My Dog's Life

Makayla in the Snow
Elkridge, MD
February 2, 2021

I love my dog, Makayla.

She is at the same time a companion and a pest. The have developed an understanding and when she needs something she makes her requirements known. I am generally able to distinguish between wanting more food, needing to got outside, and just wanting another treat. 

She has a good life. 

Makayla Rolling in the Snow
Elkridge, MD
February 2, 2021

She also likes snow!

 She likes the snow a lot. On Tuesday morning she went outside and laid in the snow and just rolled around. I could tell that the old girl, she is 12 years old now, really enjoyed being outside in the snow. She rolled and rolled in the cold white precipitation.

Makayla keeps me grounded and she can be a pain, but when she reminds me of the simple pleasures that life can bring, I remember why I have a dog. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Finger of God

Finger of God
Patagonia, Argentina

My video biking trainer pointed out the Finger of God as I continued my biking workout through Patagonia yesterday. I tried to find the exact spot on a map, but could not. The rocks do look like the Finger of God pointing up to the sky. I'm glad that it was the index finger and not some other digit. I think the trainer said that we were riding the Road of Enchantment. 

I had an enjoyable and tough ride along a river while the snow was melting outside of my house. Another day of total escapism. I was lucky because I was delayed in going to work and I was able to ride before leaving the house. I almost didn't know what to do with myself when I got home in the afternoon because I and already done my ride for the day. 

It was better than the news of increasing mutant strains of COVID and a skyrocketing death count. 

I am becoming more burned out by the news. I think it is the mid-Winter burn-out while waiting for the promise of Springtime to get outside again and enjoy the world. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Biking through Storms

Chris on the Bike
Elkridge, MD
January 31, 2021

With all of the political activity in the country during this past year, I had forgotten how therapeutic it is to write about the weather.

The weather just is and there is nothing we can do about it except prepare and cope. 

Weather is the wildcard in our lives. Plans change with the weather. We are currently ending one pair of Winter storms and preparing for the coming weekend onslaught of snow and ice.

What has been different this year is that despite the COVID-19 closures, and the weather Chris and I can visit other places from the safety of our own home and workout. Chris is currently biking through Montana while I am biking through Patagonia, Argentina. 

No matter the weather outside, we are able to raise out heart rates into the training zone and get a good cardio workout. 

We should be ready for the springtime, no problem!

Biking through the storms is the best.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - February 1, 2020

 

1. It is Monday, February 1st. Obviously it is the first Monday in February and the 5th Monday of 2021. There are 47 weeks remaining in the year.

As the Storm Began
Elkridge, MD
January 31, 2021

2. We received about 3 inches of snowfall. Not nearly as much as forecast, but enough so that I used the snow thrower twice and helped a number of neighbors get clear. 

3. It was a weird Sunday without football. Next week: The Super Bowl. Let me put it out there right now. Like last year: Go Kansas City!

4. Thinking of warmer climates? I know that I am. I am not a fan of snow and cold. 

About Sunset as the Storm Continued
Elkridge, MD
January 31, 2021

5. As it turned out I did not watch the Farmers Insurance Open yesterday. I was busy with other things including using my show thrower.

6. Orioles pitchers and catchers are supposed to report to Spring Training in 15 days, but MLB may delay the start of the season and Spring Training.

7. The hard reality of a snow day and virtual learning was evident this morning. The kids attending public school were still scheduled to receive virtual instruction despite the freezing rain when most all of the private schools were closed. 

8. Today in History. February 1, 1884: The first portion, or fascicle, of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), considered the most comprehensive and accurate dictionary of the English language, is published. Today, the OED is the definitive authority on the meaning, pronunciation and history of over half a million English words, past and present

Not Yet Desperate, Japan and South Korea Plod Toward Vaccinations - The New York Times

Russia Protesters Defy Show of Force as Signs of Kremlin Anxiety Mount - The New York Times

Exxon, Chevron CEOs Discussed Merger - The Wall Street Journal

Jan. 6 Rally Funded by Trump Donor, Helped by Alex Jones - The Wall Street Journal

Trump’s legal team exits as he urges defense to focus on false election claims - The Washington Post

Experts urge faster vaccinations and efforts to curb spread in response to virus variants - The Washington Post

Wall Street gears up for another Reddit traders bout - Reuters

Shell targets power trading and hydrogen in climate drive - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

We honor the giants of our history not by going back but forward to the dreams their vision foresaw. My fellow citizens, this nation is poised for greatness. The time has come to proceed toward a great new challenge -- a second American Revolution of hope and opportunity; a revolution carrying us to new heights of progress by pushing back frontiers of knowledge and space; a revolution of spirit that taps the soul of America, enabling us to summon greater strength than we've ever known; and a revolution that carries beyond our shores the golden promise of human freedom in a world of peace.

Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union - February 6, 1985

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Storm Inches Closer

I am waiting on the snow. I expected to awaken this morning to a marshmallow world of white covering everything. But not. 

One weather forecaster likened waiting for the coming storm to watching a pot of water boil. Other on-scene weather reporters suggested they were all dressed with no where to go.

I have an interesting ritual associated with getting ready for a storm. Remember, we have not had a storm of this magnitude since 2016! In fact, we will be getting more snow during this storm than we have during the last three years combined.

Yesterday I conducted an operations check on the snow thrower--fortunately, it was ready. I had prepared it during December and was confident that it would start and run. But, I checked it and topped off the gas tank.

There was an obligatory trip to the grocery store, mostly for vegetables. 

I made sure that both vehicles have full gas tanks--the extra weight improves traction in the snow while ensuring that a trip to refuel will not be required.

Extra wood was brought into the garage to ensure that the fireplace will be able to provide additional warming heat continuously. 

I believe that Chris and I are as ready as possible. Our neighbors are also happy that the snow thrower is fully ready to tackle the storm. If the forecast is correct, we may actually be snowed in for a day or two until the county can get the street cleared. Our street is definitely a side street and therefore on the bottom of those to be cleared and made passable. Fortunately, I believe my truck has enough clearance to handle 12 inches of snow--time will tell. 

So I am sitting here waiting for the snow. I don't know why, exactly, but probably because there is no football on TV today. Perhaps I will watch the Farmers Insurance Open from Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. At least I will feel warm, although yesterday it was cool there as the golfers were all in jackets.

OMG, Chris just saw a snow flake and did a dance!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Calm Before . . .

 A storm brewing.

24 Hour Weather Forecast

A Nor'easter potentially laying its bullseye right atop the Baltimore-Washington region.

Actually we are looking at two storms--one Sunday to Monday and then another. The scary part, there are no projections yet for the Monday to Tuesday storm which could be developing into the Nor'easter.

Chris reported that Costco was packed with shoppers loading up on supplies yesterday win advance of the storms. 

This morning, however, as I look outside it is calm. The sunrise portends a fine day. I am not excited at all about the prospect of multiple inches of snow. 

From the WBAL TV weather crew, as of this morning here is the forecast:

Chief Meteorologist Tom Tasselmyer said it's going to be a tricky forecast because the West Coast storm will have to move across the country, transfer energy to the coast, and another storm will have to form and track over Maryland to bring snow.

Meteorologist Ava Marie says snow will begin to develop some time after 6 a.m. Sunday, accumulating to as much as 3 to 6 inches by Monday morning -- and that's just part one.

Ava said there will be a mixing of sleet and rain, especially to the south of Baltimore, starting Sunday night into Monday.

Part two comes with more snow -- and ice -- possible Monday into Tuesday morning, with locations and amounts to be determined.

I highlighted the potentially frightening part of the forecast. They do not have a clue!

It will be like days before satellites and weather forecasts--we will just have to see what comes our way. this will be fun.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Comfort Food

Roast Beef Dinner
Elkridge, MD
January 28, 2021

Last evening's dinner was comfort food all the way. 

We try to have a no cook Thursday which means that we call a restaurant and order dinner for pick-up. Due to COVID-19 we do not actually eat-out.

Yesterday Chris decided to try something different. She pulled out the slow cooker and made a roast beef dinner. Comfort food! 

I enjoyed the warm smells of the food in the cooker when I came through the door at the end of the day. The dark red wine was, of course, the star of the show perfectly highlighting the flavors of the beef and roasted vegetables.

A mid-Winter's feast!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Darkness is Passing

 

Looking Up the Street at 5:21 PM
Elkridge, MD
January 27, 2021

I noticed it last evening. 

The darkness is not falling until later in the day. 

Makayla needed to go out about 5:30 PM and I noticed that it was still light. It is funny how it happens by a few minutes each day and so it is hardly noticeable until, suddenly, I realize that sunset is becoming later each day. 

As it turned out I snapped this image exactly at sunset, 5:21 PM last evening after 10 hours and 4 minutes of daylight. Just by way of example, just one month ago sunset in Baltimore was at 4:50 PM after 9 hours and 25 minutes of daylight. 

Daylight is returning. 

In one short month, we will be basking in 11 hours and 15 minutes of daylight per day with sunset at 5:57 PM.

I need to locate my golf clubs and racquetball racket. 

I love watching the progression of the days from day to light!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Week One - Done

It was only a week ago that President Biden was sworn-in, but I feel that the mood in the country is already improving. 

Civility has returned to the White House. Despite the efforts of the right-wing disinformation machine, progress is being made and America is reengaging with the world and tits Allies. No, it is not Pax Americana, but the tone and tenor of communications from the highest office in the land is reasoned and inclusive.

The COVID-19 battle is underway with a strategy and competent leadership to fill the void left by the previous administration. After only a week it is hard to point to much progress, but positive things should begin happening soon as the new policies and plans begin to take effect.

NBC News published a comprehensive list of the executive actions already taken by the administration in its first seven days on the job. 

I have seen that some have made the news for the problems that they may cause, but some of those focusing on problems are ignoring the larger body of good being dome--the problems can be corrected within the context of the broader positives of the actions. 

Week One is done. I remain encouraged.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Snow and Ice

 

After the Overnight Dusting of Snow
Elkridge, MD
January 26, 2021

Winter made its second appearance of the season overnight. The region actually received a dusting of snow and an ice storm is expected as the day progresses. 

I guess I needed a reminder that it is Winter because January has been pleasant and mild. 

The build-up that the news media gave to the storm was truly astonishing. It is almost as if there were no other stories worthy of coverage. I am expecting that the areas North and West of my town received a good deal more snow and ice--but as of 5:30 AM this morning, we have apparently escaped the fury of the storm. 

I admit, I have mixed emotions about escaping the storm. I have a snow thrower ready to tackle the dreaded white stuff, but is definitely ready for some use. But, it will remain at the ready. In my mind it is better to be prepared and not need to bring in the heavy equipment than it is to not be prepared at and snowed under.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD