What a Two Weeks it has Been

Cleo in the Driveway

The process that began two weeks ago on a rain drenched highway in Northern Pennsylvania is complete.

From the roadside where our Lexus was loaded onto a tow truck and taken away, now we know that we will never see it again, through the continuation of our trip for Mom's birthday and back to Maryland where the rest of the story has played out.

Fortunately, no serious injuries were sustained during the accident and the major loss was only property. Unfortunately, our property.

But through it all, the twists and turns and delays of the insurance companies and through the adjusting process--Chris and I have persevered. I was pleased that the other company called me this past mid-week to accept liability for the accident on behalf of their client. And then they promptly reminded me that he does not carry enough insurance to cover our losses.

My insurance company--though not a smooth process by any means, has performed well. I give them a solid C plus. I was a little miffed that it took eleven days for them to render a decision to call my vehicle a total loss and then told me I had seven days left on my rental car to replace my vehicle. There is something wrong there.

But at the end of it and through the incredibly hard work and research that Chris put into replacing our vehicle--we have a new vehicle in the stable. Joining Kitty, and Cat, and "the truck" is Cleo. I don't know why we name our vehicles, but then I don't know why the Navy names it ships and submarines either.

Cleo is a Toyota Highlander--which has many similarities to our now totaled Lexus. It drives similarly, but did not have the "luxury" vehicle price tag. Cleo is also postured better for our current lifestyle in terms of people hauling and versatility.

I was especially impressed by the people at Koon's Annapolis Toyota. They worked hard to make the sale and we enjoyed working with each of them. So thanks to you guys for the great work. I have to admit, when we pulled onto the lot for the first time and the vehicle was sitting in front of the show room ready to be equipped with tags and full of gas--I was impressed. JD gave us a superior overview of the vehicle and its features--trust me, even though I have driven a lot of different vehicles, I like getting a personal tour AND he helped Chris get her phone integrated into the car. All BEFORE we did the obligatory paperwork.

The two week foray into accidents and vehicle replacements is over. I can relax on a floatie in the pool and listen to the Orioles game. They lost, again.

But wow, from the accident scene through the insurance companies and finally to the replacement vehicle purchase--we have met a lot of really great people. That is one of the blessings that has grown out of this experience.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Vehicle Shopping -- Choices, Choices, and then Options

Vehicle shopping is a lot like watching a stream tumble over rocks on its long journey to the sea. There are twists, turns, and options at every point along the way.

Think about the complexity of it all. From a standing start, with no intention of purchasing a vehicle to being in crisis mode and needing to purchase a replacement vehicle.

The first option is, what kind of vehicle? Auto (mini, compact, mid-size, standard, luxury) or SUV (cross over, small, large, luxury, AWD, 2WD, 4WD)

OK, so we focused in pretty quickly on replacing our SUV with an SUV and probably not the luxury version. Although, there is the desire to get a slightly bigger vehicle.

Next is manufacturer. Domestic (Chrysler, Ford, GM, Tesla), foreign (Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar) , or mix (Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Acura)

That one is still in the air but it seems to be centering in on Toyota or Honda, but Jeep still has a dog in the mix.

Then it comes down to models. Ugh!! There are so many, Grand Cherokee, Highlander, Pathfinder, Pilot, MDX.

Currently the focus is in the Highlander with the Pilot close behind.

Once this is decided, then it is down to trim and options. There are about ten separate trim options (counting the 2WD vs AWD differences) for the Highlander. And that doesn't include Hybrid options which adds two more.

Once the trim option is decided, color (exterior and interior) and other lesser options are decided. One of the biggest discussions we had was over the need for an entertainment system with DVD/Blueray capability. We decided no, we hardly used the one in our previous vehicle.

Once all of these choices and options are narrowed down, then you would think that the hardest part of the decision process had been completed. But, no. The hard part is just beginning.

The grand daddy of all of the choices--which some people start with, but in reality is the culmination of all of the other decisions: New or Used (OK, call it pre-owned, ugh!)?

That is an incredibly interesting decision. One with which we continue to wrestle.

The really hard part of this entire process is that usually, we spend months shopping, looking and deciding. Now, however, it seems like we need to get a vehicle much sooner. I feel this puts us at a distinct disadvantage and has caused us to change some important plans.

But the decision tree will be completed and another vehicle will soon be stabled in my driveway. Although I am told that I may have to make room in my garage for it. That should be interesting.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Decisions--Make Them Without Panic

One of the most important traits of effective leaders is the ability to make decisions. Good leaders are inherently effective decision makers and risk takers.

Some people hate making decisions, and so they often make decisions by not making them or said another way, they are default decision makers.

One of the keys to making decisions is to realize that the decision maker rarely has perfect knowledge and therefore must make assumptions to fill in the unknowns. A good decision is one made based upon the best information available at the time. Late information is of no use in making a timely decision. Fretting over making a bad decision is not useful--usually, making a decision is the most important part of the process. Being decisive includes the ability to anticipate the probability of future events and incorporate potential outcomes into the decision making process.

Hindsight may provide the opportunity to second-guess, but hindsight has the advantage that making decisions in realtime does not have: historical knowledge. In my experience, perfect knowledge is too late in the decision making process to be useful.

Decision making is, therefore, an art. It is the art of understanding when enough information exists, allowing for timeliness requirement,s to ensure the decision is effective. For instance, making a decision to buy flood insurance after the storm has arrived and the flood waters are rising is probably not going to have the desired outcome. The decision needed to be made earlier based upon the elevation of the property, the proximity of water, and the probability of flooding based upon the 100 year flood plain.

Decision making improves with practice. The more decisions that are made, the more effective decision maker a person becomes.

Some people make many important decisions per day. Others make few decisions per week. The big decision makers have a methodology to make decisions and realize that almost any decision can be second guessed later--but at the time the decision was made, only certain facts were known.

I am currently working through opportunities related to my recent auto accident. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured and so the primary decision involves how to replace the vehicle which was declared a total loss. This decision involves whether to just replace the vehicle with a used vehicle within the value of the loss, buy a nicer used vehicle for some additional money, or to take the opportunity to purchase a new vehicle. The final decision will be a combination of fiscal resources and opportunities!

The key though, it not to panic. Take a deep breath and enjoy the decision making ride.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Using the Flea Market Rule to Replace a Vehicle

I thought it was time to follow up on the continuing saga of how the traffic accident and recent developments.

Although it has taken eleven days for the insurance adjusters to decide that my vehicle is a "total loss." I was also informed yesterday that they will only continue to pay for my rental vehicle for another seven days. That nearly put me off the deep end. I am expected to find and purchase a replacement vehicle, from a standing start, in seven days or less.

Thanks so much. It is like I always know what is out there and an ready to walk into a dealer and buy a vehicle--without thinking. Thank you for your consideration. I guess it takes time to find the right vehicle--even more so when the purchase was unplanned.

And the victims continue to be victimized.

I am going to have to take time off from work to get this done. It is not easy and we have some specific requirements for the replacement vehicle. We have also canceled our weekend plans to attend our High School Reunion--for which we have already purchased (at no small expense) tickets, in order to locate and purchase a vehicle.

I continue to be insulted by the incredibly low valuation placed upon my vehicle. When it is all said and done, I will likely spend many extra thousands replacing my vehicle with a different one. I have been out car shopping two nights in a row.

We just missed the vehicle of Chris's dreams last evening. It was sad, we saw it driving off for servicing just as we pulled onto the lot. We had known it was there from the internet and the salesman confirmed that it had just been sold! Chris was crushed--but I reminded her that the Flea Market rule applies!

What it the Flea Market Rule?

The Flea Market Rule was developed during a time in our lives when Chris and I used to frequent a lot of flea markets. Upon arriving at the market, we would walk around the market first to see what was available. Often we were tempted to make a purchase at one of the first tables--but we knew that prices or selection might be better somewhere else in the market. We forced ourselves not to buy and to complete the tour of the entire market before making a purchase. The rule is: If it is meant for us to have it, it will be there when we get back.

That rule works in so many places in our lives.

We do not need to make a snap purchase decision without surveying the landscape or the availability, first. Although it did hurt last evening to the the vehicle of Chris' dreams driving off the lot as we were arriving.

There are others out there, this was was not meant to be ours!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Man of Steel - Review

Superman is back! The imagination and excitement that accompanies the fictitious super hero is palpable. Why? Because Superman is probably the first and purest super hero on the stage which has now become crowded with heroes.

The tale of the first and perhaps best super hero is epic. Man of Steel is a reboot for the Superman enterprise and it accomplishes the task with flair and director Zach Snyder has taken the timeless story and provided some new twists for those of us who grew up as Superman junkies. Working with a cast including Russell Crowe (Jor-El), Kevin Costner (Jonathan Kent) and Laurence Fishburne (Perry White) in key supporting roles certainly helped the endeavor along, but the task of bringing Superman to life once again on the screen ultimately fell to Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Kal-El a/k/a Superman) and Amy Adams (Lois Lane).  

The movie possesses the classic Superman storyline. Kypton, the home planet of Superman's race is dying and in an effort to preserve the species, Jor-El sends his baby son off to Earth before Krypton implodes. But there is drama to this story as the spaceship containing the baby Kal-El barely escapes the attempt of General Zod (Michael Shannon) to stop its flight.  The youthful Clark Kent is shown in flash backs while the main story continues. It is the classic Superman story except it does highlight the conflict that wages within Clark about wanting to use his powers for good versus his father's fear that he must remain unknown to the human race for very practical reasons. One area where this reboot differs significantly from my remembrance of the story is in the death of Jonathan Kent which is an out growth of the fear of discovery.

I will admit, the movie has the obligatory fight scenes, which in my mind continue for a bit too long as they do in many movies. The plot is complex, yet direct and provides a solid basis for the movie which is much more than--look up in the sky . . .

I liked the movie. It was complex and the story was compelling. The acting was solid--no oscar worthy performances, but strong performances nonetheless.

RECOMMENDATION: If you saw Avengers and any of the Iron Man or Batman movies, see this movie. Although rated PG-13 (primarily for violence) it is suitable for for the more mature pre-teen crowd. I gave the movie a solid 8 out of 10.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 17, 2013

1. I saw a number of meaningful quotes related to Father's Day during church yesterday. They helped to remind me of the importance of both being a father and a son. The most meaningful thought of the day was:
 The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

– Theodore Hesburgh

2. Hiking a trail in the forest on Saturday reminded me of being a kid when the forest was my playground.

3. Baseball season is nearing the half-way point. The O's have played 70 of the 162 scheduled games.

4. Summer vacation has arrived for the schools--I am just a little bit envious.

5. The release of the summer blockbuster movies is underway--I saw Man of Steel yesterday as part of my Father's Day present. It is a great reboot.

6. I am amazed how slowly insurance companies act when they are wasting my time and money, but how quickly things begin to move when it is their nickel.

7. The pool saw a workout this weekend. After adding some heat, it was a great place to enjoy on the almost hot weekend afternoons.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hiking Along the Patapsco

Patapsco State Park

An idyllic day requires unique activity. Yesterday, we did just that. Hiking along the Patapsco River with two of the grandsons, Jax and Ethan, enjoying the low humidity and a bit too mild temperatures.

It is, after all, mid-June and I would expect temperatures in the high 80's and struggling to reach 80.

We hiked one of the trails to a waterfall, and amazingly kept the boys dry. We forded various creeks along the way almost without incident.

The scenery was peaceful and the exercise tired the boys. And the grandparents, too.

It was, something different on a placid enjoyable Saturday afternoon.

There was fun on the trails and rocks to throw into pools of water, without, of course, hitting each other.

After the hike, it was off to the pool for a well deserved afternoon swim and relaxing evening.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Changing it Up

Looking Towards the Statehouse in Annapolis

Sometimes life needs a change up. I find that on occassion  I need to do something different that either pushes me out of my comfort zone or deeper into it.

Last evening, it was deeper into my comfort zone. We headed off to Annapolis to enjoy the evening, the water, and the ambiance of that great city.  While it is not a beach where I can put my toes in the sand, Chris and I along with  a few of our friends found a table on the water to watch the comings and goings. It made for an enjoyable exclamation mark on the ending of the work week.

The evening was glorious, cool--but not cold, with low and pleasant humidity. I was comfortable in my Friday attire--an aloha shirt.

It seemed that everyone like us who had been held hostage to the storms of the week decided to come out to experience life on or near the water. It is evenings like last evening that sometimes cause me to think a bit too seriously about getting a boat--but in reality, I do not have time for a boat. I enjoy boats vicariously through the lives of others.

Last evening, I was deriving enjoyment and moments of pleasure from the sights, the sounds, and the activity in the harbor.

The sky was blue with puffy clouds. The storms were gone and the world was bathed in warm sunshine.

It was, for a few hours, an enjoyable respite from the week behind and a launching pad into the weekend ahead.

Yes, I usually enjoy sitting on my back deck--but sometimes I just need to change it up.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Other Driver Drove Away

I have been reflecting upon the accident which occurred one week ago today.

Frustration at the slowness and the prospect of spending potentially thousands to replace my vehicle.

I am still hung up on being the victim and the responsible party seemingly gets off. The other driver doesn't have enough insurance to cover my vehicle, clearly was at fault, and still is shirking their responsibility for the accident.

I am glad that no one was seriously injured, but I hate car shopping. And spending the money.

There are a lot of cars out there--but I am stile mired in the thought, why does it have to be my car that took the brunt of the accident?

But it did.

Sometimes life doesn't seem fair. But then, life isn't fair. Life just is. We add the value to life and try to discern fairness--but in truth, there is little fairness.

That is why the other driver drove away in a seemingly unharmed vehicle and mine is still being assessed for damages.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Funny Headlines--Can Bear's Really do That?

While at my parents over the weekend going through old photos and newspaper clippings, I ran across a headline which had no relationship to the reason the paper was retained--but it was funny.

How can something like having a bear drop out of the sky onto a car happen?

The photo on the page below the headline is actually of my Dad and his brothers who had gathered for a reunion after 50 years, but upon inspecting the paper--the headline stole the show.

The bear fell from a tree over a road onto a convertible.

What a rotten day for the driver--and the bear as well for that matter.

It was a good day for my Dad and his brothers though.  They had a great reunion.

I've noticed other funny headlines in papers--although I have been so desensitized to them that I frequently do more than note their passing.

This one, though, was special and made me launch and read the article.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Punish the Victims

Sadly it had already begun, in the aftermath of the auto accident which occurred on Friday the victims are in the process of being soundly punished for being in the wrong place in time.

Day two of working with the insurance companies didn't go well. While the at fault driver in the accident, according to the police report, drove away from the scene in his relatively undamaged vehicle, I cannot even seem to get my vehicle brought home to Maryland and furthermore it appears that among many other things the ridiculously low insurance standard in Pennsylvania means he doesn't even have enough insurance to cover the damages to my vehicle.

I see it happening already. I will be the victim multiple times as this scenario plays out. My insurance company is taking over to make me whole--but I am already getting a lot of "no's" from them about what they will not do, like have my vehicle returned home for repairs. I do not live in Dunmore, PA. Why on earth would I want to have repairs done there? And, why should I be expected to go back to Dunmore, on my own nickel, to retrieve my vehicle when the repairs are done?

Then there is the matter of whether the damages to my vehicle exceed the value and that terrible concept of totaling out the vehicle. I hate that. I cannot replace the vehicle for what I expect to receive in payment. That story is still playing out--but I have been down this road before and been low balled by the insurance company.

There has to be a better way. I faithfully, and as required by law, pay my insurance premiums only to be treated like this? Lose my vehicle, not receive enough compensation to replace it, and spend enormous amounts of time negotiating with the insurance companies to be made "whole."  I already know that will not happen.

And the at fault driver drove off.

Being a victim never ends it seems.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Weddings, Funerals and Other Times, Too!

Nuclear Family

I have proof that families actually can get together for functions other than weddings and funerals. Last weekend, my sisters and brother collected ourselves from across the country and descended upon my parents house to celebrate Mom's birthday.

Even cooler, it was not one of those "significant" birthdays (those ending in 0's or 5's). It was a birthday and we decided to make Mom's wish come true for all four of us to be gathered in one place, with her at her house, on her birthday.

Yeah, OK, I needed a little prodding from my wife--but it worked out fabulously. And it was good to see my siblings in a non-threatening setting for a couple of days. We have become a bit distant, in more than just the geographic sense. Getting together for a fun and not somber occasion--with just us, was awesome.

The Fun Slightly Extended Family

And it made a birthday wish come true for a woman of faith and strength.

What could be better than that?

Nothing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 10, 2013

1. Visiting Mom to celebrate her birthday was a great thing to do.

2. The officer along the side of I-81 in Dunmore, PA on Friday told me that he sees accidents all of the time and as long as the people are OK, the reason we have insurance is to take care of repairing the cars to not get to worried about the damage to the vehicle.

3. Quote from my sister Pennie:"Why do I feel like I'm 10 years old when I go home?"

4. Another quote form my sister Pennie on attending Church yesterday: "When we walked into the church we attended as kids, I felt 16, then after a few introductions, I felt like I was 10, and before long, I felt like I was 5 years old sitting in the pew kicking my legs."

5. I had a weird feeling as we drove by the scene of our Friday accident on our return trip to Baltimore yesterday. Just seeing the spot and knowing what transpired there.

6. After a brief respite for a few beautiful hours yesterday, the rain has returned.

7. It is good to be home after a trip, no matter how short.

8. Did you read that the TSA in Denver stopped Chewbacca? I've had trouble getting through Denver security and now I know why.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Whose Vehicle is That?

It is weird getting up in the morning and looking out the window of the house seeing a foreign vehicle in the driveway, this one with Kentucky plates on it, and realize it is the one that I am expected to drive. It is the aftermath of the accident which has resulted in the Lexus being stored at a salvage yard until the adjusters show up to determine its fate.

With the Lexus gone, there is a temporary replacement in my "stable." I don't particularly like it, but it is functional and temporary.

Chris and I are in that I between mode. Will the Lexus be total loss? Will we receive a worthy settlement? What type of vehicle can ever possibly replace such a versatile and well built vehicle? So many questions.

I've been looking at the brightly colored Jeeps on the road, but even the venerable and solidly built Jeeps are not a worthy Lexus SUV replacement. Still, there may be a two-for-one trade in the future. Time will tell.

Until then, there is a strange vehicle in my driveway, and it is the one I'm driving.


-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

Heroes in Unexpected Places

What a day Friday was. That is a bit of an understatement because after picking one of my sisters up from the airport in Baltimore, we headed off to upstate NY to celebrate Mom's birthday.



The day was rainy as Tropical Storm Andrea made her presence known. The roads were wet and traffic was moving, but most drivers were wary of the ever changing road conditions.

About three and a half hours into the trip, Chris was driving on a wet road north of Scranton, PA on interstate 81 in the town of Dunmore, everything changed and a near catastrophe became an example of heroes among us in many places.

A red Grand Cherokee probably lost traction and hydroplaned into the passenger rear door of our Lexus which made, after two separate impacts, both vehicles swing around 180 degrees in the road and across two lanes of traffic to come to rest along the barrier on the other side of the road. The third impact was with the barrier and wrecked the front of the Lexus.



After determining that everyone was generally unharmed, except for some glass cut due to the window in the damaged passenger door disintegrating and sore shoulders due to seat belts, our trip was in momentary chaos. Then the heroes arrived on the scene in the form of the Pennsylvania state police, the Dunmore fire department, and De Naples auto parts and tow truck. As we were overcoming the shock of the accident, these professionals took care of our needs and even transported us to the fire station and the car rental agency to help us clean up and recover and allow our trip to continue.

The accident could have been horrible, with two vehicles doing a 180 degree slide and crossing two lanes of a rush hour busy interstate, but it wasn't. I was the first to the damage to the Lexus, which is severe. Chris and my sisters, Pennie and Kay, were trapped in the car until the fire department arrived and assessed the scene. The driver side of the vehicle came to rest with the back tire on the retaining wall, but sustaining no damage. After checking it the vehicle they asked Chris if she could start the car and pull it forward, which amazingly enough she was able to do. At that point as they got out and the ambulance arrived, they could see the extensive damage compared to the minor ding on the Jeep. But, I have to write, even though the passenger door is clearly crushed, except for the broken glass the damage is not obvious from the interior. Great design!



The care and comfort we received from the heroes of Dunmore was awesome. They were instrumental in making a serious accident less traumatic. They were thoughtful and caring to the point of helping us empty our loved Lexus of all of our personal belongings back at the Hose Company in case the last time we see our SUV is when it was driving away on the back of the tow vehicle.

Although the damage doesn't seem so catastrophic, we have been assured that the vehicle will likely be totaled. Sadly.

Our families were awesome in the adversity as well. Everyone offered to come help--some from even 14 hours driving time away. The concern from all of them was genuine and appreciated.

And so, after a two hour delay in our day, we were on the road again in a rental provided by my insurance company, but with fond memories of Dunmore, PA, and the professionals that represent the town.

Thanks guys!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

Here Comes the Rain, Again!

Tropical storms, rain, wind, mess, and chilly. That is the forecast.

Ugh! When will the heat begin?

But, as I was walking out of the club after racquetball this morning I noticed the smell of the rain and the cleansed earth in the air.  So, even though it is raining, and I love rain, there are some positives--providing that the rain eventually gives way to summer.

But the rain is overwatering the plants in the pots outside--much like frosts at the beginning or ending of the season, the potted plants need to come in out of the rain!

So much rain and so little time.

At least everything is green right now and fully prepared for the summer. And, I have heard that we have been spared the plague of the cicadas.

So with the rain giving way to the need to mow the lawn and the continued greening of the landscape, it is not all bad--just depressing. The gray skies get me a bit down though.

But, hey, the weekend is almost here! There is a bright thought.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Internet Hoaxes and Bad Information

I am amazed how often I receive chain email and other notices that contain bad and untrue information.

We need to be more careful about what we forward and be careful to check sources before sending bad information along.

Sending along erroneous information without checking it out wastes a lot of time. And can have bad consequences. It also makes anything sent by the sender, suspect factually.

The latest on I received was about the Facebook Graph App. Sadly, although the hoax sounds authentic, the facts are materially different from reality--and reality is well documented. It is a hoax.

The really funny part about this hoax is that it makes the reader believe that it is possible to post data on the internet and keep it private.

The most important rule of the internet--anything you post will eventually be read by anyone and everyone who wants to read it. If you think there is any privacy, you are woefully uninformed. If you want privacy--unplug your computer.

Watch the hoaxes, minimize the bad info--and realize, privacy is a facade on the internet and we'll all be happier.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Social Engineering, the Military and Leadership

Over the past 70 or so years, the military has been used as a social engineering prototype for society.

Look at the success of the integration of the races within the military--from segregated units at the beginning of WW2 to shortly thereafter fully integrated units. There is a case to be made that the great baseball player, number 42, Jackie Robinson or the Syracuse running back Ernie Davis could never have been successful in crossing the color barrier without the social engineering which preceded them in the military.

I have been reading about the recent spate of sexual misconduct problems in the military, and frankly, I am mystified. Women and men have been working together in the military for decades. I know, I have personal experience working for and with women. I can categorically state that it works. Just like the integration of races, the integration of genders is a military decades long pioneered success story.

So what is different now that all of these incidents are being reported?

In my mind it is leadership. Or the lack of leadership from the lowest to the highest levels.

We live in a risk averse society and the military is beginning to adopt a risk averse mentality. This is a recipe for failure. The military, by design, is a high risk environment. Where else is the reward for doing you duty faithfully possibly death?

The current crop of military leadership has grown up in an environment of microscopic oversight which leads to legal entanglements and a stifling of initiative which results in management rather than leadership. And it results in rules and laws replacing the demand for common sense and good judgement.

The loss of judgement by leaders is what is behind the problems currently being experienced by our military.

We need, our military needs a new crop of leaders who can make decisions without having to consult lawyers before making a decision.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

From the Cold Beach to the Hot Playing Field

Ethan is Number 24

What a difference a week makes.

On Sunday, Ethan's lacrosse team participated in a season ending tournament. His team played three shortened games during a five hour span. The temperatures were in the low 90's, the sky was clear and blue, and the sun was hot. It was truly the beginning of summer.

The week before Ethan and the rest of our family had been at the beach where the temperatures barely climbed into the 60's and the sun's warmth was only making beach time just bearable.

Lacrosse is a great sport--as are most sports. The game teaches teamwork, position play, rules, and most of all it helps develop work ethic. Work hard to develop skills and success will follow. While winning is important--it is not the most important part of the game. Sportsmanship is key.

This week, "E" wore orange socks to help us find him on the field of play. Sometimes during the long season it was difficult to determine where he was on the field and the numbers, although clear in the image, are not so clear in real time. Orange socks really helped. On the field of play, Ethan made more than a few good stick checks while playing defense and he avoided being penalized for the usual stuff, pushing and slashing.

But, it was hot! Really hot. Almost stifling hot.

It was awesome just a week after suffering in the cold on the beach we were sweltering in the heat on the playing field.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 3, 2013

1. Unbelievably, it is June already.

2. My worst day of the week is Thursday and I was just told by someone that for the next two weeks, every day is Thursday.

3. Yesterday the temperature dropped 21 degrees in about an hour as the thunderstorms arrived.

4. Sunday afternoon, in the pool, listening to the Orioles comeback win over the Tigers--what could be better?

5. Lawns mowed, gardens weeded, projects done for the week and now it is time to start all over again.

6. 90 plus degree days really make summertime a reality.

7. Some of my family just returned from a cruise. It sounds like a lot of fun. I believe there may be a cruise in my future.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

June Arrives and With it Summer

Honeysuckle on wafting on the breeze as the temperatures hit 94 on the baseball diamond yesterday really brought home how great it felt to be on a floatie in the pool during the late afternoon. It took until June for me to finally get in the pool, but as I was baking in the sun I realized that this is what I dream of doing every afternoon that I am not at the beach.

While I was basking in the sun, I realized that despite all of the warnings about sun exposure leading to skin cancer that I am a sun worshipper of sorts. It felt great to be warm in the sun.

The trees and ornamental grasses around the pool have created a private haven carved out from the middle of suburbia.

Everyone needs a refuge from the hectic pace of life. My pool is mine.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Technocrat Leadership

I have been considering the impact of email versus the personal interaction in a technology enabled world leadership environment.

I still remember those times not so long ago when typing a letter or a note was a major production, yet now notes in the form of email are sent almost without thinking.  And that can be a problem.

Leading organizations and teams requires adapting to the workers and the work environment. It is too easy for leaders to lose the personal touch and by default become managers rather than leaders. Leading through email ins not always the best option.

There are environments where that is the best option--like leading software writers and computer forensics personnel who are inherently introverts and are all about the technology and not human contact. I suppose if I walked up to them and started a conversation they would be terrified and upset about being distracted for solving the deepest secrets of the project they are engaged in.

But, there remain those work environments which require human touch. Where management by email is definitely the wrong approach. Some people need the personal touch. What I have noticed is that email questions receive email answers and that often is the incomplete message. Having a face to face discussion and getting the full sense of both the question and the answer is far more efficient than a series of emails each providing a chained iteration and expansion on the previous but never really answering the question.

Additionally, some items should never be placed into email--especially private and personnel related matters. Email never goes away. Once written, the writer should expect that the email will always be out there somewhere.

Leading in a technology enabled world requires being able to distinguish between when hiding behind the technology is the right approach and when the personal touch is required. Especially in an analytic environment--the personal touch is best. People who collaborate regularly seem to respond better to engaged and personal leadership.

Leaders must know their people to determine the best style and approach.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Project Complete--Wood Floors Installed

The sense of satisfaction that comes with the completion of a major project has yet to set in for the all consuming wood floor project. But, I installed the last piece of quarter round last evening and we began the slow, tortuous process of reoccupying the office and clearing out the rooms that have become holding areas for the displaced items.

Actually, I do have to reinstall the closet doors in the office, but I hate doing closet doors and decided that I was too tired last evening to attempt to put them back.

The floors shine and add a new dimension to  the house and especially the upstairs. The 12 year old carpet was showing its age and needed to be replaced.

I call this shot the "money shot" because it shows the floor from farthest point to farthest point--across the hallway from bedroom to office.

Thank you to all who helped--Francis, Jeremy, Mike, Patrick, and of course my partner in projects Chris. This was truly a team effort. And thank you to Mary, Nicole, Nicole, and Tina for letting your guys spend what seemed like forever helping me with the project.

And so with a few more minutes to get the closet doors reinstalled and some final touches on moving everything back--it will be onto the next project. Of course, at some point the other two carpeted bedrooms will be converted to wood as well--but not this summer.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Summer Arrives

Yesterday, summer made its entrance onto the scene. There will likely be more springtime-like days, but yesterday the temperature made it above 90 degrees and the smells on the air of summer flowers, including jasmine, mingled with the dark scents of the trees and forest wafted over my yard and it was clear that summer had arrived upon the scene.

Despite the cold of the past weekend, the season has changed. It is daylight now about 5:30AM and staying light until 9PM. The springtime flowers are giving way to the summer flowers and the greens of leaves are everywhere covering the trees and bushes and hiding our neighbors so that I can almost believe I reside on a secluded lot.

I can smell the beach air and surf calling to me already, although there is still over a month to go before I can plans on spending multiple days in a row on the beach.

But, summer is definitely upon the scene. Springtime seemed too short, but hopefully summertime will run its full course.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cold Beach Day Activities

Lucas enjoying the cold water

What activities can be done on cold, but not rainy, beach days? Well, it turns out almost anything goes. With the air temperature in the 50's and the water temperature approaching 60 degrees it can make for a short beach day--especially if the boys get wet.

Ethan Mimicking an Entertainer

First, there just has to be a sojourn to the beach regardless of the temperature. That is why the trip was made in the first place. And if boys are on the beach, boys are going to get into the water, no matter the temperature--and that makes for a short beach visit because soon after, chills and cold set in.

Then there is always lunch at a local establishment, in this case Tequila Mockingbird. Ethan decided to steal my Orioles Cap and mimic his favorite musical entertainer.  Don't let his Dad see this picture.

Chris, Ethan, Jackson in the Beach

Following lunch there can be a movie or possibly miniature golf. We actually did both activities during our weekend to the beach. Be careful though, playing a 27 hole miniature golf course in the cold wind can be as painful as being on the beach. Add three boys, short attention spans, and undeveloped skills and my recommendation is not to keep score after about hole 6. I guarantee that at least one ball will be lost during play.

During the afternoons, well, back to the beach for a walk and playing in the sand. Keeping the boys out of the water will make this event last longer and seem more enjoyable.

For evening activity? Get out away from the kids at a local watering hole, or watch an Orioles game on TV. wishing that it was warm enough for a long, romantic evening walk on the beach.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Condo Window

I enjoy looking out windows in hotels and places where I am temporarily residing to capture images of the outdoors and the view.  Over time, I have captured some interesting views and some not so interesting views.

This past Memorial Weekend, I was in Ocean City at a condo and of course I looked out the window. I have already published an image of the view of the sand dunes and onto the ocean beyond in my blog titled Cold Beach Day.

But on another occasion, I was able to see more than the classic view from the condo window of the ocean. By looking a bit to the left out of the window, I spied palm trees on the beach. I was awed. I have been to this condo more than a few times and only now was I noticing my favorite beach tree. Yet, there they were with their fonds waving in the too cold Memorial Day Weekend wind.

It warmed me beyond belief.

I had almost missed them, save for an additional look.

Sometimes I have to look out the window many times to see what is there.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Breaking News

I have always wanted to be on  the front lines of breaking news, and yesterday I was. OK, I was within about three miles of the breaking news.

It is not often that I spy black smoke wafting up over hotels on the beach. I could tell there was oil involved from the black smoke.

We heard sirens racing down the main street of Ocean City and wondered what the problem could have been.

It turns out that one of the beach trams burned in the parking lot. We drove by it later in the day, but I was too slow to take pictures of it.

I do have these eerie shots of black smoke rising over the beach with uncaring beach goers playing in the foreground.

Hmmm!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 27, 2013

1. I hope you are enjoying your Memorial Day Weekend. Today is, however, Memorial Day. I provide the following link for you to reflect on the holiday. http://www.usmemorialday.org

2. We returned back from the beach Sunday evening to avoid the Memorial Day traffic crush. Last year it took five hours to drive home. Last evening, about 2 and a half hours.

3. My Memorial Day plans include wood flooring.

4. I read an interesting article that shows how out of touch politicians are with the electorate. California, it seems, has a huge budget surplus and they don't know what to to with it. They are looking at spending it on a lot of programs. My thought? Return it to the tax payers.

5. Despite complaining that the daily temperatures are not warm enough, I do not want to appear ungrateful that at least the trees are in full leaf and we are not still in the grip of winter.

6. The pool is open! The temperatures are a bit cool, but I will be in the pool before the end of the day.

7. If I attempt to save a horseshoe crab from being stranded on the beach, does it know it? I think I returned three who survived to to ocean yesterday

8. Storms, flowers, and gardening. The rhythm of summer.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Crazies in the Bar

It was adult night out last evening, and we frequented a watering hole near the condo so that we didn't have to drive. We actually went to two such establishments and engaged in deep conversations that no one remembers this morning.

But, one thing I do remember is a guy named David who walked up and introduced himself and proceeded to regale us with stories and discussion. He was at the same time a former college basketball player, a runner, an entrepreneur, a ranked tennis player and a single guy on the prowl. Staying with him through the twists and turns of his story was difficult because the truth seemed to shift often as each of our queries probed deeper.

As we probed the part about being a West Virginia college basketball player, it turned out that he played fora division three school and not WVU.

Much like online personas, it seems that being out in a bar people can assume whatever fantasy they desire with little regard for reality.

Myself? I'm still me, regardless of how much fun I'm having.

I guess that is why I don't get excited about pub crawling, I don't appreciate the crazies in the bars.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ocean City, MD

Ocean City Beach on Memorial Day Weekend

This image says I all. The beach is deserted when normally the sand is covered by humans soaking up hot sun and surf. The smell of suntan lotion lingering in the air is almost oppressive.

Except today with the temperature on the beach a warm 52 degrees, if I were a penguin. The beach is deserted.

That written, I did walk the beach in shirts and two shirts topped by a warm hoodie.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ocean City, MD

Cold Beach Day

Being at the beach is awesome. I am sitting looking out the window at the ocean in the morning light. The day is dawning beautiful. But cold.



Still, it is the beach and the ocean and I am in my Memorial Weekend escape mode.

I have not been a huge fan of Ocean City is the past, but lately I have found ways to beat the traffic and the crowds.

Cold weather and rain does put a damper on the crowds.

Memorial Weekend is supposed to be hot as the first holiday of summer. This one is definitely a fizzler in terms of heat index and water activities.

But fun is something we make, not something we experience. Fun and enjoyment I how we approach a problem or situation and not necessarily the outcome alone.

And so, this is going to be a fantastic weekend. I many not sit and bake on the beach, but I will make great memories.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ocean City, MD

Lettuce in the Bread Box

Why was the lettuce in the bread box? We all know where it really goes, right? But somedays, it just doean't make it to the right place. Somedays, I don't make it to the right place in my mind.

It is a sign of an overworked, overtired, cleaning the kitchen after lunch too fast to either get out the door or onto the next project.

I'm not too sure the lettuce appreciated being placed in the bread box--it was all limp and wilted. A sign of our times, I guess.

I wonder what else can happen when the lettuce is placed in the breadbox? Are keys lost, purses misplaced, and cars locked with the keys inside? Can distracted fingers become targets for sharp knives?

I think so.

The remedy?

Remember the old adage, "Haste makes waste." Work in the moment. Be aware.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Reflections on a Glass of Wine

At the end of the day, especially after an extremely trying and busy day, I am amazed a how a glass of wine can cause the weight of the day to melt away.

Sipping and appreciating a glass of wine is an art form  and settles the mind. Reviewing the clarity, the color, the "nose," the flavors and the finish cause the mind to refocus on the glass and not the troubles of the day.

Unlike beer, which I often drink very quickly and be left wondering what it was I just consumed, good wine causes me to pause and appreciate something other than the troubles of the day.

Last evening, after working for another few hours on the flooring project, the wine of choice was Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon. An easy drinking and enjoyable wine which helps the troubles of the day melt away as I consider the  characteristics of the complex liquid in my glass. It was, of course, made better by the way the Orioles were beating the unnamed team from the north on the field at Camden Yards.

I highly recommend a glass to end the day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Springtime Fragrances on the Wind--An Allergist success Story

A few weeks ago I was suffering through one of the most ferocious allergy attacks that I have ever had. I was a mess for more than two weeks and the prospect of being outdoors was not something I looked forward to for long periods of time.

That, thankfully, has changed.

I am over the springtime attack and am enjoying the fragrances on the breeze.

Black locust is one that is fully in bloom right now and also one of my favorites. I smelled the sweet fragrance before I even realize that the trees around my house were fully in bloom. I love those trees because they remind me of my childhood where our house was surrounded by these tall trees. And then there is honeysuckle which I also noticed yesterday along with the smell of fresh mowed grass which portends the arrival of summertime.

The world is alive with smells--many of them sweet and appealing, but some, not so.

And I am enjoying them this year, again.

-- Bob Doan, Ellridge, MD

As Memorial Day Approaches, Reflection

Standing on Jupiter Beach Dreaming

I am amazed that the year has passed so swiftly and that Memorial Day is this weekend. Summertime is almost here.

I have noticed that the sky is brighter when I drive to the club for my early morning racquetball thrashing, almost bright enough on clear days to remind me that the solstice is only about a month away and then things will begin winding down for the last half of the year.

Visions of the beach are creeping into my daily thoughts--both for the coming weekend and for my summer get away. The smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves, the feel of the salt water on my skin for the first time since last summer.

It begins this weekend.

Of course the wood floors still need to be finished. The lawn is too long. Then there is the pool and maintenance and maybe even swimming in it sometime soon.

I wonder what my big summertime project will be? Oh yeah, staining the deck that we reconstructed last year.

I'm doing a lot of wood related projects it seems. But I am blessed with the tools to do these projects.

Patrick remarked, last evening as he was helping with the floors, that working with his hands was one of the most satisfying things that he did. I have to agree.  There is a satisfaction that comes form building, whether a sand castle on the beach with grandsons or a deck, or tables, or even new floors. The process of problem solving, creating, and building is very satisfying and provides respite from the cerebral pursuits of my daily life.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 20, 2013

1. I didn't travel anywhere this weekend--I was inside working on floors which are not done.

2. Hard work is contagious. Or maybe it is just sick.

3. Why do I work harder at home than at work?

4. The Orioles are definitely in a low place right now.  They have lost five in a row.

5. It is hard to type with a sore finger! I just took a huge sliver out of the end on one of my typing fingers.

6. Ever notice that when the humidity is up, it seems hotted on cooler days?

7. My pool has been open three weeks now and except for my toes--no one has chanced the frigid waters.

8. Next weekend is Memorial Day. Wow, where is the year going?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

New Wood Floors--Almost

The MBR is Finished

It is amazing how seemingly small things can take a real long time to get right.

For instance, on the floor project, Fran and I spent about 4 hours ensuring the top stair would integrate into the flooring in the best possible manner.

And then it seemed that we worked around the edges of the room for seemingly hours. We started in earnest on Saturday at 9AM, but did not lay the first piece of flooring until 2PM because we were trying to ensure that the line being used to connect the study, hall, and master bedroom was straight and true. Who knew that it could take hours to get that seemingly small thing it right.

That written--I learned a lot and there is still a lot left to do--closets, my study, and the rest of the hallway. Life on the second floor of our house looks like a refugee camp. I worked a thirteen hour day today slinging wood and cutting boards.

The Office Still Needs to be Completed

It still is not done!  But what is done it beautiful.

Thanks Francis for teaching me and for giving up your weekend to work like a dog putting in the floors. Hopefully, I can pull it together and finish it off--this week.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It begins

I have been out all over town already this morning collecting the last remaining pieces for the flooring project. This is going to be a long and tiring day, I can tell.

The carpet is gone, and the hardest part so far was lugging 24 long and heavy boxes of flooring upstairs and positioning them for action.

But all is ready--and as they say, so it begins.

Hammers, nailers, and saws at the ready.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Weekend Project

The project for the weekend is laying hardwood floors for two bedrooms and the hall.

It is going to be a long weekend, but the deconstruction is nearly done--the existing carpet and pad have been removed form the floors and the nails, stables, tacky strips and other assorted debris has been collected. The room are mostly bare--and we are living like we just moved in with boxes and furniture repositioned throughout the upstairs.

The truck is loaded and ready to head off to the recycling center to get rid of the old carpet and pad.

We realized that the carpet is 12 years old and the pad was about 20 something years old. It was time for a change. And the time is now.  Of course deconstruction is a lot faster and easier than laying the new wood floors is going to be.

It is going to be a busy weekend!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Afternoon Baseball

I love baseball--almost everyone who knows me knows that fact about me. And, I love afternoon baseball. I remember growing up in a time before lighted stadiums were prevalent almost every baseball game was played in the afternoon. I remember that even World Series games were afternoon affairs. I remember coming home and turning on the television to watch the games.

I believe the 1962 world series between the Yankees and the Giants (then in San Francisco) was the first televised series that I remember. I watched it on our black and white TV with the fuzzy signal because we did not have cable TV.

Baseball was meant to play in the sunlight of a hot afternoon, at a stadium filled with screaming fans and then be able to head home for the afternoon and evening!  The sun does funny things in a baseball game. I took leave yesterday afternoon to attend an Orioles game and I saw an error caused by the ball getting lost in the sun.The Orioles gave up a run when the second baseman lost the ball in the sun and missed the catch.

The park was alive yesterday. The parking? Well, that was another matter. Parking was awful. But the city was alive and the fans enthusiastic even though the home team lost, miserably.

And what did I do for my evening fun? I served as an assistant coach for Jax's T-ball team game. A baseball doubleheader, as they say.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Budget Insanity Strikes Home

The tale of woe has finally come to rest upon the Department of Defense. Sadly, the Secretary of Defense announced yesterday mandatory furloughs for most all employees of 11 days, one day per week for eleven weeks beginning in July.

Great, I won't even be able to get a summer job!

It is a travesty that because our elected officials cannot agree on governing and budgeting for the common defense that the workers upon whom the defense of the nation rest must sacrifice again.

It is almost unconstitutional! Congress has a few specific things that they are supposed to do and they have abrogated them.

Again? Yup. It has been three years since any pay raises to maintain living standards while taxes, health care, and living continue to dramatically increase. For marginal gain, people must again suffer with no recourse except to write Congress upon who their protestations will fall upon deaf ears.

I will write, however. I urge everyone to write Congress and let them know that they have earned a failing grade in governing the country.

And they are going to ask to get reelected next year.

Do we really want more of the same? Can we afford more of the same? We need to be careful what we ask for, but I'm pretty sure what we have isn't working.

At least I'll have more time for gardening on my own nickel.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Time to Return to our Roots

I received a call from the one of the political organizations last evening asking me to renew my membership to help overturn Obama-care.

I can't believe it. We have developed into a country of obstructionists. I told the caller that when the Republicans start trying to work with the Democrats to govern this country in a bipartisan manner for the good of the country and not for the gain or loss of a political party, I would consider donating.

It is sad we have come to this. We are more focused on individual hot issues rather than one central big issue--Is it good for America and does it make us stronger and smarter?

Right now, the answer to that question is definitely, NO!

We have to do better or I fear we will dissolve further into a country of special interests where the central government will continue to be inept and unable to do their elected jobs. What needs to happen?

First--fix the budget and start running the country.

Second--provide for the common defense (sound familiar constitutionalists?)

Third--help the poor and homeless improve their living conditions without oppressive taxes on those who are successful.

Fourth--modify laws which turn common law abiding citizens into criminals among them certain new gun laws, drinking age laws, and many other well meaning but poorly implemented special interest sponsored laws.

Fifth--stop trying to find new way to tax people and start trying to find new ways to ensure domestic tranquility.

I am weary of getting calls from political action groups pushing single issues while missing the big issue.

It is time for a change--I believe in the Constitution and bipartisanship which focuses on what is best for America!  Is there anyone else out there who feels the same?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 13, 2013

1. I cannot believe how cold it is this morning in the middle of May. We are dancing with freeze warnings and had to bring in all of the sensitive flowers last evening.

2. Mother's Day was a success--all of appropriate contacts were meds.

3. Funniest thing I read on Mother's Day:
       Don't forget to pick up a bottle of wine for your Mom on  Mother's Day. After all, you are one of the reasons she drinks.

4. Computers never seem to work when we need them most.

5. Do you know how to tell when a politician is lying? Their lips are moving.

6. The U.S. has the highest population of dogs of any country in the world. France is second. I wonder what this means?

7. As the weekend ends, I am sad at its parting--but I know that if everyday were a weekend then I never would appreciate it as much as I do now.

8. A wise retired man who came back to work once told me that he was busier after he retired than he ever was as a working man.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Mother's Day Greetings

Chris

Happy Mother's Day to Mom and Mom's everywhere.

This is a special day to designed to make me stop and think about Mom, and also the mother of my children, my Wife, and the impact they have had on my life.

Mom

Wow--I am so lucky to have two women to keep me out of trouble and to let me know everyday that I am loved and thought about.

I would be truly a lonely boy in a big world without the love shown by these women to me.

It is a tough job, keeping me in line--and it takes both of them to do it. For one of them is it almost a full time job!

So on this very special day--thank you. I love you both. Keep up the great work that you are doing because as you both know, I am a work in progress.

Love, kisses and prayers for a great year ahead.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Respite from the Storm

Yesterday provided a much needed preview of summer weather to come. We had our first day of greater that 80 degrees, sunshine, and no rain until late.

We had friends over and sat around the pool enjoying the weather, the wine, the food and the conversation.

It was comfortable, the mosquitos have not yet masses to drain blood from unprotected and unsuspecting bodies so even the evening was pleasant.

It was a great ending to the week--the exclamation point to cruise into the weekend. We talked into the evening and watched the stars and the bats grace the gathering evening sky.

It was the unofficial beginning to the summer outdoor living season. Unfortunately, as soon as the party broke up, thunderstorms arrived to wash away any memory of the start of the outdoor living season.

But this morning, amid the drenched dampness the birds are singing, the doors are open and yes, my three week allergy affliction has finally broken and I'm feeling normal! The trees are in near full leaf and late-Spring has finally arrived.

I'm more than ready.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Pacing it to the Finish Line

I'm not a good runner. Besides the fact that I don't like to run, I don't run well. I have a lot of admiration for people who can run for distance, like Mike and Jeremy.

Life, however, it seems is a race. It is a marathon and each day is a new adventure and a new mile on the marathoner's journey. Even the Apostle Paul talks of life being a race in 2 Timothy 4:7, so this idea of life being a race with the intent to finish well is not a new one.

Much of the problem I have with running is pacing. I want to sprint out ahead, but I quickly burn out and wind up lagging behind the pack. I need to learn to run within myself. This also applies to daily tasks.

Each day is a new race, or a new lap on the racetrack of life. Yesterday was a good example. I worked an 11 hour day, raced off to the UPS pick-up center on my way home to get there before it closed at 7PM to pick up a package and as soon as I got home--even before dinner, since the lawn was dry I had to get the mowing in before rain and darkness.

During the mowing, the tarp covering the wood pile got tangled in the mower blades--which could have been catastrophic, but wasn't. I did discover a 3 foot long black racer snake who had been hiding under the tarp. He was unharmed and slithered off into the wood pile to help keep the vermin at bay.

After a quick shower to keep the allergens away from my too sensitive immune system, Chris and I enjoyed a fantastic dinner sitting on the back deck watching the darkness fall as the bats came out to play.

But there was still the pool to manage and continue getting ready for summer fun even though we are expecting a 37 degree overnight low on Sunday.

When I finally sat down to relax, it was after 9PM. Bedtime was less than an hour away.

I guess I need to find some pacing to get to the finish line.

The Apostle Paul must have enjoyed running, because he writes in 1 Corinthians 9:24: Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win.

My problem is that some days, I'm just running to finish with no thoughts of winning. I need to be sure I set an achievable pace so that I don't burn out, like a shooting star, too early in the race.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Remembering the Recent Past

I went back through some old email the other day. I was cleaning out the files of life from five or more years ago which has been sitting around taking up space.

I reread some of the topics and looked at some of the return addresses. I saw people and remembered events that were pivotal in my like, then, which are no longer even a little part of my daily existence.

I was left with the realization about how far I've come and how much has changed from roughly the time that Jax was born. So many friendships broken--torn apart followed by new ones founded.

I felt a pang of sadness as I relegated those old emails and the memories they rekindled to the "bit" bucket. I have lost touch with many of the people in those emails and I have certainly moved on into other pursuits. 

I guess that is the way life. I grow, change and sometimes move on. In retrospect, the lost relationships are sad, but without growing and moving forward (and sometime onward) I fear that I may lose my zest for life. 

Do people sometimes hold me back? Do my relationships keep me safe or from doing those wild things that I might otherwise attempt? Yes, definitely and that is both a good and bad thing. Sometimes I am too safe, and I rebel in potentially destructive ways. But by living too safe, I fail to grasp at the good opportunities to experience life and grow.

The latest project around the house is closely related to my email cleansing. Chris and I are trying to get my office under control. I am having a difficult time parting with some of the old books and items I have collected through the years. Her view is that are gathering dust--so why keep them. I look at them and they help me find the associated memories. I might never recall those memories without the aid of those dust-gathering items.

Chris and I are heading off to our High School reunion next month. That should be an experience seeing so many of the people we grew up with but with whom we have lost touch. 

Changes are tough and remembering lost memories can be even tougher.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Iron Man 3 - Review

Iron Man 3 exceeded every expectation that I had. Just so that you know, in my estimation, it was better than Iron Man 2 but not as good as the the original Iron Man.

The movie, actually, is fantastic. I enjoyed it from the beginning until the end. The plot was complex with twists and turns--I call it a mature plot. It was not the usual superhero plot which is action looking for a reason to happen. The action sequences were just the right length. All too often in action movies the fight scenes, are way too long.

The story has Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr, back doing his rich boy thing when confronted by a villain who got his beginning in his past. Through a series of research efforts a process to regenerate limbs had been created, but is has a dramatic side effect which renders the cure worse than the problem. Gwyneth Paltrow reprises her role as Pepper in spectacular fashion. The plot winds through the world of terrorism, intrigue, and even all the way to the highest office in the land. I especially enjoyed the not-quite-ready-for-primetime version of the Iron Man suit, which provided some  humorous scenes.

There are spectacular scenes, there is drama and an interesting sub-plot involving a boy in Tennessee. The movie took it up a notch and should be enjoyable by all ages. As always, if you are looking for Oscar winning acting, this probably is not the movie for you--but if you are looking for action filled entertainment which has a plot and some intrigue--go see this movie.

RECOMMENDATION: See this movie in the theaters. Do not wait for release on Blu Ray.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD