At Stay-cation's End

It is back to work this morning after completing my stay-cation. That is a hard reality to comprehend.

It had been a great respite at the end of the effective summer. Projects were accomplished around the house, movies were watched, and I even made a journey yesterday to the shooting range to fire some rifles--including my 42 year old Ithaca .22. It was good to hear the crack of a .22 round bursting forth from the barrel of my long time friend again and also for Patrick to be able to finally achieve a dream in firing that rifle.

Most of all though, I was able to spend some quality time with Chris as we worked side-by-side accomplishing the projects or watching the movies.

I saw two movies in their first days of release:
The Odd Life of Timothy Green and Hope Springs. I have not done that in a long while. I actually saw The Odd Life of Timothy Green on its premier day--which was yesterday. I also enjoyed watching Jaws with Ethan the other afternoon--so I also saw a classic from 1975.

I could not believe that Jaws was released in 1975, but it was. My how things have changed--even our understanding of Great White sharks. I saw an clip on Shark Week that suggested that the movie Jaws was instrumental in advancing our understanding of Great White sharks--even though the movie portrayed them incorrectly.

But this morning, it is back to work, albeit only two days this week. I'm glad it is a short week--but Thursdays are the busiest days of the week. Now, frankly, I am wondering why I didn't take the whole week off. And maybe next week, too.

Chris and I did a quick review of the stay-cation and decided that it is definitely a keeper! I will do it again next year. Plan a short vacation to go no where but home.

Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz said it best: "There's no place like home!"

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Tree Came Down

Although the rain in the morning made for some soggy conditions, it dried enough by early afternoon to tackle the dead tree.

It needed to come down as it was becoming green with vines and would soon come down on its own and at a time when we least needed it to wind up in the yard. So off with my chainsaw I went, assisted by Chris and Ethan to fell the tree. It seemed a simple task.

Nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

I surveyed the tree and determined which direction it should fall--not being straight there was an element of deciding the center of gravity and which direction was the natural direction for it to fall. That direction seemed good to me--so there was no need for ropes or cables to attempt to direct the tree to another location. I should have surveyed the scene a bit better.

The chainsaw started and ran better than it has in a long time. I tore into the tree making the notch to help ensure the direction of fall.

Then the chainsaw blade got dull. Ugh! I was making a lot of smoke--which had a nice sweet burning wood odor to it, but not cutting a lot of wood.  Off to the garage to change the blade. Yes, I have five blades--but after this blade change I have only one more sharp one. It is time to go off to get the group sharpened again.

After the delay--and the blade was really hot, too hot, it was back to the tree. I finished the notch and then began work on cutting the tree down.

The tree began falling--in exactly the right direction and then the upper branches became caught on another tree. Not a good situation. How to get the tree down.

Use a rope! Great idea. Off to the garage for a rope. After a few minutes the upper limb was roped and we began to pull on the limb to move the tree. Nothing.

What next?

The winch, of course! Thank goodness I have a hand winch. Off to the garage again.

The cable was too short to be of any value. Wait--the tow cable. Back to the garage.

We finally got the tow cable secured to the offending limb and hooked to the winch secured to a nearby unsuspecting tree and began to slowly pull the limb away to allow the tree to continue to fall.

Wait--another tree--a smaller one was now hanging up the entire process. The chainsaw made quick work of this obstacle and then it was back to the winch. We should have taken a picture of this incredible scene--a winch, a tow cable, a tree and a rope--but we didn't.

The three finally succumbed to the force of the winch and fell to the ground, whereupon, I began cutting it into firewood for next winter. Already seasoned, I love the smell of the wood as it is cut.

Success--I was totally drenched in sweat, but survived the project without major injury.

I am going to hire someone next time I need to fell a tree!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Day Off and Rain Changed Activity

I am in the middle of a three day holiday (stay-cation) to celebrate the end of summer and complete some projects around the house.

And it is raining. Really! Wet.

Although I love rain, it makes working outside problematic, especially when one of the projects I had planned on accomplishing was dropping a dead tree. The rain just makes that a bit tougher.

OK-- really dangerous.

So the tree will wait. Until tomorrow!

Yesterday the garage was cleaned--thoroughly. Until I put the lawn tractor back inside we actually could have put two cars into the two-car garage. Miraculously.

The truck is fully loaded for a trip to the dump.

I fear the rain has moved cleaning the attic into the forefront of activities planned for the day. Ugh. I despise cleaning the attic--which is why in the almost 12 years we have lived here the attic has not been thoroughly cleaned. There are boxes there untouched by human hands for a dozen years. The next time they are opened will be when they are tossed into the dumpster at the dump.

Flexibility is the key to fun and the successful completion of projects.

Rain is just an opportunity to find new ways to get things done.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 13, 2012

1. Olympics completed. Medals won. The world shrunk a bit for a few short weeks.

2. Completion. That is the exclamation point on the deck project with the final screw being driven into the final piece of wood.

3. Politics heats up as we head into the convention season. Less than three months to go.

4. Mars--the Red Planet seems closer again as Curiosity begins its mission. I know that Bugs Bunny's nemesis Marvin the Martian is hiding there somewhere.

5. I am taking a few days off this week to complete those summertime projects that haven't been completed yet.

6. Check out the Orioles--they are still in the play off race and it is heading into mid-August. Ya gotta believe!

7.  Olympics highlights--Michael Phelps, USA Women kicking the world's butt, USA Men's and Women's Basketball, Women's Soccer, Men's Platform Diving, Men's and Women's Swimming. Wow!

8. In 3114 BC, the Mayan calendar started on this date.

9. In 1940, The Battle of Britain begins on this date. I wonder if the Olympics ended yesterday because of this historical remembrance.

Olympic Thoughts--The End is Here

The U.S. is pulling away in the medal take at the Olympics and even has more gold medals than China.

I watched some of the Men's 10 m Platform Diving--which ended with a surprise Gold Medal for an American. Think about it--10 m platform diving is like jumping off a three-story building. I think I am too sane to even try that one. I dove off a 3 m springboard once and thought I was going to die after crashing into the water.

And then there were the track and field events. I had hope that with three Americans in the field that we would get at least one medal on the 5,000 m race. But no. It wasn't to be.

Sadly, the U.S. women--who seem set on conquering the world, settled for silver in volleyball. The men never even made it that far.

The nice thing about the Olympics--there always seemed to be something on tother than the nonsense of the regular TV programming. I mean, how many episodes of some program on HGTV can one person really watch?

We tried to find a movie to watch last evening--with over hundreds of channels we felt lucky to find Moneyball playing on one channel for some evening entertainment as the thunderstorm rained down upon us.

At least the Olympics are entertaining. And they can be mind expanding by watching events that we never even knew were in the Olympics-like mountain bike riding.

As the games close today, we will be forced to choose from the usual mind numbing shows to watch on TV again. Ugh!

Just when you think it can't get worse-it finds a way.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Running Mate for Romney - Yawn

I am sitting in front of the TV, taking a break from the Olympics to focus on something important--the Presidential sweepstakes.

The pundits are gearing up for the stretch run and the Republican candidate is announcing his running mate. The scene is splashed with flags and red, white, and blue bunting. Imaginary excitement, it seems. Whipping the crowd into a political frenzy by touting the record of failures--but never spouting a vision for the future.

I wish the campaign would change into one focused on defining the future in terms other than one candidate is better than the other guy.

So, while I'm watching and listening to the candidate bashing, I wonder what is in store for the winner of the election the day after inauguration? It is like too many marriages--all of the effort is put into the wedding day and none into the day, weeks, and months after that fantastic day.

We need a President who has a vision for the four years after inauguration day.

And so, I wait. And while I listen to the bashing and the blustering, I yawn and wonder . . .

is there any substance to either of the leading candidates, one of whom is our President? Will there be any positive action as a result of the words?

I hope so, because one of them will be leading our great nation come January 2013.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Anniversary Number 37

Last evening--it was off to Yellowfin, near Annapolis, for a celebratory dinner.

Looking out the Window of Yellow Fin

Thirty-seven years ago at the tender age of 19, my high school sweetheart and I were married. Really. And it has been an adventure ever since.

It is fun, once a year to reflect on life together because we spend so much time living day-to-day that we often don't have the time to think about where we've been--only where we are going.

Sitting at the restaurant, looking out at the water and the boats as the sun was setting behind a cloud was a great place to reflect on where we've been and plan for the future. You can almost make out the roses in the vase in the corner--I put them in the image intentionally--but now am not so sure it worked.

Every couple needs time to reflect, away from the hassles of life in a spot isolated from iPads and iPhones. Last evening was ours.

Happy Anniversary. It has been 37 years to the same person. Cool. Sometime when asked I remark that I have been married too long, but in reality it has passed so quickly that the time seems too short. I guess it is easier when you are married to your best friend.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

All in a Day's Work

Some days are unique just due to  diversity of the activities involved.

Yesterday was no exception.

Weirdly, I went to work for the morning, then off to the dentist, followed by the allergist for one of my twice weekly shots, and the reconnected the Wii for Ethan to play some games followed by more work on the stair railings on the deck--which, are all but complete, finally.

The balusters are all in place and I am doing some final work on the rail and topping for the railings--but it is so close to being done that I am about to say, finally, the project started during the first weekend of June is done.

Bird Sweeps-up

For an encore, it was off to see the now nine games over 500 Orioles sweep the Seattle Mariners, 9-2. It was a hot and muggy evening. Very close, I would describe it. Except for the score. I do enjoy seeing the Oriole Bird with a broom sweeping away the competition.

Muggy is an interesting word. It is of Scandinavian origin it turns out.  Who knew?

Being at Camden Yards last evening was great. The crowd was small but, about 17,000, but it was all Orioles fans and were definitely into the game. Chris and I visited Boog's Barbecue and Boog Powell himself was there signing autographs. I like seeing the great former Orioles first baseman as it reminds me of the great history that the team has, and especially the 1966 World Series sweep of the Dodgers. Maybe lightening will strike like that this year.

After the game, yes, I stayed until the last pitch was thrown, it was back home and into bed a bit past my bedtime, but at the end of an activity packed day. I sure am glad that every day is not like yesterday, but then, I am glad that some of them are!

--Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Football? Hall of Fame?

For the first time in many years, the NFL Football Hall of Fame game came and went with almost nothing louder than a whimper. It was played last Sunday! Another meaningless pre-season game marking the beginning of the NFL campaign.

Although a number of great football players were inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, we heard almost nothing about the ceremony this year.

The news coverage was drowned out by the playoff inspiring Orioles here in Baltimore.

Yeah--the Ravens, the Steelers, the Redskins and the other 29 teams in the NFL are in training camp and the NFL season opener is less than a month away.

But we are in a play off race for the first time in 14 or more years.  It's BASEBALL, baby!

The O's have a winning record and have their sights set on the evil empire, the NY Yankees, who currently sit atop the AL East. There are 52 games left and it is on, again.

Football can wait--we are extending summer this year! I even have visions of October baseball and trying to get tickets to sold out Orioles games at inflated (rather than reduced) prices.

For the first time in years, we have a contender on the diamond. And i am heading out to the ball park tonight to cheer on the Boys of Summer!

--Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Standing in the Throng

It happened Sunday. I was in church part of the gathered congregation singing an especially great praise song. It was dark, the band was leading and it seemed that everyone around me was singing joyously. I suddenly got lost in a vision.

I understood, just for a brief moment, these verses in Revelations Chapter 7:

7:9 After these things I looked, and here was an enormous crowd that no one could count, made up of persons from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb dressed in long white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. 7:10 They were shouting out in a loudvoice,

“Salvation belongs to our God, to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” - NET Bible

I was part of the great multitude singing, no we were shouting, to God seated on His throne. I could hear my small voice joining with thousands of others in choruses of praise. And I never tired of singing songs of praise. For a moment, I think I had a vision of heaven.

I realized that I never tire of singing praise songs.

But it was standing in the middle of a great congregation on Sunday that reminded me that I am journeying here. It is not my home.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 6, 2012

1. The first week of August is nearly gone and I am still thinking it is July. It is hard to let go of a great month.

2. I think I'll buy something from Chick-fil A today--just because. Did that whole political outcry backfire, or what?

3. Do we like Michael Phelps more because he is from Baltimore? Perhaps. The most decorated Olympian of all time--not a bad signature block.

4. Well it is off to work again. Balancing work and life is one of the most difficult things that I do. Sometimes I spend too much time at work, but at other times, I want to spend too much time at home.

5. Watching the Olympics events, I continue to marvel at the dedication of the athletes. The sacrifices they make to become the best in the world are incredible.

6. Weird events in history--on this day in 1967, the Orioles Brooks Robinson hit into a record 4th triple play.

7. When we hit our lowest point we are open to the greatest challenge. Aang

8. Mars--the red planet continues to intrigue. NASA and the US is there again. Way to go for Curiosity and a safe landing. Now, let's find those pesky Martians!

9. Is where we grew up the same as where we are from?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Heat, Sweat, and Saturday

It was hot and humid yesterday. Almost too hot for working around outside--but that is exactly what I did. I mean, I am the crazy that vacations in Florida during the summer.

The stairs on the deck are still screaming to be finished--so I worked on them. Chris power washed the exterior of the house to remove the built up grime that just is a part of life.

She at least had the cooler job although she did have to play like a monkey on the ladder.

The rails for the stairs are not yet done. It was slow, tedious work requiring lots of measurements and cutting. I used both my table saw (Shop Smith), my compound mitre, and my jig saw to at various times during the day to fit in the pieces.

Stairs Near Completion

We also discovered that one of our hoses needs replacing as do the connectors on the others. It made hooking them together quite an experience.

The house looks good and the stairs are getting closer. I even have one baluster installed--just to see how it looks and how the final project will come together.

This project certainly has dragged on for over two months.  But, I guess when vacations, surgery, and other activities are considered, at least we are still making progress. I just want to be able to say that it is finally done though.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Olympics Reflection - Near the Mid-point

They are everywhere it seems, the Olympians, the news, the papers, even the social pages. We were out to dinner in Fells Point last evening and the people in the restaurant were asking about how often Michael Phelps visits.

He lives nearby.

I was watching a ping pong match on TV. Why? Just because it was on and there was an American playing. Poorly.

It is nice to see and hear so many people interested in the team representing our country on the world stage. I was even happy to see that the US Team medal count finally crept in front of China--both in terms of total medals and gold medals.

So far, it has been a pretty much a swimming show--but we are transitioning into the track and field part of the Olympics.

But the swimmers have been fantastic.

Why aren't baseball or racquetball Olympic sports?

Who knows. But then neither are cricket or squash. But handball? Rugby? They are. And most Americans don't even know what handball is. And it is not two people in a court whacking at a ball with their hands, either.

I could complain about the TV coverage--but why? It is what it is. We live in a world run not by politics, but by corporations.

So--press on American Team. There are a lot of events yet to be played out. Do your best and make those of us back home proud.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Prince Michel Vineyard - Review

Wine on the Vine at Prince Michel

Although not actually placed on one of the Monticello Wine Trails, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery sits at the northern gateway to the region right astride Route 29, the main north-south road into Charlottesville. I always find that as I am traveling into the wine region that this winery is definitely worth a stop--if not just to get into the mood for the day's activities.

The winery is well marked--I believe the first sign is about 8 miles form the entrance, but it comes up very quickly. Don't panic though if you miss the first driveway, there is a second on just past the building and at the bottom of a small road.

As always, check the website for current hours, but one advantage for this winery is that it opens at 10 am on Saturdays and Sundays, making it one of the early openers in the area. This means that driving from the Baltimore area, I am usually driving by the winery right as it opens.

The self guided tour of the wine making process is well planned and allows a nice behind the scenes view of the process. The wine tasting area is large and also contains a large assortment of wine related items which can be purchased.

The wines are good. I found the whites to be the best. Especially noteworthy was the 2009 Chardonnay, which I thought was an especially good value.

Enjoy Prince Michel. Stop and get a day of wine tasting started.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

White Hall Vineyard - Review

Along the Monticello Wine Trail, one of the vineyards we visited was White Hall Vineyard. The winery is on the Northern Monticello Trail and a bit of a drive (OK, maybe 15 minutes) to get there but we were rewarded with some very drinkable wines and a generally good time at a very nice facility.

White Hall Vineyard Tasting Room

The whites are very nice, I especially enjoyed the German-style wines like Gewürztraminer, Petit Manseng, and Chardonnay. They also had a nice Bordeaux blend, Cuvee de Champs, which was very enjoyable. I found the remainder of their extensive red wine offerings to be somewhat light and thin. I found the 2010 Pinot Gris and the 2010 Viognier to be good, but not exceptional as compared to other wineries in the region.

The facility is really enjoyable and on the Saturday we visited there was live music to accompany the tasting the wines.

The wine tasting area in in the middle of a large, nicely sized, modern building which serves create an enjoyable atmosphere for wine tasting. The server was knowledgeable of the wines and the grapes form which they were made or blended.

The overall experience was pleasant and I recommend this winery as a stop on a Monticello Wine Trail tasting day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Next Ban Churches--The Chick-fil A Controversy Continues

I am stunned by the insensitivity and the ignorance of so many political leaders. I believe the current vilification of Dan Cathy and his successful Chick-fil A corporation for saying what he believes demonstrates the true level of threat to civil liberties in America today.

What he said according to the Washington Times:

The current hysteria began after Mr. Cathy, son of the chain’s founder, gave an interview that ran in the Baptist Press on July 16. Mr. Cathynoted that Chick-fil-A’s management is “based on biblical principles, asking God and pleading with God to give us wisdom on decisions we make about people and the programs and partnerships we have. And He has blessed us.” When asked about the company’s positions in support of marriage and family, Mr. Cathy went on to say, “Well, guilty as charged. We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit.”


He never said anything overt about gay marriage as the hysteria (I like that word) would have us believe. He made statements that many Americans relate to and believe.

Now it is a crime to say these First Amendment protected things?

The response (also from the Washington Times)

Acting more like Benito Mussolini than Paul Revere, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said he will block Chick-fil-A from opening a restaurant in his city. Chicago Alderman Proco Joe Moreno said he will stop Chick-fil-A from building its second Chicago store. In Philadelphia, Councilman James F. Kenney sent a letter to Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy advising his company to “take a hike and take your intolerance with you.” Meanwhile, the Jim Henson Co., owner of the Muppets, has canceled a deal to provide toys for Chick-fil-A kids’ meals. This is just the beginning.


Even more concerning is what the former White House Chief of Staff, now Mayor of Chicago said as quoted in the Washington Times:

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel took exception: “What the COO has said as it relates to gay marriage and gay couples is not what I believe. But more importantly, it’s not what the people of the city of Chicago believe.”


Hmm.  So, Mr Emanuel, do you propose to ban churches next? I guess it is good to have free speech rights as long as they don't disagree with the Mayor's.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Charlottesville Vineyards - An Overview

I reviewed the activities of this past weekend and noted that I visited seven vineyards and Monticello between 7:30AM Saturday morning and 1PM Sunday afternoon.

I had no ideas that we had fulfilled such an aggressive schedule.

Grapes Ripening at Prince Michel Vineyards

The wineries were:

Prince Michel
King Family
White Hall
Stinson
Keswick
Barboursville
Jefferson

Drinkable wines were found at each of the vineyards and were I especially impressed by my first ever visit to White Hall Vineyard. Stinson Vineyard was another winery I visited for the first time as well.

Wine is a great hobby. And it is a hobby that is easily enjoyed with friends and family. It can be contagious and there is something for everyone.

I still have this irrational idea that I want to write a guide to the vineyards of the Monticello wine making region. I seem to visit a lot of the wineries and enjoy meeting the owners and wine makers and discussing the grapes and the wines.

Do I have my favorites? Certainly. But my favorites can vary significantly from someone else. I prefer nice, complex red wines--but many of the vineyards are producing exceptional white wines, which I also appreciate.

The 30 wineries and vineyards which comprise the Monticello Appellation of Virginia are divided into trails. Prince Michel is considered to be one of the Northern Gateway vineyards. King Family, White Hall, and Stinson are part of the Northern Trail along with a few other wineries. Keswick and Barboursville are part of the Eastern Trail while Jefferson is part of the Southern Trail. In my mind, it is possible to comfortable visit all of the wineries on one trail in a day.

I never seem to do anything the easy way however. I like to jump around during the limited time that I have to ensure that I visit my favorites--which of course are not all on the same trail.

It it just fun to get out and see the "wine on the vine" and realize that the vineyards are not just growing grapes--they are in the business of producing wines. And tasting the end result of the growing and the wine making is often like experiencing a piece of art.

Each winemaker places their own personal stamp on the wines and that is the great fun of visiting multiple wineries--to find winemakers who produce wines that I enjoy.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 30, 2012

1. Heard as part of a discussion about what is wrong with the state of politics in America: "The problem is that one party is all about helping the rich and sticking it to the middle class, while the other is all about helping out the poor and sticking it to the middle class."

2. The political season is getting worse--it seems that both candidates for president want us to believe that the only vision we need is that we don't want the other guy.

Monticello, July 29, 2012
Taken by Mike Haslup 

3. Every time I visit Monticello, I gain new respect for Jefferson and learn some really interesting fact. This time I noticed for the first time the clock on a shelf above the foot of his bed. So he could see the time as soon as the room was light enough from the sun to see the clock's hands.

4. Doctor it hurts when I do this. Don't do that, then.

5. Mike took a fantastic image of Monticello on his phone--here it is for you to enjoy as well. The reflection in the pool was just priceless. And notice how many people are hanging around.

6. Olympics and nationalism seem to go together.

7. Who else noticed that two of the biggest sports in the US are not in the Olympics: Baseball and Football? For that matter, neither is Racquetball.

8. July is ending and hopefully the O's will begin to win more than they are losing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Charlottesville; Wine, History

In Charlottesville, Virginia, again this weekend I am reminded of how much history is packaged into the area alongside all of the wine makers that we enjoy.

We drove past a roadside marker yesterday proclaiming the birthplace of Meriwether Lewis. Who? We began trying to connect the name with historical significance. Well, it was obvious after a few moments. Charlottesville, Jefferson, Louisiana Purchase--aha moment!

Lewis and Clark of course. Who knew he even had a first name.

And of course, most people think that Clark's first name is Lewis, right? It is really William.

And then there is the wine, Jefferson is very connected to wine and was always trying to introduce European wine stock into America, unsuccessfully. But nonetheless, the historical connection of wine to Jefferson cannot be ignored.

And then there is the wine. Two more wineries that we visited for the first time that I will be writing about in the near future. Part of the Monticello Western Trail: Stinson and White Hall.

What could be better than a weekend trip?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Youngest Child

For this mornings post I am going to tell the world about my youngest child. Man that kid is great. He is without a doubt the best looking of all my children. Seriously, where did he come from? He is so much better looking than I am, sometimes I doubt how he could possibly be mine. Intelligence? Oh he has that in SPADES. Every time that I come across something truly perplexing I turn to him. Typically he figures these things out within seconds. Sometimes when I leave my blog logged in he handles that for me too. That kids got moxie!
Oh also that typical stuff about loving life and my other children. Yeah they are okay too...I guess.

(guest written by Patrick!)

Sliding into Another Hot Summer Weekend

Yeah, I made it to another Saturday.

Friday was long and at times difficult. Fridays can be like that. Ask the Orioles who blew a ninth inning lead for the first time this season and lost.

But at the threshold of the weekend, everything seemed better--at least for a while. Friends and wine were the words of the evening. Even so, I have a busy weekend planned--heading out of town.

I watched some of the opening ceremony of the Olympics last evening--it was really fantastic. A spectacle, they call it. A planned in excess of 5800 hours of television coverage.

So for the next ten days or so there will always be sports to watch and medals to be awarded.

But for this weekend--it is off to the history and wine country of Virginia. Jefferson and wine--a great combination. Call it a presidential combination.

We will see how it all goes as we head off to the Monticello region and some fun.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Olympics: Sport, Politics, and Mistakes

The official opening ceremonies are scheduled tonight for the 2012 London Olympics and already the world has been treated to a series of sporting events (soccer or football depending upon which side of the ocean you reside) and some poorly timed mistakes all highlighting the increasing political overtones to a game which is supposed to transcend politics.

Many of the problems are detailed in an ABC News article titled: On World Stage, Olympic Culture Clashes Inevitable, but one of them is particularly interesting to me:

Already, the International Olympic Committee and Prime Minister David Cameron have apologized profusely for the most blatant mistake to date: displaying South Korea's flag rather than North Korea's on a giant screen ahead of Pyongyang's inaugural women's soccer match Wednesday night. The flap sent the North's team off the pitch for an hour in protest.

I am happy that the soccer team returned after a short protest. They won the match 2-0 over the Colombian women's team.

The series of problem highlights how difficult it is to get thousands of moving parts to synchronize for this huge event. If everyone remains focused upon the sport and international goodwill, then the games will proceed successfully despite the unintended gaffes.

But--we are living in a tit for tat world where every transgression demands recompense rather than forgiveness.

I know, I'd really be upset if the US flag were displayed upside down or our athletes were credited to some other country--like Puerto Rico. But while there is a high degree of national pride evident in the games, they are really dedicated to competition across all of the political, regional, social, and religious boundaries which divide and separate the people of this planet.

The more we know each other, the more we can appreciate what they have accomplished to be on the worldwide stage for their few moments of fame and glory. And not fame and glory to the country they represent, but to the sport and athletic excellence.

Let the games begin (oh, they already have begun)

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Aurora, Guns, and Common Sense

I read a report that gun sales are surging in the wake of the shootings in Aurora, Colorado, because people are concerned that new restrictions that key be placed on gun ownership.  The article published by CBS News can be read at the link.

In contrast to this, Maryland is about to loosen restrictions on concealed gun carrying. The court just ruled that the Maryland laws are too restrictive.

I have become a fan of concealed handgun carrying in the wake of the Aurora theater shootings. We the people have for too long been viewed as sheep to be slaughtered by terrorists and wackos. If more Americans exercised their concealed carry rights, which are legal in 49 states, perhaps the terrorists and wackos would rethink their plans.

What if--in that theater last Friday morning some of the movie goers had weapons on them and could have defended themselves against the insanity which walked in through the side door and started shooting? Less people probably would have died or been injured AND we would not have been subjected to a lengthy and expensive trial complete with news media coverage of every small lead and innuendo.

.357 Magnum

Instead of limiting gun sales, legislators need to ensure that citizens are encouraged to carry concealed weapons to assist law enforcement in defending the peace and ensuring wackos and terrorists think twice before plotting to kill Americans. I know this is in direct contrast to the mayor of New York's view on the issue who believes that less guns are better.

Common Sense thought: I just have to believe that if we, the intended victims of violence had the ability to defend ourselves in kind, then we would all be safer. If the criminal with the weapon had to think twice about the possibility of facing someone with the same kind of firepower--and who could probably use it, too, then perhaps there would be less crime. Just a thought.

So in closing, I read a story that is close to my opinion on the matter. It is titled: The Difference between a  Liberal, a Conservative . . .  and a Redneck.

Nice grouping!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Football vs Baseball

It is that time of the year. The Boys of Summer (who play 162 games) have to share the airwaves and fan interest with the behemoths of autumn who play 16, 20 counting pre-season, games per season. Football training camp is starting.

OK--it is true--I love baseball.

This year is different for those of us in Baltimore. The baseball season is not effectively over. Baltimore has a team with a winning record and contending for a post season wildcard playoff berth. While I fear the annual July-August Orioles meltdown, I hope fervently that this year is different and that the team grows stronger, rather than weaker as the season begins to draw to a decisive conclusion.

And then there are the Ravens (or the Steelers, or the Redskins) who are beginning training camps and trying to monopolize the sports interest in a manner only the overpaid football players can do. Football is the king of the autumn, but it is still summer and our Boys of Summer are still in the hunt.

This week begins some important series which will definitely shape the Orioles post-season aspirations. They face the Tampa Bay Rays, the Oakland Athletics and then head off to New York to face the (I hate to even write the name) Yankees. Our small budget team can turn some heads by winning these series. I will be at the Thursday afternoon game against the Rays.

The Ravens (as well as the other football teams) will still be on the sidelines during these pivotal series, but the sports media will be all over ever practice snap of the ball. It is like a soap opera with a gangland style ending.

Baltimore is a baseball town. Don't forget that. Having a winner again is awesome. While I enjoy having a great football team and experiencing the intense rivalries of the AFC North, the Orioles are in the AL East, perhaps the toughest division in all of baseball--and they are still alive.

And if the Boys of Summer can keep the football teams on the sidelines for a few extra weeks--all the better. Autumn needn't come too quickly this year.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I Can't Take it With Me

Closet cleaning this weekend brought me face to face with a harsh reality--I have too much stuff, I need to downsize, and I can't take it with me when I go.

The good news is that I won't need it--but right now I still feel the need to surround myself with things that represent the trophies I have accumulated during my live.

But there a just some things that I don't need to hang on to--like the tee shirt from someplace that I visited that I never intend to return to.

And there is the five year rule--a corollary to the one year rule, that says if it hasn't been touched in five years then I probably don't need it. I have stuff that hasn't been touched since we moved in twelve years ago--I wonder if that qualifies. Yet, like the big game hunters of last century, it is hard to part with the trophies of expeditions past. Surrounding myself with stuff helps provide a sense of security. I'm not sure what the stuff is protecting me from--but it does make me feel better.

I have a lot of stuff related to hobbies I've done in the past. Fortunately, one of them helped me accumulate a number of tools which I still use to complete projects around the house. But as for being a clock repairer/restorer, I'm not sure that I will return to that hobby anytime soon. Maybe I need to sell some of the numerous clocks that I have to help with the downsizing. There is something wrong when the under bed storage spaces are filled with clocks which have not been running in, let's say conservatively, twelve years. There just isn't anymore room on the walls--and I already decorate with clocks.

So, as the cleaning continues--or moves to the really serious spaces crammed with stuff like the attic--some difficult decisions are going to be made.

Fortunately--probably not until another rainy Saturday and maybe not even then. Just because I don't need it and can't take it with me doesn't mean I have to get rid of it now!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 23, 2012

1. Prayers for the victims, families, friends, and communities affected by the senseless movie theater attack in Aurora, Colorado.

2. It made me laugh about the guy who stripped naked at a TSA checkpoint to protest invasive search procedures and later was quoted as saying:"I was aware of the irony of removing my clothes to protect my privacy." He was found not guilty of indecent exposure by a judge in Oregon.

3. Rainy days can result in significant positive activity.

4. I was saddened that the statue of Joe Paterno was removed from in front of the stadium at Penn State--I'm not sure that due diligence has been done in the rush to judgement on his knowledge and culpability in the crimes that were committed on the campus.

5. Writing of Penn State, the rumor of yesterday was that the NCAA is preparing significant sanctions against the sports programs. While I believe something needs to be done to ensure that similar crimes cannot again be committed, punishing those who are currently there and in no way connected to the travesties does not seem either fair nor equitable. The civil and criminal court processes will likely exact a measure of deterrence in in the form of significant fines and convictions--it does not seem to me to be a sports issue for the NCAA.

6. It has been a week since I returned from vacation--and it hardly seems as if I was away at all.

7. I have to replace the motor on the pool pump later today. I was amazed at how quickly the water cooled with all of the rain and moderate temperatures we have been experiencing.

8. Another Mars landing is getting closer as the US probe Curiosity prepares for an August 5th landing.

9. Ready, set, OLYMPICS! Anyone know where the US soccer team will get together to watch the games?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rainy Day Activity -- Closet Cleaning

The rain fell all day yesterday. Despite the weather report which indicated that the showers would end during the afternoon--they didn't. I wonder how weathermen could get it so wrong.

Don't get me wrong--we needed the rain, but rainy Saturdays are a real downer.

There were so many things that needed to be done and what did I wind up doing? Cleaning and rearranging closets.

By the end of the day, every closet in the house was touched, cleaned, and rearranged. Hidden in there somewhere was a trip to Goodwill to donate the no longer needed items.

At one point, the house was in complete disarray because this was not just a individual closet cleaning, but rather, it was total restructuring of the closets in the house. There was even some minor construction involved as we realigned the storage and shelving in the master bedroom closet.

The project was finally completed just after 7pm. About the same time that the rain stopped.

Exhausted, we sat for a moment before beginning work on dinner and a bottle of wine followed by a movie.

I hope I do no have to suffer through another rainy Saturday again soon. Although I won't have to spend the day in the closet, it could be worse--the attic or the garage.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Weather Change

I am sitting this morning on the screened porch enjoying the 63 degree temperature with rain falling to begin the gray cloud overcast day.

OK--I am not really enjoying it. I am a bit chilled after the 100 degree plus days of the recent weeks. We went to a local restaurant last evening for happy hour and dinner, choosing to sit outside, and by the time we left--it was down right chilly. I went into the air conditioned restaurant to warm up.

The rain is frustrating.

The motor on my pool pump burned out during the heat wave--a new one will not be here until Monday. That means I can't even lower the rising water level in my pool--which I suppose I should consider a blessing.

But we need the rain--I haven't mowed in three weeks and the lawn still looks good--except for the leaves which have fallen from the heat stressed sycamore and tulip poplar trees that surround my yard.

The birds are awake. I hear them in the trees, along with the sound of the rain falling on the leaves and the babbling of the over-filled stream that runs behind the house.

If this were September, I'd be ecstatic. But, alas, it is July--and worse, it is the dog days when the weather is supposed to be extra hot and sultry.

Makayla just began barking at a deer who happened to decide to cross the lawn. They are so quiet. And graceful. I am happy that we are within a fence so that Makayla can't chase after the deer. I do not enjoy cleaning her coat after she romps through the wooded area next to the house and crashes through the stream in a futile effort to run with so fleet a creature as a deer. Robert Frost wrote about good fences making good neighbors in Mending Wall. They are also good for keeping dogs within their boundaries.

I suppose that I will not be working on the still unfinished stairs to my deck today. They are so close to completion--too close it seems. Just a few hours more and a few more boards and balusters.

The rain is still falling--one of those light, soaking rains which should restore the trees to the browned trees and lawns. That will be a nice way to slide into August--with renewed, springtime-like greens.

I just looked at all of the vegetation around me and realized that I am happy to live in so green a place.

It is going to be a great day. I am sure of it.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

NDPH--a question and an update

I received a question through the blog the other day regarding my NDPH. I realized that I had not written about my affliction since October last year after being diagnosed with the syndrome during September last year.

I was afraid to write about it.

NDPH is new daily persistent headache. It is a headache which is always there and varies in intensity from annoying to incapacitating.

I was blessed with the more annoying part of the spectrum of NDPH. Most days I could function at near 95 percent capacity. I was learning to live with it and trying not to let it affect my life. I chose not to make my blog a litany of things that NDPH prevented me from doing or ways my life and relationships were impacted by the affliction.

I did a lot of research on the web and read about many of the sufferers of NDPH who were incapacitated by the affliction--and I thanked God for being one of the luckier ones.

When I received the "official" diagnosis from the neurologist, he believed that my symptoms would likely go away at some point. Whether they would return was an unanswerable question.

I began watching my diet to determine what aggravated the headaches--chocolate seemed to help and wine deadened the pain.  I began getting regular massages--which I still continue. But I never found a magical direct link.

And then--one day during December, I woke up and noticed that my headaches were gone and had been gone for a couple of days. While I clearly remember when the headache came upon me it is funny that it took a day or two for me to realize it was gone.

I was, as I wrote, afraid.

Afraid it would return--so I didn't tell anyone. But funny thing, the important people in my life--Chris, my wife; my family; and co-workers all noticed and asked me if the headaches were gone. While  I had believed that they were not affecting me much, clearly, they were since so many people noticed the change.

As I write this, I continue to be cautiously optimistic.  My NDPH remains in remission. I don't know why except that I have been richly blessed. My heart goes out to all of those who continue to suffer and while I never had to bear the burden that many of them do, I know that they are truly suffering and that it is easy to run out of hope--because the headache is always there.

Thank you, Hilary, whoever you are for asking the question in my blog two days ago. You have helped to remind me how richly blessed I have been and I pray that you too, find relief from the persistent headache. I wish that I could give you some formula for success--but as you probably already know--there isn't one.

I thank God for my healing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Palm Trees on my Mind

Palm in Turtle Bay, Tequesta, Florida

I love palm trees. Just being in an area where the palm trees grow makes me happy.

One morning last week, near the end of our vacation, Chris and I walked through the neighborhood where we were staying and happened upon a palm tree standing tall with gathering storm clouds behind it. It seemed defiant in its anthropomorphic attitude.

Palms are defiant by nature. They stand against the worst weather that hurricanes can throw at them and, for the most part, remain standing when the storm has passed. They may not be unscathed and have lost some fonds--but they remain tall in the storm's aftermath.

I wish I still had that much defiance in me. The storms of life continually attempt to batter me into submission--like the walnut tree which fell into my yard a few years ago. The storms finally tore it out of the ground by its roots. It took me weeks, and a new chain saw, to clean up that mess.

But palm trees stand--often alone, weathering the worst storms. And after the fury has passed--they remain.

I often remark when I am traveling--usually as we cross the South Carolina border, that once I can see palm trees I know that I am far enough south.

Palm trees are not just another pretty face in the crowd--they are strong and ready to face the worst weather imaginable.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bats and Mosquitoes

Sitting outside last evening as night fell, covered with bug repellant, I marveled at the efficiency of the many bats which were feasting on the burgeoning mosquito population.

They flew in tight turns clearing the sky of the swarms which seemed to be aimed directly at my legs. I am the definition of a mosquito magnet. Any mosquito within an acre of me will make an express run to sample my blood. I would like to think it is my sweet personality--but I am sure that cannot possibly be the truth.

The bats, however, are my defenders. They make it almost enjoyable for me to be out experiencing the evening. I enjoy watching the bats at dusk. Sometimes the pass low over the pool--or make a sudden turn over my head all while dining on the attacking hoards.

I still serve as a meal for some. And executioner for others.

So there I was, watching the bats fly closer to me and swatting bugs.

Was I having a good time? No, not really. But the other option was to head inside and we only have a few months of the year to enjoy our yard and pool--so I stick it out, covered with spray, counting the stars appearing in the lightly clouded sky, and cheering on the bats.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

More taxes for people, less taxes for Casinos

There is a funny thing happening in Maryland. I wish that I understood the math behind it--but I don't.

The state is considering lowering the taxes on casinos while at the same time raising personal income taxes on a large percentage of the population.

Really?

Whose bright idea is this?

I am becoming a huge fan of a flat tax. I believe that every segment of the population should bear the burden for providing services and funding the government equally. Everyone--regardless of income should pay the same percentage with no exemptions.

This will never happen because politicians make great points with low income voters by persecuting the higher income earners. This is neither fair nor equitable.

Implementing a flat tax will make it harder to hide inefficiencies and waste because everyone will have an even stake in ensuring that government is run efficiently.

Lower income voter who are in a net get more from tax payers than they pay will now be more interested in supporting efficient government.

Rich voters will be encouraged to earn more and thereby fuel the economy even more rather than trying to find ways to evade the oppressive tax rates which when federal, state, and local bites are added together can exceed 50 percent.

Every American should support the government equally. Every American should expect the same protections ad services.

Therefore a flat tax seems the most reasonable approach. Oh--and keep the taxes high on casinos--they are just stealing money from people legally.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 16, 2012

1. The return home from vacation was a smooth trip except for the portion from north of Richmond to DC where we lost an hour and a half due to traffic, weather, and a particularly ugly accident.

2. I am taking today as the last official day of vacation to get some stuff done around the house before immersing myself back into life full bore.

3. I was amazed at one car on the road yesterday--a Bentley, which kept weaving in and out of traffic trying trying to move forward, they wound up behind me. I guess sometimes the harder we try to get ahead, the further off the pace we wind up.

4. The Presidential election is getting really ugly. I am sure one of the candidates will soon be proposing a way to end the drought in the midwest.

5. I highly recommend the book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand.

6. Has any one noticed that Pluto--once the ninth planet in our solar system but lately relegated to sub-planet status, now has five moons? Or is it a binary planet with one of its moons Charon? Inquiring minds want to know.

7. Why is the Higgs boson nicknamed the God particle?

8. If this is July, the Orioles must be posting a losing record.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Good morning from the road

We said our goodbyes to the beach yesterday followed by our last supper in Florida. The car was loaded and ready when we hit the road about 0216 this morning.

I have just finished my driving shift and we are half way home somewhere near mile marker 82 in South Carolina. Traffic is light but our hearts are heavy leaving the beach and our friends behind.

The day is sunny so far. We had escaped the heat by going to Florida. Now it is back to reality and life. I am left with good memories and lots of pictures.

The gps says we'll be home by 4:30pm.

That would be awesome. I'm sure traffic around DC will slow us significantly.

-- Bob Doan, on the road in SC
Sent from my iPhone

Unraveling Days--Nearing Vacation's End

The days left in my vacation are quickly drawing to zero. Tomorrow I must begin my roughly 15 hour sojourn back to Maryland. Today is effectively my last day in the paradise that I consider Florida.



Yesterday was a day devoted to shopping and happy hour on the beach. We enjoyed a quiet day and a spectacular evening alongside the waves of Jupiter Island. The waves were the roughest that they have been since we arrived. I am always amazed at the many faces that the ocean takes on--from placid and friendly to rough and foreboding.



I did not go out in search of the sharks, but we did see about a 4 foot one racing along the shore in the rough surf presumably in search of dinner. Chris took the cool image of the day. It was an osprey just clearing the water after snagging dinner--a fish. I took some nice images of the osprey in flight as it posed overhead for me--but the fish and the bird are more interesting.



The bird was just beautiful. And as I sat on the beach contemplating the meaning of life, I was fascinated watching such a majestic bird flying and fishing so close to me.



I guess I survived Friday the 13th. And now for my second favorite foreign holiday--Bastille Day which is today. Vive la France!

I do love the beach though.


-- Bob Doan, Jupiter, FL

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