We dropped Lucas off at PBI yesterday morning. Both Chris and I were able to get gate passes (even though we were told by the staff that they were allowed to provide only one gate pass) to stay with Luke until he boarded. We had to pass through the non-TSA-Pre line. Ugh! I had forgotten how long that line could be. We were in the line for over 20 minutes. Fortunately, we arrived about 90 minutes before his flight and we still had time to enjoy a lounge after passing through security. Although I am told the lounge, to which I have privileges, has been there three years I only noticed it yesterday. It was a very civilized way to wait in the airport away from the crowd. And yes, for those of you who have flown through the usually sleepy PBI airport, there were crowds yesterday. I think United, American and Southwest all had flights arriving and departing while we were there.
The concourse was, however, deserted, as we left after Luke had boarded.
And so our time alone with Luke is over. We enjoyed his stay, but wish we had been able to do more.
It had been a fun week and we have enjoyed our short time with him.
He has provided some excitement into our otherwise somewhat routine world.
Last evening, for his last supper, we went to Dune Dogs and he enjoyed some crab legs. Luke loves seafood. The poor crab didn't have a chance. I don't know why the waitstaff gave him a lobster bib when he was eating crab. Perhaps they don't differentiate. I had ribs because I really like the way they do ribs and I have wanted ribs for a while but have not been motivated to actually buy ribs and cook them.
Today we take Luke to the airport to return him to Maryland, although we will see him again in just a few days as we travel north on Sunday.
I don't blame him for not wanting to ride for two days with us in the truck. It can get very long on the road. I would rather fly, but we need the transportation and the flexibility of driving. Our return trip has already changed once and it may change again.
Luke, Chris and Finnegan ICW Tequesta, FL August 7, 2024
Being in the water as the sun set last evening was an experience that I wish could happen every day, but it doesn't.
Chris, Luke, and I made the effort last evening to be in the water on the ICW at sunset and we were not disappointed. Although I thought the sunset was going to be a dud because of the clouds, I was very wrong. The end of the day provided a spectacular light show complete with colors and highlighted clouds.
Luke, Finnegan, and Me ICW Tequesta, FL August 7, 2024
As we approached the beach it became obvious that we were going to see a very special sunset. After the two weeks of rain and storms, the sunset was a welcome sight. The earlier storms had cleared out and the skies were finally clearing.
It was a fitting end to the day. It was a somewhat sober day as I remembered that it would have been my parents' 70th wedding anniversary, but with Mom's passing almost three years ago, their time together had been put on pause. Maybe Mom had a hand in the beautiful sunset last evening.
Luke Catching Flying Seafood Ellicott City, MD June 12, 2024
It was an evening for celebrations and much of the family joined together for a meal at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse in Ellicott City.
I have to admit, I am still getting used to the oppressive traffic in the Baltimore area. I had forgotten how bad traffic is on the main roads from about 3:30 PM to after 7 PM. I have been about 15 minutes late for everything I have attempted during those times. Last night was no exception.
We had a wonderful time at the restaurant, once we arrived. The family had good fun at the table and there was so much to discuss--especially for those of us heading out on the GAP ride tomorrow.
Of course the meal ended with the tossing of shrimp and people trying to catch it in their mouths. I do not think anyone caught the shrimp. That was lucky for me because the chef forgot I'm allergic to and I got caught in the moment of trying to catch the airborne shellfish until the cry at the table brought me to reality and I allowed the seafood to bounce off my face.
Gator in the 'Glades Everglades National Park, FL March 27, 2024
It sounds like we are sitting atop a large engine as the airboat fires up in preparation to set off.
Yesterday, Chris, Luke, and I set off to the Everglades for some fun and an airboat ride. Typically, when Chris and I head off to airboat we do not see any gators in the wild. Yesterday, however, we saw six! And I also found out why. Don't go airboating in the Everglades to look for gators in July--it is too hot and they are not active. March and April, it seems, are when they are active.
The Gator and Luke Everglades Safari Park, Miami, FL March 27, 2024
It was the first long trip for Chris's new car and I computed the distances pretty carefully to determine that we could get there and back without needing a charge. Of course, never having done a trip like this before I was unsure whether the distance estimate for the battery was accurate. Turns out it was close. I did lose a few miles range each way on the highway--but, I subsequently determined that I should have switched the car into a more efficient mode which might have solved that issue. Lesson learned! We drove 220 miles and ended with 42 miles range. We started with about 280 miles of expected range. All-in-all great first trip.
I took a short video of the airboat experience and the noise from the twin engines. Thankfully they issued us ear plugs for some protection. According to the app on my iPhone, the airboat engines were producing 102-109 decibels of deafening sound.
Luke and Chris with the Airboat at Speed Everglades National Park, FL March 27, 2024
While at the park, Luke came face-to-snout with a gator. It was pretty funny and I enjoyed taking the picture. This was the first time we visited Everglades Safari Park during Spring Break. The place was packed, but they handled the crowds efficiently. I like this location because the boats actually go into the National Park. I recommend buying the tickets on-line. It smoothed the check-in process and I was able to remember my National Park Pass and save $7 on each ticket.
After the airboat experience, we wandered around the preserve and looked a gators and crocodiles, yes they have crocs! We enjoyed a beautiful day in the mid-80s with partly cloudy skies and cooling breezes. It was perfect. And there were no mosquitoes or other biting insects to spoil our outing.
It is a bit of a drive from Tequesta, almost exactly two-hours each way, but definitely worth the experience.
I noted that the cars in the parking lot were mostly out of state. I think there was only one other car with Florida plates.
Luke's Birthday Cake Elkridge, MD January 14, 2021
Trying to maintain a sense of normalcy during the pandemic remains a challenge.
Chris and I celebrated our grandson Luke's birthday the other evening. It was a much smaller and more subdued celebration than normal. I have to admit, I have really enjoyed some of the things we have done and seen associated with his birthday celebrations and many of them are documented in this blog. Wall climbing, visiting a nature center, and playing laser tag at a gaming center are among the recent highlights. January birthdays are not conducive to outdoors activities, but the indoor ons we have enjoyed have been very special.
This year, it was a small, family gathering to enjoy some pizza and to sing Happy Birthday. The birthday cake was spectacular, but the singing was a bit off-key. Well, we are always a bit off-key but it seems to be highlighted during pandemic celebrations when there are not enough people singing to make it seem like a chorus.
I enjoyed the celebration and the time with Luke. During the pandemic, small celebrations are they key.
Keep celebrating--even during the pandemic, just celebrate responsibly and know that everyone who used to be there would still like to be there if the circumstances were different.
With temperatures soaring to near 80, it was a beautiful day for golf. And Chris and I did not disappoint ourselves by missing the opportunity to get out onto the course and swing our clubs.
Lucas at Carroll Park Hole 5 Baltimore, MD May 23, 2020
We put together a foursome and obtained a Tee Time at Carroll Park for the afternoon. This was a special foursome, however, as it included for the first time the next generation of family golfers--Lucas. As it turned out, we picked a good day to golf with him because the golf was slow. Painfully slow. It took 2 hours and 45 minutes to play 9 holes of golf that should take not more than about 1 hour and 45 minutes. With the pace of play being painfully slow, Lucas was able to get some assistance in making shots and learning the game. We waited to tee-off on every hole and so there was a lot of time to talk about the game. Lucas did remarkably well, but the delay in play did not help my game at all. So it was a so-so day on the course, but still fun to be out there with Jeremy, Chris, and for the first time, Lucas.
With temperatures soaring and walking a golf course on a Saturday, it almost seems as if life is becoming normal despite the safer-at-home suggestions of Maryland. Stores still have not fully reopened and the clubs and bars are closed. Although I didn't often visit clubs or bars, I do miss the crowded parking lots. Not really. Believe it or not, after golf I was actually able to dive into my pool to refresh myself. The water was up to 77 degrees and felt very refreshing on a humid afternoon. Saturday, normal activity. It is Memorial Day weekend after all. -- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
1. It is Martin Luther King Jr Day. A federal holiday. It is the third Monday of 2020. I have almost gotten used to writing 2020 as the date. I'm enjoying the day off to recover from an upper respiratory bug that has claimed my voice.
2. Ever notice how some drivers are possessive of the lane they are in on the road? I like this image. 3. We were supposed to get a terrible storm on Saturday. We received rain with occasional ice. I wish the weather forecasters would actually forecast the weather with more accuracy. 4. I had a very scary thing happen while driving to work the other morning. While merging onto a lack highway, the driver in the lane nicely signaled and mover over to let me merge onto the highway. But, just as I began my maneuver a speed-crazed driver dashed through the newly opened lane. Had I not checked as I was beginning my merge, it would have been a very bad day and I likely would have been involved in a very serious accident. 5. Big project for the holiday. I have repairs to do on our clothes dryer. The parts arrived on Saturday and that is how I will be spending the day off.
Lucas and Friends Main Event, Columbia,, MD January 18, 2020
6. Along with a couple of his friends, the family gathered to wish Lucas a happy 10th birthday on Saturday at the Main Event. It was an enjoyable afternoon of bowling, laser tag, pizza, and birthday cake. A great way to celebrate the beginning of his next decade. All of the grandsons are now in double digit ages. 7. Today in History - 1981. Iranian Hostage Crisis Ends. Minutes after Ronald Reagan’s inauguration as the 40th president of the United States, the 52 U.S. captives held at the U.S. embassy in Teheran, Iran, are released, ending the 444-dayIran Hostage Crisis.
On November 4, 1979, the crisis began when militant Iranian students, outraged that the U.S. government had allowed the ousted shah of Iran to travel to New York City for medical treatment, seized the U.S. embassy in Teheran. The Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran’s political and religious leader, took over the hostage situation, refusing all appeals to release the hostages, even after the U.N. Security Council demanded an end to the crisis in an unanimous vote. However, two weeks after the storming of the embassy, the Ayatollah began to release all non-U.S. captives, and all female and minority Americans, citing these groups as among the people oppressed by the government of the United States. The remaining 52 captives remained at the mercy of the Ayatollah for the next 14 months.
Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week Today, America does remember Dr. King as a drum major for justice, as a giant whose life was far from being in vain. In a sermon on the eve of his assassination, he surely described his own mission when he asked, ``Who is it that is supposed to articulate the longings and aspirations of the people more than the preacher? Somehow the preacher must be an Amos, and say, `Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.''' Martin Luther King, Jr., did exactly that. He gave eloquent voice and powerful leadership to the long-cherished hopes of millions as he headed a crusade to end bigotry, segregation, and discrimination in our land; to foster equal opportunity; and to make universal America's promise of liberty and justice for all. Proclamation 5927 -- Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, 1989, December 23, 1988 -- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Ethan at the Maryland State Fair Timonium, Maryland August 31, 2019
To note the passing of the month of August, the transition into September, and the last weekend before the start of another school year Chris and I hosted our grandsons for the day and an overnight.
Chris with the Boys Ready for the Farris Wheel Chris, Ethan, Jax, Lucas Timonium, Maryland August 31, 2019
It began about noon with a surprise trip to the Maryland State Fair. I have to admit, I have not been to the state fair in a number of years. Sadly, it has not changed much except that the prices seem to have tripled. Rides are $5-6 each. Games are $2-5 and everyone seems to be trying to part a fool from his/her money. The boys enjoyed a number of rides and we made the obligatory walk through the livestock barns to get back in touch with farming. The boys all commented that they did not realize that cows were so big! I just had to smile at that. It was refreshing to see the kids with their prize livestock. Many of them were nervous in preparation for going into the judging ring. What a different life they lead from that of my grandsons'.
Jax Headed into the Pool Elkridge, MD August 31, 2019
The day at the fair culminated with all of us becoming Scat Masters in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources exhibit. Who knew I'd be able to distinguish different kinds of wildlife poop correctly? I did have trouble with the coyote poop, having never seen it in the wild. From there it was back home to enjoy the pool for some refreshing activity. The pool was cool, clean and ready for action.
Jax and Ethan at the Fire Pit Elkridge, MD August 31, 2019
It was an enjoyable early evening which saw pizza and wings get devoured in near record time. And then it was time for S'mores around the fire pit. The S'mores were enjoyed as the fire raged and then it was time for the scary stories. We told tales of the hereafter and unknown for a while and everyone contributed. The fire grew dim, the mosquitoes arrived, and soon it was time for bed. Exhausted, the boys quickly went to sleep, hopefully dreaming of the great ending to the month of August and the preparations for the start of the school year ahead. -- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
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
The weather continues to be unbelievably awesome and each new day brings another pool opportunity. Yesterday revolved around pool time.
Lucas Freestyle July 14, 2018
In the morning it was off to another swim meet with Lucas swimming. It was fun to watch his competitive spirit in the pool. He swims freestyle and backstroke. He also swam as the anchor for the relay team. It was an early and fun morning. The afternoon revolved around lounging on a floatie in the pool enjoying the relatively low humidity and the sunshine. It was a perfect July Saturday. -- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
I don't write much about Lucas. He is the youngest of the grandsons and he is a truly great kid. I actually see a lot of him. He loves being in the pool and has learned to swim pretty well. Yesterday morning, Chris and I attended one of Lucas's swimming meets. He has gone from learning to swim in our backyard pool to being a member on a local team. Jeremy reports that he is pretty good. He had won all of his races to date, for his age group, except the one that I filmed yesterday. He came in second in that race but was disqualified for grabbing the lane marker and potentially using it for an advantage.
He needs to work a bit on his backstroke. He needs to keep it between the lines. But, he does swim very well. I am very proud of his accomplishments. -- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
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
As the birthday season continues, the celebrations seem to get crazier. Last evening it was a trip to Chevy's at Arundel Mills for a birthday dinner.
Lucas and Jeremy
My assessment of Chevy's is that the food is not great, but plentiful and the location is definitely accessible. They also make birthday celebrations special. Jeremy is a good for these events because he plays along. And danced with the birthday wishes as they were being sung to him. We even got the singing accomplished in between congratulatory phone calls! Lucas was an intergral part of the fun as well. He added some enthusiasm to the event! -- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
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.
The first reasonably nice weekend of the Spring and coincidentally of the the month provided the opportunity for a work day around the house.
Lucas with the Ball
The leaves that winter's winds had blown into the yard and along the fences needed to be removed to allow for the grass to spring up and fill in the bare sport. There actually were a lot of leaves to move and that they were heavy from the past few days of rain added some weight to the operation.
Lucas Takes a Shot
Chris and I labored outside for a number of hours on the leaves and and also set up our pool deck, although pool opening day is still about a month away. The blossoms are coming on many of our flowering trees. The weeping cherry is visible near the shed in the picture of Lucas with the ball. There was time for some fun along the way. Jeremy and Lucas happened by for a visit and there may have been some basketball played in the driveway. My truck, as usual, served as a partite backstop, ugh. Chris managed one shot which saw the ball hit my truck on three separate occasions. It was a busy and enjoyable day outside. As the Springtime continues, there are sure to be many more outdoor days! Sunscreen! We forgot the sunscreen! -- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, almost by definition due to our work schedule, is a shopping day.
Lucas Enjoying Furniture Shopping
Yesterday was no different except that we had a grandson with us, Lucas. And it was a different kind of shopping as we were looking for furniture. Lucas was a trooper. We visited a couple of furniture stores and also stopped into the largest Lowe's in the region to look for carpets.
Lucas on the Shag
Lucas enjoyed looking at the furniture--we were specifically looking for chairs to make changes in the living room. Turns out, we opted to change the carpet for about a third of the price. Lucas was priceless. We found a wide variety of chairs and I noticed that the 60's are returning to the styles being offered, like the shaggy lounge Lucas is enjoying with a bag of popcorn. It was a fun portion of the day and because he was such a trooper, we treated him to Chick-fil-A for lunch. Later during the day, we actually found a carpet for the room and just kept our chairs. -- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Birthday parties have become a lot more interesting over the years, and especially those for Lucas.
Lucas at the Party
Last year the party was at the climbing zone and this year it was a trampoline area aptly named the Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Visiting the Sky Zone was a great way to exhaust the kids and it provided some entertainment for the adults as well. The place is huge! Lots of activities and trampolines with sufficient supervision.
Check-in at the Sky Zone
It was fun to watch the assembled masses race from activity to activity and demonstrate their ability to bounce and flip on the trampolines. Checkin was a bit long and chaotic, but after that, the party went pretty well. Thankfully the forecast snow and ice never materialized! It was rainy and cold, but that did not dampen the spirits of the party goers. All-in-all, it was a great party. There was some blood--someone always has to bleed in this family or it isn't a real event, but fortunately it was minor and was self-induced as his knee impacted his nose. And it wasn't the birthday boy, so there was no fear of ruining the images of the event. I took some slow motion videos of the activities and here is one of the birthday boy in action on the trampoline.
Lucas, our youngest grandson, turned six and we celebrated yesterday by going to the Climb Zone. I admit, I was a bit skeptical about the venue--but that quickly was replaced by awe at the astounding facility that I walked into for the party.
The facility was alive with bright climbing walls and excitement. What a great place for a birthday party--the kids exercise before they eat cake and fattening foods. There was adequate supervision and assistance for all of the attendees. Tina and her niece Keeley had some fun on the wall together.
It was an awesome place, and even Chris managed into a harness to do some climbing. It was her inaugural experience and she loved it. I have a few videos to supplement the pictures from yesterday. She was a bit tentative about jumping off--but soon became a pro at the whole experience.
I highly recommend this place. And yes, I forgot to reorient the camera to the normal video style--Oh well, live and learn. Some exciting early Saturday morning entertainment and fun. -- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
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
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