Rainy Mondays

There is something "just about right" when considering a rainy Monday.

It celebrates the beginning of the work week with the tears of the workers falling on the land to remind us that the weekend is a long way off. 

Yesterday was windy, rainy, and cool, it is hard to say cold when the temperature thankfully remained above freezing. Although the weather was not particularly nice, it was better than the alternative: snow. We received about six-tenths of an inch of rain, translated into the white stuff that falls from the sky that would have been almost 8 inches of snow. By some measures, on average one inch of rain translates roughly into 13 inches of snow--but that number can vary a bit.

The rain was better.

I made a funny decision as I left my car yesterday to cross the parking lot into the building where I work. The wind was blowing so hard that I decided not to risk my damaging my umbrella and kept it folded. I probably looked amusing caring a folded umbrella in a rainstorm to the building.

It was Monday, after all. What more can one expect?

Tuesday?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - January 23, 2017

1. It is the first Monday of President Trump's administration. I wonder what is in store for the country.

Art in a Store in Baltimore

2. When is a fact not a fact but an estimation? It seems that some people are having problems with reality.

3. Which piece of art do you like? The wave or the octopus. I like the wave.

4. Wandering around Baltimore on a Saturday evening is an interesting experience, there are lots interesting characters on the streets.

5. Baltimore Restaurant Week is an event not to be missed. Chris and I went out with Patrick and Tina and had a fantastic dinner at a very reasonable price.


6. "Because we're a great nation, our challenges seem complex. It will always be this way. But as long as we remember our first principles and believe in ourselves, the future will always be ours. And something else we learned: Once you begin a great movement, there's no telling where it will end. We meant to change a nation, and instead, we changed a world." - Ronald Reagan

Farewell Address to the Nation, January 11, 1989

Headlines

7. Women’s March leads to 2nd-busiest day in Metro history, just trailing Obama’s 2009 inauguration - Washington Post

8. Shootout at Texas mall leaves one dead, seven wounded - The Daily Star

9. Dollar slips, shares wobbly after Trump's protectionist address - Reuters

10. At Least 18 Die as Tornadoes Sweep Southeast - NY Times

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

In the Record Store

Chris in the Record Store

No, it wasn't a scene from the 70's, it happened last evening in the Fells Point section of Baltimore. Chris was shopping in a real record store, The Sound Garden,  which was selling new vinyl records as well as old classics.

It was a scene that brought back memories of times gone by when we wandered through the stores looking at the rows and rows of vinyl records. The rows of records were fun to look at. New, remastered oldies were everywhere. the return to the warm sounds of vinyl records is truly alive. 

The store also had rows of CDs--remember them? 

The way we listen to music has definitely changed. It seems we no longer own actual copies of the music, everything is delivered from the "cloud."

A stroll through a real record store reminded me of how it used to be.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Morning Scene through the Windshield

As a Foggy Dawn Breaks

Wednesday morning I had the pleasure of taking Makayla to the vet for her annual dental cleaning. It was actually the second time that I  took her, but that is a story for another day.

Taking her to the vet was a pleasure because dawn has been arriving after I am already at work and so it was nice to be around at sunrise. Coincidentally, it was also a foggy morning. I was reveling in watching the dawn break and while I was stopped at a traffic light I became aware of the scene before me that caused me to grab my phone and snap a quick image. 

The dawn was breaking behind the clouds and the fog was clinging to the road ahead of me. I enjoyed the scene for as long as I could until the light changed to green. 

And then I was off, with a memory and an image in my phone to rush headlong into the rest of my day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A New Chapter in America

The page turns today at about Noon, Eastern Standard Time, as  President-elect Trump becomes the 45th President and the 44th President becomes former-President Obama. 

President Obama at his final news conference

It is very exciting. There is a lot of trepidation in many areas of the country, but much like four years ago, this transition should be a cause for celebration of an American institution. 

I have been very impressed with the President Obama's eloquence as he has orchestrated his departure and the transfer of the responsibilities of his office to his successor. 

This transfer of power excites me and reminds me of how great this nation is especially when compared to much of the world. Whether I agree with the policies of the outgoing or incoming President is immaterial, what is important is that the will of the people is implemented.

America first, party second. What makes us great is our ability to work together in a bipartisan manner for the good of the country. 

The Washington Post article titled, On Inauguration Day, respect for the office and hope for the nation sums it up.

We need more of that.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Great Celebration

Although the actual inauguration ceremony for the 45th President of the United States is tomorrow, some related activities begin today. The inauguration schedule has been posted. 

The peaceful transfer of power for the greatest country in the world is underway and while we agree with the choice, or not, this is where our process has brought us. We are on the brink of a new administration.

There are news reports of low approval ratings; however, perhaps the polling is as flawed as those done days before the election which indicated that the President-elect had a very slim chance to win the election that he ultimately won walking away. 

Thomas Jefferson

The inauguration is a uniquely American activity and in this case it culminates a two-year electoral process that ranks as one of the most contentious in history. I am reminded that the third election in American history, whereby Jefferson became the vice-president through some interesting subterfuge, may one of the most contentious and interesting as it also effectively launched the two-party system of American politics. 

So while many are protesting, I believe it is a time to celebrate the process if not the person. Elections and inaugurations are what makes America great, and I maintain that America is still great. And truer still, that people can disagree and protest without fear of retaliation or retribution is another reason that America is great.

If Americans celebrate and encourage diversity, then America will continue to be great, despite what some profess. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Lacking Perspective

The decision by many democratic congressmen and women to boycott the inauguration represents much of what is becoming wrong with America.

Even our leaders have lost their sense of perspective, history, and forbearance. 

Attending the inauguration activities is not an affirmation of the person being sworn in as the president, but rather it is an expression of the peaceful transfer of power as prescribed by the Constitution and the will of "We, the people . . . " The inauguration is a celebration of America and how we are different from most every other country in the world.

I am concerned that we have lost the ability to accept the rights of those who disagree with us. We do not have to like them, but we have to recognize that they have the right to see the world differently from ourselves. 

I am concerned that we are quickly becoming a nation that does not value diversity. We are losing the ideal of inclusion.

The inauguration is a celebration of America and our unique Republic where power is transferred peacefully. 

Maybe we need to elect Congressmen and women who understand that.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Too Many Beeps

It happens every so often, some electronic device goes into distress and begins to beep.

Annoyingly. Persistently.

It happened a this morning as I wandered into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. The two beeps of an electronic device in distress could be heard every minute or so.

And the search began.

Trying to pin down exactly which device was in distress occupied the next 30 minutes. I wish that devices could be equipped with the capability to text or send an email regarding their identification and the nature of the problem.

Beeping Phone

The search for the source of the distress signal included checking every smoke detector in the house and replacing the battery in one of them, I ran through the menus on the security system to find a problem and fixed the cover on one of the sensors, I checked the refrigerator (I really don't know why, but I ran across a refrigerator that beeped once), I checked the TV, the network connection, and everything else electronic that I could think of to no avail.

Fortunately, Chris got up to get a cup of coffee and I enlisted her aid in the detective event. She determined the cause after about three minutes, one of the phones was off its cradle and low on power. Who knew that phones beeped when the were in distress?

I was happy that she found it and we were able to restore the quiet in the house. Although, I did solve two other potential problems while searching for the source of the noise.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Monday Musings - January 16, 2017

1. Wow, it is already the third Monday of 2017. 

Steelers Win 18-16 in Kansas City

2. The NFL playoffs were intense on Sunday. Both home teams lost, a stark contrast to Saturday when both home teams won.

3. It is Inauguration week! By the end of the week we won't be saying President-elect any more.

4. I wonder why the forecasters cannot accurately predict weather? It seems as if they are paid to give an accurate forecast. 

5. Some LED fixtures have an inherent design flaw. When the LEDs fail, they cannot be replaced and the entire fixture must be changed. I had to change out my entry-way fixture because of this and I decided on a fixture that uses replaceable bulbs--still LED, but replaceable. Bulbs are less expensive than fixtures.

6. If you are planning on going into Washington D.C. on Thursday or Friday my recommendation is, don't.

Headlines

7. Trump vows ‘insurance for everybody’ in Obamacare replacement plan - Washington Post

8. World Leaders Push Israel and Trump to Forge a 2-State Deal - New York Times

9. Some malls are banning teens amid disturbances and unruly gatherings fueled by social media - Los Angeles Times

10. Nato obsolete, Merkel’s mistake, Brexit great: Trump reveals tilt towards Russia - Hindustan Times

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Day at the Sky Zone

Birthday parties have become a lot more interesting over the years, and especially those for Lucas.

Lucas at the Party

Last year the party was at the climbing zone and this year it was a trampoline area aptly named the Sky Zone Trampoline Park. 

Visiting the Sky Zone was a great way to exhaust the kids and it provided some entertainment for the adults as well. The place is huge! Lots of activities and trampolines with sufficient supervision. 

Check-in at the Sky Zone

It was fun to watch the assembled masses race from activity to activity and demonstrate their ability to bounce and flip on the trampolines. 

Checkin was a bit long and chaotic, but after that, the party went pretty well. Thankfully the forecast snow and ice never materialized! It was rainy and cold, but that did not dampen the spirits of the party goers. 

All-in-all, it was a great party. There was some blood--someone always has to bleed in this family or it isn't a real event, but fortunately it was minor and was self-induced as his knee impacted his nose. And it wasn't the birthday boy, so there was no fear of ruining the images of the event.

I took some slow motion videos of the activities and here is one of the birthday boy in action on the trampoline.

Birthdays can be fun!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Gathering at the Feeder

Deer at the Feeder

Chris likes to feed the birds and enjoys watching their antics as they flock for the feast.

Last evening, in advance of the expected storm, we filled the feeders to provide for our feathered friends during bad weather. 

One of the things we do when filling the feeders is to scatter seed on the ground for the mourning doves. Shortly after scattering the seed, the feeders were full of not feathered friends, but five deer scratching on the ground. Chris snapped a couple images on her phone while trying not to spook the visitors to the feeders. 

Earlier in the week we had remarked that we had not seen out small herd of deer since early December. As it turns out, they found us. Our side yard is an area the deer use to transit between open areas and we see them almost every day during the summer--especially during the evening hours. 

Well, it seems that they are still in the area. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

January Weather Respite

10 Day Forecast

The official temperature in Baltimore yesterday was 70 degrees, tying a record established in the 1800's for the date. 

That was 60 degrees higher than the low on Monday morning.

Even the weather gave us a break! While there is a serious storm headed our way causing through the mid-section of the country, yesterday was idyllic.

I had wanted to play golf and enjoy the special day, but the rains of the previous days and some unplanned activities by my golfing buddies meant that I did not hit the golf course, but rather I finished taking down the outdoors Christmas decorations and putting the exclamation point on the season. 

The weekend is forecast to be cold and icy, it is probably payback for hitting the witch of winter on the nose yesterday. 

I appreciate good weather when it happens, especially during the middle portion of January!

Be careful today--it is, after all, Friday the 13th.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hold Your Breath

A new sheriff walks onto the international stage next Friday as the 45th President of the United States is inaugurated.

There are so many things that will suddenly be up in the air. Treaties, agreements, executive orders, and so much more. 

There is likely to be a lot of confusion and mixed messages as the new administration blows onto the international stage.  That may be a very bad thing. The inconsistency between U.S. administrations confuses our allies and enemies alike. Who really knows what direction the country will be headed?

There will likely be a few days/weeks of unsettled activity. 

I am encouraged that the President and the Congress are of the same party; however, the last time the same party was in control the ensuing infighting almost rendered the opportunity to lead the nation totally ineffective.

Perhaps the thing that we should be most ready to expect is that there is going to be change, we just don't know what that change is going to embody. There are so many questions.

Will a wall be really be constructed along the Mexican border?

Will universal healthcare be scrapped for an as yet undefined replacement?

Will the Iran deal be voided?

How many executive orders will be repealed?

Will the U.S. and Russia become allies?

I wonder how the inaugural address will stack up along side the body of such speeches which are our history and heritage?

Are these really the most important questions we should be asking about the next administration?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Farewell Address

I watched President Obama make his farewell address to the nation last evening and I realized that I may be watching the end of an era in American politics.

The speech was elegant and well spoken. There were no "off the cuff" slanders against any particular group of people. The speech was focused upon inclusion and presenting a positive view of America and the President's term in office. I found it amusing that at one point the assembled crowd broke into a chant of "4 more years."

I was particularly impressed with his words about the Constitution. 

Note: The excerpts from President Obama's speech are from the New York Times.

Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it’s really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power. We, the people, give it meaning — with our participation, and with the choices that we make and the alliances that we forge.

I am a huge supporter of the Constitution. I was pleased with his references to "We, the People." The united States is, after all, a country founded upon the idea of "We, the People . . . "

I also believed that the President's summation was spot on:

And that’s why I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than when we started. Because I know our work has not only helped so many Americans; it has inspired so many Americans — especially so many young people out there — to believe that you can make a difference; to hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves.

Let me tell you, this generation coming up — unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic — I’ve seen you in every corner of the country. You believe in a fair, and just, and inclusive America; you know that constant change has been America’s hallmark, that it’s not something to fear but something to embrace, you are willing to carry this hard work of democracy forward. You’ll soon outnumber any of us, and I believe as a result the future is in good hands.

The farewell address was presented in superior fashion, even when hecklers tried to disrupt the speech, Obama's grace and forbearance was evident--he simply continued with his remarks until the hecklers were subdued or got bored.

I found it very interesting and revealing that President Obama ended his speech by reminding everyone of his words from the election of 2008, where the catch phrase was "We Can" his almost final words were:

Yes, we can.

Yes, we did.

Yes, we can.

These words echo the final words of President Reagan's Farewell Address presented on January 11. 1989:

My friends: We did it. We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all.
  
I wonder, will we be so optimistic in another eight years?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

National Champion

The college football season has finally ended with the crowning of the national champion last night--it was actually very early this morning. Congratulations to the Clemson Tigers for becoming the kings of the college football world with a last second touchdown winning the game 35-31 over the seemingly invincible Alabama Crimson Tide 

As a society, we seem to be fascinated champions especially when they are national or world champions. Team and their fans will relish in the spotlight of being the national champions, whether the sport be football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, or hockey. 

In the professional sports world, we tend to elevate the championship level from national to world, for instance the World Series for baseball and the Super Bowl Champs for football. We love a winner.  

Patton

General George S. Patton summed it up when he said "America loves a winner, and will not tolerate a loser . . ."

Vince Lombardi made the following famous statement about winning: "Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all of the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing."

The road to becoming a champion is paved by the losses of the other teams. For every team that wins a game, another team has lost. True champions understand losing, because they have been there. Clemson, for instance, lost earlier in the season and had also lost the College Football National Championship game last year to Alabama by 5 points. Understanding the sting of losing helps champions to be graceful on their victory. 

I always learn more from losing than I do from winning. To quote Patton again, "Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom."

It is fun to celebrate the champion and the victor in the struggle.

“For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting.” - Patton

Enjoy the moment, because when the sun still comes up tomorrow and the new day dawns it will be time do it all over again.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - January 9, 2017

1. The second Monday, and the second week of the new year is upon us. I hope there is some warmer weather in sight.

Headlines

2. D.C.-area forecast: Very cold today, but we welcome a January thaw midweek, from the Washington Post.

3. Russia-Turkey Alliance Grows in Syria, as U.S. Relations Strain, from the New York Times

Kin Jong-un

4. North Korea sends message to Trump amid threat to fire missile 'at any time', from CNN

Musings

5. Said about someone, They sleep so lightly that they could hear a flea jumping off a cat an be awakened.

6. Marriage is more than two people living together. Marriage is a team sport where both people are working towards the same goal.

7. The art of driving is becoming lost, there are too many people on the roads who are oblivious about how their actions will affect others. 

8. Spring is just two months away.

9. It is 13 degrees outside this morning. That is too cold to think!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It looks Cold

Driving across the hills outside Ithaca last evening, I came upon a scene that beautifully portrayed the weather of the day. It was cold and clear. The sunset in the west reflecting off the high clouds provided a perfect frame for the gathering nightfall.

I had just carefully passed a herd of deer. I had to be certain that they had all crossed the road and that none were lurking ready to run into the side of my vehicle.

As I reflected on the sky, it just looked cold. And it was cold. The temperature was already falling into the low teens.

Although it was snowy and cold, I could still enjoy the scene painted out before me.

And then I wished I was on a warm sandy beach somewhere.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

Kitty in a Basket

Cats are amazing animals. They find some creative places to hide and rest. Yesterday, I came across a cat, not mine, relaxing in a basket atop a refrigerator. It was a cute image.

I wrote just the other day about my own cats and the strange places they hide. It makes me feel a bit better to find that they are not unique, but their actions are common across the feline social structure.

They make me smile. That is a good thing.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

First Friday

The first Friday of the new year is here. Just last week we were preparing to celebrate the arrival of the new year and I was enjoying a vacation day.

Today, I am back at work wading through the myriad of actions which populate my life. It is almost as if the holiday weekend never happened. Sadly. 

I am amazed how quickly the pace of life resumes.

Racking my First Batch of Wine

I am looking forward to the Springtime! In a short 74 days springtime will be here. Between now and then I expect at least one blizzard and a couple of major snow events. So far, however, the region has escaped the wrath of snow. Even last night's snow event petered out and because a dusting.

Yesterday, I was able to rack my first batch of wine. I had my first taste and I was pleasantly surprised. The wine had some nice tones and character. I hope it continues to develop as it still has a few weeks to develop. 

So the first Friday of 2017 will soon be in the books. It looks like it is going to be an interesting year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Almost Members of the Family

Riordin at Christmas

I was going through the Christmas images and I found one that made me smile all over again. I published it in my November 27th blog, but I like the image so much that it made think about how the animals in my house are more than just pets or animals, but rather they are members of the family.

During the Christmas decorating process Riordin, one of our cats, wanted to participate in the process and he got into the middle of nearly everything happening. 

Some cats, and dogs, are like that. They become almost all members of the family and they want to be involved in everything. It does get a bit tiring. 

Makayla, for instance, wants to join me on every trip I take outside the home. She does understand in some way, that she is not going to work with me in the morning, but every other journey is up for discussion. And she makes her desires known. The winter is a good time because I can run to the store and leave her in the car, unlike the hot days of summer. She has been making more short trips with me lately.

Riordin is part of everything we do. Seriously! When friends come to visit we have to lock him up or he finds a way to become the centerpiece of the conversation. While his ubiquitous presence is fine when Chris and I are home alone, it can be a bit much when friends or family are around.

Louis, the other cat, likes to reserve more cat-like activities for himself. He is around but not in the center of the action. He seems to understand that he is a cat and I'm not.

I love my pets and admit that I have enabled their behavior. But, for the majority of the time when Chris and I are the only ones home, it works.

They are not just pets, but they are members of the family. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Fire Sank the Titanic?

The conspiracy theorists continue to be alive and well even over 100 years after the tragic sinking of the Titanic.

A new article posits that a coal fire in three-story high bunker next to the boilers and in the vicinity of where the iceberg collided with the ship may have weakened the hull and contributed, or caused, the vessel to sink.


Wow. 

An article in the New York Times yesterday titled Coal Fire, Not Just Iceberg, Doomed the Titanic a Journalist Claims. 

The article presents an interesting view of the cause of the disaster. The coal fire allegedly began three weeks before the ship departed on its fateful maiden voyage. 

David Hill, a former honorary secretary of the British Titanic Society, who has been studying the cause of the sinking since the 1950s . . . “It amazes me how this ship still captures the global imagination. It was not the worst-ever catastrophe at sea. But it is the one everyone remembers.”

There have been many theories about the titanic, including one that maintains that it wasn't the Titanic which sank, but its sister ship the Olympic. 

Well, there probably isn't any possibility of proving one way or the other whether the coal fire, who knew, contributed significantly to the tragedy. I do find it interesting that the ship sailed with a coal fire raging--but, it was a different time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Back to the Grind

My 10-day Christmas break is over. I have enjoyed being away from work and attending to the needs the family and myself while enjoying the holidays.

Today is my first workday of 2017 and I am sure I will be behind already as soon as I arrive. It will be a bit tough getting back into the swing of things.

Un-decorating the Christmas Tree

We live in a tumultuous time. There seems to be something new in the news every day. The new Congress is seated today and the biggest business for the next few weeks we will be preparing for the new administration and impending change in our political operations.

And writing of change, the Christmas Tree is no longer gracing the family room in my house. Christmas is apparently over even though the colorful lights on my back deck still illuminate every evening. It rained yesterday and I was unable to get the exterior lights down and stored. I will have to wait for a dry day.

The new year is off to a rapid start. Come this time in 2018, I wonder how we will characterize this year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - January 2, 2016

1. Happy January 2, 2017. There are 51 Monday's left in the year.

The Christmas Tree

2. My idea of a White Christmas involves white sand on a sunny warm beach somewhere with palm trees.

3. One of the great questions of the holiday season is, "When should the Christmas Tree come down?"

4. A new subway line opened in New York City yesterday and everyone is very excited according to the New York Times. It is the Second Avenue Subway.

5. Queen Elizabeth is still feeling under the weather and missed church again. I'm not sure why that is news, but it is being widely reported. I have been watching the Netflix channel program The Crown with great interest especially for its historical views of Queen Elizabeth's early years as the Queen of England.

6. I have a holiday today! It is New Year's Day Observed!

7. The neighborhood is growing darker at night as people turn off their Christmas lights. It is a bit sad that the festivity of the holiday season has ended so abruptly.

8. With my football team out of the playoffs, it is now baseball season! Although the Orioles have not announced the date for pitchers and catchers to report it is likely to be February 12-14, about 41 days away.

9. There is snow in the forecast for the next ten days, complete with some accumulation.

10. We are less than three weeks from Inauguration Day! Hopefully the animosity between the outgoing and incoming administrations will settle down a bit

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

2017 Dawns

The first morning of 2017 has dawned with cloudy skies, but no snow. It was a pleasant 40 degrees! OK, how can 40 degrees be pleasant? Well, it isn't 17 degrees! It is all relative.

Celebrating the Last Night of Hanukkah
and New Year's Eve

Chris and I gathered with friends last evening to celebrate the arrival of 2017 and the last night of Hanukkah. It was great to be with friends enjoying great wines and food as the calendar changed. 

Many people will be writing the history of the past year and the changes we may/will see as a result of what transpired. Of course, one of the biggest question marks out there is what will the 45th President of the U.S. really do once he is inaugurated and how will the Congress and the country respond?

I am hoping that the divisions in our country can be repaired and we can begin to move forward. 

For the year ahead, I intend to be more aware of the blessings that I have received and try not to focus on the bad at the expense of the good. 

There is a lot more good out there than bad--it is just that the bad gets reported more.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Snow

Snow at Home
December 30, 2016

It happened yesterday. We received the first snow of the season here in Elkridge. 

It was, I hate to admit, pretty falling from the sky as gentle flakes blown about by the wind. It was even prettier because it did not accumulate and therefore did not cause additional work.

It was cold outside. It has been cold now for a couple of days. Too cold to do much outside, except watch for a few moments the snowflakes falling from the sky.

It is fitting that the next to last day of the year should being the first snowflakes of the winter season to my home. I hope the last day of the year is more mild, although the temperature is starting very cold at 27 degrees.

Well, as it is the last day of 2016 here is my wish that all of your dreams come true during 2017. Take a moment of pause today and recount the blessings of 2016--even though there has been hurt and loss, there are things to be thankful for during the year that is closing out.

Happy New Year! May your 2017 be blessed.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

2016 in the Rearview Mirror

As 2016 draws to a close I am reading about the highlights and lowlights of the year from many sources.  It is something that I find beneficial, reviewing the year before closing that chapter and turning the page for a new year's arrival.

As I reviewed the year in pictures, I remembered starting the new year with Mom and Dad in Elkridge and then driving to upstate NY on New Year's Day when traffic was light. We stayed there until the 3rd and returned to Elkridge under sunny skies.

There was a fantastic party at a local climbing zone for Lucas to celebrate one of the first birthday's of the year. It was the first of many gatherings. 

There was a big snowstorm on January 22-23 which kept us snowed in until the plows finally cleared the street on January 26th. It was way too much snow. 

Garth Brooks Concert

I attended a Garth Brooks concert in Baltimore on January 29th. It was awesome.

February was quieter with just a trip to Northern Virginia to attend the Fauquier County Wine Tasting event. 

March saw the annual Orioles Spring Training trip with the guys for baseball and golf. Sarasota and Florida was warm and spectacular. 

March also saw the inaugural lawn mowing of the season, a sure sign of Spring.

Beach Fire
Bahamas

On Easter Sunday, during Late March, Chris and I departed for our first cruise of the year to the Bahamas. It was Spring Break and we went to Fort Lauderdale and the Bahamas and had a great time. The trip lasted until early April.

April was busy as we competed in the annual Keswick Consensus Blending and I took a business trip to Alaska. It was a long trip to the great north. At the end of the month Chris and I headed off to St Michaels for the Wine Festival! It truly was a busy month.

May saw the pool opening and the beginning of the summer season. I installed a new sink for Chris and we celebrated Patrick's Master's Degree in Cyber Security! We also had a visit from Faline, the fawn.

June passed with Ethan's graduation form Elementary School and the end of the season for Jackson's baseball team. Then there was the trip to Upstate NY for Trevar's graduation from High School!

Our Caribbean Cruise Ship

During July, I made my first trip of the year to California. My second would be during November with Chris to revisit the cool finds I made during the July trip. Chris and I also departed on our Caribbean Cruise with Pennie and Scott which had an altered itinerary due to a hurricane. We never made it to Belize or Honduras. 

August saw the annual Troy Whittemore Golf Tournament in the rain in Trumansburg, NY. 

September was quieter, but October began with a trip to NYC with Ethan. It ended with a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate Jeremy's birthday. The highlight of the Vegas trip was playing TPC Las Vegas!

November was the do-over trip to California which included a visit to the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum. A spectacular spot. 

December's highlight was the tour of the Christmas decorated White House.

And of course, Christmas with the family!

What a year. I'm exhausted just writing about it. And those were only the highlights.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Holiday Exhaustion

Riordin and Louis Relaxing in a Sunbeam

With the holiday season nearing an end, exhaustion seems to be the call of the day. The frenzy of shopping and returns and getting ready for the big days has crested and life is slowly returning to a more normal pace.

The weather has been, until this morning, fantastic with Tuesday reaching into the 60's. Yesterday my thermometer reached 50 degrees and it was another beautiful day. I even managed an hour at the driving range hitting some golf balls and was appalled at how my swing has suffered during the nearly two months since I have been on a course.

With all of the activity of the past weeks, I think my cats, Riordin and Louis got it right the other afternoon when I found them lounging in a sunbeam on a coffee table. My cats always seem to know what needs to be done.

Anytime I can take a nap in a sunbeam is good. 

Now, all I need is some sunshine to land on my bed while I take a nap.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Disturbance in the Force

The passing of Carrie Fisher yesterday was another dose in a year of multiple reality checks. It was a bigger shock to realize that she is younger than me!

2016 has been a tough year with the passing of so many stars and notable people. The list, which continues to grow can be found on Wikipedia, as well as many other sites. The Mirror has a nicely done list with pictures of the celebrities. 

I am not going to run through those that touched me in a special way except to note that there were more than a few.

The passing of Carrie Fisher caused a large disturbance in the Force. She was one of the stars of three of the Star Wars movies. I am a fan of the movies and her character was inspiring and decisive.

With each passing, I am reminded of their impact on society. Even though they may have been entertainers or sports figures, many of them brought other important issues to the forefront of our consciousness like Muhammed Ali and his heroic battle with Parkinson's Disease. 

Everyone we meet or see impacts our lives--some positively and some negatively. I try to appreciate everyone and hopefully, 
I am having a positive affect on them. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hobby Expansion

I don't usually write about the gifts I receive for Christmas, however, this year I am going to make an exception.

I received a new hobby as a Christmas gift this year. Actually, it is an extension of my current wine hobby--I am going to try my hand at winemaking!

I received winemaking equipment for Christmas.

I have been studying the art and craft of winemaking, but now I will have the opportunity to do it for myself. I know that it is more than a formula or a recipe to follow.

The interesting part is that we are reconfiguring our house to support this expansion of our wine hobby. Yesterday I moved beds and dressers around, including up and down stairs, to make room for the wine making area.

The scary part is that I will be making about 30 bottles of wine. That is two and a half cases! It is going be painful if the wine is terrible and has to be poured out. 

Well, it takes about two months and I haven't really started yet. But I am getting excited.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD