Senior Night at the Ballfield

Homemade Fathead of Jax Held by Nicole
Odenton, MD
April 24, 2026

 It was Senior Night for the Arundel High School Baseball Team last evening. The festivities were conducted before the game against archrival Crofton. 

Senior night was the primary reason Chris and I made the trip north after being here for Easter at the beginning of the month. We do not like to miss important moments in the lives of our family members even though we live in Florida. It was a promise we made to them when we moved south. 

Tuxedo Cats Watching
Odenton, MD
April 24, 2026

During the days leading up to the festivities last night, we participated in planning and execution some ideas for the evening. One idea was a homemade Fathead--which came out really well. There were also flowers for the moms of the 12 seniors on the team.

All of his Maryland relatives, and us as well, showed-up to honor Jax at the pre-game festivities. It was good to see the show of support for Jax, who announced last week that he would be attending the University of South Florida in their engineering program this Fall. So he is going to be a USF Bull!

The Family in Attendance
Odenton, MD
April 24, 2026

Sadly, the baseball game was not as exciting as the pre-game Senior Night festivities. Jax was ineligible to pitch, having hurled 96 pitches during Wednesday night's six-inning outing for a win, but he still was very involved in the game in the dugout. As the game dragged on; rain began and then some lightening which caused a mandatory 30-minute timeout. Chris and I departed during the top of the 5th inning as the rain began, but before the lightening, and were not present at the field for the unsatisfying ending. We monitored the game on GameChanger. 

I guess last evening was our own version of Friday Night Lights! (and rain!)

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Walking under the Canopy

Under the Canopy
Odenton, MD
April 23, 2026

 One of the things Chris and I enjoy while visiting Maryland is walking under the canopy of leaves along the old Strawberry Lake Way. I have documented the changes as the trees hanging over this stretch of old repurposed highway reflect the passing of the seasons. 

Yesterday's walk was special. The change in the canopy since we last walked there earlier this month is truly amazing. The leaves are now nearly fully mature. They still sport the bright green of new leaves and have not yet darkened, but they provide the most wonderful shade. With Finnegan leading the way, we enjoyed the walk under the trees where the squirrels also played.

Admittedly, without driving we do not enjoy such a beautiful scene on our walks in Florida. There are places with a similar type of feel that I sometimes visit on my bike rides although my favorite park, Limestone Creek Natural Area in Jupiter, has been closed the past few times I have attempted to access the path. It is scheduled to remain closed until late-September. 

We will continue to enjoy our walks under the deepening canopy during our visit. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Enjoying the ICW

Chris and Mary on the Beach
Along the ICW, Tequesta, FL
April 21, 2026

Earth Day 

Although it was Tiki Tuesday, we decided to head to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) for Happy Hour. The wind seemed too strong to visit an ocean beach and the more protected areas along the ICW seemed the perfect place to enjoy Happy Hour. 

Bird Along the Beach
ICW, Tequesta, FL
April 21, 2026

On weekends, the beaches along the ICW are crammed full of people and watercraft. Last evening, however, we had the area almost to ourselves. The ICW is convenient because parking is right beside the beach area.

The ICW was calm and there were fish jumping everywhere it seemed. We were visited by a wading bird that walked right in front of us seemingly unconcerned that we were within about 10 feet of where it was hunting. 

It was a relaxing and enjoyable time. I even went into the water, it was almost warm and not unpleasant at all. 

Earth Day Fact: 

One million plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide, while up to five trillion plastic bags are used a year  (Earth Day Fact Sheets)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

COA/HOA Exposition in Palm Beach

Condo & HOA Expo
West Palm Beach, FL
April 21, 2026

 I went to an exposition this morning mostly to attend a State-mandated training class for HOA Board members. It was the first Expo/convention I had attended in a few years. I have to admit, it was very different from the ones I attended while working as a federal civilian. 

Condo & HOA Expo
West Palm Beach, FL
April 21, 2026

I missed the high tech stuff I used to deal with and especially the displays of cutting edge technology with which I used to examine for practical applications.

But, this was for HOA/COA related products and services. Nothing really too high tech here. Roofs, windows, pest control, security, taxes, lawyers and the like. There were a lot of people.

I sat through a four-hour very technical and legal presentation which almost changed me from a board member to a bored member. The seminar began at 0800, sharp! I had to be on the road by 7 AM to drive, secure parking and get checked in. 

I learned a lot. The lawyer/instructor was instrumental in getting Florida's condo laws changed/updated after the 2021 Condo collapse the killed 98 people. Understanding the chain of events leading up to that was incredibly instructive. 

Now the hard part--applying all of the ideas and ensuring that our COA is in full compliance. Ugh. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Lazy Saturday

View of the North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
April 18, 2026

 It was a lazy Saturday here in South Florida. 

It is not as if we did nothing during the day, but we did not head out on an adventure.

I managed an 18-mile ride, which felt great even though the humidity and temperatures are building. I did not see a lot of wildlife on my tour, but I did enjoy the scents of the gardenias and other flowering plants, trees, and bushes.

Chris and I also managed to move the repacked Easter decorations along with other unused items to the storage room. Out of sight and out of mind! We freed up some space in the garage to use for other infrequently used items.

Aside from that, we made an emergency run to the grocery store for some ice cream.

Thinking about some of what transpired last week.

It was a crazy week in the news as both the president and vice attempted to cast themselves as theologians and religious leaders. I was appalled at the image of Trump as a messiah and then Vance schooling the Pope on Catholicism and theology. And then there was Speaker Johnson lecturing the Pope about the "Just War" theory. I did, however, learn a lot about the "Just War" theory and its application. 

It seems as if the Jesus' words of prophecy as recorded in Mark 13:14-23 are being fulfilled:

14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. 15 The one on the roof must not come down or go inside to take anything out of his house. 16 The one in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 17 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! 18 Pray that it may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be suffering unlike anything that has happened from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, or ever will happen. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved. But because of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut them short. 21 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe him. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, the elect. 23 Be careful! I have told you everything ahead of time. (Mark 13:14-23 NET Bible) (Highlighting mine)

I was also reminded of Matthew 7: 15-20.

15 “Watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are voracious wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered from thorns or figs from thistles, are they? 17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will recognize them by their fruit. (NET Bible) (Highlighting mine)

Happy Sunday!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Off to see the Wizard

Scene from The Wizard of Oz
From my TV
Tequesta, FL
April 16, 2026

The Wizard of Oz was my favorite movie growing up. The movie was so old, released during 1939, that it had a run on TV every year. It was a special TV event and I don't think I missed watching it very many times.

Chris and I had a busy day, including with lunch at Coopers Hawk and a short walk around the mall. We spent Happy Hour on our veranda until dinner. Afterward, we tried to find something to watch for the evening, which was almost as challenging as an Olympic event because we’ve seen so many movies and have very different tastes in entertainment. As we scrolled through the streaming services, we stumbled upon The Wizard of Oz. Even though we actually own a Blu-ray copy, we decided to watch the movie. 

And we did. 

It is nice to go to bed after watching an uplifting movie, although I remember as a child that the wicked witch and the flying monkeys really scared me. But after the the witch was defeated, they turned out to be really nice and appreciative of being freed from her spell.

One thing I noticed was the vibrance of the colors in the movie. I had forgotten how the movie is so colorful. Of course the horse of a different color always makes me laugh. 

This time through the movie I noted the foreshadowing where Toto chases after a cat and jumps out of the balloon as he and Dorothy are preparing to return to Kansas with the wizard. The scene was foreshadowed very early in the movie where Dorothy runs home after Toto had just rampaged through Mrs Gulch's garden chasing her cat. 

it was a great ending to the day and I completed another viewing of the movie! The Wizard of Oz is without a doubt my most watched movie.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tiki Tuesday

Tiki52 Evening
Tequesta, FL
April 14, 2026

 Tax Day

The weather has finally cleared and our increasingly busy schedule allowed us to resume Tiki Tuesday, that is where we head off to Tiki52 for Happy Hour and dinner. 

The slower pace was the lull in the storm as we have been incredibly busy and will be again traveling next week. But until then, we have been able to have some enjoyment. 

Looking North from Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
APril 15, 2026

It was a beautifully low humidity, breezy, sun-filled evening. We enjoyed Happy Hour with friends and just relished at being out enjoying the Florida scenery.

This morning, I finally managed my first bike outing of the month! I rode almost 19 miles and it felt so very good to be on my bike again riding the neighborhoods. 

The low humidity continued this morning, but the skies were gray and mostly overcast. I ran into some roadwork that caused minor detours and added about a mile to my overall ride. 

As it is Tax Day 2026, my hope is that, like me, your taxes are already filed and refund received or additional tax paid. I can now forget about it until next year. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

They Arrived

One of First Images from New Meta Glasses
Jupiter, FL
April 13, 2026

 I arrived home yesterday from errands just as the UPS truck pulled up to the house to deliver my replacement Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

It is an understatement to say that I was excited. 

My existing glasses had been broken and functioning as only expensive sun glasses for a number of months. I had finally been able to break through the protective cyber nonsense to actually secure help in replacing the glasses via warranty!

As I previously wrote, the company determined the glasses were out of warranty and were too old to be repaired, but made me a very sweet offer on new glasses. And I am happy to have the glasses with their varied and useful features back. 

As an example, I was able to have the glasses take the image just by telling it to take an image from the driver seat of the car. It was so easy, I had both hands on the wheel. It is impossible to do that with an iPhone or camera. And that is but one of its useful functions.

I have since learned that some cruise ships are limiting the areas that these types of glasses can be worn due to privacy concerns and so I likely will have to take along a more traditional pair for all around use.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Red or Rosé

Showing the Wine Selections
Tequesta, FL
April 10, 2026

 We hosted Happy Hour for a neighbor last evening. We know the Happy Hour was successful because it lasted until after 10 PM. It was also nice than no one had to drive home! 

Chris had a good time as she wanted to sample both wines. Seriously, I asked her to hold the glasses so I could make a pithy comment about her being a two-fisted drinker. She is not!

Another measure of the Happy Hour success was that I totally forgot about the astronauts returning from their moon journey. Totally! I read about their successful return this morning and was happy that everything went well for them and aside from rocking on the ocean for over an hour. I wonder if they got motion sickness after being in space for 10 days?

I received some good news yesterday with respect to my broken Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. Although my warranty claim was denied, they made me a very acceptable replacement offer. I am anxious to have the new pair as I had missed their features, especially the always at the ready imaging capability. 

Although the wind blowing at 15 mph this morning, I am hoping to get out on my bike today. I will see how that works out. 

--Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Beginning and Ending

The Beginning of the Trip
Odenton, MD
March 28, 2026

 Trips, by definition, have beginnings and endings. Hopefully, the ending is at home. As today is a travel day, whether we end at home today or wind up with an intermediate layover is a question that can only be answered when we fall into bed somewhere tonight. We dearly desire the ending to be at home.

I tried something a bit different as part of this trip. I decided to document the leaf growth as Spring deepened. And, amazingly, I remembered to complete the task yesterday.

The Trip's Ending Image
Odenton, MD
April 6, 2026

When we arrived, the trees were little more than naked twigs pointing into the sky with bare limbs. I could see some leaf buds, but it was definitely early Spring.

Yesterday, however, actual leaves could be seen in the trees as they transitioned to become shade providers. Green is definitely evident. There are places where there are many more leaves and also places where the trees are still preparing to leaf forth! But, these two images show a progression in nine days for this one view.

I enjoy Spring more than Autumn. I know the bright colors of the trees in Autumn are exciting, but the new life of the Spring is far more enjoyable for me and especially since it brings the promise of Summer with warm temperatures and long, sun-filled days.

Don't get me started on the temperatures! Most days it has been cold during this trip. Even this morning the temperature was in the low 40s to begin the day. Ugh! Brrr! 

South Florida is going to be cool and rainy today with an expected 76 degree high! I'll take it! At 70 degrees in Jupiter this morning, it is already warmer there than it has been here for the past couple days. 

And so the travel day begins!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

April Fools' Day 2026

Turtle on Branch
Odenton, MD
March 31, 2026

April Fools' Day 

As our visit to Maryland continues, we are seeing more signs of life as the lingering effects of winter fade and are replaced with the vibrant springtime. 

Yesterday, I was able to capture an image of a turtle sitting on a low hanging branch in the pond. In addition, I noted the return of the woodchuck to the scene. 

Yesterday was pleasantly warm, topping out at a beautiful 82 degrees. I was comfortable being outside, finally. Springtime is on full display! 

Some April humor for the day:

Why do bees become so indecisive after April? They become may-bees.

What do you call an Easter bunny with fleas? Bugs Bunny.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Spring Continues

Flowering Tree on our Walk
Odenton, MD
March 30, 2026

A conundrum. I couldn't decide this morning whether to rant about our President planning to commit War Crimes or the springtime explosion of flowers here in Maryland. 

I decided on flowers. 

Why? Well because I guess if the Congress is not interested in protecting America from a wannabe war criminal, I guess I should not be too concerned either. 

Maple Tree Helicopters Preparing for Launch
Odenton, MD
March 30, 2026

The Spring explosion of flowers is beautiful. Spring in South Florida arrives gradually. There are some trees that lose leaves for the Autumn and replace them during Spring, but they are relatively few. Mostly what happens is about 50 percent of the deciduous tree leaves are replaced over the course of the Winter. The leaves fall all the time; clogging the gutters and downspouts. I was able to convince our COA to have leaf guards installed on the gutters that are most susceptible to leaf blockages.

Chris and I have enjoyed watching the progression of Spring in the trees and flowers here in Maryland. When we arrived, the trees showed only sporadic signs of leaves. But now, the red and green leaf buds are everywhere and actual leaves are beginning to appear. 

Along with the leaves, we are seeing ducks, geese, and turtles in the pond nearby. And turtles! There apparently was an explosion of turtles because I counted at least 10 the other day. With the temperature headed for 80 degrees today, I'm sure there will be turtles and additional wildlife to enjoy and document. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Rainy cool Friday

 

Dogwood in the Neighbor's Yard
Odenton, MD
March 28, 2026

The cold and rainy gray overcast weather returned Friday as the temperature plummeted through the 60s into the 50s during the day and bottomed at 33 degrees this morning. 

Call it, Springtime in Maryland. 

Chris and I have been enjoying the blooming trees and bushes of Spring in advance of leaves erupting on the trees. 

View from the Deck
Odenton, MD
March 28, 2026

The cold, however, is somewhat harder to deal with. We enjoyed the near 80 degree temperatures of the baseball game Thursday evening a little too much, I think. The actual temperature dropped 46 degrees in 36 hours. The "feels like" temperature was reported at 24 degrees this morning by the weather service.

On this clear and cold morning, the scene off the porch is stunning. Blue sky, vibrant green grass, some trees displaying the first green against the stark trunks of the trees still waiting to burst with leaves. It looks like springtime, but feels like Winter. There is not much temperature relief in sight as the high for the day is anticipated to be about 47 degrees. 

We are headed to our favorite winery, Big Cork, for some tasting and purchases. We have not been there since the Christmas wine pick-up party. It should be a fun day with Nicole and Mike.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Baseball in the Warm

 

Jax at the Plate
Odenton, MD
March 26, 2026

As a counterpoint to yesterday's blog, we went to a baseball game last evening that was perfect in terms of temperature. 

Arundel High met South River High in a tussel with the game time temperature at 78 degrees. Wow! What a difference a day and twenty degrees makes. Although Arundel ultimately lost, the game was far more enjoyable than the 58 degrees we experienced at the start of yesterday's game. And then it got colder!

Jax on the Bump
Odenton, MD
March 26, 2026

Jax was the starting pitcher and pitched the team to a 3-3 tie at the end of 4 innings. Ultimately the team lost 11-7. The team let him bat and he made solid contact with the ball, unfortunately he hit it right to an opposing player who threw to first to make the out. It was a fun game to watch however, because the team never stopped trying and it  ended with the bases loaded and the tying run at the plate. Now that is some excitement.

In other baseball news, the Orioles began their season with a gritty 2-0 win over the Twins. I am excited about this version of the Orioles team and am expecting an 88 win season! With 1 in the books, they only need to win 87 of the next 161 games.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Baseball in the Cold

Jax Leading the Cheer
Odenton, MD
March 25, 2026

 Chris and I enjoyed two events yesterday. 

Baseball in the cold and dinner with Jeremy, Julie, and Lucas. 

I write baseball in the cold because after attending two Spring Training games in South Florida this season, yesterday's Arundel High baseball game against Severn Run High was just downright cold. 

Although Jax was not scheduled to start, we still wanted to go to the game to see, in person, the boys we have been following nearly every game so far this season on Game Changer. 

Arundel in the Dugout on Offense
Odenton, MD
March 25, 2026

The temperature at 4:45 PM, game time, was about 54 degrees, but as the game went on it got colder and the wind picked up. Nicole introduced me to some really nice electric hand warmers! Trust me, I learned they were lifesavers! As for the game, Arundel won 6-5 with some bottom of the 7th inning heroics to enjoy a walk-off win.

Jax is the scheduled starter for the tonights game! Already the temperature this morning is warmer that it was at game time last evening. Game time temperature is expected to be around 79 degrees! Yay!

We left the game during the 4th inning to enjoy dinner with Jeremy's family. We had a great meal together.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD