Cold and Snow!

Scene off the Back Deck
Odenton, MD
December 5, 2025

Happy St Nicholas Day

 

It was reported yesterday that Maryland received snow during December for the first time in five years!

And it had to be when Chris and I were visiting. It is cold! The temperature has not been above freezing for almost 48 hours. Although, today is supposed to climb into the 40s. 

We were quite certain that snowy weather was on its way as we drove back from Doylestown, PA, on Thursday evening. The road crews were diligently working to prepare the roads for the anticipated slippery conditions. Initially, I had anticipated that the snow would be light and short-lived, but to my surprise, it persists even this morning.

We are currently planning our return journey to Florida for Monday. The weather forecast predicts cold temperatures, with a low of 28 degrees, but we should make it south before the next storm. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, with several more activities scheduled for today and tomorrow. However, I am eagerly looking forward to the warmth of South Florida once again! Although I grew up in Upstate New York, I believe I developed a fondness for the mild winter temperatures of South Florida during my time at the University of Miami.

There is a certain satisfaction in not being slapped with an icy breeze when stepping outside or freezing my hands while clearing the truck windows. Which begs the question, Where did I leave my lone remaining ice scraper? I couldn’t find it in the truck yesterday. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

The Doan Gang

 

It is a thing, The Doan Gang. 

I have written about the Gang previously as I learned more about the outlaws that roamed Bucks County who were members of my extended family. Our genealogy goes back to a common ancestor who was second generation of Doans in America. 

But all of that is not so important, I guess. 

Chris and I made a trip to Doylestown, PA, yesterday, to visit the Mercer Museum and experience the exhibit dedicated to the outlaw portion of our family, The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution. The drive was three hours, each way, to Doylestown and I definitely underestimated the time I would spend in the museum, not only for the Doan Gang exhibit, but also roaming through the permanent collection, which is extensive. Chris and I would like to return, but it will have to be an overnight to more thoroughly explore the museum and visit other sites around Bucks County related to the Doans and the Revolution.

I was impressed with the balanced history of the Doan Gang exhibit. They were outlaws and committed some heinous crimes and so it is hard to elevate them to hero status, which the exhibit definitely did not do, but again they were also loyalists to the crown and the policies and laws of the developing nation were most definitely slanted against them. They were literally persecuted but the revolutionaries and lost their land and status. That does not excuse their actions, but as the foreword of the book published by the Mercer Museum explains:

The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution
Bucks County Historical Society, 2024

The foreword goes on to write: "Today many people lament that 'our country has never been so divided." This project challenges that notion by exploring the surprising tale of the Doan Gang, set against the backdrop of 1770s and 1780s America." 

Flintlock Musket (MM#19433)
used by members of the Doan Gang
Mercer Museum, Doylestown, PA
December 4, 2025

The exhibit is extensive; providing a detailed look into the Revolution as it unfolded in and around Bucks County, PA, during and shortly after the war. The Gang was not composed only of Doans, but a large number of others who remained loyal to the King. Members of the gang paid for their actions with their lives, John Tomlinson; Moses, Levy, and Abraham Doan. The latter two were cousins and were hanged during 1788.  They were the only two individuals ever executed for outlawry in the United States. 

As they were outlaws, there are very few items which can be confirmed as owned by the Doans, but the rifle is one such item. The rifle is presented behind a screen to reduce light exposure and getting a good image of it was difficult. Throughout the exhibit there are many period pieces in the collection with their ownership documented as it related to the Doan Gang. 

As our country approaches its 250th Anniversary, the value of this exhibit is magnified in that we are reminded of the difficult times from which our country was born and that not everyone embraced the Revolution. 

I heartily recommend this exhibit, not only because it documents one part of my heritage, but because it reminds me about the lives of real people and how they were affected by the societal upheaval that occurred during the Revolution. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Trivia Night at Crooked Crab

The Team at Crooked Crab
Odenton, MD
December 3. 2025

 We participated in one of our favorite activities, Trivia Night at Crooked Crab. We do not go every Wednesday that we are in Maryland, but we enjoy visiting when it works into our schedule so that we can to enjoy the atmosphere.

Last evening, our team of 5 arrived, secured a nice table, and ordered some pizza and adult beverages, well no adult beverages for the "not quite 21" member of the team. Then we prepared to battle the 28 other teams that checked in for the trivia event.  

The number of teams was the largest that I can remember. We have been there with just 10 or 11 teams, but 29 total teams meant the noise level was high as well as the competition. Sometimes it can be hard to concentrate and think with so much activity happening around.

We did well, finishing 5th, but more importantly, we had fun! 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Name Calling

 

Some people apparently fancy themselves as professional name callers. 

Our President, unfortunately, is one of those people who insults others by name calling. There is a whole table of names in Wikipedia's List of Nicknames.

Remember some of these classics?

Sleepy Joe

Crooked Joe

Crazy Hillary

Crooked Hillary

My Little Communist

Governor Newscum

Marjorie Traitor Green

Rocket Man

Little Rocket Man

The list is incredibly long and insults many people.. 

Yesterday it appeared to be that our president has earned a nickname for himself. He was seen sleeping through parts of his televised Cabinet Meeting. So, I came up with a nickname for him: Dozing Don! I also thought about Dozing Dandy Don, but it was too long. 

I personally detest name calling, but I firmly believe that if you give it then you need to be able to take it!

I really don't understand how people can support such childish behavior. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Stunningly Beautiful, but COLD

The Walk
Odenton, MD
December 1, 2025

 It was a cold, but stunningly beautiful afternoon, yesterday. It was Monday, Cyber Monday, but I missed most of the hot tech deals. I did not, however, miss enjoying the afternoon. 

Busy Sky
Odenton, MD
December 1, 2025

Chris and I went out into the 40-some degree weather to walk Finnegan. Finn was a lot happier about the foray into the cold that we were. We headed out about 12:30 PM, or shortly after noon and I was surprised that the shadows were still so very long. The sun was shining, but it was not providing any appreciable amount of warmth.

As we were arriving back at the house, I looked up at the sky and noticed the contrails there. I recalled a strange conspiracy-theory article that I recently read that the contrails are not ice crystals, but rather a mixture of chemicals that the government is poisoning us with and they are really Chemtrails. The Wikipedia post I referenced in the link calls it an "erroneous belief." I continue to be amazed at how people will believe what they will despite scientific evidence to the contrary. 

I won't go into a long discussion about the current  Secretary of Health and Human Services who apparently despises scientific evidence when it disagrees with his own beliefs, but in him we have an example of how people who subscribe to this belief system can cause grave damage to society as a whole. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - December 1, 2025

 

1. The final month of the year has arrived. This is the first Monday of December and there are only four Mondays remaining in the year. Where did it go? I cannot begin to comprehend the time compression of 2025, but I can almost hear 2026 striving to be born.

2. Family NFL Report. The ugly NFL season continues for the family teams. They went 2-4 during the past week. The only good news is that the Steelers and Ravens are currently fighting for the AFC North Division lead at 6-6--which is really miserable if you think of it. I want to mention the Commanders who went for the win last night against the Broncos, but failed. The family teams are now collectively 32-39-1, .451 for the year. The prospects of posting an overall winning record by the end of the season grow ever dimmer.

Ravens (6-6) were mauled by Bengals (4-8), 14-32 

Dolphins (5-7) drowned Saints (2-10), 21-17

Commanders (3-9) went for the win and lost to Broncos (10-2), 26-27

Cowboys (6-5-1) stunned Chiefs (6-6), 31-28

Steelers (6-6) stampeded by Bills (8-4), 7-26

 

Merry Christmas from Bob and Chris

3. Chris and I had our Christmas picture taken yesterday. Thanks to Patrick for decorating his house in such an inviting manner and including a photo stop. Yea, this will be an image on our Christmas card. 

Dinosaur Christmas Decoration
Odenton, MD
November 29, 2025

4. I have been enjoying the Christmas decorations. One in particular makes me smile, the dinosaur in my daughter's front yard. I'm not sure how a dinosaur could be a Christmas decoration, but it works. 

5. Conflicts of Interest. The U.S. government always had strict rules of ethics which prevented presidents from using their office to amass incredible wealth while in office. Trump has destroyed those rules. Here is a paragraph from an article in the Guardian:

Trump’s eldest sons, Don Jr and Eric, formally the custodians of the family business, are conducting a global dealmaking blitz. They have broken ground on new golf courses, received permission for new skyscrapers, rented out the Trump brand, and in cryptocurrency they have embraced a venture with the capacity to bring in more than everything that has gone before. (The Guardian)

6. Is anyone else concerned that the U.S. is about to go to war with Venezuela? Wait, it cannot be a war, legally. Are we on the verge of becoming a pariah nation just like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea?

7. Today in History.  In Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks is jailed for refusing to give up her seat on a public bus to a white man, a violation of the city’s racial segregation laws. The successful Montgomery Bus Boycott, organized by a young Baptist minister named Martin Luther King Jr., followed Park’s historic act of civil disobedience.

“The mother of the civil rights movement,” as Rosa Parks is known, was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1913. She worked as a seamstress and in 1943 joined the Montgomery chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Kazakhstan tells Ukraine to stop attacking oil terminal - Reuters

Venezuela's National Assembly to investigate US boat strikes - Reuters

Airbus narrows software crisis as airlines ride out A320 recall - Reuters

The case for Hegseth’s impeachment - MS NOW

Republicans’ health care homework is due — and they’re panicking - MS NOW

Trump’s threats bring war with Venezuela closer as legal fears mount - CNN

A college freshman deported while flying home for Thanksgiving is fighting to return. Here’s what we know about her case - CNN

Aid cuts have shaken HIV/Aids care to its core – and will mean millions more infections ahead - The Guardian

Experts warn of ‘global crisis’ as number of women in prison nears one million - The Guardian

Trump gave Maduro ultimatum to flee Venezuela as land operations loom: report - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Christmas Tree Hunt

Arriving Wolfe's Pine Valley Farms
Sykesville, MD
November 29, 2025

  I participated in a ritual yesterday that I hadn’t engaged in for many years. Chris and I joined Nicole and her family in hunting for their Christmas tree. It was a delightful experience that I had completely forgotten. For many years, we’ve used artificial Christmas trees because I’m allergic to real ones.  

Looking Down the Rows of Trees
Wolfe's Pine Valley Farms
Sykesville, MD
November 29, 2025

We headed out relatively early to Wolfe's Pine Valley Farms, an hour away, to find this year's tree. It was cold, a mere 28 degrees, as we drove off and headed out into the country. The drive to the country was something I had forgotten. The scenery quickly changes from houses and stores to fields and trees. Despite the cold, it was a most beautiful day. Arriving at the farms, I was in awe of the thousands of trees I could see in the distance and across the hills. The smell of fresh pine was everywhere as were the hundreds of other families out on their own Christmas Tree hunt!

How Many People Does it Take
 to cut Down a Christmas Tree?
Wolfe's Pine Valley Farms
Sykesville, MD
November 29, 2025

Finding parking was no easy task, but in the end we were extremely lucky to find spots near where we wanted to search for the 2025 Christmas Tree. The farm is divided into fields of trees by type and size. We walked down a hill to the field containing the type of tree that we were hunting. I joked about being "very, very quiet because we were hunting Christmas Trees," but the joke was lost on most of the family who do not remember Elmer Fudd. After a while, and after becoming separated and lost amongst the rows of trees, this year's lucky Christmas Tree contestant was selected. 

Heading out of the Forest
Wolfe's Pine Valley Farms
Sykesville, MD
November 29, 2025

We had some fun felling the tree. I remarked about how many people does it take to cut down a Christmas tree? It was determined that the correct answer was at least four. One to cut, two to hold the tree, and one to three to supervise.

Once the tree was free of its roots, the process of carrying the tree out began. In olden times, I remember just dragging the tree home. But then the ground was covered with snow and the dragging process helped remove the loose needles and other stuff that had accumulated in the tree. Yesterday, given that we were accompanied by two strong young men, the tree was carried. We could have secured a cart to carry it out on, but why? 

From Field to Home
Odenton, MD
November 29, 2025

We took the tree to the central area where it was shaken to get rid of the loose needles and other stuff, tied with string, paid for, and then loaded onto the truck for the trip home.

Once at the house, the tree was installed in a stand, watered, and then, after letting the branches drop for a couple hours, decorated. 

The 2025 Haslup Family Christmas Tree is absolutely beautiful and ready for the ensuing holiday celebrations. It was a great day and I was reminded about how much fun it can be to conduct a successful Christmas Tree hunt. It  was not at all like I remember from when I was a kid, trudging through the snow for hours and finally, once I was totally frozen, Mom would select a tree and Dad would cut it down, then let me drag it down the hillside to home. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Black Friday in the Rear View Mirror

 We successfully survived Black Friday. My only foray into the mass of humanity enjoying the day after the feast was a quick trip to a store to replenish our adult beverages in advance of the Georgia vs Georgia Tech game. My experience was relatively tame, the strip mall to which I journeyed was mostly devoid of shoppers, unlike the Wednesday before Thanksgiving when the parking lot was overflowing with vehicles. 

Axis & Allies on Black Friday
Odenton, MD
ovember 29, 2025

The Axis & Allies game was a rousing success. Six competitors worked through World War 2 and the final conclusion was a narrow victory for the Axis. I was charged with playing Italy. We played until the kick-off for the Georgia vs Georgia Tech football game and had to declare a winner. 

For the Axis & Allies purists, it should be noted that the version of the game being played is not the same as the version I posted the image of in yesterday's blog. That version only provided for 5 players and because we had 6 combatants we made a late change to the version on the table. 

For the shoppers in the crowd, it was a very successful day in the trenches. They reported large crowds of excited shoppers anxious to collect the Black Friday deals. I have not yet been so motivated to actually shop either at brick & mortar stores or online. Perhaps today. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Axis & Allies Day 2025

 Black Friday is Axis & Allies Day. The guys gather around the dining room table to determine who has the best strategy for winning WW2, while the women-folk head off into the shopping maelstrom that is Black Friday. We always hope they return alive and with our credit cards not maxed out!

I think it is far more enjoyable to stand around the gaming table, consuming Thanksgiving leftovers and plotting my next move. The game takes hours, but today we have a hard stop time of 3:30 PM. We have to be in place to watch the Georgia-Georgia Tech game. Go DAWGS!

Axis & Allies is definitely a holiday tradition. I cannot even begin to remember how many years we have been playing the game on Black Friday. My first recorded game day was in 2010, but that blog entry suggests we had been playing it annually and so, I really do not know how long we have gathered around the table to strategize and try to secure lasting peace in Europe on the day after Thanksgiving. 

Just to document my frustration after the Thanksgiving Day NFL games, the Ravens unfortunately lost the evening game last night to the Bengals, with a score of 14-32. The game was so terrible that I thankfully went to bed at halftime, when the score was 7-12, and was fortunate to miss the even uglier second half. The Ravens had the chance to take control of the AFC North with a win, but they chose not to show up for the game. The team needs to conduct a serious soul-searching and perhaps consider hiring new offensive and defensive coordinators. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Thanksgiving 2025

 Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunset at Marley Creek
Glen Burnie, MD
November 26, 2025

The morning dawned 37 degrees cold and mostly clear. We have big plans for family activities all day.

Last evening I was able to stand on the shores of Marley Creek as the sun was setting. I was moved by the American flag flying on one of the pilings. I had just heard of the shooting of two National Guardsmen in D.C., and I was disturbed by the upheaval in civility that has gripped our nation. There are too many people speaking hateful words and inciting people to violence. And, sadly, much of that hateful rhetoric begins with the leader of our nation. 

I am thankful that I am an American and that I devoted my entire working adult life to this great country. I am thankful for the millions of others who, like me, are tired of hearing the constant diatribe of hate-filled words and are searching to find peace amid the noise of the world. 

I offer this prayer for Thanksgiving.

Gracious God, this Thanksgiving, I lift up a special prayer of gratitude for the precious gift of family and friends. Thank You for the love that binds us, the memories we share, and the support we offer one another. I’m grateful for laughter-filled gatherings, for shoulders to cry on, and for the unconditional acceptance found in these relationships. Bless each one, Lord, with Your peace, Your protection, and Your provision. For those facing challenges, be their strength. For those celebrating joys, multiply their happiness. May our bonds grow stronger, rooted in Your love, and may we always be grateful for the beautiful tapestry of relationships You’ve woven in our lives. (50 powerful prayers)

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD