Saturday Dawns--Needs to Get Better

It has been a wild day already and it is only a few hours old. 

Hydrangea in the Morning
Elkridge, MD
June 13, 2020

After celebrating a great Happy Hour with friends last night ending around a roaring bonfire, I had thought the morning which dawned bright and clear would be spectacular. I even took an image of our hydrangea which caught my eye as I was taking the dogs out earlier. The hydrangea displayed beautiful color in the golden rising sun light. Wow. 

And then the day took a downturn. Mikayla had an early morning drop-off at the vet for some tests. No big deal. So about 6:45 AM, Makayla and I hopped into the truck for the drive to the vet. Everything went well until I got to the vet.

Makayla always has to relieve herself when we get out of the truck, I know that, so I took her for a quick walk and she did pee. I called the vet to announce our arrival and Makayla was wandering around my feet while I was distracted. Well, it was then that I noticed that I had forgotten my facemark, ugh, the new normal. When the vet came to meet me and take Makayla it was then that I noticed that Makayla was pooping on the sidewalk, no big deal, I had poop bags. BUT--as I was cleaning that tile it was then that I noticed she had pooped before that while I was on the phone and distracted AND I had stepped in it!

Of course I cleaned it as best as I could (it was kind of soft) and offered to mop the sidewalk. The vet tech rescued me by saying she would clean the mess. She probably wanted to get rid of the non-mask wearing somewhat frazzled man with whom she was dealing. And a line with other dogs to be dropped off was forming.

So in summary:

By 7:15 AM, before my first cup of coffee, I had taken an image of spectacular flowers, delivered my dog to the vet for tests, forgotten my facemark, and stepped in dog poop! OMG--what else is coming today?

Note: Correction, I called it the wrong flower! Just to add to the mess of the day. I have corrected it. At least they both began with "H."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Scenes from the New Normal

Robin
Elkridge, MD
April 7, 2020

The daily dog walk represents the only way we actually are guaranteed of leaving the house every day during the Stay at Home order. 

Flowering Crab Apple Tree
Elkridge, MD
April 7, 2020

Chris and I have taken to noticing the springtime as it develops and documenting it to provide us some relief form the constant stream of coronavirus news--most of it bad. 

Chris took all of the images in today's article during our Tuesday morning walk. The day was a beautiful, sporting a blue sky against which the flowers of the trees were accentuated. The walk itself was almost routine, but it was highlighted by the flowers of the Spring which were anything but routine. 

We took time to stop and smell the flowers along the way. The walk with the dog, or dogs depending upon Makayla's desire, is not about the destination it is about the journey. I could wish for grand scenery or a small lake to daily walk around and enjoy, but there is none. The walk is about the small things--the flowers, the animals, the neighborhood as it changes to meet the progression of the seasons. 

Finding things to keep busy and our minds engaged during the coronavirus Stay at Home is critical and the daily dog walk is something that will be part of the new normal when we are finally free to move about the county, state, country, and world again.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Too Much Help

Finnegan in the Dishwasher
Elkridge, MD
August 29, 2019

Finnegan sometimes can be too much help. 

Last evening, for example, Finnegan decided that he wanted to do a pre-wash on the dinner plates as they were placed into the dishwasher. Personally, I think it is a bad habit that needs to be changed, but Chris thinks it is cute--well he seems to enjoy helping with the dishes. 

Makayla, on the other hand, does not try to get personally involved in dinner clean-up. She keep a good distance to avoid getting trampled. 

Finnegan does not seem to worry about getting caught underfoot--even though he is smaller  He enjoys the post meal activity, but he might get too involved into his work. I just wish that he would stay out of the dishwasher.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Waiting at the Door

Finnegan, Makayla, and Chewbacca Waiting
Elkridge, MD
July 4, 2019 

Dogs wait patiently. No matter when I go outside or for what reason, it seems that my dogs are always waiting to welcome my return. 

This weekend we have a third dog, we are watching Chewbacca for Patrick and Tina. This image was taken on Independence Day just after 10 PM after the fireworks had stopped and as I was cleaning the yard and preparing to go to bed. The three of them waited patiently for my return. Perhaps they knew that it was bedtime?

It had been a long day for the three of them. There were five other dogs that celebrated Independence Day with them. Now as the day is ending it was just the three of them and me and Chris. 

Dogs are an essential part of life, in my opinion. They are always there and at the end of a hard day I have to admit, I appreciate the enthusiastic greeting that they provide to me when I arrive home. 

And, they wait at the door. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Doggone Good

Finnegan with Corn-on-the-Cob
April 25, 2019

Dinner is a family time and around our house and that includes the dogs! 

They are never far from us during the evening meal and sometimes, even though we have a pact not to feed the dogs when we are eating, there are morsels of food that find their way to our canine friends. 

Finnegan enjoyed his first taste of corn-on-the-cob last evening as dinner was winding down. Makayla routinely finishes the last two rows of corn from my cob, but until last evening Finnegan had not shown an interest in the sweet taste of the kernels.

He now has experienced the taste of fresh corn and he appeared to enjoy cleaning the kernels off the cob.

My how they grow up.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Just Add Keeshond

Makayla in the Snow

I am not a big fan of snow, everyone who knows me is aware of this fact.

Makayla Makes a Snow Angel

Yesterday, during the snow day, I was reminded that one member of my family loves the snow. 

Makayla loves snow. When we were shoveling on Sunday, she was content to lay in a snow pile and watch the activity, but yesterday her love of snow came out. She loves to dig and burrow into the snow. She did this on many occasions during the day. 

It was fun to watch her. And the amazing thing is that because she has two coats, the snow did not melt on her, it just shook off. She loves to make Keeshond snow angels. 

We took an enjoyable walk during the early evening as the sun was setting. Makayla stopped a number of times along the route to leave her unique mark in the snow. I am glad that someone in my family loves snow. 

When the yard is covered with snow and looks pristine, just add Keeshond to give it that used look. But I need to be prepared to laugh a lot.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dogs in the Snow

Makayla in the Snow

Finnegan After Running in the Snow

Unlike me, my dogs love the snow.

Whenever it snows they rush outside to play in the cold, wet, white stuff. 

I am always amazed at their reactions as they charge out the door and off the steps into the snow. They frolic, yes frolic, through the snow like they have never seen it before. 



I'm sure that if we had snow all year, they would tire of it, but as it is they continue to enjoy the freshness of the newly fallen snow. 

I am glad at least my dogs enjoy the snow, even though I wish that I lived somewhere that it never falls.

Spring is coming soon, I am sure of it.

I have to keep telling myself that.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

In a Sunbeam

Even on the coldest days, out animals seem to be able to find the best places to nap.

Riordin, Makayla, Finnegan in a Sunbeam

The other day, when the temperatures were Arctic-cold, they found a sunbeam to warm themselves as they napped.

What is interesting is that they all decided to line up in the same sunbeam on hitting the floor. That there were two dogs and one cat dod not seem to matter. Actually, the cat holds his own against the dogs and we have a pretty close knit family.

And they slept there for quite a while until the sunbeam moved away from them.

It must be great to live a dog or cat's life in a good warm home. I wish I could curl up and sleep in a sunbeam.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Incognito Golfer

Makayla Ready for a Round of Golf

It seems that the arrival of a new puppy into the household is having an unexpected  impact on Makayla. She has come very attached to me. Too attached.

Makayla does not want to be separated from me for any reason. Whenever the puppy, Finnegan, is about Makayla finds a place close to me and parks herself. 

The other morning, as I was preparing to head out for a round of golf she figured out I was leaving and tried to disguise herself as my partner.

The ruse did not work. I knew that I was the only left-handed golfer in the house. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Makayla and the Fox

Makayla, Defender of the Yard

The day got off to a racing start this morning as Makayla defended our  yard from a fox.

Ugh. It all happened at 4:40 AM (that is 0440 hours for the military mind). What does the 0 stand for? Oh my goodness, it's early!

I had seen the fox a few days ago. I had expected a fox to return to the neighborhood because of the rabbit explosion. Rabbits are everywhere! Through the years I have noticed a cycle of that starts with abundant rabbits, then a fox arrives, then less rabbits are seen. And the cycle repeats.

This morning the fox was in the driveway when I let Makayla out for her morning constitutional. I always look outside before I allow her out, but I admit I look for larger animals, like deer. I did not, in the darkness, see the fox. 

Makayla did! For the next ten minutes the fox chase was on and Makayla pursued the fox, which was crying the whole time, through the adjoining neighborhood. Fortunately she tired of the game and came home with the promise food.

At least she was not injured.

Hopefully the fox will stay out of the driveway, but there are a number of rabbits living near the drive and so I fear that it will be a long summer of fox sightings. It is a scrawny fox, too. 

I will do a better job making sure the area is clear tomorrow.

-- 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

Going to the Dogs

Every so often we have the opportunity to dog sit for canines in the family.

Chris with Florence and Arthur

This week, we are watching not one, but two excitable, cute, adorable dogs. Florence and Arthur have rapidly become part of the family while they are staying with us. 

It is amazing how quickly they assimilate into the household. The funniest part is that Riordin, one of our cats, now considers them playmates and likes to join into their antics.

Makayla often just looks at them as if to say, "Really?"

It is all good, however. 

We have a great family dynamic in that we all share dog sitting duties when other members are out of town and all of the animals get along very well. 

Just another member of the pack!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Going to the Dogs

Among my tasks for the next couple of days is watching and caring for the dogs.

Makayla

Literally, I am going to the dogs. I could have been at the beach, but I got the dogs!

It is in interesting trio. There is Makayla--who is the unquestioned monarch of the family and the domicile. She is also trying to make the best of the situation by having to share walks with two additional dogs.

Florence

First, is Florence, an Italian Greyhound, with a cute, but demanding personality. She is a cuddle and prefers to sleep next to anything warm--like me. She is the Energizer Bunny on steroids and ins a bit too intelligent for her own good. She can figure out how to acquire any object of her desire--usually some kind of food, from almost anywhere.

Arthur

Next is Arthur, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He is rapidly becoming the brains of the operation because his incredibly cute looks and personality can get him almost anything he desires. He is also very cuddly and prefers to lay on my lap when I am working on my blog. 

It is an interesting combination, especially at meal time because they each eat different foods and must be fed separately to ensure there are no dietary crossovers! 

Riordin

I guess table food doesn't count and neither do the "cookies" they get for doing their business outside and expediently.

Actually, I enjoy having them around. The one who is not amused is Riordin! He is relaxed about the additional dogs, but they get in his way. He would prefer to have my lap for himself--but with one or two dogs vying for it, he gets a bit left out. And the space on the bed for sleeping is limited as well. He will get over it!

And to think, I could have gone to the beach and missed all of this.

Nah! I'm good!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

What to do on a Rainy Evening

Chris and Lucas Watching the Storm

I love the sound of the rain on the roof. 

During some of the past few evenings, we have had rain and storms move through the area. Some of the storms were fierce, like the one Tuesday evening that seemed to hang over the house providing a continuous lightening and thunder show. It is especially exciting when the lightening flash and the thunder boom are simultaneous. The storm was right on top of us.

It was awesome. It was a true show. In advance of Independence Day, it was a great show. And it was free for the enjoyment.

It is even more fun to watch the power of the storm with someone. In this case, we were watching Lucas and he joined us on the porch to enjoy the storm. It was fantastic, until the wind came up and started blowing the rain into the porch which meant it was time to move inside.

Chris had Lucas and I had my trusty dog, Makayla, who did move much closer to me as the thunder got louder. Lucas's dog, Ben, was seeking shelter in the bathtub.

It was a great evening to watch a storm.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Roses in the Garden

Roses in the Garden

As the flowers continue to bloom in my gardens, I am reminded of how much I enjoy the colors, scents, and sights of the late-spring as we slide into summer.

Each day as I open the door in the morning to let Makayla out, I am greeted by new scents lingering in the humid air. The warmth that greets me when I step outside is still a surprise, I remember the frigid blasts that greeted me for almost six months and I revel in the damp coolness of the morning.

It is important to notice the day. It would become too easy to get into a car in the garage, drive in air conditioned comfort to my place of employment, and then traverse the parking lot into work every day without taking notice of the beauty that greets me everywhere along the way.

Maybe that is why I am excited about golfing, because I get outside and traverse nature on the course. The course changes every time it is played because of the weather. And I notice those changes across the seasons.

Standing on the porch in the morning, hearing the birds and taking a moment to enjoy and observe the day reminds me that the world if far larger than my myopic view. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Waiting at the Door

Dogs have a way of expressing themselves even without words. 

Yesterday, while we were stopping by Patrick and Tina's house to drop off Makayla for a play day, two overly rambunctious dogs--Chewie and Warren, had to be separated from the larger group.  Realizing the error of their ways, they stood at the door hoping be reunited with the group. To no avail. Makayla was sitting next to me, quietly enjoying the respite from her high energy companions.

But Chewie and Warren were clearly repentant.

Really? Is that anthropomorphism? I think so. 

But they were cute standing at the window hoping to be allowed to rejoin the group. 

Another day in the life of a dog.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sounds in the Middle of the Night

One of the joys of the Springtime is sleeping with the windows open allowing the air conditioning to be off and fresh air, with pollen, to fill the room. 

Fortunately my allergies are fairly well under control this year and I can actually enjoy the fresh air, but there are sounds that happen during then night which disturb my sleep and cause me to be cranky in the morning.

For instance, last night it was the sound of a screaming fox, probably a vixen, walking up the driveway right below my window. Of course, Makayla had to alert me that there was commotion outside and begin barking which caused the cats to stir and become agitated. It takes time to go back to sleep and get everyone settled after the offending animal has departed the area.

Of course there are other sounds which can disturb the house in there middle of the night as well and which are enhanced by sleeping with the windows open. 


Sirens on the interstate. 

Planes taking off on the little used runway which seems to fly directly over my house.

Thunderstorms--like the one last night that followed the fox incident.

Of course, the sound of the cat spitting up a hair ball is especially bothersome and occurs whether the window is open or not.

Maybe tonight it will be quieter.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Whether the Weather

I checked the thermometer this morning as I was making my coffee. 

The temperature was 41 degrees. Amazing what a few days can do. Last week at this time we were struggling with single-digit morning temperatures and the threat of snow which materialized in a big way. 

Today the temperature is supposed to hit 65 and the rain has stopped. 

I think Spring is arriving! 

Just Sunday, Makayla was rolling in the snow--she loves the snow, and today it is mostly gone and what remains is more ice than snow!

The snow is melting and I am going to check the gardens this afternoon for signs of buds peeking through the ground.

It is amazing how a little sunshine and a springtime rain can change the mood of the entire region.

I'm in a good mood, too!

Countdown:
Days until Spring Begins: 9
Days until Orioles Opening Day: 26
Days until Orioles Home Opener: 30
Days until the Pool is Opened: 42 (est.)

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dog in the Snow

Makayla in the Snow

I am not a fan of snow and there was three inches of the white stuff waiting for me when I woke up yesterday. Someday, I want to live someplace where I only have to read about snow and not experience it first hand.

I had already coordinated with the neighbor to start up the snowblower about 8:30 AM and as a result, clearing the driveway was a fairly short event aided by the fact that the snow was very fluffy. It almost took longer to clear the frozen newspaper from the blades of the snowblower than it did to clear the entire driveway. I really wish people would pick-up their newspapers.

Makayla loves the snow. She especially likes the freshly fallen snow and she likes to roll around and run through the snow. She is very cute about everything associated with snow. I'm so cold that I don't even remember to take pictures of her antics. But, I snapped a few yesterday as I was clearing the snow from the driveway and sidewalk.

She has been weird the past couple of days with the cold. She runs outside and seems amazed at the weather. She accomplishes her task and quickly returns to come inside. Then, in a few short minutes, she wants to go outside again hoping the weather will be different. Sadly, it isn't. I should have made a movie of her with my GoPro, but I haven't.

Keeshonden (yup, that is the plural form of the name) seem to really like the snow and cold. It invigorates them--but at the same time I think they get cold, too. They are house dogs, after all.

Makayla is really a kid in disguise the only big difference is that I do not have bundle he up on coats, mittens, hats, and boots to have her sojourn outside for only a few brief minutes.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Dog who Loves Cat Treats

Cat Treat Toy

Makayla, my Keeshond, is a funny dog and everyone who knows her understands that this is true. I know why she is so different, she learned to be a dog from an old Yorkie and I can see many of Zachary's traits in how she reacts to many things.

Makayla is not a huge fan of dog toys. She doesn't fetch and she only rarely plays. But, she is mine and she is a great, intelligent dog. 

Well, until I saw her yesterday morning working over the cat toy that dispenses cat treats. She was totally into the treats--and she had already consumed breakfast and her morning cookies for doing her business outside.

Yesterday, however, it was all about the cat treats. Riordin was unceremoniously pushed aside and Makayla took control. I made a short movie of her antics.

The dog who loves cat treats. Something to enjoy.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD