Signs of Spring

Bleeding Hearts in Bloom

During the two days of warm weather last week, every tree and plans, it seemed, expended pent-up energy and blossomed forth only to be greeted this morning by temperatures below freezing. The temperature has dipped to 29 degrees this morning.

Weeping Cherry Tree in Blossom
April 17, 2018

Many of the plants don't really care much about the cold temperatures, but I did receive a report this morning from wine country in Virginia that the vineyards were working to protect the grape vine buds due to freezing temperatures. 

Around the house, however, there are the signs of Springtime's arrival. I flew Radio Flyer yesterday to document the greening of the yards and the area around the house. It was encouraging to see the green replacing the brown of winter. The winds aloft were high, but my drone handled them very well.

Aerial Shot of the Greening
April 17, 2018

The bleeding hearts are up and blossoming, there grass is turning green, and the weeping cherry tree is finally getting some blooms, although the weather has certainly reduced the density of the blossoms this year.

I hope the cold breaks soon! It is time to get onto outdoors activity. The GORC Dodgers had practice last evening and it was very cold with temperatures only in the 40's. 

Spring is coming and may even be here. It is just hiding.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Return of the Cold and Wet

It was too good to be true!

The cold weather has returned and the rains have come very strong washing away some of the mulch Chris and I recently placed in our gardens.

I am longing for warmer weather.

Much warmer weather.

In reviewing the forecast I am struck that today's expected high of 49 degrees is almost 40 degrees cooler than last Friday's actual 88 degree temperature.

Who turned off the heat?

10-Day Forecast for Elkridge, MD

While the 10-day forecast does show a warming trend into the 60's, and dryer conditions, it is still going to be too cool to consider opening the pool.

Even worse, we have baseball practice tonight and a game on Thursday! Hopefully the fields will be dry enough to practice tonight after the torrential rains of the past few days. 

Life goes on, it just could be warmer! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 16, 2018

1. Tax Day is tomorrow! We all know what that means!

2. The two 80 degree days last week are sorely missed right now. The rain is falling and it is cold.

3. NHL Hockey: Penguins win, lead series 2-1. Capital lose, losing series 0-2.

Blue Mash Golf Course
A gray and cold day
April 15, 2017

4. Baseball: Orioles lose again, will not make my prediction for first 17 games. Currently are 5-11 and today's 17th game of the season is rained out, already.

5. I played a round of golf yesterday. The temperature dropped from the 50's into the 40's while I was playing. It was another raw, cold round of golf. My score reflected my lack of enthusiasm. I took an image of the day. The course is hosting a US Open Playoff Tournament, I don't think I'm anywhere near ready for that, but it was nice to play on a course preparing for that caliber of golf.

6. I wonder what new craziness will emerge from Washington this week? I'm not sure it can top last week.


Headlines

In Interview, Comey Calls Trump ‘Morally Unfit’ and a ‘Stain’ on All Around Him - The New York Times

CALLS GROW TO BOYCOTT STARBUCKS AFTER TWO BLACK MEN ARRESTED FOR NOT MAKING ORDER - Newsweek

Barbara Bush in failing health, won't seek further treatment - CNN


Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"My foremost responsibility is our national security, just as it is the prime duty of Congress to appropriate the necessary resources to keep our defenses strong. This is our duty, not only to America but to the cause of human freedom. It's also our job to make sure that every tax dollar we spend, we spend well."

Radio Address to the Nation on the Defense Budget, March 1, 1986

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Season has Begun

Jax at 3rd
April 14, 2018

The official beginning of the youth baseball season occurred yesterday with the GORC Dodgers defeating the Crofton Orioles 16-8. It was only a 4 inning affair due to the slowness of the game. 

Post-game Meeting
April 14, 2018

All of the kids played great. 

We were actually behind after two innings after giving up a grand slam; however, the boys responded over the next two innings with two home runs  of their own, including one by Jax, and some solid base running. It was very interesting that both of our pitchers each hit a homer. Jax pitched two solid innings and looked great on the mound, in the field, and at the plate.

It was a great start to the season. The two teams meet again on Thursday in Crofton to complete the home-and-home series.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

13-13-13

Yesterday was one for the record books. 

It is a day that will never repeat in all of its interesting permutations. 

The Cake! 

Beginning with the obvious--

It was April 13th.

It was Friday, hence it was also Friday the 13th.

It was Thomas Jefferson's birthday! Just throwing this in, because the most important aspect of the day is yet to come.

The Teenager

It was Ethan's 13th birthday! 

Our oldest grandson became a teenager! While the party was somewhat subdued, I am sure the next few years will be exciting.

In addition to the combination of 13's, the weather for the day was spectacular. The high was 87 degrees and the skies were clear. The day was a taste of more to come, but after a similar day today, it will be over 10 days before we see temperatures in the 80's again. 

The day was a unique combination of 13s and weather. And now, since we have successfully made it past the 13th--cue Springtime.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Taste of Springtime

Lucas, Jeremy, Chris, and I with Ted, Finn, and Makayla
April 12, 2018

Jeremy and Ted
April 12, 2018

It finally happened yesterday. The temperatures climbed into the 70s with a bright sun and blue skies!

It seemed as if Spring had finally shaken off the lingering effects of Winter and decided to make an appearance almost one month late.

It turned into a great afternoon in which Lucas could finally get some time in on his new bike, which had been waiting for nice weather since January. Chris, Jeremy, and I along with the dogs walked Luke over to the school where he got some good time in riding his bike.

We were not the only people enjoying the warm afternoon. Radio Flyer even flew to document the activity, although the winds were a bit gusty and I had to keep it close. 

It was an enjoyable outdoor activity during a time when there just has not been the opportunity to get outdoors. 

There are more days like this on tap, finally! Let the Springtime roll!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

In Summary

The White House
December 2016

So much has been happening in the news lately. It can rally make one's head spin.

There is so much stuff coming out of Washington that it makes trying to understand what is happening to the country and our leadership very difficult.

Being away on vacation, I tried hard not to get too involved in everything happening, but the discussions and recriminations are everywhere and affecting every aspect of this country. 

An opinion column in The Washington Post titled, Trump is making less sense than ever, lays out things that happen and seem to make no sense. 

Then there is Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, deciding not to run for office again. I am not entirely sad to see him go, however, I am concerned that any voice of reason for the Republican Party has been lost. 

On top of the insanity in Washington, there are chemical attacks and retaliations in Syria that are threatening to further embroil the region in deeper conflict. 

There is also the Facebook mess. I think the Facebook problems may be overblown in an attempt to overshadow the other problems in Washington. 

I'm not sure where this is all heading, but it cannot be good.

Quote for the Day:

A people that values its privileges above its principles soon less both.  - President Dwight D. Eisenhower

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Back in the Routine

Late Arrival of Spring
April 10. 2018

Although it is Wednesday morning, I am only just beginning get into the routine of my life again.

The Neighborhood
April 10, 2018

I am not in a warm, sunny place. 

Landing in Baltimore yesterday morning the cruel reality of the lingering Winter was evident.  The trees are still not bursting with leaves. The cold is slowing their progression from naked branches into leafy shade-giving trees providing relief from the blistering sun.

I could use some blistering sun.

I flew Radio Flyer yesterday and took some images just to document the late arrival of Spring and the leaves on the trees. 

I have not even begun to plan my pool opening date yet. It is slipping later and later into May. I hope it is warm by Memorial Day.

I hope the weather turns soon. It is supposed to be nice this weekend, but then turn cold again. At least I haven't had to mow the lawn yet.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Leaving Paradise

Me on the Beach

As the jet took-off from Ft Lauderdale this morning shortly after 6AM, I was struck by the hard reality that my beach time had come to an end.

Sadly, a real end. 

The Ocean (Left) and Intercoastal (right)
Radio Flyer in the Skies
April 9, 2018

Yesterday I was on the fifth different beach of our vacation, flying Radio Flyer, my drone, in the bright warm sunlight. Today I was flying out of Florida under the over of darkness!

What a difference a day makes. At 9AM I was standing in the 30-degree weather at BWI waiting to be picked up and ushered home.

It is always great to be home, but this time I would be greater to stay warm.

Jupiter Lighthouse
April 9, 2018

We visited the Intercoastal Waterway Beaches yesterday. Radio Flyer made a great first flight, but then the day began to cloud and the winds began blowing at unsafe speeds.  

In the evening, we celebrated the end of another great Florida vacation by enjoying a couple cold ones at The Square Grouper and watching the weather form around the Jupiter Lighthouse.

It is over.

I didn't even have time to write the blog this morning, but I did edit the video on the plane.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 9, 2018

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
April 8, 2018

1. Sadly, today begins my last full day in Florida. Tomorrow it is back to the gray and cold of the northern states. 

2. Vacations are nice, especially when the most difficult question has been, which beach should we go to?

3. The Orioles have possibly righted the listing Birdland ship by taking a 4-game series from the Yankees 3-1. They are now 4-6 for the season, but sadly are close to my 7-10 prediction for the first 17 games. 

4. There has been something really great about walking outside and being greeted by warm, moist weather. 

5. The Masters provided a fantastic finish yesterday. Golf can be riveting with nail-biting finishes. 

Squadron of Pelicans
Jupiter Island
April 5, 2018

6. My big question for the day, should I play golf or go to the beach this morning?

7. Annoying habits of other drivers on the road: pulling in front without signaling. It would seem that in today's environment of increased distracted driving that people should win a Darwin Award for doing this. 

8. Watching the birds on the beach is a relaxing pastime. The pelicans have been flying in large flocks all week long. We usually only see them in small groups, but this week we have seen flocks (squadrons) numbering more than 40. 



HEADLINES

As Trump Seeks Way Out of Syria, New Attack Pulls Him Back In - The New York Times

North Korea Said to Offer Direct Assurance It Will Discuss Denuclearization - The New York Times

‘I know I don’t need it’ An AR-15 owner explains the allure. - The Washington Post

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"My foremost responsibility is our national security, just as it is the prime duty of Congress to appropriate the necessary resources to keep our defenses strong. This is our duty, not only to America but to the cause of human freedom. It's also our job to make sure that every tax dollar we spend, we spend well."

Radio Address to the Nation on the Defense Budget, March 1, 1986

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida