Madison and Montpelier

Continuing in my Charlottesville, VA vacation series. On to President number 4, James Madison.

Chris and I visited the Madison plantation at Montpelier Station, VA and had a very enjoyable afternoon.

I learned two very important things during my visit with the Madisons.

First, how to spell Montpelier! Yeah--that was a toughie for me because obviously I have been mispronouncing the place all these years.

Second, that the correct spelling of James' wife's name is Dolley! (Check it out!)

And adjunct item we learned was that James was reported to be a short as 5'2" tall. Although most historians give his height as 5'4". I did read that his height is listed between 5'2" and 5'6" and that the more a person liked him, the taller his height was recorded.

I was honored to be able to pose with the former President and First Lady. Due to his vertically challenged stature, James is almost always shown seated in the presence of Dolley.

The plantation is a great place to visit. I recommend early in the day--but any really nice day will do. I did enjoy early October. The house has been fully restored but is sparsely furnished. Try not to compare Montpelier to Monticello--it will not work. They are light years apart in terms of historical recreation. But, Montpelier is coming along fast.

You can see the genius of Madison in the construction of the house. Jefferson reportedly called Madison the best farmer he had ever known. And it seems true.

A tour of the house is fascinating, but like so many other places--no pictures! Ugh! There are many outside areas and archaeological places to visit. Additionally, the influence of the Dupont's (subsequent owners of the property to the Madisons) can be seen and the foundation is attempting to account for these changes and in many cases recreate the originals as closely as possible.

The discussion of the enslaved people working for the Madisons and of course Madison's authoring of the Constitution generates some interesting comments during the tours. I find it interesting that we continue to impose a revisionist view of history on things past without truly understanding the times and situation. We need to adopt the idea--that that is he way it was and we cannot fully understand it using our 20th and 21st century reasoning.

Would we do things differently? Don't say yes too quickly without really getting into the period and recognizing what the alternatives were.

Trapped

That's it. It hit me last evening as I was out shopping with Chris. She dragged me out against my will and we were in Macy's where her cover story was that she wanted to return a pair of shoes. But in fact, she wanted to buy me some new shirts because she was tired of looking at me wearing the same t-shirt around the house. Actually, one of about 4 t-shirts that I like.

There I was--in the men's clothing area when I had an epiphany. Not only do I HATE shopping for clothes, but I realized why:

I'm a twenty-something trapped in a fifty-something's body!

I want to wear the hot, young fashions--but I would look ridiculous. You've seen them around--the near fifty-somethings wearing the teenager style shirts and jeans. It is not pretty!

I think my daughter calls it: age appropriate attire or something like that.

While in Charlottesville last weekend we saw a couple adorned in earrings and youthful clothes trying to hide their years of experience. It wasn't an enjoyable sight to behold.

So I should dress my age?

Really?

And just after having a birthday too--no wonder this is still on my mind.

So as I sit here this morning, screaming out at the world because I'm older I take stock of the situation. It is pretty dismal!

I'm actually here at my computer this morning and not playing racquetball because my elbow is sore and I don't know why. I decided, in a moment of incredible rational thought, to give it a rest after my league match was canceled last night. What a concept. I never had elbow problems as a twenty-something and I played racquetball five times per week!

I'm wearing glasses so I can see the computer screen! I have 20/15 vision for anything farther away than eight feet! Used to be able to see up close, too.

I have a sore muscle in my right leg, too! Don't know where that came from!

I was in bed by 10pm last night--not the 1 am of my youth!

Hmmm--then it is true--I am definitely trapped!

I wonder if there is a way out?

Anyone? Ideas?

Yeah, I know--get over it. It happens to us all. Embrace it.

Really? I don't have many options, so I guess I need to embrace where I am and play smarter, not harder. And live smarter, not harder.

Jefferson and Monticello

Well, I finally got to visit Charlottesville, VA and Monticello. It was well worth the visit and there is so much to do there.

This picture is my favorite--it is of course the famous nickle view (which is the back of the house) but I shot it through some flowers to frame it a bit.

The house is well furnished and really is a testament to Jefferson and the enlightened person he was--as a scientist and a political figure.

The front of the house is very different. Most people don't realize it. As with most places they did not allow pictures inside-which is too bad because there is a lot of neat stuff in there.

The gardens and paths are absolutely beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the grounds and looking around at the fascinating things. Of the five historical sites we visited--this one is by far the best and most complete. It is also the most expensive, but well worth the money.

Along the paths, Chris was able to capture this hummingbird doing its routine. The bird stayed in place for quite some time.

I definitely recommend a visit to Monticello--as part of a day or weekend in Charlottesville. Allow at least four hours to fully enjoy the place.

Monday Musings - October 5, 2009

1. It is amazing how quickly a week can go by when you are busy and how long it takes to go by when you want it to be next week.

2. Charlottesville, VA is a rocking town. We had a great time there this past weekend. Wine and history, what could be better.

3. Why it is that when you are having fun, but you need to be somewhere else the time spent doing fun is gone so quickly.

4. The reward for a great weekend in Virginia is really rotten traffic on the way home.

5. Hot air balloons are really neat.

6. Monticello is awesome and so is Montpelier. I can't believe I've lived here so long and only just this weekend got to these historic places.

7. Pop quiz--and the 5th President of the U.S. was? And he is from where? I saw his house and plantation too.

8. Why does a two-and-a-half hour drive today seem as long as a six hour drive a couple years
ago?

Leaves and Autumn

I just could not believe the number of leaves which fell from the trees and made their way into my pool over the weekend.

It reminded me of the last time we had a major thunderstorm--except--this time no storm.

I began the shut down process last evening and I was reminded this morning as I was taking the pool cleaner out of the pool in 50 degree weather that the days of swimming and lounging on a floatie are over for 2009!

It is time to secure summer and pack it away for the 2010 edition.

It's really rotten though when you think of it, here it is almost October and the pool is closed not to be enjoyed again until May. That is like 7 months away! The agony of it all. The thought of living somewhere the pool can be open year round really appeals to me.

The falling leaves just remind me that I am already behind the power curve on the pool.

On our abbreviated walk with Makayla last evening , Chris and I saw a tree already devoid of leaves. I remarked that they were all in my pool!

But--we are off to Charlottesville this weekend for an Autumn three-day weekend of wine and fun! That should be nice. Except I'll be further behind in my pool closing. Ugh! So much to do, so little time.

Well, I remind myself when I am behind in racquetball that I only need to win the next point. Similarly, I only need to get done today what needs to get done today; looking at the mountain ahead of me will only make me----
a. scared
b. depressed
c. want to run away
d. quit
e. go read a book
f. some or all of the above!

Monday Musings - September 28, 2009

1. Birthday celebrations which span multiple days are a lot of fun! Especially when they are mostly close friend and family affairs.

2. Football, steaks, grilling, and Sunday afternoons with family--what could be better?

3. The annual pool closing event is at hand! I cannot believe it and I can't even procrastinate! The leaves will overwhelm me if I do!

4. An amazing thing happened on Friday and Saturday--Chris got me into a grocery store on three separate occasions! That never happens! I must be slipping!

5. I am becoming a huge fan of house concerts and getting up close to the performers. They are a lot of fun and the ultra-small venue really allows for a good exchange between the performers and the crowd. And it is a great night/day out with friends.

6. Just to lay it down--yes, I know the Orioles are are attempting to lost 100 games this year--with seven to go they need three wind to only lose 99. Does it really matter? I think they have sewed up being the 28th best team in Major League Baseball for the 2009 season. Although being the 29th best team is within their reach!

7. Futility! It's frustrating!

8. I finished the new Dan Brown book--The Lost Symbol. I recommend it--especially if you liked The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons.

9. I noticed the sunrise this morning as I left the club after my racquetball match. It is getting later and later every day.

10. What to know what is funny? Makayla, my dog. Last night she was so tired after playing with Ben (Jeremy's dog) all day that when I went to put her out for the last time before going to bed, she just went up the stairs instead of going outside. I put her on the bed and she didn't move all night and didn't even get up when I left this morning. Why can't she do that on weekends instead of getting up three or four times a night when I want to sleep and then sleep in?

My Birthday--2009

Thanks to all who contacted me to wish me a happy birthday--it was great.

Here are some of the highlights of the day:

1:30am - dog wakes up and needs to go out
4:00am - dog can't sleep wakes me up, I move the dog and myself downstairs to the couch to let Chris sleep
6:00am - I hear the grandfather clock chime
6:15am - I hear the chimes again
6:30am - Dog unhappy again, give her more water and food
7:00am - Chris hears me and calls me back to bed, she takes the shift with the dog
9:20am - wake up after sleeping hard and stumble downstairs and talk to Mom on the phone
10:00am - boat concert canceled due to rotten weather (something about small craft advisory on the bay and of course--the rain!)--plan B at a friends house
11:30am - head out shopping to get food for Sunday
1:00pm - nap (yay)
2:45pm - head off to the house concert (former boat concert)
3:10pm - house concert, wine club, fun afternoon/evening with friends
8:30pm - home from the concert
9:30pm - the old people turn in for the night because the restless-dog night before is getting to us

So a sedate, but interesting day.

The band at the house concert was ilyaimy They are very good with a country/folk/modern/new grass sound. I was impressed with their tight harmonies. We had a really good time and we also drank some great wine and ate some awesome food at the concert.

A great birthday! I won't detail gifts because, well, that's a bit conceited. But thanks to all who also gave me very nice gifts.

I will write, though, that I won a prize at the wine club--a book: How to Satisfy a Woman Every Time: and have her beg for more! And on top of that, I learned what a riddler is! (nope--not Batman's nemesis!)

The Joy of Life

This past Sunday, the message at our church included an interesting thought about life.

Jesus understood the need for joy in our lives. And for the things which bring us joy.

I ran across this anonymous quote about joy:

The great teachings unanimously emphasize that all the peace, wisdom, and joy in the universe are already within us; we don't have to gain, develop, or attain them. We're like a child standing in a beautiful park with his eyes shut tight. We don't need to imagine trees, flowers, deer, birds, and sky; we merely need to open our eyes and realize what is already here, who we really are -- as soon as we quit pretending we're small or unholy.

I distill this all down--joy is our own responsibility. It is the way we individually live and view life and what is around us. Do we see life as a blessing or a curse?

Jesus had a way of taking situations and transforming them. At a wedding he once attended, He saved the reception by providing wine and also helping to ensure the joy of those attending.

Now on the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine left.” Jesus replied, “Woman, why are you saying this to me? My time has not yet come.” His mother told the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washing, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the water jars with water.” So they filled them up to the very top. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the head steward,” and they did. When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!” Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs, in Cana of Galilee. In this way he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. John 2:1-11 - NET Bible

While we are each responsible for our joy and our view of the world--sometimes in dire circumstances when we notice that someone outside of the circumstance cares--it does help to reaffirm the joy which is resident within us. Here at a wedding--Jesus did just that for the party afterwards. And no, this wasn't grape juice either--people do not get drunk on grape juice. Jesus was contributing to the celebration and merriment. He was an instrument of joy by protecting the bridegroom from ridicule.

Jesus wants us happy and joyful.

We each need to work to find the joy in life. Chris will tell you that sometimes I have a problem with joy. I am so caught up in what I want to do next or what I think I should be doing that I forget to find joy in what I am doing.

Be joyful! In all things find the joy.

Napa Cellars Zinfandel 2006 - Review

Let me start by saying this is a great middle of the road Zinfandel!

I was looking for a fruity and spicy wine which was versatile and I believe this wine is it. The wine was the hit of our wine group last Friday evening. Everyone raved about it and we really enjoyed this wine a lot.

Here is what actually makes this wine: it is 86% Zinfandel and 14% petit sirah.

The tasting notes for the wine are:

The wine is dark purple and opaque in the glass. The nose is luscious and reveals intense, ripe berries, candied strawberry preserves and cinnamon spice. The palate follows with juicy, rounded fruit flavors that mingle with layers of warm, supple tannins leading to a long, plush finish.

Great on its own and perfect with barbeque, try pairing the wine with Baby Back Ribs or Gourmet Pulled-Pork Sandwiches garnished with sweet and spicy coleslaw.

RECOMMENDATION: Get this wine. At about $22 a bottle it is not inexpensive, but it is well worth the price.

The Passing of Summer: A Day of Mourning

Yesterday was the official start of Autumn--the Autumnal Equinox (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere--Oh to be in Australia right now!)

Yes on Sept 22, 2009 at 5:18 P.M. EDT the sun appeared to cross the equator from north into the south! Of course the sun really didn't move, it all has to do with the earth and rotation and inclination and all kinds of space-related stuff. It was the equinox though. Day and night were of near equal length across the globe.

I had already noticed that darkness has arrived to greet me in the morning as I set off to work! Now the calendar agrees with my perception of the changing seasons.

In honor of the passing of Summer yesterday, I wore black! I was in mourning. It gave my co-workers something to chuckle about.

I took part of the day to reflect on the Summer which had just passed and I felt it was an active, exciting, joyful summer of fun. I will definitely hold on to the memories of parties around the pool, vacationing in Florida and especially diving the Vandenberg, relaxing around the house, weeding the garden, mowing the lawn--which really looked good this year, training Makayla (she needs a lot more), celebrating anniversaries, and dining/partying/drinking/vacationing with friends.

Next summer will be awesome, too. If only it were longer so we could do more.

Now we are in birthday season, it kicked off yesterday as Mike changed decades. We have numerous birthdays between now and April which will keep us busy celebrating life as we progress through the season of darkness.

I guess it works out kinda nice that we celebrate the lives of each of our family members as we transition through Autumn to Winter and finally back to Spring. If keeps us thinking of life rather than dwelling on the darkness.

So it is off with the black and on with the orange and red--the colors of the leaves as they don their party costumes and prepare the world for one last celebration before the cold and snow arrives signalling the season of sleep.

(When am I going to close the pool??? Ugh--I hope the leaves hold off their partying a couple weeks. Who can I speak to about that?)

Grace: Your Grace is Enough, Because it Makes Life not Fair

Over the course of the past week, I have been hit with the idea of grace a number of times.

In church, Sunday, we sang a song which I really get into and which has the phrase--"Your grace is enough for me"

Chris Tomlin sings the song, but it is written by Matthew Maher. Some of the lyrics and the refrain are as follows:

Great is Your faithfulness oh God

You wrestle with the sinner's heart

You lead us by still waters and to mercy

And nothing can keep us apart

So remember Your people

Remember Your children

Remember Your promise Oh God

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough for me

Here's the thing. Do we really believe this? Do we understand that grace really is enough?

Ephesians 2:8 from the Amplified Bible lays down the explanation this way:

For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment {and} made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;


I mean I was really struck by the idea of Grace--God's grace--not the stylized prayer we repeat at the beginning of a meal. But true God's grace.

What was so weird was that flying back from Denver last week, I was listening to another song on my Ipod with grace in it.

"Be My Escape" performed by Relient K--

I’m giving up on doing this alone now

Cause I’ve failed and I’m ready to be shown how

He’s told me the way and I’m trying to get there

And this life sentence that I’m serving

I admit that I’m every bit deserving

But the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair

And that's really it isn't it? Grace makes life not fair!

We deserve death! But through grace, God provides us with life.

Some people work their whole lives and miss this important point--you cannot buy or work your way into heaven. It is through God's grace that He provides a place for you. We don't deserve it, we can't pay for it--yet it is ours.

We are free through God's grace, yet we still live as if we are in chains and are prisoners.

Be joyful--because grace makes us free and is more than enough. We can't earn it, because if we could earn it, we would cheapen it. It is God's gift to each of us--all we need do is accept it.

Your grace is enough because the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair!

Monday Musings - September 21, 2009

1. Sunny and cool weekends portend Autumn's arrival even before the calendar officially says it is here. Sad isn't it.

2. I looked up into the pre-dawn sky the other morning and was shocked to see the constellation Orion--a winter constellation. While Orion is one of my favorite constellations, I really look more forward to not seeing it in the Springtime rather that its inaugural appearance during the late summer.

3. Saturday morning, 9AM --- on the soccer field with Ethan. Smiling at Jax, and talking to Mike and Nicole. If it gets much better than that, I'm not sure what it could be.

4. Do you know what it is when there are two keeshonden staying at the house? A pair-o-kees!

5. So answer me this--If I am such a crazed fool for summer, why did I attend a pre-season NHL hockey game while I was in Denver last week? I can't even skate!

6. Sports is tougher on the fans than the players I am convinced. Chris was a wreck because Dallas couldn't beat NY last night. Me, I'm used to cheering for a loser--just look at the O's who are still trying to avoid a 100 loss season (they still need 3 wins of 13 remaining games) and got swept by the Red Sox this weekend. At least the Ravens won!

7. I am still undecided about travel returning from a conference, when the conference is over late. Should I fly back the same night and get back home sometime after 1AM, or spend the night and fly home leisurely on the next day? I don't like either option. What is choice C?

People you meet along the way

I've been at a conference this week in Denver. I was reminded, as I reestablished ties with some friends and many acquaintances that each person we meet and interacts with leaves a part of themselves with you.

Likewise, we leave a part of ourselves with each person we meet.

Sometimes we leave a good part. Something witty or intelligent. But I also know that I have left some pretty scathing parts of myself with those unfortunate enough to have crossed my path in a negative way.

I'm not proud of that. It just happens sometimes and I have to work hard not to allow my emotions to boil over.

OK maybe I got a bit exercised at one point during the conference. But fortunately I stopped short of delivering a scathing fire-breathing monologue. (Yes I have been known to do that on occasion)

I asked myself: is it worth it and will I achieve my intended result. When the answer to both was no, I dismounted my stallion of "righteous intent" and began to work more calmly within the system to make my point.

I think I left those in attendance with a better, rather than worse piece of myself.


Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry

Monday Musings on Thursday - September, 17, 2009

Today, since I missed Monday--some musings about traveling

1. Traveling is at the same time fun, boring, exhausting, and hard. It all depends on where you are in the trip.

2. Being there is a lot better than getting there.

3. If the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, how long will it take me to get to the last step?

4. Some say it's not the destination, it is the journey. Yeah, just think about it, racing to the airport--to wait. Charging down the jet ramp to get to your seat--to wait. Getting to your destination and taking the bus to the car rental counter--to wait. Heading off in the rental car to the hotel and getting stuck in rush hour traffic--to wait. Maybe it's not a journey at all but an exercise in waiting.

5. Traveling alone is the pits. Turns out, I don't like eating out alone.

6. I miss my _____________ (fill in the blank with any of the following)
a. wife
b. dog
c. morning cup of coffee
d. newspaper
e. evening wine and cheese with the wife on the back deck
f. O's game because the sling box isn't set up right on my computer
g. speed-zone pace of life
h. 0530 racquetball game

7. I'm in Denver and the mountains are pretty--but they are a long way away.

8. Why do they always have conferences when the major league baseball teams are out of town?

9. Are the Avalanche playing tonight? Turns out they are! Maybe I'll do a hockey pre-season game. Yes--it is Hockey season almost! Who needs the NFL!!!!! With their uber-expensive tickets and poor fan support and TV time-outs?

I saw an Eagle

I had never before seen a Bald Eagle, our national symbol, in the wild. I wish I had been fast enough to get a picture of it.



Yet--during our vacation to Florida driving from the Merritt's Island National Wildlife Preserve I saw one perched proudly upon a tall pole.



It was big! And I was surprised at seeing the bird--even though I knew they lived in the area.



I almost didn't believe it and for some reason I was really excited.

It is really amazing what we can begin to see when we actually open our eyes and notice the world around us. I am one of the worst at blindly walking though life--and I know I miss a lot going on around me. Call it self-absorbed or something, but essentially I just block out the part of the world I am not, at that moment interested in.

I need to be more aware of what is going on around me.

Not to zone out. Maybe life will become more interesting.

Another Rainy Day? No, not Really!

I was surprised as I woke up this morning.

It was raining. It was raining hard--and constant.

I was wholly unprepared for the rain and what it meant for the traffic and the day.

I'm still suffering over the end of summer--and I came to the realization yesterday that I probably would not be spending any more time in the pool before I closed it for the winter since the temperatures had dropped so low.

So many people hate rain. But as i was discussing with Chris on the way to work this morning--I love rain and being rained on. I guess it comes from the sense of renewal that goes with the rain.

Even the Bible speaks of rain in this way--

“I will send rain for your land in its season, the autumn and the spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine, and olive oil. I will provide pasture for your livestock and you will eat your fill.” (Deut 11:14-15 - NET Bible)

And we definitely are having the autumn rains right now.

Today, though, I also had a different and separate view of the rain. I saw it as tears falling upon our land. Tears of the martyrs of September 11th, 2001. Tears, reminding us that the fight against tyranny and chaos, and the forces of darkness is not complete, nor probably will it ever be complete.

We must constantly be on guard and against those forces that would drag us into darkness--and the rain, the tears of those who perished remind us, the ones who remain, that there is so much more to do until we can really live in peace.

So today wasn't just another rainy day. But a somber day of remembrance where we can rekindle the flames of patriotism and passion which so often become dim in our souls as we fight amongst ourselves about things like health care and the economy.

The Gator and the Dog

Ever notice how we sometimes under estimate the intelligence or capability of someone we are doing business with?

I was reading a story about a dog that was attacked by a gator in Georgia this summer--and I was reminded of a situation that happened many years ago. It was tragic, in the end.

We were living near Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, LA during the real early 1980's. The base was blessed with a wide open area and a couple of lakes which made for nice picnicking. I remember the kids used to like to throw hot dogs to the gators in the bayou--even thought they weren't supposed to and I would always yell at them for doing it.

One afternoon we were by one of the lakes and a man was throwing a stick into the water and his faithful dog was charging in to retrieve it. I heard someone tell the man that he shouldn't be doing that because there were gators in the lake. Well, of course he ignored the warnings and replied with something about his dog being faster than any gator--and he continued to throw the stick. We left the area because I was sure that something bad was going to happen, and I really didn't want the kids to witness something traumatic.

I read in the base newspaper the next week that the man's dog was in fact killed by a gator at the lake on the very day we were there. I was sad--and mad at the man for being really stupid.

Now we all know dogs are probably faster than gators--but in their own environment gators know how to maximize their abilities.

Do not under estimate people you are dealing with. Allow them to have intelligence, cunning, and even useful insight--else, like the dog, you may be on the short end of the stick.

The Wood Pile: An update

A funny thing happened yesterday after I published my blog item about the wood pile.

The wood pile got smaller!

Yup!

Something I never really imagined happened. Someone went by the house, grabbed some tools and started splitting the wood in the pile. So one of my piles of stuff got smaller.

Thanks Patrick!

How true it is--when we get those piles in our life we either are too proud to ask for help or forget to ask for help. And it is really cool when someone just helps--without being asked.

It is the same whether the pile in our life is wood, or cleaning, or vacuuming the house, or even just making dinner. When someone just shows up and helps out, without being asked, it is really heartwarming.

The piles--maybe they are an obstacle of some kind--just seem to sit there and grow in our minds. Sometimes it takes someone who doesn't carry around the same baggage to look at them and say: "It's not that big!" And then roll up their sleeves and dig in. Or start splitting!

I guess the upshot of this is, if we all work together we can accomplish a lot!

The Wood Pile

Panic is setting in.

The wood pile we created earlier this year--it is still there. Still needs to be split. It has even grown a bit larger.

Ugh! And the cold season is coming. I am going to want to burn that wood, soon.



The pile of wood waiting to be split is a lot like some of the things I have piled up in my life waiting for action.



The piles never seem to go away and I never seem to get around to working on them. They could be anything from a book I want to read, or a language I want to learn, or a vacation I want to plan. It seems that the pace of life never lets me get to them.

Or maybe it is because I don't really want to get to them.

I know, if I really wanted to, I could get to those projects just like splitting the pile of wood. When I really want to do it, it will get done. It is a matter of priority.

Until then, just like the pile of wood--these projects and tasks remain as unrealized potential--a storehouse of things to do and complete.

The wood can't be burned until it is split and the benefits I gain from addressing the piles in my life can not be realized until I apply my time and effort to them.

I guess I need to get a plan together to address them.

Oops--I think I just created another wood pile!

Monday Musings - September 7, 2009 Labor Day

1. I love holidays where we just hang around the house and get all kinds of stuff done.

2. It is amazing how much stuff needs to be done around a house just for normal maintenance.

3. Wine and cheese--what could be better than sitting on the back porch enjoying the weather and sipping and munching?

4. The movie Patton really is awesome on a Blue Ray.

5. I have been reminding all of my family that Baseball season IS NOT over yet! The O's still have games to lose.

6. Dogs that get set used to getting up at 5AM can be a problem on weekends and holidays At least she likes to go back to bed..

7. Our family football fantasy league really brings us together--and we have a lot of fun. It gives us something to discuss and have friendly competition.

Here I am Whining Again

OK--there is someplace I'd rather be, OK!

There I said (or wrote) it!

On the water and even better, under it someplace warm and tropical!

Yes, I know it is the weekend, and I know I have a lot of stuff to do. But it is Labor Day weekend and that, as everyone knows, is the true end of summer.

Clothing changes, work resumes with a vengeance, and we begin the "gathering" process of preparing for the cold, dark, bleak, desolate (did I say dark?) winter ahead.

We leave the warmth and sunlight behind.

Do we need winter to make us appreciate summer more? I say no!

Remember, I'm the crazy the decided to leave upstate New York and go to college south of Miami! The only reason I came back to graduate from Syracuse was that my class time started to interfere with my beach time.

Not a good frame of mind to be in if one actually wants to graduate from college. The snow and cold of Central New York got me straightened out, fast!

I definitely need one more diving trip before the season ends. Spend some time with the fishes. Or sailing--with the waves.

Summer--the time to live and it seems we spend the remainder of the year getting ready for it or planning for it.

Cat or TV?

Sometimes it is hard to not laugh.

Every night, Louis, the cat, crawls up onto the TV stand and parks himself in front of the screen like some kind of statue.

I think in his mind it is more important to be seen than to be appreciated. Because I really do not appreciate his statuesque approach to my television watching.

I'm really not sure what his point is, but it is comical because it happens every night.

That is his place to park for a while.


No one can take it from him. No one dares!!

I guess we all need a spot like Louie's. A place where we are the undisputed king.

In his case, the dog can't get him and we don't feel like moving him.

Lucky him.

Getting above it all

Some days, it would be nice to get above all the noise and find a quiet almost serene place.

I saw this balloon the other day-against the blue sky on a beautiful afternoon. Just floating along being carried by the wind.

Some days--as I am stuck in the rat-race, or lost in the maze, I wish I could get my head up above the mundane and get a better eye on where I'm headed.

It must be freeing to be drifting on the breeze and to be going where the wind takes you and not able to really have control. Knowing only that whatever comes, you are ready for it. At least you can see where it is you are heading and prepare for it! A lot better than getting blindsided on the ground.

We need to take a few minutes and in our minds, create a place where we can drift on the wind for a minute and get our bearings. We might not like the course we are on, or we might be able to see an obstacle coming along.

Be like a person in a balloon, get up above the confines of daily life. There is no reason for us to run from one task to another without poking our heads up for a reality check.

Take a deep breath, slow down. Assess your life and if you think it is out of control, take back control.

Sailing off into the Sky

I guess that as September has arrived (even though I am still in denial) it is nice to kind of project out where we are headed.

Sometimes, it seems as if we are a ship out on the open ocean--alone for a far as the eye can see. Charting our course for sights and lands unknown. We become the captains of our own ships and chart our own course without regard for those around us--because we can't see them.

I guess I sometimes dream of being the solitary ship headed off for adventure.

But it is September after all.

It is birthday season for our family--the celebrations begin in a few weeks and continue through April. Poor Ethan--he gets so tired of singing Happy Birthday for everyone else in the family before he brings up the end in April. Even Jax slipped in front of him!

And of course then there is the multiple holiday season--Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years.

And football season and hockey season and the World Series!

And the famously politically incorrect remembrance--Columbus Day where the subjugation of the indigenous peoples of the America's began.

And the planning for weddings, and a new grandson and all of the excitement they bring.

July was tame by comparison!

Anyone have a spare weekend I can borrow?

September 1st

The cool breeze surprised me
As it whisked on by
Cleansed of Summer's heat
And dampness
It woke me
To the imminent ending
And made me relish
The memory of Summer fun

My feet were dangling
In the clear, warm water of my pool
Swishing aimlessly
As I reclined and napped
And I knew that this repose
Must all too soon end
Giving way to Autumn's chill
And Winter's squalls

September is standing
On my doorstep
With its promise of colorful leaves
And colder breezes
Closing the chapter
On Summer's fun
The same as the cover
That will soon go over my pool

Beyond the Autumn
I see
Winter's cold and nearing grasp
Aware of what is coming
But wishing I could remain
Where the warm joyful breezes
Play with the carefree waves
That break along the beach all day

Monday Musings - August 31, 2009

1. Summertime and fairs seem to go together. Hawkers on the midway add to the ambiance.

2. When August gives way to September, the cool breezes portend a weather change that ultimately results in Autumn frosts in the air.

3. The real end of summer is when the teachers return to school!

4. There is a satisfaction that comes with completing a complex project and actually being pleased with the results. It makes the heart yearn for something more, or what's next.

5. I had a racquetball heavy week last week--I played on five separate occasions including Saturday, I think it may be a new record. I feel it today.

6. The eyes of children at a fair reflect the chaos and joy that is surrounding them.

7. I had the pleasure of attending a birthday party for a 90-year old friend on Saturday night. That is not something you do very often. And it was great. I only pray to see 90 and still be able to enjoy it.

8. As of today, the O's have 31 games left to play this season. They can only lose 4 of those remaining games to achieve a at least a .500 season. They are currently the 28th best team in MLB. Even the Pittsburgh Pirates have a better record that the O's this season. The scary part is that they need to win 9 of the remaining games so they don't finish with a 100 loss season. It could be close! Hold your breath and put on your rally cap.

9. Someone told me that everything I wrote in item 8 doesn't matter because it's football season in Baltimore! Summer truly has left the building!

10. And speaking of summer--you want to know what it is really all about? California 6, Taiwan 3. Little League World Series final! I wish I was coaching Little League again--maybe soon I will be!

State Fair Day

August, 30, 2009. The Maryland State Fair with the entire family.

A beautiful day in the mid to low 80's with a lot of sun and fun.

Cows and pigs and rides and fun.

Throw in some food (funnel cake) and a great time.

And watch Jackson dance or Ethan have a wholesome experience with a cow!

Who knew that's where milk comes from?

Cows--did I say cows?

Rides, fun and sun. We arrived as the fair opened at 10 AM and stayed until it after 3PM. It was good to be reminded that Maryland is a great agricultural state. Although I was distressed at how many of the hay entries were disqualified for infractions during the judging.

But it was a great family time together for part of the day. We enjoyed being together and traveling across the grounds in a big group.

Ah--the memories of summers past and present. That is what it is all about--really!

The Project - Final Picture

It is done and here is the picture to prove it as we are watching a replay of yesterday's Dallas vs San Francisco game.

We are officially ready for football season (and the end of baseball season, and hockey season too).

Very smooth and operating great! Our family TV room is back together.

It Happened--The TV is in the Hole!

Yup--

It's nearly done.

The TV is in the hole--(I forgot to take a picture)

It works!

It looks good!!

There are just a few really minor things to do, like tightening up the bracket so it doesn't have as much range of motion and painting the door we installed.

We watched part of James Bond last night! And the sub-woofer shook the room and the TV was bright.

And it was good.

Thanks to all who have provided encouragement during this project.

And especially thanks to Patrick and Tina for their help--without them it would not have been done in such a grand fashion and in as little time as it was. The whole project was really Patrick's vision, and a good one at that. Maybe he can market it.

I still need to get used to the RF to IR remote--but it is kewl! I can tell you that.

No more ugly doors to open when we are watching TV. Which is how we used to access the components. Nice, clean lines. Looks like it has always been there.

BTW--donations are being accepted to help pay for it, if you are so inclined.

Dragonfly

I've been meaning to show off this image since it was taken on July 15, 2009 by Chris.

I was so impressed by it. I remember it well--she took it while we were on the causeway off FL528 waiting for the Endeavour space shuttle launch.

This dragonfly came and landed near her and actually posed for her.

And she caught him.

A really good picture.

Believe it or not, there are a lot of different types of dragonflys. I tried to identify the specific type of dragonfly--but there were too many different types--who knew!

She has a great eye.

The Project--Getting Close Now

Well--we are getting close.

This is the paint phase.

And it looks pretty good.

Another coat and it will be ready for the TV to be installed--Thursday, as planned.

It has been a long hard road--with many twists and turns. But with the end in sight, I am really getting excited.

The wall covers have been reinstalled, the fans installed in the hole, and the cables ready for a TV.

And believe it or not, the next project has already been queued up.

Project Update - The End in sight is not an on-coming train

Well--last night was an important night in the continuing saga which is the TV enclosure project.

Paint! At least some paint.

I did have to fix a small problem with dry wall tape in one area so the entire project did not receive paint--but--tonight the first coat will be applied to everywhere and the second coat to the area where the TV will actually sit.

TV installation is tentatively scheduled for Thursday night!!!!!

It looks good!

It feels good to see completion on the horizon.

It will be better to be sitting in the room and watching TV knowing that the project is behind me and the prospect of football season is ahead of me.

Heck--I'll even be able to watch the O's while Chris is watching some HGTV stuff about home projects that are going to cost me more time and money!


It is soooooooo close. I actually see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am pretty sure it's not an on-coming train, this time.

Scenes to Remember

Did you ever go somewhere and see a scene that you just had to remember?





Sometimes I look at the sun reflecting off the clouds in the evening, as the pinks and reds are beginning to color them and wish that I could record how they appeared to me.





Not the way they look to the camera--cameras record the scenes as they are, not as we see them in our mind. Did you know that there is a difference?





How many times do you look across an open space and see a beautiful pastoral setting and then as you go to take a picture notice the ugly power lines running across in front of you?





We had a similar situation this summer driving away from Key West.


We were watching a water spout--which believe it or not is in the picture, travel just off shore along the road. It was fascinating. And there were two of them. We were so focused on the spouts, that we didn't even notice the power lines in the foreground of the picture.

But in my mind--I remember the water spouts. Not the power lines.

We transform scenes in our minds--removing the ugly and replacing filling the space with how we want to see the scene.

Like a beautiful day along the banks of a small lake in Florida watching the wildlife. It is something beautiful to remember. A happy place, so to speak. A place where there was joy and fun and excitement.

We forget the oppressive heat, the mosquitoes, the long walk. We remove the imperfections to make it a place to dream of returning to--on another day.

It has become another scene to remember in the movie of my life.

Monday Musings - August 24, 2009

1. Wow--weeks do fly. I totally missed last week's installment of Musings because I was so busy with the TV installation/construction project. Ever notice how some people are just ready to pile on? I have already been asked what my next construction opus is going to be! Let me finish this one first, please.

2. This August is the first time in 28 years where we have not been sending one of our children off to school/college. There was one year when we had some time off--but this is really permanent. It is really different.

3. August has screamed by--after July and the great vacation, the pace of life has been really unbelievable.

4. Psalm 90. Yesterday in church it was the topic of the message. The comment was made--"that when we have nothing left but God, then we understand that God alone is enough." That kinda stuck with me.

5. An interesting thing happened with the Orioles yesterday--they won their first series since the All Star break by taking a series from the Chicago White Sox. It really has been that bad since early July!

6. Some would say football season is here--hurrah! But I hear those words and think of the end of summer coming too soon and with it the beginning of birthday season for the family. We have a lot of birthday between now and the beginning of next year!

7. I'm changing my racquetball schedule from T-Th @ 0530 to M-W-F to see if I can get in even better shape and improve my fitness level a bit more. Day 1 was OK. And I guess I will still do the league on Tuesday nights--if we have a league this season. The club is determined to mess with the schedule and screw even that up.

8. Know what really makes me smile deep inside? Hearing Jax say "pop-pop" over and over as he comes (runs) to me!

9. A good timeout is sitting on the sofa watching Transformers with Ethan! Yeah--go get 'em Bumblebee!

10. I saw an enjoyable movie over the weekend--Julie & Julia. I recommend it. There are slow spots, but I have always been fascinated with Julia Child and Meryl Streep does a great job. Turns out there is a whole section in this month's Wine Spectator about Julia Child! Awesome.

The Project -- Some pictures

Well--I've been writing about it and I think it is time for some pictures of the project--which is nearing completion.

I did have a set back. I had designed the installation to with the idea of having air flow from the bottom to the top with a 2 inch spacing--but when we put the TV in the hole--it just didn't look right. So I am in the process of making the hole a bit smaller.

The door--didn't exist before the project began and it is used to access the area behind the enclosure where the electronics are being installed. We are using an rf to ir converter to make everything work.

I don't have a current picture based on what I did this morning--but the mudding is going really well and we should be painting by Monday evening or Tuesday at the latest.

We have already had the TV installed and test drove it. It looks great and the whole thing is really going pretty well. Patrick is the genius behind the electronic installation.

We have also installed electricity through the back wall and the HDMI cable to run the TV as well. Two cords is all it takes! Amazing.

Leadership: Keeping the Strategic Focus

At times--we get pulled in many different directions. The senior leadership, likewise, may also be pulled in directions and into situations which, if not properly assessed, could be detrimental to the larger organization.

I learned many years ago that we need to recognize the three spheres of influence within which we work: tactical, operational, and strategic.

Tactical is the fight going on right in your face. It is the small scale skirmishes which occur daily in the work place and in office politics. In the military--these are the operations of units directly engaged in operations. There are life and death struggles--and it is though tactical operations that the larger wars are won. Sales are made, new clients found.

Operational is the collective of tactical operations as they relate to a unified goal or objective in a larger sphere. In the military this is a theater of operations. In business--this might be domestic versus overseas operations. It involves the synchronicity of multiple tactical operations in coordination to achieve the larger objective.

Strategic is the key. What are he grander goals of the nation, or the larger company. Blending the operational goals into a unified strategy and focusing that direction is how empires are made. it is how GM became GM.

But then it was all lost.

Business lost its strategic vision. Short term success (a tactical type of goal) overtook the strategic planning and business models. No longer was there recapitalization of capacity. The goal was short term market increase at the expense of everything else. That is what the investors wanted.

Gains, gains, gains!

It could only go on so long. At some point without reinvestment and recapitalization the strategic battle was lost. There was no basis on which to continue to innovate and develop. It had been sold to please the brokers and the investors.

The United States is facing a similar problem. We are pouring so much energy (talent and treasure) into Afghanistan and Iraq and we are drawing down the strategic advantage that we carry over from the past, but we are not reinvesting in our strategic advantage.

The well is going dry.

Just like in business when the strategic vision is lost, I worry that the U.S. may soon suffer a strategic surprise. We have mortgaged our future without any plan for payoff.

Leadership requires keeping your eye on the ball, whether you are the leader of a small team, a division within a company, a military maneuver unit, or of the free world.

Becoming focused at the grass roots level (tactical) when you are responsible for strategic vision is a recipe for disaster.

The project

The construction project is making great progress. I am amazed although I was at Lowe's at 930 last night for supplies.

When completed it is going to look real nice. I just hope the TV fits. There is only 1/2 inch clearance for the sides. That is total. 1/4 for each side. That was the size of the existing opening. So I'm worried about it until it is hung.

That size is only for the very front though. It is larger in the back of the opening. So I really shouldn't worry too much.

It has been fun but it is taking a lot of time. Almost every waking minute I have been working on it or planning it with Patrick.

Maybe Sunday we'll hang the tv.
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry

The Project: Install a New TV

It seemed so simple--buy a new big screen HDTV to replace our old, outdated 65 inch big screen TV.

Remove and replace!

WRONG!!!!

Welcome to a major deconstruction/construction project--which has already netted me two new tools! One is a compound mitre to replace the one stolen last year--so the net is only one new tool. But you know--that is the part I like best about projects--getting new toys (errr tools).

Well--it turns out that once the big Mitsubishi was removed there is a large (read enormous) hole which needs to be filled. And with that the fun and enjoyment of of a new HDTV to watch all the best that sports the U.S. has to offer dissolves into an OMG construction project of mega-proportions!

So Patrick and I have been deconstructing and rebuilding for the better part of the week.

Progress is slow--but we are not trying to hurry. We are trying to do a first rate job.

I have some pictures that I will publish as the project matures--but we are really being creative and if the plan achieves only a small percentage of its goals--it will be awesome.

Anyone want/need and old TV?

North Korea vs the Reporters Euna Lee and Laura Ling

OK--I've been simmering on this recent news issue for a while and I finally have to uncork!

You recall the heroic story of the two U.S. reporters taken hostage by North Korea? And that former President Clinton recently shuttled to Pyongyang and secured their release after they were tried and sentenced to 12 years hard labor for illegally entering North Korea?

The AP reports: "Lisa Ling says her sister [Laura] told her that she and another American journalist briefly touched North Korean soil before they were captured and detained for months in that communist country."

The great newspaper the Ethopian Review posts the following (a couple snippets):

"Euna Lee and Laura Ling were granted a pardon by North Korea following rare talks between Clinton and the reclusive leader Kim Jong Il. They had been sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for entering the country illegally."

"Nobody wanted this to be a distraction from the more substantially difficult issues we have with North Korea," he said. "There was a desire by the administration to resolve this quietly and from the very beginning they didn't allow it to become a huge public issue."

Here's a thought--they were guilty of being terminally stupid! They probably ought to serve their terms here in the U.S. I mean, what did they expect? North Korea is not the U.S. where we just send illegal immigrants back home.

They did the crime.

And the U.S. and U.S. taxpayers have to foot the bill for their release.

This is really a big issue. Why? Because both of the reporters are going to write books about their experiences and make a lot of money--an our (the taxpayers) expense. And no one seems to care.

Let's look at how it plays out. The United States expends economic, political, and psychological power (three of the four elements of national power) to free the captive reporters. They were justly captured while violating the laws of North Korea. And it wasn't a violation of ignorance--but rather a cogent decision to touch North Korean soil--so they could in all good journalistic faith say that they had been to North Korea. I mean, how do you say--oops, we didn't see the boarder when the border is a frozen river?

And now--after all of the agony they caused their families and the distraction caused to the State Department in the conduct of foreign policy--they are free and able to write a probable bestseller about "how I spent my summer vacation in a North Korean prison."

What's wrong with this picture?

There are countries in the world which would take the stance that they were terminally stupid and need to pay the price.

Thank goodness we live in the United States--because everyone needs protection--I just have a problem with them getting wealthy for knowingly doing something illegal and the U.S. then having to bail them out.

I just hope they don't try to wiggle out of paying their taxes!

Monday Musings - August 10, 2009

1. Returning to work after vacation is really a difficult thing to do. I liken it to being a kid on the day after Christmas and realizing there are 364 more days until Christmas! Only, there are only 330 more days until vacation!

2. Sunday afternoon. The smell of steaks on the grill, the sound of the O's losing another game coming from the radio, and I'm napping on a floatie in the pool. What could be better?

3. Doesn't two weeks ago seem like a long time past?

4. We had a really fun filled weekend--a party given by my boss on Friday night, a dinner/pool party we hosted on Saturday evening, and the kids and grandkids at the house on Sunday. No wonder the lawn didn't get mowed! Know what--it'll be there later today for me--I would not have wanted to miss the time with all of the friends we reconnected with over the weekend.

5. Anniversary season falls during early August for our family. My parents notched 55 years and Chris and I , 34 years this past weekend. Wow--in our case, few believed it would last when two 19-year olds got married on a hot August evening in 1975. I know from my stand point--I wasn't thinking about where I'd be in 2009, I was just trying to get through 1975.

6. Marriage is a journey. A journey begins with a single step and a marriage begins with a single day. Make each step and day the best they can be --and they start to add up. You almost don't notice them as they pass--but every year as you pause and look back on all that has happened before, you realize you're making progress.

7. Pictures are a great way to remember fond times and good friends. I think it is great the electronic media allows us to so widely share our experiences with others!

Friday and the Race is on Again

OK--it is time to start your engines. The weekend is upon us and there is way more to do than time to do it.

Where would you rather be?

Where would I rather be?

Then go there!

It is hard to imagine a weekend that is not chock full of projects and friends, and family. Not that it is bad--but sometimes I think it is getting all jumbled up together in an incoherent mess.

We need to be on guard of being too busy that we don't do some of the things we enjoy--like napping on a floatie in the pool. Or watching the O's take another frustrating loss. Or sitting on a beach listening to the sound of the waves washing ashore.

I love that sound. Especially when it is a gentle roar across the beach.

God looks down from heaven at the human race,
to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

(Psalms 53:2 - NET Bible)

What is it that I am seeking when I surround myself with all of that activity?

I wonder. When do I leave myself time or energy to actively seek God? Thankfully, He is seeking me, too!

But--not it is time to race off on another exciting weekend of activity. Hope to cross paths with you, too!

Post-Vacation Blues

I think I have discovered a new malady: Post-vacation blues.

Yup--I think I have it--bad.

The root cause is returning to life after a two and a half week vacation to find nothing has changed! (I mean what did I expect?) AND--couple that to mourning the loss of some great vacation time in the sun and surf.

I keep looking at the vacation pictures remembering the relaxing (mostly) time had in places where I wasn't facing mountains of email and projects that I wasn't really motivated to tackle.

I mean--don't misunderstand--it was good to get home and back to life in Maryland (especially my dog), but wow, my head is still somewhere else and thinking about the next time I can do it all again.

Ah--but sadly, this too will pass.

Soon I'll get excited about the next email action item, or about cleaning the garage (for real this time) or swapping out the leaking gas tank in the Jag (it has two).

Although napping on a floatie in the pool helped a lot yesterday--then there was that accusing voice that reminded me that there is something fundamentally wrong with napping on a floatie when there is so much to do around the house.

But in my mind--I'm still on vacation.

And so what if I want to take a short nap after a long day catching up at work, drink some wine (although it was awful!), and then watch the O's finally win a game--on the road!

Who has a right to be so judgemental about what I do or don't?

Maybe I'll drown my sorrows and go purchase another big screen TV (like 55 inches) tonight so I can start another major project in the basement entertainment room. That will make me feel better. At least until the Best Buy bill comes in the mail next month!

Name That Fish!

Help!

I took a picture of this fish on July 22, 2009 in the Sambo Reefs off Key West, Florida. I cannot figure out what it is.

The closest thing I've come up with is an ocean sunfish--but I don't like the tail and the id seems a bit off.

I have spent probably four hours scouring fish ID guides trying to id this fish--so any help would be appreciated.

It was a good sized fish--but not huge by any stretch of the imagination. I'd say maybe 18-24 inches.

Thanks in advance!

A quick edit--this is most likely a Grey Triggerfish according to experts! Yay Mystery solved. It just didn't look right to me for a Triggerfish--but that was my first instinct. Should've gone with it.

Monday Musings - August 3, 2009

1. It's August already? Is it me or is this year rocketing by at an unbelievable pace.

2. Punctuality. Hmmm. Read an interesting article about it. Chronic lateness shows a lack of respect for those with whom you are meeting. Everyone's time is valuable.

3. Returning to work after almost three weeks of vacation is one of the toughest things I have to do in a year. I haven't worn socks in that entire time let alone shoes. Ugh--my feet are dying right now.

4. Why does it seems that no where sleeps as good as your own bed?

5. I watched what could have been described as the first professional football game of the season yesterday--if you only look at the score. The Boston Red Sox scored two touchdowns (one with a two-point conversion) and a field goal in beating my Orioles who scored a touchdown and a field goal; 18-10. Oops, forgot--it was a Major League Baseball game. Someone forget to bring pitchers to the game?

6. Why do vacations have to end? Especially, when they were great vacations.

7. It is reassuring to note that even now, after all these years, I can still pull an all-nighter drive across the country. It was fun to watch the sun rise again and be on the road. I keep hearing strains of Willie Nelson singing "On the Road Again" in my ears though.

8. You really learn a lot about people when you live with them for a week.

9. The beach in Cocoa Beach is a great swimming, surfing beach. It is also good for walking on and playing in the shallow surf. Unfortunately, though, there isn't any local diving or snorkeling.

10. Guanabanas in Jupiter is a really cool restaurant to enjoy. I highly recommend it.

11.. Poor visibility can be a real downer when snorkeling--almost as bad as when driving.

Sights in Key West

Key West is an interesting city.

It appears you can get anything you desire--and even some things you don't. Just walk along Duval Street at night after 10PM to see what I mean.

Sitting at lunch near Duval Street on sunny afternoon I spied this sight and really didn't know what to make of it--especially being right under the museum. Trust me--in this area of Key west there are no beaches or places to swim in the immediate vicinity.

But it was a funny sight and we truly enjoyed getting a good laugh--and of course I was quick enough with the camera to record it.

Maybe an escaped mermaid from the Mel Fisher Museum from the wreck of the Atocha.

Manatees, bugs, and wildlife

Exploring the area around Cocoa Beach yesterday we traveled to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy the scenery and view some animals in the wild (rather than wild animals in the condo!).

Seeing Manatees in the wild was the highlight of the day. They are really big--and also really hard to get any kind of a decent photo of. But they were fun to watch. The move very slowly and almost gracefully in the water. Possibly the mermaids of the deep.

We enjoyed a great picnic lunch in the park surrounded by the abundant animal life--OK so we had ants everywhere. It was still fun. Even with the smell of bug spray to ward off the locals.

The walking tour near the visitor center provided a nice overview of the area and the geography to include plants and some animals. We did see some fish in the nearby pond.

A great day to remember, all within sight of the massive vehicle assembly building at the Kennedy Space Center.

It Took Me a While to Get Them All Positioned

I am just learning the joys of underwater photography. It is fun and at the same time frustrating. Fishes really move around, so when I was able to snap this picture of some fishes posing for me, I was happy.

This was my second dive on Friday, July 24th at an unnamed reef after completing my Vandenberg dive. I had lots of time to tool around and enjoy the fishes and the scenery under the water. The reef was only about 20 feet deep and the water was pretty clear--visibility near 40 feet.

I really enjoyed getting all of these fishes grouped together.