Monday Musings - April 20, 2015

1. According to Lucas, it is two and a half movies from Baltimore to Pittsburgh.

Weeping cherry in the Yard

2. With 12 games played and 150 to go in the MLB season, the Orioles are holding up well and are tied for first in the AL East.

3. Why is the Social Security system so complicated?

4. I mowed my lawn for the first time of the year this weekend. It was a great experience to be on the tractor again. It was fun mowing under the canopy of our weeping cherry tree.

From the 7th Tee at Patuxent Greens

5. Golf can is a frustrating game. I played a round yesterday expecting much better results than I received, but being out on the course made everything better. 

Bleeding Hearts

6. I am enjoying watching the Springtime flowers blossom. My bleeding hearts are huge--they grow so quickly.

7. It is Monday--I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not.

8. Why did gas prices jump almost 15 cents per gallon for the weekend?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Golf Victory Dance

They begin young learning how to do victory dances.

I was watching Lucas trying to hit a golf ball on Easter Sunday--he was concentrating and focused. He was attempting to hit a golf ball with a club too large for him and he was doing a good job.

Hitting the Cover off a Golf Ball

I have been hitting a few golf balls lately, and I now know how to tell when a golf ball has reached the end of its useful life. The cover comes off. 

I didn't know that until I began hitting golf balls repeatedly into my practice net. I've had two golf balls suffer complete failures like this. 

It is kind of fun to have a golf ball fail like this--it means that I got my money's worth out of the ball--and I bought these as range balls so I didn't pay much for them.

But, back to Lucas--I watched him until he finally got a good hit on a golf ball and almost missed the victory dance. 

Watch the video until the end to see the victory dance.

I need to learn those moves because I know how he feels when I make a good shot.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

5 year olds on a soccer ball--It's true

Lucas (#20) with the Soccer Ball

I attended a youth soccer game in which Lucas, my youngest grandson, was playing yesterday.

I had a great time being reminded that the phrase "5 year olds on a soccer ball" is still as true as it ever was. 

The game occurred in an elementary school gym with no seating and so the parents were arrayed along the playing field and had the task of moving the soccer ball back onto the field of play and into the crushing mass of 5-7 year old humanity when the ball went out of bounds. 

Play was stopped only for goals, injuries, and when the ball landed on the back of the goal. 

It was great fun. Lucas is just five years old and hence was the youngest player on the floor, squeaking in just under the age wire. It shows in his play. He is wearing #20 and I took a few videos, much to the chagrin of his Dad, on my iPhone for posterity!

This was my second youth sporting event of the day, as I had earlier watched Ethan play basketball, and later today will be attending Jackson's game. 

Youth sports is a lot more entertaining that some professional sports.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Birthdays, Kids, and Snakes

Lucas Turns 5

Normally when I attend a birthday party for a five year old, i get excited about the event because of the event itself. Turning five is a major event in the life of a child--lot's of things are tied to turning five, like going to school and playing sports.

But yesterday--I attended a birthday party that was a lot of fun because the invited guests included alligators, crocodiles, snakes, tarantulas, and assorted lizards and snakes. The birthday party held at Eco Adventures. I enjoyed the party because the usual birthday noise was replaced by a solid hour, or more of education about the animals. 

The highlight was the snake handling session where even the most squeamish in the family had a personal experience with a python.

Nicole meets the snake of her nightmares

The educational portion of the program was very interactive and the kids, and many adults got to get up close and personal with the animals. 

Ethan and I take a turn

Even Nicole took a turn with the snake--and I can attest--she hates snakes.

Chris and the Snake

 It was a lot of fun.

I highly recommend Eco Adventures as a place for a party. it was educational and most of all--fun.







-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Symphony of Lights - 2014

It was a dark and rainy evening. Three grandsons were having an overnight and Chris and I needed a distraction for them. Let me rephrase, not a distraction but rather an event to prepare them for bedtime.

Symphony of Lights immediately came to mind. In the rain? You bet, the lights were on and the car was warm and dry. 

I enjoy the Symphony of Lights in Columbia, Maryland, and although it is not an every year event, the years that I drive through the lights I am reminded of how much fun it is and that I am making a donation to Howard County's only hospital. 

Lucas, Jackson, and Ethan looking at the
Symphony of Lights

I have been by the entrance to the lights an seen cars stacked up waiting to enter for what appears to be an hour or more. Last evening, however, because of the rain, there were no lines and no waiting. Not to self--rainy and dark nights may be the best nights to visit!

It was a fun drive through the lights, listening to Christmas music provided on the local broadcast FM station. All of my old favorites were there. I especially enjoy the cannons lobbing cannon balls over the road as I drive through.

The pictures even came out acceptably this year. The rain added a nice reflection in the foreground and increased the enjoyment.

It was a fun ride and an enjoyable time--especially with no lines and no waiting.

Bob's RECOMMENDATION: Visit the Symphony of Light and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday Season. The donation is $20 per car--cash only.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Jack-o'-Lantern Carving

It's the season for the harvest and pumpkins. Sunday, we gathered the grandsons, selected a few pumpkins and hosted a carving party.

First, however, was the trip to the Pumpkin Patch to select the perfect pumpkin for carving and to become the jack-o'-lantern of their dreams. That was an experience in an of itself, but it was early enough in the day and the season that the patch was not too crowded and the trip was a great success. 


Next came the carving. Think about it, sharp objects and three boys under the age of 10.

And of course there were the stars of the day, the pumpkins. Prices are up. One pumpkin weighed in at a weight equivalent to $30. It was summarily rejected. It is a pumpkin, not a Christmas tree!

But Ethan, Jackson, and Lucas picked out pumpkins. Big pumpkins. And then, once we returned to the house the carving began. It was organized chaos.

It was not easy wading through the pumpkin entrails to get to the part where they become jack-o-lanterns. But the boys, and parents and grandparents, were up to the challenge. 

After some tense moments, the jack-o'-lanterns began to emerge. The efforts and the design process began to payoff and the final results were in sight. 

We had to opportunity to view Jax and Ethan's jack-o'-lanterns lighted and scary in the night. They are a study in contrasts--traditional and modern. But they are both awesome.

--Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 13, 2014

1. Happy Columbus Day observed. In 14 hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. We have reduced the celebration of this observance in recognition of the subjugation and genocide directed at the native people inhabiting the hemisphere as a result of being "discovered" by Columbus.

2. The ALCS resumes this evening. Not for the faint of heart. Go O's

3. The grandson's got together in the garage yesterday to put together some Orioles cheers. I wonder where they learned all of those cheers?

4. I am still amazed at how therapeutic it is to get out early in the morning to play a round of golf. I did it again yesterday. At least once every week since August. Not a new low score, but better shots in all parts of my game--well except for 5 putting the par 4 9th hole. I went from putting for par to ugly in a few short strokes. Ugh!

5. Autumn is gracing the trees in our neighborhood finally. The color is beginning to show and the trees are donning their autumnal colors in anticipation of the finally beauty show before the onset of the dark days.

6. I am not a huge fan of the Washington Post, but they are running a series of articles highlighting how local police departments are using asset seizures to fund their operations. The series Asset Seizures Fuel Police Spending highlights how things that I didn't believe could happen in the United States are happening and are apparently "legal." Here is the part that really got me: Of the nearly $2.5 billion in spending reported in the forms, 81 percent came from cash and property seizures in which no indictment was filed, according to an analysis by The Post. Owners must prove that their money or property was acquired legally in order to get it back.

7. Let's Go O's.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

October Evening Enjoyment

Lucas

The best evenings often happen without a lot of planning. Like last evening. 

Chris and I were watching Lucas, the sky was clear and the evening was only a bit cool. We enjoyed a glass of wine together in the backyard as evening began to fall.

Bogle Phantom in the Back Yard

I admired the evening, because I know the number of such perfect evenings will be fewer as the year progresses into November and then December. The wine in the backyard was a nice touch. I was even assaulted by a few mosquitoes, just to remind me that autumn has not fully wrested everything from summer's grasp.

Rain is forecast for today. 

I believe we will not be enjoying a repeat evening tonight and the memory of last night will have to remain as the season continues to evolve into autumn and then winter.

I relish every day and every evening more and more. Especially, the ones which create memories.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

To the Moon and Back

I heard a story on the Today show the other morning that caused me to stop and reflect. 

The story was titled 

Boy, 6, asks people to 'shine lights to moon' to honor fallen vet dad

The story brought tears to my eyes, thinking about six year old Darren Baysore who would never see his war hero Dad again. But, the Darren and his Dad had special connection through the moon which the he has used to keep his memory alive.

Randomly the other day, Lucas, my youngest grandson, started singing the song about the moon that I wrote for Patrick when he was young. I had forgotten about the song, but the words are as follows and I think it is appropriate:

Mister Moon

Mister Moon

Up in the sky

Looking at me

I'm looking at you

Mister Moon

Up in the sky

Following me

I'm following you

Mister Moon

Sing me a song

Don't make it long

Or I'll forget it

Mister Moon

Up in the sky

Smiling at me

I'm smiling at you

There is a second verse--but you get the idea. The tune of the song is cute and I will video Lucas next time he sings it and add it to the blog.

I hope six-year old Darren Baysore still hears his Dad talking to him from the to the moon and back. And, turn your porch light on!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Training Wheels--The Simple Made Hard

Original Poor Design

It appeared to be a simple task, install training wheels on a bicycle for Lucas. Sadly, nothing, it seems, is as easy as it should be especially when the items being installed are poorly manufactured and the instructions were not clearly translated form the original Chinese. 

Amazon let me down, because the training wheels were supposed to be delivered on Monday--but they did not arrive. And then, when they did finally arrived yesterday, they were poorly designed and did not accomplish the task in a safe and consistent manner. They did not properly fit the bike and I had to make modifications to try and adapt the training wheels to the bike. After a few short rides, it was clear that they were not acceptable. 

Attempt 2: The New Ones

I was amazed at the poor quality and design of the wheels. In the end there was no was to properly fit them to the bike to make them safe for Lucas.

So off to the local store to acquire an acceptable set of training wheels. After a few more frustrating installation minutes, they were ready for a test ride.

Then the chain fell off the bike, during the first short ride. Another agonizing few minutes of backyard bicycle repair. Finally, for the third time of the evening, the bike was presented to Lucas--who had not yet lost interest, for a test ride.

Lucas was a bit wary of the bike and not ready to fully commit himself to the ride. Grandma walked beside him and help him gain confidence in the wheels, although after the failure of the previous set of wheels, this was not as easy a task as it should have been. 

And what a test ride it was. Within a short time, Lucas was riding the bike and feeling a bit too comfortable on it. 

At least the evening had a happy ending.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Fourth was a Bang!

Ethan and Mike in the Pool

Independence weekend continues even though it is now the 5th of July.

Last night the family witnessed a close and personal fireworks display after a thoroughly enjoyable day. The weather was awesome. Sunny, low humidity, and a great pool day.

The water was warm, the breeze was cool, and the fun was endless.

Everything about the day was focused on getting to the evening, when, after dark, the fireworks display was set to begin in the yard. And a great display was planned. Nice aerial rockets and mortars, roman candles and fountains.  

Poppop with Ethan, Jax, and Lucas with Sparklers

The fun began with sparklers in the yard as dusk was falling along with a seemingly endless supply of bottle rockets left over from last year. The sparklers were the hit of the evening with the kids--and we definitely need more of them for next year. The sparklers and bottle rockets helped extend the fireworks display to over an hour.

We had intended to get some video of the fireworks--but, we all watched and enjoyed them rather than taking video or pictures. 

Cinderblock Remnants

We did have our first major firework malfunction. One of the mortars got stuck in the tube and blew up. We also had the one of the multiple launchers fall over and launch a firework toward the crowd. So the evening was very exciting. The aftermath of the mortar explosion was sobering and reminded me that our safety precautions probably prevented injuries--well except to the cinderblock which was destroyed by the blast. Those are my feet looking at the pieces. OK--it was an impressive blast, and the cinderblock prevented flaming balls from going everywhere.

But the show went on and a resourceful neighbor helped craft another mortar launch tube so we could launch the 10 remaining mortars.

I almost want to go buy more so we can do it again tonight!

Let's just agree it was a bang!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I Thought Saturday was supposed to be a day off?

My work week, which is at least a classic work week, is a Monday to Friday affair. I use my weekends for relaxing and getting a few small projects done around the house, maybe attending a sporting event or a concert, and going to bed late and getting up later. The operative concept is- that weekends are for relaxing.

That, friends, is only a concept that does not often apply to real life. 

Take yesterday as an example.

The planned day:

9:00 AM - Basketball game - Jax
12:00 Noon - Basketball game - Ethan
4:00 PM - Birthday Party - Lucas
6:30 PM - Annual Wine Club Dinner - Friends

An aggressive schedule for a Saturday.

Wine Club Dinner Table

Now lets look at the actual day:

8:30 AM - Depart for Basketball game
9:00 AM - Basketball Game - Jax
10:30 AM - Unscheduled brake job on Son's vehicle
11:30 AM - Mount and install a large television on the wall in my bedroom
12:00 Noon- Oops, missed the second basketball game and seeing grandson score - Ethan
2:30 PM - Emergency trip to the store for cilantro, chips, pick up medications, and fill the truck up with gas
4:00 PM - Lucas Turns 4 Birthday party!  Yay. Great food and fun. Caught a few minutes of the Seahawks-Saints playoff game.
5:45 PM - Race home, change clothes and head out the door. 
6:30 PM - Wine Club Dinner -- which was awesome!!
10:30 PM - Return home, catch a few minutes of the Patriots-Colts game
11:30 PM - Fall into bed asleep before head hits pillow

I can't wait for Monday so I can go back to work. Lol.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Storm Continues

The falling snow has begun to subside leaving the trees and structures covered with the pure white cold stuff. 

It is cold and wet. We had a snowman in the yard, but Lucas returned it to its original state.

The snow is now covering almost everything.

I really could use some blue sky.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

School is Back in Session

Duckett's Lane Elementary School

It has been a slow, staggered start for some of my family, but school in Maryland is back and the kids are in class--more or less.

Jax has been a bit slow starting kindergarten, I like the way they ease the kids into it--he finally had his first day yesterday. I talked to him in the morning before he departed for day one and the excitement was clear in everything he said.  Little does he know, or care, that he is embarking on a 13 year program of education that will be with him from now until he is ready to leave home for college.  I know, that is a really deep and depressing thought for the first day of school--ever.

Ethan has been going all week to third grade. I got to spend Tuesday afternoon with him during a family mini-crisis and he is taking it all in stride. He had a really great summer that I got to enjoy with him and I think he is ready to get on with back-to-school part of the year.

Even Lucas is in school--albeit, preschool. I think the program and the structure will be very good for him and it will make him ready for the transition to the "big house" when the time comes. 

In my own neighborhood the construction is finally over, almost, and the new Duckett's Lane Elementary School has opened in the area where a 10 acre forest previously stood. I wonder if they cut down Winnie the Pooh's 10 acre wood to construct this new school? I miss the forest, it was a lot more interesting to look into as I drove by.

I have been amazed at how insensitive the county has been to the residents in the area in their quest to get the school open on time--and it almost didn't. Part of the school remains "under construction" but most of it is open and read to roll. Now we have a camera controlled school zone, rerouted lanes, and constant vehicles replacing the massive construction equipment that have occupied the space for the past two years. While they relined the roads, they have not made portions of the street no parking to accommodate the new lanes and so it can be a real mess at times. 

I took the picture of the school one evening as Chris and I were walking just before it opened. 

School days are here again. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cold Beach Day Activities

Lucas enjoying the cold water

What activities can be done on cold, but not rainy, beach days? Well, it turns out almost anything goes. With the air temperature in the 50's and the water temperature approaching 60 degrees it can make for a short beach day--especially if the boys get wet.

Ethan Mimicking an Entertainer

First, there just has to be a sojourn to the beach regardless of the temperature. That is why the trip was made in the first place. And if boys are on the beach, boys are going to get into the water, no matter the temperature--and that makes for a short beach visit because soon after, chills and cold set in.

Then there is always lunch at a local establishment, in this case Tequila Mockingbird. Ethan decided to steal my Orioles Cap and mimic his favorite musical entertainer.  Don't let his Dad see this picture.

Chris, Ethan, Jackson in the Beach

Following lunch there can be a movie or possibly miniature golf. We actually did both activities during our weekend to the beach. Be careful though, playing a 27 hole miniature golf course in the cold wind can be as painful as being on the beach. Add three boys, short attention spans, and undeveloped skills and my recommendation is not to keep score after about hole 6. I guarantee that at least one ball will be lost during play.

During the afternoons, well, back to the beach for a walk and playing in the sand. Keeping the boys out of the water will make this event last longer and seem more enjoyable.

For evening activity? Get out away from the kids at a local watering hole, or watch an Orioles game on TV. wishing that it was warm enough for a long, romantic evening walk on the beach.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy 3rd Birthday Lucas

Last evening I had the pleasure of celebrating Lucas' third birthday. We spent an evening at the local Dave & Busters just enjoying the person that he has become. It was special because I will not be able to attend his blow-out family, friends, and neighborhood birthday party due to a previous out of town engagement.

I am not a huge fan of Dave & Busters, but at least last evening we effectively had the place to ourselves as it was mostly deserted.

The lack of other patrons and screaming children made the evening almost perfect. A nice dinner and some time with the grandson playing games was a good change-up from what I normally do on Monday evenings.

The fun part, after dinner was trying watching Luke decide which toy he wanted from the ticket winnings playing the games. With four adults and one child playing multiple games around the arcade he amassed quite a number of tickets. In the end he decided upon a large snake/dragon. It was funny watching his parents try to talk him out of the selection (with no success) after he had made up his mine. Three-year olds can be very decisive and the stubborn.

I had the honor of riding the victorious hero out of the arcade with the giant snake/dragon in tow. Luke called it a snake, but I think it really is a dragon.

It really doesn't matter what it is, he likes it and it almost fit into the backseat of the car with him.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Force is Strong with this One

Lucas and I are enjoying a great start to the morning.

Star Wars Episode VI--with the Ewoks is currently on. We have already done the complete tour of the outside, thankfully, it is a beautiful day.

He is a pistol.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Grandparent--Other Duties as Assigned

Yesterday I had the opportunity to chat with a newly minted grandmother. Her grandson was one month old and she was still getting used to finally (her words) being a grandmother.

Lucas, Christmas Day 2012

It was fun to listen to her and it reminded me that I sometimes take for granted the enjoyment that I derive from having the "grands" around. They certainly brighten up a room, house, party, or whatever other event they are attending. Chris says that they keep us young.

Being a grandparent means that sometimes I have accept other duties as assigned, or requested.

Today, for instance, I get to spend a one-on-one day with the youngest grandson--Lucas. I took a day of leave from work and am expecting his arrival soon. We should have an interesting and exciting day. I am lucky enough to have time available and also have the level of activity at work low enough to allow me this opportunity.

Ready, set--let's rock through the day.

Then tomorrow, back to the grind.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Did He Eat an Elf?

Having a donut with Lucas after church on Sunday was a lot of fun. The had these really cool star shaped, cream-filled green frosted donuts.  Mmmm, they looked good. Lucas had one.

By the time he was done, he had a green mustache and it looked like he had eaten an elf!

But he had a lot of fun with the donut.

Fortunately, I didn't get caught in the spray pattern. I was not covered with  the green frosting.

But I did enjoy the thought that I would send him home with his parents to be cleaned up.

Green.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Watching the Grandsons

There I was yesterday morning. Alone, unarmed, and without a clue as to how to keep three grandsons under the age of 8 busy for a couple of hours. I was at the mercy of Lucas, Jax, and Ethan with no help.

Something possessed me to say yes when asked if I'd watch the boys for an hour (or so) as Chris and Nicole headed off shopping for those final Christmas presents. Lucas was already at the house to allow his parents the opportunity to attend an early movie. Ethan and Jax had arrived for a scheduled playdate.

Recognizing the impending arrival of the grandsons, during the morning I had completed the conversion of the nursery into a playroom equipped with wall mounted TV and a Wii. Just in time to check it all out.

Watching Star Wars on a Saturday

The Wii kept their interest for a while. I even got involved and won a bowling game but was utterly crushed by Ethan playing tennis. Seems he has been playing Wii tennis and this was my first attempt. I at least managed a few points in one game.

Then it was outside to play on the swings, pass the soccer ball around and practice some basketball bounce passes.

It is amazing how slowly time passes when  the clock is watched. Even so--an hour (or so) turned into two and was headed for three.

Somewhere in there I was able to provide snacks and drinks to keep the boys wired and happy.

The stroke of genius came from Ethan when he asked to watch Star Wars Episode 3.

As we all settled in to watch the movie, I realized that this wasn't so bad. The boys were awesome and we actually had a real good time tougher. Surprisingly, there was no blood, no tears, and only a minor incident when Jax walked into my backswing while playing Wii Tennis.

Success.

It was almost anti-climactic when the women returned as we were really getting into the movie. But good things soon end. Or is it that they end too soon when they are good?

I survived. The house survived--and so did the boys!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD