A Dog and Her Boys

Lily and Jax
March 8, 2019

Lily, the newest canine member of our larger family, apparently has a knack for making sick children feel better.

Lily and Ethan
March 8, 2019

Yesterday was a sick day for two of my grandsons--Jax and Ethan. Chris spent her day nursing them back to health. But, she had help from Lily, their faithful dog,  who comforted each of the sick boys as they napped on the sofa.

It was a touching scene--a a dog and her boy, sleeping together on the sofa together as the boys tried to get better. 

What a great dog Lily has become. She is attentive and loving. She takes great care of her boys! After all, what more can we expect from a dog?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Jax Celebrates

Jax with his Birthday Cookie
March 5, 2019

Jax celebrated his birthday yesterday. Coincidentally, he also had the day off from school due to parent-teacher conferences.

Jax and Ethan
March 5 ,2019

The day turned into a great celebration for him, lasted the entire day. Chris was able to enjoy the festivities while I was at work. It is rare to get such an opportunity and I am glad that they all were able to celebrate together. 

The party last evening was the frosting on the cake, err cookie! It was a warm family commemoration amid the cold and definitely not spring-like weather. This morning it is a balmy 18 degrees. And it is not expected to become much warmer for a few days.

Happy Birthday Jax! Baseball season is ready to get underway.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Hour on Steroids

Nicole, Mom, Patrick, Jeremy
Elkridge, MD
February 27, 2019

Dad, Jeremy, Patrick, Nicole
Elkridge, MD
February 27, 2019

When is a good time for a celebration? 

Whenever there is a reason, of course!

Happy Hour is a daily celebration that Chris and I enjoy and last evening it became a very special celebration as the family gathered to enjoy the presence of Mom and Dad as they are journeying back to Central New York after wintering in Houston. 

The gathering of the entire family, less one, resulted in an exciting early evening. It is always good when the family celebrates--and it was a celebration. 

Luke, Jax, Dad, E
Elkridge, MD
February 27, 2019

There was a lot of noise as the grandsons took control of the situation. Sadly, there were too many cars in the drive to allow them to play basketball and so they were pretty much confined to the house. It would have been good to get them outside for a bit, even though it was cold. 

I was especially happy that everyone made it over so we could party together. We have not been gathering as a big family as often as we used to and we need to rekindle the close relationships.

The party ended early out of necessity as there is school today and the boys had to do homework and get to bed. 

Thanks everyone for carving out some time to gather together and celebrate. It was a Happy Hour to remember!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

5 Day Weekend

A Full Pool from Radio Flyer
July 5, 2018

I am enjoying the middle part of a five-day weekend. With the holiday on Wednesday, it seemed natural to take leave for Thursday and Friday and effectively create a five-day weekend.

Boys Having Fun
July 5, 2018

That of course follows the four-day weekend that I created last week, meaning that I will have worked two days during an eleven day stretch! I call that a great mid-summer holiday. It was needed since our vacation is not until late August.

Yesterday was another hot pool day. 

We had some extra boys around to enjoy the water and it was a wild day. 

I flew Radio Flyer to capture the scene of six boys filling the pool with fun and sounds.

I also put together a short of Ethan taking shots at the basketball hoop in the yard on earlier in the week. I used Radio Flyer to get the video. 

It has been a busy and fun time around the house. 

On tap for the future? Golf! Definitely some golf this morning and again, hopefully, on Sunday. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

13-13-13

Yesterday was one for the record books. 

It is a day that will never repeat in all of its interesting permutations. 

The Cake! 

Beginning with the obvious--

It was April 13th.

It was Friday, hence it was also Friday the 13th.

It was Thomas Jefferson's birthday! Just throwing this in, because the most important aspect of the day is yet to come.

The Teenager

It was Ethan's 13th birthday! 

Our oldest grandson became a teenager! While the party was somewhat subdued, I am sure the next few years will be exciting.

In addition to the combination of 13's, the weather for the day was spectacular. The high was 87 degrees and the skies were clear. The day was a taste of more to come, but after a similar day today, it will be over 10 days before we see temperatures in the 80's again. 

The day was a unique combination of 13s and weather. And now, since we have successfully made it past the 13th--cue Springtime.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Birthday Celebration

Happy Birthday Chris
Like, Jax and Ethan

Sunday was a birthday celebration.

A big birthday and the grandsons were there to help Chris celebrate here transition into the Social Security eligible crowd.

Yea, it was a big birthday and the grandsons were more than happy to help the celebration get amped up to the highest level. 

The cheesecake was ready and lightly decorated with candles, the vocal chords were warmed up, and the celebration was at the highest level.

Happy birthday filled the room as the assembled family gave the classic song their best rendition. 

The afternoon included cheesecake topped with cherries. It was a perfectly planned birthday celebration with the grandsons singing the enhanced version of Happy Birthday.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD.  

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

Chris and Mom

Today, I want to pay a special tribute to two of the very special mother's in my life, my Mom and my Wife--two women who have teamed up to make me who I am today. They deftly handed-off responsibility for me a few decades ago and have teamed up ever since to encourage me to do the things I would rather not do, like go to the doctor, to help maintain my health and enthusiasm for life.

Nicole with Ethan and Jax
Niagara Falls 2016

And another mother in my life is my daughter, Nicole, who is a dynamic mom in her own right with two busy boys to keep her moving all the time. 

These are three generations of mom's in my life who all deserve celebration on this special day. Thanks for all that you do!

To all the mom's everywhere--take some time to celebrate this special day, just for you, whether it be breakfast in bed or some simpler acknowledgement, you are truly special.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Two is Too Many

Ethan with Broken Thumb
Thursday, April 20, 2017

I just have to comment today about my Grandson, Ethan. He just turned 12 less than two weeks ago and apparently in honor of his recent age change he has decided to do something that few people attempt or even think about. 

Ethan with Second Cast
April 24, 2017

Ethan has managed to break bones and get a cast on each arm in less than one week. It takes a dedicated person to be able to accomplish a feat of such magnitude. 

Here is the story. 

Last Thursday, Ethan was playing basketball and took a ball off his thumb. It hurt. And in the end it was broken and required a cast for healing and stability. Not too big a deal.

Then, over the weekend he was playing and managed to fall, catching himself with his good arm. Needless to say, the arm hurt and after a trip to the orthopedist, he had another cast. 

I guess you could say that Ethan is "armed and considered dangerous!" To himself!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Holiday Concert Season

It is the holiday concert season and last evening I was able to attend the strings concert at Waugh Chapel Elementary School.

What do the meanest middle linebacker on the GORC 80 pound football team and one beginning violin player at Waugh Chapel Elementary have in common? They are one in the same: Jackson.

A well rounded life includes an appreciation for music. Holiday Concerts showcase developing talent.

Ethan also had his holiday concert last evening. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason the two schools scheduled their festivities for the same time and I could only attend one.

Holiday concerts are one of the joys of the season. While the music may not be executed like the recordings we are listening to, the enthusiasm makes up for everything.

Happy Holidays. Rather, I mean, Merry Christmas.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Visiting NYC During October

Statue of Liberty
October 2, 2016

It was a fast and full weekend. Chris and Ethan and I boarded a MegaBus north of Baltimore at 7:20AM on Saturday morning heading for the Big Apple. We planned to return about 10PM Sunday night. In between? As much sightseeing as we could cram into one short weekend.

Little Italy

The initial itinerary included:

Hayden Planetarium
Rockefeller Center
Times Square
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island
Empire State Building
Macy's
Central Park
Nintendo Store

We accomplished almost all of the itinerary.  The major miss was the Planetarium--we just didn't make it there. We also had a couple alternates on the list--for instance a baseball game since the O's are in town--but, this was a weekend for Ethan and carving out four hours in the middle of the day for baseball just didn't fit in. 

The Bull of Wall Street

Ethan's First Chili Dog

On the fly, we added China Town and Little Italy, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial. Lunch in Little Italy was fabulous. 

I took the image of the Bull of Wall Street because it was totally surrounded by tourists and nobody could get a good picture of it. I think it is the most popular statue, aside from the Statue of Liberty, in all of NY.

Along the way we learned to navigate the Subway--and I had to relearn that Subway is not a place to eat, but means to travel. Ethan hailed a taxi! We had a long ride to China Town from Times Square. 

Did I mention chili dogs? Ethan loves street vendor chili dogs!

A View of the Weekend Weather

The weather was a bit problematic--it was misty and overcast, but that did not dampen our spirits! Although, we did visit the Empire State Building twice to find the best weather before actually paying the incredibly high admission to go to the 86th Floor.

In the end, we made it to the NYC MegaBus stop on time and had a great ride home with many memories. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Promotion Fly-up

State Senator James Rosapepe Addressing the
Waugh Chapel Elementary 5th Grade Class
June 16, 2016

I attended the 5th grade promotion fly-up ceremony for my grandson Ethan yesterday who is leaving the halls of Waugh Chapel Elementary School and transitioning to middle school after summer vacation. It is hard to believe that he is now a middle schooler and moving so quickly into the next realm of growing up and his education.

Ethan Receiving his Certificate of Promotion

It was a surprisingly touching and well planned ceremony to acknowledge the completion of the elementary curriculum.

I was very impressed that a State Senator gave the opening remarks and that the assembled family and friends. The teachers worked their way through a myriad of awards and I was happy that Ethan collected quite a few awards recognizing his attendance and contributions to the school. 

I took a quick video of Ethan's arrival for the ceremony. I found it interesting that he was the next-to-last student to be seated. But at least i could keep an eye on him during the proceedings. It was fun to watch the look on his face, almost in disbelief, as he was announced as a winner of the President's Award for Educational Excellence. It was priceless!

It was an exciting day and I was happy to be included. Everyone deserves to have days devoted just to themselves to recognize their accomplishments and yesterday was Ethan's. 

Congrats Ethan! I am looking forward to celebrating many more achievements with you!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - February 29, 2016

1. Happy Leap Day! It is February 29th!

Snow Along the Fence of my Yard

2. Small patches of snow remain around my yard from the last big snow. I hope they are gone soon.

3. Daylight saving time returns in two short weeks! 

Wine and Munchies on a Saturday
Fauquier county Wine Tasting & Competition

4. One great was to spend an afternoon is with friends judging wines at a competition. We had a great time at this year's Fauquier County Wine Tasting and Competition. 

5. I discovered that Virginia has ceased production of its annual wine trail map and that it is only available via the web. While I laud their use of electronics, I have been at more than one Virginia winery without internet service which will make it hard to get to another winery.

6. I saw this sign at a local Middle School yesterday. It embodies the idea of "closed more often to serve you better."

7. The youth basketball season ended yesterday for Ethan and Jackson. I witnessed two close and exciting games. One saw the what would have been the winning basket hit the rim and fall away after the buzzer sounded and the other saw a flurry of shots all miss which cemented a win after five scoreless minutes in the final period.

February 28, 2016
Enjoying the Afternoon as it Passes into Evening

8.  I have been attending many youth games this past year but it wasn't until the Dad that coaches Jackson's basketball team looked at me in the hallway yesterday and said, "it's baseball season now, over to you," that it really struck me that I am not just an observer but an active participant in teaching sports to young and active people. 

9. Golf season is getting close, I was hitting balls yesterday and feeling good about my swing. 

10. Sipping wine around the fire table at the end of a beautiful day which saw the convertible being driven with the top down. What a great way for February to meld into March.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Boys, Dogs, and January

Ethan with Arthur (a selfie)

January's last day has arrived. Hopefully, soon, we can put the snow behind us and move into February, where we usually experience our largest snowfall.

Arthur giving Ethan a Fist Bump

Over the past few days, Chris has been spending quality time with grandchildren and their dogs,  mostly because school has been in recess due to the historic snow storm.

It is hard to look forward to Springtime when there still remains so much snow on the ground.

The harder part is what to do with the boys and the dogs with all of the snow! Staying inside, playing games and watching movies only lasts so long.

Spring is coming and we will get the groundhog's prediction on Tuesday. Here's hoping for an early and long spring!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Remembering Yesterday

What a fantastic day yesterday was--as it played out.

Ethan and Jax around their tree

We had to run the air conditioner to battle the warm temperatures and mostly the 100 percent humidity. I was seriously thinking of putting on shorts and sandals, why? Just because I could. It was warm and too humid. I was just happy that it was warm!

Even Riordin Likes Christmas

We managed to keep the water from coming in, mostly. There was a small leak around one "almost" closed door as the skies opened up and deluged the land. We probably would have received snow measured in feet had the precipitation not been in the form of rain.

Thank you for the rain.

I wore an aloha shirt for much of the day, except for the family picture because the guys had decided to wear ugly football team sweaters. When we were planning, it seemed like a good idea. 

Mom and Dad Opening Gifts

The day started early, by 7 AM Chris and I and my Mom and Dad were with Ethan and Jackson and Nicole and Mike as they celebrated the day. It is always fun to watch the boys open gifts around their own tree.

Chris with a new Poncho

Then, by 9:30 we were back at the house for our own celebration and then making preparations for the big events of the day: dinner and celebrations. Everyone was present for the family picture--which went well. Jeremy and Nicole and Lucas spent the whole afternoon celebrating with us and thanks to P&T for stopping by, I know how tough it is to make everyone happy on big holidays.

At one point during most of the day there were two drones flying around the house terrorizing unsuspecting people and animals. It was really funny to watch. One drone looked like the Millennium Falcon while the other had a more traditional appearance.

I am happy to report that no injuries were noted.

The highlight of the day? Well, the entire day was a highlight. It is that simple (or complex). The whole family was together and the celebration was a day long affair. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Grandparent's Day, Part 2

Jax at his Desk

In the interest of fairness and completeness, I attended grandparent's day at Waugh Chapel Elementary School yesterday and celebrated with both Ethan and Jackson.

It was a beautiful day to be out of work for a couple of hours and spend quality time with the grandsons.

The in processing into the school was smooth and enjoyable. There were a lot of grandparents trolling the halls and the staff was great in directing us to the correct classrooms and, when I happened into the wrong classroom initially, helping me find the correct classroom.

Jax Reading the Part of Rumpelstiltskin

My huge mistake of the day was forgetting to take a few pictures with Ethan, who kept me too busy to think about pictures. I did snap a shot of Jax telling the tale of Rumpelstiltskin. His class told a number of fairy tales to us. I was reminded how dark many of them are, especially when the woodsman kills the wolf in Little red Riding Hood.

I enjoyed Ethan's class because I got to do some coloring and answer a few questions about what school was like when I was in 5th grade. The time with Ethan passed so quickly. 

Did I mention food? The school had a great spread of munchies for the visitors! Awesome. 

I'm looking forward to Grandparent's Day next year!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Football from the Sidelines

Jax Taking a Knee at Halftime

Being a typical October Saturday, I spend part of my day on the sidelines at the GORC Wildcats football game. 

Sadly the homecoming game turned into a 13-6 loss with some critical late penalties and confusion in the lines, but the game was fun not watch and Jax made some great plays and moves. 

What I noticed, however, was that the hardest working people on the team sideline was not the players or the coaches. It was the team Moms. The Moms are responsible for almost everything, except play calling. They soothe hurts and injuries, they ensure the players remain well hydrated. They are the busiest people on the sidelines. 

Nicole Racing to the Sidelines

Nicole is one of the team moms paired with Shannon. I thought the image I took of her racing back to the sidelines after a timeout on the field late during the game says it all. She is running and the players are, well, standing around!

Ethan with a Snow cone Tongue

Way to go team mom!

And very color coordinated, too!

And why is she running? She gets to get back to the sidelines to face Ethan who was busy sampling every kind of snow cone available!

It was a beautiful autumn day for a game and some memories.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings on Tuesday, September 8, 2015

1. It is the first day of my workweek, so that is when Monday Musings happens.

Ethan and Jackson on the Sand Cliffs at Ocean City

2. A weekend at the beach and some frustrating golf, what could be better? Golf that isn't frustrating. As my son said of my score, "I expected more of you." He really meant a lower score.

3. The Orioles lost again yesterday. Late-August and September are being brutal on them. At least any hope of the post-season has been erased.

Seagull Taking Flight

4. Even though the driveway should be fine to drive on, I don't want to mess up the repair which looks great!

5. Thanks to Patrick and Tina who always seem to be staying behind on dog duty. We really appreciate the way you take care of Makayla.

6. Many people are getting excited for the NFL season which officially begins on Thursday evening. I am disturbed by the outcome of the Tom Brady affair and the message it sends to young athletes about integrity--or the lack of integrity in professional sports.

7. The Presidential race is on, but did you know that our Congress is facing a desperate budget situation that could see the government shuttered again? 

8. Labor Day is over and the summer is winding down. I hope the weather stays warm for a few more days. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

School Begins

The kids are back in school here in much of Maryland.

Lucas giving gifts to us as he
got off the afternoon bus

Yesterday was day one of a journey that will not end until June 2016. 

Jax and Ethan Ready for Day 1

It was also the beginning of a 13 year journey for my youngest grandson Lucas as he began kindergarten. One of those important milestones on the road of life. 

Ethan and Jackson continue their journey's in fifth and second grades. 

They are all getting so big. 

I was able to visit with each of them yesterday afternoon after day one and found them all excited about the beginning of the new school year.

Luke made some nice gifts for everyone. He rides a bus, although the school is close, it crosses a main highway and there are no sidewalks. 

Luke Fresh of the Bus with Gifts

Ethan is on the safety patrol this year. He remarked that he gets to open doors for people--he felt like a doorman.

Jax was just excited to be home and was recovering from having a wart removed from his foot. He had named the wart "Bob." I wasn't too amused and am happy not to be associated with a wart on his foot anymore.

The funniest thing that happened was when Lucas thought that he had forgotten his lunchbox. He turned around and was in a total state of concern. He put his hands to his face, similar to the scene form "Home Alone" and stated he forgot his lunchbox. It was safely in his backpack, however, and he was greatly relieved. 

Day One is over and now it is into the routine. 

Way to go guys!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 15, 2015

1. This is the week of the Summer Solstice. Next Sunday is Father's Day and the Summer solstice (for the Northern Hemisphere). Bring on Summer!!

Deer Walking Across the Golf Course

2. Golf can be a frustrating game, but it always seems that I run across wildlife--or they run across me. This deer walked across in front of me just after I had teed off.

Ethan at his Induction

3. Congratulations to Ethan for being inducted into the Elementary School National Honor Society! Good job!

4. The Orioles failed to complete the sweep of the team which shall remain nameless from the north--but they have won 5 of their past 6 and are playing much better. 

Around the Pool

5. What to do on a hot, steamy Sunday afternoon? The pool of course!

6. It is amazing how many projects need to be done around a house. The problem is that I have to be home to do them--and I was this weekend.

7. The Magna Carta turns 800 today! It was signed on June 15th, 1215. Read about it in the New York Times.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Spring Concert

I can tell that the end of another school year is fast approaching. The lasts are beginning to out number the firsts.

Ethan with Cello

Last evening, I attended the Waugh Chapel Elementary School Spring Concert. It was Ethan's evening to shine and to demonstrate how his cello prowess has improved during the course of another school year. 

Especially with stringed instruments it is easy to follow the progression from disconnected noises to music as a child learns to play. 

I attended the concert which was another well planned event at the school. Elementary schools generally have limited parking and limited seating capacity for the throngs of people who want to attend the concerts. Years ago, the band and the strings performed during the same show--a catastrophe for both seating and parking. Now they wisely separate the performances by about a half hour which allows the string parents and students to clear the seats and making lot in time for the band parents and students to arrive. It is a much more pleasant experience.

Waugh Chapel Elementary Strings performing Rustic Dance by M. Williams.

The advanced strings performed five pieces and I recorded four--suffering a equipment malfunction during the fifth, and of course that would be the one in which Ethan and his cello carried the lead for a long time. 

Waugh Chapel Elementary Strings performing Honor and Glory by S. Newbolt

Waugh Chapel Elementary Strings performing Minuet from the Royal Fireworks by G.F. Handel arranged by J. Capenegro.

Waugh Chapel Elementary Strings performing Let if Go by B. May arranged by P. Lavender.

All of them are available on my You Tube channel. 

Good job to all of the young musicians. Enjoy the show.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD