Here Come the Rains, Again

First Sunrise of Summer before the Rains
June 22, 2018

After a brief respite, the rains have returned with a vengeance. It has been raining for the past two days, again.

It really had put a damper on activities.

Yesterday, I took Radio Flyer our for a quick shot of the dawn under the clouds before the rains started in earnest. I was a bit late getting the colors of the sunrise, but I wanted to document the dawning of summer.

Then it rained!

And it is still raining this morning.

I'm not sure what the day will bring, except more of the rain. We are five inches of rain over normal for the year. Someone postulated yesterday that if it were snow, we would have possibly 60 inches! Ugh. I'm glad it is not snow.

Well, at least summer has arrived. This morning it is a balmy 68 degrees outside with the rain.

In other news, the Orioles won a 15-inning contest last evening and lowered their expected number of losses from 115 to 113! The are 3-2 in their past 5 games!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday Again

The end of the workweek is upon us. Here comes the weekend.

I sometimes call it Aloha Friday and today I will be wearing a new Aloha-type shirt that Chris gave me for Father's Day. It is bright.

The First Evening of Summer
June 21, 2018

Today is also the first full day of summer. I feel robbed of the solstice since we had a fairly heavy cloud cover and I could not celebrate the first sunset of Summer 2018.

Even without a brilliant sunset to record from altitude, I flew Radio Flyer to document the end of the first evening of summer. I wish the images were better, but I had an inflight emergency that I successfully dealt with and saved my drone from loss or destruction. 

Radio Flyer in the Yard during the Winter

The battery lost charge suddenly and I had to make and emergency landing. Fortunately, I found a suitable location that allowed me to successfully recover Radio Flyer. I learned a lot about emergency procedures, but most of all I learned that the screen I use to control the drone becomes clogged with all sorts of warnings that hinder the ability to identify a safe landing location.

In other news . . . 

The Orioles continued losing and remain on pace to lost 115 games this season. The only question I have is whether I should round up or down when dealing with the fractional part of the losses? Is 115.397 really 116 losses? On the good side, they have won 2 of their last 4 games and are playing .500 baseball this week, so far.

Despite the Radio Flyer emergency and the O's loss, I am excited about the beginning of summer. It is, after all, my favorite season of the year.

Bring on the heat, the sun, the sand, and the fun! And palm trees, cue the palm trees!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

End of Year/Retirement #3

The party season continued around the pool last evening as some of the staff from Lime Kiln Middle School gathered to celebrate the end of another school year along with Chris' retirement.

End of Year Party Just Beginning
June 15, 2018

We have held the end of the year party at the house for many years now and I look forward to rubbing shoulders with Chris' co-workers. This year has been especially tough as Chris was moved to a different team and had to learn new curriculum and make new friends in the school. But she did!

The Fire Pit is Lighted as the Day turns to Night

The Party from Above as the Day Ends

She was sitting here this morning with me reflecting upon the night and made the incredibly profound statement, "Well, another chapter is done." Wow. I hope I can keep it together like that when my time comes. There are two half-days remaining and a 22 year career will be complete. 

I launched Radio Flyer on two occasions to help document the event. I did forget to take snap shots of the party goers, I was kinda busy partying.

Most importantly, however, Chris had fun. It was a great evening and some party goers remained until the wee-hours of the morning arrived. 

Or so I am told. I was in bed before then. 

Thank you to all who came and partook of the last Lime Kiln Middle School party to be held around the pool AND to also wish Chris "calm seas and fair winds" as she sails off into retirement. 

And a big thank-you to Patrick and Tina who took care of ensuring that the party-goers were properly lubricated with libations. You were a huge help!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cool and Clear

A Beautiful Day for Flying
June 5, 2018

After the rains and gray of the past weeks, the crisp clear skies of the mornings have been enjoyable.

Me and Sara Watching Radio Flyer
June 5, 2018

It was a bit cool this morning as I took the dogs out, but the clear sky after the overnight rains was encouraging.

I was able to get Radio Flyer up yesterday for a short 12 minute flight. IT had been over a week since its last flight mostly due to the bad weather. I was encouraged at the amount of green surrounding our house, despite the loss of many ash trees.

My neighbor, Sara, came over to see Radio Flyer and what I was doing and she seemed very impressed with its ability. I took a picture of us, but for some reason I am almost always looking down at my controls when the image is actually taken. I need to work on that. Yesterday's flight was really intended to check out the wind conditions. I could see the wind blowing the trees and I wanted to get an estimate of whether he winds were above the suggested threshold. Turns out they were not as I never received a high wind warning, good to know.

According to my flight logs, Radio Flyer has 60 flights totaling 8 hours and 44 minutes of flying time. Not too bad! I am looking forward to taking it on my weekend trip to Charlottesville to get some nice images of different territory. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Memorial Day Weekend 2018

The Family around the Pool
May 26, 2018

Ready for Memorial Day 2018
Radio Flyer

The family gathered yesterday to celebrate Memorial Day. We gathered early because we found a break in the weather that would support a picnic.

The day was pleasantly hot, with the temperature hitting 91 degrees. It was a perfect unofficial beginning to the summer season. The day was hot, the water in the pool was warm, and the family was mostly gathered for some fun and interaction.

Radio Flyer got to fly and observe the scene.

It had been a week since my drone had flown. Last week it was in Ithaca and I did not take it with me on my trip this past week, although it will likely accompany me in the future.

Enjoy your Memorial Weekend. Remember the sacrifice of our military members of the past and present how have helped to secure our freedom.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 21, 2019

Looking at Mom and Dad's House from Above
May 19, 2018

1. Hopefully, the rains of the past week are giving way to some nicer weather. It has been a bit oppressive.

2. Driving back form Upstate NY yesterday I was amazed at the speeds some of the drivers were reaching. I am sure a couple of people passed me doing sat least 90-100 mph.

Bird's Eye View
May 19, 2018

3. Chris and I did stop in Pennsylvania to visit Fero Vineyards and Winery in Lewisburg yesterday during out drive back. It was a much needed respite during the trip.

4. It was amazing how the weather got better the further south we drove yesterday. Maybe nicer times are really ahead and the rains have subsided for a while.

5. Isn't it amazing how sometimes victims are victimized twice, the second time by the very people or businesses that are "trying" to help them?

Flea market in Ithaca, NY
May 20, 2018

6. I had this phrase pop into my head yesterday as I was looking at the rain clouds: the pregnant clouds were ripe with rain destined for the earth.

7. I enjoy looking at the earth from above while I am flying Radio Flyer, my drone. I guess I am just a frustrated pilot and the ability to look down on the scene below is exhilarating. I am becoming especially excited about imaging the "Bird's Eye" view. 

8. Chris and I stopped at a flea market on our way out of Ithaca yesterday. It had been quite a while since we had been to one. I believe we will be going to more.



Headlines

Trump Grappling With Risks of Proceeding With North Korea Meeting - The New York Times

Santa Fe High’s Baseball Team Takes the Field, Shadowed by Tragedy - The New York Times

China seems to be winning Trump’s trade war - The Washington Post


Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"Today millions of Americans are asking themselves that same question about the dedicated men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. Like me, they're asking that question with gratitude, with respect and affection in their hearts. Today, I want all those wearing American uniforms around the globe to know: America is grateful to you -- and proud of you, too."

—Statement on Armed Forces Day,

May 16, 1981

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cayuga Lake Wineries

Sheldrake Point Winery
May 18, 2018

During our short weekend visit to upstate New York, I of course had to visit a couple of my favorite wineries. Our house white wines are from Americana Winery and Sheldrake Point Winery. So I visited both yesterday in the rainy weather that followed me from Maryland.

Chris and I of course have our favorite wines from both, however I was disappointed to find that both were out of the wines that I was seeking.

At Americana our favorite table white is Apparition. It has been immensely popular and I was able to purchase the last four bottles. They are bottling more next week I was told. Yay. I added eight bottles of Riesling to round out the case.

The news was not so good at Sheldrake Point. Our favorite white table wine from there has been Luckystone White. I was informed that this wine is no longer produced and there were no more bottles to purchase. I tasted the Pinot Gris and decided that it was a very nice substitute. And so, I was able to obtain a case to refill the wine cellar.

The image is of Sheldrake Point. I was able to fly Radio Flyer during a break in the oppressive weather. I obtained some nice shots of the lake and the vineyards as well.

— Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

Pool Opening Day 2018

Pool Opening
May 11, 2018

It arrived yesterday. The annual pool opening day event.

The Pool Cover is Gone
May 11, 2018

I had help this year and the whole process went fairly well. The pool had not fared well during the off season and there was a lot of muck at the bottom from the winter. 

The pool is clearing up nicely and the back of the house looks much nicer from the same with the pool cover gone. I can almost believe that the summer is coming. 

The days have been fantastic and truly summer is getting very close. There is still a lot of work to do on the pool to get it into swimming shape, but it should be ready in a few all too short days.

The Ultimate Selfie Machine, My Drone
A Man and His Dog
May 11, 2018

I have discovered that my drone is the ultimate selfie machine. I God an image of me with Makayla yesterday as I was landing Radio Flyer after cruising the neighborhood and taking images of the pool after the opening event. 

Makayla did not mind the buzzing of Radio Flyer until it got wishing a few feet of us. She accepted it, but was very wary. I am just impressed with the amount of green in the image. I love the green and I firmly believe that the reason that I despise winter is because the green goes away.

But, the pool is now open and almost swimmable. The trees are in full leaf. The grass in growing, probably because I put fertilizer on it so that I could cut it more.

The pool, the grass, the trees. Cue summer!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 7, 2018

Geese at Oak Creek Golf Course
May 6, 2018

1. It is the first Monday of May. We have already enjoyed three celebrations: May Day, May the 4th Be With You, and Cinco de Mayo! What a great month.

The Leaves Have Returned
May 6, 2018

2. I played golf yesterday and came across this goose family. The adults were very protective of the goslings. I was being watched very carefully as I searched for an errant shot.

3. The trees are really rocking the green. My house is not completely surrounded and the solitude of my back yard has returned. My drone was able to document it yesterday.

4. I took Radio Flyer to a new place yesterday. Troy Park, year my house. I decided to fly up a light pole and examine the lights. They are very interesting as you get to the top. It seemed like a long way up!

Top of the Light Pole at Troy Park
May 6, 2018

5. There is almost nothing better in the world than sitting outside on a beautiful evening and enjoying a glass of wine, or two, with friends.

6. I have mowed the grass now three weeks in a row! Yes, the Springtime is in full force. 

7. The Orioles remain winless for the month of May. The hoped for turn around still has not occurred.

Headlines

Verifying the End of a Nuclear North Korea ‘Could Make Iran Look Easy’ - The New York Times

Yes, It’s Bad. Robocalls, and Their Scams, Are Surging. - The New York Times

Gina Haspel, nominee to head CIA, sought to withdraw over questions about her role in agency interrogation program - The Washington Post

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"Once you begin a great movement, there's no telling where it will end. We meant to change a nation, and instead, we changed a world."

— Farewell Address to the Nation, January 11, 1989

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Trees Leaf

Trees in the Neighborhood
April 25, 2018

Looking at the Trees Along the Creek
April 25, 2018

The trees are beginning to leaf out. 

Finally.

I flew Radio Flyer last evening to get some images of the developing leaves. It is very amazing how things have changed in a few short weeks. The trees are greening and are beginning to obscure the flight lines I used during previous flights. 

It was good to see how much the leaves are beginning to burst forth. 

I love the green leaves! I have been missing them for six long months since they changed color and fell from the trees during October. N ow, they have begun to return.

The return of the leaves, along with mowing the lawn on Saturday, is a sure sign that after the far too long Winter, Spring is finally arriving.

There are even some 80's in the forecast for next week! Yes!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hanging Around

Watching the Twilight
April 20, 2018

The Neighborhood at Dusk
April 20, 2018

During the evenings this week we have had some enjoyable activities including sitting around the fire pit, until it ran out of propane.

I was able to fly Radio Flyer at dusk last evening and got some nice shots as the light was leaving the sky. It was fun to fly my drone and be able to see its lights and follow its flight. 

Earlier in the week, as we were sitting around the fire pit enjoying Happy Hour, Chris and I were amused by the antics of Ted, Jeremy's Keeshond puppy. Ted ran around the pool with Finnegan, but was especially enjoying the water just under the cover. He is a true water dog. 

It was fun to watch Ted run across the pool cover. He is so full of energy. 

I wish I had that much energy. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Signs of Spring

Bleeding Hearts in Bloom

During the two days of warm weather last week, every tree and plans, it seemed, expended pent-up energy and blossomed forth only to be greeted this morning by temperatures below freezing. The temperature has dipped to 29 degrees this morning.

Weeping Cherry Tree in Blossom
April 17, 2018

Many of the plants don't really care much about the cold temperatures, but I did receive a report this morning from wine country in Virginia that the vineyards were working to protect the grape vine buds due to freezing temperatures. 

Around the house, however, there are the signs of Springtime's arrival. I flew Radio Flyer yesterday to document the greening of the yards and the area around the house. It was encouraging to see the green replacing the brown of winter. The winds aloft were high, but my drone handled them very well.

Aerial Shot of the Greening
April 17, 2018

The bleeding hearts are up and blossoming, there grass is turning green, and the weeping cherry tree is finally getting some blooms, although the weather has certainly reduced the density of the blossoms this year.

I hope the cold breaks soon! It is time to get onto outdoors activity. The GORC Dodgers had practice last evening and it was very cold with temperatures only in the 40's. 

Spring is coming and may even be here. It is just hiding.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Taste of Springtime

Lucas, Jeremy, Chris, and I with Ted, Finn, and Makayla
April 12, 2018

Jeremy and Ted
April 12, 2018

It finally happened yesterday. The temperatures climbed into the 70s with a bright sun and blue skies!

It seemed as if Spring had finally shaken off the lingering effects of Winter and decided to make an appearance almost one month late.

It turned into a great afternoon in which Lucas could finally get some time in on his new bike, which had been waiting for nice weather since January. Chris, Jeremy, and I along with the dogs walked Luke over to the school where he got some good time in riding his bike.

We were not the only people enjoying the warm afternoon. Radio Flyer even flew to document the activity, although the winds were a bit gusty and I had to keep it close. 

It was an enjoyable outdoor activity during a time when there just has not been the opportunity to get outdoors. 

There are more days like this on tap, finally! Let the Springtime roll!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Back in the Routine

Late Arrival of Spring
April 10. 2018

Although it is Wednesday morning, I am only just beginning get into the routine of my life again.

The Neighborhood
April 10, 2018

I am not in a warm, sunny place. 

Landing in Baltimore yesterday morning the cruel reality of the lingering Winter was evident.  The trees are still not bursting with leaves. The cold is slowing their progression from naked branches into leafy shade-giving trees providing relief from the blistering sun.

I could use some blistering sun.

I flew Radio Flyer yesterday and took some images just to document the late arrival of Spring and the leaves on the trees. 

I have not even begun to plan my pool opening date yet. It is slipping later and later into May. I hope it is warm by Memorial Day.

I hope the weather turns soon. It is supposed to be nice this weekend, but then turn cold again. At least I haven't had to mow the lawn yet.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Leaving Paradise

Me on the Beach

As the jet took-off from Ft Lauderdale this morning shortly after 6AM, I was struck by the hard reality that my beach time had come to an end.

Sadly, a real end. 

The Ocean (Left) and Intercoastal (right)
Radio Flyer in the Skies
April 9, 2018

Yesterday I was on the fifth different beach of our vacation, flying Radio Flyer, my drone, in the bright warm sunlight. Today I was flying out of Florida under the over of darkness!

What a difference a day makes. At 9AM I was standing in the 30-degree weather at BWI waiting to be picked up and ushered home.

It is always great to be home, but this time I would be greater to stay warm.

Jupiter Lighthouse
April 9, 2018

We visited the Intercoastal Waterway Beaches yesterday. Radio Flyer made a great first flight, but then the day began to cloud and the winds began blowing at unsafe speeds.  

In the evening, we celebrated the end of another great Florida vacation by enjoying a couple cold ones at The Square Grouper and watching the weather form around the Jupiter Lighthouse.

It is over.

I didn't even have time to write the blog this morning, but I did edit the video on the plane.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Another Day, Another Beach

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
April 7, 2018

It was another idyllic day in Florida during the month of April yesterday. That meant another trip to the beach to enjoy the sun and surf. The beach of the day was the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach on Jupiter Island. 

Fishing on Hobe Sound Beach
April 7, 2018

The trip to the beach was planned to take advantage of the morning before the other beachgoers arrived. Being Saturday, we actually experienced some crowds at the beach as we were departing about 1PM. 

As we arrived, the beach was principally the domain of those fishing for the bounty of the sea. In chatting with the various fishermen, I learned that they were only catching frustration that morning. No one had caught anything meaningful. It was a very interesting view along the water looking at the poles lined up. I should have taken and image of that same view later because the poles had been replaced with beach umbrellas.

Beach Essentials

I had some time, while sitting on the beach, to compose a beach image of essential items.

Beach trips require a number of things, among them flip flops, beverages, umbrellas and a good view. 

We were well supplied yesterday. 

Tubular Dog at West Palm Art Show

And, since drones are not allowed in the National Wildlife Refuge, there are not corresponding drone images to share. Radio Flyer had to stay in its travel case back at the house. I learned an interesting legal tip about drones in the refuge. It is illegal to even possess a drone in the refuge whether flying it or not. I was smart enough to talk to the ranger BEFORE I took my drone to the refuge. I had read that flying the drone in the refuge was illegal, but I didn't know that even possessing one was illegal as well.

So while I view my drone as an essential beach item, knowing where it is allowed is equally as important.

During the afternoon we headed off to West Palm Beach for an art show. I have to confess that I was impressed by the artists--however, one piece really made me smile. I was this tubular dog who was lifting his leg. 

Another day is on tap and my Spring Break vacation is rapidly coming to an end. I wonder what we will do today?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Another Sunny Day

Chris on the Course
April 6, 2018

I have to admit that I am getting used to bright sunny days with temperatures in the 80's. This type of day provides multiple opportunities for enjoyable outdoors activity.

On Dog Beach
South of Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida
April 6, 2018

Yesterday, for instance, Chris and I played another round of golf. We have found a par 3 course in the area and we can knock out a round in less than two-and-a-half hours. Par 3 courses can be very difficult, they generally have very small greens and require a lot of precision. I had a really good day yesterday, but then when you keep your driven in the bag it is hard to get into too much trouble.

After the golf, then there is the beach. We have been to four different beaches since we have been here. Our favorite, Hobe Sound, is a National Wildlife Refuge and drone flights are not allowed, so Radio Flyer has to stay home. The other beaches we visit are all fair game and Radio Flyer has been proving itself very capable this week. 

I have been enjoying some of the different views the drone provides, like looking at the stairs coming down to the beach from above and to the side. It also provides a good view of how crowded the beach is, or is not!

It is expected to be another sunny and warm day! I wonder what today will bring?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Warm Days Pass

Chris at Jupiter Dunes
April 4, 2018

I notice that my daily blogs are being posted later and later during the day.

It must mean that I am enjoying my time away and sleeping later into the morning, at least until after 7AM, while also enjoying daily activities.

Yesterday, for instance, began on a golf course after a leisurely breakfast. Chris and I suffered through a rainstorm for three holes, but emerged into bright sunshine and enjoyed a quick round on a par 3 course. Chris did great and carried the water in the image above!

Happy Hour on Carlin Park Beach
April 4, 2018

Then there was some wine shopping during the heat of the day, such as it was. The heat actually felt good and it had been a long time since we had actually graced a wine store, or wine stores. There is something great about Florida grocery stores selling wine. The are grocery stores, wine stores, and wine super markets and they all seem to survive. We went to four places and found very different wines and very little overlap. Maryland should take a note.

Happy Hour on Carlin Park Beach
April 4, 2018

I worked on videos from Radio Flyer's flights over Jupiter Island Beach on April 3rd. I put together a video of the second flight. I think I got some nice views. I have been really exploring the birds-eye view and the cool scenes it provides. That is the strength of the drone anyway, getting right above the subject and providing a different point of view. 

The end of the day was enjoying the sun setting behind us as we relaxed on Carlin Park Beach. It was really beautiful and a great way to end the second full day of our Spring Break vacation.

I wonder what is in store for the next couple of days?

-- Bob Doan, writing form Tequesta, Florida

Beach Life

Jupiter Beach
April 3, 2018

Sitting in a chair under an umbrella on Jupiter Island Beach looking out at the blue ocean crashing onto the shore is an enjoyable, relaxing experience that I look forward to every year. This beach is one of the reasons we keep coming to this area.

Birds Eye View of Jupiter Beach
April 3, 2018

The beach is never crowded and has over the years allowed to remain in a more natural state. As we made our small camp at 11 AM yesterday, no one else was on the beach. By the time we left, about 3PM, a few others had arrived, but there was ample room for all activities.

Radio Flyer, my drone, made its first flight over a beach next to the ocean. The winds were near the maximum sustained about 15 mph with gusts to 19 mph. I only received on wind gust warning. In the birds-eye view you can see the umbrellas in the middle of the beach, and it is also clear that almost no other beachgoers were near us, competing for space. 

Life is a beach!

Life on a beach is idyllic. 

Radio Flyer's video of the area and the beach really provide a fun perspective. I took it up to altitude for some scenic shots, but had great fun just flying along the beach. 

During my second flight of the day I sojourned a bit over the ocean, not far, just to see how Radio Flyer handled. I did not notice any difference in handling or flight characteristics. 

Beach days are the best. We are probably taking a break today due to over-exposure to the sun yesterday. We had some suntan lotion failures that we need to address with a day out of the sun.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

A Bright Day

The Neighborhood
March 22, 2018

The Yard
March 22, 2018

A beautiful day dawned yesterday, the day after the storm.

It is amazing how blue the sky looked as the sun rose yesterday. I enjoyed seeing the golden rays illuminate the still naked trees as the day dawned bright.

The snow retreated significantly during the day in a clear victory for the forces of Springtime. 

The ground was saturated as the snow melted, which is what I had hoped for when I oversewed the lawn and put down fertilizer for the season as the storm approached. 

Now all we need are some great 70 degree days! Did I mention that there are none in the 10 day forecast?

I always wanted to be a pilot and now, through the magic of my drone, I can make that a reality on a much more personal level. Yesterday I received the high winds alert warning again. The winds aloft were really buffeting Radio Flyer, but it did great.

It was fun to fly Radio Flyer during the storm and the day after to get some comparison shots. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD