Showing posts with label Jackson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jackson. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Dueling 16ths

Excited for the Present Inside
Odenton, MD
March 5, 2024

 During the past week we have attended three birthday celebrations for people turning 16! Weird. Well it was only for two different people and one of them was a 16 year old trapped in a 64 year old body due the calendar complication associated with Leap Year. 

Jax with Cake 
Odenton, MD
March 5, 2024
Last evening we enjoyed a small family celebration for the newest 16 year old, Jackson, a/k/a Jax. We were honored to be able to attend and are currently batting 1.000 for 16-year old family celebrations this year.

It was a small family celebration which happened after baseball practice. There was exciting news on Monday as Jax also made his high school JV baseball team. The image I took of him at the table is interesting because looking into the mirror I am seen taking the picture and his brother, Ethan, is also seen. Kinda cool. Intentional? I think not!

At least there are warm celebrations even if the weather is cold and rainy!

Oh yes, and he blew out all of the candles in one breath!


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD


Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Baseball Banquet and the Week Begins


 

Jackson and His Coach
Waugh Chapel, MD
June 5, 2023

Last evening I was honored to attend the Baseball Banquet for Jackson. He was a contributing member of the Arundel High School JV Baseball team and last evening was the recognition for the entire program, varsity and junior varsity.

He was recognized not only for his contributions to the team, but also as a scholar athlete.

It was a fun evening watching the team accept awards and accolades, from freshmen to departing seniors.  

This banquet kicked off a week of celebration. 

This morning we are off to Ethan's graduation. And the activities associated with graduating high school have already begun in earnest. 

But, last evening was devoted to Jax and baseball, and rightfully so!.


BTW, Happy D-Day!


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD


Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Repeat Maryland State Champions!

 

Stock Market Game State Championship Investment Team 2023
Arundel High School
Odenton, MD

Today is a total brag blog!

I am so very excited that two of my grandsons, Ethan and Jax Haslup) are part of a Maryland State Champion Squad for the second year in a row!

No, it is not a sports team, is it the Stock Market Game Team. Ethan was on the team last year and is repeating as a champion. Jax joined the team this year, as he is a freshman.

From the high school's Instagram posting:

For the second year in a row, “Team Om & the Ethans” have won the Maryland yearlong championship for the Stock Market Game by beating 750 teams this year 👏👏👏

This is an incredibly difficult feat along with the fact that even with a relatively flat stock market this past year, this team more than DOUBLED their initial $100,000 to end the game with a portfolio value of $219,200. Even more impressive, they beat the second place team by an astounding $62,000 😱📈💪💰

Congratulations to Om Desai, Ethan Nauroth, Ethan Haslup, Ethan Howe, Afolami Elabanjo, Caden Houck, & Jax Haslup 💚

(Instagram)

I want these guys to manage my investment accounts!

Winning one state championship is a grand achievement and resume worthy, but winning two in a row is phenomenal! 

Congratulations to the whole team! You have established a record that may never be equalled.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Pollen and Baseball

Pollen on the Pond
Odenton, MD
April 14, 2023

 I was shocked yesterday as I looked at the pond near Nicole's home and noticed the thick layer of pollen floating on the water. It is no wonder my allergies are running rampant. The incredible amount of pollen in the air is a good reason to stay inside, but the problem is that the weather has been so idyllic that I want to be outside. Thankfully, Claritin keeps my allergies in check so that I can be outside. 

Jackson gets a Hit
Glen Burnie, MD
April 14, 2023
I was outside in the pollen attending the Arundel Junior Varsity Baseball Team's game in Glen Burnie last evening. It was the third game of the week, but fortunately the weather has made attending the games very pleasant. 

Last evening's game was a rout, sadly, as Arundel pounded the undermanned Glen Burnie team, 25-1. I felt very bad for the Glen Burnie team as they were clearly outmatched. Even though the game ended after 5 innings due to the mercy rule, it still took well over 2 hours to complete. I was impressed with the Arundel coaches who recognized during the 5th inning with the game in hand that Glen Burnie was out of pitchers. With the bases loaded, as they had been for most of the top of the 5th inning, and a 24-run lead they allowed Glen Burnie to get an easy third out to end the inning and the bleeding. I actually heard the Glen Burnie manager yell "Thank you" after the play. Long before that, during the inning, Arundel had stopped aggressively running the bases to keep from running up the score. Glen Burnie was retired quickly in the bottom of the inning to end the game. It was demoralizing for the Glen Burnie players who only had 11 players compared to Arundel's 19. Not a deep bench.

The entire Maryland family, along with a family from Ithaca attended the game and were treated to Jax getting a hit and playing in the field. I am getting a bit better with my camera and recorded the hit. It was good that everyone made it to the game. Since we have moved to Florida, we have had fewer opportunities to gather together to celebrate. 

After the game many of us gathered at Nicole's and enjoyed pizza while watching, of course, the Orioles once again come from behind in the late innings to win a baseball game. The Orioles are tied for third place in the AL East with the Yankees. The are also tied for 5th place in the American League with the Yankees and the Guardians.

And what is on tap for today? 

Baseball! Outdoors! Pollen! And Happy Hour with friends.


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Baseball Afternoon

Jax on the Mound
Southern High School
Harwood, MD
April 11, 2023

 One thing that both Chris and I are experiencing during our visit to Maryland is junior varsity high school baseball. And it is great to be at the games we otherwise would be tracking on GameChanger. 

Yesterday we traveled to Southern High School for an afternoon game. The weather had warmed since the weekend and was absolutely perfect for baseball. 

We had comfortable seats, in the shade, for the game. I have to admit, I was thankful that I brought a sweatshirt to ward away the cold which began to sink-in about mid-way through the contest. 

Jax was not in the game as a position player, he often plays an outfield position. As the game wore on, into the third inning, the score began to get more lopsided and we were hoping that the contest would end after the fifth inning by mercy rule--a ten-run advantage for the Arundel Wildcats. 

Then, to begin the bottom of the 4th inning, who should appear from the dugout and stride to the mound? Jax! We were very excited to see him pitch in person. He had only posted one other appearance this year--two solid innings of work combining for a shutout. Today, however, was another day and we held our breath as he took the mound. 

When the game was over, Jax had posted two solid innings of work. Two hits, one unearned run and two strikeouts. He threw 27 pitches to 8 batters, 20 of which were for strikes. He also demonstrated a great pick-off move which caught the runner leading too far off first base leading to a rundown which ended when the runner was tagged out. He held the more than 10 run lead and the game was mercifully over 2 hours and 15 minutes after it had started.

Since we have been in Maryland we have seen Jax play right field, pinch run, and now pitch! Oh yes, and bat!

Today, we will be attending a home game!


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Thursday, April 6, 2023

80s in Maryland

Arundel High JV Baseball Team
Crofton, MD
April 6, 2023


 Chris and I landed in Maryland just a few hours ago and we are already at a junior varsity baseball doubleheader enjoying 80 degree temperatures. 

The Orioles canceled their home opener due to the threat of thunderstorms, but the skies at 2 PM were partly cloudy. 

We had an early morning flight from West Palm Beach which went smoothly. The plane was packed. 

Of course this is a holiday weekend and we are back in Maryland for Easter. 

Sitting here, I am amazed at the number of kids on the team that I have had the honor to coach with my son-in-law Mike in the past. They are so big now and still using the fundamentals of the game we taught them. Wow! 


- Bob Doan, Crofton, MD

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Chugging into the Weekend

What a week it was. 

Culling the Possessions
Elkridge, MD
June 15, 2022
I almost do not know how to process everything. The week had a wide variety of activity including downsizing and prep work, a trip to the local landfill/recycling center, the house going onto the real estate market, a fantastic Happy Hour with our complete group for the first time in months, and of course the 8th grade dance. Somewhere in there I also jump-started a dead car battery in Annapolis and checked out a water leak in Jeremy's house.

Whew!

And now it is the weekend and time to relax, right? 

Not so fast grasshopper!

Chris and Jax
Odenton, MD
June 17, 2022
We are currently living with a friend to allow our house to be viewed whenever someone desires and I have the season ending baseball tournament doubleheader today and at least 1 but hopefully 2 or 3 games tomorrow. 

Important programming note: just because the season is ending does not mean that baseball is over! There are at least two more tournaments on the schedule taking us into July. Sometimes I wonder where all of this was when I was a kid.

What about the 8th grade dance? Jax went off to the dance last evening and Chris and I were at his parents house to get a few pictures before the big event! That was sandwiched in between moving into the friend's house and Happy Hour! I love driving at rush hour in Maryland--just saying. BTW--guess who is getting tall?

And I thought retired life would be quiet.


-- Bob Doan, writing from Laurel, MD

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Tuesday Again

 It has been a very busy couple of days. 

Jax at the Plate
Severn, MD
April 18, 2021
Of course, with Chris enjoying beach time in Florida there is more to accomplish around the house--but I seem to have something scheduled for every day and evening.

Last evening, for instance, I enjoyed a great massage to soothe the muscles I abused on Saturday. 

During the afternoon after work, I rode my studio cycle through Switzerland on a 44 minute, 10 mile, uphill ride. Ugh! And this was after working full day. 

Sunday's game with the Severn Seminoles was exciting. Jax had a productive day and it was nice to sit in the warm sun and to enjoy some baseball. 

Important note: Chris is not just enjoying beach time, she has been working hard at planned projects and repairs in our Florida condo. 

Tonight looks to be busy again! At least the time passes quickly.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, March 14, 2021

Jax at the Plate

Jax at the Plate
Kinder Farm Park
March 13, 2021
The slow, lurching progress towards normalcy took a big step forward yesterday. I did something that I did not do last Spring and that was to attend a youth baseball game. I was supposed to coach a a team that was planning to attend a tournament in Cooperstown.

COVID canceled the season and the tournament. 

Yesterday, Chris and I attended a youth baseball game during the Springtime! We had been to a few Fall-ball games during September and October, but Spring is when the games get serious.

It was a cool, but beautiful Spring day. I know that spring does not officially begin until next Saturday, but yesterday felt like Spring had already arrived. It was a nice day for a baseball game. Yes, there were face masks and physical distancing--but nonetheless, it was Springtime baseball. 

Life is returning, slowly and cautiously.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, March 6, 2021

Celebration

Jax Turns 13 with his Brother
Odenton, MD
March 5, 2021
Despite the COVID pandemic, there are still reasons to celebrate. 

Yesterday provided one of those reasons for partying.

Jax transitioned from childhood into the world of being a teenager as he turned 13. 

It was a low-key celebration with family and close friends, but--it was a celebration of his life nonetheless. A great evening was enjoyed. I noted that Jax's birthday was the last one celebrated before the onset of the COVID pandemic last year. It has been that long since a sense of normalcy was enjoyed. Now, with vaccinations underway and many in my family being vaccinated, perhaps we can soon again begin to enjoy life without fear. 


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD



Saturday, November 7, 2020

Spectacular Saturday - Letting Life Resume

 

Waiting for election results this year is a lot like watching paint dry, or grass grow.

Success is measured vote by vote and I was encouraged that Joe Biden made it clear in his speech last night that each vote represents a voter, an American, who exercised their right to express their will during the election process. Every vote needs to be counted. 

The New York Times wrote the following about the process:

As Day 4 of the United States election turned into Day 5 on Saturday, the race for president appeared to slow to a crawl.

Jax at the Plate
Severn, MD
November 5, 2020
Today, however, I will tear myself away from CNN and Fox News to go to a baseball tournament and enjoy being outside, in the still warm sun, on what is promising to be a beautiful autumn day. 

Chris and I went to a game Thursday evening--and I rediscovered how cold 57 degrees can feel when you are sitting in a chair watching kids play baseball. 

The image I took of Jax getting out of the way of a baseball thrown at his head is at the left. If you can see the white streak just above him, but obscured a bit by the fence, that is the baseball. Look at the good job he did getting the bat down so the ball would not inadvertently hit the bat and become a foul ball. He walked twice during that game because he has a good eye at the plate. 

So with two games on tap today, it will be a welcome break from the tortuous wait to find out who will be taking the oath of office on January 20, 2021. 

It is time to let life resume and to realize that what will be, will be. I am glad that we have plans for today.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD



Tuesday, September 22, 2020

A Normal Saturday Returns

 

Chris and I enjoyed a more normal, BC* Saturday this past weekend. 

Ready at the Plate
Loch Haven Park, Maryland
September 19, 2020

We went to and enjoyed an autumn youth league baseball game. It was a clear, crisp, cold autumn morning with temperatures in the 40s as we woke and in the 50s at game time. We drove to the game, which had a 10:00 AM first pitch time looking forward to being back at a baseball field watching our grandson play ball.

Getting the Sign
Loch Haven Park, Maryland
September 19, 2020

We dressed warmly, but not warmly enough--I needed to get into the sun every half-inning to absorb enough warmth to enjoy the game as we were seated in the shade. I could have chosen to move to a sunny spot, but we were between the dugout and home plate on the first base side of the field right at the fence. It was a great position to watch the game that I used to coach.

The game started late and went the full two hours ending about 12:30 PM. It was a great escape from the news of the day which caused me to enjoy the outing even more. Jax had a frustrating day at the plate but pitched three solid innings allowing one earned run and throwing only 44 pitches. 

After the game, it was time to work around the house and enjoy the sunny, yet cool, day outside. I mowed the lawn and tended to some other minor projects ending the day, as Chris and I do, enjoying a glass of wine chatting about life, the future, and dreaming a bit about times to come while mindful of things past.  


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

*Note: BC is Before COVID

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Baseball Resumes


Jax Pitching for Severn
Severn, MD
August 24, 2020
Last evening I attended my first youth baseball game of the year! It was an event that was supposed to have happened during March, but which was delayed due to coronavirus. 
Jax Finishing a Pitch
Severn, MD
August 24, 2020

Much has changed since March. I am no longer coaching and Jax has moved to a 13U Team and is now playing for Severn, in a red uniform. The game last evening was a scrimmage and Jax had a good night. The 90 foot bases and longer distance to the mound really changed things. It slows the running game down a lot. 

It felt strange to be watching the game from off the field rather than participating in the game from the dugout and third base. But, that is what the game is about growing up and playing at higher levels. 

Last evening's game caused me to think back to the winter workouts that our team had getting ready for a Spring season that was canceled due to coronavirus. So many lost innings. It hurt the development of all of the players not to have the season and I could see it in some of the players last night. 

The game had some drama last night. There was an infield fly that resulted in two outs with a runner caught stealing. There were a few dropped and misplayed balls, unfortunately during the inning that Jax pitched, which resulted in the game being lost although there were no earned runs scored. 

It was good to be out under the lights watching live baseball. If only they could do something about the bugs! But that is a story for another time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Thursday, July 30, 2020

To the Beach

Ethan, Chris, Jax on the Beach
Ocean City, MD
July 29, 2020
We made it, finally, to the beach.

It is not Florida, but it is the beach in Ocean City, Maryland.

We went for a quick overnight since we could not make it to Florida, at least right now. 

We practiced good physical distancing and did not venture onto the Boardwalk or any of the usual locations where large crowds gather. But, as a family, we had fun on the beach enjoying the sun, sand, and surf. A lot of the surf. The water was warmer than usual and so we actually did some wave jumping and body surfing. Mind you, it was not the 84 degree water of Florida, but it was very enjoyable.

Be responsible and practice physical distancing and wear a mask when off the beach!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ocean City, MD


Thursday, June 4, 2020

Finding a Normal Again


Pool Party
Elkridge, MD
June 3, 2020
It was hot yesterday! It was our first 90 degree day since October 2019 and the 96 degree temperature reading was 50 degrees hotter than the temperature on Monday morning, just two days previous. 


I loved it. 

Pool Party from Above
Radio Flyer above Elkridge, MD
June 3, 2020
With the arrival of the hot weather, we had our first pool party of the coronavirus era as our family works to find the new normal. Their community pool remains closed and so two of our grandsons along with three of their friends arrived about 11:30 AM for a day of fun in the heat! It was great to watch them swim and play in the water. The draconian rules that will be implemented at most public pools will preclude kids actually playing in the water, for a good reason and for their own protection. But a vetted family and friends group, such as the one in my pool yesterday, is perfect for a private pool.

It was such a nice day that I even took Radio Flyer up for a short 9 minute  to a maximum altitude of 55 feet flight to capture the scene from above. At one point the boys threw balls at the drone--so I had to anticipate the throws and move away from the potential danger.

I believe that the pool will see a lot of activity this year from family and close friends due to the reduced opportunities to enjoy the water in their own neighborhoods. 

We are all struggling to find the new normal as we learn to live with the coronavirus.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Friday, March 6, 2020

12? You are 12 Now?


Jackson on his Birthday
Jackson celebrated his  12th birthday yesterday. 

The bundle of joy who had major open heart surgery at 6 days old is living proof of miracles. 

He is a basketball all-star, a solid baseball player, devious, funny, and a brilliant mathematician.

To think, it all started 12 years ago and except for a very diligent nurse it might have had a very different ending.  

But here he is now--ready to face the world and preparing for another exciting baseball season. 

Now if we could only teach him how to blow out birthday candles. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, February 27, 2020

The All Stars


The All Stars after their Games
Ethan and Jackson
Arundel Middle School
Odenton, MD
February, 26, 2020
Last evening was a celebration of youth and basketball. Ethan and Jackson were both representing their teams in the end-of-the-season All Star games for the GORC league. It was a very exciting time since they both were selected as All Stars.

Jax at Mid-Court before the Game
There was a lively crowd on hand and the best referees from the regular season officiated the games where it was a lot of fun watching the best kids from all of the teams that we had seen play during the season came together to play some exciting basketball. 
Ethan at Mid-Court Before His Game


And the skills were definitely on display. Fouls were kept to a minimum and the boys played basketball. It was fun to see the skills on display and remember how all of the players developed during the season. I had attended almost all of the games and witnessed the players development during the season. 

And now, Basketball is done and it is on to Baseball! But, for one last evening filled with highlights, three-point shots, spectacular defense, and gritty play Basketball was celebrated. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Friday, December 13, 2019

'Tis the Season


Jax and French Horn After the Show
Arundel Middle School
Odenton, MD
December 12, 2019
It is Holiday concert time at the schools. That time of year when the bands and the choruses show off their musical talents by performing in front of adoring parents, grandparents, and assorted other relatives. 

Last evening I attended the Holiday Band Concert at Arundel Middle School. Jax plays the French Horn in the Sixth Grade Band. The concert was in the same gym where I spend many Sunday afternoons watching Jax and Ethan play basketball and so it was familiar surroundings for some holiday cheer. 

The kids were excited and all played their best, I am sure. The music was mostly recognizable as the budding musicians plied their newly practiced talents in front of the adoring relatives. 

the concert was short, which was good because the volume of people in the gym was beginning to overwhelm the air conditioning and the humidity and temperature were rising to an uncomfortable level as we departed the venue. 

Good job Jax--you are one talented kid--French hornist, baseball pitcher/infielder, and math whiz!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, October 27, 2019

The Tournament


The Team Between Games
Hummelstown, PA
October 26, 2019
The team played in its first tournament yesterday. I must confess, there is a special excitement about playing in a tournament and meeting other high caliber teams. Our team is making the jump from being a recreational league team to becoming a travel team. Every time we play, the boys get better and see what is expected of them as they play at a higher level.

Jax and Jack Chilling at the Hotel
Hummelstown, PA
October 26, 2019
While the outcomes of the games are still not what the team desires, there are more and more positives that we can focus upon coming out of every outing. Sadly, the Sunday game got canceled because they believed that they were going to win that game decisively based upon the strong performance in the second game yesterday. The boys are gelling as a team and it is truly sad that the season ends next week--with a doubleheader on Sunday. 

Singing Cars
Hershey's Chocolate World
Hershey, PA
October 26, 2019
It was fun to get out of town to a tournament and spend the weekend with the boys and their families in a hotel. I truly hope that we can play in more tournaments next year to get the boys ready for the weeklong Cooperstown Tournament that we will be playing during late-June 2020. 

Chris and I did get out with Ethan to Hershey's Chocolate World for some enjoyment yesterday morning before the first game. It was very different from the lat time I visited, which was during the 1960's. I must say--there was a lot of chocolate and the singing cows were just a bit over the top. It was a moo-ving performance.

A great weekend so far and since there is no game today, we will be heading home soon.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Hummelstown, PA

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum


A-12 on the Deck of the Intrepid
NYC
September 29, 2019
We took a lot of pictures during our two-day visit to NYC. It seemed harsh to share just four of them in yesterday's blog. So, I decided to do another day on the city and focus upon on specific stop.
Jax and Chris in Gemini Capsule Mock-up
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, NYC
September 29, 2019

Amidst all of the fun of walking around in the man-made canyons beneath the towering buildings, there were a lot of fun things to see and experience. We had a very busy schedule and there was almost no downtime. 


Today, I am going to focus on the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. I had never been to the museum before, but I will not miss it again. It is definitely on the stop for every visit to the Big Apple with people who have never been there before. First, the view from the ship of the skyline is stunning! But even more important, the aircraft carrier and its history is presented in spectacular form and the ability to wander around the carrier is a second-to-none experience. the museum represents probably the best nexus for sea, air, and space that I have ever experienced. 
Me and Jax
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
September 29, 2019


Regulus Cruise Missile
Cold War Nuclear Relic
USS Growler
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, NYC
September 29, 2019
The exhibits are in great shape and they are, most importantly, accessible. It is east to get close--but do not touch. There are many hands-on exhibits for the young people in your life. 

The tour of the submarine and the the space shuttle Enterprise hangar are highlights--but there are highlights around the entire complex. The museum is truly a gem in the heart of the city. 

It is a must see.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
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