Monday Musings - December 1, 2014

1. Blink. November has passed and it is December.

8th Hole at Eisenhower, Crownsville, MD
November 30, 2014
The First Time I Drove a Green

2. I was blessed with good weather enough during the past week to be able to play golf twice. And, in a momentous shot, I drove the green from the tee on a par 3. Then, after I repaired the divot,  I promptly 3-putted for a bogey! Ugh! I still have not carded my first par. I did have 4 bogeys yesterday which is one of my better outings.

3. The house has been Christmasfied. It took an entire Saturday, but we are finally, mostly, ready for the Christmas Season.

4. I read an interesting article about 1 World Trade Center, the new building that replaced the Twin Towers, in the New York Times. Maybe it didn't really need to be built.  

The Christmasfied Family Room

5. The Hallmark Channel is up and running with its continuous supply of sappy Christmas movies. The sad part is, sometimes that are the best things on TV!

6. I had the opportunity to remove the leaves from the lawn again on the last day of November. I wonder what December will bring? But without leaves the green lawn is great to practice my golf swings with practice balls.

7. Interested in a new car that is called a "terrestrial rocket?" Check this one out in the article titled, A Terrestrial Rocket That Defies Gravity. Oh yea, the price is $280K. Who writes reviews about unaffordable cars?

8. December arrived with clear skies and 50 degrees. I wonder when it will happen again? 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flying South with the Geese

Geese flying South during November 2014

There they were flying south the other morning. The geese were formed in their classic "V" formation.

The sky was clear and blue. 

It was a beautiful scene. I even caught the airliner leaving a contrail in the image as I recorded the sight for my memory.

The geese were flying south, and with them they were carrying my heart. I wish I were heading south to the warmth of a nice sandy beach somewhere.

The jet was heading north--probably to New York or Boston or some other equally as frozen city.

My vote is clearly to go with the geese--they know their way is the best way.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Axis and Allies: WWI 1914 - Review

Wow. Axis and Allies WWI 1914 is a fantastic and complex game that captures the essence of World War I.

Three of us traveled 100 years into the past to recreate the situation in Europe at the beginning of 1914 and play out the Great War, or the War to end all wars. This is what we do while the women in our lives face the crushing Black Friday crowds.

Thankfully, the game was simplified from the actual history of the time. The instructions indicate that the game averages 8 hour to play. We played for 10 hours and still none of the national capitals had been captured. The game played out much like history records WWI--slow and plodding. But, each turn was important and critical to the overall outcome.

The Board for Axis and Allies WWI 1914

We played with three players and I have to admit, I was the central powers and the game requires constant attention. The first round through the 8 countries took us 3 hours--but much of that time was learning the rules and the differences between the classic Axis and Allies versions and this one.

After the first round, the game picked up in pace, but our efforts to achieve a decisive victory on the field of conflict were just as inept as that of the countries involved in the war. No country or alliance could gain the advantage and the game quickly descended into a war of attrition which the allies gradually began to win especially as the U.S. was allowed to entry the conflict on turn 4 and in this case the French developed into an effective fighting force.

The game is complex. Eight countries are represented. On the allies side there are the French Alliance, the British Empire, the Russian Empire, Italy, and the United States arrayed against Germany, the Ottoman Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

My mistakes? As Germany, I thought that I could quickly take Moscow and before the French and British could organize and then I would be able to hold the lines while the Austrian-
hungarian armies pushed through Italy and then onto Paris. I didn't pay enough attention to the India connection of the British Empire and my Ottoman Empire forces were neutralized and I was in a defensive posture for the bulk of the game.

After 10 hours of play, Moscow was under attack and Constantinople and Berlin were under siege. The Austro-Hungarian Empire forces were finally making their way through the Alps to pressure the French and the Italians, but Ottomans and Germans were effectively neutralized. The Central Powers navies had been neutralized and the allies had unopposed command of the sea lines of communication. I conceded the game.

RECOMMENDATION: It was a great game and another fantastic Black Friday event! If you enjoy this type of historical simulation--this game is for you.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

To Shop or Not: Bring on the Games!

Black Friday has arrived!

I am sitting safely in the comfort of my chair, writing, just before 6AM and the women in my life have already headed out to risk life, limb, and wallets at the explosion of after Thanksgiving Day sales. Early reports indicate that it is a jungle out there.

Great Dinners mean Fantastic Left-overs

I have no expectation of gracing a store today, except maybe to get more beer.

Today, as is every Black Friday, is devoted to wargaming and learning more about the history of the world wars. The guys gather to play Axis and Allies, while the women in our lives shop. The kids? They are with us, but are pretty much on their own.

I take another sip of my coffee, stretch, yawn, and reflect upon yesterday in the quietness of my living room. Not even the TV is on to allow reality to disturb me. The grazing and gaming are expected to commence about 9AM. 

We are playing a new version of the game this year: WWI:1914. The map is completely different we are struggling to learn the rules before convening. We got tired of confirming that the Allies win WWII every time we play no matter who plays the Axis or who pays the Allies.

The women shop while the men play! What a role reversal from prehistoric times when the men were the hunter-killers and the women stayed at home.

Who cares? Game time is coming soon! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The food, the Snow, the Day: Thanksgiving

Flag in Front of the House

Happy Thanksgiving! This is one of those truly American holidays that cuts across all of the cultural boundaries.

I am saddened that more retailers are opening their stores on the holiday this year. Thanksgiving was the last holiday that retailers recognized and now, even this holiday, is being minimized in the pursuit of profit.

The season of the turkey is here for the annual celebration. Yet, even yesterday, the tendrils of winter reached across the land to provide a sample of the cold, dark, weather on tap for the next couple of months.

Snow in my Yard

The scene around the area was very wintery. Even in my yard there were examples of the snowy, cold weather although for the most part this area was spared the terrible conditions faced by many others in the northeast. 

I am glad that I was not traveling yesterday and that the travelers in the family had already safely arrived at their destinations.

Cranberries on the Stove

I got to experiment with cooking yesterday afternoon by making cranberry sauce from scratch. I love canned cranberry sauce, because I have only rarely been able to taste the made from scratch variety. I believe I may never appreciate the canned variety again. Especially since one of the secret ingredients in the cranberry sauce I made is Port! Yup!

The completed Cranberry Sauce

Food, football, family, friends, and fun! I am ready for the day.  (The five "F's" of Thanksgiving)

I will take time to give thanks for the blessings that I have received today and for the blessings that everyone in my family has received. We are richly blessed and we are genuinely thankful.

Have a great day. Be well. Give thanks.

--Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunrise Fire in the Sky

Sunrise Reflected in the Car Door

Yesterday morning the fiery sunrise that graced the eastern sky was something to behold.

I walked outside to photograph it and I saw its reflection in the car. It was stunning, ruining in a stripe along the door of the car.

The sunrise was even more spectacular when looking at it through the naked, ready for winter, trees. The day was dawning and with it promise and excitement. Even though it was clear and cold, it was about 18 degrees as I stood outside with no coat and bare feet taking the picture, the artistry in the sky was something to be marveled at and appreciated. 

Sunrise, Saturday November 22, 2014
Danby, NY

I wish I were a painter like Van Gogh, but at least I can take an image to remember the magnificence of the scene.

I saw the fire of the sun as it crept above the horizon, the scene seemed even colder than it was because of the bare trees.

I am glad I imprinted this scene on my mind. But that was yesterday.

I wonder what joys today will bring?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY

Travel, sunset, flags and pizza

Looking Up a Valley in Central Pennsylvania

This time if year, it is best to leave for a road trip while there is still plenty of daylight.

The road trip this weekend is to upstate New York near the region where the epic snows have been falling, but not quite there; thankfully!

I enjoyed the drive because I didn't have to drive the first part of the trip and was able to look out the window and absorb the views as the sun began to set. It is that golden time of day when the sun makes even the leafless trees look interesting in the setting light. I especially enjoyed the lengthening shadows cast by the setting sun on the hills.

The colors were so bright yesterday against the crisp (OK, cold) sky.

Flag on the Bridge to Northumberland, PA

Sadly, though, as we were traveling across the bridge into Northumberland, PA, I saw something that needs to be corrected. The bridge has a number of US flags adorning the span, but they are in a sad state of repair and need to be replaced. Many of the flags along the bridge were torn similar to the one I imaged here. Proper care an respect of the flag mandates that these flags need to be replaced. I hope this happens soon.

Dinner at the end of the road

Fortunately there was only a dusting of snow on the ground when we arrived. The heavy snow is more north. The good news was that when we arrived there was a pizza waiting for us and that easily erased the memory of the trip. 

Traffic on Friday afternoon was frustrating even though we left just after noon. It took almost an hour to drive the 30 minutes around the Baltimore beltway. That set up a chain of events that caused us to hit heavy afternoon traffic in two other locations. Ugh! All told, traffic added an hour to our trip. 

But we arrived safely and I enjoyed the views until darkness fell and then, of course, it was my turn to drive.

It is the weekend. I am going to enjoy it and have a great time. I will be back home and at work too soon.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY

Keeping My Eyes Open

It was a beautiful November Sunday afternoon headed into a Baltimore Ravens football game on the Sunday before Veterans Day. What should I have expected?

Firstly, I didn't expect to be going to a Ravens game nor did I expect the weather to be idyllic.

Walking along the Ravens walk, however, I discovered two fully restored venerable vehicles from World War II. A half track and a Willys Jeep.

I remember watching television shows and movies with both of these vehicles in them and I never realized how reliable vehicles like these helped to change modern warfare.

They seemed out of place amid the throng of modern day football fans and many of whom barely paused to notice there historic machines. 

By keeping my eyes ope, I discovered something that did not seem to belong.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Reflections of Autumn

Buffalo, NY, November 2014

I noticed yesterday, while driving home from work, that the end has arrived for the autumn leaves. I have to admit, it was a beautiful and long autumn in my area. The colors of the leaves on the trees provided many opportunities to be amazed as their hues pasted against a clear cerulean and cold sky. 

Most of the trees are now bare and ready for the onset of winter. The leaves which once adorned their branches are scattered in piles upon the land and no longer muffle the sounds of traffic on the interstate. 

Snow has even been seen falling recently and more will soon be expected. We have not seen, nor do we expect to see as much snow as some areas of Upstate New York, near Buffalo. I downloaded an image posted by a friend which made me feel better about being in Maryland. That is just too much snow! And, in case you had forgotten, it is only November!

I remember last winter just did not want to let go and allow spring to arrive. It seems that winter has been waiting for the past eight months to get revenge upon us for allowing spring to arrive at all!

Jay on the Beach

After looking at the cold and preparing for my excursion out into the 17 degree morning, according to my home thermometer, I came across an image of a Jay standing on a warm looking probable Florida beach in Facebook. Thanks for rubbing it in Jay. 

It is a really nice image. I like the sun in the background. 

I wish I was on a warm beach somewhere enjoying the afternoon sun with my dive mask and snorkel in hand. 

But I'm not! I'm lamenting the end of autumn and the cruel onset of winter.

I am encouraged that temperatures will rebound in to the 40's and 50's by weeks end. When did I ever think I'd be looking forward to temperatures of 40's and 50's?

Good-bye autumn and hello winter! Spring must not be far off!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Snow Village Arrives for the Holidays

The completed display

After a year hiatus, the annual version of our Snow Village was created yesterday. It was an especially complex assembly because we decided, at the last minute, to add a train to the scene. The train was graciously loaned to us by Patrick and Tina. 

The boxes being staged

The first and most difficult decision surrounding the display was the location. Even though the Snow Village is fairly large, we actually discussed five different locations and the final location--interestingly, was not one of the initial choice. This year, the display is in our dining room.

Initial layout without train

The Snow Village is a whole day project, well almost all day, that requires multiple boxes to be retrieved from the storage area and staged. The multiple buildings and pieces which become the scene must each be checked and placed on  the underlying base which I have made configurable for what ever space we choose. 

The train is Assembled and the city placed

The train caused the base to be changed this year, which delayed assembly, but also provided some exciting creativity moments. The change is evident in the pictures I have added. We used an HO scale train, however, upon reflection, I'm not sure that is the best scale for the Snow Village. But, hey, it works and it is fun, for the first time ever, to have an operating train in the village. 

Seven hours after we began--it was complete. I believe we will continue to incorporate trains into the village and will do a better job planning in the future. It will likely become a train display with a Snow Village rather than a Snow Village with a train. 

Bring on the holidays!

Note: One observant reader asked about the Christmas lights I put on the house on Veterans Day. To clarify, the lights are in place but not illuminated. We do not begin lighting them until the day after Thanksgiving when it truly becomes the Christmas Season.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Winter's Approach and the Deer Draw Near

Deer in the Forest

During the warm days of this past weekend, I became aware that I was being watched, closely, much of the time I was working in the yard. 

As the season grows darker with the coming of winter, it seems that the four-legged critters that we share the area with lose their fear am draw closer to the house. Not only have the deer been stalking me, but the yard is full of rabbits and squirrels. Makayla loves chasing them from the yard--but it is only a temporary measure. 

There were actually five deer near me that day. Two panicked and ran as I got close to the boundary separating my yard from the wild area, but these three remained hoping for a hand out, I think.

I have watched to two smaller deer grow from fawns at the beginning of the year. I am amazed that they are still at their mother's side even as the winter draws near. 

I enjoy living on the boundary between civilization and the wild land. It is reassuring that there is so much wild space near us that it supports a thriving herd of deer--which, admittedly are a nuisance, but were more well behaved this year and did not eat the expensive flowers to the ground thinking they were a gourmet deer meal.

I also was really amazed at how close they let me approach the group before the walked--not ran, away. They were never bothered by my presence until I got about 40 feet away. I was reminded of a golf outing a few weeks ago at twilight when the deer herds were running the golf course and I actually took one shot while looking a buck in the eyes. He was only about 20 feet away and totally unconcerned that I was swinging a club at a small white ball. I remember taking another shot across and above a small grouping of deer. They were very accepting of my presence.

The frigid cold is approaching and with it winter-like weather. I'm sure I'll be seeing more of the deer and other critters in my yard seeking food.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A New Butler in the House

I felt rich, for about a minute last evening as the new butler, Hermann, arrived to tend to our needs.

And then it was all downhill. Although it was a great buy from the after Halloween sales, the butler is just creepy! He has a mean sense of humor too--like saying something about dinner being served in the dungeon. Really? We don't have a dungeon, do we?

He says a bunch of other weird things and Makayla is terrified of him. 

Frankly, I get kind of creeped out by him too. Thank goodness he was on a 90 percent off sale and Chris brought him home for $5. 

It is almost too bad he will need to wait a whole year to terrify some unsuspecting trick or treater.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Tree Ate It! Really!!

Orange Golf Ball in a Tree

Yesterday, after I mowed the lawn primarily to remove the leaves that used to form the privacy canopy in the trees, I decided to hit a few practice golf balls.

My yard is not particularly large--but it is private. I use orange foam practice balls so that I do not risk breaking anything--like windows. 

I work mostly with my wedges and short irons trying to consistently hit the ball--which is a lot harder that I ever imagined it would be. 

All too often my shots leave the yard and fly into the wild and forested area next to the house. 

Yesterday, I  hit one and was tracked it into the wooded area as it flew off course, but I didn't see it come down. I knew about where it was headed, so I went over to look for it. The orange golf balls--which, while easy to see in green grass are a lot more problematic to find in the orange and red autumn leaves piling up around the yard. 

After searching for a few minutes, some of the people I play golf with say that I am a fanatic about finding lost balls, I was unable to find the missing ball. I replayed the shot in my head and remembered that I never saw the ball come down into the underbrush. 

Orange Golf Ball up Close

I decided that maybe, since it was a foam ball and not as heavy or dense as real golf ball, that the ball might be in a tree. The area is surrounded by juniper trees which are still green and have small needles for leaves. 

I looked up into the first tree and there it was--in the branches.

Wow! I was happy, I hate losing golf balls. It was funny to find the bright orange ball nestled in the branches of the tree. It was a lot like an Easter Egg Hunt.

I lose enough balls, it was nice to find a wayward one.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Halloween Review

The main event has concluded, although I will be attending two more parties today. 

Halloween seemed very subdued in my area this year. All of the Trick or Treaters were off the streets by about 7PM. It was a bit sad. I am sure the numbers were down in the neighborhood where I spend my Halloween enjoying the costumes. 


The best costumes of the evening were really good. Makayla wore her Minnie Mouse costume through the neighborhood, but the best costume of the evening was an Orioles Bird costume.

Yea--Baseball isn't fully over! OK, it is, but it was good to see a replica of the Bird out gathering treats for next season.

Yes, it is November. Ugh. Daylight Savings Time evaporates overnight--I get an extra hour of sleep but lose evening activity time.

Well, at least Halloween was happy and there were more treats than tricks.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Halloween

Dirt with Worms

The last day of October has arrived and with it the annual celebration of the harvest and goblins: Halloween.

We are having a gathering at work today and I'm bringing dirt--with worms.

Mmmm. Delectable!

I can already imagine crawling into it and wallowing around in it for a long time.

I'm not going to do the costume thing, but I do enjoy looking at the costumes that others wear. It is funny how people find costumes that reflect their personalities.

I wish I could take pictures of the costumes people wear at work--some are pretty funny, like the horse costume on guy wore last year.

We have two parties tomorrow--a kids party in the afternoon and an adult party at night. There will be another dirt with worms for the evening party.

It is time to party--responsibly!

Be safe. Watch for trick or treaters, and more importantly--stay sober! It's a jungle out there.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Pair O' Kees

Ben with Chris on the Sofa

It was another one of those weekends when the number of dogs in the house doubles. 

Ben, Jeremy's dog came for a couple of days while they were out of town. Ben enjoys being at the house and treats it like his own. Even to the point of occupying sofas and chairs as the spirit moves him.

When Makayla and Ben are in the house, I call them my "pair o' kees," because they are both Keeshonden (or, for Americans, Keeshonds). 

Ben is truly comfortable at the house and becomes a member of the pack. And the pack includes both cats. The cats, Riordin and Louis, do not mind having Ben around. They don't run or hide like they do when some other dogs arrive--but everyone blends together.

One big, happy (sort of) family!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I Had a Revelation

Thinning Tree Canopy

While enjoying the better than forecast October weather yesterday, I had a revelation.

If the weather was beautiful every day, I wouldn't appreciate the good days anymore because they would all be good days.

If there was not an autumn, I wouldn't appreciate the green leaves of the trees and the green grass of my lawn during the summer. As the season winds down and the tree canopy in my backyard gets thinner, I appreciate how thick it is during the summer. 

Autumn Flowers

I believe I could live in a tropical climate and never get bored--but I realized that living without leaves on trees for five months of the year makes me appreciate the leaves even while I am raking them from my yard.

The autumn flowers are also providing their last splash of color before the frost settles and robs my yard of their color.

I think I finally understand autumn. That doesn't mean I like it, but I appreciate how it makes me enjoy summer even more.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunset over Annapolis

Sitting at dinner last evening at a restaurant in Annapolis, the sunset became a topic of discussion.

It was stunning scene as the setting sun painted the clouds with fiery red hues during our dinner.

I captured the scene as best as I could through the dirty windows of the restaurant. 

It was a great way to close out the work week and begin the weekend. I thought of it as the exclamation point at the end of the week. It was an inspiring scene.

On to the weekend.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Gas Prices Dip

Elkridge, MD
October 23, 2014

I was amazed when I bought gas yesterday. Gas prices have fallen about $1 since summer. And they are still falling.

Road trip!

I really never thought I'd see sub $3 per gallon prices again.

Yay!

But, the analysts indicate that the lower prices may not be a long term good thing. 

According to a Washington Post article, low gas prices may signal that the world economy is much weaker than originally thought.

Secondly, lower gasoline prices may also damage the developing U.S. shale oil industry, which amazingly, may be responsible for employing over 2 million people. They call it tight oil and shale gas.

Wow!

For now, I'm looking forward to some extra spending money for the holiday season. My concern about the larger worldwide economic problems is definitely secondary to my personal checkbook. I wonder if gas prices will get into the low $2 range for Christmas? And that would be good for people who use fuel oil to heat their homes, too.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sportsmanship begins Young

Following on to yesterday's blog about the Royals and their lack of championship character, I was reminded of what I observed during last weekend's football game between the GORC Wildcats, the team that grandson Jax plays for, and the Chesapeake Cougars. 

Jax has been developing into a tough-nosed player during the season. The past two weeks he has not even come off the field--playing offense, defense, and special teams. He loves to recover fumbles and loves to run the football.


Last Saturday he scored his first point by running the ball across the end line for only the second point after touchdown for the team this season.

The week before, he picked up a fumble and rambled thirty or so yards before being dragged down from behind.

But you know what made me proudest? Last week after he leveled a kid trying to block him as he rushed on defense to tackle the quarterback, after the play, he stopped to help the kid back to his feet in a friendly sort of way.

Sportsmanship.

The game is not personal!

Pro teams need to take a lesson from six-years olds like Jax! (and so do many fans)

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD