Monday, April 17, 2017

Monday Musings - April 17, 2017


2017 Family Easter Picture
April 16, 2017
1. The Easter weather in the Baltimore region was fantastic. It reached a high of 87 degrees and there were only a few small passing sprinkles later during the day. Our family was smaller this year, sadly, but no less enthusiastic.

2. Eleven games into the 162 game season, the Orioles have the best record in Baseball! Yes, I am only showing the American League, but trust me, it's true!

3. The family Easter photo was taken from a new perspective.

4. I learned that I am not a drone pilot.  I killed a drone yesterday. Ugh!

5. Until yesterday, I had not played full-speed, outdoors hide-n-seek in many years. I can still do a flat out sprint, it seems.

6. Children make Easter fun!


Headlines


7. A ‘Cuban Missile Crisis in Slow Motion’ in North Korea - The New York Times

8. United Staff Will No Longer Take Seats of Boarded Passengers - The New York Times (why does this seem like a no brainer?)

9. Here are the missiles North Korea just showed off, one by one. - The Washington Post


Quote for the Week



"Now, some in this country say, 'Freedom is fine for us, but we can't worry about it for everyone else. Let's not stick our necks out anywhere.' Have they forgotten that freedom was not won here without the help of others? Have they forgotten that people who turn their backs on friends often lose what they cherish most for themselves? Have they forgotten that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction?"

Ronald Reagan 
Remarks at the National Legislative Conference of the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL - CIO, April 5, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Easter Greetings


Happy Easter!

In the midst of the family celebrations today, I pray that you find happiness and contemplate the significance of the most important Christian observance.

The secularization of Easter, with the cute rabbits,  chicks, and candy delicacies can detract, if allowed, from the meaning of the event that we celebrate today.

Although many believe that Christmas is the most significant Christian holiday, and it is important because it celebrates God becoming man and coming to us, Easter takes God's love one to the ultimate plane. The Son of God, true God, died to give us eternal life. And He didn't just die, because that would be a typical ending to a story, but He was raised back to life and lives even today.

This is very deep. 

For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received—that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures, - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

With the resurrection, the meaning of the cross was changed from one of the most horrible methods of execution that mankind has ever devised into a symbol of freedom and hope.

Happy Easter.

Greet your family and friends with the Paschal greeting:

Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, April 15, 2017

The Vacation Isn't Over Yet


Bloody Mary on the Beach
The trip from Florida back to Maryland went without incident. That was significantly different from the canceled flight we experienced during our travel to Florida. 
Mike after Teeing Off at Glenn Dale
April 15, 2017

That normally means that vacation is over and it is back to real life. And I am. There are groceries to buy, an Easter dinner to plan, and mail to rummage through to see if anything of value arrived during our absence.

I enjoyed sitting on the beach; eating lunch and sipping adult drinks. It was fun not to worry about what time I had to wake up, even though I woke up early.

I was able to sneak out this morning and play a round of golf. I did pretty well considering that I had not touched a golf club in two weeks. My vacation is not over yet.

I miss Florida.

I miss walking on the beach every morning.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, April 14, 2017

As the Vacation Winds Down


Carlin Park, Jupiter Florida
April 13, 2017
The last full day of vacation always a sad time. Yesterday was that day. Today is a travel day and that always brings its own set of stresses. 
Chris and I Looking into the Distance

I remembered to log on and get my seat on the airplane for the return trip home. I sincerely hope that it is less exciting than was the trip to Florida. 

I have been watching the news and I know that the world is a busy place, but being on vacation has allowed me to keep my head in the sand and let the international and domestic issues pass, kind of like having my head in the sand.

Home Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
And writing of sand, even though the water was again too rough to actually venture too far from shore, the sand on the windblown beach was warm and inviting. We have become big fans of the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach. It was a busy day yesterday, being a nice day and high season, and there were about 12 other people on the 5 miles of beach. That is a good ratio.

Too soon, I will be back into my all too busy life and the relaxing morning walks along the beach and afternoon naps in the sun will be nothing more than a memory.

But today, I will definitely enjoy all of these for at least one last time.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Palm Trees in the Wind


Palm Tree in the Wind
I was going to title this "A Study of Palm Trees" but I decided that images of two palm trees blowing in the wind did not constitute a study. 

Afternoon on the Intracoastal
Jupiter Island, Florida
April 12, 2017
The Atlantic Ocean has been rough during my entire vacation thus far. Three foot waves crashing onto the beaches and a steady wind that makes the nearly 80 degree temperatures seem cool.

The beauty of one of the beaches that we frequent is that the ocean is on one side and there are calmer beaches on the intracoastal waterway side. We found respite from the wind and waves yesterday on the intracoastal side and had an thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on the beach. It was as if we had out own private beach from which to watch the yachts sail the channel to the sea.

Palm Tree in the Storm
But it was the palm trees in the wind, illuminated by the sun with the dark storm clouds behind them that caught my eye. Standing alone, as palm trees often do, against the worst storms that the weather can throw against them. 
Palm Tree on the Dune

I enjoy palm trees.

What more can I say. I know that I am far enough south when palms begin to appear with increasing regularity and frequency. I know that they potentially can survive northern winters, but they do not grow naturally in the wilds of Maryland. I even found a website that details the correct types of palms to purchase for the varied Maryland climate zones. 

Maybe I will start landscaping with palm trees and sand.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Playing on the Beach


Chris Searching for Shells
 at Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
April 11, 2017
Chris at Carlin Park
April 11, 2017
The waves have been high along the beaches which have hindered our ability to play in the water. 

We have not been able to snorkel, but we have been enjoying the ocean and beaches in other ways. 

Our morning beach walk has been occurring on differing beaches. The waves have been magnificent. The scenery awesome. 

Chris has been having a blast playing with the waves and searching for shells. I ended the video below just before a wave caught up with Chris. It was very funny.



Yesterday we visited three beaches. I have to admit, it looks as if the entire Sargasso Sea is coming ashore. The beaches are still a lot of fun and the sun is still warm.

And, of course, I am not at work!

There are still, countless tomorrow's.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Critters Along the Beach


Jupiter Island
April 10, 2017
Photo by Chris
Walking along the beach in the morning can be an educational experience.


Pelicans on Patrol
Yesterday the waves were crashing on the beach and red flags were flying. 

We found the beach to full of life. The sea birds were everywhere and there was even a small portuguese man o' war washed up among the sea grasses. 


The waves obviated any idea we had of getting into the water, but the walk along the beach was exciting.
Portuguese Man O' War on the Beach
Photo by Chris

It is too early in the season for turtles, but we did look to see if any had happened onto the beach during the night. There didn't seem to be any.

Of course, the day before we had happened across a small crab along the beach as well. 

The sky above is full of life as well. The pelicans cruise the beach looking for a meal and a family of ospreys aggressively hunt above the shore as well.

I love the beach!

Remember, a bad day at the beach is better than a good day at the office!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Monday, April 10, 2017

Monday Musings - April 10, 2017


Trapped in the Open
1. It is good to get away from the daily grind of life and change the scenery.

2. Do you ever feel trapped in wide open spaces? I saw a crab on the beach yesterday that I am sure had some of those feelings.

3. Palm trees are the next decorating fad.


4. Congratulations to Sergio Garcia on winning a thrilling Master's tournament yesterday.

5. The craziness in Washington should subside for a couple of weeks, Congress is on Spring Break!

6. The Orioles had a meltdown yesterday and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. They remain atop the American League East, however.

Headlines


7. With a deadline looming, nobody is threatening to shut down the government - The Washington Post

8. Taxes — the great uniter? - The Washington Post

9. Attacks on Christians in Egypt Undercut Sisi’s Promise of Security - The New York Times


Monday's Quote

The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets. - Will Rogers

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Sunday, April 9, 2017

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

Saturday, April 8, 2017

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

Friday, April 7, 2017

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

Thursday, April 6, 2017

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

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

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

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

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, April 3, 2017

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

Sunday, April 2, 2017

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

Saturday, April 1, 2017

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

Friday, March 31, 2017

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

Thursday, March 30, 2017

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

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

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

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

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

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