Final Snow of 2013

March 25, 2013, Baltimore Washington Parkway

Call it wishful thinking if you like, but the snow which fell in the Baltimore area yesterday may be the final snow of 2013. Yes, that means until January 2014!

The snow which snarled traffic and caused a relatively minor inconvenience in the flow of life was the last gasp of winter and now it is time for spring!

Even I had to appreciate the way the heavy wet snow clung to the trees leaving the road as a clear path through the wintery forest. It was hard not to appreciate the beauty--albeit it fleeting. The bulk of the snow has melted leaving again the brown colors of winter to reign for a few last days until the springtime can transform the landscape into a colorful palate of colors.

I know springtime is lurking out there waiting to chip out of the ice.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 25, 2013

1. It is snowing and many schools have a two hour delay for starting this morning. What is wrong with this picture?

2. The joys and thrills of March Madness in College Basketball are in full bloom this season.

3. I notices a hint of green in the plum trees yesterday--Springtime is trying to arrive.

4. The tee-ball season is kicking off, I'm glad we decided to wait until next week to start practices.

5. This is the first day of spring break for many school systems--and they are being greeted with snow. Time to bail for Florida.

6. Holy Week and Passover coincide this year. Yesterday was the beginning of Holy Week with Palm Sunday and tonight Passover begins.

7. Trying to shake of the lethargy of cold weather, I bought the supplies necessary to perform the annual tune-up and filter change on the lawn tractor. When we got home, Chris talked me out of beginning the process right away by observing, "You're not going to be using the tractor anytime soon."

8. I opened a bottle of the 2009 Gold Medal winning Consensus wine that Chris and I helped blend a couple of years ago. I was disappointed at first with the nose and taste, but after decanting it for over an hour--a really awesome wine emerged. Good wines need some time to develop and often are not supposed to be consumed right out of the bottle.

9. Did I write that it is snowing?  On the 25 of March? Really?  Surely we can do better. On this date last year the high was 61 degrees. That was 20 degrees cooler than the day before when it was 81 on March 24, 2012.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Repurposing

What an interesting word--repurposing. The online dictionary defines it as: To use or convert for use in another format or product. I prefer to think of it more as taking something useless and making useful.

Take, for instance, an old shoe factory rack that has been part of our household furniture for the past decades. This no small wheeled rack has been languishing without a well defined purpose in the basement as a collection locale for oversized dishes.

On more than one occasion it has been considered for downsizing by earning an inglorious trip to the dump in the bed of my truck--which is sad because it is not only old, but somewhat unique. It is an antique? Probably not. It, for some reason, has been spared. Probably because it is old and unique--just not overly useful.

Well, a couple of weeks ago, as the rack was again being considered for downsizing Chris had the grand idea of repurposing it as a wine rack!  What a great idea. All it would take was to construct some shelves to hold wine bottles. Best of all, the modifications would not require changes to the shoe rack--it would remain in its original configuration, in case it has any intrinsic value.

The design was fairly simple since the rack already had shelves and so, with a little bit of construction and some relatively inexpensive wood and stain, the former rack of limited usefulness was repurposed and now has a definite role within the house.

What a great word--repurposing. Taking something useless and making it useful again!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Loneliest Flower

There it was--attempting to bring springtime to reality, alone in my still sleeping garden. A solitary crocus.

But, it did its job--it made me smile and think of warmer days.

What a cold early springtime we are having. I am not even really seriously counting the days until pool opening because it is so cold. (OK, 34 days).

Maybe I won't have to wear a parka for Orioles Home Opening Day on April 5th.

I hope.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Springtime Held Hostage

I think that winter is holding spring hostage. Someone needs to play the ransom.

Although I noticed daffodils and crocus in bloom today--temperatures in the 30's and 40's do not make for inviting springtime activities.

Some of the trees are beginning to break into leaf buds, yet there is still the threat of snow in the forecast. Last year the high temperature on March 22nd was 76 degrees. Today's high is expected to be 50 degrees. Yesterday it was 48 degrees but it felt much colder and as I write this my thermometer is showing 26 degrees.

I am getting ready for baseball practice and may need to wear a parka! I'm gonna freeze out there as the assistant coach for a Jax's t-ball team. Although I do normally wear a glove I wonder if you can play baseball while wearing mittens.

I keep looking for signs of revival and green. There is precious little green yet.

I believe that when spring actually arrives, it is going to be fantastic. But, I could really use an 80 degree day--right now! I keep thinking that I was supposed to be in Sarasota, Florida, this weekend but plans changed. It is supposed to be 80 degrees there on Saturday.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Prescription Wars

Coming to a pharmacy near you is the latest assault on our healthcare system.

I am on a couple of maintenance medicines, which I have been on now for over 15-20 years. Due to recent changes in the healthcare system I have encountered problems when attempting to refill existing prescriptions for two of my medicines.

Overnight, it seems, the insurance company has deemed that the prescriptions needed pre-authorization. This means paperwork and delays in refilling prescriptions that my doctors deem necessary for my health and well-being.  That translates into frustration, and right now, being out of one medicine waiting for the process to complete.

In both cases my insurance company determined that the medicines that I have been taking for over a decade are no longer covered and that in their estimation, not my doctor's recommendation, I had to try a different formulations before the medicines which have been working so well for almost two decades could be approved.

I have questions!

Why did this all have to wait until I needed a refill before it was made known to me? Surprise!

Why didn't my insurance company notify me before it became a personal crisis that the medicines needed to be "preauthorized?"

How can something that I have been taking for almost 20 years be "preauthorized?" Time travel?

Why has it taken over two full weeks to resolve this situation and I still do not have the medicine? Recognizing that I began the process which what I thought was a valid refill which can only be refilled within seven days of running out.

Why does the insurance company believe that they are more familiar with my medical situation than the doctor I have been seeing for 15 years?

Why did this become "MY" problem to resolve? It has taken an appointment with my doctor, multiple calls to the insurance company and multiple visits to the pharmacy to get resolution even though I do not have the medicine in hand. I'm told by the pharmacy that it is on order. My insurance company has decided upon something so obscure that the pharmacy doesn't stock it!

Is this Obama-care? Everyone has healthcare but no one has health care from medical professionals? Insurance companies determine the level of care. Does the emperor have any clothes?

The story of my second medicine is not nearly so dramatic. The insurance company denied my claim despite documentation from my physician and so I am paying for it out of pocket rather than use the approved substitute.

At some point I am going to try to package this situation for my Representative and Senators in Congress so that they can hear first-hand the impact of their decisions.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Under the Jeep in the Driveway

As I arrived home last evening from a hard fought racquetball match what did I find in my drive? Jeremy under his Jeep attaching running boards he bought off Craigslist. I almost didn't see my son prostrate under his vehicle as I started backing into the drive. He never works on his vehicle alone--until tonight. And he was doing a great job.

That he was nearly done was the miraculous part. That there was a crisis associated with the relatively minor project was operations normal. The guy at Home Depot had sold him the wrong bolts--SAE instead of metric, and they did not fit. Always something it seems with every project.

Lucas was in the house with Chris who was fixing stir fry for dinner wondering when we would be in to eat the fantastic dinner she had created, while Jeremy and I were out in the cooling evening temperatures with our hands getting increasingly numb.

After wolfing down dinner and sloshing through a glass of a really nice merlot, we were off to Lowe's to get the right bolts.

Upon returning, the bolts were installed in less than 10 minutes and the project was completed.

Why does every project never go as smoothly as it should? I guess that is just the price I pay for being a "do it yourselfer."

It keeps every project interesting and makes me question the cost-benefit of doing it myself or hiring someone. Thank goodness I hired professionals to do the roof.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Zillbilly Losing Battle to Cancer

One of the fixtures at Orioles games for the past 17 season has been an usher in one of the sections on the club level who dresses in county (or hillbilly) garb with a fiddle and plays along with the seventh inning stretch music. I myself, have enjoyed watching his antics as he incites the crowd and creates joy among those in attendance at the games. He always seemed to be there leading the section in singing along to the song--Thank God I'm a Country Boy by John Denver.

Kevin Cowherd writing in the Baltimore Sun reported yesterday that his run is all but over. The usher, Charlie Zill, has stage four lung cancer. His days as an usher are over and his hope now is to see one or two more Orioles games in person as a spectator. He is hoping for a miracle as, according to the article, he was just evaluated for hospice.

I have never met Charlie in person, but I, like many thousands of others, have smiled and enjoyed his enthusiasm for life and baseball. They have dubbed his dance the Zillbilly and it was shown on the big screen at the games along with the crowd.

I know that during the seventh inning stretch I will always look to the section where he stood and remember him and his Zillbilly dance. And I will especially remember his final performance during the last playoff game against the Yankees where he willed himself to be Zillbilly, one last time, knowing that it might be his final performance. I was there, unaware of the battle with cancer that he was losing--and he knew it, as he led the sold out crowd in a most magical evening.

I pray that Charlie gets his miracle.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 18, 2013

1. Having a doctor's appointment at 8AM on a Monday morning does not represent the best way to start off a busy week.

2. It is not that a person is as bad as they could be, it is that they are never a good as they could be.  - J.I. Packer

3. Heard in church yesterday: We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners.

4. March madness is upon us! It has overtaken us already. Which team will win it all?

5. It is time to tune-up the mower for another year of fun and dust in the yard.

6. Why does 34 degrees this morning seem so much colder than 34 degrees felt a month ago?

7. Spring officially starts this week--I sure hope the temperatures start to improve soon or Orioles Opening Day is going to be cold.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Misuse of Animals

People sometimes just do dumb things.

Shark in Swimming Pool in California

I was saddened this week as I read the account of the shark which was flown from NY to LA for a commercial shoot. The article Kmart Shark Dies After Being Placed Into LA Pool for Commercial details the event.

Why ship a shark across the country for a commercial? Even better--why is a shark being used in a commercial for a retail store? Despite the safety assurances, shipping a shark has to be a very stressful event for the shark. Not to mention the expense to the company.

The whole incident just doesn't make the common sense threshold.

And on top of the loss of the shark a report about the incident in the LA Times states: "When the animal died, Kmart asked that a second shark be brought on set, but the production company refused and replaced the animal with an animatronic hippopotamus, Gallucci alleged in her letter."

"Perhaps more maddening is that white-tip sharks are on the list of threatened species due to a decline in population following the popularity of shark fin soup, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)." reports Ecorazzi. 

This whole incident just does not make any sense to me on any level.

I'm going to boycott Kmart for a while, because they need to get their ecological priorities straight. This incident demonstrates a lack of awareness and concern for threatened marine wildlife and the environment. They should have donated the money used for this commercial to a charitable foundation rather than killing one and possibly another shark before someone with common sense stepped into the situation.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Traffic Reflections

Every so often, I am reminded about how the joy of driving a nice car on a fast highway, like I see in the commercials, is not my usual driving experience.

I tend to wind up driving bumper to bumper lurching along on a rain swept highway at speeds below a slow jog turning a normal fifteen minute trip into an hour.

Why is it that rain makes the traffic snarl?

IMPORTANT DRIVING TIP: The lever on the left side of the steering wheel is designed to let other drivers know what is being planned BEFORE executing the maneuver. I just appreciate other drivers who crash (almost literally) across three lanes of traffic to get onto and off ramp they almost missed without regard for traffic around them or even thinking about a turn signal.

I saw a deer standing beside a particularly dark section of highway yesterday morning. I wonder . . .

I have been seeing more vehicles on the highway with unrepaired damage. Do they have insurance?

Driving should be a pleasure, not a chore.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

I have heard the saying that "no good deed goes unpunished" for many years. In fact, upon doing a little research the statement is attributed to Oscar Wilde. In my work worklife sometimes it seems to be the reality.  In my private life though, not so much--until yesterday.

How can two minutes doing a good deed turn into a fifteen minute delay? Fairly easily, as it turns out.

Heading out the door to take Makayla to the vet for her annual teeth cleaning I was asked to take a pie to the car to celebrate Pi-day. My hands were full and so I needed to make two trips. One trip for the pie and one for Makayla and her stuff.

That 2 minute delay leaving the house did not seem like a lot of time, but upon arriving at the vet to drop Makayla off another person with two dogs walked in just before me--maybe 30 seconds ahead of me. No bid deal, I was wrong!

Fifteen minutes later, the man was done checking his dogs into the vet for their procedures. It took less than 5 minutes to check Makayla in for her dental cleaning.

Ugh.

As the clock ticked and my blood pressure climbed I was in awe of how slow the checkin procedure was and how the man with the dogs found new and creative ways to lengthen the process.

The maxim about no good deed going unpunished was confirmed. Two minutes doing a good deed became a fifteen minute delay.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Pope for the World

I have been watching, fascinated again, as the Catholics select Pope.

It is a spectacle, complete with the Swiss Guards in full medieval regalia parading through the square.

I waited for the smoke to show like so many others looking at the most watched chimney in the world. I was also amused by the seagull perched in the chimney almost as if waiting for the smoke like the rest of us.

It is an exciting time. A rebirth of sorts--especially with the selection of the first Pope from the Americas. The transition of power--orderly and peaceful with reverence is a template for nations to emulate. I would not want 115 old men selecting the next leader for the U.S., but with that significant exception the selection of the Pope is a model process.

I watched the television to get the first glimpse of the leader of the Catholics. He is not my Pope, but still, I am interested in the process and the changes which will ultimately occur as the new leader takes control. I has been an interesting diversion from the murder-of-the-day news.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Governments and Furloughs

I read yesterday that Department of Defense employees will be receiving notices of impending furloughs as early as this Friday. I also read that the Senate has decided that Federal workers will not receive raises this year, for the third consecutive year.

I have lost about 5 percent of my income against inflation without the raises during the past three years, on top of that Maryland and federal taxes continue to increase as do healthcare and utility bills. I am losing money working.

And now, as a reward for my faithfulness, the DoD has decided to take another 20 percent of my pay for the rest of the fiscal year though furloughs. What a sweet deal!

What is wrong with this picture?

Under my healthcare plan,  some of my prescriptions are no longer considered necessary--and are therefore not covered. I love finding out about that when I go in for a refill and there isn't time to get a different prescription before running out. Oh, andI love it best when it is now "my" problem to solve even though "they" changed the rules and didn't have the courtesy to tell me.

Is the news getting any better? I think not. I am afraid to do my taxes for last year because I know I am going to have to pay the increases that Maryland levied mid-year that were not prorated. Politicians just don't get it.

Ok, so this is a rant. Maybe someone in high places will listen if we start talking about the insanity of it all.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Return of the Peepers

One of the joys of living near a wetlands is hearing and watching the resurgence of life during the springtime.

Last evening it was the return of the peepers. They filled the early evening air with their unmistakable sound and in so doing made another step forward on the path to springtime. The signs of springtime are everywhere. The temperatures were again moderate--in the high 50's, the geese have been incredibly active, and the junco's have been migrating through spending some time at my bird feeders. But the peepers--they put the dot on the exclamation point that spring is truly here.

I am fascinated again this year, as I have been many years, with the process of springtime rebirth and reawakening. Life is returning, everywhere.

I reviewed my blog and I believe that springtime is about a month behind last year, although, it was very early. We had daffodils in February and I remember driving with the top down on the convertible. Not so this season. Things are slower, but I suspect they will be faster given the increased sunshine.

Nonetheless, spring is here and it is time to enjoy the ride.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 11, 2013

1. Two successive days of blue skies and 60 degree temperatures make spring a reality.

2. Team USA amazingly moved on in the World Baseball Classic thanks to the player of the game--Adam Jones from the Orioles.

3. Working outside around the house is therapeutic and a great way to break out of the winter doldrums.

4. Sequestration continues with no end in sight--next up, funding the government, budget, continuing resolution, or shut down?

5. Check out the comet that is now visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Just barely.

6. What can be better than sitting around a fire as evening falls, watching the stars come out, sipping wine and being with the one you love? Two nights in a row?

7. On this date in 1847, John Chapman 'Johnny Appleseed' died in Allen County, Indiana. This day became known as Johnny Appleseed Day. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Flower of Spring

First Springtime Flower

While out and about yesterday, I happened upon the first flower of springtime.

It is a small Tête-à-Tête Daffodil which was growing in front of a door in a small garden.

Already blooming to celebrate the rebirth of life as the daylight lengthens and the temperatures moderate.

Given the time I spend outside yesterday, it was nice to see the small flower. My own gardens are not far behind, with lots of buds on the daffodils. I noted that the squirrels have decimated all of my tulips--there are none left to enjoy this year. But the patched of daffodils and crocus should be beautiful when they bloom in a few short days.

I also found buds on the plum trees--they are the first bloomers of springtime and I always enjoy their while, lightly fragrant flowers.

Springtime is here!  Bring it on.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Welcome 60 Degrees

Early this afternoon it hit 60 degrees!

Chris and I had been working around outside all morning and had already shed our overcoats for just our heavy shirts.

The blue sky, the sunshine, and the work on the house and gardens had begun. The grasses around the pool have been cut, the leaves removed from the gardens and reestablishing the pool area has begun!

It was great to feel the sun on my face. I may have gotten a bit of a sunburn!!

Awesome!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Blue Skies and Sunshine

The Leaves are Coming

Saturday dawned with blue skies and sunshine.

It is awesome to look out at the now desolate trees and imagine them covered in green leaves, soon.

It is a pleasant thought. They are bare now, but with the passing of the last storm and the warmer temperatures expected for the week ahead, I believe that buds will form followed by the green of leaves to clothe the trees for the coming summer. Within the next short weeks.

The official beginning of Spring is only eleven short days away on Wednesday, March 20th. Although there is still the chance for cold and even snow, the likelihood is reduced with every passing day. On the 17th, we should cross over and have 12 or more hours of sunlight per day.

But for now, the blue sky is stunning. And while it is still cold outside, it warms me to see the sun and the sky and to imagine the seasons ahead.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Daylight Savings Excitement

Daylight savings time arrives this weekend for its 2013 run.

I'm not sure how I actually can save time. If only I could bank it and withdraw the daylight during the dark days of winter, I know I would feel a lot better.

But at least the sunset which has been happening shortly after 6pm this week, will "magically" occur after 7pm next week all due to the magic of saving daylight! Even the daily temperature highs seem to be affected by daylight savings--as I looked this morning every day next week is expected to have highs in the 50's or even 60's. Of course, this is always subject to change.

Yesterday I drove to work with the sun in my eyes. I enjoyed the sun and the brightening dawn knowing that it will disappear again next week until about May.

Sunday will be the beginning of the springtime daylight extension and the revival of outdoor life. I have a lot of post winter clean-up work to do and I also look forward to sitting outside sipping wine and watching the evening come.

The dark days have passed.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Weather, Life, and Forecasts

The weather affects many facets of my life. The predicted snows of yesterday changed my plans for the day which created opportunities from the schedule change.

A number of small, annoying projects around the house were completed--or continued. Something which typically would not happen on a normal Wednesday.

Perhaps this same type of scenario played out many times in the region as thousands of other people realigned their normal work-day into a day off to relax and energize other areas of life.

Thank you weather forecasters for getting the storm so wrong!  I was lucky in that although I was expecting to struggle for hours with a snow shovel in my hands, I was spared the opportunity. And I had a day off to reflect and create as well.

I listened to the explanations last evening about why the storm did not materialize as the forecasters predicted--European models. needs for a new super computer, but in the end, for this area, I'm glad it played out the way it did.

I did not have to shovel mountains of wet, heavy snow from my driveway.
I was able to head out shopping to nearly deserted stores.
I worked on projects around the house.
I watched two movies with Chris and even enjoyed one of them.
I recreated, by not having a dozen preplanned things to fill my day.
And Makayla still got her shots--the only preplanned event that happened as planned!

Life is what happens to us while we are busy making other plans! - Allen Saunders

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Snow Event Fizzles

6PM after a Day of Snow

Despite the dire predictions, the inches of snow never arrived.

It definitely did not rival the blizzard of 1962 which produced 10 inches of wet snow in Baltimore.

The image is of my pool area at 6PM after a day of storm.

Lot's of wet and no snow.

I am not complaining--I at least got a day off from work.

And I saw the weather forecast for next week--60's on Monday!!!!!

Spring is on the near horizon. I may have a case of Spring Fever on Monday!  And the benefit is, I don't have to wait for the snow to melt before I enjoy the Springtime.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Still Waiting for Snow-quester

They say the snow is coming.

Waiting for the Snow Event

Where?

I see it on TV nearby, but here, we have rain and nothing significant.

I will continue to monitor, but so far, this is a yawner.

At least I am watching it from the comfort of my arm chair in my own house and on my own computer.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Waiting for the Storm

I'm sitting here, watching the local news which is all about the coming storm, wondering why it is that I am so fascinated with watching the television news report the very same thing that I can watch out of my window?

The storm even has a name: Snow-quester!

When I woke this morning the snow was only beginning to coat the grass and trees. Thankfully, I don't have to sojourn to work only to figure out later how to get home again. I remember the old days--long ago, at Griffiss AFB near Rome, NY. One day I drove the 10 miles to work in about 4 inches of snow only to be released about noon and then had to drive home in 10 inches of snow. It took over and hour, but I made it.

Ugh. I'm glad that sadistic kind of work environment has become kinder and gentler. But then, we were fighting the Cold War on a daily basis back then.

Left to my own devices, I would head off to work. It isn't that bad--yet! Maybe that is why the news fascinates me, the 5-10 inches of snow (according to WBAL TV at 6 AM) they are predicting will shut this area down, possibly for two days! The region is just not prepared to operate during heavy snow conditions.

I am conflicted about the area being paralyzed by snow. Philosophically, the region should be able to operate, but do I really want to pay the extra taxes to maintain the equipment and personnel to allow ensure operations when snow in this quantity is a once or twice a season event?

No I don't. There are enough other things upon which to waste my tax dollars.

Knowing that this weather was coming made me appreciate the exceptionally nice day yesterday even more. It was hard to believe that such a nice day was preceding the storm. The sky was clear, the sun shone, temperatures were in the high 40's. I saw many people celebrating by not wearing coats.

Yet today, the snow comes. A new day brings new challenges.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Two Scenarios -- No Winners, More Winter

With the arrival of March, I had thought the threat of snow and winter had essentially passed.

Turns out not.

They call it Winter Storm Saturn. I call it winter, ugh!  Winter is the season that starts too early and ends too late.

Will we get many inches of rain or six plus inches of snow during the course of the next two days? Inquiring minds want to know but there seem to be no absolutes.

In usual Maryland style, the weather is the central topic of discussion for most people. I'm not sure if it is the prospect of a day off or just an inbred dysfunctional love of bad weather.

I took the image at the right this weekend while in Central NY. Looking out the window was like looking at total desolation. White, gray, and cold.

It is coming, I can read the weather reports.

I was looking for the scenario where the storm misses us. It isn't there. At least I have a new roof and don't have to worry about the winter weather.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 4, 2013

1. I expect McDonald's to be fast. That is why they call it fast food! I Waited over 10 minutes for coffee at the McDonald's in Whitney Point, NY, yesterday. Really.  Waiting for a cup of coffee and then it was terrible. 

2. I forgot how bright new fallen snow is even on an overcast day. Break out the sunglasses.

3. The new 10 cent word: sequestration. (BTW, did you notice the old "cent" symbol is no longer on the keyboard?)

4.  Does anyone know why gas prices have risen? It isn't even summertime yet.

5. I am amazed at how quickly time flies when I am researching on my computer at home. It doesn't seem to pass at the same rate when I am doing research at work!

6. Maryland is panicked--a storm is approaching. I am very happy to have a new roof. It doesn't seem to be a snowpocalypse repeat though.

7. There is nothing worse than being away on a trip and having a brake pad decide that it needs to be replaced. I got to spend my first couple hours back at home replacing brakes and rotors on Chris' car. Apparently the pad sensor was improperly set or got knocked off alignment. 

8. I have determined that with the exception of sporting events, there is nothing much worth watching on television. The era of reality TV is a failure for people searching for meaningful entertainment.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday Snow in Central New York

Apparently it snowed all night. I woke this morning expecting to load the car and head south to milder temperatures only to find more snow and a delay.

I listened to the local weather forecast and heard one common theme: "chance of snow 30 percent." For the next four days! I am reminded why I live further south.

I actually heard someone exclaim that they were at the point where they did not appreciate the snow and cold anymore. I wholeheartedly concur. Waking up and hearing the current weather being reported as "20 degrees and light snow" is just not conducive to getting outside and being active.



Sadly, I did notice that temperatures were in the 40's this morning in Tampa. So the cold is fairly pervasive throughout the eastern part of the US.

Yesterday it snowed all day and Chris and I found ourselves along the west shore of Cayuga Lake. Chris wanted to take some pictures of geese on the lake and I took a picture of her coming across the road back to the car. The lake is in the background. It looks cold. Too cold.

Who would have thought that I would think that today's expected 42 degree high in Baltimore warm?

Where are the palm trees?

-- Bob Doan, Writing from Ithaca, NY

From Warm to Cold

Leaving Maryland yesterday, the weather was cool, but better than it had been a week or so ago. Along the route we watched the temperature drop degree by degree. We left Maryland with temperatures in the 40's and arrived in Ithaca with the temperature at 27.
Ugh!



We had to take our winter coats out of the back of the car and wear them.

And it was snowing. I despise snow.

This morning the evidence was clear on the car--snow.

On the trip though, the weather was good, even though snow lightly fell from the sky during most of the trip. The sad part was hat this trip marked the end of Mom and Dad's two-month vacation. Even though all good things end, it is still sad when thy do. But we are left with the memories and the promise of future visits.

For now though, the task at hand is surviving the arctic weather of upstate New York.

Brrrrr!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

March Arrives

As the government wallows in the self-created sequester crisis, February has ended and March has arrived.

Pool opening day is a mere 58 days away. Hopefully surviving March will be a breeze despite the best efforts of Congress to crash the economy and send us all back into the dark ages of economic disaster.

Or not.

There remains time to fix the budget and the economy.

But it is March and while I find it hard to believe that 2013 is already one sixth complete, I am looking forward to the resumption of daylight savings time in a short 10 days followed by springtime shortly thereafter. That means that green will return as the color of the day. And maybe blue skies will become more the rule rather than the exception as March turns into April and then into May.

Next up--daffodils and crocus.

Bring it on.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Roof Day -- Success

The new roof day was a great success.

Putting the Roofing Shingles into position 

I am not worried about the next hurricane. My new roof will be able to withstand winds of 130 mph.

There was damage--rot. Ugh! Extra costs, but they are repaired now. Although the roof looked good before they started--there was rot. Areas where the rood system had failed. Left unattended, more serious problems and expense would have resulted.

Repairing Storm Damage

What a beautiful day. The sun even shone for most of the operation.

No rain. No crummy weather.

I was worried whether the weather would hold, but it did.

And now it is done.

Yay.

I do not expect to be on the roof during hurricanes or worrying about leaks

Roofs are just one of those things that I shouldn't have to worry about. And now I don't.

The New Roof

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

New Roof Day

It is hard not to be excited about getting a new roof. It is new, after all. It is something that the house has needed for a couple years now--I have been keeping the current roof in service through extra care.

It really became a crisis during Hurricane Sandy, a/k/a/ Frankenstorm, when I was on the roof, accompanied at various times by Chris, Patrick, and Corey working to stem the leaking--successfully, I might add, during the worst part of the storm.

I had the unique experience of driving when the roads were closed to secure roof patch at Home Depot and then climbing up the ladder to try to figure out where the water was coming inside form. Leaks never are where they appear!  It is one of those facts of life. I was, however, successful in stemming the flow.

And now, some four months hence and before the summer begins, the roof is being replaced. It is time to reset and restart the timer on my roof. The 22 year-old builders 20-year roof is at the end of its life. I have known this day was coming for some time as there are many new roofs in the neighborhood. I wish that I could take the rook money and do a nice vacation somewhere--but no, it will be reinvested into a roof.

I do not believe new roofs increase the value of a home--they are one of those foundational requirements--roof? Yes. Does it leak? No. Nuff said!

I'm not planning on being here when it expires the next time. I'm getting a lifetime roof--although I'm not sure whether that is my lifetime or the house. In either case, I should not be bothered by roof issues ever again.

I will say, the process of getting quotes for this job was interesting. The variance between the low and high quotes was incredible. The last of the four company's didn't bother leaving a quote because they were going to be $2,000 above the lowest for lesser quality materials. I appreciated getting about an hour of my life back. Note to self--definitely get multiple quotes for big jobs!

They should be arriving soon. I hope the weather holds. At least I'm taking a day off from work to watch/monitor the progress.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Come into the Sunlight

It happened yesterday morning for the first time this year.

I had to put my sunglasses on while driving to work--the sun was out and bright!

I have been watching the sunrises for a number of weeks now, but finally, yesterday, the skies were clear and the sun was in my eyes. It was wonderful!

Sadly, it is only temporary. Daylight savings time will soon return my morning commute to darkness until May when again I will be bathed in the glow of morning's dawn for a few months as I make my way to work.

Maybe I should go into work later in order to enjoy the sunlit morning commute. But no, then I would get to enjoy less of the afternoon and evening which can be so productive and enjoyable.

I already imagine sitting around the pool enjoying the warm evenings, swatting at the hordes of mosquitoes which desire to use me for their evening meal, enjoying the gathering golden light of the sunset only to dream of another dawn.

And another day.

The sunlight was a big change from the dreary darkness of last week. It makes the entire week seem full of promise and excitement.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - February 25, 2013

1. Oscars! Now we know that Argo is the big winner.

2. It is amazing how warm 50 degrees seems after suffering through so many days in a row with highs in the 30's.

3. The Orioles have won their first two Spring Training games. Hope springs anew for another season!

4. How cool is it that the science community has found a missing continent. I wonder who misplaced it?

5. What is a Unicorn Apocalypse? "I want them to look like real unicorns. The way they look in real life." That, friends, is a television commercial.

6. I know that Springtime is near--the Daytona 500 was run yesterday.

7. I listened to a Spring Training baseball game on the radio!  Sadly, by the seventh inning I didn't recognize many of the players.

8. By this time next week, the U.S. could be in its worst economic and budgetary crisis ever!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Here it Comes!

Chris exclaimed this morning, "Stop, everyone, look outside. The sun is shining!"

And so it was, or more correctly, is. The sky has a bluish hue to it and the bright orb that has taken its leave from us lately has returned.

Amazingly, as I surveyed the yard I found that the daffodils are springing up in anticipation of warmer weather. They are really up and I expect to see some flowers during the course of the next few weeks.

Even the cats are headed outside more. The temperature is above freezing and headed for near 50 today. I was joking that on Wednesday is the temperatures get above 50 degrees I may put the top down and drive Cat around--just because.

With the sun shining, though, I know it is going to be a great day. Even more, because we will be celebrating Jax's fifth birthday.

Here comes the sun!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Whether the Weather

I am amazed how much the weather affects me. And, it seems, so are many people around me.

This week was a good example. The weather was gray, and cold, and generally miserable. By the end of the week, so was I. Today is no better. Cold, overcast, and rainy.

As this week wore on, tempers became short, skin became thin, and emotions began to run high. I came home from work last evening with a banging headache and feeling totally drained. I think everyone I know is ready for blue skies, sunshine, and mid-70's (or higher) temperatures.

On the positive side, the Orioles are playing their first Spring Training game today! Summer cannot be far off. I looked at the forecast for Sarasota, Florida (where the Orioles hold Spring Training) and saw sunshine and 80 degree temperatures. I wish I was there. Right now!

But, I am not. I have to take Makayla to get her nails done and accomplish a number of other tasks around the house today. All the while, looking at the cold, gray dampness which has descended upon everything.

I did enjoy Ethan's last basketball game of the season already this morning. At least that means that youth baseball season is about to begin!

The weather is a fact of life. It is just amazing how much it affects the quality of life.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sequestration and Playing Chicken

Does it matter that the Democrats want to break the back of the Republican Party, or that the Republicans want to embarrass the President?

All Americans will suffer if our leaders cannot agree to govern and stop acting like spoiled children in the sand box. There are no parents to save the day and make the kids play nice.

What happens if the meltdown is allowed to occur next Friday?

- Our country will move from a bad reality TV show into disaster.

- Our currency is devalued raising the costs of imports increasing the pain on consumers.

- The price of gas sky rockets.

- The prestige and honor of our great republic is forever tarnished.

While these battles are not unlike those waged between Jefferson and Adams, at least our founding fathers retained the perspective that the country must survive.

I am not so sure about our current leaders. It seems they are content to play a dangerous game of chicken.

By the way--even if we dodge the sequestration bullet, the country still does not have a budget.

It is a mess--no matter what rock we look under.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I Don't Want to Know How to Spell That Word

It is coming.

The economic gains of the past two years are about to be lost because our dysfunctional government cannot agree on a budgetary way forward.

The word is sequestration. It means the demise of the U.S. economy, defense, and livelihood for all. While to some it may sound like a good way to reduce the debt and the size of government--I will be a disaster because of the senseless cookie cutter approach that it will apply.

If we think our government is bad now--just wait, we haven't seen anything yet. Most people have no idea how much they depend on the Federal Government for the livelihood they enjoy. And I do not mean just federal workers, who are the lowest of pawns in this embarrassing display of ineptitude.

The U.S. is acting like a has-been third world nation.

Both sides are playing brinkmanship politics with results that could cost far more than will ever be saved.

No one is going to win in the end. So to quote a line from a movie: "The only winning move is not to play."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Knowing Who is Standing with Me is What Matters

I've been in a low spot. It could be the lack of sunshine, the continuing too cold weather, the pace at work, or my crummy racquetball outings--but nonetheless, I've been in a low spot. I played a racquetball match last evening and even though I had a lead late in both games, I knew I'd blow it, and I did. It was a self fulfilling prophecy.

That written, I have come across a powerful song released last year by one of my favorite artists, Chris Tomlin. The song is Whom Shall I Fear? As I have been struggling against the cold darkness of the season and self-doubt, this song had lifted my spirit.

It is a very uplifting song and I highly recommend it. Click on the link to YouTube above to see the words and hear the song.

The refrain lyrics are:

I know who goes before me 

I know who stands behind me 

The God of angel armies 

Is always by my side 

The one who reigns forever 

He is a friend of mine 

The God of angel armies 

Is always by my side

Perspective! That's what matters when I get too focused on the crummy seasonal weather, losing racquetball matches, being wrong more than I am right, or when I begin to doubt myself and my ability.

I saw the sunrise yesterday grace the sky on my way to work. It was fabulous. The promise of the new day stretched out in front of me dragged me into the dawn of an exciting new day full of possibilities. I've got a lot of stuff to do every day and I need to take more enjoyment from the tasks completed than perseverating over the tasks remaining.   

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Perceptions: They Matter

Caution: This entry may be unsuitable until after the first cup of coffee in the morning.

I ran across an interesting pie chart the other day which all to clearly highlights the image problems that Christians have today in America. I found it on Facebook originally and then this liberal site: Democratic Underground. Doing a Google search, I found it on many sites.

I was shocked to see something so simple lay out a serious public perception problem so clearly.

Christians in America today, and this is a broad generalization, are missing the boat on the truly important issues that they are uniquely gifted to undertake. While there is likely little science behind this chart, and I an pretty sure the entire thing was fabricated--Christians need to take note that the report card is not good.

Reading the comments on the referenced site are very interesting and help to demonstrate that although it is important to be politically active and work to change the world, the way we are supposed to change the world is by one heart at a time. I was shocked that no measurable posts were devoted to helping the sick and needy.

I was reminded of Romans 13:1: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God." -- NET Bible

While I too believe that political activism is important, Christians need to be seen as more than just the radical side of the Republican Party--or Tea Party, or whatever. They need an identity separate from politics. It is clear that the current wave of political activism is overshadowing the important good that christians in America are doing every day. Christians are under attack--and many of them are painting big red bullseye targets on their backs to give the opposition more places to aim.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - February 18, 2013

1. Happy President's Day.

2. Maybe because I played hooky form church yesterday, but I was reflecting upon the meteors which fell in Russia and other places across the planet late last week and I ran through Matthew 24:29 in my head where it was written "the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken." Just wondering.

3. Yesterday was the second successive week without football, but the hockey felt great with the Penguins winning a close game against the Sabers. Baseball is coming.

4. I was amused by the newspaper article about two brothers who won $75,000 in the lottery and then accidentally blew-up their house during the drug induced celebration. Certainly there has to be a better way to celebrate.

5. I saw the movie Escape from Planet Earth over the weekend. It is OK for kids.

6. I was shocked that the temperature outside my window was 19 degrees this morning. I thought I would be seeing warmer temperatures.

7. I bought a pasta maker last summer and I used it for the first time yesterday. It was fun and the pasta was grey--although there certainly was a lot of it. I am amazed that it took almost eight months before I took it out of the box and used the pasta maker.

8. I think I finally received my the last statements necessary to accomplish preparing my taxes on Saturday. Now I have to decide what week I want to be totally depressed about how much I am paying for the dysfunctional government that I am receiving.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Two Apologies Don't Make a Right

Caution: This is a religiously oriented entry suitable for Sunday reading.

A couple of weeks ago I read about how the president of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) had requested and received and apology from the LCMS pastor who jointly participated in the interfaith memorial service held in the aftermath of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.

I used to be a member of the LCMS--that does not make me an expert, but this episode does confirm some of the reasons that I chose to leave the fiercely conservative, almost to a fault, reclusive branch of Protestantism.

I was amazed that the president of the synod has now apologized for asking for the apology. A New York Times article details the situation:

"The Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, had sought, and received, an apology from the Newtown pastor, the Rev. Rob Morris, for violating the denomination’s prohibition against joint worship with people of other faiths. But in the face of intense criticism, Mr. Harrison this week apologized himself. 

“I naïvely thought an apology for offense in the church would allow us to move quickly beyond internal controversy and toward a less emotional process of working through our differences, well out of the public spotlight,” Mr. Harrison wrote on the church’s Web site. “That plan failed miserably.”

The problem is that the LCMS prohibits their pastors from participating in multi-faith public expressions of religion. They do not want to give the impression that there are many paths to salvation. Yet--while they may grasp a tactical situation, they miss the strategic--if no one is there to represent the path to salvation (and don't misunderstand, I'm not saying that the LCMS way is the one true way) then how are people supposed to hear the good news?

The New York Times article goes on to write about it this way from the words of the President of the LCMS:

“One view is that by standing side-by-side with non-Christian clergy in public religious events, we give the impression that Christ is just one path among many,” he wrote. “Others view participation as an opportunity to share Christ and to truly love a hurting community, which may not happen if we are not participating. We struggle with the tension between these two views.”

My view? If Christians are withdrawing from the hurt and pain of the world when people need them most because we are worried about how it is going to look, then what good are we? Standing in the darkest places of life providing hope and encouragement to people filled with grief and sadness can never be wrong, can it? In my view, it is the difference between being on the front lines of the battle or hiding away in seclusion and advising others on what they are doing wrong.

We get dirty doing work. The type of shenanigans represented by the LCMS in this case makes all Christians look petty.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Springtime is Getting Close Because . . .

- The Orioles have started training in Sarasota and this year, unlike many other springtimes, there is a real sense of excitement about the prospects for this team based upon their success last year.

- Football season has ended.

- We were supposed to get two snow storms this week which produced rain with only a smattering of snow.

- The crocus and daffodils are showing in the gardens

- I feel a need to open the pool, even though my designated date is still 70 days away.

- I am watching the sunrise on my way to work

- It is not dark when I arrive home, in fact I'm beginning to think about starting yard work

- I've been looking at the pool supply catalog and planning the assault on my credit card to have everything in place for opening day.

- We enjoyed two 50 degree days this past week.

- I have my tickets to Orioles Opening Day.

- Ash Wednesday is behind me and Easter in ahead.

- The reservations have been made for summer vacation.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rocket Powered Wagon

While in Huntsville the other day, I was able to take a few moments out of my much too busy day to expand my mind by making my first ever visit to the Marshall Space Flight Center Space and Rocket Museum. I highly recommend a visit there for anyone fascinated by space flight and rockets.

There is a revealing and interesting exhibit at the museum devoted to the Von Braun who really became the driving force behind the US space program in the years following his escape from the crumbling Nazi Germany at the end of World War II. Had he not made the decision to surrender to the American, he and many of his associates would have become Soviet scientists helping their space program.

Rocket Powered Wagon on Display at the
Marshall Space Flight Center Museum

One of the items in the museum which caught my fancy was a rocket powered wagon that Von Braun experimented with as a child.

It is a simple wagon equipped with six strap on rockets. The story goes that,

 "At the age of 12 he tried his first practical rocket experiment. He strapped six rockets to a small wagon, and lit them up. The wagon performed beyond his wildest dreams and careened about crazily, trailing a tail of fire like a comet. When the rockets finally burned out, ending their sparkling performance with a magnificent thunderclap, the wagon rolled majestically to a halt. The police, who arrived late for the beginning of his experiment, but in time for the grand finale, were unappreciative. They took young Wernher into custody. Fortunately, no one was injured and he was released to the Minister of Agriculture, his father. So began a career in rocketry that changed human history." 

I had to smile at the thought of the unmanned wagon wildly careening down the street powered by rockets. And then, I realized, that in today's America such a raw display of genius and creativity would be met with jail time and law suits. How different our society has become. ALthough I recognize that we no longer need to have children "kick the tires and light the fires" of their wagons to better understand how rockets work, I wonder where we a stifling that raw creativity with our stodgy, incredibly law oriented society.

I will treasure the image of a boy watching his wagon shoot off down a street in early-20th century Germany powered by two home made rockets. Raw creativity and genius.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, Md

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day.

Ok, so it is a bit trite and a manufactured holiday which has been overtaken by the greeting card industry to turn a profit.

But like so many holidays, if we can get by the history and the homage to the saints of the catholic church named Valentine, there is a thread of good contained within as we remember, recognize, and honor those whom we love and admire.

It is good also to consider and remember the history of the day and the stories of those who caused the day to be named for them. In this sense, the day has a history much like that of President's Day--which we celebrate on Monday, but which is really the fusion of two former holidays--Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays into a single day to honor the pPresidents of these United States.

Give your love a kiss and say Happy Valentine's Day. It is good for the soul and probably the relationship. That the day has its roots commemorating a man who was martyred for marrying Christians is also nice to know.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Turning Points of History

I had the opportunity to review three student projects for History Day at Chris's middle school. I was amazed at how the students were very focused upon war and battles as turning points in history to the exclusion of the geopolitical circumstances which caused the opposing sides to choose military action to resolve their disputes.

Two of the projects were about the U.S. Revolution--and were reports focused on the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The other project that I reviewed was about the Vietnam Draft. I was amazed at the lack of context that the projects displayed. Taken outside of the historical context of the time, the battles seem to be turning points and yet--they are just battles in wars. I longed for a sense of completeness which would portray the battles as an extension of the conflicts which were occurring in the economic and political spheres of the time.

Did the Intolerable Acts result the Battles of Lexington and Concord and are these battles truly turning points in history? Or, are the results of the conflict of the period to be found in our Bill of Rights? And also in our Constitution which became a template for many other similar constitutions around the world? Were these Battles turning points in history? I think not. They represented turning points of thought and helped to create a nation out of the Declaration of Independence.

How was the Vietnam Draft a turning point in history? I'm not sure. Conscription has been around for centuries in many countries.  Yes, it was bad. I had a lottery number. But the draft was not the turning point of the period, the entire ill-advised war in Vietnam was the turning point--and if a battle can be a turning point, it was perhaps the Tet Offensive which galvanized U.S. public opinion against the war. Terminating the draft would not have changed public perceptions of the war.

I am a worried that our students are not being provided with a comprehensive, thought provoking history curriculum that stimulates thought and understanding by providing context and completeness.

That written, I enjoyed my experience and the opportunity to interact with the students. I found them to be inquisitive and engaging. I look forward to doing it again next year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

In Between Sunday

Sunday was a unique day. I did not watch any sporting events, or even part of a sporting event on television.

There was no football--the Ravens won it all last week. I'm still in shock and awe over that outcome.

I chose not to watch the Penguins lose a second game in two days to the Devils. And I stayed away from the Syracuse basketball game. These were the only games in which I had any interest. But, I took a sports hiatus in preparation for the resumption of my favorite sport: baseball.

I actually got some of the small projects started and some others further along around the house. It was kind of surreal.

I did make a trip to Home Depot after church. It was my second trip in two days for the all important "stuff."And now there are a number of mid-winter projects underway.

It was an in between Sunday. No sports and all work.

I know that opening day for baseball is coming soon, I have my tickets in hand and am ready to go. Until then, I will dream of baseball, hot summer days, and a World Series ring.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - February 11, 2013

1. Using the restroom during my flight from Anchorage last Friday, I noticed something truly weird.. There was an ashtray built into the door. I know I remember hearing something about it being a violation of federal law to smoke on an airplane. Why build an ashtray into the door?

2. My latest "crisis" is that the wine refrigerator has decided not to work. It is amazing how dependent I have become upon an appliance that I rarely consider. New parts are on order based upon internet troubleshooting.

3. I was reading the comments attached to an article about Federal Worker's pay and was appalled at the lack of understanding that some with vociferous opinions display about subject. 

4. Watching the northeast prepare for the blizzard, I was happy not to be included in the fun.

5. Cold weather is preferable to snowy weather. Palm trees on the beach are the best, though.

6. It is February. Baseball Spring Training gets underway this week. Yay, I can almost smell the scent of opening day.

7. I saw a flock of Robins yesterday who have returned. Spring is closer than we think!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Signs of the Times

Occasionally, while shopping, I run across items that make me smile.

This sign caught my eye the other day and I can imagine many potential uses for it.

Think, for example, I could display this sign while waiting in a store and looking at display items to kill time instead of being accosted by the sales staff. Of course, it was a bit frustrating to be in Home Depot the other day and have three staff members ask me if I needed help--because I didn't. But it seems that when I need help, none are ever around.

Think about displaying this sign when a conversation begins to run long because the other participant begins to include too much detail that is only peripherally related to the problem.  Seriously, what's the purpose?

I did not buy the sign--because it could be considered insulting or in poor taste if I posted it in a work area.

But, I still enjoy thinking about it potential uses.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flying Home -- Children on the Airplane

Before boarding my flight to Minneapolis form Anchorage, I was concerned about the family with two small children in the waiting area. The children were screamers. Not just your average run of the mill unhappy children, but first class, top of their lungs screamers.

Their ability to create tension once on the plane was unsurpassed. The small children screamed so loud above the volume of the music in my earphones that often I could not hear the song. Who knew kids could scream with such intensity for so many hours.  I was numb and trapped in the airplane at 39,000 feet.

I don't know whether I felt worse for the parents or the other 200 plus passengers on the flight. And one kid was a toddler. It was a five hour flight. I actually was trying to determine how much hearing loss would occur if I turned up the Billy Joel music I was listening to in order to effectively mask the noise.

The only one relaxing on the flight was Sweetie, the golden lab working dog seated behind me. She didn't seem to mind the noise. I couldn't even read my book or think of anything other than getting off the plane and hoping that they were not heading to Baltimore. Which, thankfully, they were not.

I tried playing solitaire on my iPad, what a disaster, I couldn't even think about the cards.

Maybe if the airline had offered free alcohol I could have overcome the noise. Or shared it with the parents. Suffice it to say, it was the longest five hour flight I have ever taken and those kids set a record for the number of hours they agitated over 200 other people who were trapped in the aircraft with them.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sweetie flies

On my flight from Anchorage to Minneapolis was a working dog named Sweetie.

And she was.

-- Bob Doan, writing from somewhere over America