Golf Fun for the Open

I read an interesting article about a golfer that claimed he was a professional and then played a U.S. Open qualifying round and shot a 127. This was definitely not a Tin Cup experience.

I could do that.

Easily.

I love golf, but I know that any idea I have of ever playing in the U.S. Open is a pipe dream.

I don't think I would ever try to enter a prestigious event like a U.S. Open qualifier--but, I am impressed that Clifton McDonald played all 18 holes and carded a 127!

I've been there when I started playing golf and I know how hard it is to make good shots on some days!

Some days are great, but most are mediocre. But, like I say, a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day in the office!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cue the End of the School Year Events

Jax in the Back

Last evening was one of the first of the lasts. Waugh Chapel Elementary School held their performing arts concerts and Jackson, known better as a lights out third baseman for the GORC Intramural U10 Pirates, performed as a member of the orchestra on his, if you can believe it, violin!

I was late to the concert, due to traffic and poor planning on my part, but I did enjoy seeing him perform. Tonight we will be on the baseball field and there will be no talk of violins or concerts, but last evening, Jax was front and center, OK--he was in the back row, of the third grade strings section.

Jax with Violin

And so it begins, the series of lasts associated with the impending end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation. I have many fond memories of summertime and roaming the hills around our house in Central New York. And I remember all of the "lasts" associated with the end of the school year. The last game, concert, or test. I guess my favorite last was the last day of school! That is truly the best last of all.

The end of the school year is a time for celebration, and the "lasts" just help to make the most of each opportunity.

Good job last evening Jax!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The White House Circus

What a news day.

FBI Director Comey

The FBI director is fired and the former National Security Advisor's illegal ties to the Russians are uncovered.

What is the real story here?

Former National Security Advisor
Flynn

The real story is that being a public servant in America today requires a lot of sacrifice and it also requires integrity.

Apparently, some of the public servants appointed by the new administration or hold overs from the previous administration do not have the required level of integrity. 

We are learning so much about those who would lead our country. Not all of it is good.

Why is there so much dirt in D.C.?

It seems as if there is new bad story every day. 

Why do people who should know better try to do things they should not?

It makes no sense.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Night Baseball

It was a great baseball night.

OPACY
Nationals vs Orioles
May 8, 2017

I was at OPACY to see the Orioles defeat the Nationals. The evening was beautiful as the sun began to sink low on the horizon, but the temperatures were cold. I was dressed in a winter coat to defend off the chill from the too cold wind.

The game got off to a great start with three Orioles homers during the first inning to charge off to a 4-0 lead and then settled into a closely played baseball game which saw the home team hold on for a 6-4 win.

The game ended on a crazy double play which saw a ball hit to first base for the first out and subsequently tagged the runner from third to home on a rundown. 

Baseball even at the professional level can be very interesting at times. 

In other baseball news, as Watched the Orioles defeat the Nationals, I was keeping a close eye on the GORC Intramural U10 Dodgers who shook off the heartbreaking Sunday loss and won their game 17-1. 

It was a great Monday for baseball.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 8, 2017

1. Orioles complete a weekend sweep of the White Sox to get back onto their winning ways as the season begins to get serious.

2. Rain and cold can seriously change plans for activities.

3. Pool opening has been rescheduled for May 13th due to the weather. 

4. I completed my weekly lawn mowing in the cool rain, it was not a lot of fun.

5. The GORC Intramural U10 Dodgers played a great game yesterday but fell in a difficult 3-1 loss. 

Headlines

6. Warning: We are not Ready for the Next Pandemic - Time

7. Emmanuel Macron’s unlikely path to the French presidency - The Washington Post

8. Everything you need to know about trade economics, in 70 words - The Washington Post

9. North Korea Detains Another American, State Agency Says - The New York Times

Quote for the Week

"We live our dreams. We make them come true. Our ideas and energies combine in a dynamic force -- the kind of force that made the developments and breakthroughs and discoveries in this building possible."

Ronald Reagan

Remarks at Dedication Ceremonies for the U.S. Pavilion at the Knoxville International Energy Exposition (World's Fair) in Tennessee, May 1, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rain and Cold

I am always amazed how the weather can really affect planned activities.

Our new Hibiscus

Yesterday was supposed to be filled with baseball and outdoors fun and because of the rain it turned into a day of helping with a major decking project and then some evening relaxation.

Our new hibiscus bravely bloomed against the dreary conditions, but its lone flower was almost snuffed by the gloom.

The gray overcast rainy yesterday has turned into a bright and sunny but cold today. The temperature this morning was 44 degrees. But the bright sun is shining and the sky is blue!

Hopefully, today's outdoor activities will go off as planned, even though a coat may be required. Tonight is expected to be even colder!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cinco de Mayo

Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo. Those who know me also know that this is my favorite foreign holiday. I have blogged before about the history of Cinco de Mayo. 

Last evening, however, I gained a new appreciation for the popularity of the holiday. We waited for almost an hour at a local Mexican establishment before deciding to head home for a impromptu celebration.

Our celebration, with friends, was far more sedate but also more enjoyable. My margaritas are a lot better than those being served in the Mexican restaurant. 

The holiday is now a good memory, except for the margarita glasses that would not fit into the dishwasher last night and are still gracing the counter. 

I guess I am ready for the remainder of May. Cue the sun and bring on summer!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Health Care

I wrote too soon.

A few days ago I wrote that the lack of a Republican revision to the Affordable Healthcare Act was one of the great aspects of Trump's first 100 days.

Yesterday, that changed as a flawed bill was passed that stands to disenfranchise some 30 million people from affordable healthcare. 

The Washington Post, in an article titled, Here’s what you need to know about preexisting conditions in the GOP health plan, lays out the impact on people.

This had become a too political issue. Someone needs to advocate for people. The real cost of this issue is found in the homes of real people who will lose their healthcare.

And why?

Because our politicians have forgotten that they serve at the pleasure of the voters who elect them.

I am not sure why our politicians are working to take health care away from people rather than assuring that everyone can have affordable health care. It makes no sense.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Electric problems, Decks, Faucets, Pools, Doors

Sometimes my life is defined by projects. 

During the past few days I have become the ultimate handyman. A veritable Tim the Toolman!

Over the weekend I troubleshot and fixed an annoying electrical problem. That took seven hours of my life that I will not get back. But I had success!

Then I gave some advice on a deck project that I will be assisting with in the next few days. It is going to be a great project and since is not my deck, I know I will enjoy the project much more.

Sandwiched in between

Pool Cover Remains

was a new faucet for a sink. It is sad that replacement parts are not readily available and that a whole new faucet was required, but kitchens need faucets. 

I was reminded of this time last year when we were without a sink in the kitchen for a few weeks. 

The pool was supposed to be opened this weekend, but the weather makes it seem as if I will push it back a week. If the temperatures are going to be in the 50's, it does not make sense to open the pool.

And then there is the door. We have a cranky door. Tonight we are getting an estimate to replace it. 

I am sure there will be another project to add to the list soon! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The First 100 Days

There has been a lot of news coverage of the President's first 100 days.

I'm not sure which view is correct anymore.

Has he accomplished the long list of hard charging things that he says he has accomplished? 

Or are the news pundits correct in pointing out the side show that the White House and the administration have become something of a sideshow in politics with very little tangible results?

I think each of us needs to decide for ourselves. Is the government heading the direction that we want? Perhaps the surprising answer is yes!

Why?

Well, the great wall of the United States remains unfunded.

Obamacare remains funded.

We survived a shutdown scare.

The stock market is generally up, but flat.

Congress is finally figuring out how to get stuff done. 

So there are some interesting things that are happening. Most importantly, I believe that ur President is learning how to be Presidential! If only he would give up on Twitter.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Recreating a Garden

Recreated Shade Garden

There is an area near the driveway which provides total shade. Grass refuses to grow there and we also have an ugly green Baltimore Gas and Electric distribution box sitting on some prime lawn real estate. The box is ugly. It has always been ugly. Add to that are two other utility related boxes that need to be softened. I wonder why they don't consider the location of utility services when they build out communities?

For a couple of years now, Chris and I have maintained a shade garden in the area. We enjoy the hostas. So do the deer. 

This year we decided to "take it up a notch." Enter a new retaining wall and some flowers. We removed some of the grasses that we used to try to hide the utility box and cleaned up the lines.

We are still planning to place a fern on the big box to soften the lines a bit more.

Springtime. Gardening. Flowers. Preparation for the Summertime!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 1, 2017

1. May has arrived with the promise of the flowers ensured by the April rains.

2. Happy May Day, a holiday celebrated by most of the rest of the world, but not the United States. 

Electrical Issues
April 29, 2017

3. Who would have believed it, but a faulty extension cord cost me over 8 hours of electrical troubleshooting. I did get familiar with a lot of electrical devices in the house.

4. The deer around our neighborhood are fearless. A couple of them came into our yard yesterday, in broad daylight, to sample the plants in our garden.

5. It is getting more dangerous every day to fly it appears. A Delta Airlines pilot hit a woman to break up a flight. 

6. I was able to get the lawn mowed today. It has become a weekly activity again! Yay!

Headlines

7. After hard-left turn under Jeremy Corbyn, Britain’s Labour Party on course for historic defeat - The Washington Post

8. As Economy Grows, North Korea’s Grip on Society Is Tested - The New York Times

9. Trade deal needed before Brexit payment, says May - The Hindu

10. Helium in Crisis - Chemistry World

Quote for the Week

"I remember the old story about a businessman who after many years of dutifully keeping the records and documents required by the Federal Government in his particular business, and with the files really piling up, he wrote the Government asking if he still needed to keep all the old documents. And a letter came back saying, 'Well, it's okay, you can throw away any papers more than 8 years old provided you make copies of each one of them first.'"

Ronald Reagan

Remarks at a White House Briefing for Members of the Young Presidents' Organization, April 13, 1988

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Good-bye April

Another month of the year 2017 is about to occur and the year will officially be 25 percent complete. 

Our Lilac Bush

It is hard to believe how quickly the time is passing. The birds of Spring are singing in my ears where just a short month ago it was gray and cold with almost no birds calling to fill the air with song. 

Lilac Close-up

The trees surrounding my yard are still filling out, but I can say that all of my friends have returned for another season. I realize how much I had missed the green.

The lilac bush is finally in full bloom; filling the air with its sweet and unique scent. 

Thus far, my allergist seems to have managed a miracle and my allergies are under control and I am able to enjoy the Springtime without being drugged into submission.

Sitting on my back deck, with the birds, surrounded by the flowering plants of Springtime I am reminded that these are the best days. I savor them and I need to remember them, especially during the dark days of the Winter.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

On the Deck

In celebration of a beautiful morning and before I hit the golf course, I am sitting on my back deck enjoying the sounds of nature, interrupted by the noise of civilization.

Through the Screen
My Very Green Backyard
April 29, 2017

The trees are leafing and the green has fully returned to my backyard sanctuary. The birds are busy chirping and I hear at least six different calls simultaneously. I wish I was better at identifying birds from their calls. 

Cutting through the sounds of nature, however, are the passing jets flying out of BWI screaming to make altitude and get on their way to their destinations. Additionally, the sound of trucks in the warehouses occasionally drown out the birds songs. 

Despite the unwanted noise, I still enjoy the sounds of life and the rebirth of Spring. 

I just wish, sometimes, that I lived further away from the noise of civilization. But that written, I also need to enjoy what I am blessed with and appreciate my own backyard.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Taxes

I am not a fan of taxes.

It seems that everyone has a new tax plan. I like hearing that at least some of the plans are to reduce taxes.

How can that be bad?

Having just made it through another tax season, the wounds to my personal bank account are still very fresh. I welcome plans to reduce taxes.

I am patriotic and I pay my taxes, but I know that I would be stimulating the economy more if my tax bite were lower.

Why do some people believe we need more taxes anyway?

I was encouraged by the recently proposed tax reduction plan. Sure, it may not make a lot of sense given that we have a wall rivaling the Great Wall to construct, but if the government can get by with less, I'm a big supporter!

Simplifying the tax structure may actually increase revenue by ensuing that everyone pays their fair share and that the highest per capita earners do not get away paying less than middle income earners.

My Take: Let's reform the tax structure and require government to live within its means.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Different Kind of Competition

Jax at 24 Game Competition
April 26, 2017

I attend a lot of sporting events. It is evident from my posts. The events range from professional sports to youth sports and I participate in in two sports on a regular basis: racquetball and golf. 

Last evening I attended my first math event. It was the Anne Arundel County 3rd Grade 24 Game Championship. Jackson was one of two students representing his local elementary school at the County-wide finals. 

Jax in Action
24 Game Competition

Sadly, due to traffic, I was a few minutes late, but let me set the scene when I arrived at the Annapolis Senior High School gymnasium. There were ten tables with four children at each table with a proctor looking at cards using the four numbers on the cards to mathematically total 24. The crowd in the stands, which were full, was absolutely silent. There was no noise. I was a bit eerie walking into a full gym in silence with every eye looking at me wondering why I was late. 

The game progressed much like a chess match. I love to play chess--I do not like to watch chess being played. It can be like watching grass grow.

As the game progressed we really could not tell how Jax was doing. It appeared he was doing great, but after two rounds of the scheduled four round competition, Jax did not make the cut. But overall he did very well. 

It was an interesting event, but it definitely was not a spectator sport. 

Congrats, Jax! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friends don't Tax Friends

Lumber? 

The U.S. is about to start a major trade war with incredible tariffs over lumber? Really? See the article Trump slaps first tariffs on Canadian lumber. 

It was all over the news yesterday about the tariffs ranging from 3 to 24 percent on lumber from Canada. My thought is don't we have enough trouble in the world without picking a senseless fight with one of our closest friends? 

And who is going to pay? 

The American consumer, of course! Our prices will increase while dollars are exchanged by businesses and governments. 

I find it incredible that lawmakers do not realize that businesses do not pay the tariffs--the consumers do! Duh!

Whose prices go up? The consumers prices do!

I do not understand this at all. 

Allegedly, Canada has a high tariff on U.S. dairy products, but wood and milk do not mix. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Two is Too Many

Ethan with Broken Thumb
Thursday, April 20, 2017

I just have to comment today about my Grandson, Ethan. He just turned 12 less than two weeks ago and apparently in honor of his recent age change he has decided to do something that few people attempt or even think about. 

Ethan with Second Cast
April 24, 2017

Ethan has managed to break bones and get a cast on each arm in less than one week. It takes a dedicated person to be able to accomplish a feat of such magnitude. 

Here is the story. 

Last Thursday, Ethan was playing basketball and took a ball off his thumb. It hurt. And in the end it was broken and required a cast for healing and stability. Not too big a deal.

Then, over the weekend he was playing and managed to fall, catching himself with his good arm. Needless to say, the arm hurt and after a trip to the orthopedist, he had another cast. 

I guess you could say that Ethan is "armed and considered dangerous!" To himself!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 24, 2017

1. Today is the last Monday of April. The journey into Spring continues although it seems as if April only just began.

2. The rainy weekend washed out Saturday baseball and allowed for alternate activities.

3. The Orioles have the best record in the MLB. They continue to play well even though they lost yesterday.

4. It is five more days until the next weekend. Why am I thinking about that already?

5. Having a connected home could be a problem according to a New York Times article titled Here is Hoe to Fend off a Hijacking of Home Devices. 

6. I played golf yesterday, it was cool outside, but great to be out on the course.

Headlines

7. Showdown looms as Trump demands funding for wall on U.S.-Mexico border - The Washington Post

8. France's election reveals a new political divide - The Washington Post

9. Syria changed the World - The New York Times

Quote of the Week

"The developing world has been told that it's necessary to give up freedom in order to achieve progress. Nothing could be further from the truth."

Ronald Reagan

Remarks to the International Forum of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, April 23, 1986

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy the Rains Came

Circular Stairway at
Creek's Edge Winery

Yesterday's rain completely changed my plans for the day. 

The day was scheduled to be devoted to baseball with the annual GORC parade in the morning and another game for the GORC 10U Intramural Dodgers in the afternoon. Both events were canceled due to the wet conditions. 

The cancellations meant that the day suddenly became a blank page waiting to be filled with unscheduled activities. The first was the obligatory springtime trip to the landfill and recycling center. There is always an accumulation of junk that needs to move along and Chris and I managed a truckload yesterday. We were on our way to the dump by 8:30 AM which was the time the parade was supposed to form.

On the way home, we stopped at Home Depot and did some shopping. Being Springtime, there is always yard work that needs to be done and in this case we bought some grass seed to fill in the holes in the yard. We also priced a new smoker as our old rusted one had just been delivered to the metal recycling area of the landfill. 

Now the afternoon, what to do for the afternoon on a rainy day. Visit wineries, of course, was the answer. We hit the road and headed west to visit Big Cork, where we had a wine club distribution to retrieve. We enjoyed a tasting at the winery and then decided to find a winery we had not previously visited. After some work on the cell phone, the decision was Creek's Edge Winery about 30 minutes from where we were, but somewhat on the way back home. 

I will be writing up a full review in my wine blog, but visiting Creek's Edge was a great choice for the afternoon and we spent a few hours watching the rain fall and sampling some very nice Virginia wines in a magnificent and relaxing atmosphere.

I'm happy the rains came. Chris and I enjoyed a great unplanned day!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Surging into Spring

Bleeding Hearts in My Garden

The Spring has fully arrived and continues to deepen. I was amazed by the size of my bleeding hearts the other day. They are huge.

Lilacs are in bloom and the rains are making the lawn green, but unfortunately too wet to mow!

Chris and I on the Beach
April 13, 2017

I was reflecting yesterday that one week ago I had been on vacation in Florida.

The thought of being on a beach with a warm sun and blue sky is very appealing. 

It is rainy and overcast in the Baltimore region today. It is so wet that the Opening Day GORC Spring sports Parade was canceled. 

But that is Spring! And the scene is green! And getting greener every day!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bird Teams Win

I know the title is a bit strange, but it was a crazy night as I was watching two very different sports teams win their games.

First, it is playoff season in the NHL and the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets to win their opening round series of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Penguins are the defending Stanley Cup Champions! The win was even more exciting because they accomplished the feat by laying their "back-up" goalie. It is important to note, however, that their back-up has helped the team win the Stanley Cup, so Marc Andre Fleury is one of the best goalies in the game. I wish the defense would help him to a bit more because he stopped 49 of 51 shots on goal last evening.

The Penguins are now awaiting their opponent for the second round of the playoffs. It will be either the dreaded Washington Capitals or the Toronto Maple Leafs. That best of seven series is tied 2-2. It will be a few days until the winner is finally determined.

My other bird team is, of course, the Orioles! The Orioles completed a 9-game road trip last evening with a 6-3 record. The Orioles continue to have the best record in baseball, but as the standings show that only makes them one-half game better than the team "whose name shall remain unwritten from up north." I am excited because I have tickets for tonight's game against the Red Sox and it will be my first Orioles game since Opening Day. 

The Orioles are off to a strong start, but then so are most of the other teams in the division. I am reminded that both of the American League wild card teams came from the American League East Division last season. The division remains one of the toughest in baseball. The top three teams in the division are a combined 30-15 .667 right now. 

I guess I like teams with bird logos because my favorite football team is the Ravens (another bird). 

Let's Go O's and Pens!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Return of the Green

It finally registered last evening after baseball practice. 

GORC Intramural 10U Dodgers
GORC Field 5
April 17, 2017

The green has returned and replaced the gray and brown of winter!

Leaves are on the trees and the grass has taken on the rich green of Springtime. The canopy formed by the trees around my yard is returning and that is definitely improving my mood. I didn't really think about it when I snapped the image at the baseball game Monday evening, but the trees are filling out with leaves and changing the scenery. 

I also noted yesterday that I am again driving to work in daylight as the set-back that occurred during daylight saving time has been erased. The sun is up for 13h 27m! One month ago, when Spring began, daylight was 12h 9m and we are headed for 14h 56m during June when the solstice occurs. 

Pool opening day is less than two weeks off!

Spring is rapidly turning into summer!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Alarms in the Night

It was a jolting experience.

At about 3 AM, the alarm system decided to activate and declare an emergency. 


It was another, false alarm in a series of false alarms. Fortunately, we have never had a real alarm--but at 3AM in the middle of the sleep cycle, a false alarm effectively signals the end of sleep for the night.

I am growing weary of my alarm company and their ability to blame me for the false alarm rather than actively trying to help prevent them from occurring. 

And to think, I pay extra for this service. I am going give the company one last chance before revealing their name. 

I don't need anymore false alarms. At least the police did not respond, this time!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Playing the First Game

GORC 10U Intramural Dodgers
April 17, 2017

Coaching youth baseball is at the same time frustrating and rewarding. It is an investment in the future, but until the team actually steps foot onto the baseball diamond against an opponent who has been similarly coached you never really know what to expect.

Jackson Preparing to go to the Plate

Last evening the GORC 10U Intramural Dodgers played their first game of the season that runs until early June. It was a beautiful April evening with temperatures in the high 60's and relatively clear skies after some rain showers passed through about noon. The field was in good shape for a game, thanks to the hard work of Mike and Jim who worked on it for about two hours. 

Dodgers in the Field

To their credit, the boys have been practicing hard and having fun learning the game. Mike has designed practices that focus on fundamentals like catching the ball and knowing where to throw it.

It turns out that at the kid pitch level, pitching is critical. Our team has pitchers, but, we also have a team full of boys who love playing baseball and are learning how to play it well. 

The game lasted a full two-hours plus and we only completed five innings due to the time limit, but the Dodgers came away with a big win that saw everything--pitching, fielding, smart base-running, hitting and most importantly a lot of fun. The game was slow because the other team's pitchers had trouble finding the plate and there were a lot of walks. Their hitters showed up late in the game and allowed our players to display their ability to think fast and make good decisions in the field. 

The final score is not as important as the fact that the boy on the team contributed and demonstrated solid baseball skills in every facet of the game. There are still areas that need work, but for the first game of the season it was a great start!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD