A Week, Already?

As I was sunning myself on the beach yesterday, I realized that I have been on vacation for a week already. Amazing! And OMG it is almost over.

We headed off to the beach a bit earlier than normal--I wanted to get there before low tide--hoping for some better images of the sharks and other creatures. Although the water still had only about 10 foot visibility--I was rewarded by some good images.


The storms over the ocean were kicking up the sand a bit. But the clouds were magnificent. They were fun to look at and watch off in the distance. The sun came and went and the water became more choppy as the day went on.


We had a visit from a relatively large sand crab--who walked right by me and stopped for a bit to have its picture taken. If it wasn't such a crab, it would have been cute. And I took this with my underwater camera.


I conducted my obligatory shark quest and ran across two at different times during the day. The bigger shark was later in the day, but the water was so cloudy by then I didn't even try to take a picture.


The exciting animal of the day was the squirrel fish I found hanging out near the bottom of a rock ledge. They don't normally visit waters this shallow, so it was a real find. It was nice that it wasn't moving around too much, so I was able to work the shot a bit.

When I am not in the water, I am reading two books--one is about a World War II B-24 crew member that survived over thirty days at sea in a life raft and then was sent to a Japanese concentration camp. The book is named, Unbroken<\i>. The other is about the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier. Both are very interesting. The reason I am reading two is because one is electronic, and I can't read it on the beach--the other is a traditional book.

Nothing is better than a good read for vacation.

-- Bob Doan, Jupiter, FL

What I've Seen in Jupiter, Florida, 2012

The beach, the animals on the shore, and those in the water--it has been awesome again this year to get away and check out nature and its magnificence. I had fun getting the picture of this sand crab--he was very tough to catch.


I realized the other day why I love getting into the water so much to see the marine animals--they let me get closer to them than the creatures which live on land. I have almost lost count of how many times that I have been within ten feet of a seven foot nurse shark, or for that matter three sharks. I keep looking for them hoping for a really good image--which so far has escaped me.


On Tuesday when I was snorkeling and the visibility was particularly poor, it wan not until I did some processing on the image that I took of the big shark that I realized that there were really two sharks watching me watch them. The visibility was getting rather poor--but I now clearly see two nurse sharks in the image. Ugh! I really hate those kinds of surprises.


I had a fun experience on the shore when a sheltie walking with its owner along the beach decided to come visit relax for a while. She was a beautiful dog, Katie, who just wanted a few minutes out of the sun under my umbrella. We exchanged some conversation with her owner only to discover that this beautiful, 13-year old dog had just been diagnosed with bladder cancer. The ravages of cancer, it seems, are everywhere.


And then again yesterday, as we took an off the beach day due to bad weather, we happened upon the sand cranes again. They were chilling and wandering around--but ever mindful of our presence.


In addition to the wildlife, there is just the calming of the ocean waves hitting the beach. On any given day, what really is better than this?

-- Bob Doan, Jupiter, FL

Evening at the Square Grouper Revisted

One of our favorite watering holes in Jupiter is a riverside bar called the Square Grouper. It sits along the river/inlet offering a fabulous view of the water activities ranging from pleasure craft to working boats. This year, the Grouper upgraded its sitting area with a canopy of palm trees to keep the sun away.



Most important though are the views the spot offers. Waterfowl abound in the area along with a stunning view of the famous Jupiter Lighthouse.



As the sun sets, there are few places more enjoyable to relax and enjoy the coming evening. Of course, being there with friends for engaging conversation really helps, too.



Parking can be a bit of a problem on busy nights, but the views and ambiance are well worth the effort. I have written about the Square Grouper before--and this spot continues to be one of the truly great locations in all of Jupiter, Florida.

That is why I seem to always go back, one more time.

-- Bob Doan, Jupiter, FL

Friends in Low Places

It is amazing the different animals we can see if we just keep our eyes open.



While walking the area the other day I happened upon some sand cranes eating on the corner. They let me get pretty close for a picture. And they were just hanging out in the neighborhood along with the suicidal squirrels.



Snorkeling yesterday, I ran across three nurse sharks and one really cool eel. One of the nurse sharks was about 7 feet long. I did get one image of all three together, but it is really difficult to see all three in the image. Trust me--they are there.



I also ran across a spotted eel--with its entire body exposed laying on the bottom showing me his teeth. Yeah.



A really awesome day in the water and on the beach.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Back to the Ocean

After taking a day off to let my back repair and also to buy some shirts with significant UV properties, it was back into the water yesterday.


John B. MacArthur State Park on Singer Island was the location chosen for our day in the sun and water. It is a wide long beach with a small rock reef that teems with life.

I did run across a hot woman on the beach and we hooked up for the day. I have a picture of here right here. She is a real looker, too! I especially liked the Orioles hat on her head. Fortunately for me, we are married to each other and I get to spend every day with her!



The beach was a bit crowded--it was Sunday after all. The water was calm and relatively clear--maybe 15 foot visibility.

Highlights of the day included a lobster who didn't want to be messed with--he was camped out in a bad spot and had this been lobster mini-season he would have been boiling in someone's pot before the end of the day.



We ran across some pork fish and other fairly common fish near the reef. There were just too many people around to fully enjoy the reef, so we only stayed out near it for a short while--OK, maybe an hour.



I did run across one fish that I can't name yet. The spotted one following the pork fish in the image.

All in all another great vacation day topped off by an awesome dinner at the Juno Fish House.

-- Bob Doan, Jupiter, FL

Lounge Lizard Revival

Well, I overdid the sun on Friday--actually I missed a covering a large portion of my back with sun screen, so I needed an out of the sun day yesterday.

Instead of heading off to the beach, we did some shopping and a movie--we saw Men in Black 3. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and tolerated the shopping. I even found some shirts and shorts while shopping. My exciting purchase of the day was a harmonica--no, I do not know how to play the harmonica. Chris will have to suffer with it, but I have wanted a harmonica for a while. I don't really know why.



Some of what I saw, while shopping, made me retch at the thought of wearing it and sent me on a time machine back to the 70's and the leisure suit era. A period of men's clothing I had hoped to forget. I was so shocked by one combination that I took a picture of it for posterity.

I also realized the age demographic that the stores are displaying clothes for is a lot older than I am. Trust me, it looks better in the image than it did in real life.


-- Bob Doan, Jupiter, FL

Sand, Sea, and Sun

The beach was fantastic and the marine life was there for us to enjoy. It was a fabulous day and although Maryland was baking with over 100 degree temperatures, we were enjoying the sand and sun in about 90 degree weather and a cooling ocean breeze.



The beach was uncrowded--not at all like Ocean City. And while there were waves, the ocean provided good visibility for my snorkeling adventures. I still need to color correct the images--but a green turtle and a nurse shark provided the snorkeling image highlights of the day.



The green turtle was sleeping when we happened upon it--and sadly we spooked it a bit although we tried not to bother it. It swam away and we followed for a short while, but it swam fairly quickly. It did circle back around later in the day when we were on the shore.



One of the highlights of the day was finding a nurse shark under a rocky outcropping. The shark was just laying around chilling. Maybe it was on vacation like I was. I did catch it moving--which was nice.

Later in the day I happened upon three lemon sharks, but sadly my camera lens had fogged over because I let it lay in the sun, so I couldn't get a picture of them. They were definitely exciting to see and to demonstrate my common sense, I did leave that area to them a decided to snorkel in another part of the ocean. After all, the ocean is certainly big enough for all of us!

A great day in the water though with the hopes of many more.


-- Bob Doan, Jupiter, FL

Florida 2012 - Arrival

Yesterday we crossed the Florida state line before 2 PM enroute to a record breaking total trip time of 14 hours and 45 minutes. We normally dawdle on the highway for an additional hour. I think we stopped fewer times on this trip than during a 6 hour trip to upstate NY. Traffic was light and the weather was awesome.

Nevertheless, this morning I am awake in Florida and preparing for my first, hopefully of many, sojourn to the beach. The smell of the ocean and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore appeals to me in so many ways and on so many levels.

It is good to get away. I'm not sure I could survive a stay-cation. Although
I do enjoy hanging out around the pool.

But driving into Jupiter yesterday afternoon felt a lot like coming home. It has been two years since we last stayed here and enjoyed the area.

Now it is time to get to work--vacationing. I want to come home exhausted form strenuous vacationing!

-- Bob Doan, Jupiter, FL

South of the Border

At 9:13 am we cruised past South of the Border. Just over one-third the journey past. A ribbon of highway remains stretched out in front of us.

South of the Border

As the day dawns

As dawn broke this morning I was speeding through Richmond headed south at the beginning of another journey. 

I still love driving at dawn as the day begins. It is exciting to be there as the first rays of light illuminate the landscape. The open road ahead and miles already behind at the start of a too  long trip. 

Why didn't I fly?

Oh yeah. Rental cars were out of sight expensive. 

- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy 4th, 2012

Although John Adams thought the celebration should have been on July 2nd, happy Independence Day.


Our nation remains the best place to live in the world--despite its warts. We can at least talk about them without fear of retribution.

I hope that wherever you are that you can pause for a moment and celebrate this country and our collective achievements.

Pause also and give thanks to our military men and women who are on the front lines and the their families who support them.

God bless America!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sleep Wars

Funny things sometimes happen while attempting to get a good night's sleep in a bed occupied by two people who prefer somewhat different sleeping environments.

Lately, we have been experiencing challenges which have resulted in experiments related to using different bed spreads and duvets to find the right combination of room temperature and covers.

The other night resulted in a classic battle between hot and cold.

At one point, Chris decided that she was cold and summarily made off with all of the covers that I had been using. Result: I was awake trying to figure out where everything was. Moments later she was too hot and all of the covers came sailing back my way.

The funniest thing happened at one point when the pillow I was wrapped around suddenly was removed and replaced with her body--now that is not a bad thing in and of itself--but it is only temporary until my body heat warms the area and she becomes too hot again and moves off leaving me without both her and my pillow.

Last night was better--we opted for heavier covers and a fan. I don't like the fan but we arrange it so that it does not blow on me.

Still--the sleep challenges can result in a less than restful night.

And I am often the innocent bystander in the war on sleep.



-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 2, 2012

1. The number of people still without electricity throughout the region is astounding in the wake of the Friday night storms. We were very lucky to have lost electricity for only a short while.

2. I noted that branches torn from living trees are very heavy when compared to the branches from dead trees or dead branches which often fall during storms.



3. I forgot to include an image of the pool on the morning after the storm--so here it is. Overall, not too bad--only a couple hours work to get fully back into shape.

4. I am happy to report that the news is good from Colorado Springs--the fire spared the house of my brother-in-law. But I mourn with those who lost everything.

5. Vacation in looming. An escape from the routine for a few days. It will be shorter this year than most--but no less enjoyable.

6. I am excited about the upcoming holiday--family, food, and fireworks--what could be better?

7. Now why does this not make sense? I just read that 2,800 elementary students will need to be redistricted for the 2013 school year to accommodate the new 600 seat school opening in my neighborhood where the 10 acre forest once stood. Maybe they built the school in the wrong place?

8. Four weeks ago today I had my elbow surgery. It is mostly healed--but the doctor still wants me to refrain from heavy use--like racquetball for about two more weeks. There are areas still tender to the touch so I know this is probably a good thing.

9. Since she has been in the news lately, it was on July 2, 1937, that Amelia Earhart disappeared in the Central Pacific.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

July Already?

What really happened to June? It is gone and we are standing on the first day of July and into the deep part of the summer.

I was lucky enough to say good-bye to June by spending a few hours in the freshly cleaned of debris pool yesterday accompanied by my three grandsons.

We were hosting an overnight which grew into a much larger affair due to the lack of electricity that brought two more people and their dogs into the house for the night.

We at least had power and air conditioning and were happy to share the comfort.

What an interesting way to start the deep summer in the wake of storms which still have over 300,000 in Maryland without power and suffering in 100 degree temperatures.

Summer, pool and hot!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wild and Crazy

The storms last night left a path of destruction in the wake. I spent the better part of the day cleaning up and getting things back together.

Downed limbs, leaves everywhere and a pool mess of incredible proportions.

They say that more storms are due tonight.

At least we can clean up after these storms and do not have to rebuild like so many others are doing after the fires.

We are the lucky ones after all because by mid-afternoon we were swimming in the pool to escape from the heat.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Remind me Again, It's a Celebration, right?

I have been reminded this week that change, in the form of retirement, is just as scary for those left behind as it is for those who are retiring.

Sure, it is a lot more traumatic for the retiree--but to those who have to go back to work Monday morning and face the empty office, it can be a lot like having attended a funeral rather than a celebration. And I believe that funerals are celebrations, too.

There is a lot of joy for the person who successfully made it to the ed of a stellar career and gets to enjoy the next best part of life without having to get up at Oh-dark-thirty, before the birds even wake up, to ply the choked highways and make their rush hour impeded way to the job site. I am really happy that someday, too, I will be able to stay home instead of forcing my ever dragging self out of bed.

But the grief of the loss of a great leader or a good friend, left unchecked, could turn the celebration of a successful career into a morose funeral.

Yesterday, I attended the celebration of a career.

Speeches were given, mementos were presented, and pictures were taken to permanently record the moment.

And it was a celebration. It was exciting to attend and hear so many anecdotes about someone that I have worked closely with for the past three years as he coasts into the last day of his career. I even had the opportunity to add a story to the festivities.

But--Monday morning, the office across the hall will be empty and it will soon be filled by someone new.

Change is hard.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Prayers for Today - June 28, 2012

1. For my nephew who is courageous in the face of a cancer enemy that is trying in every to defeat him in mind and body--that he will finally, this time, be victorious. Happy Birthday, although you are not at your home, may this be the last time you celebrate a birthday in the hospital.

2. For my brother in law and his family, and all of the people in the paths of the wildfires raging across the country--that their homes may be spared and that they may be safe.

3. For those who are in the middle of life changing decisions--like retirement, that as you look back on your years of service to the country, the school district, or whatever you are retiring from that you remember the joy that kept you motivated and the lives you changed for the better every day along the way.

4. For our military men and women deployed across the globe exposed to the chaos and hatred of the enemy in other lands, that they would be protected and brought safely home at the successful end of their deployments.

5. That I would be reminded of the blessings that I have been given in everything associated with my life and stop seeking more but would be more effective at using what I have.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Freedom Wins a Victory

The Supreme Court in striking down three of the controversial Arizona immigration law provisions has helped ensure civil liberties and protection against unreasonable search and seizure remains the law of the land.

The assault on our personal freedoms continues unabated by well meaning legislators who just do not understand the ramifications of the "do gooding" laws that they are enacting. Controlling illegal immigration is one thing, but using unreasonable techniques--such as stopping people because they look different, are clearly not allowed.

While many of the laws seem to make sense on the surface or when they are proposed, by the time they are enacted they can serve as a springboard for abuse and severely limiting personal freedoms and protection.

I continue to be amazed at how we are willing to let our rights and Constitutional protections be limited by legislators who are looking for more ways to control us.

I think the special interest groups are out of control.

Thank goodness there still is a Supreme Court to make decisions about these things.



-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Who Turned Off Summer?

I remember writing last week about the heat and summer temperatures which had finally arrived in the region.

My pool was warming to a nice 85 degrees due to solar heating.


The night time temperatures were a warm 70 plus degrees.

And then this morning--my thermometer reads 55 degrees. And that is Fahrenheit not celsius!

Who turned off summer?

I'm not sure I can drive to work with Cat's top down. At a minimum I'll need to have the heat on! And a jacket.

What a weird weather pattern. The high today is supposed to be 79 degrees. That is only abut 15 degrees below normal. The beginning of the dog days are exactly a week away and we are having highs in the 70's. Something is definitely wrong.

I certainly hope summer returns before the weekend.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 25, 2012

1. I don't know ow they did it, but the Orioles scored a total of 5 runs during three games this weekend and managed to win two of them. Conversely, their opponents the Washington Nationals also scored only 5 runs over the same three games--but lost two of them..

2. The thought of vacation being less than two weeks away is exciting.

3. The fires in Colorado are much more personal as they are affecting people that we know. No loner are the fires happening over there, but they are far more real and we are watching their progress very carefully.

4. There is a beach somewhere with a chair waiting for me.

5. I read an interesting article about 10 brands that will disappear this year. American Airlines topped the list. Talbots and Pacific Sun Wear were also on the list. So was Avon.

6. The weather was fantastic this weekend.

7. I learned about imperatives and indicatives in church yesterday. Who knew we were gong to have a lesson in grammar while studying Colossians?

8. This is the last week of June--its passing is coming all too soon.

9. When the cats gather on the floor next to me it means only one thing--they are out of food!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Summer Flowers

It is summer time. Even the calendar finally agrees that the best season of the year is finally and officially here.


This morning I noticed the bees working in the bee balm and honey suckle.

It was a sight as three or four bumblebees were working together gathering pollen. They were flying around with purpose--and best of all mostly ignoring me.



I enjoy the flowers. The bees also enjoy the flowers.

This year, since the flowers have been in place now for two full years, they are really taking off and filling in the area along the fence. I love the way they are growing together to create a bright spot filled with color.

l really enjoy summer mornings.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

On the Swing

Why is it that kids love to be pushed on a swing?

I stood behind the swing this morning pushing Lucas, and he really enjoyed the relaxed pendulum motion that it made.

I remember, I think, when I was small and I used to love being pushed on a swing.

And see-saws.

I was the biggest so I usually had to have two other smaller kids off set my weight--but I remember the up and down motion as being tranquilizing.

I could swing or play on the see-saw for hours it seems--although I know that it was only minutes.

Although little is said--there is interaction. People working together for enjoyment and relaxation.

Not like today when we play games in solitary life on computers never seeing, or possibly even knowing our opponent.

The swing--I'm too big now to enjoy them like I did when I was small. But I now know that all of life's problems melt away on the swing or see-saw.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Nail in the Drive

There is the proverb of the horseshoe nail and how its loss change the course of the battle.


For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

But what about just a common nail lying in the drive? As part of our reconstruction of the deck we have been carefully scanning the driveway for nails.

But what could a single nail alone in the drive way d?

I imagine it lying there, looking for a tire to pierce.

It is really that important?

Because of the nail in the driveway, the tire was flat
Because the tire was flat, the car couldn't drive
Because the car couldn't drive the driver was late to work
Because the driver was late to work, the meeting was missed
Because the meeting was missed, the driver was fired
All because of the nail in the driveway.

Maybe I'm making too much of this.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flags and Ships

I was awed over the weekend by the flags which fluttered in the wind while we visited the tall ships in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.



The sky was clear blue. And the flag that represented our young nation, fifteen stars and fifteen stripes, flew everywhere in Baltimore.



The day was perfect. It was a day to be outside doing something very different. And our flag was joined by the flags of other nations--celebrating the 200 years since the beginning f the war which finally secured our independence.



The crowds were crushing. So many other people wanted to be part of the celebration. I believe that a lot of people made the short trip from Philadelphia to spend the day. What a great history spot Philadelphia is. The place where our founding fathers made the decision to pledge their lives and fortunes to the idea of this great nation.



But the flags flew unhindered above everyone who came--those from near and far.



But these are only a few of those flags--of the nations represented in the Inner Harbor on that magical day.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bring on the Heat

The pool is ready, the lawn is mowed. The floatie is inflated and ready to go. I test drove it in the pool yesterday.

Today and Thursday the temperatures are supposed to be in the high 90's. If only I didn't have to work. I see myself baking in the sun in my pool.

But alas--the reality of life is that I do not get to enjoy the first sultry days of summer. I must wait for the magical convergence of weather and the weekend.

But it is coming. I can feel it.

And so too, is the weekend.

Two weeks from tomorrow, I leave for vacation.

The beach is calling to me already.

And the heat brings relaxation, waves, sun, and time away for reflection and renewal.

How can that be bad?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Elbow Tales

Consider your elbow.

Kind of a weird thought isn't it?

I have been considering my elbow for a while now. And since my surgery two weeks ago, I have been thinking about it a lot more.

Let's begin with the problem: cubital tunnel syndrome. The referenced article provides a good overview.

Who knew? We have all heard of carpal tunnel syndrome--but now a new tunnel to worry about. And I don't mean the Lincoln Tunnel, either.

Well, I had the nerve damage part--so surgery was the best option.

The surgery went well and the recovery is going well, too--just slower than I would like. I had thought I would be playing racquetball again in three weeks--but the doctor wants me to wait six weeks because, fundamentally, racquetball and the stress it puts on my elbow significantly contributed to the problem.

So I wait. I do not want to be that "guy" and mess up the great work done in my elbow.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 18, 2012

1. Father's Day 2012 is history--next up, Independence Day.

2. Family wine and cheese tastings are a lot of fun.

3. With the opening of the long-awaited Wegman's, the area finally has a grocery store which is as diverse as the people who live in the county.

4. Sunny afternoons with cooler temperatures and low humidity--can it get any better than this?




5. There is something exciting about seeing the Blue Angels streaking across the bay and around the area during their air shows.

6. Summer, by the way, officially begins this week. Stand by for the solstice and the longest day of the year.

7. Are you aware of the leap second on June 30th?

8. I ran across a revealing article about the 12 worst supermarkets in America. Too many of them are close to home. Who knew that Wegman's was the largest grocer in the nation with 22 percent of the market share?



9. Tall ships, fast jets, and a clear sky; can it get any better?


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I Survived the Wegman's Opening

This morning--in Columbia, with hundreds of my closest new best friends, I visited the new an long awaited store opening.

Wegman's has everything and we are glad that they finally opened.

I cannot believe I went to the grand opening of a grocery store.

And lived.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sailabration - Baltimore

Baltimore is in the midst of celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Star Spangled Banner. The two year commemoration is kicking off with the Sailabration this weekend aroound the Baltimore Inner Harbor.


I had fun attending the Sailabration yesterday and enjoying the tall ships and the crowds and the air show.

The celebration brought tall ships from around the world into the harbor for viewing--and the crowds yesterday were there to view them along with us.



The ship from Mexico was a beautiful sight sitting along side the inner harbor from a distance. We actually visited a ship from Indonesia.

But I was fascinated by the flags and the people I met. During the course of the day I stod n line next to Tim Tooten, a TV personality from Channel 11 who we watch all the time. He was visiting with his wife just enjoying the day.


Wandering around the inner harbor, amazingly and without a huge entourage, was the governor--Martin O'Malley, and I got to shake his hand and say "hi" to him. I did not ask him why he can't manage the state better, though.



In addition to the ships, there was an air show and fireworks later in the evening. We did not stay for the fireworks, but did see some of the air show.



We actually had a god spot t see some of the airshow and I was nice to see the aviators flying their machines demonstrating their proficiency and seemingly defying gravity.



It was a fabulous day in Baltimore. The Sailabration is well worth the time aand effort to attend as the weather has been nothing short of awesome.

Oops, I did forget the sunscreen, so I got a bit over cooked.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Overnight

Three grandsons and an overnight. From 5:30 pm we were the effective parents of three boys under age 8.

It brings back fond memories of times gone by watching three excitable boys.

Really? No.



Thank goodness for a pool to keep them amused and to tire them out. Followed by pizza and a movie--then thankfully, bed! I did get to reprise my role as surfboard pop-pop while we were in the pool.



I should have known that morning would come early though. I think it was before 6 am when the first one rose with the brightening rays of the sun. By 7 am--they were all up and getting back to the business of the day--eating, watching movies, and playing.

Such a great life. Donuts, movies, and doting grandparents.

How do I sign up for that?


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Decks, Pools, and Summer

The deck project started on a whim two weeks ago has reached a milestone. The actual deck is complete thanks to the hard work of friends and family. I especially appreciate the way everyone continued on even after my elbow surgery effectively took me out of the game.


We did a little redesign work on the deck--so it looks at the same time different and better. It, at least, is ready for another 20 years of partying and enjoyment.

The only part of the project remaining is to reconstruct the stairs--and that is on hold until I am cleared by my very conservative doctor to resume swinging a hammer and playing racquetball.

It is all good though.



The deck still needs a coat of protective stain--but that is going to wait until the wood drys out and will actually allow the stain to soak into it.

The improved view of the pol area that the redesigned deck rails provides is very nice. We have the perfect backyard--deck and pool. There is no better way to experience and enjoy the summertime.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Old Times Remembered--Omaha

It was November 1983, Chris and I and the two (at that time) kids, Jeremy and Nicole, arrived to a cold and almost frozen Offutt AFB, near Omaha, Nebraska.

It was a different time. We had traveled from Shreveport, Louisiana, where I had just completed a the three year assignment to 8th Air Force at Barksdale AFB. I was an Air Force Captain and we were living pay check to pay check while raising a family and fulfilling my dream to be a vagabond Air Force officer. We were fortunate to move into base housing just before Thanksgiving and the arrival of snow and sub-zero temperatures. Two weeks later and the move in process would have been markedly different.

Although I was assigned to Offutt for two years, I spent only about 7 months actually living there. Te rest of the time was on the "road" seeing the world and living the dream.

I was reminded of all of this during the past few days as I revisited Offutt and was reminded of how things used to be. They say that you can never go back and, frankly, I'm glad that I never tried.

Omaha is a wholesome city. It is clean and surprisingly there is a lot to do and get involved with. The traffic at rush hour is non-existent--especially compared to the Baltimore-Washington corridor. But it is in the middle of the country and I am truly a coastal person. I love ocean beaches and it is a long way to the ocean from Nebraska.

Our family grew while did our two years in the Omaha area. Our cornhusker, Patrick, was born--so all things considered this short adventure on the road of life was a good one.

It is good to revisit and remember--but trying to go back usually ends in frustration and disappointment. It is hard to recreate the magic that resides in the mind when confronted with the realities of day-to-day life.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

People in the Airport -- Chicago O'Hare

It was fun stoping over for an hour the yesterday in Chicago. I was able to watch a Lufthansa 747 board for departure to Frankfurt while waiting for my own flight. I also spent some time watching ramp operations and the apparent chaos that somehow seems orchestrated to ensure bad things do not happen.


People were everywhere, I had forgotten how many people a 747 carries.

Children clinging to parents. People from foreign lands. A cross section of humanity.

One little boy was very brave, walking away from his parents for a few minutes. But there was no panic. He was a cute two years old and not afraid of anything. The onlookers were more concerned about his welfare. But there was nothing to worry about as his mother was always within sight of the adventurous lad.

I enjoy passing through Chicago. It is alive and there is always something happening.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Hotel Window - Omaha, NE

I was treated to an explosive evening my first night in Omaha. The sky was alive with a massive thunder storm which seemed to never end.


The rain swept through the city and created a scene like an impressionist painting outside my window.

The lights were blurred like a scene from a French painting. Although I did not make it to the Old Market due to the rain--but it was a fun scene to watch with the lightening illuminating the rain swept streets at irregular intervals.

And all of it was just outside my hotel window.

-- Bob Doan, Omaha, NE

Monday Musings - June 11, 2012

1. A beautiful, hot weekend and lots of fun near the pool because I couldn't actually get into it yet.

2. Traveling for business on a Sunday is no fun. Especially during the mid-day. Note to self for the future.

3. I am amazed how resilient the human body is, I looked at my arm after the wrappings were removed and was shocked at what I saw--but it worked. I was able to pour a bottle of wine with my left hand already! And that's how I noticed there was a problem to begin with.

4. The deck project is at a halt due to my recovery--but I expect it to be done by weekend.

5. Changes are hard. This is the month that my boss retires and I, with the thought of that, already miss him.

6. July is coming and so is my trek to Florida for relaxation. Bring on the sun and the heat--it's summer!

7. As I was flying yesterday, I was amazed again at the vastness of this fantastic land.

8. I wonder if there are any vineyards in Omaha.

9. Have any one else noticed that the airlines are leaving the seatbelt lights on more than they used too? They were on for the entire duration of both of my flights yesterday.


-- Bob Doan, Omaha, NE

Civil Rights Alert: Going Way Too Far -- Soda and NYC

I know it has been in the news for a while, but I am in shock that the goody goody forces in our society are about to legislate to protect us from another evil--sugar containing soft drinks larger that 16 ounces. The article I've hyperlinked here explains it all.

To think that banning large sugary drinks will reduce obesity is unbelievable. That would mean that large sugary drinks cause obesity. They don't--by themselves. Obesity is either a medical condition or a life style choice.

The goody goodies are putting efforts in all of the wrong places. Will banning large sugary sodas reduce obesity? No. But it is an infringement on our rights to purchase products. How can they outlaw the sale of large sugary drinks but not tobacco products? The inconsistency screams for an answer.

The real problem is education, helping people make the correct choices, and providing alternatives for people to encourage healthy choices.

I do not think that the majority of society should have their rights further restricted because of the life choices of a minority. I also believe we are headed down a slippery slope by enacting oppressive legislation designed to protect a segment of the population from itself. I further found it interesting that NYC is going to be reducing arrests for possessing small amounts of marijuana. So it is possible, theoretically, to get arrested for having a large sugary drink but not a joint all while smoking a cigarette known to cause cancer. Hmmmm.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sundown Annapolis

Yesterday ended in a manner I never expected. We were sitting on a sail boat in Annapolis harbor with friends drinking wine and eating brownies after having shared a scrumptious meal at a restaurant in town.

The harbor was calm and the wind was light and refreshing as we watched the pastel colors of the sunset appear over the city and slowly fade into darkness wit stars punctuating the night sky.

Wait, it wasn't supposed to be that way. We had planned dinner at our house with thoughts of drinking wine and watching the sun set from our own pool and backyard.

My how things can sometime change for the better, if we just can be flexible.

And enjoy the schedule changes that life tosses at us.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Politics and Phone Calls

It happened again yesterday afternoon. The phone rang and when I answered it and confessed to being the person the caller was looking for, the presidential campaign support bite was applied to my wallet.

Money--and being advised that there are only 152 days left to the election. I suppose that means 152 more campaign calls.

My problem is that I don't know who I am going to vote for. My problem with the leading candidates is that the are running on platforms that seem to be nothing more than: beat the other guy because we don't want him to be president.

Where is the vision for the country? Where is the strategy? Where is the way ahead and how we are going to transform the system into a beneficial bi-partisan working government?

It isn't there and, therefore at least so far, neither is my vote.

The phone call ended fairly abruptly when I indicated that I might be voting for Mickey Mouse.


Good.

When the candidates give me something to support then my vote and my wallet will follow.

Until then, I think a cartoon character can do a better job.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Learning New Tricks

I have been rediscovering the joy/frustration of learning old tasks over again as a result of my elbow surgery.

For instance--have you recently brushed your teeth with your non-dominant hand in control of the toothbrush? I have. It is amazing how differently my mouth felt.

Another fun task is buttering my toast without the assistance of my trusty dominant hand. Ugh. I cheated on this one after making an incredible mess.

Sadly, I have been taking my non-dominant arm and hand for granted, I realized. All of the important work was being accomplished by the experienced and coordinated dominant (left) hand.

I did enjoy my first razor shave delivered by someone else--my daughter-in-law.

For all of the new experiences though, I cannot wait until I can fall back into my comfortable rut of completing simple tasks without thinking about them. And I long to have my right arm and hand returned into the comfortable role of non-dominant yet capable second.

Sooner would be better.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Pill Bottles--A Sadistic Puzzle

I had an experience the other evening. I attempted to open the pills that the pharmacy put my pain pills in.

I couldn't.

It was that simple. After my elbow surgery there was no way for me to get though the child proof caps to obtain one of the pills I needed after my surgery.

It was kind of weird.

The surgery was successful, but the pain meds were being kept from me.

Who comes up with these ideas.

Thank goodness Chris foresaw this problem and we developed a work around before I was left alone to access the pill bottles with a hammer.

We are being victimized by too much packaging.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD