First Killing Freeze

Frost on my Lighter Amid the Christmas Lights

This morning the temperature was 28 degrees as I rolled out of bed and there was no doubt--the first killing freeze of the season had happened last night.

Heavy frost was everywhere as the sun rose. I suppose this will bring our lengthy and colorful autumn to an end and the trees will rapidly lose their remaining leaves becoming bare trunks and branches prepared to stand against winter's coming onslaught.

Frost on my Windshield

The frost painted rooflines of the houses were a testament to the frigid temperatures. I was glad that I did not have to head off to work this morning because the frost on my windshield was so thick.

I suppose the frosty scene was fitting as I had put the Christmas lights into their place on Friday while the temperature during the day was still in the 60's.

While not complete, the exterior of the house is ready for the on-rushing Christmas season and the colder temperatures that come with it. The interior, however, is still devoted to the season of the turkey! It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is less than two short weeks away and then the sprint to the end of the year takes off.

As I watch the frost begin to melt in the strengthening sun of the day, I see the leaves that I need to move from the yard and a host of other pre-winter projects that need to be completed.

It is going be another beautiful autumn day filled with sunshine and temperatures in the 60's. 

I am going to enjoy the day while I can.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Beaches

Chris on Pismo Beach, California
November 6, 2016

Chris and I love beaches. Ocean beaches are preferred, but we can find peace and serenity on almost any beach.

This past summer we did not have many opportunities to relax on beaches. We did make the quick trip to the Bahamas during late-March and early-April which included all-to-brief beach time in both Florida and the Bahamas, but until last week that was pretty much the extent of our time in the sand.

Chris at Gavitoa State Park Beach, CA
November 5, 2016

Last week during our get away to California, we made it a point to be on a beach for part of every day except for our travel day back to Maryland. We enjoy the sound of the waves and I believe we are both more centered when we look out at the vastness of the ocean. 

We take a lot of images at the beach, mostly of the waves and the water. Only rarely do we catch each other in an image and I was able to get a couple good shots of Chris during our trip. The Gavitoa State Park Beach was interesting because of the train trestle. A passenger train traversed the trestle while we were there, but I was too slow with my camera. 

Seagull at Pismo Beach Pier, CA

I wasn't too slow, however, to capture a seagull as it prepared to fly away while we visited the Pismo Beach Pier.

Capturing wildlife on the beach is always fun. 

The Pismo Beach Pier was especially enjoyable as we spied, in addition to the seagulls, whale spouts in the distance and otters feeding just off the pier. I had never seen ocean otters before and I initially thought they were harbor seals. Silly me, harbor seals don't lay on their backs in the water and eat! Duh!

I know that I probably should be writing about the recent election or discussing the impending Thanksgiving holiday (which is less than two weeks away) but, beaches are far more interesting at this point.

There is plenty of time to write about politics and holidays. I spend far too little time looking out at the ocean and contemplating the vastness of the universe.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Ashtrays in Aircraft

I have taken two trips recently where I flew in an venerable Boeing 737 for too many hours. 

Ashtray in the 737 Facility Door

On both of the trips, that would be two roundtrips, I had occasion to use the restroom. 

I noticed something very strange during these trips. There is an ashtray in the door of the restroom. 

Smoking has not been allowed on US aircraft in 16 years. Yet, they still have an ashtray in the restroom door? 

That seems very strange to me. How difficult would it be to remove the ashtray? Why is it still there?

I guess it is one of those design items that they just can do away with. But certainly the restroom doors could be replaced.

I suppose the ashtray in the aircraft door is like an appendix, it does nothing except cause trouble.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Hotel Window - Los Angeles, CA, November 2016

Out the Hotel Window
Los Angeles, CA
November 7, 2016

The last evening of our get away trip, Chris and I spent in Los Angeles at one of the hotels near the airport.

The view out the hotel window was a lot better than the view out the hotel in Lompoc. At least we could see something other than bushes.

Out the Hotel Window
Los Angeles, CA
November 8, 2016

I took two images, one at night as we arrived at the room and the other in the morning so that I could see what was actually out there. 

The liquor store was prominent! Maybe the lighted sign was a clue.

Beyond the warehouse, however the view was far more interesting. It was going to be a beautiful day on Tuesday--but, I was to be trapped on an airplane for the better part of the day.

That is how some days are--especially travel days. I had to return to Maryland and the short vacation had to end.

The views I see out the hotel windows as I travel continue to change and amaze!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

We the People have Spoken

President-elect Trump

I woke up to a different America today. I admit that I had a pretty good idea what I was going to find when I finally went to bed after 11 PM last night.

In accordance with the Founding Father's plan for America, the people have spoken. Whether I agree with them or not is immaterial, "We the People" have decreed that there is going to be a new direction for our President and likely our country for the next four years beginning in January.

I think there are parallels between the British vote to exit the European Union (BREXIT) and the election of our new President. People are fed up with the way things are going and want something different, even if they do not fully understand the magnitude of the change for which they voted.

It is important to note that none of the four candidates for president (yes, there were four) achieved a majority of the popular vote--yet, because of the genius of the Electoral College, we have a President-elect and not a run off! People who call for getting rid of the Electoral College miss the importance and stability in our election process that the college provides. 

I was watching CNN on TV and following the New York Times election coverage on my laptop last evening. It became clear to me that the pundits and polls were wrong again. The sense that the election was going to be over early, was clearly not to be. 

I think we need to "tighten our seat belts and ensure that our tray tables and seat backs are in their full upright position." It is going to be a wild ride for a bit.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunsets of California

Sunset on Ventura Beach
November 4, 2016

During our short trip to the Left Coast, Chris and I have experienced some spectacular sunsets. There is something inspiring about the sun setting across the ocean. Watching the bright orb in the sky descend into the sea and the finely tendrils bathing the world in gold and then red hues. Sometimes, I find it interesting to put my back to the sun and see how the world is resounding to the sunset. 

Sunset on Pismo Beach Pier
November 6, 2016

I also look around to see what other things are in the sky. I found the moon the other evening, hanging there also watching the sunset. 

Sunset on Santa Monica Pier
November 7, 2016

But we experienced three different beach sunsets and enjoyed them all. It is amazing how cold it gets after the sun sets. 

I was always amazed at how many other people also come out to watch the sunset. 

The clouds make each one different. Last evening the sun went behind a cloud bank before actually setting and it muted the event a bit. But the sunset was still spectacular. 

What a great way to end the day, enjoying the colors of the sunset.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Los Angeles, CA

Monday Musings - November 7, 2016

At the Edge of the Reagan Library and Museum

1. Tomorrow is Election Day. I hope the winner can unite this fractured country.

Sunset, Pismo Beach, CA
November 6, 2016

2. One of the strangest signs that I have seen in a while was at the Reagan Library. I stood there for a while looking for a rattlesnake, but alas, one did not want to come out and play.

3. We have been enjoying sunsets on our trip to California, usually, from a beach somewhere. Last evening we enjoyed the early sunset from the pier on Pismo Beach.

4. "The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted, it belongs to the brave." Ronald Reagan 1986.

5. While visiting wineries in the Paso Robles area, we happened upon a covered bridge. It was very quaint! The winery was enjoyable, too.

Covered Bridge at
Halter Ranch Vineyard

6. I wonder what news will be reported once the election is over? Is the world still out there somewhere?

7. I have noticed that the exit ramps from California roads, especially US 101, are not a well identified and marked as back in Maryland. 

8. Tomorrow is election day. If you haven't yet, get out an vote. Make your voice heard.

9. Veteran's Day is on Friday this week. Hug a Vet and thank them for their service.

10. One of the hardest things to find while on a trip is decent coffee.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Out the Hotel Window - Lompoc, CA, November

Out My Hotel Window
Lompoc, CA
November, 2016

Sometimes, left to my own devices, I don't choose a hotel room for a view. Such is the case of our room in Lompoc on this trip. 

I wanted easy access and no stairs for dragging wine bottles into the room. After all, we are visiting wineries and planning to bring at least a case of wine back to Maryland with us in our trusty wine carrier. For that convenience,  little did I realize, I was be rewarded with a view of bushes outside my room. I almost feel as if I am underground. In addition, the window is extremely dirty and diffuses the light.

Sunset near Ventura, CA
November 4, 2016

I am disappointed, of course, because I would prefer to enjoy stunning vistas and spectacular sunsets, similar to what Chris and I experienced during our drive from Los Angeles to Lompoc on Friday.

Practicality overshadowed beauty on this trip. 

But we are having a great time and visited some great wineries while viewing some stunning scenery yesterday.

Today is another day and although the scene outside my hotel window won't change much, the scenery along my journey promises to be different.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Dream Big for America

Set against the backdrop of 2016 and perhaps the most contentious election in recent history filled with vulgarities and dirt almost never before seen, I visited the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, yesterday.

Outside the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

What a change. I think everyone needs to get in touch with how American politics used to be. When Reagan was elected, the Republicans did not control the House of Representatives--but the country still got things done. There was a dedication to America and the country and less to partisan politics.

Ronald Reagan had a vision for America--and it was a positive vision for the future. I saw a video of a Presidential Debate and the the words were firm but polite. Our current brand of politics have become thuggish. Where the 80's the good old days? Certainly not! Reagan took office facing out of control gas prices and double digit inflation. I remember the interest rate of the first house that Chris and I bought was 11.75 percent!!

Me Next to Reagan's Air Force 1
Tail Number 27000

The election of 1980 was not an election where the choice was the lesser of two evils, but rather it was a choice between two visions for America. The election was not filled with personal attacks, but rather it was defined by laying out a path for the future.

I cringe at the thought of the future right now. I wonder if either of our candidates has any vision for America's future other than becoming our next President.

Chris, Riding Next to President Reagan

Visiting the Reagan Library and Museum was almost a religious experience. I truly came into adulthood during the 80's and I grew up immersed in the issues facing America at that time. I remember how President Reagan took America by the reins and changed direction--not with words, but by actions.

In his State of the Union address during January 1984, President Reagan said, "America is too great for small dreams."

We are faced, during this election it seems, with  flawed and small dreams for America. We are faced with the vilest form of partisanism. Who is offering a choice and a vision for America and for everyone and not just select groups?

"I know our people will not fail America. They never have. Our task is to be sure our leaders do not fail the American people."
                                         Ronald Reagan, 1982

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Drone Games

Patrick's Karma drone

Patrick showed up on my doorstep the other evening with a great new toy: the GoPro Karma drone.

Nice.

We flew it around the neighborhood for a bit--and it is really nice. Much better than the inexpensive drone that I have. Mine is so light I don't even need to register it. 

The drone flies so easily--GPS and gyro stabilized. 

It was a lot of fun, but a bit scary because of the trees. 

I want one. 

I have no idea what on earth I would do with it, but I do want one to play with. 

I think the gyro stabilized images will be awesome. I'm looking forward to some daytime images of the house from the air!

Boys and toys. How true.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD