Even When the Bull Wins, it Still Loses

I read an interesting article, complete with graphic images, about a bullfight in Madrid, Spain in which three matadors were gored facing the first two bulls in the annual bullfighting festival. The article titles, Bulls take down bullfighters but still lose in Spain, was published by CNN.

I am not a fan of bullfighting, but it is a tradition in some parts of the world.

I was encouraged by the beginning of the story:


Madrid (CNN) -- Chalk one up for the first two bulls at Spain's top annual bullfighting festival.

Between them, they gored or bashed three bullfighters, putting them out of action, and forcing authorities to suspend a bullfight at the San Isidro Festival in Madrid for the first time in 35 years, said a spokesman for Las Ventas bullring, who by custom is not identified.

The bad news was that by tradition the bulls must die--and they did. The good news was that there were not enough matadors to finish the six bull card for the day, "and the four bulls that didn't fight were returned to their ranches, safe and sound."

Some days it is hard to tell the winners from the losers. 

In the end, I guess the bulls won the day--4-3.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Surviving the Storm

I have survived a lot of bad storms during my life.

Thunder, snow, torrential rains, hurricanes. But I have never felt as helpless as I did yesterday while sitting in my trusty rental vehicle hiding out during the most ferocious hail storm, accompanied by tornado warnings, that I have ever experienced. 

I was not afraid, but I was concerned for my fellow drivers on the highways. 

Tracks in the hailstones leading out of the gas station

I took this video of the incessant hail storm--but itr kept falling and falling. Fortunately I was in a gas station under the awning and so my vehicle did not get pummeled too badly. 

It seemed there was no end to the storm. I was amazed at its ferocity.

OK, I'm gonna ask this question just this once: people like living here, why?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

More from the eye of the storm

Yes. I took a picture of a hail stone next to a quarter. Unbelievable storm complete with tornado warning and lots of confused and dazed drivers.

- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, Co

Eye of the storm

In the aftermath of the nearly 40 minute hail storm in Denver, the roads were covered and barely passable. It was the most ferocious hail storm I have ever witnessed.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, Co

Out the Hotel Window - Denver, CO May 2014

Denver in the Distance, May 2014

Different month, different window and a vastly different view, that is what I found as I from my hotel near the Denver airport.

I saw the mountains and the skyline of the great metropolis of Denver in the distance. They were calling to me--off in the not so distance.

After the Storm

It was hazy and cloudy. A deluge occurred yesterday afternoon which left the still barren field draining water as quickly as it could and for hours after the storm. The amount of water that fell from the sky was amazing.

Morning Clouds Hide the Mountains

And this very morning, the mountains are completely hidden from view by the clouds.  

The views outside of my window for this trip were certainly different and they changed--almost by the hour.

This morning, I can still see the standing water in the field which is a reminder of yesterday's torrential storm.

I hope the weather today is better.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, Colorado

Let there be Light

Scientists, and most especially physicists, seem to harbor dreams of being God. Many seem to want to figure out how God created the universe.   

That suggestion is even how the article in the Los Angeles Times begins:

God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Then a trio of physicists said, “We have a simple idea for turning that light into matter” – and they may set off a race to demonstrate an idea first proposed 80 years ago.

Actually, the idea was not first proposed 80 years ago, God did it when He created the everything that is. God went one better--He even created the light.

Sure, the idea of creating matter (and anti-matter) from light is exciting, but its been done. Understanding how it is done is very interesting, but I not sure spending millions of dollars to built the unique facility to conduct the experiment is the best use of limited funds for basic scientific research.

The article describes the next step to confirm the idea that matter can be created from light.

The experiment the physicists describe requires the construction of a new type of subatomic particle collider. But they insist this would be much less complicated than, say, building the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, where physicists confirmed the existence of the Higgs boson.

In terms of bang for the buck, I'm not sure. But, it is interesting.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 19, 2014

1. Overheard at an office gathering: Everyone brings joy to this office, some bring it when they come and others when they leave.

2. I find it amazing that the temperatures were in the 80's when I opened my pool, but they have been only in the high 60's to low 70's since.

3. The idea of "pay it forward" did not start with the movie by the same name. 

4. Heard this in church yesterday: Grace received is grace expressed.

5. It takes a lot of work to get the outside of the house ready for the summer season. I wonder if it would take that much time if there were no winter?

6. The lilacs are blooming!

7. I saw this sign, and thought it was so true.

8. Speaking of retirement, I'm thinking, Florida--but everyone knows that.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

"And they're off . . . "

California Chrome Winning the Preakness

I watch two horse races per year--The Kentucky Derby and The Preakness. I usually lose interest after The Preakness because the possibility of a Triple Crown winner has ended.

Not so this year.

California Chrome has my interest and the possibility of finally crowning a Triple Crown winner rests on his broad shoulders.

The story is not just of the horse, but of the owners as well. Their story is recounted in a New York Times article. They are hard working people not part of the usual elitist horse racing owners crowd. The story of one of the owners, Carolyn Coburn, really demonstrates that these are horse lovers, not just horse owners and racers. 

Racing for the finish at the Preakness

In the article, Carolyn gives some insight as to how these owners view their horse:

“We were walking with Chrome at the Derby, bringing him out to the paddock, and Steve [one of the owners] stepped aside,” Carolyn said. “He didn’t say, ‘Make him win.’ He said, ‘Keep him safe.’ ”

I am beginning to believe California Chrome may be the horse to claim the Triple Crown. I remember when Secretariat won, it was an exciting time, he won after 25 years without a Triple Crown winner. It has been 36 years since the last Triple Crown winner (Affirmed)--and perhaps this horse of the people can write a new chapter of history. 

This year, I will be watching The Belmont Stakes--and cheering for California Chrome and his owners to claim the elusive Triple Crown.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flowers, Summer, and Sun

As the Springtime progresses, I have been enjoying the progression of flowers in my yard. From the crocus and daffodils, to the tulips and azaleas each all-to-short period has brought enjoyment to the continual progression of the season as the distance from winter increases and the expected summertime approaches.

Memorial Day is coming in just over a week and with it the unofficial beginning of the summer season. Graduations, the end of school, and vacations highlight the beginning of the season of enjoyment and sunshine.

I can almost smell the fresh ocean water crashing onto a hot, sunny beach.

I was reminded about all of this as I parked my truck next to me ornamental honeysuckle yesterday and noticed that is was in full bloom. This springtime must be very good for it because it is blooming stronger than it has in many years. 

It is a lot of fun to watch the progression of the springtime with the flowers and the leaves.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Jonathan Livingston Sea Bat?

Sitting on the deck last evening watching the approaching severe storms, I noticed a couple of bats flying high above us enjoying the stiff breeze.

They were dancing on the breeze and reminded me of the sappy 1970's Neil Diamond composed score for the movie Jonathan Livingston Seagull based upon a book by Richard Bach about a renegade seagull who flies for enjoyment and strives to push the boundaries of flight while finding perfection. 

Why do I remember all of this?

The song that reminded be of the bats last evening was Be. 

The lyrics go as follows:

BE

Lost
On a painted sky
Where the clouds are hung
For the poet's eye
You may find him
If you may find him
There
On a distant shore
By the wings of dreams
Through an open door
You may know him
If you may

Be
As a page that aches for a word
Which speaks on a theme that is timeless
While the Sun God will make for your day
Sing
As a song in search of a voice that is silent
And the one God will make for your way

And we dance
To a whispered voice
Overheard by the soul
Undertook by the heart
And you may know it
If you may know it

While the sand
Would become the stone
Which begat the spark
Turned to living bone
Holy, holy
Sanctus, sanctus

Be
As a page that aches for a word
Which speaks on a theme that is timeless
While the Sun God will make for your day
Sing
As a song in search of a voice that is silent
And the one God will make for your way

I don't know why three bats dancing on the winds in the sky reminded me of a sappy seagull and some questionable 70's music, but they did.

I could imagine the seagull dancing on the wind.

Along a warm and sunny beach somewhere, above where I am sitting with a cold drink in my hand.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Critter of the Year

My pool has been open for less than a week, and already the first critter visitor has graced its waters. 

Yes, as I got home yesterday afternoon, I was greeted by a small snake in the corner of the pool.

I am not one of those crazy people who believe that the only good snake is a dead snake. I like snakes philosophically, but I also do not like to pick them up with my hands. I just don't trust them.

Rescued Northern Brown Snake

This was a small snake, maybe a foot long, that apparently got excited about the warm concrete around the pool and went a bit too far and becomes trapped in the still too cold water. It was curled up on a step just at the water line. Still in the water, but also very active.

I believe it was a Northern Brown Snake, but I'm no snake expert.

How do you get a small snake out of a pool?

Encourage it to swim and then corral it with the net and evacuate it to solid ground. 

I successfully accomplished this task and hope never to see this snake in my pool again. I always worry about sticking my hand into  one of the skimmers without fully checking for critters and finding one there. 

I am expecting other critters to visit the pool soon--usually frogs. Sometimes frogs of biblical proportions.

I rescue what I can.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Pools, Winter and Repairs

The Scene Last Evening before I Cleaned up

The winter was especially tough on my pool and the supporting infrastructure.

I have broken water pipes in the pool house, which means that the sink had to come out and I am digging around n the wall finding the source of the leaks. As it turned out, the soldering failed on two joints. Of course I didn't find the second one until I had the first one repaired. That is the way it always seems to go.

The second leak is tougher. I may have to do a lot of cutting and soldering to fix it.

And then I have a  bad O ring on the distributor atop my pool filter! So it is leaking liberally, at times. I am getting one on order so that I can rebuild it. It is only 21 years old, so I believe it has more than accomplished it mission. If I can get away with a little backyard rebuild, then I will be lucky.

Look in the pool image and you will notice missing tiles. They are at the bottom of the still too green water. Yup, the winter caused an excessive number of tiles to pop off--it was so cold that moisture behind the tiles expanded and caused them to pop off. End result? Big mess.

The joys of owning an aged pool. Every season is a few more hours of care to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming season.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Riordin Poses

Riordin

Sometimes, when I am just fooling around I take the greatest images.

That happened last evening as we were sitting on the back deck, enjoying the evening and reflecting on the hassles of the day.

The heat of the day had not yet dissipated and I was enjoying the smells of the forest and the residual heat on the air. Riordin jumped up next to me on the deck and sat, posed, for long enough for me to snap a picture. 

Riordin Posing

And I got it, twice. Remember, this is the cat who came back after being lost for six days. We had another scare on Sunday--he was gone for three hours, until the mower started and he came running home. Note to self--start the mower when he goes missing.

He should be in commercials.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 12, 2014

1. Mother's Day 2014 is over. I hope you remember your Mother for the rest of the year.

2. I made an interesting statement yesterday about my wife, Chris, when speaking to the family--"she is a mother to us all!"

3. Amazingly, the pool is open although not ready for swimming. The winter was not kind to it and it will need a few repairs to start the season. It looks a lot better in the picture than it is in person.

4. I went to an amazing baseball game Saturday evening--the Orioles won after a 55 minute rain delay to over come a one run deficit in the bottom of the ninth. Winning in the tenth was awesome.

5. It can be very hard to get out of bed on Monday mornings.

6. The month of May is rocketing by--the leaves are nearly full on the trees and now that the pool is open, the outdoor fun is only just beginning.

7. The Orioles almost pulled off back-to-back sweeps, but came up short yesterday.

8. Why is the door always open on my pool house? 


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Mother's Day 2014 Addendum

Mom and me

Here it is--straight from the archives a photo of me and my Mom from 50 years ago.

The date reads Jul 64.

I was 8 years old almost 9.

I believe the image was taken in Danby, NY,  at the house where I grew up from 1959 until I went away to college. 

Amazing what can be found on Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Mother's Day 2014

Mom and Me

It is Mother's Day. 

While I cannot spend the day with my Mom, I have already talked with her through the magic of the telephone and wished her a great day. 

She is going to have a great day with my brother and his family--and I am happy about that, sometimes I think I monopolize her time. 

Mom always demonstrates a caring and selfless attitude. She is the driving force behind keeping our family together.

Thanks Mom for your unconditional love and support, not just for me but for the whole family. 

Enjoy your day--you've more than earned it.

Love ya!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Stump Today, Gone Tomorrow

Invariably, it seems, we lose trees in the yard due to storms or disease. Last year we lost my plum trees due to disease. I was very sad about the loss--but dutifully removed the trees from the yard--except for the stumps.

The stumps were significant. Not something easily removed with hand tools.

We had tried the epsom salt idea by drilling holes and hopefully speeding the natural decay of the stump--but it wasn't fast enough.

Enter, the stump grinder.

An awesome 25hp machine designed to do one thing--replace the stun with a hole.

I have used the grinder before. I love using "heavy" equipment in my yard to make difficult projects disappear.

This experience was no different. In a very short time two significant stumps were removed and in their places were holes to be filled in with the wood and dirt removed. 








And what nice holes they are!

No more stumps!

Refill and plant grass for a nice obstruction free yard. I won't have to worry about the boys tripping over the stumps are they race through the yard anymore.

On to the next project. I think a chipper may be involved!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Here Come the Hostas

My hosta garden is up and growing.

I have to check every morning to determine if the deer have discovered my small garden of paradise. 

My hostas are growing and thriving in a shadowed part of the yard. Unfortunately, the deer also know of their existence. It is only a matter of time until my hosta garden becomes a dinner plate for the small herd of deer that occupy the wild area next to my house. 

Many other plants and flowers adorning my gardens will soon also, likely, become food for the wild animals. Last year spied a woodchuck which took a liking to my gardens and that is in addition to the rabbits which also feast upon my plants.

I spent a lot of money on plants that will become wild animal fodder.

But they look good for now.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hockey--Baseball? A seasonal contradiction?

The hockey playoffs are in full swing and I am cheering widely for the Pittsburgh Penguins who are currently battling the New York Rangers on the road to the Stanley Cup. The games are close and every goal could be the winning one.

The baseball season is in full swing and the Baltimore Orioles are currently in Florida playing the Tampa Bay Rays. Yes in Florida. It is early in the season with just 31 games played of a 162 games season and so far the optimism I had in the team has seemed justified. They are in first place in the division and scrapping for every win.

I am watching sports of opposite seasons. The boys of winter (hockey) and the boys of summer (baseball) are playing strong. One season, hockey, is nearing its end and trying to crown the season's champion; while baseball is just getting into full swing in anticipation of the hot, sweaty days of summer. 

I was switching the channels back and forth last evening--from ice rink to grassy field and it dawned upon me how full of contradictions I am. I waited all winter for spring to come, yet now, when I should be relishing the warmer weather, which I am, I am still fascinated by a game played upon a cold and frozen surface.

Sports. It brings out the best of all seasons.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dogs, Everywhere are Dogs

Sometimes it seems that animals just appear from nowhere. That is happening with my family lately.

Mike with Anna--formerly MJR Angie

Over the weekend, Nicole, my daughter, and her family adopted a rescue greyhound. Wow. What a shocker. What a great dog. I was able to watch her racing history--five short races, and from knowing her I understand why she was not a good racing greyhound. She raced as MJR Angie. She was just happy to be on the track running. I had to laugh as she raced--she is such a gentle spirit and it comes through in her racing. The story of how she adopted, yup I wrote she adopted, my daughter's family is great. I guess people were watching the dog with Nicole and the boys.

Last evening, I met another potential addition to the extended family--a three month old great dane puppy! What a cutie--they are test driving the pup--which could top out near 200 pounds! At only three months old, he already made a loud thud on the floor when he walled. I didn't get a picture of him--but he was a beautiful dog--not yet as large as the pony he will soon become.

I'm sure we will find out how the test drive went. He is a puppy!

More to follow, I am sure. And maybe even some pictures.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cinco de Mayo 2014

The two of the biggest party days of May have passed. I survived!

Cinco de Mayo Celebration on the Counter

The first was Sunday--May 4th. The classic Star Wars holiday of May the 4th be with you!

The second, and more famous, holiday was Cinco de Mayo--which as everyone knows is my favorite foreign holiday. A good reason for a party and to celebrate the victory of the Mexicans over the French during 1861.

It is a good time to gather friends and enjoy Mexican food and drink. 

OK, maybe the drink. Where did I leave my margarita? Nowhere, I drank it!

It was great fun.  There are other celebrations during May. May 1st is an international holiday, May Day. Then there is Memorial Day coming near the end of the month. There are a two holidays associated with the end of WW2 in Europe: V-E Day on May 8th and Victory Day on May 9th.

Cinco de Mayo is over for another year--now it is on to Bastille Day!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 5, 2014

1. Happy Cinco de Mayo, my favorite foreign holiday.

2. You realize that it is too late to rescue your glasses, which fell off, when you hear the tires of the car crunch something.

3. The best part about being a boy is pushing the limits--and the consequences are that you usually get hurt.

4. Sunny days are nice.

Flowers waiting to be planted for the season ahead

5. Green leaves are the best.

6. The pool is still not open. It has been too cold anyway.

7. Maybe the weather is getting warmer. We planted a lot of flowers this weekend.

8. I enjoyed mowing the lawn again this weekend. I must be crazy.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, Sunday, Sun

And in an incredible turn of events--the sun is shining. It is the weekend, and even better, it is Sunday!

The color of the day is? Green!

After a fantastic Saturday, punctuated by a passing shower but mostly sun and temperatures which exceeded the expected high by four degrees and cresting at 72 degrees, today is expected to be even better! Yay.

Yesterday we moved a cubic yard of mulch into one of the gardens, aided by Jeremy, and cleaned debris out the other gardens while also getting the lawn mowed.

And the leaves are almost fully on the trees restoring the privacy to my yard that I love and enjoy.

The pool is still closed--but I believe that I will begin the opening process during the week. That involves reconnecting the plumbing and the motor for the pump. 

I can feel summer at the doorstep.

On tap for today? More of the same and maybe a passing sunburn!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sun-day is Anyday

The phone rang on my desk at work yesterday, I knew who it was because my wife's cell number was prominently displayed above the keypad. 

She, I knew, was on her way to work and I wondered of there was a problem.

I would soon find out that there was, in fact, a crisis. A big crisis--a sun crisis.

She declared over the phone--"I have decided it is Sunday!" 

I replied, "great, but it is only Friday."

"No," she came back, "it's sun-day and I don't want to go to work. Do you want to play hooky?"

From the Square Grouper, Jupiter, Florida

I realized at this point, she meant that after a week of rain and gloom, the sun was shining and we needed to celebrate its return. Sadly, I was already at my appointed place of employment and while the idea of celebrating the sun and the blue skies sounded enticing, I probably could not get away from my closet-like office to celebrate the return of the sun and mild temperatures.

As I look out the window this morning, the gray, overcast skies have returned complete with scattered showers. I wish that I had declared a sun-day and taken yesterday off. I remember sitting along the banks of the river in Jupiter, Florida, last July enjoying the sun and warmth looking out towards the ocean. It was such a great time and a great scene.

I need a sun-day even if it isn't Sunday!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Doan Gang and the Death Penalty

The news from Oklahoma highlights some valid concerns about the execution policy of the United States. A botched execution and the difficulty in procuring the correct drugs to kill a person while inflicting no pain should cause us to revaluate the necessity for executions in the U.S.

But, as I was reading the comprehensive history of executions in the U.S. since 1608, I looked for, and found, the names of two of my relatives executed for guerrilla warfare in Pennsylvania. Hanged during 1788 in Pennsylvania; family history records that Benjamin Franklin himself signed the order for the execution of Levi and Abraham Doan. The document I found did not specifically state that Franklin signed the order, but suggested that he was the President of the court during the period. He had pardoned another of my relatives during 1787 after his 1784 conviction. Legend also has it that an order was signed in Bucks County, PA to shoot any Doan on sight as they were a gang of outlaws.

Interestingly, Levi and Abraham were the only two men to be executed during the Revolutionary period without a trial as reported in Embattled Bench. That, of course, raises a whole new set of questions about due process but as the Constitution did not go into effect until 1789, the protections that it and the Bill of Rights provide were not yet fully implemented.

As reported by the Death Penalty Information Center, since 1608, 15,732 men and women have been executed in the United States.  That seems like a lot of people to me. The state with the least number of executions in Wisconsin with 1 and the state with the most is surprisingly Virginia with 1,277.

Considering that the US and its predecessor states have been executing people since 1608, one would think that as a society we would have the process down and not be subject to the kind of failures reported in the lead story about the Oklahoma botched execution. 


Maybe we should reevaluate the need to execute people, especially if we can't get it right. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Rains Came Down

Lonely Tulip in my Garden

It rained yesterday. All day. I know the old saying about April showers bringing May flowers, but yesterday's rain was excessive.

The streams turned into rivers. My yard became waterlogged. 

Someone said that trillions of gallons of water was falling from the sky across the eastern part of the country. I guess we won't have a water shortage this summer.

The Orioles game was rained out for the second night in a row and there will be a doubleheader today. But it is supposed to rain again this evening! Ugh!

I had a dental cleaning yesterday and I could hear the rain hitting the building and the windows over the sounds of the dental equipment being used to polish my teeth.

The roads were covered with water and to make matters worse, a road collapsed in a Baltimore neighborhood that swallowed up  a few cars. 

And still the rains came down.

At one point I asked someone where I had left my ark, and they responded did I mean parked my ark? I said, no, berthed or tied up my ark. 

By the way, what's a cubit? It is equivalent to the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. 

I have no idea what I am going to face on my morning commute--there are certainly roads and bridges washed out or unsafe. I probable should watch the news for a recap.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The 4th Amendment Quandary

The Supreme Court heard cases yesterday regarding the rights, or not, of the police to search cell phones without a warrant when the phones are on a person being arrested for good reason.

I hope that the Court holds that without a warrant the contents of cell phones, regardless of their location, cannot be searched. The crazy part is, that as I understand it and I am not a Constitutional lawyer, my cell phone is protected in my home from random police searches without a warrant, but when I step outside with it on my person the government maintains that my same phone is fair game for unwarranted searches. 

Everywhere, it seems, we are being asked to surrender our 4th Amendment rights and many people blindly think that is OK. When we lose our protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, we will never be able to get it back. Even if the government creates the illusion that it is in our best interests to surrender our rights--nothing good will come if it. The trick that government and law enforcement especially use is that if we voluntarily provide the information, then no violation of the 4th Amendment occurs. 

I was appalled that Edward Snowden was considered by Time Magazine to be one of the 100 most influential people on the planet for 2013. He is traitor and a criminal--but, he has brought the entire issue of 4th Amendment Rights to the forefront of discussions.

Each time we blindly surrender our 4th Amendment Rights, we move closer to becoming as totalitarian state. It is too easy to find reasons to surrender our rights--and it is hard to resist the faulty logic presented.

I believe we are already seeing the negative results that come with government and business acquisition of personal information. Each time another business reports a security breach in which personal information is compromised, I question why the company needed all of that personal information anyway?

I wish it were as easy as just saying no--but the consequences of saying "no" include not being able to get a mortgage or credit card and many other important things. In some cases saying "no," a perfectly legal right, can result in loss of job. Who protects individuals and throws the penalty flag when businesses and government exceed reasonable requests for personal information which violates our 4th Amendment right to privacy?

I wish I knew. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Don't Leave Us, Again!

Louis and Riordin in the suitcase

It was clear, from their reaction when we arrived home Sunday and started unpacking, that the cats in our lives were happy we were home and wanted to ensure that they were not forgotten the next time we traveled. 

Louis and Riordin staked out in the suitcases as we were unpacking.

Cats in the Case with Ghost Eyes!

It was pretty funny. It was as if they were saying--if you go, we go! We were still in the process of unpacking, but they were convinced that we were planning to depart yet again. 

There have been a log of goings and comings lately. I can understand their confusion. Frankly, I have been confused, too.

It will be good to be home for a while. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 28, 2014

1. Sitting on the back deck last evening with Chris, who is finally home, and a 2001 Pinot Noir from one of my favorite wineries in California was a fitting end to a difficult time.

2. As I turned onto my street yesterday afternoon at the end of a six hour drive from Upstate New York, I was amazed at how the trees had filled out. There were actual leaves on the trees and their shadows were no longer of stick figures.

3. Due to the cold weather, I am sad to report that pool opening day has been slipped two weeks to May 17th. Maybe the thermometer will be registering more 70 degree days and fewer 30 degree nights by then.

4. Game 6 tonight--Penguins and Blue Jackets, Pens up 3-2 in the series. Be there!

5. I had an interesting discussion the other day about taxes. It is amazing how municipalities are finding new and creative ways to increase revenue through taxes. Why is it that our representatives believe they should be increasing taxes as first resort to balancing budgets?

6. While I'm on taxes, Maryland, between 2007 and 2012 levied 24 tax and fee increases totaling $2.4 billion, according to the referenced report. AND during the 2014 session, when there was a surplus in the budget, instead of refunding the excess, they found new ways to spend the money and reduced tax deductions, which is effectively a tax increase.

7. Chris and I visited a very nice winery on the shores of Seneca Lake while on our way home yesterday, Catharine Valley Winery. I'll write it up later, but for those of you tracking, we did get two more grapes on our quest for wines from 100 different grapes!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My very special nephew Troy

Yesterday was a difficult day. It was a celebration. How can a celebration be difficult?

Well when you are celebrating someone who was very special and made a huge impact on his local world in 23 all too short years and is now gone, it can be difficult.

But it was uplifting to see how much of an impact one person can have on others.

His story was in the local paper, The Ithaca Journal, on Friday and was picked up today by USA Today. Wow.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/04/25/ithaca-golfer-masters-cancer/8144595/

I learned a lot about my nephew yesterday from his friends. He leaves a great legacy and so his story is not yet finished.

Thank you everyone who has been praying and supporting my family through this difficult time.

Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD

50 Years

OK, I know I am not supposed to write about work and the stuff happening there in this blog--but, celebrating 50 years as an organization is really special.

To everyone I work with, everyone that I have worked with in the past, and everyone that came before me in the organization--thanks, you are all great. We have a great history and we live for the future--how much more awesome could that ever be?

Today is going to be an especially tough day for me personally. Many of you have read about my nephew Troy and know what my family is dealing with--but the culmination of 50 years of fantastic service to our nation by my small organization has really helped me to focus my energy and time.

Even Makayla senses my anguish over how this particular Saturday is going to play out. She is going to have an overnight with her best friend Chewie, Patrick's dog.

To all of my work friends--congrats on 50 years of success.

To all of my family--I pray for peace and comfort in this distressing time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Troubled Drivers

The speed limit is 55 MPH on Maryland Route 100. I was going somewhat faster, but moving with traffic and not trying to be either the fastest or slowest car on the highway.

A huge pick-up truck came up onto my bumper trying, I believe, to push me to go much faster than the speed I was going. Yes, I was in the left lane, but I was still traveling at a speed which risked a ticket from Maryland's troopers. 

There was no way that was I going to go faster. The driver behind me was inching closer to my bumper. OK, I slowed a bit to make a point and hopefully get him to back off, to no avail.

It was scary. 

Finally, the driver passed me on the right and was able to get just in front of me before I exited the roadway. 

Why are people like that? All of that angst and aggravation to gain 50 feet. Less than a second of driving.

Aggressive and in-your-face drivers make the roadways dangerous.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Below Normal Temperatures

Forecast from April 24, 2014

Although Spring is here, I am still hearing the words "below normal temperatures" every morning on the daily weather forecast.

Ugh!

I could really use some warming weather where the temperatures are "above normal" for a few days or weeks. 

I long to have my pool open, but the cold temperatures are keeping me from even buying my annual supply of chemicals, which I need to do before the sales end. 

In addition to the below normal temperatures, rain seems to dominate the forecast. Cold, rainy, gray skies. That, of course, leads to a gray and gloomy mood.

I dream of hot sun and sand on a beach somewhere where the ocean water temperature is at least 80 degrees. It is time for palm trees and warm weather flowers--cue the geraniums! But, I fear there is still a threat of frost! 

There have been a couple 80 degree days recently, but they were just teasers and soon departed for the cooler temperatures we are experiencing. 

Warm temperatures are out there and I am sure there will be a lot of complaining when they finally arrive. But I, for one, am looking forward to basking (or is that baking) in the warm sunshine.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD