Monday Musings - April 15, 2013

1. It is tax day. I finally got mine done! Yay. Nothing like waiting until almost the last minute. I'll try to do better next year.

2. What a fabulous weekend. Although I didn't travel anywhere, a lot of productive work was done around the house and in the gardens.

3. It seems that every springtime I appreciate all over again how the green almost overnight fills in the bare spaces on the trees.

4. Sitting on the deck, sipping wine, talking to Chris and Mom and Dad as evening falls with a
roaring fire in the fire pit. What could be better?

5. Here is an interesting fact: on this date in 1964 the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel opened.

6. Lacrosse is becoming a very popular sport in our family. Not only does Ethan play, but my nephew Jake plays as well. I may need to buy a stick and learn the rules.

7. It is mid-April already and springtime is just getting started. I am going to need to pack a lot into the next six months.

8. Today is the 101st anniversary of the wreck of the Titanic.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

After the Party is Over

Yesterday marked the end of the family birthday season which began during late-September. We celebrate 11 birthdays during the seven month run--not to mention many more extended family and friend birthdays.

Tail end charlie, as we refer to him, is Ethan. We try to make his season ending birthday special and yesterday was no exception.

The day began on the ball fields--I was being an assistant coach for Jax's t-ball team, while Ethan was off to a lacrosse game. I was able to watch the second half of E's lacrosse and was very impressed. His team was playing on the main stadium field at Cardinal Spaulding--a long was from the back dirt lots of last year. Sadly, his team squandered a four goal lead and wound up scoring late to secure a tie. But he played well getting a few good stick checks and catching a ball on an attack. He is actually the player in the center, in green, mostly shadowed by the player in white. The sun was washing out my viewfinder so I didn't get a great shot.

Then, after a short break, the party convened--also wrapped around sports. The theme was Washington Redskins football and the family played a football game in which the birthday boy scored the winning touchdown during overtime to secure the victory.

The party has lots of food and munchies and was punctuated at the end with the Orioles defeating the Yankees!

It was a great sports and party day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dreaming Saturday

I ran across this image--and it just made me stop.

Despite the weather being so much better lately, there is something about palm trees, beaches, and a clear moonlit sky that just appeals to the beach bum in me.

I wish that I had taken this image--not so much because it is a great image, but rather because I would have liked to be on that beach at that time and I am sure I would have a great memory or a great story to go with it.

As it is, though, I have a great story about this image based totally upon my imagination of how it would be, if . . .

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And it is Back to Friday

Weeping Cherry on April 11, 2013

My life continues to scroll through the cycle of the week.

It is hard to believe that last Friday I was attending the Orioles home opening day to close out a week away from work--and this Friday I am back to the grind again of turning over the days to seemingly get to the weekend.

Somewhere in there I forgot to get my allergy shot. Not a good move considering that Spring has arrived in force.

I decided to document the springtime arrival in the blossoms on my weeping cherry tree. Even though my Dad took a better image during the day, in the sunlight, I wanted one taken about the same time of the day from the same location. It will remind me that even though, sometimes, each day seems to be a dreary repeat of the one before that there are differences that need to be identified and appreciated.

During the past week, I have been incredibly busy with family and baseball, and shopping--but at least last evening I was able to settle up with the taxman. While I was on the losing end again despite making significant changes last year, I feel a bit better because the difference was smaller. I was astounded, though, that while my income was less--my taxes were more. I don't like that direction too much. My assessment is that Maryland is becoming too expensive a place to live given the weather and service provided.

But, now it is Friday and the weekend is upon me. Busy--but more "me" time, hopefully.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flowery Explosion

Weeping Cherry Tree, April 10, 2013

Everywhere it seems, springtime flowers are bursting forth as if they had been at the ready line waiting for the command to bloom. Even the weeping cherry tree in my yard has gone from nothing to bloom in less than four or so days. While not in full bloom, peak as they call it, the blossoms are clearly visible as the tree dons its springtime colors for our enjoyment.

I looked at pictures of the tree on April 8 2012 and noted that it was in full and even past peak bloom.

Soon, I expect the wooded area around my house to break into full leaf and we will become, at least for the spring and summer, a secluded lot in the middle of suburbia.

It is astounding to see the world spring to life in color and blossom. The trees and bushes in bloom look like vanilla ice cream cones along the side of the roadway.

I have been enjoying my rides to and from work and the other places I happen to visit just because each new turn brings more of the flowery explosion into view.

I enjoy stopping, even if only for a moment, just to take it all in and etch the beauty into my mind.

You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry. Don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way. -- Walter Hagen
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Enjoying the Falling of Night

Sitting outside last evening after dinner was a pleasure. It was the warmest day of the year, so far, and I watched the evening fall, heard the peepers singing, saw the bats begin their acrobatics, and enjoyed the stars popping out in the sky. I was attired in a t-shirt and shorts for the first time of the year enjoying the still near 80 degree temperatures.

I had missed these evenings during the cold and dark days of autumn and winter.

A nice glass of wine was the exclamation point on the evening as the after dinner discussion continued around the table--while the darkness continued to fall, but I was not cold.

It almost seems as if the region has skipped over springtime and gone straight into summer. I'm not complaining, but it is almost as if I can see the blossoms bursting as I sit in the chair on the deck.

The pools remains shuttered, but I am beginning to plot its return to daily operation. The grass has greened up and the bleeding hearts are beginning to grow in the gardens.

I can smell the Spring. I can hear the Spring.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Stars and Peepers

Imagine, for a moment, walking in 70 degree temperatures under a clear sky full of stars with a chorus of peepers filling the springtime air.

That was last evening. Perhaps the first best evening of the year.

Springtime is here and I can almost see the flowers blossoming. The trees are full of flowers after only a couple of days without freezing temperatures. It is awesome how quickly it happens. It was a pleasure to walk outside this evening, after a long 11 hour day, and be greeted by warm breezes rather than the cold slap of just a week ago. I even drove Cat in expectation of riding home with the top down and my hair (what's left of it) flapping with the breeze.

And I did.

Except for the glass of dark red Fess Parker wine waiting for me when I got home, it was the best part of the first day back after a week off.

How I wish every day could end this way.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings--April 8, 2013

1. Beautiful days are upon us. I'm seeing forecasted temperatures in the 70's.

Orioles Park at Camden Yards, April 7, 2013
Me, Mom, and Dad

2. Afternoon baseball on a sunny day with my parents and wife. What could be better? Winning.

3. I am amazed how quickly our news media drops stories.

4. The weekend was a wasteland for my sports teams. The Orioles lost two and Syracuse was eliminated from the NCAA tournament after making the final four.

5. Spring Break is over. Ugh! I have to go back to work and face the world again.

6. According to my tax return, my income declined this past year but my taxes, health insurance, and cost of living increased. What is wrong with this picture?

7. I notice that gas prices are falling exactly at the same time that Maryland is planning to raise the gas tax. What a nice way to say thank-you to all of the citizens who have been suffering through rough economic times.

8. Full airline flights and small seats make passengers grumpy--so a study has found. Really? Anyone who flies knows that is true.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Remember the Thresher

One of those sad memorials happened the other day--a remembrance for the 129 crew members of the USS Thresher (SSN-593) which sank during diving trials east of Cape Cod. It was 50 years ago on April 10, 1963, that the USS Thresher sank, taking the lives of all aboard. The crew is now on eternal patrol. I urge you to check out the links to learn more about the tragedy.

It was the Cold War. We knew the Soviets (note: not Russians) were hanging out just off the coast ready to obliterate the United States. Times were tense.

The Cuban Missile Crisis had been resolved only about six months earlier.

I would like to write about how times have changed and peace has blossomed everywhere, but I know that it is not true. During the 60's we had one great enemy. We knew who they were, where they lives, and how they fought. Today, the world has devolved into chaos where the enemy of peace-loving people is right around the next corner or behind the tree ahead.

In these times of sequestration, reducing budgets, increased threat it is important to remember these heroes from 50 years ago who gave their lives to secure peace for the democratic way of life.

From the memorial service:

Vice Adm. Michael J. Connor, the commander of the submarine force, said the Thresher was built with revolutionary capabilities to prevent the Soviet submarines that were operating off the coast of the United States from “doing their deadly mission.” 

“The Thresher helped change the world because she, and ships like her, and the descendents of her, made the Soviet Union realize they could never prevail,” he said. 

For the Thresher families, Connor said, “I know that is probably a small consolation.” But, he said, the sacrifice made by the crew and the civilian technicians on board “will be carried forward by the entire submarine force as we do the nation’s business and the Navy’s business around the world, under the sea.”

The doing the nation's business never stops for the men and women of the armed forces and the Department of Defense. No matter where, no matter when!

 -- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Day at the Ball Park

Orioles opening day was a huge success. The crowds for the pre-game festivities were crushing. We couldn't even get into Pickles--the wait to get in was longer than we had until game time.

We found a street party a few blocks away to celebrate before the game. When it was time we entered the ball park for the first time this year. The first time in the park every year is almost like coming home after being away for a long time. The last time I left, the Orioles had just defeated the hated team from up north in the Divisional Playoffs. That was during early October. It is now six months later and we are ready for another great ride.

The day could not have been more perfect. After a week of depressing weather forecasts for game time, the weather broke clear, cool, and magnificent. It was a glorious spring day in Baltimore when the birds return to their roost to hold court for the AL East.

Even in Camden Yards the crowds were crushing. The lines at the restrooms were almost non-stop and the lines for food and drink were even longer. All of Birdland, it seemed, showed up to celebrate the day and the team.

And the most impressive part of the day was the opening pitch. There wasn't one. The team chose to commemorate the late Earl Weaver with a silent opening pitch. Total class.

Opening Day 2013 Orioles Park at Camden Yards

The most exciting part of the day? Chris Davis' Grand Slam. How can you ever beat a Grand Slam to win the game?

BUCK-le Up!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD