Pokemon-Go Rocks

I am hooked on this game.

I have been able to kill a lot of dead time by chasing and capturing Pokemon. 

It was fun to play in the airports while on vacation. It was fun to play in a restaurant last evening while waiting for the other couple to join us. 

The game has brought my family closer together because so many of us are playing it. We even went out as a group the other day looking for Pokemon and conquering two gyms. 

Even while the evening thunderstorms were crashing around us and the television went out, we played the game.

It is a great diversion. It has provided something to do other than watching the Orioles lose, listen to the political pundits, or even watching the Olympics.

Tonight, I leveled up to level 13!

I caught four new creatures (Pokemon) and generally had a great time.

Keep the Pokemon coming!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Completed Repairs

The truck is fixed!

Yay!

My Truck -- Hauling

It is back on the road and has already been loaned out to do some hauling. 

I think all of the broken things that occurred over our vacation have been repaired!

The pool is back and supported a swimming extravaganza today. The washer continues to run and now my truck is repaired.

I think it is strange that it seems that there are more repairs to do than what the vehicle went in for--but my truck does have almost 180,000 miles on it. I probably really needed a new serpentine belt and tensioned, a muffler and tailpipe along with the broken transmission line.

But it should be good for another year!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Olympics Provide a Political Respite

The news continues to be dominated by the Olympics and the exploits of the athletes from around the world excelling in their sports.

It is a great relief from the droning of the US political landscape. 

I know what is coming--the 84-ish day sprint to the election.

Our two presidential candidates are similar:

One has a body of work fraught with failure and the other couldn't recognize the truth if it had a lighted sign on it. 

I believe that the above statements may apply to both of them.

At least the Olympics has provided a different kind of drama, such as:

Who will be the next olympian to be robbed at gunpoint on the streets of Rio?

Will the US Men's gymnastics team win a medal at the Olympics? Actually they won a bronze the other day--their only medal. The women's team has thus far earned 7 medals.

Who will win the decathlon?

Has Michael Phelps really retired, or will he be back in four years to win more Olympic gold?

I wish the Olympics would continue until mid-November, maybe then we wouldn't have to suffer through the onslaught of mud slinging that is ahead.

Someday I want to go to the Olympics so that I can hear the chant: U S A, U S A! I heard it in a World Cup Soccer playoff game once--and it was awesome!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 15, 2016

1. I saw the constellation Orion rising in the eastern sky this morning. Summer is coming to an end. The stars were beautiful, however.

2. Despite the oppressive heat, I managed to get in a round of golf yesterday. I wish I had played better, but there were some definite highlights.

Big Cork Vineyards
August 14, 2016

3. While we were chatting over an afternoon glass of wine listening to some oldies being played by a guitarist at our favorite Maryland Winery, Big Cork, Chris remarked, "I hope we never get so old that we stop enjoying trying something new." 

4. While the Orioles have slipped into second place in the American League East, they pulled off a stunning comeback win yesterday. Trailing 7-1 after 5 innings, and then training 7-5 in the top of the 9th, they won 8-7. The Orioles are now 2-48 when trailing after 8 innings of baseball.

5. The evening thunderstorm provided some temporary relief from the heat yesterday. 

6. August is half over. It is hard to believe. Summer is ending.

7. I am beginning to believe that Labor Day is my least favorite holiday because in a sense it marks the end of summer and the beginning of the autumn season. 

8. The Olympics continues to dominate! The stories of the athletes are compelling, but the stories of robberies on the streets of Rio are scary.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Olympics

I have been watching a lot of the Olympics. It has been easier this year because the time zones are compatible. 

Medal Count as of Sunday Morning
August 14, 2016

I think that NBC's coverage of the Olympics  leaves a lot to be desired. I tried to stay up last night to see Michael Phelps and the Men's 4X100 Relay Team receive their gold medal, but the coverage kept getting pushed later and later. I had watched the team crush the competition as Michael Phelps participated in his last Olympic Event winning his last gold medal capping an incredible 5 Olympics Games career. 

Michael Phelps with Olympic Gold

Living in Baltimore, I am especially happy to see Michael win more medals and put an exclamation point on the his career while, at the same time, hopefully overcoming the troubles he has experienced in the past. 

I have been cheering the entire U.S. Olympic Team. I was crushed when the Women's Soccer (Football) Team lost on penalty kicks to Sweden. I have been excited that the Fencing Team is winning medals, while I wonder why our golfers are not competing as well as they could be.

I continue to marvel at the finely trained athletes that are participating from all of the countries around the world. How exciting to participate in an Olympics and then how much more grand to win a medal. It is fun to celebrate their successes with them.

I like the summer games more than the winter games. I still love the heat!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Mid-August Heat Wave

It has been a hot and very damp and humid August.

I don't actually remember an August as hot as this one.

At least the temperatures are beginning to moderate.

The real problem is that the lows are staying above 70 degrees, this morning for instance it is 77 degrees as I wake up.  And humid!

Forecast Weather for August 13, 2016

It makes conditions outside miserable and it is the weekend. We are supposed to work outside and be outside!

Yesterday the high was 96 degrees! The normal high is 86 degrees. The low was 79 degrees and the normal low is 66 degrees. At least today is cooler already than yesterday!

I am careful not to encourage the heat to leave, however! When the August heat subsides, then it is Autumn and I do not want to bring the dark season into the area any faster than it is going to arrive on its own.

I think the weather map projection for today says it all: Steamy and sweltering!

I think the pool is finally recovered, mostly, from my vacation and I believe I will be getting out of the heat on a floater with a cold drink in my hand.

As the sergeant used to say on Hill Street Blues: "Let's Be Careful Out there!"

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Unplanned Vacation Costs

Things break when I go on vacation. It just seems to be the way it is. 

Broken Garage Door Opener

Last year the garage door opener was broken when I returned from vacation. I was able to buy new parts and rebuild the opener within about a week.

This year when Chris and I returned from vacation we had three broken items: the washing machine, the pool, and my truck. Ugh!

The pool was a mess because the skimmers got clogged and there was too little water circulation meaning the chlorine levels fell and the water became cloudy and tinged green. After four tough days, I am winning the war of the pool!

My Broken Truck

My truck developed a transmission cooling line leak.  It has been towed to the garage for repair.

The most frustrating has been the washer. I had though an $18 part would fix it, but the results so far have been mixed. Last night I ordered the next part in there troubleshooting checklist-$110. But, then, magically, with a little cleaning and readjustment the washer started working so now I don't know if I need the $110 part--too late, it is not cancelable or returnable!

Broken appliances and a messed-up pool are the hidden price I seem pay for a fun week away.

I just wish I could come home and have everything working.

But, that would be different.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Anniversary Dinner

Chris and I celebrated our wedding anniversary a couple of evenings ago. Having just returned from a seven-night cruise, we opted to celebrate with a home cooked dinner. 

We had just experienced seven glorious dinners aboard the Liberty of the Seas, well maybe the chicken piccata was an exception, and we really didn't need to head out for another dinner.
When we decide to stay home for special occasions, the dinners that we create for  are truly great. 

Perfectly grilled steak, salad, sweet potato, corn on the cob, and of course a great wine. The wine we chose last evening was one of those special wines we could never afford in a restaurant--a 2005 Axios from Rutherford in Napa Valley. It was truly a special wine for a special dinner.

I just wish that so many things around the house were not broken. The pool is a mess because of the storms we missed; the washer broke, but I fixed it; and my truck is leaking transmission fluid. It seems every year things break while we are away vacationing. I wonder if it is punishment for getting away and having fun?

But for a few hours, I was able to put all of that behind me and enjoy a dinner with my bride.

And we both enjoyed being together and reminiscing about anniversaries past and planning for the future.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bay and the Lighthouse

Cruising reminds me of my connection to the sea and how much I appreciate a good sunrise or sunset over the open water. I also appreciate the beauty of the day when viewing the shoreline.

Lighthouse at Nassau, Bahamas Harbor

Guarding Nassau harbor there is a small white lighthouse. It provided a great subject to photograph and a great memory. 

It was a stunning scene--right outside my stateroom window. Shimmering in the bright afternoon sunlight, protecting the mariners from the dangerous reefs.

Beach in Mexico

Equally as beautiful was the beach we visited after the  Tulum Mayan Ruins in Mexico. The beach had beautiful sand and a protected harbor. The day was hot, but the water was a refreshing as I ever could imagine.  I wish I had remembered to write down the name of the beach. But, it was enticing and a great place to close out a day of sightseeing. 

I still can imagine the beach chairs and sipping a cold drink against the oppressive heat of the day.

I love going over the memories of a great vacation.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Seahorse Sail and Snorkel Adventure

Since I went a week without the internet, I could not share my cruise vacation adventures. I guess that gives me something to write about this week instead of the terrible state of politics in the U.S.

During one of our shore excursions, Chris and I did the Seahorse Sail and Snorkel Adventure from Nassau though Royal Caribbean. Since Nassau was not on our original itinerary, we were unable to check out the trip before hand, but the price seemed right and without internet we were not able to schedule our own excursion.

The video was taken during the snorkeling and sail adventure. There were three ships in port that day--which was an interesting sight to see. 

Sergeant Major in Nassau
August 4, 2016

Overall, the trip was solid--but uninspiring. I recommend this trip for inexperienced snorkelers who just want so see some fish and paddle around for a while in the cool water on a hot day. The staff on the Seahorse were great and a lot of fun. I appreciated their humor and they were attentive to the needs of the passengers while distributing the snorkeling gear. 

Nassau Snorkeling
People Clustered

Entering the water from the boat was fairly easy, but confusing. People did not understand the instructions. The "reef" was basic. There was a good assortment of fish and corals to view--but it was only an average reef. I was happy to see a safety observer deployed on an inner tube in the area to monitor people, but the area for snorkeling was too small for the number of people. I got hit with many fins and when we tried to get some distance from the group, we were called back into the designated area. 

Getting back onto the boat was dangerous and I was glad no one was lost. They used a single ladder for about 90 people. There was a lot of time treading water in the waves which stressed many inexperienced snorkelers. It also significantly reduced our already short 1 hour snorkel to less than 50 minutes. 

The rum punch on the trip back to shore was enjoyable, but there was no sailing adventure. Although the boat is a fully capable sailing catamaran, the captain only put up the jib and ran under power all the way back to the port--that is not my idea of sailing. 

Recommendation: Best for inexperienced snorkelers who want to see whether they enjoy looking at fish in their natural environment. The reef is not complex enough to hold the interest of more experienced snorkelers. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 8, 2016

Liberty of the Seas
Cozumel, Mexico
August 2, 2016

1. I did it. I lived one full week off without the internet during my vacation.

2. Yesterday morning I awoke is a stateroom on a cruise ship in Galveston. Today, it is back to work. That is just wrong!

3. The worst part about vacations is that they end.

Sunrise Over the Gulf of Mexico
August 1, 2016

4. As we were leaving the ship yesterday, we saw the people preparing to board and I wondered if we could just go around and get on again like a ride at an amusement park.

5. Sunrises are awesome on a cruise ship at sea. Yup, I was awake! (at least once!)

Miniature Golf on
Liberty of the Seas
August 7, 2016

6. I did get to play 9 holes of golf yesterday--miniature golf on the ship, that is. 

7. I was surprised how smooth travel was back to Maryland yesterday. I was expecting a travel nightmare and was pleasantly surprised.

Southwest 737 in Maryland colors
Houston Hobby Airport
August 7, 2016

8. I had almost 500 email messages to go through when I got back into internet range! Wow. Mostly advertisements.

9. I saw the Southwest Airlines 737 painted in the colors of the Maryland flag yesterday in Houston. We in Maryland do love our unique flag!

10. There is something strange that happens on a cruise ship--we all noticed it. Our clothes shrank!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

On to November

Amid the proclamations that barrier has fallen, with the nomination of a woman for President by a major party, the race for November and the reconstruction of our government begins.

I still believe that the choices presented by the major parties are incredible similar--even in their apparent differences.

It should be an interesting run.

There may even be another candidate looming on the scene, from the Libertarian Party who could become an alternative--although admittedly, at this point in time not an electable alternative, but one which might force the major party candidates to stop personal attacks and begin to propose concrete governmental reforms designed at strengthening our nations fundamental processes.

And now the race is on.

The sprint to election day. 

Sadly, I fear that the real mudslinging will now begin. I thought it was bad to this point, but it is only going get worse.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hot Night Turns Cold

The Orioles bats could not get it done. 

The team squandered a chance to increase their American League East Division lead by losing 3-1 to the Rockies.

The game began as a pitching duel. Dylan Bundy had a perfect game going into the 6th inning. And then it turned ugly. By the end of top half of the inning, the Rockies had three runs on two hits. Both hits were home runs. 

Adam Jones on Third Base
4th Inning Versus Rockies
July 27, 2016

The Orioles had left three men on base in the fourth inning. They had runners on the corners with no outs and then based loaded with one out but failed to push a run across the plate. Their only run of the night came on a solo home run from Manny Machado in the bottom of the sixth.

Best play of the game? Chris Davis' bunt down the third base line against the shift in the second inning to break an 0-24 hitless streak. 

Frustration of the game? The umpires! The can't get the calls right. Three of four challenged calls were overturned and the one that was not overturned should have been--that would have given Matt Wieters a home run. Here is what Buck Showalter said after the game: “I’m not real sure what they’re looking at. We got a real good definitive shot that it’s a home run. Sometimes you’re kind of stuck with what the original call was, even though you know in your heart that it was wrong.”

And that is why I am not a believer in video replay. If they can't get it right in the booth in slow motion, then they need to quit. Failing to get that one call right materially changed the game and the outcome.

With the loss, the Orioles lose only their second series at home all season. The bats continue to be eerily quiet despite the heat. The pitching is strong, but not over powering. Frankly, it is weird to go to a game and see the O's score only a few runs, I am used to seeing numbers in excess of 5 on the scoreboard for the birds. 

But, these are the Dog Day's and perhaps the bats have been chased away.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It's Sizzling Outside

It has been hot. 

Summertime hot! The kind of hot that I look forward to during the summer. 

The hot that envelops me as I step outside after working in a sterile air conditioned building all day. It is a damp hot that I look forward to stepping into as I walk down the hallway at the end of the day.

Twelve of the past thirteen days have been in the 90's with Monday touching 100 depending upon the thermometer being used. But, the hot is soon to be gone. Today is forecast to be 5 degrees cooler than yesterday and soon the highs will be in the 80s instead of the 90s. 

Perhaps the heat is breaking and is over.

We have had three BGE saving days where they pay me not to use electricity. 

It is the dog days after all. I see rain in the forecast and we definitely could use some rain, my lawn is losing its green.

I realized that I am usually in Florida during the hottest days in Maryland, but not so this year. 

Hopefully, the summer will continue warm and supportive of outdoors activities. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And Now, the Democrats

Taking center stage (or is it the middle ring?) last evening, the Democratic National Convention kicked off to highlight the other guys in direct opposition to last week.

Despite the pre-convention hype, it was pretty much a carbon copy of the previous week's opening night. 

Here are the similarities:

- The party is struggling for unity amidst allegations of favoritism during the primary season. 

- They party is presenting the American people with a flawed candidate for President.

- Instead of an actor providing some opening day remarks they included an impassioned speech by an 11-year old girl.

- The candidate for the other party was vilified, repeatedly.

- There was precious little mention of the "how" behind the statements.

- True facts (or mostly true) were taken out of context to infer situations which are not true.

More of the same? It sounds like it. American politics has devolved into a game of "he said--she said, literally!

Standing by for night two! And more, probably of the same.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 25, 2016

1. I lost track of the date, because I've been off from work for three days and I had to check the calendar. I guess that is what it will be like when I retire.

Heron on Hole 12
Eisenhower Golf Course
July 24, 2016

2. What a great weekend. I played 36 holes of golf and got some projects completed around the house.

3. I saw a big heron yesterday while playing golf.

Clouds after the Storm
July 23, 2016

4. Having a 6:14 AM Tee Time meant we were off the course before the heat yesterday. It was great to be home before 10:30 after playing 18 holes. 

5. The clouds were spectacular after the storms the other evening. 

6. It is supposed to be extremely hot today! Be careful out there!

7. Strap in, this week it is the Democratic Party National convention. Should be interesting.

8. Lounging in the pool on a floatie with a glass of wine. What could be better on a mid-90's afternoon?

9. I ran across an interesting list of 239 people, places, and things that Donald Trump has insulted on Twitter. I didn't see my name on the list, but I'm not sure if that is good or bad.

10. It was a three-dog weekend around the house. Extra dogs sure do make for interesting times.

11. And so it begins--another workweek! The good news is, it's summertime!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Watching the Storm

We enjoyed a dinner on the Magothy River at The Point Crab House & Grill last evening with Nicole and Mike. Although the day was hot and sultry, the evening was pleasant. Sitting at the restaurant along the shores of the Magothy River was enjoyable. 

View from our Table at
The Point

The sky was threatening as we began our dinner and just as we finished the sky opened up with torrents of rain. The image does not clearly show the rain crashing down, but it is, I can assure you. At one point the sun looked like Jupiter.

The Sun Shining Through the Rain Clouds

Although we were eating outside under an umbrella, common sense prevailed and we moved inside as the rains began. Fortunately, we had finished eating--I left only a few fries behind on my fish & chips plate. 

It was a fun evening and a great time. The thunderstorm cooled the temperatures for providing a further respite from the heat of the day. 

A great day and a better evening even with the rain and storms--which were fairly brief.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday Golf

From the 12th Tee
Timbers at Troy
July 22, 2016

I had the opportunity to play in a tournament yesterday and I decided to take leave and enjoy a day on the golf course.

It was scheduled to be a very hot day--and the weather report was correct. 

It was a beautiful day for golf and likewise a great day not to be in the office.

Looking from the White to Blue Tees
12th Hole
Timbers at Troy

I have become convinced that taking days off to do fun things is an important part of the life balance experience. 

It was a great day and our team played exceptionally well together coming in 2nd in the tournament! That was a definite treat. The team played well enough to provide options for almost every shot on each hole and that allowed someone to step forward and make the best shot for the team.

It was a great Friday and a great was to spend a day outside of the office.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

At the Halfway Point--A Convention Pause

Well, the Republican Convention has completed and we can get on with our lives, for three days.

What's on tap for Monday? The Democratic Convention. 

I am expecting less drama coming out of Philadelphia as the democrats convene. Their task is pretty well defined--support the status quo as an alternative to the negativity exuded by the republicans.

My observations about the Republican Convention.

-- You can't Make America Great Again if you can't convince someone that it isn't great right now.

-- There wasn't a great deal of concert plans and programs discussed and offered just lofty concepts.

-- There was a lot of negativity

-- The facts presented during the Trump's acceptance speech were mostly true. I checked them with the New York Times. 

-- Ted Cruz was perhaps the most interesting convention speaker because his observations were very different from the mainstream.

Well it is game on.

I wonder where it will end.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Enjoying the Summer

Hazy Dog Days Sunset

Walking outside of the building after a long day of working in an air conditioned environment is an experience that I enjoy. 

I feel a sense of impending freedom from the workday and as I approach the glass doors I try to imagine what will greet me as I step into the outside world.

I dislike the frigid slap in the face of the winter. 

Last week in California, I did not particularly enjoy to cool September-like air that greeted me and made me put on a jacket to maintain my comfort. It was July after all.

Yesterday, I realized that I love walking into the outside and being enveloped in a warm and moist environment that greets me like an old friend and guides me deep into the summer heat.

Yes, I love it.

On a real summer day, I can see the moist heat before I step outside. The haze hanging in the air is a sure sign that I will be warmly greeted as I cross the threshold and head for my car.

There have been far too many cold days this year.

The smells of the summer are everywhere--the mowed grass baking in the sun, the earth. the scent of heat hanging in the air.

It is the dog days, let's enjoy them. They will be gone too quickly.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: And the Votes are In

Well, despite what I wrote a few days short of a year ago, the Republican nominee for President was been crowned last evening. No longer do we have to hear the news media reporters talk about the "presumptive" nominee.

Donald Trump is the Republican Nominee for President of the United States. 

The Republican primary season is over, the results are in and have been confirmed. 

Half of the stage is set for what is shaping up to be one of the most divisive presidential elections in the history of our country.

Voter turnout in November could be either astronomical or it could be lethargic.

My Take: There is change afoot. We, as a country as a society, are losing tolerance and becoming reactive and afraid. I have to believe it is a by product of the past 8 years although I do not fully understand how or why. I find the news reported battle between the old guard of the Republican Party and the newer members interesting. I have to admit--the old guard are trying to protect something that has been largely ineffective for the past 12 or more years. Maybe they need to embrace the change, for the good of the party--but then, it threatens their positions. 

Perhaps, we are seeing the evolution of the two-party system into a multi-party free-for-all?

Keep your eyes open--there could be significant backlash in November.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It's the Future

I felt compelled to watch the opening night of the Republican Convention from Cleveland last evening.

I was treated to an assortment of short speeches from people who are definitely not accomplished orators

But they seemed real and genuine.

The future of our country is at stake. November 8 is looming closer in our divided land.

The election seems to be a polarizing event. 

The candidates are alike in their oppositeness. Both seem to view their only path to the presidency comes from bashing the other. 

I will likewise watch the opening night and other nights of the Democratic Convention. I want to hear both sides of the issues.

Sadly, given all of the mudslinging, there isn't much brainpower left to apply to the issues.

I have talked to quite a few people who aren't sure they will vote in the November election. I encourage them to change their minds and exercise their very precious ability to vote and change the future.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 18, 2016

1. I find it hard to believe that July is half over. It seems as if the summer is just finally getting underway. I think I need a summertime siesta.

2. Falling into the backyard pool after a round of golf on a hot Sunday is a great way to cool off.

12th Hole
Crouton Country Club

3. It was a great golf weekend, in concert with The Open, I was able to get in two rounds of golf-- both at the Crofton Country Club.

4. Cross country flying can be a draining experience, especially flying from Los Angeles. I don't think I still have fully reacclimatized to the time zone.

5. I can tell that the summer is moving along, it is getting darker earlier and the suns rising later. I checked, there is already 20 minutes less of daylight than at the beginning of the month.

Playing Volleyball Under the Lights
Off the Santa Monica Pier
Pacific Ocean in the Background
July 11, 2016

6. My hands are covered with paint. Why is painting such a messy job?

7. I saw the Pacific Ocean last week, but was not able to sit on the beach and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. I wonder when I will be able to get in a bit of "beach" time.

8. Someone I was traveling with proposed that the breeze coming off the Pacific Ocean smells different than the Atlantic Ocean breeze. I think it is true.

9. It is time for some mid-summer fun, before the summer runs out.

10. It is political convention time. Our future is at stake.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

In N Out Burger

While in California, I experienced a new burger place--In N Out Burger. 

I am not a burger connoisseur, but some of my traveling companions wanted to enjoy the uniquely Californian burger experience. 

In-N-Out Burger Roofline

It is a good burger and ours were made to order--which is very nice. 

I did enjoy the palm tree motif on the roof line of the building.

It was enjoyable, but alas--it is just another burger place. Some say it is similar to Five Guys Burgers and Fries. I can see that.

My Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

At least it is uniquely West Coast. They have locations in Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas. 

So if you need a burger fix--I'd recommend stopping and enjoying the food.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Hotel Window - Lompoc, CA, July 2016

Out the Hotel Window Left
July 15, 2016
Lompoc, CA

As the trip comes to an end and I am in a different hotel, I looked out the window of my room and was greeted with a less than spectacular view.

Sometimes, hotel don't consider the view that guests will have out their windows.

In this case it is garbage and back alleys. 

Out the Hotel Window Right
July 15, 2016
Lompoc, CA

Thank goodness for curtains. 

The hotel itself is very nice to look at and a great place to stay, it is just that the back lot leaves a lot to be desired. 

I understand why the curtains are closed. Although the garbage truck did wake me during my first night here, the room is generally quiet. 

It is really amazing the different views that I have experienced out my hotel window on this trip. 

The weather has been the big story. It is 55 degrees as I wake up on this July morning with an expected high in Lompoc of 68 degrees. I am looking forward to getting back to the 90's of Maryland and being in my pool. The hotel has a beautiful pool area, it is just that the air temperature is so cold I would never consider getting into it. 

The real reason to come here, however, is for the wines! More about that in the future.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Lights in the Sky

Near Lompoc, CA
July 13, 2016

Driving along the coast near Lompoc, California, yesterday, we saw a huge fog bank, also called the marine layer, that seemed to be eating up the world.

It was picture worthy. 

The resulting image was even more interesting that the fog ball which looks like something right out of the movie Independence Day. 

What was most interesting was the bright objects in the upper left corner of the image. We did not see them with our eyes--but they are definitely there on the image.

Brings back memories of the mid-1960's and the UFO investigations.

Is Roswell, NM, anywhere near here?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Out the Hotel Window - Los Angeles, July 2016

Los Angeles
July 11, 2016

Los Angeles is a big city. That realization obvious as the plane I was flying in was on approach and I could see nothing except houses and industry for miles and miles. 

I have been here before, but the sheer magnitude of the city has escaped me on the other occasions that I have traveled to and through here. 

Los Angeles (in the distance)
July 11, 2016

The scene outside my hotel window is a cosmopolitan one. There is industry and airport as far as the eye can see. Downtown Los Angeles is just visible through the smog in the picture. The mountains behind the city are almost invisible. Yes, there are mountains behind the city.

The hotel is conveniently situated in between two of the main runways serving Los Angeles International Airport, which is better known as LAX.

But with the curtains closed, my room could be anywhere because it is so quiet. 

I enjoy watching the planes land. I have a great seat to enjoy the constant activity at the airport.

There is a whole world happening, outside the hotel windows. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD