Robin and the Snake

Robin with Nest Building Material
Elkridge, MD
May 12, 2020

The wildlife around the house were engaged in unusual activity yesterday. The good news is that by the mid-afternoon my allergy medicine finally overcame the impact of the pollen on my immune system and I was able to actually spend a few hours outside. 

First, we discovered that some enterprising robins were building a nest in one of our hanging flower pots. It was entertaining to watch them fly into the middle of the flowers and rustle around as they placed their building materials. I even caught an image of one of the robins with nest building materials in its beak headed for the hanging flower in the image. The bird was definitely determined and was not deterred by my presence in the yard. Chris and I were able to watch the activity from the dining room window. For some unknown reason, however, by the end of the day it appeared that the birds had abandoned the project. I was a bit sad that the project was abandoned because I was planning to install a camera above the nest to capture the activity. Maybe they grew uncomfortable with our presence on the porch and in the yard as we were doing some yard work. 

Portion of a Snake on the Pool House Roof
Elkridge, MD
May 12, 2020

The second really unusual thing that we discovered was a small snake on the roof of the pool house. Of course, we were a bit mystified at how a snake could manage to be on the roof of the pool house and I even went into the pool house attic to look for evidence of snakes. Fortunately, I did not see any signs of snakes in the attic. So, I collected my ladder and went onto the roof to remove the snake's remains and noticed that the head was missing. The missing head led me to believe that the snake was collected as a meal by a bird which left most of the body on the roof. I did not examine the snake to determine what type of snake. It did not appear to be a Common Gartersnake, but it had been baking in the sun for a while. Regardless, it was strange to see a snake on the roof--they just do not belong there.

Even the wildlife are doing strange things during the coronavirus stay-at-home orders. It is a difficult time for humans and wildlife.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Revenge of the Allergies

It happened over the night. My allergies kicked into high gear early Sunday morning and I have been a miserable mess since. 

It is not supposed to happen like this! I faithfully get allergy shots every two weeks and visit my allergist three or four times per year to check-up on how things are going. The past couple years have been great, but not so this year. 

Maybe my trips to Florida during the Springtime have protected me during the past few years, but this year, because of coronavirus, I have been in Maryland the entire time. Maybe it is just building up? 

Of course, there is the concern, is it coronavirus? Well, based upon my symptoms, the time of year, and knowing that one of the pollens to which I am very allergic is at a VERY HIGH level right now, it is easy to conclude that I am allergic and not contagious. 

It still sucks! I called my allergist yesterday to get the next level of allergy control medicine--it helped, but has not defeated my reaction to the allergies in the air. Maybe playing golf Friday and Saturday did not help. 

It has to get better soon. I hope!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 11, 2020

1. Welcome to the second Monday of May. Maryland remains under a stay-at-home order, but that could be lifted this week.

The Family Maintaining Personal Distancing
Mother's Day 2020
Elkridge, MD
May 10, 2020

2. Mother's Day was yesterday. The family gathered, sort of, to celebrate. he picture represents the family picture maintaining personal distancing. 

3. The seven day forecast finally has some 80 degree days on tap for Maryland! Yay! That would be a nearly 45 degree temperature swing from Saturday's morning's low of 35 degrees. Maybe I will be able to heat the pool and enjoy some time in the water this coming weekend!

My White Azalea
Elkridge, MD
May 10, 2020

4. The azaleas are fully blossomed as is befitting of Mother's Day weekend!

5. The pollen is stifling. My allergy medications are beginning to falter. It must be Springtime in Maryland!

6. Coronavirus/COVID-19 Status as of 0432L/11 May based upon the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Map:
     World: 4,116,767 cases/282,782 deaths
     U.S. :  1,329,799 (32% of World)/79,528 (28% of world)
     Maryland:  32,587 (2.4% of US)/1,644 (2% of US)

7. I am concerned that the frigid weather of the past two mornings may have destroyed the grape harvest which was destined to become the 2020 vintage from the wineries in Maryland and Virginia. 

8. It was sad that the U.S. cannot separate politics from leadership. The U.S. blocked a U.N. Security Council resolution to calling for a halt to armed conflict around the world because of a political dispute with China and the World Health Organization. See US blocks vote on UN's bid for global ceasefire over reference to WHO in The Guardian. 

9. Today in History. On May 11, 1934, a massive storm sends millions of tons of topsoil flying from across the parched Great Plains region of the United States as far east as New York, Boston and Atlanta.

At the time the Great Plains were settled in the mid-1800s, the land was covered by prairie grass, which held moisture in the earth and kept most of the soil from blowing away even during dry spells. By the early 20th century, however, farmers had plowed under much of the grass to create fields. The U.S. entry into World War I in 1917 caused a great need for wheat, and farms began to push their fields to the limit, plowing under more and more grassland with the newly invented tractor. The plowing continued after the war, when the introduction of even more powerful gasoline tractors sped up the process. During the 1920s, wheat production increased by 300 percent, causing a glut in the market by 1931.

Americans Are Being Turned Away Trying to Buy Life Insurance - The Wall Street Journal

For Flynn, Dropped Charges Are the Latest in a Life Full of Reversals - The New York Times

As deaths mount, Trump tries to convince Americans it’s safe to inch back to normal - The Washington Post

Trump eyes federal retirement plan investments amid virus showdown with China - The Washington Post

Iran says United States yet to respond about prisoner swap - Reuters

Indian, Chinese border troops in brief skirmish on northeast Indian border, India says - Reuters

Major U.S. airlines endorse temperature checks for passengers - OANN

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week


You know, Nancy and I, coming down here from Camp David on the helicopter, we couldn't help but be thinking about this particular day and what it was. I think in hindsight, perhaps, I realize more about my mother than -- and as so many of us do, did not at the time -- Nelle was a little woman, auburn hair, and, I realize now, had a strength through some very trying times that held our family together. We were poor, but the government didn't come around and tell us we were, so -- [laughter] -- we didn't know it. And probably we didn't know it because Nelle was always finding someone that was worse off then we were that needed help.

 -- Remarks During a Visit to the Jeanne Jugan Residence on Mother's Day, May 13, 1984


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Thief

Finnegan with his Stolen Goods
Elkridge, MD
May 5, 2020

He was caught after leaving the scene of the crime. 

He is a thief and a stealthy one at that. In the blink of an eye he can conduct a successful grab and go more efficiently than a gypsy on a crowded European city street. Of course the fact that he is only about 8 inches tall and races around the house on four feet contributes to his success. He is especially good at stealing unattended napkins and he loves to shred them into a pile of useless paper to demonstrate that his prowess as a thief. 

The pictured caper involved stealing Chris's pajamas from the bedroom and relocating them to the front door to make a comfortable bed for himself. He is not the least bit guilty for committing his crimes--he finds them amusing. In fact his crimes provide comic relief around the house and redirect our attention from coronavirus news reporting to thwarting his thievery. 

His seemingly boundless energy means that we have to be constantly vigilant, lest he make off with another treasure. 

Caring for pets allow me to focus on things other than the news and the constant stream of coronavirus reporting. That is a good thing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Steps to Normal

Looking at the 17th Hole
Crofton Country Club
Crofton, MD
May 8, 2020

Yesterday was a momentous day. I took the first steps towards finding the new normal in there post-coronavirus period. 

I played golf! It was great to get out on the the course and smack the ball with my clubs. Sure, my game was ragged and I had more than one "blow-up" hole.  I also finally had to leave my driver in the bag because it was doing more harm than good, but it was great to be out walking the course. 

Geese on the Golf Course near Hole 12
Crofton Country Club
Crofton, MD
May 8, 2020

One of the other things I enjoy while out on the course is the wildlife--and I do not mean the other golfers. There is usually an assortment of wildlife that makes the day interesting. In Florida, I enjoy watching the sand cranes and the gators. In Maryland, such as yesterday, seeing the geese with their goslings during the springtime is enjoyable and allows my mind to take a break from the usually miserable golf that I am playing. Yesterday was no exception as I had the opportunity to walk past this gaggle while making my way from the Tee-box to the green. 

In terms of changes due to the coronavirus, the foursome I played in yesterday respected personal distancing and the only awkward moment was at the 18 hole when the round was over and we usually doff our hats and shake hands. We just said "good round" to each other, stowed our clubs and walked off towards our vehicles. It was a bit weird. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Coronavirus musings

Lilac in my Yard
Elkridge, MD
May 7, 2020

It is Friday ending the first full week of May and while outdoors activities have been opened, not much else has changed. I have noted more traffic on the roads during the past week. It seems that fewer people are staying home or that supplies at home are running low and people need to get out for essentials. 

I have to confess that my favorite outdoors activity has become walking around my yard and the neighborhood to enjoy the flowers of the Spring. Yesterday, I noticed that the lilac is finally blooming. The fragrance is very sweet as it fills the air. Fortunately, it is near the front of the house and I am able to enjoy the aroma each time I enter or leave. 

With respect to the coronavirus response, in talking to people I have found that there continue to be spot shortages of meat, cleaning supplies, paper towels, and soups in the grocery stores. Chris and I got lucky the other day and found the meat counter fully supplied at our local store. We were able to use our new vacuum sealer to prepare the meat for storage rather than relying on zip lock bags for the extra pound of hamburger and a couple pork chops. Sadly, they were selling the meat only in extra large quantities, it seemed, but they were also limiting the quantity of meat that could be purchased. 

Last evening we were afflicted with a power outage during the middle of our family Zoom conference. We do not usually lose power and it was very frustrating to be in the middle of a conversation and suddenly have the lights go out along with the internet. I wonder if I should get an UPS unit to ensure internet connection during a power bump? Yesterday it was out for over 15 minutes, which is more than a bump, but we had a couple bumps earlier during the day. Something to ponder. 

It is interesting what thoughts begin to percolate through the cranium as the coronavirus stay-at-home order continues, although the order has been modified a bit and I am looking forward to walking a golf course and swinging wildly at the little ball later today. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Steps Forward to Recovery

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan yesterday announced that the state will make significant steps forward on the path to reopening beginning today.


I watched yesterday's news conference in the hopes that he would announce that Maryland would enter Phase 1 of the recovery plan, but he did not. He DID, however, begin the process of reopening by allowing elective medical procedures, the reopening or resumption of outdoors activities and announcing that schools would remain closed for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. 

To say that there is a lot of excitement about the announcements is an understatement. It is the first really good news that we have received since we began the extreme measures during mid-March. With continued vigilance and observation of personal distancing measures, Maryland could enter Phase 1 of the recovery mid-next week!

I have a Tee Time for Friday!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Celebrating despite the Coronavirus

Cinco de Mayo was yesterday and it is my favorite foreign holiday. My second favorite foreign holiday is Bastille Day, but more on that in July. 

Mexican-themed Dinner
Elkridge, MD
May 5, 2020

Cinco de Mayo is a minor Mexican holiday and only really celebrated in the state of Puebla. The Battle of Puebla occurred on May 5, 1862, but there were implications for the U.S. which was at that time engaged in the Civil War. Had the French been victorious and gained at a solid foothold in Mexico it was likely that the they would support the South in the Civil War and had that come to fruition the U.S. could look very different today. So it is very reasonable to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. today, and it provides a nice bridge holiday between Easter and Memorial Day.

So, despite there coronavirus and COVID-19, Chris and I held our annual Cinco de Mayo celebration last evening. Although it was just the two of us, it was as festive as ever with themed adult beverages and food. 

Party-on, but respect personal distancing!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Social vs Personal Distancing

Bay Ward Bulletin
Ottawa, Canada

There has been a lot of discussion since the coronavirus arrived on the scene about the critical importance of social distancing. Frankly, the longer the phrase has been used the more I have come to understand that while it sounds good, it mischaracterizes what we really are trying to do. 

We need to do the opposite of "social" distancing during this period. We need to become socially closer to each other. That does not mean physically closer. Becoming socially closer, to provide the support and encouragement that people need to survive the upheaval in our lives that is being experienced, is critical to helping everyone get through this time. 

Even the World Health Organization has determined that the concept of social distancing is inaccurate. In a CNN article published on April 17th titled, 
Forget 'social distancing.' The WHO prefers we call it 'physical distancing' because social connections are more important than ever.

So, how am I moving socially closer while maintaining physical distancing? 

Zoom and Google Duo have become two of my favorite communications applications. I still text and email, but I also video call when I can. It is a way to remain socially close. There is something personal about seeing who I am talking to, it makes the call more personal, even intimate. It helps to show that I care about the person on the other end of the call.

Be safe. Practice physical distancing, but also move socially closer to others. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 4, 2020

1. Crashing into the first Monday of May we are still living under a stay-at-home order in Maryland and the economy is still crashing. The second third of the year is underway.

2. Happy Star Wars Day! (May the fourth be with you!)

3. I heard that New York City is going to be cleaning all of the subway trains every day now. Funny, why weren't they doing that before? It makes me wonder--how often are public places cleaned. 

Dark Sky on my Phone
Elkridge, MD
May 3, 2020

4. Standing in Wegmans on Friday they wiped the cashier belt between customers to prevent cross-contamination. It was a great idea. I wonder how often the belts were cleaned before coronavirus?

5. B.C has been redefined. Before Coronavirus!

6. Yesterday the temperature made it to 78 degrees. During the morning weather reports the expected high was 66 degrees. I wonder why the big difference, but I am not complaining. 

7. My favorite foreign holiday is tomorrow! Cinco de Mayo!

8. I wonder what new things today will bring!

9. Today in History. On May 4, 1970, in Kent, Ohio, 28 National Guardsmen fire their weapons at a group of anti-war demonstrators on the Kent State University campus, killing four students, wounding eight, and permanently paralyzing another. The tragedy was a watershed moment for a nation divided by the conflict in Vietnam, and further galvanized the anti-war movement. 

Two days earlier, on May 2, National Guard troops were called to Kent to suppress students rioting in protest of the Vietnam War and the U.S. invasion of Cambodia. The next day, scattered protests were dispersed by tear gas, and on May 4 class resumed at Kent State University. By noon that day, despite a ban on rallies, some 2,000 people had assembled on the campus. National Guard troops arrived and ordered the crowd to disperse, fired tear gas, and advanced against the students with bayonets fixed on their rifles. Some of the protesters, refusing to yield, responded by throwing rocks and verbally taunting the troops.

Headlines

A Clear View of What Causes Air Pollution - The Wall Street Journal

Italians Prepare to Return to Work, if They Can Find Child-Care - The Wall Street Journey

Why Does the Virus Devastate Some Places and Spare Others?Why Does the Virus Devastate Some Places and Spare Others? - The New York Times

North and South Korea Exchange Gunfire Across Demilitarized ZoneNorth and South Korea Exchange Gunfire Across Demilitarized Zone - The New York Times

As Washington stumbled, governors filled the void - The Washington Post

Iran says U.S. push to extend Tehran's arms embargo is 'illegitimate' - Reuters

Stocks fall as U.S./China tensions threaten rebound - OANN



Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD