Fun with Pool Animals

Chris and I rescue some of the strangest creatures from our pool.

Usually it is a stray toad or hoards of frogs (almost akin to the Biblical plagues of Egypt) that are helped to safety.

Cicada on a Leaf in the Pool

Sometimes it is a really unique animal like the bunny we rescued a couple of years ago. We have, in the past, rescued a bat, a bird, and an assortment of snakes--usually small hatchlings who got confused. Mammals generally do not do well and drown before we can get to them. 

Yesterday, however, I saw something that really got my attention--a cicada on a leaf floating in the pool. I'm not sure how the bug got there and managed to float until rescued.

It looks to me like it had commandeered a ship and was sailing until dawn or something. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Sky Changes

The sky has shown some stark beauty and ferocity during the past few days. 

Denver, CO
June 28, 2016
Sunset

Last evening, for example, as I was leaving the restaurant where I had dinner, there was both a thunderstorm and a beautiful sunset in the sky. I tried to capture it, but it just doesn't look the same in an image. 

The lightening was actually very close, causing me to head for the car instead of trying for another, better, image.

I had thought about attending the Rockies game, but in a strange moment of mature thought, I looked at the weather and decided against going into Denver. The start of the game was delayed for almost three hours as it turned out. I made a good choice.

Baltimore International Airport
June 27, 2016
Dawn!

I was also amazed at the dawn sky in Baltimore the day that I was departing. The deep colors were amazing, however, the lights reflected by the terminal make the image less appealing. 

If you look deep into the image, you can see my reflection taking the picture.

It was much more beautiful in person.

The sky--I love the cyan of a clear day, but the morning and evenings also lend themselves to a fantastic show.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, CO

End of School Year Party

Ready for The Party
June 17, 2016

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) school year ended yesterday. 

School is out for the summer. 

Chris and I hosted the end of year party for the staff of Line Kiln Middle School. A chance for the teachers and staff and their families to gather around our pool and decompress after the trials and tribulations of the  school year past.

I enjoy hanging out with them and hearing the stories and getting a reality check about life and working conditions in a place other than where I work. 

The party was a great success. Hosting the party gave Chris and I a deadline to complete many projects. And we did! The pool was pristine, the lawn neatly mowed, and I even ensured that the hole in the wall where the new faucet had been installed was completely repaired.

I have to admit, when all they wished each other a good summer as they departed, I was a bit sad--I have to work! I don't get seven weeks off to reconnect with life outside of work. 

But, then, I don't have to put up with kids every work day. 

Happy summer vacation! Enjoy it. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sitting Together

Chris and Makayla

Last evening as I arrived on the deck for happy hour, two of the ladies in my life were sitting on the patio sofa together waiting for me.

It was an neat image and I'm glad that I captured it. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed a great evening outside. It is funny how Makayla will never look at me when I have a camera in my hand. 

I was beginning to think that with all of the rain, we would never be able to enjoy an evening outside again. The air was still and humid, It was truly a pre-summer evening. 

But then the mosquitos arrived!

Well, things can't just be perfect all of the time, then we wouldn't appreciate them.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 6, 2016

1. 72 years ago, the D-Day landings on the Normandy Beaches by Allied Forces marked the turning point of World War II in Europe.

Timbers at Troy 2nd Fairway
June 5, 2016

2. The weather forecasters predicted rain for yesterday--it did finally arrive, but not before I enjoyed a fully busy day.

3. I managed a round of golf Sunday with Mike, despite the ominous weather report. I played one of my best rounds ever. Mike took a nice shot of me right after I said my chances of hitting the green were zero. And I put the ball on the green.

Patrick with the Brakes

4. Changing rear brakes on a Honda turned into an all day job that required two trips to the auto parts store. But Patrick and I got it done! All new and ready for the highway. It was another two hour job that took all afternoon. But getting it finished felt good.

Faline in the Flower Bed

5. The fawn returned for another day of fun with the family. She returned to the very same spot and we were surprised at how much she had grown in a week. And yes, we believe it is a "she" based upon some of the gender identification techniques we read about on line. She has been named Faline, for obvious reasons. She was a bit more skittish this week and made notice of our presence. 

6. The political posturing in the Presidential olympics has taken reached new levels of absurdity. 

7. I noticed the leaves on the trees again. I love looking at them. I remember writing about the bare branches not so long ago and it is good to have to solitude that the trees provide.

8. I have been frustrated lately by drivers who do not give consideration to others by pulling to the left side of the lane on side streets when waiting to make a left turn to allow other drivers (lime, me!) to pass.

9. And writing of driving consideration--does anyone remember what the lever on the left side of the steering wheel is for? Yes, that's it, turn signals. Use them!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The All Star

 

GORC Coach Pitch National League
All Star Team
June 4, 2016

Jackson played in the GORC Coach Pitch league all star game yesterday, having been selected as one of the two players representing the GORC Pirates in the annual event. 

It was fun to watch the best kids in the league compete after coaching the season. Unlike professional all star games which can be boring, this game let all of the kids who are at the same baseball level come together and showcase their abilities.

Jax at the Plate
All Star Game
June 4, 2016

It was a truly different game from the regular league games. Balls that would have been hits in a league game were outs in this game and unlike the regular season, the outfielders were very busy.

Jax in the Field
All Star Game
June 4, 2016

Jax did very well. He had hits and played balls and made outs in the field. Both of the players representing the GORC Pirates played very well, and during one stretch of two innings the two of them were involved in 4 of the 6 outs posted against the opposing team.

Did I mention that the National League team (Jackson's) defeated the American League team 17-11 in a seven inning affair?

Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Visit from Bambi

Fawn in the Garden
May 28, 2016

I was startled yesterday as Chris and I were working around the house. We had been outside about an hour when, as I rounded the corner on the side of the house nearest the wooded area, there nestled under the lilac bush and in the Lily of the Valley patch was a fawn.

Hiding in almost plain sight, but very quiet and still, was Bambi!

We have a small herd of deer that traverse the wooded area behind the house and love to eat our plants. 

After discussing the situation with Chris and phoning a friend for some advice, we decided to clear the area and suspend our outdoor work for a couple of hours to see if its mother would return to retrieve the fawn.

I searched the internet and ran across an extremely informational site that set our minds to rest about the situation.  We learned that the fawn had probably not been abandoned and was not in any distress. I highly recommend reading this document titled, Do You Know How To Tell If That Fawn Really Needs Your Help??? It answered all of our questions and reassured us that the situation would resolve itself. 

The most important thing we learned from our reading was that this would probably be an all day event. The doe would likely not return until dusk. We also learned that the fawn was less than three weeks old.

The fawn stayed in its spot all day. It was quiet, but aware, and only moved when its location came into full sun. It moved three feet to more shaded spot under the lilac bush. 

We checked on it throughout the day and kept the dogs and kids away from it. We did advertise its presence to the neighbors who took some pictures, but did not otherwise disturb the small fawn.

Sometime between about 6:30 and 7:30 PM, the fawn disappeared. The house and the yard had been quiet for a couple of hours and we believe that its mother returned and took it away into the woods. We had hoped to catch a glimpse of mother and fawn together, but alas, it was not to be.

While we enjoyed our wildlife encounter, because it added a different dimension to the weekend, we hope it doesn't return for another day for free babysitting.

I checked the area this morning and as of 5:49 AM, the fawn had not returned. I have no idea whether deer reuse the same spots. I know that they traverse the same paths.

And that is the story of our real world encounter with Bambi.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First in a String

Looking Back Toward the 17th Tee Box
Timbers at Troy Golf Course

Last evening I headed out after work and enjoyed a round of golf at my local course. It was a momentous event given the incredible cold and rain of the past weeks.

I wore shorts and a short sleeve shirt--and was comfortable. I think there was even some sweat as I enjoyed the first 80 degree day during May. It was such a beautiful day and I didn't mind sharing the course with a family of geese. They watched me closely, but did not seem too perturbed by my presence. The goslings were happy to be finding food protected under the watchful eye of the adults.

Looking at the forecast, it appears that the cycle of cold, gloom, and rain is finally broken. Every day from now until June 3rd is forecast for 80 degree temperatures and no appreciable rain. June 3rd may break the string of great weather, but that is still days away and as I am fully aware, the weather can and will change. Sure, there are thunderstorms in the forecast--I can deal with those. 

Today looks as if it will be the second day in a row of moderate and enjoyable weather. I will be able to do the lawn work that I didn't start last evening because I was out whacking a small white ball with a club. 

I had to get out and enjoy the great weather. 

Memorial Day weekend is looking great!

Bring on the pool and the celebrations.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dawn on the Course

Despite the continuing rainy days, I made it out yesterday to enjoy sunrise on a local golf course. 

Even in the image in snapped of the sun rising through the trees, a pool of water can be seen in the lower right corner. Yes, it has rained that much. 


It was exciting to be first off the tee and the first ones to walk across the dew laden fairways. Of course it was wet, too. I snapped the image of Trevar walking across the first fairway just to document the moment. The sun is low on the trees in the background.

It turned out to be a beautiful day not only for golf, but for other celebrations as well. 

Until about 3:30 pm when the storms arrived, that is. 

But, at least I was able to begin the day in full sun on the course.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Sliver of Summer Arrives

The Pool Opening Begins

Despite the weather forecast, pool opening day happened!

The pool is open and, while not yet ready for swimming, it completely changes the entire look of the yard. For the better, I might add.

Every Job Needs Good Help
Chris at the Pool

The decision to open the pool occurred when the GORC Pirates baseball game was canceled and there looked like a break in the weather to allow the cover to dry. 

As it turned out, the 90 percent chance of rain during the day turned into 0 percent rain and it was a beautiful, a bit cold, day to get the pool open and running. 

Not the desired Color of the Water

Pool opening day is a big event. It takes a lot of time to get everything done. I had already reconnected the motor and the filter which meant that we were ready to start up the entire system once the cover was off and the plugs were removed.

The water had not done well during the winter. It was pretty green! But odorless--which is a good sign. But the good news is that there are chemicals for that!

The Pool This Morning 

By this morning the pool is looking almost ready for action. I am sure the water temperature is only in the high 50's! A bit cold for a swim unless you are a polar bear.

As the Sun is dawning on this Mother's Day, we have drawn one step closer to Summer and the season of outdoors living. Out outdoors living space is nearly ready. I am amazed at the amount of time it takes to get everything done in preparation for the too short summer season. I am convinced that living in the land of perpetual summer, where people wear winter clothes when the temperature falls into the 60's would be much better.

For now, there are a few more minor things to do around the pool, like putting up the rails and power washing the deck to get everything shipshape. 

That is the easy stuff. The hard stuff is done.

Queue Sun and Summer! Let's Party!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Orb in the Sky

Blue Skies and Sun
May 7, 2016

As dawn broke this morning, something unusual happened--the sun also rose!

The gray skies that have covered the region for the past week parted and I saw patches of blue and sun shining on the still new, green leaves of the trees in my backyard.

It was a refreshing break from the gloom.

Azaleas in Bloom

The forecast is indicates that the sun will be seen for only few short moments today. In fact, as I write this the clouds are already beginning to obscure the scene and herald the arrival of more overcast weather.

My azaleas are attempting to cheer up the scene, but it is an almost futile effort in the face of overwhelming odds.

It is supposed to be pool opening day--that remains to be seen. I don't mind opening the pool in the rain, but it will be cold and I may not be able to properly dry the cover before folding it for storage until September.

At least I know the sun is still there. Maybe it will make more and longer appearances, soon!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Spring Takes Control

Azalea in Bloom

It has finally happened. The last vestiges of Winter have been thrown off and Spring has taken control of the weather. 

Red Bud Blooms Fading

Yes, that means rain--and not just a small amount. But the results have been spectacular. The leaves are visible on the trees and the flowering plants are in bloom.

I was stunned to see my white azalea in full bloom yesterday even as the red buds are fading from the that tree in my yard.

I was fortunate enough to play golf in a short sleeve shirt yesterday.  Another sure sign of Spring. 

Today, Chris and I are off to St Michaels, MD, for the annual wine festival! Although the weather is rainy and overcast this morning, it is expected to clear off and fantastic by the afternoon. If you are in the region, come out and enjoy the wines and the weather.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Weeping Cherry Withstands Cold Weather

March 25, 2016

Despite the unseasonably, and in some places record, low temperatures Springtime is progressing. I can tell by the weeping cherry tree in my yard. It has moved through the stages of blossom to become the stunning highlight of the season adorning my yard with pink blossoms of joy. 

I decided to document the tree's progress because I do enjoy its display every Spring.

March 27, 2016

In the beginning there were bare branches, but then the buds and small flowers began to appear. A short two days later, the small blossoms had become flowers--and the beauty of the tree began to emerge. 

Note that March 27th was also Easter Sunday and that I went on vacation to warmer climates for a week. 

But, when I returned, the tree was in full and showy flower, heralding the arrival of Springtime and the frigid weather that soon followed.

April 4, 2016

When I took the image on April 4th, it was over 70 degrees--what followed by that afternoon was cold temperatures and wet skies that have effectively halted the advance of the season. 

At least the tree remains in the yard--a beacon and rallying point for Spring, which will soon return even though there are no 70-degree days in the current 10 day forecast!

So much for opening the pool in April!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Put That One in the Win Column

Orioles Park at Camden Yards
April 4, 2016

And they are off!

Yes the Orioles won their opening day game against the Twins--but it was not without some pain and drama.

Chris Davis #19
Being Announced

The pain was weather--rain and cool temperatures which eventually drove me from the game and back into the warmth of my home to watch the end of the game. Perhaps the situation was aggravated because I had awakened at 3:30 AM to catch a 6 AM flight home so that I could go to the game. By the time 7 PM arrived--I was pretty tired since I had been in the ballpark since about 2:15 PM and had seen only 2 innings of baseball. It was a good move to head home although I was very conflicted about it. I am not a fair weather fan, but I have to be smart enough to take care of myself. On the other hand, I had a great time spending the afternoon with Patrick, and we need to go to a few more games together this year!

Back to the Orioles--Opening Day was spectacular and the Birds won not only the game, but pulled it off in dramatic fashion. It was a walk-off 9th inning win and a 1 run game! Here is an interesting thought--the team won without hitting a homer! That a baseball team built around power can win by hitting singles and doubles in critical places is very encouraging. 

In the, wow that's amazing department, newly signed Chris Davis went hitless but scored the game winning run! In fact, he was on third base twice during the game as a result of being walked and then going first-to-third on singles! Even better, the hit that scored Davis in the bottom of the 9th inning came off the bat of Matt Wieters! AND Darren O'Day pitched a nice eighth inning! All three of our off-season big-time free agent returnees came through for the team on Opening Day!

Let's Go O's!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 4, 2016

1. Opening Day has finally arrived for Orioles fans! And I will be there, rain and all. I hear our weather is going to be al to better than some places further north.

Palm Trees in the Bahamas
Any questions?

2. Traveling in the early morning is hard. It almost hurts to get up at 3:30AM to be on a 6AM flight!

3. Coming back to reality after being away in a nice warm climate for a week is really difficult. Who stole all the palm trees?

4. The Hockey playoffs begin next week. Just saying.

April 4, 2016 - Danby, NY
Taken by Robert M. Doan

5. What happened to Springtime while I was away. The snow is a real problem.

6. Joe Medicine Crow, a war chief, historian and the last link to the Battle of Little Big Horn, dies at 102. You have to read this story in the Washington Post.

7. Some vacations are hard work--some are restful. Mine was restful. 

8. Wouldn't it be nice to live somewhere that it doesn't snow?

9. Revisionist history is worse than writing history and getting it wrong. Revisionist history is changing the past through the lens of the present and ignoring the facts and context.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday in Florida

Birds of the Bahamas

As the vacation winds down, meaning that spring Break is ending. the reality of heading back to work and resuming my normal life rhythm is setting in.

This morning, because there were no animals demanding to be let out or fed, I slept in until 8 AM! That never happens at home. I am almost always up before 6AM and usually around 5AM even on weekends. It is the rhythm of life that unto which everyone has become accustomed.

We successfully navigated the lines of people disembarking and clearing Customs yesterday to spend a wonderful day on Jupiter Beach before returning to the hotel late last night. It was weird returning to a hotel in which we had already spent two nights. It should have been more like coming home, but the hotel is not worth a repeat stay. I will be reviewing it on TravelAdvisor in the near future. And the internet is spotty at best. I was having a terrible time trying to get they image downloaded. 

Today we get to do the dreaded Timeshare visit--a requisite part of the trip and probably the reason we got a rental car at no extra charge. We were luckier than most because we get to do the four-hours of our life that we can't get back after our cruise! 

Chris took the image of the birds that is featured today. 

It has been a great trip that is sadly coming to an end. But, there will be other trips and more fun and travel to exotic places. 

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ft Lauderdale, FL

Good-bye Bahamas

Lighthouse at Lucaya Bay

I guess things that are too short make me appreciate them more. Take for instance my three days in the Bahamas. It was a taste of island life.

And, like a fine wine, the taste lingers providing a pleasant reminder of the short time spent there.

Bougainvillea on a Wall

I will note, the the out processing process and return to the MV Grand Celebration for the trip back to the U.S. was an abomination. All told, Chris and I were in lines somewhere or another for almost four hours! Ugh!

But that experience should not taint an otherwise great visit to the Bahamas. We did determine that we need to come back when we can spend more time exploring the islands.

We were impressed with the number of exceptionally friendly people that we met--and not just Bahamians, the people from our tour were also very nice and fun to be with.

The good news is that the fun is not over. It is beginning another chapter. As I am writing this, the ship is sailing down the channel into port in West Palm Beach! And I get another couple of days on the beaches of South Florida!

Party on!

-- Bob Doan, writing from the Port of West Palm Beach

Bahama Beaches

Beach in the Bahamas

For our first trip to the Bahamas, this has been a very relaxing one. In retrospect, it should have been longer--maybe by as many as three or four months!

Beach Bonfire
(No the Palm Tree is not on Fire) 

But is has been beautiful. I am not going to review the Resort right now, I will do that later in concert with TripAdvisor. There are good and not so good things to repot.

The hardest thing to adapt to has been Island Time. Island Time means nothing happens as quickly or at the time we expected. There have been some incredible exceptions--like the bus to the bonfire last evening. Came exactly on time!

Lunchtime Diversion

Lunch yesterday did take over two hours, more Island Time. We had time to get acquainted with the wildlife. The dove enjoyed eating a french fry right out of Chris' hand!

Another wonderful day. Sadly, it ends today and we begin the trek back to home. But the memories will be with us for a long time.

-- Bob Doan, writing from the Bahamas

Arriving--Bahamas (three long blasts on the ship's horn)

The View from our Ship's Cabin

Via the magic of an overnight cruise out of the port of West Palm Beach, well it should have only been a three-hour tour cruise but they wanted more money, Chris and I arrived in the Bahamas. I could not believe that there were five cruise ships in port this morning! Two of them were Carnival cruise ships.

Yay! I love Spring Break!!!!

It is our (and my) first trip to the Bahamas! It likely will not be our last. Although the day was cool, it has been awesome!

Wandering Around the Shopping District

The overnight cruise was fun, but very basic. I am glad that I have been on other cruises and know what a real cruise is all about. Arriving in the Bahamas this morning during a thunderstorm at the Grand Lucayan Breakers Cay really put a damper on our day until noon, but, the view from our room is fantastic.

Bird of Paradise

We spent the day on the beach, although I had a light jacket on the entire time due to the coolness of the breeze. We walked the beach and did what we like to do--decompress from the frantic pace of life.

I have to admit, the Bahamas are a lot of fun. The scenery is pretty--it is ocean. Vacation--which is what this is all about, it fantastic. I did find my all-time favorite flower--yes, the Bird of Paradise!

I wrote last week about retirement being  a constant Spring Break, and this is the Spring Break of my dreams. I could live here, really. The people I have met are very impressive. 

Although overcast the weather has not dampened our spirits! We are having fun and there is a Bahamian band playing outside my room right now!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Freeport, Bahamas

Springtime Revival

Weeping Cherry Beginning to Blossom

It is happening everywhere around. 

The land is reviving after the dark season and the evidence is even in my own yard.

The forsythia are blooming and the white blooming trees along the roadways here in Maryland are in full flower. As an aside, so is the pollen.

Daffodils in a Friend's Yard

But it is a sight, a very welcome sight after the too cold and too long winter.


My weeping cherry is even beginning to blossom. The daffodils have been in bloom for what already seems like weeks and they as that much needed splash of color to the landscape. 

My lawn will need mowing within a week or so!

I am happy to see the green return! The trees are beginning to be more than just bare branches!

It is an awesome time of year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD