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

My Take - Boston Bomber Sentencing

It happened as expected, yesterday. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the surviving Boston bomber, was sentenced to death for the deaths and injuries he caused.

I'm not sure how I feel about the death penalty especially given the long process that will ensue before it is ever completed.

Maybe it would be better to leave the convicted in jail without the possibility of parole to consider the crimes they committed for as long as they live, rather than risk martyring them.

The news of brutal executions in the Middle East attributed to ISIL, the most recent coming just days ago as reported in the New York Times article about Grisly ISIS Video Seems aimed at Quashing Resistance,  has caused me to evaluate whether the legal system of the United States should continue to levy a penalty that is being ever more frequently and brutally imposed elsewhere in the world. 

I was encouraged to hear the condemned admit guilt and apologize for his crimes. I had been conflicted regarding his role and felt that perhaps he was heavily influenced by his brother. But in the end it was a fact that he committed the crimes.

Survivors

I pray that the survivors of the Boston bombing find peace, repair their lives and overcome what was violently taken from them on that day. Our focus should be on them, especially now that justice has spoken. We must assist them in rebuilding their lives and finding a way to live with the tragic events of that day and defeating the debilitating grief, injuries and losses they sustained.

The story should no longer be about the terrorist, it is about those who survived and remain and carry the emotional and physical scars of that day in and on themselves. Never forget, but overcome.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take - Confederate Symbols are not the Real Problem

The reactionary mood across the country, and especially by both South Carolina and Mississippi, to remove Confederate symbols in the wake of the tragedy in Charleston seems misguided. A New York Times article titled, Protests of Confederate Symbols Spreads Nationwide describes the activities underway in many areas. 

Attempting to remove Confederate symbols represents a new wave revisionist history and will only serve to move that turbulent period of American history further from the memory of most people. It may also serve to make the Confederate banner a more divisive part of our present struggles for identity and unity.

An interesting opinion piece in the Washington Post titled Here's what the debate over the confederate flag and state's rights really means points out some critically important issues that need to be addressed and how this nation needs to come to grips with one of the fundamental issues which contributed to the Civil War--States' rights.

With that written, it is also important to note that the Civil War continues to be known as the War of Northern Aggression in some areas of the country. This characterization is far more divisive and destructive than the banners associated with the Confederacy.

Americans died fighting for both sides during the brutal conflict. Roughly 620, 000 soldiers died during the Civil War compared with 644, 000 in ALL other conflicts combined. 

Even Maryland will be Dealing with the
Renewed Efforts to Ban Confederate Symbols

Similar to the gun debate, the Confederate symbols themselves  cannot commit a crime. Banning them does not prevent the problems nor the divergent views of people who commit heinous crimes against their fellow citizens.

My take is that banning the symbols and removing them from sale, as some stores are doing, will only make them more divisive and those who display them more rebellious and potentially more exclusive. They will become symbols of an underground groups who are support discriminatory and violent views contrary to the norms of society.

It is more important to educate people about the meaning of the symbols, their proper place in the American experience and as a reminder that we must be ever vigilant to ensure the strength of our Republic by balancing federal power and states' rights.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge. MD

When the Storm Passes, There is Light

Jeremy looking across a pond waiting
for our revised Tee Time

Saturday evening Tropical Depression Bill made its appearance on the Maryland region. That was concerning not only for the huge amounts of water which deluged the area and the locally heavy flooding, but also because we had a 5:45 AM Tee time the following morning.

The guys and I look forward to our golf outings. We get to spend time away on carefully groomed lawns hitting small white balls with impressive looking clubs. And we enjoy it.

I guess there is something almost prehistoric about it--using the clubs to bring home the prey.

Despite the heavy rains, which were just ending as we departed our homes about 5AM to head off to the course, we were undeterred. The weather report indicated that clear skies would develop shortly after dawn and the day would be fabulous.

It was Father's Day, after all. We just had to be able to play.

At the First Tee

As we checked in at the clubhouse, we were relieved to find the course was open, although there was some question as to whether the back nine would be playable. They asked us to delay about 15 minutes so they could finish ensuring the safety of the course.

By the time we teed off, the skies were clearing and the day was dawning perfect. And we were off for another morning of golf and competition.

Yes, there were some wet spots--and occasionally a ball hit into the middle of the fairway found a recently developed water feature, but all in all, it was a great morning for golf and we finished our round just as the day started to get hot and humid.

In retrospect, we made a good decision to head off to the course and were rewarded by playing a fun round of golf.

Sometimes we just need to press on with our plans and not worry too much about the weather!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 22, 2015

1. Happy Monday. Summer officially began yesterday at 12:39 PM EDT. It has finally arrived.

Father's Day

2. Happy Father's Day bleated wishes to all of the father's. I had a great day and even took a day off from my blog to play golf and spend time with my family. 

3. Druids--where are the druids when you need them to help celebrate the solstice?

4. The US Open, golf tournament, was been very exciting. Congratulations to Jordan Spieth on his victory.

5. The Orioles played one of those wild and crazy games where they blew a 7-0 lead and were losing 9-7 before finally winning in Toronto yesterday 13-9. There were a lot of hits and many exciting plays. Perhaps the O's are beginning to get into that winning form again.

6. Describe the perfect Father's Day? Get up early and hit the golf course followed by a day long celebration with all of the assembled family punctuated by a phone call from those who could not attend. 

7. Chris hosted an end-of-the-year party for her school on Friday. It was a great way to place the final period on the 2014-2015 school year. It was a good for me to reconnect with many of the people she works with.

8. Just a note, while the summer solstice is frequently referred to as the longest day of the year, the truly longest day is coming on June 30, 2015 when we will get to experience a leap second. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

We Are Different, because of Forgiveness

I grimly watched the bond hearing for the man who murdered nine people in Charleston, South Carolina. 

I, like many Americans, am in shock that someone could enter into a church, pray with people for over an hour and then kill nine members of the congregation in cold blood. 

But at the bond hearing yesterday, which was televised, I heard something that reminded me why Christ-following Americans, are different from much of the world. Despite losing loved ones in a violent and tragic way, many of the relatives who addressed the murderer forgave him and asked God to be merciful with him. One quote from the session as reported in the Washington Post article titled, From victims’ families, forgiveness for accused Charleston gunman Dylann Roof is below:

At Roof’s bond hearing, Nadine Collier, the daughter of 70-year-old shooting victim Ethel Lance, was among those who addressed him. “I forgive you,” Collier said, her voice breaking. “You took something very precious from me. I will never talk to her again. I will never, ever hold her again. But I forgive you. And have mercy on your soul.”

I was also amazed at the opening words of the judge who urged people to remember that there were victims and hunting people on both sides of this crime, those who lost loved ones as well as the family of the murderer.

We are different because we retain the concepts of mercy and forgiveness. 

I was appalled at the reaction of the Fox Newscaster Gretchen Carlson who seemingly could not comprehend the compassion that the relatives of the victims showed towards the killer. It almost seemed that she wanted them to utter forth the wrath of God upon his soul--but they did not. Even in the middle of their most personal pain and grief they forgave him.

And that is what makes us different from much of the rest of the world.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

School Year Endings

Today is the last day of school for Howard County, Maryland. While I no longer have any children actually attending school in Howard county, my life is closely affected by the schedule because Chris works for the school system.

And so, it is with much relief and some trepidation that I announce that it is time for Summer Vacation! Eight weeks, a very short time, to plan and execute vacations and dreams that will last for another whole year.

I remember when I was in school and I looked forward to summer vacation. Actually, I looked forward to not going to school. Some summers the time off just dragged on endlessly, but I always found ways to fill the time and generally did not complete the list of chores that I was left with on a daily basis.

Summer Vacation 2013

It was a time different from today. There were no video games or computers and the TV consisted of four channels--ABC, NBC, and two CBS offerings. Staying inside the house on a sunny day was not an option. Exploring the rural countryside in which I lived was the plan of the day. Every day.  

The freedom of summers eventually went away during High School. I either worked at a camp or worked at a job. But even so, it was time off from studying and the grind of read, lecture, study, and test. 

To all of the teachers--enjoy the summer and may all of your dreams come true. Some of you are completing distinguished careers in education and will not be returning to the classroom during August, enjoy your newfound freedom! You have earned it.

To the students--this is the best time of your life. Make something of your summer. Don't lose it by believing that there will be time tomorrow.  Tomorrow is there for you to experience something different yet again.

Although I do not celebrate summer vacation anymore, I enjoy the memories and vicariously experience the joy of eight weeks of freedom through those around me.

Happy Summer Vacation. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

New Technology Creates Long Lunch Lines

The cafeteria at work experienced a technology upgrade two weeks ago. 

They received new computers, or cash registers I'm not sure which, that have created nothing but problems.

It is clear that the people manning the checkout positions did not receive any training before hand. The new systems, while shiny and new are slow and there have been long lines to checkout ever since they got the new computers.

I have noticed some other things about the newly deployed systems. They require the cashiers to move through multiple menus to document and record purchases. The old systems had everything on the same screen. From this standpoint, the ergonomics of the new machines seem bad. They are, in a word, cumbersome. I am afraid there will always be lines because more inputs are required to complete a transaction.

Sometimes the new shiny technology isn't better than the older proven systems.

I don't like standing in long lines for lunch because my hot food turn cold.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tiki Torch Statue

Lighted Tiki Torch Statue

Until last evening, I never thought of Tiki torches as art objects.
But now, I have my own Tiki torch monument. It appeared, magically yesterday afternoon. Chris had a great ideas and executed it as a tropical surprise.

And it comes in different forms--there is the normal appearance and the lighted view.

Maybe it is my own personal statue. I think it actually looks like lighted umbrellas in a stand. 

But it is a nice sight around the pool and it goes well with the beach decor. 

It was an interesting coincidence as last evening was also the first time that I noticed the fireflies were making their presence known. It was nice to see them back making the trees sparkle in the waning light. 

I hope the fireflies stay away from the Tiki torches.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Weekend Projects

In the middle of the project

New light fixtures to replace old and dated fixtures with new LED style lights topped the weekend list of home improvement projects.

The weekend was characterized by a relaxed, yet productive approach to routine maintenance projects. There is always so much to do around the house. 

Between the yard and updating the 24 year old infrastructure to keep it current, there is more than enough to keep me busy. 

New LED energy efficient light

I am truly amazed. I would love to laze in the pool all day, but the house would quickly become a maintenance nightmare.

It is better to keep up with it. 

I couldn't afford to get behind it. In thinking about it, home maintenance really fuels the economy. I just replaced the heat pump  and two years ago there was a new roof. 

I guess it all keeps the economy moving.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD