Frozen Pond

Runoff Pond
Odenton, MD
January 13, 2025

It is cold!

How cold is it?

It is so cold that I have not seen water in the runoff pond next door since before Christmas. 

I think I am getting used to the cold. Yesterday, the temperature crested 40 degrees and I put new windshield wipers on the truck, in preparation for the return south, without donning my coat. I was not cold! OK, so I was not warm either. I was just surviving the too cold weather.

Grandma Chris with Beck
Glen Burnie, MD
January 13, 2025

I also added air to the tires because they were a bit low due to the cold.

The truck is now ready for the 1000-mile  trek to warmer temperatures. 

I'm not so sure that Chris is ready to return south. We were able to spend some additional time with Beck yesterday. It was good to see him again and he is doing very well, as are his parents. 

But, the frozen pond reminds me that we belong a bit further south. It has been cool in Tequesta, but still warmer than here. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

WX, Ravens, and Beck

Beck goes Home
Annapolis, MD
January 11, 2025

 An amazing thing happened yesterday--the temperature climbed above freezing. It almost felt warm at 33 degrees. I shouldn't get used to it because Tuesday the temps drop below freezing again.  

Last evening, I was happy to watch the Ravens in their first playoff game of the season. They played their nemesis and division foe the Steelers. The Ravens have not done well against the Steelers in recent years, except for this year when they played three times with the Ravens winning two. And so the Ravens move on with a likely date in Buffalo next week, unless the Broncos can find some magic today. 

In other news, Beck was given a clean bill of health and departed the medical center where he was born yesterday. It is reported that Mommy, Daddy, and Baby Beck all got some sleep after they arrived home. That is good because I am sure they all needed some rest after being in the hospital. It is time for them to begin finding a family rhythm. Chris and I are hopeful of visiting grandchild number 4 today. We will have to see how that all goes. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Welcome Beckett

Me with Beckett
Annapolis, Md
January 10, 2025

 

Chris with Beckett
Annapolis, MD
January 10, 2025

What a time to be alive. And to be born. 

The grandparents were invited to the hospital yesterday to meet Beckett Michael Doan under the watchful eye of his parents. He was about 10 hours old when we were introduced to the newest member of the families. 

Chris and I both enjoyed holding him and hearing the tale of his birth--which was, fortunately, fairly routine. I like routine when it comes to hospitals.

Beck, as he will be called, was very relaxed and a joy to be around. He snuggles really well and I was able to have some time with him for about 20 minutes. It had been a very long time since I held a newborn. Beck likes to have his left arm free--I wonder if he is going to be left-handed? He also seemed to be dreaming while I was holding him. I wonder what newborns dream about?

Both Chris and I are looking forward to getting to know Beckett more after he arrives home. Chris says she will be making monthly trips north to have time with him. Finnegan better get used to spending time with his second family in Florida!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

A Cold Winter's Sun, but Joyful Hearts

 

Cold Winter Sun
Odenton, MD
January 9, 2025

It is cold. 

The temperature has not made it above freezing for two straight days, although we are expecting a high of 33 degrees today! Whoopee!

Although the temperature is freezing, there is joy in our hearts this morning as our newest grandson, Beckett, arrived just after 4 AM this morning weighing in at 9 lbs 1 oz. Mother and father are doing well. He shares a birthday with my Dad who turns 97 years old today. 

Happy Birthday to Beckett and to my Dad!

January 10th must be a good date!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD