Taking a Down Day

I made it home last evening after a fast and busy week on the road. I am still amazed think that I started yesterday in Anchorage and finished the day in Elkridge and somewhere in between I had to have breakfast in Seattle and coach on a baseball diamond in Odenton. 

My Clubs

Today, given all of the traveling, I took a day to recover. 

And recover I did. I mowed the lawns, vacuumed the house, did some laundry, ran to Costco for supplies, but did find time to play 9 holes of golf at a local course. It was a toss up between heading to the range and playing golf--Thanks to Jeremy for talking me into a round of golf.

The golf was clearly clutch. I did something a bit different though. I was teamed with two older guys who were slow players--I felt bad because neither one could actually reach into the hole to retrieve their balls--they both used their putters to get the ball out.

They were very slow and they offered to let me play ahead and leave the group, but I was having a good time with them and they were nice guys. I realized that sometimes it is not all about the game, but it is about the people. I was taking about one shot to their two or three--but I enjoyed being teamed with them because they were easy going and were just out whacking the little white ball around the course.

Yes, it took over two hour to play nine holes--but I never checked my watch even once because we were three guys out on the course enjoying the day and encouraging each other when they needed it and congratulating each other on good shots!

I think that is the true spirit of golf.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Airport Window -Seattle

I have already been crammed into an overfull aircraft cabin for almost four hours today flying from Anchorage to Seattle. There is something wrong with starting a day of travel just after midnight. And there is still so much travel left today.

By the end of the day I hope to be home. But time changes are tough. I boarded my flight in Anchorage for looking forward to sleeping just as my family was waking at home. It was pretty funny.

The sun it trying to burn through the clouds here in Seattle and get the day going. The airport is alive. At least the coffee is warm and breakfast is on the griddle.

It has to be better than airplane food.

Good morning world. I'll try to stay out of your way today. I may be a bit jet lagged.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Seattle-Tacoma Airport

Out the Hotel Window - Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, Alaska
April 19, 2016

The mountains in the distance across the city are quite a sight. It is not one of those awe-inspiring vista views that I have seen in other places, but the view outside my hotel window had some beautiful qualities. The trucking company parking lots in the foreground certainly are detractors from the view.

The view here is stunning, however. Almost everywhere I look there is either the water of Cook Sound or the mountains behind , north and south of the city. On a clear day, Denali can be seen, although I could not see it yesterday I was able to see it during some of my previous trips.

I do enjoy the view out of my hotel window.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Anchorage, Alaska

Flying the Skies

I have become spoiled! Five years ago I never would have admitted that Southwest Airlines got it right, but after my chaotic experiences yesterday boarding two Alaskan Air flights, I am a believer.


As the boarding process began, it was chaos in the boarding area. Nonexistent were the orderly lines that Southwest uses to queue people up. It was a mad dash for the overhead bin space based upon flyer preference status and then, for the rest of us, row assignment. 

Dinner on the Flight

I foresaw the confusion and did well in the scramble for limited overhead space, but others were not so lucky. 

One area where the flights yesterday were abetter was the food service. I had a 5 hour flight followed by a 3+ flight. There was food! And wine.

But, it only made about 25 minutes go by of the entire flight.

Flying--it had its ups and downs.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Anchorage, Alaska

Monday Musings - April 18, 2016

1. It was a rare weekend with idyllic weather in Baltimore--I was able to enjoy some of it!

2. After their searing start, the Orioles have cooled a bit. At 8-3, they still have the best record in the American League and a second straight day off today.

3. I mowed the lawn for the second time this year. It still feels great be doing yard work.

4. I could tell I was feeling a lot better yesterday, I finally felt like hitting golf balls into my net. It was even better that I could go outside without my eyes tearing so badly that I could not see.

5. Every year as Spring gets into full swing, I am reminded how many projects there are around a house to get everything working and ready after the Winter.

6. Amazingly, I cleaned the shed yesterday. Why? Because I could!

7. Is the New York Primary finally going to happen tomorrow? The build-up has been crushing!

8. When did reporting the news become entertainment? An interesting editorial in the New York Times titled For News Outlets Squeezed from the Middle, It's Bend or Bust  prompted that question. 

9. The best part about recovering from being sick is when I realize that I feel almost normal again!

10. Tamiflu is the real deal. I wish I had gone to the doctor one day sooner (shhh, don't tell Chris!)

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flip flops, Tee-Shirts and an Abundance of Sunshine!

This morning's Baltimore weather report is quoted as the name of this entry!

This is the first time I have heard the weather forecast in such a creative way and it is more useful than the usual temperature and rain chance reporting. I am truly looking forward to putting my flip flops back on and enjoying the weather.

Bleeding Hearts in Bloom

I was looking at the forecast, and it is pretty awesome, too. There are 80's in the future. Maybe Winter's last gasp has finally expired here in the East and we are free to enjoy the summer. 

I was doing some very light work outside yesterday and I marveled at how the gardens are already filling in, even though the trees are painfully slow in falling-out with leaves. 

Our outdoor living room adjacent to the pool is ready for the summer and I believe that pool opening will be the weekend of 30 April! Now all I have to do is get the chemicals ordered!

Life is ramping up and it is time to enjoy the season.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Hour -- Modified

On a normal Friday evening, Chris and I enjoy Happy Hour with our friends and catch up on the week's activities while planning future fun.

Happy Hour Selections
April 15, 2016

Being laid up this week, we decided it was not wise to spread the flu virus among our friends and did not attend the weekly gathering. But, we decided to enjoy a happy hour of our own. We pulled out a small selection of wines and of course, in an effort to prevent the flu from spreading to the uninfected, there was the obligatory can of Lysol.

The selections included regional wines. We had some California 2013 Carnivore, rated 90, left over from earlier in the week and we included a Maryland wine from Big Cork, the 2014 Sauvignon Blanc. As a back up, we had a Virginia Merlot from Vint Hill--which remained unopened. 

The can of Lysol was to remind us to keep the flu bug at bay and prevent reinfection or additional infections.

Even though I'm under the weather does not mean I have to give up living. Chris and I had an enjoyable evening conversing and watching a movie while enjoying our wine selections. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Unreal Flu!

I had been feeling crappy for a couple of days and finally took Chris's advice and went to the Doctor.  I could not believe the diagnosis.

There it was on the little quick Flu test card--Type A flu!

My life is too busy to be laid up to overcome the flu.

I got my flu shot this year like I do every year! It is April after all--definitely not the middle of flu season. 

I'd Rather be Doing This

I found a few articles on the net about how you can get the flu even if you get the flu shot, but why me? I even found a weekly report for Maryland flu cases. There is way too much medical-ese in it, but the flu is minimal and widespread.

I wasn't looking for a sick timeout at this time. It is Springtime and life is taking off full speed. There are baseball games, house repairs, golf and so many other activities in which to be involved. Instead I spent yesterday on my sofa under my "sick" comforter barely conscious after coming home form the doctor.

Tamiflu is a great medicine, I think it is the reason I am feeling much better today. At least I am awake and have stopped coughing up a lung every time I move. 

The sun is shining! That's a plus.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Political Catastrophe

Every day it seems the news from the Presidential Olympics becomes darker. 

The candidates continue to spew forth utterances that would be unacceptable in the workplace about their competitors and in mean spirited ways.

I also find it sad that one candidate, in particular, continues to believe that if the race is not going well then it is a problem with the rules. I am mystified that so many people do not see through the bellicose bluster and find little meaningful substance beneath. The rules are not stacked against him, he just needs to take time to read the rules book!

It is almost like the kid who shows up at the playground to play a game that everyone else has been playing for years only to tell everyone else they are doing it wrong when he starts to lose.

Change the rules to fit the situation.

And it is not just one candidate taking the stage to participate in a "let's talk bad about the other guy" session. With the exception of one candidate, they all are filling the airwaves with what in almost any other venue would be considered slanderous remarks.

Turning to the Trump family--doesn't anyone find it disingenuous that they are complaining about the rules to register to vote in New York? With the exception of the 9-year old, they are complaining they didn't register to vote in the primary in time. 

Here's a thought--the oldest is 37 and the youngest 21--why didn't they register years ago when they turned 18 and start participating in the process then?

Twisting the news and the rules to meet the personal situation. 

My Take: People must accept responsibility for their shortcomings and not blame something or someone else--like the rules, or immigrants!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

O's Magic

The excitement is certainly back. The only undefeated MLB team, the 7-0 Orioles are finding ways to win and staying in front of the pack. This is the best start ever for an Orioles team. The best start in franchise history was 9-0 by the 1944 St Louis Browns.

Batting Practice in Sarasota, Florida
March 10, 2016

I remember it was just last month, the Orioles were 0-10-2 in Spring Training and I was present for their first win. I could tell that the team was better than its record, but that the manager was checking people in positions and getting ready for the season. 

Apparently, he was successful.

There are still 155 more regular season games to be played, but the team record start is fun to watch. It is far better than the alternative. And I have had the anguish of watching that happen as well.

A 7 game win streak is something special for the Orioles. They have not had a 7 game win streak since April-May 2005.

Looking back to last season, they had one 6 game winning streak and suffered through two 6 game losing streaks. During the 2014 campaign, when the O's won the division, they managed just one 6 game winning streak, but never lost more than 5 in a row. Tonight, the Orioles go for their first 8 game winning streak since September 1999.

Note: the worst start in Orioles history was 0-21 in 1988. Ugh!

The statistics were from Baseball-reference.com.

It is exciting to see success after a season of frustration.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Finding Consensus

Cindy Schornberg Holding the
Virginia Governor's Cup for the Best Wine in Virginia for 2016

The time for the annual trek to Keswick Vineyards to compete in the 2015 Consensus blending event arrived last weekend. Our intrepid team gathered at the vineyard during Saturday's late morning hours to blend an award winning wine. You may be wondering why it is the 2015 Consensus blending event and not the 2016? Because the wine will be a 2015 vintage.

Steven Barnard the Winemaker
Helping the Teams

Blending wines from raw material is both a fun and sometimes frustrating experience. This year's selections were all 2015 wines from Keswick and consisted of Merlot, Chambourcin, Touriga, and Norton. There were limits, however, the final blend could contain no more than 20 percent Chambourcin and 25 percent Norton. The Merlot and Touriga were unlimited.

There were 11 teams competing on the last day of the six days of competition. The winning wine of the day will compete against the other five daily winners to become Keswick Vineyards 2015 Consensus Wine.

Our Team

Of course, the first requirement of blending is to taste and describe the raw ingredients. Each of the wines were tasted and our team assessed its strengths and weaknesses. As a group, all of the wines this year had good color--and obtaining a nice, deep color was not a problem as it had been in other years. 

The Formula Sheet

The next decision was what to use for the base. Our team decided upon the Merlot and based upon the flavors we decided to use Chambourcin to help improve the Merlot. These wines together were a bit acidic and we added Touriga for balance and some Norton at the end to increase the whole mouth experience. The team's final blend, after only two hours of blending was 77% Merlot, 15% Chambourcin, 6% Touriga, and 2% Norton. I know the image would suggest that a different blend was the final winner, but that was a final check before deciding to go with an earlier blend.

The team took a slight detour and worked with a Touriga base for a couple of blends, but decided that the Merlot based wine was a better approach. 

Our Team in the Barrel Room

Our final blend was very nice. It was a medium-bodied wine with a light fruity nose showing hints of summer berries and contrasted by some smokiness and cherries on the tongue. It had a persistent finish and a well balanced full-mouth feel. It was bit acidic but there were some mild tannins supporting the experience. This was not a wine to be cellared for many years, but to be enjoyed tomorrow, although a year or two in the bottle would have certainly helped it all blend together. We liked it.

Suffice it to say, our wine did not win the competition as we had hoped. A Touriga-based wine was the winner of the blind competition. The winner was very dark and full-bodied with the ability to be cellared for a few years. Interestingly, the winner was our teams lowest rated wine. 

On this Saturday, our team was reminded that creating a wine that we like is no assurance that others will appreciate it. 

While we did not win the day, we had a lot of fun being together and continuing to expand our knowledge of wine making.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 11, 2016

1. I figured out how that I must be getting close to retirement because people have begun asking when I plan to retire.

2. 50 degree days seem a lot colder after spending a week on vacation with temperatures in the high 70's and up to the 90's.

Helicopter over Keswick Vineyards
By Cindy Schornberg from Facebook

3. Wine is agriculture and unseasonably cold temperatures can destroy a whole crop. This weekend while I was visiting Charlottesville, the vineyards were using extreme measures to save the vines from the cold--burning hay, flying helicopters to move the air, and employing uniquely designed flame throwing machines to warm the air between the rows of vines.

4. The quote: "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" took on a new meaning this weekend. By the way, I always thought I was quoting Vince Lombardi, but it turns out that UCLA Bruins football coach Red Sanders is the originator of the phrase. 

5. The political landscape remains in complete upheaval. The conventions this summer should be a lot of fun.

6. The Orioles are the only undefeated team in all of Major League Baseball at 5-0. They tied for best start of the season by any Orioles team yesterday with a win. The last, and only, time the Orioles started 5-0 was 1970 and they won the World Series that year!

7. Yesterday's Master's finale showed how the fortunes of golf can turn in just a few holes. Congratulations to Danny Willett for a solid performance. Condolences to Jordan Spieth but also congratulations for his accomplishments. 

8. It doesn't matter of you come in 2nd or 11th--you still lost and that is a hard pill to swallow.

9. One week to Tax Day--are you ready?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Good Morning Virginia

The sun is breaking over the mountains of Virginia this morning. In all of my recent travels, seeing mountains is a relatively new experience.

Florida is flat. So are the Bahamas. The hugest points of land in both places seem to be bridge overpasses. That is why it was so good to watch the rising sun illuminate the mountains this morning.

A change of pace and scenery.

Springtime is not lost, it is just taking a detour.

-- Bob Doan writing from Earlysville, VA

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