Weeping Cherry Withstands Cold Weather

March 25, 2016

Despite the unseasonably, and in some places record, low temperatures Springtime is progressing. I can tell by the weeping cherry tree in my yard. It has moved through the stages of blossom to become the stunning highlight of the season adorning my yard with pink blossoms of joy. 

I decided to document the tree's progress because I do enjoy its display every Spring.

March 27, 2016

In the beginning there were bare branches, but then the buds and small flowers began to appear. A short two days later, the small blossoms had become flowers--and the beauty of the tree began to emerge. 

Note that March 27th was also Easter Sunday and that I went on vacation to warmer climates for a week. 

But, when I returned, the tree was in full and showy flower, heralding the arrival of Springtime and the frigid weather that soon followed.

April 4, 2016

When I took the image on April 4th, it was over 70 degrees--what followed by that afternoon was cold temperatures and wet skies that have effectively halted the advance of the season. 

At least the tree remains in the yard--a beacon and rallying point for Spring, which will soon return even though there are no 70-degree days in the current 10 day forecast!

So much for opening the pool in April!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Spring Takes a Time Out

Elkridge 10 Day Forecast

I can describe the recent area weather in one word--COLD!

It has been unseasonably cold. 

The 10 day forecast does not have a 70 degree day listed. And there is snow! Sunday morning it forecast to be below freezing! 

This is not good news for the vineyards in the area. They are spending time and money protecting the vines which may be in the early stages of bud break from the frost.

For myself, having just returned from Florida and the Bahamas, the weather seems exceptionally cold! It was in the 90's on of the days I was in Florida!! I am ready for the Springtime to resume. 

Cue the 70 degree temperatures. Bring on the pool opening extravaganza--I haven't even set a date yet because it has been so cold. Unlock the suntan lotion!

Hopefully, the weather will change soon and milder temperatures will return. It is time to get along with outside living!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Scenes from Margaritaville

Landshark Bar & Grill
Overlooking Hollywood Beach, FL

While in South Florida, I had the opportunity to visit Margaritaville which is in Hollywood, Florida. It is a fun resort with activities galore. My only regret is that I visited it on the last night of my vacation and did not have the opportunity to gain the full experience.

Margarita Glass Chandelier

Chris and I ate at the Landshark Bar and Grill overlooking the beach and the stage which was rocking with live music. I could almost feel the nostalgia of my college Spring Break days washing over me as we saw the throngs of young people dancing and partying.


The ambiance was electric and after dinner, Chris and I walked through the hotel to experience some of the best that Margaritaville has to offer. I was especially impressed with the tequila glass chandelier and the big blue flip flop in the lobby.

The entire place was a definite experience and it seemed to be a lot more fun that the loser resort in which we had accommodations. The beach was definitely hopping as was the hotel and the entire surrounding area. 

I think we will stay there next time we need a hotel in South Florida!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Put That One in the Win Column

Orioles Park at Camden Yards
April 4, 2016

And they are off!

Yes the Orioles won their opening day game against the Twins--but it was not without some pain and drama.

Chris Davis #19
Being Announced

The pain was weather--rain and cool temperatures which eventually drove me from the game and back into the warmth of my home to watch the end of the game. Perhaps the situation was aggravated because I had awakened at 3:30 AM to catch a 6 AM flight home so that I could go to the game. By the time 7 PM arrived--I was pretty tired since I had been in the ballpark since about 2:15 PM and had seen only 2 innings of baseball. It was a good move to head home although I was very conflicted about it. I am not a fair weather fan, but I have to be smart enough to take care of myself. On the other hand, I had a great time spending the afternoon with Patrick, and we need to go to a few more games together this year!

Back to the Orioles--Opening Day was spectacular and the Birds won not only the game, but pulled it off in dramatic fashion. It was a walk-off 9th inning win and a 1 run game! Here is an interesting thought--the team won without hitting a homer! That a baseball team built around power can win by hitting singles and doubles in critical places is very encouraging. 

In the, wow that's amazing department, newly signed Chris Davis went hitless but scored the game winning run! In fact, he was on third base twice during the game as a result of being walked and then going first-to-third on singles! Even better, the hit that scored Davis in the bottom of the 9th inning came off the bat of Matt Wieters! AND Darren O'Day pitched a nice eighth inning! All three of our off-season big-time free agent returnees came through for the team on Opening Day!

Let's Go O's!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 4, 2016

1. Opening Day has finally arrived for Orioles fans! And I will be there, rain and all. I hear our weather is going to be al to better than some places further north.

Palm Trees in the Bahamas
Any questions?

2. Traveling in the early morning is hard. It almost hurts to get up at 3:30AM to be on a 6AM flight!

3. Coming back to reality after being away in a nice warm climate for a week is really difficult. Who stole all the palm trees?

4. The Hockey playoffs begin next week. Just saying.

April 4, 2016 - Danby, NY
Taken by Robert M. Doan

5. What happened to Springtime while I was away. The snow is a real problem.

6. Joe Medicine Crow, a war chief, historian and the last link to the Battle of Little Big Horn, dies at 102. You have to read this story in the Washington Post.

7. Some vacations are hard work--some are restful. Mine was restful. 

8. Wouldn't it be nice to live somewhere that it doesn't snow?

9. Revisionist history is worse than writing history and getting it wrong. Revisionist history is changing the past through the lens of the present and ignoring the facts and context.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday in Florida

Birds of the Bahamas

As the vacation winds down, meaning that spring Break is ending. the reality of heading back to work and resuming my normal life rhythm is setting in.

This morning, because there were no animals demanding to be let out or fed, I slept in until 8 AM! That never happens at home. I am almost always up before 6AM and usually around 5AM even on weekends. It is the rhythm of life that unto which everyone has become accustomed.

We successfully navigated the lines of people disembarking and clearing Customs yesterday to spend a wonderful day on Jupiter Beach before returning to the hotel late last night. It was weird returning to a hotel in which we had already spent two nights. It should have been more like coming home, but the hotel is not worth a repeat stay. I will be reviewing it on TravelAdvisor in the near future. And the internet is spotty at best. I was having a terrible time trying to get they image downloaded. 

Today we get to do the dreaded Timeshare visit--a requisite part of the trip and probably the reason we got a rental car at no extra charge. We were luckier than most because we get to do the four-hours of our life that we can't get back after our cruise! 

Chris took the image of the birds that is featured today. 

It has been a great trip that is sadly coming to an end. But, there will be other trips and more fun and travel to exotic places. 

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ft Lauderdale, FL

Good-bye Bahamas

Lighthouse at Lucaya Bay

I guess things that are too short make me appreciate them more. Take for instance my three days in the Bahamas. It was a taste of island life.

And, like a fine wine, the taste lingers providing a pleasant reminder of the short time spent there.

Bougainvillea on a Wall

I will note, the the out processing process and return to the MV Grand Celebration for the trip back to the U.S. was an abomination. All told, Chris and I were in lines somewhere or another for almost four hours! Ugh!

But that experience should not taint an otherwise great visit to the Bahamas. We did determine that we need to come back when we can spend more time exploring the islands.

We were impressed with the number of exceptionally friendly people that we met--and not just Bahamians, the people from our tour were also very nice and fun to be with.

The good news is that the fun is not over. It is beginning another chapter. As I am writing this, the ship is sailing down the channel into port in West Palm Beach! And I get another couple of days on the beaches of South Florida!

Party on!

-- Bob Doan, writing from the Port of West Palm Beach

Bahama Beaches

Beach in the Bahamas

For our first trip to the Bahamas, this has been a very relaxing one. In retrospect, it should have been longer--maybe by as many as three or four months!

Beach Bonfire
(No the Palm Tree is not on Fire) 

But is has been beautiful. I am not going to review the Resort right now, I will do that later in concert with TripAdvisor. There are good and not so good things to repot.

The hardest thing to adapt to has been Island Time. Island Time means nothing happens as quickly or at the time we expected. There have been some incredible exceptions--like the bus to the bonfire last evening. Came exactly on time!

Lunchtime Diversion

Lunch yesterday did take over two hours, more Island Time. We had time to get acquainted with the wildlife. The dove enjoyed eating a french fry right out of Chris' hand!

Another wonderful day. Sadly, it ends today and we begin the trek back to home. But the memories will be with us for a long time.

-- Bob Doan, writing from the Bahamas

Out the Hotel Window - Bahamas

Awesome ocean view!

What more can I say? Probably the best view outside my hotel window that I have had.

It is awesome. Palm trees and the ocean.

It is an amazing view form the third floor of the hotel. 

Sometimes great views out of the hotel window are worth waiting for, and this is one of those occasions. 

I am waking up on my first morning in the Bahamas to clouds and warmth! It is awesome. I wonder what the day will bring?

-- Bob Doan, writing from the Bahamas

Arriving--Bahamas (three long blasts on the ship's horn)

The View from our Ship's Cabin

Via the magic of an overnight cruise out of the port of West Palm Beach, well it should have only been a three-hour tour cruise but they wanted more money, Chris and I arrived in the Bahamas. I could not believe that there were five cruise ships in port this morning! Two of them were Carnival cruise ships.

Yay! I love Spring Break!!!!

It is our (and my) first trip to the Bahamas! It likely will not be our last. Although the day was cool, it has been awesome!

Wandering Around the Shopping District

The overnight cruise was fun, but very basic. I am glad that I have been on other cruises and know what a real cruise is all about. Arriving in the Bahamas this morning during a thunderstorm at the Grand Lucayan Breakers Cay really put a damper on our day until noon, but, the view from our room is fantastic.

Bird of Paradise

We spent the day on the beach, although I had a light jacket on the entire time due to the coolness of the breeze. We walked the beach and did what we like to do--decompress from the frantic pace of life.

I have to admit, the Bahamas are a lot of fun. The scenery is pretty--it is ocean. Vacation--which is what this is all about, it fantastic. I did find my all-time favorite flower--yes, the Bird of Paradise!

I wrote last week about retirement being  a constant Spring Break, and this is the Spring Break of my dreams. I could live here, really. The people I have met are very impressive. 

Although overcast the weather has not dampened our spirits! We are having fun and there is a Bahamian band playing outside my room right now!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Freeport, Bahamas

Out the Hotel Window - Fort Lauderdale

Out My Hotel Window

Tiki Bar in the Daylight

Looking out the hotel window is not one of the prettiest scenes I have ever viewed. The tennis courts seem unused in a long time. There are no palm trees in the view but there is a great deal of green.

I guess having a room on the backside of the hotel means that I don't have the best view. 

But, in defense of the hotel, there is a very pretty and comfortable pool area that has a tiki bar and a hot tub. The area is very popular and last evening when Chris and I went to enjoy the evening there, it was very crowded and loud. There were many kids in the nearby pool which made the Tiki bar a less than enjoyable experience.

I did enjoy the sign near the entrance of the pool area advertising directions to many places. Why was Syracuse included? Who knows, but, hey, they are in the Final Four! Note--the hammock is big and always busy!

Today promises to be another great day!

-- Bob Doan, Writing from Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Monday Musings - March 28, 2013

1. Go 'Cuse! The team many thought should not be in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament (a/k/a March Madness) is in the Final Four! 

2. Easter Egg Hunts are the best fun--especially when the kids hide the eggs and make the adults find them!

3. The theme of our Easter message was: "Easter Changes Everything." Thankfully, we have hope because of Easter.

4. It is no fun flying when the pilot never turns off the seat belt advisory. People need to go to the restroom and they feel bad not following the rules.

5. What is the difference between a high of 58 degrees and a high temperature of 81 degrees? Two and a half hours and palm trees.

6. I'm reading a book by a person that I know and have worked with! It is great and I highly recommend it. Matt Bentley has written a great book called Overwatch. 

7. So who keeps saying we are not engaged in a religious war? When a group attacks Christians celebrating Easter in a park, I think the nature of the conflict has materially changed. 

8. What is the first thing people do in the morning? I wonder. Check the temperature outside? Turn on the news? Grab coffee? I have to put the dog out, she wakes me every morning.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Golf with the Geese

Happy Easter! Today is the celebration of the most important event in all of Christendom. 

Mike just after Striking the Ball

Yesterday, however, the guys and I were able to play some gold at Eisenhower Golf Course. It was out first outing in Maryland for the season. Yes, at 37 degrees when we arrived at the course it was cold!

Goose Guard

The Spring day was beautiful. The budding leaves are growing in mass and size creating a haze of green in the branches. It was fun to be on the golf course again knowing that a whole spring, summer, and autumn of golf ahead. I got a really nice image of Mike just after he hit the ball, the ball is still in the picture, although it seems a bit deformed from the power of his swing!

We did have an issue on one hole, however. Geese! One enterprising pair was building a nest along the lake aside one of the teeing ground. It was kind of rough to have to hit towards the goose but relying upon the lift of the club to ensure that the ball was not a danger to him (I presume it was a him since he was standing guard of the nest builder). 

Jeremy with Geese in His Sight

Jeremy had the toughest time because when it was his turn to tee off, both geese had waddled up to the side of the teeing ground. It was pretty funny. I can confirm that no geese were harmed in the playing of the hole because all three of us controlled our shots.

It was a beautiful day and a fairly brisk round of golf. We played the course in about 3 hours and 20 minutes. It would have been quicker but there was a foursome in front of us.

A beautiful Spring day, golf, and now ready for the celebration of today.

In a word--awesome!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Springtime Revival

Weeping Cherry Beginning to Blossom

It is happening everywhere around. 

The land is reviving after the dark season and the evidence is even in my own yard.

The forsythia are blooming and the white blooming trees along the roadways here in Maryland are in full flower. As an aside, so is the pollen.

Daffodils in a Friend's Yard

But it is a sight, a very welcome sight after the too cold and too long winter.


My weeping cherry is even beginning to blossom. The daffodils have been in bloom for what already seems like weeks and they as that much needed splash of color to the landscape. 

My lawn will need mowing within a week or so!

I am happy to see the green return! The trees are beginning to be more than just bare branches!

It is an awesome time of year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Spring Break

It is that time if year--Spring Break for those of us still in the work force and therefore calendar constrained.

I wish businesses celebrated Spring Break with time off, but at least remaining connected with the school system through Chris,  I get the opportunity to enjoy the break from studies just like I used to in the good old days.

Some systems are effectively ending their Spring Break this weekend; however, Howard County, Maryland, begins Spring Break today. Is it any coincidence that it begins on Good Friday? I'm not sure. Often it ends on Easter Monday. 

Regardless, it is the time of year for planning a vacation or usually in our case a work week around the homestead to clean up the winter debris. 

I do enjoy the week when the weather is supposed to be good--as it is next week. At least 60's every day and lots of sun!

I am glad that I have not lost touch with Spring Break and since I wrote of retirement yesterday, I guess I envision that aspect of my like as a permanent Spring Break. I know my friends who have already achieved that milestone do not seem as calendar constrained as I am now.

Is there a beach calling my name from somewhere?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Retirement Calling

Louis, our ragdoll cat, did something very uncharacteristic last evening. He crawled up onto my chest, while I was dozing during a TV show, and made himself at home. 

Louis Enjoying Me Time

Chris was laughing and as I woke she asks for my camera to capture the moment. Louis is not a lap cat and only rarely consents to being touched. This was a major step forward in his development as a cat! I think he is a bit slow and now, after seven or so years, he is only beginning to enjoy close human contact. 

Well, he only stayed for a few moments after I started stroking his soft fur. 

Perhaps my retirement calling should be as a cat whisperer!

I think not, they make me sneeze. 

I need something that is more suitable to my temperament--like being a wine taster! Now that would be a great job! Even a laborer at a vineyard might be educational, learning about the business side of wine making without the stress of having to turn a profit!

I guess I need to keep thinking about it.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

What time is it?

I'm still adjusting to the time change from 10 days ago.

Dawn Breaking over BWI as I Left for Florida
March 10, 2016

I cannot get used to eating dinner while it is still light. We have been eating dinner in the dark for so many months that it is hard to change to eating in daylight. 

Last evening, after hitting a few golf balls into the net in my yard, I came inside while it was still light at 7:02 PM and it dawned upon me that this was our normal dinner time and I wasn't even hungry yet. So much for Jeopardy!

I am enjoying the additional light in the evening, however, driving to work in the dark again is a bit demoralizing. But, I do get to see the dawn gathering on the horizon and I enjoy seeing the day begin. 

Getting up in the morning is still tough, although Makayla seems to have adjusted to the time change and is acting like a very adequate back-up alarm clock. 

But, time marches on and another day is at hand. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Why is there Garbage Everywhere?

Winter has been tough on this region. I can tell because everywhere I look there is garbage along the highways and streets. Even in the wooded area next to our house where the street runoff drains, the garbage has accumulated.

I have wondered where all the garbage comes from.

I have wanted to take a picture of the garbage everywhere, but I am usually driving and the image will require some composition.

Yesterday, however, on my way home from work I discovered one source of the garbage.

Unbelievably, the trash truck in front of me was spewing garbage everywhere as the wind whipped across the top vehicle. Massive pieces of plastic were released into the environment.

I did not get a picture of the garbage rising from it, but I took a quick shot of the truck. I find it incredible that trash trucks are allowed on the highways without being required to cover their loads. 

While the Maryland legislature is arguing about partisan control of the government, perhaps they should do something worthwhile and require trash and recycling trucks to cover their loads. It will cost less money for highway cleanup.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 21, 2016

1. Maybe it really is springtime? Despite an ominous forecast, this weekend's storms did not bring sub-freezing temperatures or snow (other than a few flakes mixed with rain).

2. While is Sarasota last weekend, I saw the ultimate vanity plate on a car. An image of the car itself! States with only rear license plates can be a lot of fun.

3. March Madness, as the NSAA Men's Basketball Tournament is called, is truly underway. My bracket is totally busted, but my alma mater (Syracuse) and my hometown favorite (Maryland) are still in the dance having made the Sweet 16. 

4. Chris and I watched the movie Room over the weekend. We recommend it. Brie Larson won the Best Actress Oscar and she turns in a great performance.


5. I noticed that the trees are beginning to green. Yesterday I saw definitely hints of green on the formerly bare branches. 

6. Maryland's first tournament game was a classic tale of the turtle and the hare. It pit the Maryland Terrapins against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The turtle won again!

7. The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and a well timed TV broadcast Orioles Spring Training Game provided some much needed relief from the political primary season over the weekend.

8. The President is in Cuba! I think that it is fantastic that we are finally recognizing that Cuba is not an enemy but that they can be a partner.

9. On this day in 1871, Stanley began his search through Africa for Dr. Livingstone which ended about 8 months later with the Stanley uttering the now immortal words "Dr Livingstone, I presume?"

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Spring!

Chris on the Tractor
March 19, 2016

Although it may not feel like it this morning, Spring arrived overnight. The season of darkness is officially behind and warm sunny days lie ahead. 

Chris Clearing the Yard

Yesterday, before the rain and snow began falling as Winter made its last attempt to control the weather, Chris and I began the process of clearing the yard of the winter debris. Although below freezing temperatures had been forecast overnight, they did not materialize. The storm is proving to be much milder than originally projected.

That included getting the tractor out of the shed and running--which was surprisingly easy. There is something reassuring about hearing the tractor burst to life when the key is turned. Well, it did grind for a while--but then came alive.

The yard has already taken on a bright green color and the buds on the trees are everywhere. By this time next week, Easter, everything should be in full bud and bloom. We needed to get some of the leaves and smaller twigs off the lawn.

This is a great time of year as everything springs back to life. 

Spring has Sprung!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Week of Celebrations

Running Sunday to Sunday, this was a week chock full of celebrations, events, and remembrances.

Check these out:

Sunday, March 13 - Daylight Saving Time arrived. We got our outdoors evenings back! Although I had to drive to work in morning darkness again for a while. It sure was hard to get up in the morning for a couple of days.

Monday, March 14 - Pi Day. The day each year we pay our respects to the constant of the circle! And eat pie! Mine was Key Lime. What was yours?

Tuesday, March 15 - Ides of March. A quick remembrance to Julius Caesar who was assassinated on this day. Also, incidentally it is one month to Tax Day!

Thursday, March 17 - St Patrick's Day. Nuff said. It was all very green. 


Saturday/Sunday March 19/20 - First Day of Spring. Spring officially arrives at 12:30 AM EDT on Sunday morning, which is still Saturday night for the rest of the country. 

It was and still is a very busy week of observances and celebrations!

Party on!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It's Not the Major Leagues

It is hard to believe, but Spring Training, so to speak, has arrived for the youth baseball leagues. 

Last evening I went my first GORC Pirates practice, it was already the second practice for the team. I missed the first practice, not a good example for a coach, but I was on the road.

Portion of the Ten Day Forecast

Baseball season is truly underway and it felt good to be out on the diamond with the boys doing drills to improve their baseball skills. Although practice is late, at 6:30 PM, I am not complaining because I miss the worst of the rush-hour traffic while getting to the ball fields. It is also easy to tell when practice is over because we can't see the balls anymore.

Our team is a year older this year and I can already see how they have retained and added to the skills they developed during last season's campaign. 

Springtime has arrived--if only we weren't supposed to get 1-3 inches of snow on Sunday, everything would be spectacular.

At least the sound of baseballs smacking into gloves has returned.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flowers Arrive Despite the Weather

Crocus in my Garden

Springtime has arrived in Maryland. 

The trees are budding and flowers are blooming throughout the region. And even in my own yard. I make that point because my house is situated in a low area that is a bit colder and also receives less sun than some other areas. Forsythia are blooming along the highways, but mime are barely budded.

Daffodils in the Garden

It is good to see the weather turn warmer.

Although, there is a significant snow maker on the horizon for Sunday! Ugh. Presently it is calling for 3-5 inches of snow. Hopefully it moves off shore between now and its arrival in the region. 

I am distressed at how the temperatures nosedive through the rest of this week and below freezing conditions return. I have already moved a few of the plants we have been wintering outside to get reacquainted with the sun and they will need to be brought back inside.

Oh well--Happy St Patrick's Day anyway.

Spring officially begins on Sunday morning at 30 minutes past midnight in the Easter Daylight Timezone--during the snowstorm! It will be Winter's last hurrah!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD