Reflection of Patriot's Day

Standing at the Orioles game last evening as the crowd sang along with Lee Greenwood and his classic song "God Bless the USA," it really struck a chord within me of how much has changed during the past dozen years.

Our lives and our country has been transformed. We no longer feel the safety of two oceans separating us from the turbulence that envelopes much of the rest of the world--but we, as a people, a society, and a country now wrestle with the chaos and conflict that lie our brothers and sisters see and live on a daily basis.

For instance, right now we, as a nation, are trying to determine a cogent course of action to respond to the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Before 9-11, there would have been no discussion, I am sure the that President would have already acted and not made the issue of a U.S. response one to be debated upon the world stage. Alternatively, Assad's use of these terrible weapons of mass destruction would never have even made the nightly news, much like Hussein's use of similar weapons against his own people barely made a side column in the papers of his time. 

We have learned that unilateral action can have multilateral consequences. We are also tired of war and conflict, and yet I am not sure the the struggle against the forces of darkness and chaos will ever end. 

Standing at the game last night I remembered that day 12 years ago when our world changed. And I was moved to sing these words along with Lee Greenwood:

And I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I wont forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dawn for the Morning Commute

September is swiftly slipping away, even though the thermometer reads in the 90's during the mid-part of the day, I have begun driving to work as dawn breaks. The days are shorter. Darkness is lengthening its grip on the world.

The headlights are on now in the morning. I enjoy the rising sun adorning the eastern sky with its rays always wishing that I could stop to take a few images of it as it crawls across the horizon. Or better yet, wishing that I could just stop and watch the day dawn and then go for a walk or a hike in the hills to enjoy the fresh fragrances of the morning hanging in the air.

The weather this week has me believing that it still could be August, but by the weekend, I am told, I will know that October is merely a few short days away.

Autumn is in the air as the leaves are beginning to turn color, more from the oppressive dryness than colder temperatures, but nonetheless, they adorn my pool in ever increasing numbers daily.

I noticed yesterday that there in another critter munching on my foliage. In addition to the deer and the rabbits, we are now hosting a woodchuck who is growing fat for winter on my hostas.

The changes are happening as they do every year and for every season. It is just that the preparations for the coming darkness are not nearly a joyful as watching the first blooms in the springtime.

I will enjoy the dawn, because in just a few more days, the dawn will occur after I am already at work and I will miss the sunrise.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Playoff Run and the Hunt for October Baseball

Chris Tillman

Meaningful September baseball is really hard to stomach night after night when every pitch, hit, and play seems to make a difference. I want the Orioles to win so badly I sometime find it hard to watch every pitch just wishing each game could be an easy blow out and I could watch the game in the pleasure of knowing it was in the bag.

Facing the Orioles last night, the team from the north started their itching ace who was facing the Orioles ace, Chris Tillman. The resulting game had everything.

The game had drama--early between the managers and on the field between the teams. The unnamed team from the north had just come in suffering from losing three of four and scoring more than eight runs in each of their losses--the first time in baseball history that a team had scored more than eight runs in three successive games and lost all three. Most importantly, the game ended with a win for the Birds!

As for the Orioles, a pitching ace has finally emerged--the go to guy, the number one starter: Chris Tillman. The Orioles finally have a pitcher that goes out and wins the big games--I am expecting him to win every time he starts. There was in interesting stat that indicated that he is 7-2 in games he pitches after an Orioles loss--he is the stopper of losing streaks. If only we could put together a six game winning streak!

The playoff push is here--the run down the stretch. This is the exciting part of the baseball season when things begin to matter every night. Nineteen games to go and anything can happen!

Baseball, America's sport! Who needs Monday Night Football?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - September 9, 2013

1. The first football weekend of the new NFL season is complete and things are not off to a good start for some of the family's teams. I admit, we had three TVs set up to watch the games like a good sports bar with the important note that one of the sets was tuned to watch the O's fail to complete the sweep of the White Sox.

2. September's weather has been fantastic. Warm and clear. It has invited me outdoors to enjoy the evenings as they fall, much too soon as the available daylight decreases every day.

3. Dogs are fun to have around--they provide comic relief when things get too tense.

4. With the deck finally completely stained, the next project is removing two dead trees. Why does it always seem that there is a next project?

5. I think this is going to be a long week of work. First I have to catch up from being gone last week and then I need to get ready for everything that is going to happen. It is a vicious circle.

6. I have noticed that changing time zones gets a bit harder every time that I do it.

7. The squirrels have been very busy. They are grazing their way through the oak trees we have in the front of our house. And they are noisy, too!

8. I am not sure which I appreciate more, waking to the Rocky Mountains in the close distance or to the familiarity of my own backyard. I think, like Dorothy, I like my own backyard.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Look--Up in the Sky a B-17 Apears

The Movie Memphis Belle B-17 over Baltimore
 on September 7, 2013

Imagine my surprise as I saw low in the horizon a flying silhouette that I had never before seen airborne. Yet, there it was, flying over downtown Baltimore--a blast from the past. It was almost as if a living dinosaur had come upon the scene.

Actually, Chris saw it first and asked me what it was--I could not believe what I was seeing: four propeller driven engines driving what is truly my most favorite airplane--yes, a B-17 Flying Fortress was flying over the city. Not once, but twice, which is good because the first time I was driving and could not stop to take a picture. The second time I was at the afternoon Orioles game and it flew across the sun almost blinding me.

There it was straight out of World War II. I knew in my heart that it must be operating out of Martin State Airport and I later determined that it was--The Movie Memphis Belle was flying above my head and into my heart.

The droning of the engines was powerful and awesome. I could only imagine the fear created by the raids of hundreds of these fearlessly crewed bombers flying together over Europe during the strategic bombing campaign of WW2. 

I was in awe of this flying piece of history. I was honored to see one of the last survivors of air armadas created during WW2 flying and treating me to a moment of history.

Its excursions over the city were all too short. But it was there over Baltimore and the Orioles game. 

How fitting, how dramatic, how historical. The bomber that was instrumental in winning the war in Europe was flying for me to see and appreciate. And I later learned that for a mere $450, I too could fly in this piece of living history. 

If only!

In the end, I realized that just hearing and seeing this magnificent aircraft in flight was truly a dream come true.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Beautiful Day For Flying

Denver International Airport September 2013

Sometimes, when I look out the windows in airports I am amazed at the scene. Expensive aircraft parked or transiting the tarmac and clear bright skies that I soon will be climbing into surrounded by a hundred or so of my new best friends.

Yesterday was just such a day. I looked out the windows onto the ramp and appreciated the crisp blue skies and white puffy clouds a short couple of hours before my flight. I was happy to be heading home, but would have preferred to be enjoying the great late summer weather. 

Yes, it is still summer!  

The trip home was uneventful--which is exactly the way I like my flying to be. I even had an open seat next to me which was convenient for the cat, in a travel container, that was able to occupy the space instead of being crammed under a seat on the floor.

And I'm home after a short trip to Denver.  Awesome.

As Phineas says, "I know what we're going to do today."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday Night Football -- And so it Begins, ugh!

Despite the embarrassing outcome of the game for Ravens' fans, there were some good things that happened as the NFL season kicked off last night:

1. The Orioles won at home over the Chicago White Sox stopping a two-game losing streak, which is why the NFL opener was played in Denver to begin with.

2. I decided not to go to the game, even though I was in Denver.

3. I left the bar at halftime--when the Ravens had the lead 17-14.

4. I didn't wear my Ravens gear in public and therefore was not subject to childish ridicule.

5. I used to be a Broncos fan many years ago when Craig Morton was the quarterback.

6. Payton Manning did NOT set a new NFL record for touchdown passes in a game--he only tied the existing record last tied in like 1963 by Joe Capp.

7. Although giving up 49 points during a game was the most in Ravens history, they ONLY gave up 49 points. It coulda been worse!

8. There are 15 regular season games remaining.

9. The last time the Ravens lost to Denver during the regular season made them get serious and they wound up beating Denver in the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl.

10. Did I mention that the Orioles are in a playoff run and the outcome of the Ravens game last night doesn't really matter?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver International Airport, CO

Out the Hotel Window - Denver September 2013

East of Denver looking South

I was back in Denver for a few nights and got to view the mountains again in the distance. Something new happened this time though, I was on a different side of the hotel from the views I normally get. I usually get a window view looking back across the great plains at Denver International Airport or directly west to the mountains in the distance. 

This time, I was treated to a southward view. The rising sun in the east made the day come alive, especially over the field of sunflowers near the foreground. The clouds reflected the dawn creating a beautiful effect.

Sometimes there is nothing to look at outside the hotel window except for a building, a street, or a parking lot. But during this trip, I was extremely lucky--the mornings provided stunning colors and a clear view from the plains to the mountains. Yes, that is Pike's Peak in the distance.

--Bob Doan, writing from Denver, CO

Watching the Dawn

Pike's Peak at Dawn from Denver

Traveling across time zones reminds me that sleep is something to be enjoyed and savored. Whenever I travel west I wake early too early in the morning. While I love to watch the world awaken and shake the darkness, seeing the clock crawl past 4AM can be a bit frustrating. On one hand, I am usually awake by this time in the time zone where I live, but on the other hand, I face a long day ahead an hour further along in my awake cycle meaning I get numb mentally sooner.

But I do enjoy watching the day arrive. The darkness being chased from the sky by the arrival of the light--first the reds and then the golden rays as the sun climbs up over the horizon and into view. It is exhilarating to be present at the start of the day.

Today the dawn provides the beginning to a special day--it is the beginning of the NFL season with the Ravens facing the Broncos. It is too bad that football is so short when measured by baseball. But, it does generate a lot of interest. 

Go Ravens!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, CO

Traveling Hassles--United Airlines imitates Southwest

I was subjected to more fun with the air transportation network yesterday.

It seems that every time that I fly, there is a new wrinkle just to keep me off guard.

It isn't enough that the TSA is becoming slower and more inefficient as time passes. It seems there are always lengthy lines to get into the terminal during the middle of the day when there used to be none. And they move more slowly. 

I was amazed at the number of bags that were being pulled out for additional screening--it really slowed the process down. I think it is because the packing rules have gotten more complicated and the occasional travelers can't keep up with the never ending series of changes. I was fortunate--I made it through without committing a time wasting transgression.

But then, the change to top all changes, United is imitating Southwest. Really.

I still had an assigned seat--unfortunately in the next to last row of the plane where everyone waiting to go to the restroom congregated. But to board the plane they set up a confusing set of numbered rows corresponding to the boarding group. While that seems simple enough, United found a way to complicate the process. The lines were not straight because the area had obstructions that could not be moved, and there were two gates in close proximity.  

I figured out the game, only to find out that I was in the wrong line for my correct boarding group--being in the line for the adjoining gate. And then, because of the bend in the line, I wound up in the wrong boarding group--a later boarding group for the right gate. Fortunately,  others near me were dealing with the same problem and we collectively solved the problem. The lines were definitely not intuitive and, unlike Southwest, they were confusing and poorly executed. I'm not saying I like Southwest's approach to boarding aircraft--but it seems to work especially if I am in the "A" group!

United's execution of the "line up and wait to board" was a mess. I do not know who came up with this idea--but it needs work. If United is going to imitate Southwest,  they need to do a better job. I am hoping that this was a test of some kind. If so, it is not yet ready for prime time.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, CO

Orioles Update: As September Begins

Brian Roberts

It is here. September. And the Orioles are playing meaningful September baseball. They are 2-0 in September, which is a great turn around from August.

I wrote in April about the resurgence of the Orioles. In my entry titled Picking up Where they Left off, I stated: The opening day game in Tampa had it all. Homers, great plays in the field, and even coming from behind after the Orioles has surrendered their lead and were behind 3-2 at the end of 6 innings. A five run 7th, ignited by two teal leaders who finished the season on the disabled list, Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis, put the exclamation point on why the Orioles did not need to make a flashy and expensive move to acquire outside help to cement the lineup.

I note that to start their September resurgence, it was a 7 run 7th inning that turned the fortunes of the game around. Already having lost the series to the team from up North, who shall remain nameless, and playing to avoid a sweep that seemed imminent, the Orioles bats finally came alive on Sunday. On Monday, the bats remained active against Cleveland and the Orioles notched a win that helped them move close in the wild card standings and also closer to the Division, which I have not given up on.

It is September, and although football is in the air and snow blowers are on sale at Lowe's, baseball is king.

The stars that were injured last year are healthy and producing this year and although the team's play has been less than stellar, with 26 games to play they are definitely in the hunt and their destiny remains firmly in their own hands.

Orioles Magic. Now it the time to believe.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Can't Believe I Saw This Today

Snow Blowers at Lowe's on Labor Day

Went shopping this morning to get some additional items to finish the stain on the deck and saw these lined up ready for winter.

Really?

Come on. It is just too early for some things!

Where did the tractors and the lawn mowing items disappear to?

- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - September 2, 2013

1. Happy Labor Day. The holiday associated with the end of summer has arrived--albeit too early for me. At least we are experiencing summer-like weather.

2. Stain is a fickle thing--we are not happy with the results on the deck floor and so another coat will be applied in just a few minutes.

3. I feel lucky not to be in this car in Taiwan, but wonder where I drive that could be this dangerous?

4. Sycamore trees losing their leaves prematurely are adorning my pool all too often.

5. Who knew that Black Knot would kill my plum trees so quickly. I will miss them as I have to cut them down this autumn. I was too slow realizing what it was.

6. I love all of the info about seeing Mars--it is there almost every night, how come it seems people need something sensational in order to recognize something that is right in front of them?

7. I actually sat down long enough to watch the Today Show this morning, unfortunately, the A Team were taking the holiday off.

8. I'm beginning to wonder why every weekend can't be a three-day weekend?

9. Three games out of the Wild Card, 8.5 out of 1st, 27 games to play--it is September baseball and the Orioles are in the hunt! Have you bought your post-season tickets yet?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Decking out on Saturday

Waiting to Stain the Floor

It finally happened--the weather, my schedule, and the desire to finish a project finally all came together on the same day.

Last summer we replaced the wood on our deck and waited for it to weather a bit before staining it to protect it. As it turns out, we have been waiting for a year to finally complete the project.

Before staining--During February Roof Replacement

While we did not complete the project--we did the hard part--the rails. Today all that is left to finish is the easy part--the flooring!  I can state that using a car washing mitt to apply stain to the rails is definitely the easiest way to accomplish the task. I forget where I saw that idea--but I am very happy that I remembered it--I highly recommend it.

After Staining on Saturday

It was hot--too hot almost to be working in the sun, but we took it slow and stayed hydrated. I did enjoy a cooling dip in the pool during one break.

Matching the stain colors took two trips to Lowe's and it is really close. After all, what did I expect, the other stain has been in place for a number of years now and we will likely stain all of the rest of the wood before we are through--but covering the bare wood is the most important part.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Morning Visitors in the Yard

Trapped somewhere in between "Oh, they are so cute" and the realization that they were eating hundreds of dollars of foliage was the emotion that I felt this morning as three visitors wandered through my lawn and into my life.

Fundamentally, I like deer. Having a mother and two fawns wander into the yard is a stop, watch, and enjoy moment. The hostas will grow back next year--except I will have to implement a deer mitigation strategy to protect them.

But, my lot is secluded and they have been wandering around the fringes of the yard for years. There was a small herd of about four deer last year--hopefully it will not grow too much this season when they start running together and I can see them once the leaves fall from the trees.

The deer were fun to watch for a few minutes as I struggled to keep Makayla from barking and wanting to go out and play, or chase them from the lawn that she is convinced is hers and hers alone to use and protect.

I have seen quite a few fawns this year, sadly many of them are dead alongside the highways. It is a struggle for them to survive and if we can carve out a way to coexist--then that is a good thing. 

Makayla, unfortunately, is fond of their droppings. Dogs can be such animals at times. 

Well, it was a great way to have a nature encounter from the comfort of my house with a cup of coffee in my hand.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

School is Back in Session

Duckett's Lane Elementary School

It has been a slow, staggered start for some of my family, but school in Maryland is back and the kids are in class--more or less.

Jax has been a bit slow starting kindergarten, I like the way they ease the kids into it--he finally had his first day yesterday. I talked to him in the morning before he departed for day one and the excitement was clear in everything he said.  Little does he know, or care, that he is embarking on a 13 year program of education that will be with him from now until he is ready to leave home for college.  I know, that is a really deep and depressing thought for the first day of school--ever.

Ethan has been going all week to third grade. I got to spend Tuesday afternoon with him during a family mini-crisis and he is taking it all in stride. He had a really great summer that I got to enjoy with him and I think he is ready to get on with back-to-school part of the year.

Even Lucas is in school--albeit, preschool. I think the program and the structure will be very good for him and it will make him ready for the transition to the "big house" when the time comes. 

In my own neighborhood the construction is finally over, almost, and the new Duckett's Lane Elementary School has opened in the area where a 10 acre forest previously stood. I wonder if they cut down Winnie the Pooh's 10 acre wood to construct this new school? I miss the forest, it was a lot more interesting to look into as I drove by.

I have been amazed at how insensitive the county has been to the residents in the area in their quest to get the school open on time--and it almost didn't. Part of the school remains "under construction" but most of it is open and read to roll. Now we have a camera controlled school zone, rerouted lanes, and constant vehicles replacing the massive construction equipment that have occupied the space for the past two years. While they relined the roads, they have not made portions of the street no parking to accommodate the new lanes and so it can be a real mess at times. 

I took the picture of the school one evening as Chris and I were walking just before it opened. 

School days are here again. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sycamore Leaves

They are falling, more and more every day now. The sycamore trees are beginning to turn yellow in preparation for the coming autumn season.

Worse, they are getting into my pool and I have to frequently skim them out. They fall into the pool and, if not remover, eventually sink and stain the pool bottom.

It is sad to think that in just a few short weeks all of the trees will be dropping their leaves after their annual display of color. And then pumpkins will be adorning porches for the Halloween and harvest seasons.

I could get depressed about the upcoming leaves changing because it means that summer is ending and so are many of my outdoor activities. But, this year I am going to try and to embrace the seasonal change. Maybe the weekly allergy shots will help me survive the annual onslaught of leaf mold and dust so that I don't have a perpetual headache or need to heavily drug myself to be able to breathe. That would certainly be a change.

The beginning of  new season is upon us even though the calendar says it is still a month away and the sycamore leaves are the advance soldiers for the coming armies of colorful leaves. 

If only I could keep them out of my pool.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sights from the Road

Sandy Point State Park on August 25, 2013

Driving home from Ocean City on Sunday early afternoon, I was able to enjoy the sights along the highway because I was not driving. I was sitting in the back seat of a bright orange (Crush) Jeep with no doors and the top down being blasted from every direction by the wind. 

It was an experience. I enjoy convertibles, but the driver is protected form the direct force of the wind by the windshield. Not so in the back seat of a Jeep. 

As we traveled, I enjoyed the scenery, mostly because I usually drive and cannot really enjoy the sights while keeping a watchful eye on the road. This is especially true for crossing the Bay Bridge--which is a white knuckling experience for many people. 

Jer's Jeep after one run through the Obstacle Course

On Sunday, I was able to examine Sandy Point State Park from the relative safety of the back seat. IT was a busy day at the part with what appeared to be hundreds of people enjoying one of the last days of summer (or was it one of the first real days of summer). 

I was able to take in the scene, the people, the bridge, the boats. I even took a quick image on my cell phone camera to remind me of the relative freedom of being blasted by the wind in the back seat. I noted that it was much cooler on the bridge over the water than it had been on the hard surface of the ground. Very cool--almost cold.

The trip changed my perspective, for the better. I longed to be on the beach--but I was also anxious to be home and crossing the bridge meant that home was just a few minutes away at the conclusion of the over two hour trip from Ocean City. 

As the weekend was coming to a close, I knew that I had had fun and experienced something that I long to do again. Next yeah.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Boys, Mud, and Jeeps

I attended my first ever Ocean City Jeep Week and discovered something that I never even imagined, riding off road in a Jeep through obstacles and mud is a lot of fun. Especially getting stuck in the mud and getting pulled out so that trying it again to get it right becomes a personal vendetta. 

I was an observer at most of the activity--as I didn't have a Jeep of my own to attempt to break, but that was OK, maybe next year I will have one of my own to take into the obstacles and trails--just for fun. I did witness one Jeep which sadly punched a hole in its transmission pay and had to be towed off--it was a sobering reminder of what can happen when we play just a bit too hard. But, the overwhelming majority of the Jeeps came off the field with only a smattering of mud to show for their efforts.

Cory, Jeremy, and Patrick with their Jeeps

This Jeep weekend was near and in Ocean City, MD and used venues in Berlin and the Pocomoke Fairgrounds for the events I attended. 

My observation is simply--get a Jeep, be brave and just add mud!  Thin mud is better than thick mud which can cake on the tires and throw off the wheel balancing. 

The Jeep show showcased hundreds of different Jeeps from WW2 Willis decked out survivors to the newest JK's and all of the models with mods in between and was truly a sight to behold on Saturday morning. I just never knew how passionate people could be about Jeeps--and not just guys, but gals and even whole families. 

Best in Class

What really impressed me was the camaraderie among and between the Jeepers--everyone was helpful and thoughtful. People loved talking about their Jeeps and the modifications they did to them. There were very few "out of the showroom" Jeeps on display--most had modifications and some were truly impressive.

From the image of the Best in Class for Military Jeeps, you can almost get a sense of the rows and rows of competitors for different classes at the show in Berlin. It was a huge field full of Jeeps and their owners ready for the day. And, it was over by noon so that those who desired could participate in the obstacle course.

American made fun--Jeep.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings -- August 26, 2013

Jeep Washdown after the Obstacle Course

1. The last week of August has started. It seemed to arrive very quickly.

2. Where do Jeeps go after they have been playing on an obstacle course? The showers of course.

Enjoying the Orioles game in Ocean City

3. Where do the guys driving the Jeeps go after they have been playing on the obstacle course? Hooters on the Ocean City Boardwalk of course to watch the Orioles game.

4. For anyone who has ever driven across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, a totally new and somewhat breath taking approach is to ride across in a Jeep with the doors off in the outside land so that you can look straight down at the bay--if you dare!

5. Football season is trying to get underway. Good luck--Baseball is still the King of summer!

6. Looking at the moon the other evening, I was reminded how strong the light from the sun must be to reflect so brightly and allow me to see in the night.

7. Some people say that returning home is the best part of a vacation--I'm beginning to believe that finding a new place to call home may be better.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Moon Over the Atlantic

I stood in the Ocean City sand last evening as the moon was rising over the ocean. It was very dark except for the Moon's light reflecting off the rough surf.

The surf was black and rough as it crashed onto the beach. The scene was stark, no colors but the cold moonlight casting its eery glow across the water.

I have seen paintings like this, but only occasionally do I pause to actually stand and watch the Moon as it shifts higher into the sky over the ocean.

I thought of sailing by the stars and moon light and I was also reminded of camping when the moon's glow was so useful.

Last night I was just able to stand and enjoy the scene as the rising tide began to lap against my feet. The sand was cold, unlike the daytime when the sun makes the sand too hot to enjoy. The are was cool I sensed that the approaching autumn has begun taking possession if the evenings.

It was hard to break away and return to the warmth of the condo, but it was late and I was getting cold. And it as time to leave the darkness and return to the light.

--Bob Doan, writing from Ocean City, MD

Escape to the Beach

What could be better than a weekend away on the beach in Ocean City surrounded by Jeep owners doing crazy things.

Sun, sand, waves. Did I say sun? Maybe that bright fiery orb in the sky is trying to make up for its recent reticence to shine now that August is almost over.

I'll take it. On the beach just after dawn as the day begins.

I wonder what the day will bring? I guess I just need to fund out and go forth into the sun.

And get warm, finally.

--Bob Doan, writing from Ocean City, MD

Wishing away the Cloudy Days

Clouds over the Atlantic

Having just come through a series of cloudy days, I sometimes wonder what they are good for? Cloudy, gray, gloomy days. They are just there and hang around almost defying me to do something creative.

Yesterday, for instance, the weathermen indicated that the afternoon would be filled with rain and possible thunderstorms. I drove my truck to work coming out in the evening to discover bright clear skies that laughed at me for not driving my convertible. I prepared for gloom but was pleased to be bathed in clear skies. 

Some days, though, I can lay on a beach just looking at the clouds and imagining that I am somewhere else.

Of course listening to the waves crash onto the beach is never a bad thing in my mind, and so watching clouds while on the beach is not a true test of how to spend a gloomy day--but it is one approach.

I often go to the movies on cloudy afternoons. What better way to get out of the gray gloom than going into a dark room with a hundred or some of my new best friends to watch a movie? Planned properly, the gray afternoon melts away into darkness while I am being entertained.

And so does the day, it seems.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Darkness Falls but not my Spirits

Makayla

I noticed it last evening as Chris, Makayla and I headed out for an evening walk.

I confirmed it this morning as I walked Makayla before heading off to work. 

Darkness is falling earlier and staying later, ugh. I almost need to use the flashlight to clean up after Makayla. 

The darkness is beginning to take its toll on the available sunlight. August has been a bust in terms of weather with rain, cool, and gloom being the usual fare of the day; and now the darkness is gathering in preparation for the final assault upon summer.

Why am I projecting ahead? Because autumn arrives exactly one month from today.  Schools go back into session next week and because vacation is over many people erroneously believe that summer has ended.

It has not.

Summer is still with us. We need to celebrate despite the gathering darkness that causes gloom. Summer is with us for 31 more days.

Labor Day is coming.

September is coming.

I'm thinking about splitting my time between the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere so that I can enjoy perpetual spring and summer!

So despite the darkness, there is still plenty of summer to celebrate.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

On the Water

I love being on the water in a small boat.

There is something exhilarating about being on the waves looking back at the shore and the people and houses on the shore.

It is fun to look at the expensive houses arrayed along the water ways with their pools within steps of the water and significant boat houses to hold their expensive water craft.  I sometimes feel like a voyeur looking into their lives from the water.

But beyond the bounds of the water ways and onto the open ocean--that is the real thrill. Crossing the boundary from coastal water into ocean where the waves are real and the bottom drops out of sight fascinates me still, even though I have dove down and explored wrecks along the bottom, from above there is no trace of the complex bottom and sea life below.

Much has been written and movies have been made about life on the water and heading out onto the sea in small ships or boats and I am sure I cannot add anything significant to the body of work, except to note, I get it.

I love the clean smell of salt air and the coolness of the waves as they break over the bow and splash me. I am not a fan of being bruised by the boat as it slaps my backside repeatedly, but that kind of goes with the experience.

I am reminded of the John Masefield poem titled Sea Fever:

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,

And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,

And a gray mist on the sea's face, and a gray dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters -- Review

I am a sucker for some genres of fantasy adventure movies, especially those involving Greek gods. As a result, I had to see the newest installment of the Percy Jackson series.

I took my Mom with me--who is a very critical movie watcher. She liked it, like many non-movie critics, while the seasoned critics do not like this film.

I found the plot to be engaging with the usual twists and turns of relationships between adolescents. The movie does rely heavily upon the storyline from the previous movie for background, however; it is easy for a first timer to get involved in the plot without understanding everything else that has happened in the first movie with respect to Percy Jackson learning that he is the son of Poseidon and all that entails. 

I felt that Logan Lerman did a good job reprising his role as Percy Jackson, but the show stealer was Jake Abel who portrayed a very evil and troubled former friend, Luke. The story revolves around a quest to recover the fleece and its magical healing powers. The quest has its share of monsters and troubles along the way. But it moves along quickly and the action scenes are not so long that I lost interest in the movie. 

Here is the real important aspect of the film though. When it ended, I was left wanting more! I did not want the adventure or the action to end. That is the sign of a good movie. In terms of the watch checking quotient--I did not check my watch at all during the movie and so it received a perfect score of zero.

RECOMMENDATION: See this movie. This film is suitable for the under 13 crowd. No bad language, no sex, it does have mild violence and scary monsters.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 19, 2013

1. The best part about being in a hospital is leaving.

2. Movies are a great way to spend a sleepy Saturday afternoon.

3. There is far more entertainment at wineries than just the wine.

4. Why has our news media become so sensationally oriented and one sided--are we losing our perspective as a society?

5. Movie critics just don't get it--they see too many movies.

6. There are 39 games left in the baseball season and it is time for the Orioles to make a move.

7. Opening Day seems like such a long time ago.

8. On this date during 1871 Orville Wright was born. Where would air travel be without him?

9. I like the Orioles Bird--he makes me smile whenever I see him.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Context, the key to Explaining Problems

Have you ever tried to understand someone who is explaining a problem for which you have not context?  It can be at the same time comical and tragic. 

One person knows exactly what they are explaining, while the other person isn't even in the same time zone in terms of understanding the problem.

Context! That is what is needed.

Too often we begin speaking without setting the scene and that is why sometimes the person who is being spoken to looks at us like two-headed monsters.

I heard a conversation in the hospital the other day between two people--one person was emphatically trying to get assistance for a problem and the healthcare professional was way behind in trying to render aid because there was no context.

Had it not been a medical issue, the scene would have been comical.

It is something I need to remember when I launch into a question or a discussion--maybe the person that I'm talking to doesn't understand because I didn't do a good enough job of setting the scene and giving them context. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Women at Play

Socks 

What happens when women get away for a weekend together for "bonding?"

Well, I have some secret photos to show how some of the women in my life decided to spend a weekend away.

Sunset at Ocean City, MD

Now, I am planning on attending Jeep Weekend next weekend and I can assure you that the guys and I will not be imitating the antics of these women. Guys just don't dress up and take pictures of themselves in similar garb. Actually, guys usually don't want any photographic evidence of what they have been doing.  Too many beer cans in the picture as you might suspect.

First though, a scene setter. They are in Ocean City, on the beach enjoying the waning days of summer as August fizzles into September. What a great plan!

That just makes everything better, being on or near the beach. And it also means that this picture isn't a weird as it might seem, without context.

Go girls, go! I love each of you--and the missing one, too!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday Again

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I am amazed at how quickly Friday has arrived to laugh at me and promise something new and different for the weekend behind it.

I am glad that I don't have a lot of plans for this weekend because they are all changing. Change is not a bad thing--it is just change. It gives me a chance to refocus and decide what is really important.

It is going to be a great weekend focused upon things that really matter rather than peripheral activities.

I was reminded of this butterfly that I imaged during a walk at a marine wildlife center during my vacation. I was being assaulted by millions of ravenous mosquitoes--even the bug spray seemed to attract them; yet, this butterfly was placid and unaffected. 

Take away? Despite the fact that my life may be in turmoil, there are peaceful places which can be found. I just need to find them.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

August, Die She Must

Starfish in the Inter coastal

It is August 15th and the temperature this morning is a warm 57 degrees. The summer that wouldn't start has decided to depart early and we are already in early Autumn--which doesn't officially begin for over another month.

The pool is beginning to cool and my interest is waning in outdoor activities because of the coolness.

It is frustrating--the season that I most enjoy is fizzling around me and there is nothing I can do except sit on the deck in the evening with a glass of wine in my hand and enjoy the crisp autumn weather. 

I am beginning to feel like the starfish I imaged this summer, during July, who had crawled out of the receding tide and was hunting like a fish out of water, so to speak. Summer has been the same way. I've been looking for summer in all of the wrong places. 

At least I have been enjoying what summer there has been. I just wish there were more of it and that I could still feel the heat. I am reminded of the Paul Simon song April Come She Will, in which the final stanza is about the demise of summer:

August, die she must, 

The autumn winds blow chilly and cold; 

September I´ll remember. 

A love once new has now grown old.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD