Monday Musings - December 26, 2016

1. Today is the last Monday of 2016. It is also Christmas Observed, Boxing Day, the continuation of Hanukkah, and the beginning of Kwanzaa. 

2. Top headline in the New York Times yesterday: Trumps Hurry to Unscramble Business Ties.

3. What was the best gift of Christmas? Answer: Family!


4. The Baltimore Ravens were eliminated from the NFL post-season hunt yesterday. I am ready for baseball season to begin.

5. I love it when the dawn arrives and the sky is clear.

6. I enjoy holidays more when the day after is also a holiday. For instance, yesterday was Christmas, but today is Christmas Observed. It provides an extra day to recover.

7. I am already behind in planning my summer vacation! 

8. Next up--New Years! 2017 is fast approaching!

9. I guess I am going to have to start working on my Year in Review! 

10. Do you know what tomorrow is? (Answer: Tuesday)

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Christmas 2016

Chris with Everything Ready
Christmas Eve Brunch 2016

It was dark outside. Christmas Eve had given way for Christmas Day. The brunch from the day before was a memory.

Even though there were no children in the house and no reason to be up until well after dawn, we were awake to enjoy the arrival of Christmas Day. 

Cooking Bacon on the Griddle
Brunch on Christmas Eve 2016

The tree was brightly lit and the Snow Village beamed its light across the darkened room and the house was quiet.

The TVs were off, the only thing we could find to watch was a 1939 movie titled Return of the Cisco Kid. Seriously! It was too quiet around the house and the only noise was the whining of the dog.

The presents were piled around the tree in anticipation of the noise and excitement that would follow during the day. 

It was a quiet time for reflection on the season.

Dawn on Christmas Day is still 50 minutes away, but the sky should begin filling with color soon. 

I can imagine the shepherds sitting in their fields two millennia ago being startled by light in the darkness.

May you find joy today and through the whole year.

Merry Christmas

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Christmas Eve Arrives

It's here!

I remember as a child the excitement, almost painful excitement, of waking in Christmas Eve and realizing that after an excruciatingly long day, the most exciting day of the year would dawn.

Christmas Eve is all about traditions in my family. 

We fill the day with family-oriented events to help build the excitement and make the holiday last longer. I know that personally, I usually like to go out shopping on Christmas Eve--but, fortunately this year all of my shopping is complete and all that I really need to do is wrap the gifts.

Let me share some holiday thoughts from the past, from President Reagan as he was lighting the National Christmas Tree:

"May we give thanks for a free America, an America united in the wonder of a season that includes not only Christmas but Hanukkah as well. And as we light this glorious tree, may Nancy and I offer a final wish to all Americans: that every Christmas that follows will be as full of joy as we have these past years to work in your service. May God bless you all."

Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree, December 15, 1988

May the blessings of the season fill you with joy and wonder.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

An Exclamation Point on the Shopping

Poinsettia Tree
Columbia Mall
December 22, 2016

It is finished. 

I sojourned to the Columbia Mall, by myself, yesterday to complete the shopping task. It was relatively easy given that I had a pretty well defined list. I also had the opportunity to view my favorite Christmas decoration--the Poinsettia Tree that graces the center court in the Columbia Mall. I enjoy looking at the tree.

But, more importantly, I have completed my Christmas shopping and I'm ecstatic.  Now all that remains is to wrap the presents in preparation for the unveiling.

Well, I have to decide the order in which they will be opened.

But, at least I can relax now and enjoy the holiday. Not really, it gets even busier from here. 

Maybe on Monday I can take a deep breath.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sliding Past the Shortest Day of the Year

I felt it as it happened yesterday morning at 5:44 AM EST.

Winter arrived with the solstice. Unheralded, but it arrived nonetheless. 

Autumn departed and the shortest daylight day of the year happened. Daylight amounted to 9h23m59s. Ugh!

No one noticed. I had scheduled a holiday party to keep from becoming too depressed about the advent of winter.

I could use a trip south of the equator to enjoy some searing sunshine. 

I know that snow is in the forecast--not for this week, but for very soon. The holidays are coming and they just scream for snow. I hope it holds off. Maybe we can have a winter with less than 1 inch of the fluffy white stuff.

Springtime is about 90 days away, it begins on March 20th.  That means we only have to get through a few short months!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Holiday Mondays

It is the holiday season for sure.

I made an astounding discovery the other day. Three of the next four Mondays are federal holidays.

I was amazed. Here they are:

December 26 - Christmas Observed (Yes, Virginia, Christmas is a Federal Holiday and so you can say Merry Christmas without offending anyone).

January 2 - New Years Observed.

January 9 -Not a holiday!

January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr Birthday.

There are 10 federal holidays each year and three of them are crammed into a four week span. This year they are on Monday, as they will likely be next year as well. That makes for a convenient three-day weekend.

If only the weather were warmer and I could hit the golf course.

If only I were more motivated and could finish my Christmas shopping.

Happy Holidays--there are three to enjoy!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The President is Elect

The votes are cast and the election of 2016 is finally complete. The results will be certified on January 6, 2017 and a few short weeks later on January 20th, Donald Trump should become the 45th President of the United States.

The Electoral college put the exclamation point on the election. The final vote was 304 for Trump to 227 for Clinton with A few others receiving stray votes which is why the votes were not exactly as expected which was 306-232. 

Hopefully, the country can find find unity behind our new leader who clearly is the outsider that many voters desired. He definitely seems to have some unique and unorthodox ideas.

As our newly elected President takes office, I hope that he remembers that as the leader of the free world, every word he speaks is scrutinized for weakness and intent. 

As a nation we need to dream of greatness. 

I am reminded of the words Ronald Reagan spoke during his first inauguration during January 1981:

We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are not heroes, they just don't know where to look. You can see heroes every day going in and out of factory gates. Others, a handful in number, produce enough food to feed all of us and then the world beyond. You meet heroes across a counter, and they're on both sides of that counter. There are entrepreneurs with faith in themselves and faith in an idea who create new jobs, new wealth and opportunity. They're individuals and families whose taxes support the government and whose voluntary gifts support church, charity, culture, art, and education. Their patriotism is quiet, but deep. Their values sustain our national life.

The President, is the President of every American and he must never forget that.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - December 19, 2016

1. This is the next to last Monday in 2016! In two too short weeks it will be January 2, 2017!

Jackson Owning the Court

2. In youth basketball yesterday, Jackson played a mean game of basketball, his team won 20-7. Ethan's team salvaged a 12-12 tie after a single overtime period. 

3. I saw Rogue 1 yesterday. It met all of my expectations and then some. Recommendation: See the movie!

4. The weather has become very seasonal, it is cold! Too cold!

Ice on Trees
December 19, 2016

5. Winter begins on Wednesday, December 21st, at 5:44 AM EST! Total daylight for that day in Baltimore will be 9h23m59s. That is 5 seconds less than today.

6. The NFL season continues in its lurching fashion. All of the family's teams remain in play: Dallas has clinched a playoff, the Steelers and Redskins currently possess playoff spots and the Ravens are in the hunt!

7. Today is Electoral College Monday! Will the final be 306-228? The President-elect should be official.

8. The ice on the trees Saturday was pretty in a surreal kind of way.

9. I hope the next two weeks are quiet! I would be nice to end the year on a calm note.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Holiday Sprint

The holiday marathon breaks into an all-out sprint for the finish line culminating with Christmas and Hanukkah next Sunday. It might be a good time to slow down rather than to speed up.

Yesterday's icy weather brought the first reality check to the Baltimore region as there was an incredible 67 vehicle pile-up on I-95 that claimed the lives of two people.

Today, however, the temperatures are already in the 50's. Reportedly, the temperature rose 40 degrees in one hour overnight. By this afternoon, the temperatures will be back into the 30's and there is snow in the forecast. 

I noted that at dawn this morning, the temperature in Elkridge was 56, Ithaca was 40, and Houston was 36 degrees. It is definitely an upside down weather day!

Every day during the coming week had some event or activity connected to it. If I take them one-at-a-time, I will successfully complete the week and be prepared for a fantastic celebration. 

Today's major activities: two basketball (Jax and Ethan) games and Rogue 1. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Slipping and Sliding

Pre-treated Roads

I wrote of the frigid weather yesterday. Today, it is worse. While not colder, it is actually 15 degrees warmer, we are besieged by freezing rain which is shutting down the entire area.


As I have been watching the news this morning about the multitude of accidents, I am thankful that I don't have to travel this morning. The roads were pretreated yesterday, but the volume of rain falling on the frozen roads has overwhelmed the pretreatment.

The airport is canceling flights due to the ice. Accidents are everywhere. It is a good not to have to go to work this morning.

I am looking forward to temperatures which are expected to rise into the high 50's by tomorrow afternoon, even if only briefly.

For now--be careful out there. It is a mess.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Frigid Cold Strikes

Sliding, as we are, into the beginning of winter, I should have expected something like this, but the frigid cold is truly a shock to my system.

The temperature last evening as I finished dinner was a whopping 16.5 degrees and this morning it was 13 degrees. Too cold to even think when I am outside. It was also 13 degrees in Ithaca. It was 73 degrees in Key West, Florida.

I didn't think it was supposed to get this cold in December? What happened to Global Warming? Last Christmas I remember temperatures in the 70's. We even golfed the day after Christmas. 

Frankly, I am nowhere near ready for this weather. The daylight is receding and darkness is enveloping the land. Where are the Druids when we need them?

In looking at the 10 day forecast, it is clear that I will not be golfing before Christmas unless I win an all expenses paid trip south.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Holiday Concert Season

It is the holiday concert season and last evening I was able to attend the strings concert at Waugh Chapel Elementary School.

What do the meanest middle linebacker on the GORC 80 pound football team and one beginning violin player at Waugh Chapel Elementary have in common? They are one in the same: Jackson.

A well rounded life includes an appreciation for music. Holiday Concerts showcase developing talent.

Ethan also had his holiday concert last evening. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason the two schools scheduled their festivities for the same time and I could only attend one.

Holiday concerts are one of the joys of the season. While the music may not be executed like the recordings we are listening to, the enthusiasm makes up for everything.

Happy Holidays. Rather, I mean, Merry Christmas.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Color of the Morning

Autumn is slipping quickly into Winter and the days are becoming shorter. With so much to do, the short amount of daylight is deceiving and by 5:30 PM, I have been feeling like it is bedtime.

Pre-dawn Light
December 13, 2016

With that backdrop, rewind to yesterday morning as I was coming out of the gym after playing racquetball. 

It was dark, but on the eastern horizon the first rays of light from the rising sun were silhouetting the bare branches of the trees and beginning wake the world. The street light was casting its cold illumination onto the parking lot, but was soon eclipsed by the gathering rays of the still hidden sun.

I admit, I felt funny standing in the parking lot taking a picture of the darkness. But seeing the first colors of the day reminded me that all is not dark and that the light returns to the world with each new morning. From the first rays of the morning, the light strengthens and the world wakes. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Birthdays

Nicole with her Family

They arrive every year. They arrive whether we want them to arrive or not.

Birthdays. When I was young I always wanted to be older. Now that I am older, I want to be younger.

I never seem to be happy with my birthday.

This weekend, Nicole turned another year older. Her birthday made me feel older. Too much older.

I cannot comprehend that my daughter is getting older. And that she has sons who are getting older.

It is the circle of life.

From our youth to our old age. We celebrate each additional year on the planet.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - December 12, 2016

Christmas Tree outside the White House Entrance

1. There are less than 2 weeks until Christmas, I am finding it hard to believe how close the holiday is rushing towards me.

2. Time Magazine selected the President-elect as the Person of the Year, but I take exception to the subtitle: "President of the Divided States of America." 

3. Why do cars seem to need brake jobs on some of the coldest days of the year.

4. I don't like snow! During my short trip to Central New York this weekend I saw enough and drove through enough snow to last an entire winter.

5. "Our nation was conceived in liberty, and we have always understood that the fate of our own freedom is tied to the fate of freedom in the world. The flourishing of liberty, democracy, and constitutional government is the goal of this administration as it is the greatest wish of Americans and that Americans have for all peoples of the world. We pray that we'll all come to enjoy what we consider our greatest treasure -- freedom." Ronald Reagan. Remarks on Signing the Human Rights and Day of Prayer for Poland Proclamations, December 10, 1982

Dirty Vehicle from Traveling on Snow Covered Highways

6. Has anyone wondered why the Russians supported Donald Trump to be President?

7. Cars seem to take the brunt of winter weather by getting very dirty. 

8. I am a bit bummed because the temperatures have been to cold to golf. I miss chasing the little white ball around the course.

9. I want to say thank you to the Congress for passing another continuing resolution and preventing another furlough. Now let's see if they can finalize a budget.

-- Bob Doan, Elkidge, MD

Christmas at the White House

Looking out a White House Window
at the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial

East Wing Entrance to
the White House

Visiting the White House during the Christmas season is an experience not to be missed. 

On one of the coldest mornings of the season so far, Chris and I headed into Washington, DC, for our appointment, with eight of our friends, to tour the Christmas decorated White House.

There is something truly special about visiting the White House. It is the "People's House."

Decorations in the East Room
Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington

The White House is decorated festively and each room holds new excitement. The self-guided tour allows for thorough exploration of the decorations and the rooms. The tour enters through the East Wing and winds through the White House coming out through the front entrance. I found security to be efficient and the Secret Service agents to be pleasant but thorough. 

Vermeil Room

The Library, the Vermiel Room, the China Room, the East Room, the Blue Room, the Green Room, the Red Room, and the State Dining Room are all on the tour. The exit is out through the front and we had some great pictures taken in the doorway. Along the tour, however, there are decorations and lots of art to enjoy. The art is fantastic and represents a wide cross section of American art. It is not just portraits, but one of the most famous is that of George Washington painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1796 and hangs in the East Room. This painting was saved by Dolley Madison when the British burned the White House. 

I highly recommend this tour and I thank my good friends who did all of the work to get our group approved and scheduled. Unfortunately, this tour must be requested months in advance and so it can't be done this Christmas, but next Christmas is still possible. 

Leaving the White House
One Last Look

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

From the White House to Ithaca

The White House
Main Entrance

What an interesting day I experienced yesterday. The day began in Washington, DC, with a tour of The White House and ended with an arrival at my parents house near Ithaca, NY.

The White House tour was fabulous. It was cold waiting and walking around DC, but the tour was definitely worth the effort. I will write more about the tour itself tomorrow.

What was really interesting was that Chris and I were back at our house by 1130 AM, and I was on the road for Ithaca an hour later.

The trip to Ithaca started with the Baltimore beltway being shut down due to an accident, but WAZE got me around it. I drove into a snow squall in Shamokin Dam, but drove out after 10 miles.

The rest of the trip was thankfully uneventful.

What a day, however, it included the winter cold of DC, the elegance of The White House, and the snow of Ithaca.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY

Space is not Just for Dreamers

John Glenn and Friendship 7

The passing of John Glenn at age 95 yesterday caused me to pause. The New York Times calls him an American Hero of the Space Age. He was the last surviving member of the Mercury 7--the first seven astronauts selected by NASA.

I remember growing up and following each successive barrier that was broken and each new achievement that was made during the Cold War Space Race. The pride of the country rode on the backs of a few brave men, yes they were all men then. 

Mercury 7 Astronauts

I learned new words like Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. I also learned about Redstones, and Saturns; the boosters that these brave barrier breakers rode into the heavens. 

My mind was on the space and space travel as I considered the possibilities. In my young mind, I believed that we would have missions to Mars during the 1990's. For a while I wanted to be an astronaut and ride the fire into the heavens.

The country chose to go another direction in space; developing the highly successful Space Shuttle program to haul payloads into low earth orbits. The dream of Mars remains. Sadly, the United States does not currently have the capability to launch people into space. There are no man-rated boosters or vehicles in the inventory and the cruel twist of fate is that we are dependent upon to Russians to carry Americans into orbit to the International Space Station. Many of our space launch vehicles rely upon Russian produced engines--the U.S. has lost the technological lead.

The space program provided something back then that our country lacks. We were dreamers and we set our sights on the stars. There were new horizons to conquer and the successes and the failures came almost every day. Life has become so routine since then. We still making stunning advances in space, but it has become the expectation.

Godspeed John Glenn!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Roads' End

I have had the pleasure of standing at the end (or was it the beginning) of two famous highways.

The beginning and end of US 1 in Key West is one. 

The other was Route 66, which ends on the Santa Monica Pier in California after traversing the western portion of the country.

US 1 is a road that I deal with daily. I drive on part of it every day. There is almost no way to leave my house and not traverse a portion of this famous North-South route which runs from Maine to the very southern tip of Florida. 

Route 66 is a bit more elusive for me as it runs East-West from Chicago to Santa Monica. But the road makes the famous connection across the middle portion of the country.

I have enjoyed being at the end/beginning of these famous highways an thinking amount how much of our country is connected because of them. Interstate highways may be faster, but in terms of connecting cities and towns and people, these two roads are some of the workhorses of our society.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Projecting Power

Air Force One
Reagan Library

I was there, recently, at the Reagan Library and I saw it first hand. I saw and touched, and entered the aircraft that served as Air Force One during the Reagan administration.

It is beautiful. 

When it carries the President of the United States, it is the most important aircraft in the world!

I read with fascination yesterday how the President-elect was making an issue about the purchase of two new aircraft to serve as Air Force One. 

It is important to note that the current aircraft are almost 30 years old. There are a lot of improvements to technology which have occurred since these aircraft first flew.

When Air Force One touches down in a foreign country, it is a statement. The President of the United States has arrived and no other county's leader arrives in such a manner. It recently infuriated the Chinese and caused an incident. 

But Air Force one is more than transportation, It is an extension of the Office of the President. It is a working area that allows the conduct of the Executive branch to continue during long and otherwise non-productive flights. 

Air Force One is as much a projection of national power as sending an aircraft carrier into some country's backyard or flying B-52's along a disputed border area. It makes a statement: The U.S. is here. 

My Take: The President of the United States should not be transported in a 30 year old aircraft. Project power and prestige with a new symbol of national power. The President-elect needs to focus on big issues.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

When is a General Not?

General Mattis
Being Considered for Secretary of Defense

The construction of President-elect Trump's cabinet continues to draw the attention of the news media and his expected selection for Secretary of Defense is the current hot news item of the day.

I am happy the issue is not a Constitutional one, but a legal requirement imposed when the Department of Defense was created. Established during 1947 the Department did not take on its current name of Department of Defense (DoD) until 1949. An interesting twist of history.

The laws that established the DoD mandated that persons being appointed to the top jobs in the Department must be separated for at least 7 years. It was originally 10 years, but later amended. And even with the newly created DoD, an exception to the law was given for General George Marshall in 1950. 

My point here is that the "law" has been changed in the past and the situation must be evaluated based upon it merits. Sadly, the blind application of law seems more important that looking at the merits. 

I believe it is time for someone to lead the DoD who has experienced the weapons, tools and tactics being provided by the to the troops and he may be able to separate the good from the unnecessary. I believe that the DoD is bloated and inefficient, but much of that is due to Congressional mandates. If the DoD is going to become efficient, then Congress needs to back and allow DoD to get about the task of defending the nation. 

Maybe General Mattis will restore some swagger to the DoD.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - December 5, 2016

1. It is less than three weeks to Christmas.

2. The year 2016 is crashing to a close. I am amazed how quickly.

3. It is hard to make vacation plans if you don't know where you want to go.

4. There are a lot of Christmas specials on TV right now. I am glad they only show them once per year. 

5. It is exciting to watch the President-elect put together his team. It is being done very differently than on the past. That may be good.

6. How weird is the NFL this season. Seven of the teams that were in the playoffs last year may not make the playoffs this year. 

7. Thankfully, the weather has not been too miserable so far this season. We have had a bit of rain, but no snow, yet.

8. As the President-elect creates his new cabinet, I think it is important to remember the words of Ronald Reagan: “Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”

9. Wine is a great addition to a holiday party.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Jingle Bells

It is the season for Christmas movies on TV and stories. Last evening I watched my favorite Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life produced in 1946 starring Jimmy Stewart. 

Seasonal songs are playing on the radio, we have our favorite station that plays Christmas songs 24/7.

I believe that December is the month where we combat the increasing darkness with seasonal songs. 

The sound of the song Jingle Bells reminds me of the joys of being a child listening for the sounds of Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve.

I am amazed at how the old songs are still the ones that I hear most. I hear Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song ten to twenty times per day. And Andy Williams is singing continuously somewhere in the background.

It all works together to make the season.

I enjoy the humor as well. The season is moving along so quickly. There are three weeks until Christmas! I can scarcely believe it is passing so quickly.

I may even begin counting the days until I plan to open my pool.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Midnight Madness in Old Ellicott City

Ellicott City
Midnight Madness
Looking up the Hill
December 2, 2016

It has been an annual event, the Midnight Madness in Old Ellicott City. This year, however, it was definitely different.  Old Ellicott City was almost destroyed by a ravaging flood during late July and many of the shops were not able to open. Those that did, bravely carried on the tradition. 

Ellicott City
December 2, 2016

I was pleased with the turn out of people trying to make normal again that which is still under repair. The shops near the top of the street, Ellicott City is built on a hill, were generally because they suffered less damage while those near the foot of the hill were partially open.

Signs of repair were everywhere, but as well, people were reveling in the cool temperatures and trying to infuse the Christmas season into their hearts. There were long line in some of the stores and I have to admit, many of the stores provided light refreshments including wine or champaign which was a very nice touch.

Ellicott City
December 2, 2016

School choirs were singing on the street and people were shopping. It was a resurgence for the city and the business district with many of the stores rushing to open for the event. That so many stores and restaurants were open was a miracle. 

But Ellicott City remains damaged and, sadly, I know that some of the shops and restaurants will never reopen. 

The flood was a disaster, but the spirit to rebuild is strong. I hope that Midnight Madness provided the stimulus to encourage the rebuilding to continue and eventually restore Old (or Historic) Ellicott City to it former radiance.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Recount

A vote recount is underway in Wisconsin, and a partial recount is underway in Pennsylvania according to a New York Times article titled, ‘We’re Going to Get This Done’: Wisconsin Vote Recount Is Underway.

Why?

It seems a huge waste of money.

I guess it is important to know that the electronic voting machines were not tampered with, but with Michigan falling into the Trump vote column the other day, the lead seems insurmountable.

Losing is hard to accept for some people especially given the breakdown of the popular vote, I get that. But we have to have faith in the integrity of the voting system.

Yes, I am one of the first to say things like, "Vote early, vote often!" But I don't mean it. I say it just to encourage people to get out and exercise their right, or is it a privilege, no it is a responsibility to vote.

As the world has changed from paper ballots to computers, we do need to ensure that the computer tallies cannot and are not tampered with.

Recount? Not to change the outcome, but rather to confirm it and provide confidence in our automated vote counting process.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

America the Great

One of the campaign slogans during the recent national election was "Make America Great Again."

I always took exception to that phrase because I could not determine when America stopped being great.

In my mind, America remains the greatest country on the planet. And why do I believe this? 

It is not because of our military, there are large militaries, but none better equipped than ours. It is not because of our leadership, because we all have seen through the facade of Washington. It is not because of our economy, even though we are one of the strongest and most resilient economies on the planet.

Why is America great?

It is because of our people. 

Ronald Reagan got it right when he said:

"The greatness of America doesn't begin in Washington; it begins with each of you -- in the mighty spirit of free people under God, in the bedrock values you live by each day in your families, neighborhoods, and workplaces."

Address to the Nation on the Eve of the Presidential Election, November 5, 1984

America is and always has been great!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dog Days

Makayla Ready to Travel

I know that it is not the summertime when I look forward to the Dog Days, but even as the winter approaches and the total amount of sunlight drops towards its solstice low of 9 hours and 24 minutes, some days are devoted to dogs.

Today, for instance, Makayla has a check-up and dental appointment. She gets her teeth cleaned once per year.  It is funny that I, too, have an appointment this afternoon for a dental cleaning. 

So this morning I will drop her off at the vet and pick her up this afternoon. She hates being dropped off. She exhibits real signs of separation anxiety.

But I know she will be fine and that when the afternoon arrives and I can pick her up, she will be very ready to see me.

And her breath will smell good, too.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Where to Spend it All

My email inbox has become crammed with ads and offers. I cannot believe the rate at which new opportunities to make purchases are thrust at me. 

I can scarcely keep up with the influx and I am beginning to miss some of the more important items that I usually read.


I am drowning in junk mail seeking to have me purchase all sorts of needless item during this season.

And the sales: 30% off! How can I possibly resist? 

If I bought every exciting offer, I would soon be out of money.

How did so many retailers get my email address? 

In retrospect, I don't know which is a worse blight, the political ads of the now completed election season, or the seasonal advertisements clogging my inbox?

I am becoming very adept at using my delete key!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - November 28, 2016

1. Today is the last Monday in November 2016. Next week on Monday we will be five days into December with the end of 2016 knocking at the door.

2. I wonder where Cuba will find itself in the post-Fidel Castro era?

3. According to a new study, my dog is a lot smarter than I give her credit for. And I just wish she would remember to stick around when I am working around the house.

Leaves Blown into My Yard

4. There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect. -- Ronald Reagan, 1985.

5. The wind storms of the past week filled my yard up with leaves. They are gone now, but it was the third time that I had removed the leaves from the yard.

6. And writing of leaves, I think they look a lot better on the trees than in my yard.

7. My washing machine is not working, again. Patrick and I determined the cause and the machine is about to receive its last repair before it will be replaced.

8. Is it possible to survive Cyber-Monday? I made it through small Business Saturday and Black Friday. 

9. I wonder what new electronics I desire?

10. Chris and I are already beginning to plan our summer vacation. We just don't know to where.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Decorations Abounding

2016 Edition of the Doan Christmas Tree

The turkeys are safely stored until next November. It was a sad repacking them as I really enjoy looking at them. They make me smile.

Christmas is arriving in the form of decorations. 

Riordin Helping Decorate

Chris and I spent yesterday, except for two emergency trips to Lowe's, decorating. And, sadly, we still are not finished. 

We made some mulled wine from a kit that we had purchased a couple of years ago and enjoyed decorating our way through the day. It definitely helped as we overcome the obstacles to completing our task.

Fortunately, we decided to erect only one tree this year. Why, fortunately? Well, it turns out that half of the lights on the pre-lit tree are burned out. I'm not sure it is repairable. So we went to the tree which requires string lights only to discover that we had reallocated the white lights formerly used on that tree for another decorating project. It is always something. So we bought new lights and found that one set was defective and that we needed five strands, not the four we had purchased. Back to Lowe's. 

Louis and Rirodin Under the Tree

Along the way we had some additional help from Riordin. He loved checking our the decorations and the boxes. We always have to ensure that he is not trapped in one of them before we put them away.

As soon as everything was cleaned up, both cats decided to claim the space under the tree. It really isn't complete yet because my Polar Express train isn't set up. We were just too tired from almost 10 hours of decorating to deal with some of the smaller details. 

So the house is nearly ready for the next holiday. This is the third monthly transformation, the first is Halloween at the beginning of October, the second is Thanksgiving and the season of the turkey at the beginning of November, and the third is Christmas which is the first weekend after Thanksgiving!

Of course, remember, I began the Christmas decorations on Veteran's Day and then did the Snow Village last weekend. 

Well, we are ready for the sprint to the New Year!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Axis & Allies 2016

Axis & Allies Being Played

The family tradition was revived again yesterday. While the women of the family braved the crowds of the Black Friday shopping melee, the guys gathered around a dining room table and replayed World War II using one of the versions of the game Axis & Allies. 

There are a different versions of the game and we own and have played most of them. Black Friday is our once per year "guy day" spent trying to recreate history. 

This year we had a new player which was exciting because it reminded all of us how complex the game was the first time we played. Although we played for 8 hours, the game was called a draw because evening activities were about to begin. I fully believe that the Allies would be the eventual winners.

It is a Black Friday tradition! It brings the guys in the family together while the women face the crowds and the stores. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD