Pool Opening Day

It has arrived!

Finally!

The Pool
Morning May 16, 2017

Pool opening day is here and I have taken the day off to get the summer season into full swing. This is the latest that I have ever opened the pool. But, the weather has been problematic this year.

It is 50 degrees outside and I know that by the end of the day I will be hot and sweaty--but it will feel so good.

I remember that I used to open the pool on the first weekend of April. Then the date began to migrate towards the end of April. This year I planned for the first weekend in May--but two weekends of cold weather have brought me to mid-May with the hopes of seeing the clear water and beginning the pool season.

I have already reconnected the plumbing and installed the pump, so some of the basic work is done. It is a matter of removing the cover and vacuuming the dirt from the winter and adjusting the chemicals. If only it were as easy as I make it sound.

Let the summertime begin! Temperatures are supposed to get into the 90's later this week. Finally. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 15, 2017

1. It is the Ides of May! At least it isn't a tax due date like the Ides of April.

2. Finally, we had some idyllic weather for celebrating an observance outside!

3. Chris has another fire pit! This one is a bit more permanent and burns wood. There will be more projects associated with it, of tis I am sure.

Chewbacca at Night

4. Dogs look creepy when imaged at night with a flash camera!

5. I am amazed that some drivers can get from point A to point B. Their basic driving skills seem lacking. Don't stop on the on-ramp and wait for a hole in traffic!

6. There is something invigorating about a blue sky and a bright sunny sunrise!

Headlines

North Korea’s Kim celebrates test of ‘perfect weapon system’ - The Washington Post

Ransomware’s Aftershocks Feared as U.S. Warns of Complexity - The New York Times

What’s Next for Comey? Probably Not ‘a Normal Job’ - The New York Times

The Age of the MP3 Is Officially Over - Time Magazine

Quote for the Week

"A passage in Proverbs describes the ideal woman, saying: 'Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.'" Ronald Reagan Radio Address to the Nation on the Observance of Mother's Day, May 7, 1983

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

Chris and Mom

Today, I want to pay a special tribute to two of the very special mother's in my life, my Mom and my Wife--two women who have teamed up to make me who I am today. They deftly handed-off responsibility for me a few decades ago and have teamed up ever since to encourage me to do the things I would rather not do, like go to the doctor, to help maintain my health and enthusiasm for life.

Nicole with Ethan and Jax
Niagara Falls 2016

And another mother in my life is my daughter, Nicole, who is a dynamic mom in her own right with two busy boys to keep her moving all the time. 

These are three generations of mom's in my life who all deserve celebration on this special day. Thanks for all that you do!

To all the mom's everywhere--take some time to celebrate this special day, just for you, whether it be breakfast in bed or some simpler acknowledgement, you are truly special.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flowers of Spring

Irises Along the Street

The appear in many places during the Springtime. Flowers!

Sometimes they can be stunning, such as this group of irises I discovered while walking along the street after the strings concert at Waugh Chapel Elementary School.

I was impressed by the irises and I remembered that we used to have some, but they never prospered like these clearly have done.

I see the flowers of Springtime everywhere, I just need to look for them.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Golf Fun for the Open

I read an interesting article about a golfer that claimed he was a professional and then played a U.S. Open qualifying round and shot a 127. This was definitely not a Tin Cup experience.

I could do that.

Easily.

I love golf, but I know that any idea I have of ever playing in the U.S. Open is a pipe dream.

I don't think I would ever try to enter a prestigious event like a U.S. Open qualifier--but, I am impressed that Clifton McDonald played all 18 holes and carded a 127!

I've been there when I started playing golf and I know how hard it is to make good shots on some days!

Some days are great, but most are mediocre. But, like I say, a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day in the office!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cue the End of the School Year Events

Jax in the Back

Last evening was one of the first of the lasts. Waugh Chapel Elementary School held their performing arts concerts and Jackson, known better as a lights out third baseman for the GORC Intramural U10 Pirates, performed as a member of the orchestra on his, if you can believe it, violin!

I was late to the concert, due to traffic and poor planning on my part, but I did enjoy seeing him perform. Tonight we will be on the baseball field and there will be no talk of violins or concerts, but last evening, Jax was front and center, OK--he was in the back row, of the third grade strings section.

Jax with Violin

And so it begins, the series of lasts associated with the impending end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation. I have many fond memories of summertime and roaming the hills around our house in Central New York. And I remember all of the "lasts" associated with the end of the school year. The last game, concert, or test. I guess my favorite last was the last day of school! That is truly the best last of all.

The end of the school year is a time for celebration, and the "lasts" just help to make the most of each opportunity.

Good job last evening Jax!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The White House Circus

What a news day.

FBI Director Comey

The FBI director is fired and the former National Security Advisor's illegal ties to the Russians are uncovered.

What is the real story here?

Former National Security Advisor
Flynn

The real story is that being a public servant in America today requires a lot of sacrifice and it also requires integrity.

Apparently, some of the public servants appointed by the new administration or hold overs from the previous administration do not have the required level of integrity. 

We are learning so much about those who would lead our country. Not all of it is good.

Why is there so much dirt in D.C.?

It seems as if there is new bad story every day. 

Why do people who should know better try to do things they should not?

It makes no sense.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Night Baseball

It was a great baseball night.

OPACY
Nationals vs Orioles
May 8, 2017

I was at OPACY to see the Orioles defeat the Nationals. The evening was beautiful as the sun began to sink low on the horizon, but the temperatures were cold. I was dressed in a winter coat to defend off the chill from the too cold wind.

The game got off to a great start with three Orioles homers during the first inning to charge off to a 4-0 lead and then settled into a closely played baseball game which saw the home team hold on for a 6-4 win.

The game ended on a crazy double play which saw a ball hit to first base for the first out and subsequently tagged the runner from third to home on a rundown. 

Baseball even at the professional level can be very interesting at times. 

In other baseball news, as Watched the Orioles defeat the Nationals, I was keeping a close eye on the GORC Intramural U10 Dodgers who shook off the heartbreaking Sunday loss and won their game 17-1. 

It was a great Monday for baseball.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 8, 2017

1. Orioles complete a weekend sweep of the White Sox to get back onto their winning ways as the season begins to get serious.

2. Rain and cold can seriously change plans for activities.

3. Pool opening has been rescheduled for May 13th due to the weather. 

4. I completed my weekly lawn mowing in the cool rain, it was not a lot of fun.

5. The GORC Intramural U10 Dodgers played a great game yesterday but fell in a difficult 3-1 loss. 

Headlines

6. Warning: We are not Ready for the Next Pandemic - Time

7. Emmanuel Macron’s unlikely path to the French presidency - The Washington Post

8. Everything you need to know about trade economics, in 70 words - The Washington Post

9. North Korea Detains Another American, State Agency Says - The New York Times

Quote for the Week

"We live our dreams. We make them come true. Our ideas and energies combine in a dynamic force -- the kind of force that made the developments and breakthroughs and discoveries in this building possible."

Ronald Reagan

Remarks at Dedication Ceremonies for the U.S. Pavilion at the Knoxville International Energy Exposition (World's Fair) in Tennessee, May 1, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rain and Cold

I am always amazed how the weather can really affect planned activities.

Our new Hibiscus

Yesterday was supposed to be filled with baseball and outdoors fun and because of the rain it turned into a day of helping with a major decking project and then some evening relaxation.

Our new hibiscus bravely bloomed against the dreary conditions, but its lone flower was almost snuffed by the gloom.

The gray overcast rainy yesterday has turned into a bright and sunny but cold today. The temperature this morning was 44 degrees. But the bright sun is shining and the sky is blue!

Hopefully, today's outdoor activities will go off as planned, even though a coat may be required. Tonight is expected to be even colder!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD