Day 3 is Day 1

Palm Trees
I'm in Florida

Today is essentially the first day of my Spring vacation. It is, however, the third day of my vacation. 

Chris on the Beach

We arrived in Florida last evening, uneventfully. The ride from Orlando seemed longer than normal, but at least we finally overcame the scheduling impact from the storms of Thursday. We heard that some people whose travel plans were disrupted by the weather were not getting out until Sunday. We felt lucky when the plane roared into the sky and Baltimore was in our proverbial "rear-view mirror."


Today was almost idyllic. We have been to the beach twice to enjoy the sun, wind, and waves. We even switched beaches from the ocean side to the intercostal side to be warmer and to be able to get into the water. The ocean surf was rough and yellow flags were flying along the guarded beaches this morning.

The Ocean Between My Knees

It was a great start to my first day in Florida. Alas, however, there was a trip to the local grocery store sandwiched in there. But, I guess we need some food to eat.

I am just enjoying the day, the sun and the warmth!

I am happy that we finally arrived!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

My First Day of Spring Break

Every year, Chris and I plan a get away during Spring Break. For Chris, who works in a school, the week provides a much needed escape from the daily grind.

We we're supposed to be in Florida soaking up sun and walking the sandy beaches. 

Due to many flight cancellations on Thursday evening, we are hoping to get out on a flight today and start our early-Spring vacation a couple days late.

A Warm Beach that I Am Not On
Bahamas from 2016

So what did I do on my first day of Spring Break?

First off, I sojourned to Lowe's to get the supplies to replaced the innards of a noisy toilet.

Then, I finally got my tractor started amid a humorous and frustrating series of mishaps to get it out of the shed and into the garage for the necessary work. In the end, I couldn't push it up the yard and had to work on it in the cold 45 degree temperatures of the day. Who knew that tractors with soft tires could be so hard to push. I almost hooked a tow cable to it and towed it with my truck, but that seemed to be a bit excessive.

But, with a little work and tinkering the tractor started and I mowed, yes, mowed, the lawn. I was freezing mowing the lawn in 45 degree temperatures--but the thoughts of soon being on a warm beach kept me warm (in my mind).

I definitely was not relaxing on a beach for my first day of vacation.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

I'm Not In Florida

I was supposed to wake up this morning in Florida surrounded by palm trees and 80 degree temperatures.

Due to the rough weather along the East Coast yesterday, I am at home superfine through 40 degree temperatures and will not be leaving for Florida until tomorrow!  Ugh!

Travel was catastrophe yesterday. 

First the flight was delayed three hours. OK--no big deal. But then, it was canceled! And we HAD to go to the airport to try to get rescheduled--for Saturday!

Well, it is Spring Break and everyone who can is trying to escape to Florida, it seems.

We met some nice people, especially the couple trying to return home to the West Palm Beach area after living in Australia for the past three years. They were really in a mess because their dog was being delivered to their house today! They needed to be home. I hope they made it.

I hope we make it tomorrow!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Loss of Privacy

Soon, I expect many more ads to start appearing on my computer because Internet privacy has been repealed. 

My service providers are going to begin selling my browsing history to make a buck.

I feel as if my privacy is being invaded. 

It is like people can rummage through my personal mail and then sell lists of whom I receive mail from to advertisers.

It is wrong. 

I'm thinking about a VPN to try to keep at least some privacy. Big corporations do not need to know when I am planning to go on vacation--that becomes a security issue because I plan all of my trips on line. Cruises, get-aways and the like.

Even my car repairs and home repairs are subjects of internet searches. Also, all of my medical doctors now have web services that I use to schedule appointments and renew prescriptions. Do I really need big business to know these types of personal things?

No.

Just like I do not like having my USPS mail examined.

My Take: What happened to the idea of privacy?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Day Ends

The Setting Sun Illuminating the Tree Tops

Despite all of its hectic abuses of my time, I enjoy the ability to sit around a fire pit and reflect on the day as the sun sets.

Sometimes I am rewarded with a stunning sunset, but more often it is just the slow fading of the light into darkness that signals day's end. 

The Moon with the Setting Sun
on the Tree Branches

Last evening marked the first day of the year where I changed into shorts and a tee shirt from my normal work clothes upon arriving home. It was a novelty and I enjoyed sitting around, chatting while clothed in my normal summertime garb. The temperature topped out at just shot of 80 degrees yesterday. I remembered how much I enjoy the warmer temperatures.

The clear sky last evening added to the enjoyment. It was warm and clear. 

Another day and another fantastic ending.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Opening Day Ends in Celebration

Patrick Walking Towards OPACY for the Game

The Crowd on Eutaw Street

Of course today is going to be about the Orioles Opening Day. Patrick and I invested about seven hours in the festivities and the game--and were not disappointed.

Pre-game Festivities and the Orange Carpet Run

The game was both long and exciting. We were at OPACY with over 45,000 of our new best friends for the 11 inning, 3 hour and 41 minute contest in which only 5 total runs scored on 20 hits. Eleven pitchers were used during the game.  The weather was OK for early April with temperatures in the mid-60's, but overcast with the threat of rain as the game moved into extra innings. 

The Skyline from my Seat

Most importantly, however, was that the Orioles put a 1 in the WIN column and sitting at 1-0 for the season are tied for the American League (AL) East lead. Yes, it is only one game, but I am hopeful that the Orioles will be in the AL East lead for more of the season and especially at the end of the season during October.

After the Walk-off Homer in the 11th Inning for the Win

The game was exciting and I was impressed with both teams desire to win. At one point the Orioles had 5 hits in the game and four of them were doubles! They ended the game with 9 hits and of that four were doubles and then there was one home run, the game winning walk-off dinger by Trumbo!

Final score: 3-2 Orioles! The game had been tied 2-2 since the 6th inning.

There is really almost nothing more exciting in all of baseball than winning a game via the walk-off home run! The hardest part of the play, and especially on Opening Day, is making sure the batter actually gets to touch home plate before the ensuing mob of players express their enthusiasm for the dramatic victory. 

It was a great day at the park. There are still 161 games remaining in the season and 80 of them are home games!

Let's Go O's!!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 3, 2017

Jim on Hole 13 at Patuxent Greens
April 2, 2017

1. April has arrived and outdoor life is resuming its pre-winter pace.


2. Today is Orioles Opening Day! Guess where I am planning to be for the game. Here's hoping for a win!

3. I did enjoy a game of golf yesterday. I didn't play very well, but I enjoyed getting out for a round at Patuxent Greens.

4. It is tax season! Are yours done, yet?

5. I hate tax season, it is the most depressing time of the year. Just saying.

6. On one hole yesterday, a goose was keeping a close watch on my activities.

Headlines

7. Trump ready to 'solve' North Korea problem without China - BBC News

8. Leopard briefly shuts down Nepal’s only international airport - Indian Express

9. Venezuela is Becoming a Failed State - New York Post

Quote of the Day

"Thomas Jefferson was no reactionary, he was a true progressive when he warned, the only safe depository of the ultimate powers of society are with the people themselves. The 10th amendment tells us the Federal Government will do only those things called for in the Constitution, and all others shall remain with the States or with the people."

Ronald Reagan

Remarks at the Annual Meeting of the United States Chamber of Commerce, April 26, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday Workday

The first reasonably nice weekend of the Spring and coincidentally of the the month provided the opportunity for a work day around the house.

Lucas with the Ball

The leaves that winter's winds had blown into the yard and along the fences needed to be removed to allow for the grass to spring up and fill in the bare sport. There actually were a lot of leaves to move and that they were heavy from the past few days of rain added some weight to the operation. 

Lucas Takes a Shot

Chris and I labored outside for a number of hours on the leaves and and also set up our pool deck, although pool opening day is still about a month away. The blossoms are coming on many of our flowering trees. The weeping cherry is visible near the shed in the picture of Lucas with the ball. 

There was time for some fun along the way. Jeremy and Lucas happened by for a visit and there may have been some basketball played in the driveway. My truck, as usual, served as a partite backstop, ugh. Chris managed one shot which saw the ball hit my truck on three separate occasions. 

It was a busy and enjoyable day outside. As the Springtime continues, there are sure to be many more outdoor days! 

Sunscreen! We forgot the sunscreen!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It's April

April showers bring May flowers.

The official first full month of Spring has arrived. 

It is April Fool's Day! 

Weeping Cherry in My Yard

I have been impressed with the recovery of the blooming trees after the frigid weather interrupted their explosion of color for a couple of weeks. 

But the flowers are back and springtime is progressing once again.

The green is back and I have seen leaves on some of the trees in the forests which line the highway that I drive to work. 

Don't be an April Fool--but get out and enjoy the day. 

It is April, after all. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Racing through the Week

If I had thought that the pace of life was going to slow down with the arrival of Spring, I was mistaken.

It seems as if things have roared off the launch pad at near supersonic speed this week.

After an great Sunday which saw a relatively leisurely trip to Annapolis to watch Ethan's basketball game, things have really moved out.

Monday after work was baseball practice, followed by Tuesday's racquetball league. Wednesday brought another baseball practice and Thursday was a great evening at home joined by friends. Friday will be a huge birthday celebration, Saturday more baseball practice, and on Sunday I have an early morning tee time staring at a temperature expected to be about 40 degrees. After a break on Monday for Orioles Opening Day, the week will pretty much repeat!

Sometime during the weekend, I need to get my tractor started and possibly even do the inaugural mowing of the year!

Spring break is coming and I will be taking some time off to spend with Chris during the ramp up to Easter and so I know there will soon be a break in the action.

Pool opening day is drawing close as well!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

This is Making America Great, Again?

Smoggy Afternoon in Beijing

Consider this: China may be pushing the united States to keep its promises to ensure a cleaner environment.

Sound fanciful? 

I have read about the suffocating air pollution in Beijing and the general disregard for the environment through out industrialized China. But in the united states we are different and more environment friendly.

Wrong, it appears. 

This morning's New York Times in an article titled, China Poised to Take Lead on Climate After Trump's Move to Undo Policies suggests that the roles of the world's two biggest producers of greenhouse gasses may soon switch. 

The New York Times article closes with the following:

“There are clear differences between the Chinese approach and the Trump administration on climate change,” Ms. Hilton said. “While Trump’s administration seems to believe that action on climate change is a waste of money and threatens jobs in the U.S., China sees investment in climate-related action as essential to secure a safe and prosperous future for Chinese citizens, as well as a strategic opportunity to develop and supply the technologies of the future.” 

Note: Isabel Hilton, founder of Chinadialogue, a prominent website that reports on environmental issues and policy.

In my mind, making America Great Again means taking the lead on planet-wide issues that will affect the health and prosperity of future generations, not increasing the country's use of 19th Century energy sources that, I have heard, caused the streetlights of come on at midday in some coal burning cities like Pittsburgh. 

Climate change and especially global warming is not a theory--it is a fact. If the U.S. turns back the clock on environmental controls the green movement will soon change colors and fade to brown.

Making America great means leading the charge to protect the planet and make the world a better place, not mortgaging the prosperity and health of future generations for profits today. 

I guess that is what businessmen do, right? Work the system to turn a profit today and worry about tomorrow some other time. After all, they are only in the game for the short haul.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Turning to Embrace the Spring

The weather has moderated and my thoughts are turning to Spring.

Jax Finishing a Pitch

Youth baseball is well underway--we are having three practices per week in preparation for the coming season. I am very excited about the GORC U10 Intramural Dodgers! The boys are practicing hard and I love that they always seem to have smiles on their faces. It makes me smile, too!

Jackson is learning to pitch and I believe that he has some promise!

Forecast from March 29, 2017

The forecast is relatively moderate as well. The temperatures are climbing slowly into the realm of the possible. Most days the temperature will be in the 60's, although hitting the 70's or 80's again seems beyond the forecast. 

My thoughts are turning to baseball, Orioles Opening Day is Monday, and golf, I have a 7AM tee time on Sunday! The pace of life is increasing: I am out doing something 4 of 5 week nights.  

When i walk outside, I appreciate that the breeze that graces my face is no longer biting into my skin, but feels warmer and more inviting. 

It is Springtime and soon I will begin preparations to open my pool for the coming Summer season!

The best time of the year is close at hand!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flowers from the Storm

Sad Flowers Pummeled by the Storm
March 14, 2017

Happy Flowers in the Springtime Sun
March 9, 2017

I had the opportunity to watch the clump of Tete-a-Tete daffodils outside my front door respond to the recent, and hopefully final, storm of the season. 

For some reason, I was so impressed by their resilience that I just had to document their recovery. During early March there hardy harbingers of Spring had blossomed and were providing a much needed splash of color for the front garden. 

Within a week, however, the severe nor'easter which swept up the Atlantic coast had pummeled them into submission under as layer of snow and ice. They looked very sad and it seemed that Springtime had been cruelly ripped away from us. 

Resurrected Tete-a-Tete's
March 26, 2017

At the time I snapped the image, I was convinced that these small flowers were going to be another lost joy of Springtime. "But wait . . ."

As they say in the Television sales industry, ". . . there's more!"

Less than two weeks after the icy blast the small clump of flowers, like a Phoenix, have risen to regain their full Springtime splendor, which is kind of tough since they are so small. 

But there they are, standing tall and proclaiming the power of Springtime!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 27, 2017

1. It is the last Monday of March 2017. It seems like the month began only yesterday.

2. Fortunately, Saturday was a fantastic day, weather wise. Yesterday was a bit of a bust.

3. Who rests in former President James K. Polk's tomb? It may not be the former President for much lingerie according to a story in the morning's New York Times. 

4. March Madness has been weaned to the Final Four. Is your bracket still alive with North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon and Gonzaga. My bracket is kind of busted! Although, I still have two of the four.

5. One week from today is Orioles Opening Day! Current forecast if for partly cloudy skies and 61 degrees. That would make it both warmer and drier than some of the Opening Days that I have attended.

6. The problem with our Congress is that they are more interested in not passing legislation than they are in ensuring the proper functioning of the government. What happened to bipartisanship? Will the country have a budget this year? 

Headlines

7. It’s time for both parties to get serious on fixing health care - New York Post

8. Scotland Yard: There is Possibility We Will Never Understand Why Masood Did This - Asharq Al-Awsat

9. Report: South Korean prosecutors push to arrest ex-leader - The China Post

Quote of the Day

"It's time to put politics aside and do what the Congress knows has to be done sooner or later anyway: give the American people a budget process that controls spending, a budget process we can be proud of."

Ronald Reagan
Radio Address to the Nation on Budget Reform, March 21, 1987

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Idyllic Saturday

First Tee
Compass Pointe North Course
March 25, 2017

Yesterday, the weather did not disappoint. 

According to some reports, the high temperature made it all the way to 80 degrees. I was on Compass Pointe Golf Courses during the heat of the day and while I cannot confirm the high, I can attest that it was a nice day and everyone I know seemed to be outside enjoying the weather. I even got a touch sunburned!

Trevar Waiting for the Tee Box to Open Up

The ranger monitoring the action at Compass Pointe Golf Courses indicated that for the first time in seven years all 150 golf carts were out on the courses. Apparently, every golfer in the region saw the forecast and had the same idea--get out and play.

Trevar and I did enjoy 18 holes of the slowest golf ever played. It took almost 5 hours to complete the round. But, given the great weather, what else would I rather be doing? I just find it hard to stay focused while waiting around to make the next shot. By comparison, we played 18 holes in 2 hours and 55 minutes on Friday.

Over the past three days, I have played 45 holes of golf! And coached a baseball practice. And I even went to work!  

It has been busy.

Sadly, today the weather is going to be colder and I have things to do that I have been ignoring. Back to reality, I guess.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Celebrating Spring's First Great Weather Weekend

Baseball Practice in 40 Degree Weather
March 22, 2017

The weather is going to be fantastic this today! And that is when compared to the cold weather of the recent weekends of March.

There have been times that I wished for February's return because there were so many 70-degree days during that month and thus far in March there have been none.

It was so cold during Wednesday's baseball practice that my fingers turned numb. Even Thursday while playing my first golf round of the year, it became so cold by the end of the 9-hole round that it was unpleasant. 

The big events of the past week were not sports related. During this week I noticed that the peepers had returned and the birds are now singing loudly in the mornings as I leave for work. 

I plan to celebrate the first 70-plus degree day of the month by coaching baseball practice in the morning and enjoying an 18-hole round of golf in the afternoon! 

I may need a down day tomorrow!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Golf Outing

Carroll Park Hole 4
March 23, 2017

I made it to a local golf course yesterday for my first outing of the year!

Trevar Working on His Swing

Fortunately, Carroll Park is close and Trevar and I made the last open tee time for the day. The course was in good winter shape. Having the grass still struggling to grow made it easier to find the balls, unlike later in the season. Being the last ones out, the ranger was pulling the pins as we made our way across the last holes. 

It was cold. The temperature was in the middle 40's as we began, but the sun was warm. By the time we finished it was just cold!

We would have finished sooner than almost two hours, but the group in front of us was playing very slowly. But then, that is why people go to Carroll Park, to learn the game. It was just cold, so that magnified the amount of time we stood around waiting for them to play.

Day one of the year on a golf course. It was great to finally drive for the fairway rather than the range, I actually missed all of them but only by a few yards. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Traveler Beware

The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution is supposed to protect Americans from unreasonable search and seizure. It is under attack again!

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Apparently, the Fourth Amendment does not apply at the borders of the United States--or so Customs and Border Patrol officials would have us believe. 

As reported on NBC News, American citizens are having their personal cellphones searched against their will. 

This is an important situation. The willful dilution of the 4th Amendment is an unacceptable risk for all Americans. 

It is not an issue of, "why do I care if I don't have anything to hide?" It is an issue of we each have the right to privacy in the absence of probable cause. The  government has proven on multiple occasions that it cannot adequately protect the most sensitive secrets of the nation, what makes us think that they will protect an individuals personal information to include banking information and credit cards information any better?

Although case law from 150 years ago is cited to support the searches, somehow I do not believe that the wealth of data stored on cell phone were considered during that ruling.

The New York Times this morning has an article about safeguarding your data when crossing the border that makes for very interesting reading. 

This is an important issue. While the law may give them the right to go through the devices, it may not allow them to actually access the data. This will be playing out in the courts soon. It is one thing to examine and quite another to electronically copy all of the information contained on the device. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Excitement of the WBC Finals

Adam Jones Driving in the Winning Run
From the NY Times

The U.S. World Baseball Classic Team is in new territory. The country that invented the game of basebal ahs never been in the finals--until now. 

Last night the U.S. defeated Japan 2-1 to reach the finals against Puerto Rico. The game will be played tomorrow night.

It is exciting, especially because the MLB teams are still in Spring Training and the Orioles center fielder, Adam Jones, has been a major contributor to the success of the American team in the tournament. Last night he drove in the winning run in the 8th inning. In other games he has also had critical hits and home runs to keep the American team alive. 

Having the U.S. team reach the finals is almost like having a World Series in March! And there have been Orioles on most of the better teams.

U.S.A.

Baseball!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Baseball Returns

Last evening I made it to my first baseball practice for the GORC Dodgers U10 baseball team.

There had only been one practice prior to last evening due to the snow storm which blew in last week. I have to admit, I was very impressed with the team. There is something invigorating about watching boys chase baseballs and make hard throws wearing big smiles on their faces. 

Baseball should be fun! 

And it was!

Yes, the infield was too wet to actually run bases and I forgot to take any pictures, but it was a great practice. It was also a much needed respite after a couple weeks of inside the house projects and "too cold to go outside" weather. 

It was also a great way to celebrate the first day of Spring!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 20, 2017

1. Happy day. It is the first day of Spring. The winter is over and happy days are ahead.

2. I think my friend Mark said it best--we are a lot better at drinking wine than making it.

3. March Madness has been maddening.

4. The region has surpassed 12 hours of sunlight per day! Yay!

5. Week one of Daylight Saving Time is over. I think I have restored my schedule and made up for lost sleep.

Quote of the Day

6. "Two centuries ago, Thomas Jefferson is supposed to have said, 'Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.' He didn't just mean vigilance against foreign attack. The greatest threat to freedom, even in today's perilous times, comes from no foreign foe. It comes from a dangerous habit many of our leaders fell into over several generations -- letting the power and the resources that are the basis of freedom slip from the grassroots America into the hands of a remote central authority." - Ronald Reagan

Remarks at the Los Angeles, California, County Board of Supervisors' Town Meeting, March 3, 1982

Headlines

7. What to worry about when you worry about North Korea - The Washington Post

8. Using Special Forces Against Terrorism Trump Seeks to Avoid Big Ground Wars - The New York Times

9. Orly airport attacker "had been drinking, taking drugs" autopsy reveals - France Medias Monde 

10. Child prostitution charges brought against Oklahoma senator caught with teen boy in motel room - The Houston Chronicle

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Consensus Blending 2016

The 2016 Consensus Team
Chris, Peggy, Mark, Me, George, Sue

The team was formed for another run at winemaking glory. The annual event at Keswick Vineyards has been convening during weekends this March with the intent of blending the best wine from components.

This year the vintage was 2016 wines composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga, Chambourcin, and Merlot. 

We had a lot of fun and made a very drinkable wine. We did not win the competition, sadly, but like all sports there can be only one winner and everyone else become also rans.

But, what is important? We had fun, we made a good wine, and we learned more about how hard it is to make a wine that appeals to everyone.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

How I Know that Spring is Close

Orioles Partial Plan Season Tickets

Despite the unseasonably cold weather, I know that Spring is close.

I can feel it.

I see evidence that Spring is close in the blooming flowers under the frozen snow and the frost-blasted blossoms on the trees.

But the real reason that I know Spring is almost here is because my Orioles season tickets came via Fedex the other day. And I bought my Opening Day tickets online.

Orioles Opening Day is close, less than three weeks away. The date has not crept into the 10-day forecast quite yet, but it is getting close.

Spring officially arrives on Monday in the morning, but in my heart it is already here despite the frigid temperatures that I am suffering through.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD