Blu-ray player (betcha haven't thought about Blu-ray in a while). The house was quiet. Just the cats and dog for a nice evening. It was really different. We relaxed and let the Christmas spirit seep into our souls. Well, and a bottle of wine, too!
Louis in the Nativity

The fire in the hearth was a fascinating attraction for Riordin--he loves the heat from the fire. Louis, on the other hand, picked a quiet spot in the Nativity for a nap. One swipe of his tail and the whole nativity could be lost! Fortunately, he is pretty careful.
Riordin by the Fire

And Makayla? She was sprawled out on the floor--not really picture worthy. 

And that was how the first quiet evening of Christmas played out. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Enjoying the Lights in Dundalk



New holiday experiences can be fun and add some variety to the seasonal preparations. Last evening Chris and I along with a few friends went to Captain Larry's, a Baltimore City neighborhood bar, and boarded a school bus to tour the Christmas lights in Dundalk, Maryland.

There are a lot of local jokes about Dundalk--but last evening the joke was on the jokesters as the residents showed off their artistic skills in their holiday decorations. The bus stopped in front of the best yards and the revelers disembarked to enjoy the lights and chat with the owners, it they were lucky enough to be home.

It was fun riding around on a too full bus with other holiday revelers enjoying the lights while also supporting a local charity, BARCS, a no-kill animal shelter.

We learned about the Dundalk Trinity: Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, and Baby Jesus all incorporated into one lawn display. Seriously! It was identified more than once by the eagled-eyed viewers on the bus. 

We also learned about yard lights which are matched to music. Dial up an FM radio transmitter and watch the lights dance to the music. It was pretty to watch. I took a short video of the lights at one stop, but couldn't hear the music. I actually thought the video was longer when I was taking it.

It was a full evening. There was also a stop at a neighborhood bar, Howard's Pub and Deli, in Dundalk for food and fuel that broke up the bus ride. Then it was back to scouring the neighborhoods from the big yellow school bus for the best yards. 

Fun and different. A new holiday tradition? Maybe!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, December 19, 2014

One Week to Go

Columbia Mall, MD
December 18, 2014
What did I do last evening? Scoured the local mall for the final gifts of Christmas.

Unsuccessfully, I must add because at least one gift remains at large.

The parking lots were overflowing, the stores were jammed and the holiday spirit was noticeably absent from most of the people I came across during my walk around the Columbia Mall. It was a bit sad and I have to admit that I too, had a frown and not a smile on my face.

Shopping during the holiday season is no fun! Traffic and people and overloaded stores.

It is necessary, however.

Here's hoping your shopping experience is rewarding.

--Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Steak on the Bar-bee; Stain on the ceiling

Steak on the Bar-bee
I celebrated unseasonably mild temperatures last evening by cooking a steak on the grill for dinner. It was a mid-December treat. Even though my grill is under cover and I can grill year round, December is tough because of the obstacles caused by decorations arrayed between the kitchen and the grill.

The grilled steak was a treat along with some steamed vegetables and a carb free dinner in preparation for more weekend carb loading. Last weekend was a two pound weekend! Ugh.

I don't need that again, it takes all week to recover from three successive days of overeating.

But racquetball helps to get the weight back within targets.

One thing, in addition to the shopping and gifting, that is literally hanging over my head is the stain on the ceiling from the over flowing toilet tank. It is there, right in the family room waiting for paint. 

I think it is finally dry enough to prime with Kilz and then paint for effect. 

I am still amazed at the mess one slowly overflowing toilet tank can cause. I just need everything to be really dry before I repair the damage and put the light fixture back into place. Maybe I can get to the damage once the purchasing and present wrapping is completed--whenever that happens.

It is a busy time of year.

One week to go until the big day. Shopping is nearly, mostly complete!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, December 15, 2014

Monday Musings - December 15, 2014

1. 10 days until Christmas! The elves better get a move on.

2. What happens when a toilet in an upstairs bathroom malfunctions? Spots on the ceiling below and an emergency Christmas repair! Fortunately the water was from the tank and not the bowl--so it was clean.
Outside the Columbia Mall

3. Shopping on the second to last Saturday before 
Christmas and the most interesting thing I found was some deer in front of the mall.

4. Who says cell phones are not a necessary part of life? She didn't even know I was in the store with her.
Chris in the Mall

5. Sunday afternoon football with a lot of people cheering for different teams in a local sports establishment was a lot of fun--especially when close games resolved for the favorites. 

6. What do you get when you wash white throw rugs with a red table cloth? Pink!

7. All of our Apple classic iPad charging cords have disappeared. I wonder where they have gone? My iPad is down to 2% and dying quickly.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Friday Nights at Christmas

Our Pyramids
I'm writing this with the memory of an impromptu party that Chris and I hosted with our some of our closest friends last evening still fresh in my mind

What a great evening and a perfect end to a busy week. Friends,  conversation, dinner and easy relaxed fun.

I lament that I have to wait for Friday for these evenings to happen.
Christmas Stars by Wiley Purkey

A couple roasted chickens from Costco, a salad or two, munchies, and a few bottles of wine couples with fun conversation--what could be better. 

Well, the season definitely does add some ambiance to the settings for the gathering. The decorations add character to the house by providing visually stimulating diversions. We bought a new art print last week and it has found a prominent place in the house. It was fun to watch the artist, Wiley Purkey, at work on another piece that we are hoping to buy a print of this week. 

It is all good. Oh, by the way, happy 12-13-14!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, December 12, 2014

Christmas Season Birthdays

This may seem strange, but I think celebrating Christmas birthdays is awesome! 

And the definition of a Christmas birthday is any birthday in December.

I attended the celebration of a December family birthday last night and there is just something awesome about having the Christmas Tree lit and opening presents on a day other than Christmas day. 

Birthday's are great for families to get together and celebrate.

Last evening, it was for Nicole--my daughter. And with Christmas just a fortnight away, it was nice to celebrate a birthday. And to experience the love of a family gathered for a special and awesome person.
Nicole Blowing out the Candles

As 2014 comes to an end, every day is a new beginning. Another page in the chapter of life that is a year. Celebrations remind me that every day is special and worthy of celebrating something or someone.

Happy Birthday.

It is two weeks until Christmas.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Shopping Solo

Poinsettia Tree
Columbia Mall 2014
A sure sign of the season is a solo shopping trip to the Columbia Mall. It happened yesterday. I risked car and limb by heading off to the mall to begin finding the special things on my list.

I am not a shopping kind of person. I don't mind shopping if I can accomplish the task by tapping on the keys of my laptop. But, every year I actually have to head out to the brick and mortar stores to find gifts for the special people (or person) on my list.

I feel so alone walking the mall looking into the stores. It is a bit surreal--so many thing to buy in which I have so little interest.

Them most frustrating part of the experience is that I often know what I am looking for, but cannot find the perfect gift. It is unsettling to see hundreds of offerings, but realizing that they are not the perfect item. Then comes the calculation and the compromise. The battle between price and function brings inevitable question, is this the gift for which I am searching?

I walked into one store and the staff asked what I was looking for and how could they help. I replied that I was looking for inspiration, and they understood.

I am not a huge fan of gift cards.They make the process too easy for the gift giver. Gift cards take all of the agony and decision making out of the shopping process. 

I survived my sojourn to the mall, however, I will need to make an additional trip to complete my shopping list.

I CAN shop, I just don't LIKE to.  I can even shop alone. But I like shopping on my laptop best.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Symphony of Lights - 2014

It was a dark and rainy evening. Three grandsons were having an overnight and Chris and I needed a distraction for them. Let me rephrase, not a distraction but rather an event to prepare them for bedtime.

Symphony of Lights immediately came to mind. In the rain? You bet, the lights were on and the car was warm and dry. 

I enjoy the Symphony of Lights in Columbia, Maryland, and although it is not an every year event, the years that I drive through the lights I am reminded of how much fun it is and that I am making a donation to Howard County's only hospital. 
Lucas, Jackson, and Ethan looking at the
Symphony of Lights

I have been by the entrance to the lights an seen cars stacked up waiting to enter for what appears to be an hour or more. Last evening, however, because of the rain, there were no lines and no waiting. Not to self--rainy and dark nights may be the best nights to visit!

It was a fun drive through the lights, listening to Christmas music provided on the local broadcast FM station. All of my old favorites were there. I especially enjoy the cannons lobbing cannon balls over the road as I drive through.

The pictures even came out acceptably this year. The rain added a nice reflection in the foreground and increased the enjoyment.

It was a fun ride and an enjoyable time--especially with no lines and no waiting.

Bob's RECOMMENDATION: Visit the Symphony of Light and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday Season. The donation is $20 per car--cash only.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Christmas Midnight Madness in Ellicott City

Ellicott City during Midnight Madness
in the Rain
Christmas must really be close. Last evening we braved to cold temperatures and the rain, I even wished it was snow, and enjoyed the festivities in Historic Ellicott City, Maryland. This is an annual event--Midnight Madness, and it happens on the first Friday of December every year. 

It is an enjoyable event being out with thousands of other holiday shoppers. The parking is horrendous--but it is worth the effort to wander the historic district and enjoy the crowds and retailers as the kick-off to the holiday season gets underway. 
Midnight Madness in Ellicott City
December 5, 2014

After creating a parking place in one of the lots, we started the evening with happy hour and dinner at Cacao Lane restaurant. After dinner we headed out into the crowds and light rain. 

It was an enjoyable stroll along the bustling streets and the vendors provided light munchies which added to the ambiance and the enjoyment of the event.

I saw one sign along the street that made me smile.

How many calories do they have and are they gluten free?

Bob's RECOMMENDATION: Plan to attend this event next year--and even if you missed it this year, Ellicott City, MD, is a great place to shop no matter the day. Go enjoy the holiday season.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Three Trees in Three Days

First Tree of 2014 in the Family Room
Yup, it is definitely the Christmas Season. Beginning on Saturday, I assembled three Christmas trees in three days. 

Two were in my house. One in the family room upstairs adorned in the white lights that my family is so fond of and the other in the basement recreation room done in colored lights--just for Chris.
Second Tree of 2014 in the Recreation Room

Christmasfying the house took all day--but I've already written a few lines about that.

Then on Monday, after driving my parents home after the Thanksgiving holiday, I helped them assemble their tree. I don't mind assembling Christmas Trees, but I definitely set a record this year in helping get everyone ready for the season. 
Third Tree of 2014 at Mom and Dad's

I was surprised to learn that the first Christmas Tree display in America was in about 1830. Who knew?

Of my three trees, the image I took of the one at my parents house is very intriguing because I can see myself in the mirror. I didn't even notice that as I was taking the image. Definite proof that I took the image!

This is already a special Christmas Season--three trees in three days. I am sure there are more surprises to come.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Highways, Traveling, and Holidays

I am in the middle of a round trip to Ithaca to return my parents and officially put an exclamation mark on Thanksgiving. This is my second roundtrip to NY in two weeks. I'm finding that the driving is not so bad--especially when the weather cooperates.

But wow, what a couple of weeks it has been in terms of the weather. The weather has alternated between unbelievably fantastic and horrendous. On the trip north yesterday, I saw signs of the remnants of the ferocious storm that assaulted the Northeast last week--right when everyone was planning to travel for Thanksgiving.


It looks as if it was just plain rotten and I'm glad we got out before it hit. 

I have been traveling a new route to access upstate NY which avoids the hordes of trucks which populate Interstate 81. The driving is easier and fast, now that much of the high speed future interstate has been completed. Some of it has been designated Interstate 99, the New York part. 
My Third Christmas Tree Under Creation

What I have noticed, however, is the impatience of many drivers. They just can't enjoy not being the leader of the cars. The speeds of some drivers is just insane. I am not a slow driver, I use my portion of the speed limit to keep moving along the ribbon of highway. But I like to be safe.

I enjoyed creating my third Christmas Tree of the season with Mom and Dad.

It has been a busy and fun couple of weeks. I'm sad to see it end and slide into the chaos that has become the Christmas Season.

Later today, I'll be back and thrust into the middle of it all--the joy, the work, the craziness, and the excitement all leading up to December 25th. One down and 24 to go!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY
My Zimbio
Top Stories