Lawn Tractors on Steroids

I read an interesting article about how Honda has created the world's fastest lawn tractor. Coming in at 116.57 MPH, this Honda is equipped with a motorcycle engine and it is called the "Mean Mower." 

Really?

Why do I need a lawn tractor that can go in excess of 116 MPH. The Snapper runner up did over 96 MPH. Still too fast for my yard. I wonder how the blades stay on and how much damage they would do to the the surround structures and even people if they did fly off the tractor.

I also wonder how it corners around a tree at 116 MPH? I bet it rolls over multiple times.

I'm happy with my Sears tractor that maybe does 8 MPH. I rarely go that fast. Driving too much faster would make mowing much too exciting.

I'm glad Honda was able to construct a lawn tractor with a high top speed, but I don't think it would sell very well. I wonder how log the engine and transmission would last at those speeds?

Lawn mowing should be enjoyed. There is something intoxicating about the smell of fresh mowed grass. I can't wait to do my first mowing this season. As soon as the ground dries I will be out there with my tractor making tracks on my lawn.

Tim the Toolman would be proud of Honda if he survived using such a beast, but he might be the only one. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Makayla's Rough Day

Makayla Relaxing after the Vet Day

If dogs had support groups to discuss the things in their lives that cause them problems, then Makayla would definitely need to discuss her day yesterday.

She did not have a spa day, but rather a vet day. She knew something was up when she didn't get a cookie after our short morning walk to allow her to take care of her personal business. And then, there wash no food or water. Both were a sure sign that something was up, and it definitely was.

It was dental care day at Banfield. Had that been the only thing she had going it probably would not have been too bad--but there were shots to be had, nails to be clipped, and anal glands to be expressed. She knew something was up when I dropped her off at 7AM. Her separation anxiety almost got the better of her as she refused to go with the vet tech, but her resistance was futile. When I picked her up at about 4PM she was still a bit groggy from the anesthesia. But she was happy to see me. I was happy to see her too. There is something great when your dog is excited to see you.

She has to take some antibiotics for a few days, and she hates pills, but she came through the ordeal very well and her breath smells good, too.

She certainly would have a lot of issues to discuss at her doggie support group.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Opening Day Reflections

Opening Day Baltimore Orioles 2014

Springtime arrived, at least for a day. With temperatures soaring into the 60's and skies turning blue allowing the warming rays of the sun to do their work, it was an idyllic baseball day in Baltimore. The stadium was ready and beautiful bathed in the sunlight with the backdrop of the city to complete the image. The Orioles faithful arrived in droves decked out in orange and black enveloping and hiding the few outsiders who tried to represent for the visiting team.

A Sea of Orioles Orange

The home team players ran down the orange carpet to the cheers of the crowd and the excitement in the air was a prelude to the game which was to be played. 

Baseball is back on center stage. Despite it being opening day there was still a lot of talk in the stands about other sports, but baseball was the prime topic. This game pitted the Orioles against the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox and everyone knew that it would not be an easy game. The Red Sox are talented and demonstrated their ability to win close games last year. It was not to be this day as the hometown Orioles took a close, well pitched and played game from the Sox 2-1. 

Conflicted Fan

Highlights? There were a few. Like the conflicted fan. Although I have seen something like this before, I am always astounded when fans want to hedge against announcing which team they are cheering for. I did tell this nice person that I would be using this image in my blog today and she actually posed for the shot. Out of a deep love for the game, I guess I can appreciate her position being from the visitor's city but living here in the land of the Oriole's. It must be a tough life.

Patrick in the O's Maryland flag cap

Another game highlight was the Maryland flag Orioles cap that made its debut at the game. I wanted one of these caps, but by the time I got to the stadium store, they were sold out. Ugh. Why is it that Marylanders love their state flag so much that they want to wear it? I dunno, I guess because it, along with the Texas flag, is the coolest state flag in the country. 

It was a great afternoon of baseball and fun with nearly 47,000 of my new best friends. Sadly, I was late to the festivities and so I missed all of the pregame hoopla at the local watering holes this year with the boys. But, Opening Day is a special day for all of us. More than any other day of the year it is a celebration of springtime looking forward to the hot Dog Days of summer and the many hours of family, friends, and fun that lie ahead.

Walking Eutaw Street in the Stadium

Even better, the Orioles started out with a win! As did all who attended the afternoon game no matter which team they supported. It was a beautiful day after a long and hard winter.

Baseball is back!

Summer is around the corner.

Singing "Take me out to the ballgame" was fun and the crowds were real. Who cares that it took me almost an hour to get home after the game because the traffic was terrible? 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 31, 2014

Signs of Springtime

1. Happy Birthday Patrick!

Grills outside of Lowe's in the Rain

2. The snow blowers have been replaced by grills and tractors outside of Lowe's.

3. Trees along the street are budding.

4. Crocus and daffodils are blooming.

5. Cindy's Ice Cream officially opened in Elkridge, but they were closed because of the rainy weather both times I went to welcome them back from winter's grasp, or was it a Florida vacation.

6. Allergies are beginning. I am hoping for a better year this year.

7. Earthworms are on the move in the puddles and probably my pool.

8. The temperature has not been below 32 degrees for three days.

9. There is no snow in sight or in the forecast for my city.

10. MLB Orioles Home Opening Day has arrived!



-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

April Showers

Earthworm in a Puddle

I know that April has not yet arrived, but certainly that is the only explanation for the almost 2 inches of rain we have received during the past two days.

Using the standard conversion factor of 10 inches of snow to 1 inch of rain, I am thankful that we have not received 20 inches of snow. And the rain seems warm. I remember that at one point yesterday I closed my eyes and lifted my face up so that the rain could fall on my face and I could savor its relative warmth as a harbinger of Springtime.

I got wet! And I loved it.

Rain brings its own problems such as flooding and mud--but it also will encourage my lawn to grow and complete the transition from brown to green!

I saw another sure sign of Spring this morning, an earthworm trapped in a puddle of water. I actually took a moment to rescue the earthworm from certain death by drowning and toss it into the yard out of the puddle.

Finally, it truly is Spring when Cindy's, the ice cream shop, opens in Elkridge. It had a flag outside yesterday announcing that it was open despite the rain and cold!

These are all encouraging signs of the seasonal changes that are afoot.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Defiant Daffodils

While walking Makayla in the drizzling rain this morning, I spotted a small sight which brought warmth and happiness to fill my overcast disposition.

Daffodils are preparing to bloom in my neighbors yard along the driveway--even after the frigid temperatures and the snow of last week--there they were defiantly preparing to usher in the season which has so far been delayed.

Even the rain seemed warmer after I spotted the springtime flowers. Perhaps the snowy days are really behind and warmer days are ahead. I am now anxiously anticipating the annual transition of scenery from brown to green and the eruption of blooming plants to add color and diversity and end the season of drab and darkness.

I m almost afraid to write this, but feel compelled to announce, nine days after the official calendar designated date, "Spring has Sprung" and is coming to an yard near you, soon! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

More Light, More Work

One of the by products of additional daylight in the evening--a combination of daylight savings time and the days growing progressively longer until the summer solstice, is that life's work is never done and there also seems to be more of it.

I noticed it yesterday when I hit the streets after a grueling day at work. The evening never ended. There was an oil change for a vehicle, a stop at the grocery store, and a trip to the UPS center to retrieve a package which was just the beginning. The cover on Kitty got blown off by the wind, Cat needed a new registration sticker affixed, there were bills to write out, dinner to prepare--and it was still daylight out.  

As the light began to fade, so was my energy for the day which began at 5:30 AM on the racquetball court.

Long days. More work. Hmmmm! There may be a correlation here. I even thought about getting the tractor out--but the yard was still wet, too wet. 

At least the sunset is later and later every day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Visit Conundrum

Encouraging people to visit, but not wanting to visit when people are there is a situation that baffles me. 

People complain that they want others to go out of their way to drop by to visit, but then remain distracted by electronics or other activities which could be delayed during most of the visit.

When others make the effort to visit, they do not want to watch someone reading a book or sitting in a chair in the corner of the room playing a video game. When people arrive to visit, at the request or demand of the ones being visited, conversation and attention should ensue. 

The attitude of people who complain no one visits them, but then refuse to make themselves available when visitors arrive needs to change. Visitation, like conversation requires at least two people.

Just saying.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Last Snow of the Season

Last year on March 26th I wrote about the last snow of the season which had arrived on March 25th. 

This year, it is March 26th and I am again writing about what I hope is the last snow of the season--again.

Last year we at least had flowers peaking through the snow. 

This year we have just cold and snow.

But, hopefully it is the last snow. 

The final one.

And it was a light snow here--mostly a dusting even though it snowed all day there was no accumulation.

I find it coincidental that the last snow of 2013 and hopefully the last snow of 2014 occurred on the same date.

As long as it gets warmer, soon. I'm looking for the Spring flowers to start blooming. The T-Ball team that I help coach is supposed to have its first practice on Saturday. The forecast? Rain.

Orioles Opening Day is just 5 days away and the forecast is for 60 degrees and sun!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

After the Spring Training Trip

Championship Chandelier in Sarasota

By now everyone knows that I spent the weekend in south Florida watching baseball, drinking beer, and eating burgers.  I cannot say enough good things doubt my Spring Training experience.

What is the most memorable aspect of my trip? Access to the players. Saturday I stood by the bullpen in Port Charlotte talking to the relievers, including Troy Patton, during the game. They are living the dream and sometimes I don't even think they know how much guys like me would trade places with them in an instant. 

The Bird welcomes us to Sarasota

The Orioles looked good. I saw four games and they won two and tied two. The ties were against the other squads "A" teams--which bodes well for the season.

My 2014 Orioles season prediction: 96 wins, the division crown and World Series appearance. And the pitching staff will have at least one 20 game winner!

There, you have it.

My assessment of the Orioles after my Spring Training weekend. At this point they appear to be a complete team with depth at pitching and hitting with a strong defense. I cannot believe how blessed I was to be able to get to Florida and see my favorite baseball team play baseball, up close and personal. 

The sun was so warm, I had almost forgotten how good it felt. I got to see my favorite team, up close and personal. Wow! 

Mile Post at Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota, Florida

And then I came back to subfreezing cold wearing shorts and flu flops. I must have been a sight at the airport. What is wrong with this picture? 

Thankfully, it looks as if I won't have to endure shoveling snow with a sunburn today--but it was close. 

Opening Day is just 6 Days away!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD