O's v Nat's

The annual beltway series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Nationals is underway. 

The MLB schedulers certainly have come up with a good plan by ensuring that these two teams face each other in a four game 2 and 2 series each year. What does that mean? They play four games with two games in each stadium. 

The O's are doing well this year having won the first three games, with the last game to play tonight.

Last evening was a significant game, however, because Zach Britton's Orioles record of over 43 appearances without being scored upon was broken as the Nats scored a run late in the 9th inning. At least he got the team out of the wild 9th inning that saw the Nats score 5 runs to make the final score 10-8.

But it is a win! 

The O's are now only one game behind the tied division leading Bluejays and Red Sox. 

As the season slides closer to September, every game becomes that much more important. An ugly win is still a win! And to get into the post-season, the team needs wins!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cool Evening

Not My Feet!

I walked outside last evening, barefoot, to get the mail. I noticed the cool evening air, in the 70's, and low humidity. I was struck by the contrast of last week's unbearable temperatures with stress indexes in the 100's. 

But last evening was markedly different. I could feel the summer season beginning to pass right before me. I enjoyed stepping onto the still warm pavement of the driveway as I walked the hundred or so paces to the mailbox. 

It was an exciting feeling--the coolness of the evening air and the warmth of the pavement beneath my feet.

I see more 90 degree days in the immediate forecast, but I know that they are becoming less prevalent. It is August, after all, the transition month from the ecstasy of the summer to the dark times of winter. The arrival of September brings changes as leaves fall and frosts arrive to paint colors onto the canvass of the scenery.

I did enjoy the coolness of the evening air, just as I enjoyed the 60's of this morning as I let the dog out. But I miss the dog days, which by some reckoning ended on about August 11th. Summer is slipping away!

How did it pass so quickly?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Troy Whittemore Classic - 2016

Sunday, I played in the Troy Whittemore Classic Golf Tournament at the Trumansburg Golf Course in Upstate NY.

It was the third annual offering of the event designed to remember my very special nephew and fund the scholarship established in his name.

I really enjoy the weekend, remembering Troy and his special humor and life along with many of his friends that I have come to know. 

Best Dressed Golfer?

The tournament is a lot of work and I know it is a labor of love for one of Troy's best friends--Mike Kasel, and we all appreciate the hard work that he puts into getting everyone off on time. While this year's tournament included a drought ending rainstorm--it was a drought ending rainstorm, however, which was a good thing. It did not dampen the spirits of those who attended.

The rain, however, did cause some fun on the course. Once I donned my rain jacket, which did not go well with my outfit, I was an interesting sight. I ran across another golfer similarly attired. Which one pulls the look off the best?

Thanks to the golf course and thanks to Mike and his family and friends for all of their hard work. I am already looking forward to next year's tournament.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 22, 2016

Troy Whittemore Classic
Trumansburg Golf Club
August 21, 2016

1. I experienced a drought-breaking rainstorm in Central New York yesterday. Unfortunately, it happened while I was in the middle of a golf tournament. And it all began so peacefully.

2. I did get to play 36 holes of golf over the weekend.

3.  The Orioles are suffering through a mid-August drought of their own. They are 1-5 in their last 6 games!


4. I did finally get a good image of a hummingbird in flight at my Dad's feeder! I successfully stalked the hummingbird.

5. School is beginning in some Maryland counties. Drive safely!

6. Hate is unacceptable and often directed at the wrong people. An article in the Washington Post made me very upset that people can be so shallow!

7. The Olympics are over. Congrats to the U.S. team! They represented us well by bringing home 121 medals.

8. Want to know your trash score? How eco-friendly you are? Check out the quiz from the Washington Post.  

9. It is good to be home again. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Stalking the Elusive Hummingbird

I find hummingbirds to be fascinating. They are so quick at everything that it is hard to get an image of them. Chris and I have been unable to consistently attract them at our house.

I sat in my parents back deck this morning trying to get a good image of a hummingbird at the feeder. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. They seemed to know when I looked away and then swooped I. To feed. By the time I took the image, the hummingbird was gone.

I did manage this one image of a hummingbird trying to decide whether to feed. I wouldn't call it spectacular, but it was the only one that I managed to obtain during over 30 minutes.

It was a beautiful and clear morning. Hopefully it foretells another fantastic day.

The hummingbird stalker was mildly successful.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY

As the Mist Rises

Driving through northern Pennsylvania last evening as the sun was setting Chris and I saw the fog, or was it a mist, rising from the low areas. It had just rained to quench the parched and hot earth. I could almost smell the wet earth in the scene.

It was pretty. The clouds, the setting sun, the hills, and the mist created a visually stimulating sight. It was more beautiful to me because I have been living in flat areas. I do enjoy the beauty of the scene.

It was a beautiful evening. One to remember and fun to observe as I was driving. I still enjoy the sunrise more, however.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY

Pokemon-Go Rocks

I am hooked on this game.

I have been able to kill a lot of dead time by chasing and capturing Pokemon. 

It was fun to play in the airports while on vacation. It was fun to play in a restaurant last evening while waiting for the other couple to join us. 

The game has brought my family closer together because so many of us are playing it. We even went out as a group the other day looking for Pokemon and conquering two gyms. 

Even while the evening thunderstorms were crashing around us and the television went out, we played the game.

It is a great diversion. It has provided something to do other than watching the Orioles lose, listen to the political pundits, or even watching the Olympics.

Tonight, I leveled up to level 13!

I caught four new creatures (Pokemon) and generally had a great time.

Keep the Pokemon coming!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Completed Repairs

The truck is fixed!

Yay!

My Truck -- Hauling

It is back on the road and has already been loaned out to do some hauling. 

I think all of the broken things that occurred over our vacation have been repaired!

The pool is back and supported a swimming extravaganza today. The washer continues to run and now my truck is repaired.

I think it is strange that it seems that there are more repairs to do than what the vehicle went in for--but my truck does have almost 180,000 miles on it. I probably really needed a new serpentine belt and tensioned, a muffler and tailpipe along with the broken transmission line.

But it should be good for another year!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Olympics Provide a Political Respite

The news continues to be dominated by the Olympics and the exploits of the athletes from around the world excelling in their sports.

It is a great relief from the droning of the US political landscape. 

I know what is coming--the 84-ish day sprint to the election.

Our two presidential candidates are similar:

One has a body of work fraught with failure and the other couldn't recognize the truth if it had a lighted sign on it. 

I believe that the above statements may apply to both of them.

At least the Olympics has provided a different kind of drama, such as:

Who will be the next olympian to be robbed at gunpoint on the streets of Rio?

Will the US Men's gymnastics team win a medal at the Olympics? Actually they won a bronze the other day--their only medal. The women's team has thus far earned 7 medals.

Who will win the decathlon?

Has Michael Phelps really retired, or will he be back in four years to win more Olympic gold?

I wish the Olympics would continue until mid-November, maybe then we wouldn't have to suffer through the onslaught of mud slinging that is ahead.

Someday I want to go to the Olympics so that I can hear the chant: U S A, U S A! I heard it in a World Cup Soccer playoff game once--and it was awesome!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 15, 2016

1. I saw the constellation Orion rising in the eastern sky this morning. Summer is coming to an end. The stars were beautiful, however.

2. Despite the oppressive heat, I managed to get in a round of golf yesterday. I wish I had played better, but there were some definite highlights.

Big Cork Vineyards
August 14, 2016

3. While we were chatting over an afternoon glass of wine listening to some oldies being played by a guitarist at our favorite Maryland Winery, Big Cork, Chris remarked, "I hope we never get so old that we stop enjoying trying something new." 

4. While the Orioles have slipped into second place in the American League East, they pulled off a stunning comeback win yesterday. Trailing 7-1 after 5 innings, and then training 7-5 in the top of the 9th, they won 8-7. The Orioles are now 2-48 when trailing after 8 innings of baseball.

5. The evening thunderstorm provided some temporary relief from the heat yesterday. 

6. August is half over. It is hard to believe. Summer is ending.

7. I am beginning to believe that Labor Day is my least favorite holiday because in a sense it marks the end of summer and the beginning of the autumn season. 

8. The Olympics continues to dominate! The stories of the athletes are compelling, but the stories of robberies on the streets of Rio are scary.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD