Out the Hotel Window - Saint Louis

Out my Hotel Window
Through the screen

I am traveling again. The view out of my hotel window is not too stunning--but the view from the hotel parking lot is a bit more interesting. 

From the hotel parking lot
The Arch

I guess I am used to looking over the tops of the buildings. 

Saint Louis is interesting, however, I arrived during rush hour--and traffic was a bad as expected. 

I was surprised how quiet this part of Saint Louis is at night. I went out to look for food and found nearly deserted streets. 

Today promises to be far more interesting.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Saint Louis

Monday Musings - September 11, 2017

Jax Pitching a Shut-out 6th Inning
September 10, 2017

1. It has been 16 years since the September 11th attacks on New York and the Washington, D.C. Take a moment from you life today to pause for a moment of remembrance.

2. Jax is playing fall baseball. It was good to see him out on the base paths again yesterday, but it was weird that I wasn't coaching. He had a great day in the field and at the plate. Striking out the side for a shut-out final inning was the topping on the cake.

3. Monday Morning Sports: The Ravens win! The Orioles got swept in Cleveland. The Cowboys win. The Redskins lose. The Steelers win!

Deer in the Yard
September 10, 2017

4. Faline, the fawn from last year, was in our yard yesterday. Of course I have no way of knowing if it was her or not, but it certainly did not seem to mind me walking around the yard until I started the blower.

Chris and Finnegan Modeling
 the Puppy Carrier

5. There is nothing funnier, or more comical, that seeing all of the accessories that Chris is getting to support Finnegan, our newly arrived Yorkie.

6. Don't forget to send help to Texas and Florida and the Caribbean in the wake of the hurricanes.

7. Hurricane Jose looks as if it won't become a problem for the U.S.

Headlines

‘People are roaming like zombies.’ Virgin Islands stagger after storm passes. - The Washington Post

Mexico Mourns After Quake: ‘We Have No Idea How We Are Going to Rebuild’ - The New York Times

North Korea threatens 'pain and suffering' ahead of UN sanctions vote - CNN

Ronald Reagan Quote of the Day

"Times have changed. But the basic premise of the Constitution hasn't changed. It's still our blueprint for freedom."

Remarks at the Bicentennial Celebration of the United States Constitution, September 16, 1987

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

After the Storms--The Weekend

Fallen Limb

I was able to get into the yard yesterday afternoon and clean up after the rain and wind storms of last week.

Clearly, these storms were not of hurricane proportions, however, I was shocked at the size of the branches which fell into the yard. It seemed like a small tree had fallen and was deeply imbedded into the yard. The wood is well seasoned and will burn very nicely in our fire pit. 

I also made a run to the landfill to recycle more of the clippings from two weeks . 

Timbers at Troy
Hole 2 Tees
September 9, 2017

Somewhere in there I also discovered that our washer has again broken. This time is it a mechanical problem related to the bearings. New bearings are on order and I am hopeful of getting the washer fixed before next weekend.

I did manage 18 holes of golf. More precisely, the golf course managed me. It was not one of my better outings. But as I say, a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day in the office!

And that was only Saturday, I wonder what today will bring?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Finnegan Arrives

Finnegan Taylor

Stand by for an announcement. 

Finnegan Taylor has arrived. 

Chris with Finnegan

The latest animal to become a member of the household has arrived and is already making himself at home. 

He successfully made the journey from West Virginia this morning and has already been accepted by Riordin and Louis into the pack. Makayla seems to be reserving judgement, I think his enthusiasm is more than she can handle. 

Chris has been great at making the new arrival feel at home. 

Finnegan is a Yorkie and is 14 weeks old and weighs in at 2 lbs 15 oz. His expected final weight is about 5 lbs. He has a very inquisitive personality and is a bundle of energy.

He has some big shoes to fill. We lost our previous Yorkie over seven years ago, Zachary Taylor was with us almost 17 years. 

Welcome Finnegan Taylor, or "Finn" as he will be known.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Changing Weather

Leaves in the Pool
September 7, 2017

It was 52 degrees outside this morning. That is 9 degrees below the average low, which for the math challenged would be 61.

I can't say it was cold--but, autumn is definitely in the air. There is not an 80 degree day in the 10-day forecast. 

I spent over an hour last evening cleaning the pool of the leaves which had fallen during the storms of the past two days. The water level was too high and the leaves were everywhere. Sadly, my pool was a storm tossed mess.

But, it is clean now although it is too cold to actually go swimming.


I am mourning the loss of summer. 

The passing of summer this year seems to mean hurricanes are vicious and numerous. 

I am also watching the three hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin. The graphic is from the National Hurricane Center. 

Irma is making its way to Florida and my thoughts and prayers are for the people there, as well as for the people who have already been devastated by the passing of the storm.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

News of the Day

It is a crazy news week. 

There are three hurricanes we are dealing with in the Atlantic Basin: Irma, Jose, Katia. And this is in the wake of Harvey. Irma is a monster storm taking aim at many of the Caribbean islands that Chris and I have visited during the past couple of years. 

Irma is headed to Florida and it is going make a mess of September and is disrupting the lives of millions more people across the Caribbean and in the souther United States. 

But wait, there's more!

Don't forget Texas and Louisiana! Things are still miserable there. 

I heard the story of a woman who lost her pet donkey, I linked it here, and coupled with the total loss of her house, it is a gut-wrenching story. 

Fire in LA

But wait--there is fire!

Despite all of the rain falling on the south and east, the west is dry and burning. It is appalling and I could not even find mention of it on the front page of the New York Times. NBC is carrying the stories of the fires burning out of control in the west. 

Of course, this is just the beginning--but the news is all over the place. China-US relations, missiles in Korea, Brexit is back, and of course Congress is back in session and so the drama is just beginning there.

Stay tuned--it promises to be an interesting week or two ahead. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday Rain and Sports Musings

Rainy Day

Today, it is supposed to be another rainy, wet, cool, autumn-like day to close out the summer. 


It rained and stormed last evening and that meant the Orioles game did not start until 9:15 PM. Which is  getting pretty close to my bed time. It was sad, because I had tickets other game, but decided to stay dry at home. 

The Orioles defeated the team from up north whose name shall remain un written and are now just 1game out of the final wild card position. They are hanging around.

The Orioles have sent me the post-season ticket offer! I usually get excited because when the tickets are printed, I have a World Series ticket to look at. So far, I have not had the chance to use it. Sadly. Maybe this year? 

The family conducted its Fantasy Football Draft last evening. That means that the NFL season kick-off is just a few days away--well, tomorrow. I get more teams to cheer for and be frustrated by their on field performance. What a deal!

Go Ravens! 

Because of the weather I am beginning to plan the closing of the pool. I hate closing my pool, but between the leaves falling from the trees into the water and the temperatures being too cool to make me want to swim one last time, I am wondering why I am paying to keep the pool open. 

Sadly. 

Closing the pool is like saying good-bye to summer. Maybe it is time. 

Just like the weather. Summer seems to have escaped and gone away.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Have You Looked at the Trash?

Trash Along the Road

After repairing a cranky Jeep yesterday, I had the opportunity to walk along the local back road and search for a lost item that fell off a car.

This was a family affair--everyone was out conducting the search along the road. 

Since we were searching off the road, we came upon trash!

More Trash

I was amazed at the amount of trash and the diversity. People have no respect for public areas it seems.

In one spot it appeared that someone just threw their fast food wrappers out the window after they were done eating.

I fear that the carelessly tossed trash is just one of the warning symptoms of the devolution of our society into anarchy.

Who is expected to pick this stuff up?

We never did find what we were looking for, but we found a lot more than we wanted.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - September 4, 2017

1. Happy Labor Day. The unofficial end of summer is here! Ugh, I can't believe that it is effectively over.

2. Be careful on the roads--schools are back in session!

3. There is another hurricane, Irma, in the weather patterns. It could make a mess for next weekend.

4. The Orioles are still competitive, hanging out just outside the playoff picture. I have to decide whether to purchase my post-season tickets!

5. It is amazing how quickly a quiet evening can turn into an auto repair session.

6. Walking a golf course provides a needed relief from the excitement of life.

7. At least it is not raining! And it is going to be warm today! It will make it into the 80's. 

8. I'm excited to do some grilling on my new grill today!

Headlines

North Korean Nuclear Test Draws U.S. Warning of ‘Massive Military Response’ - The New York Times

A Flying Cowboy Rides to Rescue Cattle Stranded in Harvey’s Floods - The New York Times
How water damages a flooded house — and which parts can be saved - The Washington Post

North Korea is the only country that has performed a nuclear test in the 21st century - The Washington Post

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"We do not seek an America that is closed to the world; we seek a world that is open to America. We do not dream of protecting America from others' success; we seek to include everyone in the success of the American dream."

Radio Address to the Nation on the Farm Industry, September 14, 1985

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Some Assembly Required

Grill Assembly Underway

I sometimes enjoy new projects.

Yesterday we procured a new grill. Chris and I don't buy new grills very often, but the old one had developed a hole in the firebox and the flame was no longer being contained. There was was a definite safety issue involved.

Supervisor Riordin in the Background

I am unsure how long we had owned the older one, but it was a good number of years and it had come to the end of its useful life.Chris had wanted to replace it for a couple of years now, but I had resisted.

Grills are one those items that rarely come assembled! There is some assembly required and that was definitely the case yesterday. 

Assembly Complete

I actually enjoyed the project because I was watching  Maryland defeat Texas in college football as I was putting the grill together. As can be seen from the image, I also had some help, Riordin supervised the process. 

The project went smoothly and I actually had all of the parts required. It seems that often I wind up a bolt or a washer short--but not this time. Everything went together flawlessly and the wordless instructions were generally clear. 

Dinner was cooked on the new grill and I was amazed at its efficiency. The old grill had trouble getting to and maintaining temperature.  I had to keep turning the new grill down--it is far more efficient.

Another "some assembly required" project successfully completed.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Into the Aftermath of the Storm

The news has provided almost non-stop coverage of the devastation associated with hurricane Harvey. 

I admit, I get a bit numb to the television coverage, yet this morning I read two stories that continued to bring home the incredible toll being exacted upon the residents the region and point to the years-long recovery efforts that are beginning to get underway even before the flood waters fully recede. 

One story was in the New York Times and depicts in multi-media style a drive from Houston to Beaumont, Texas, titles Town After town Under Water in the 100 Miles From Houston to Beaumont.

Scene from the Hurricane

The story provides some surface level video that shows in detail how bad it really is on the ground in the aftermath of the hurricane. 

The other story, in The Washington Post, is about what residents of small affordable luxury community are finding upon their return home. In a flooded Texas subdivision, the hard slog of rebuilding begins, is the title of the article. It contains a heart-wrenching story.

Residents said that almost all of the homes in Lynnwood, eventually, would be livable. Maybe the work would take weeks, or months. But there was one exception — the home that was closest to the bayou, the only home that was swallowed up to the roof, the home of the newest couple in the neighborhood. Now Angel Garzoria, 22, and Alexis Hernandez, 20, were parking their car and coming out to inspect the damage. They walked toward their house but couldn’t go in all the way because of the water. There it was, 100 yards away. Some 1,700 square feet. Purchased in March. Built in four months. Lived in since July. And now, half-submerged.

To save for that home, he’d worked 70-hour weeks at Exxon. She’d worked 50-hour weeks as a medical tech treating people with kidney problems. They had just enough money for a 5 percent down payment, a $6,000 porch, a $1,500 65-inch television. They’d bought a refrigerator, a barbecue pit, a foam mattress. They’d spent a little extra for a larger lot, a play area for the kids they planned on having.

“We spent a lot,” she said. 

“Everything,” he said. 

“A nightmare,” she said, and they’d left in such a hurry, even the most basic things — Garzoria’s Exxon employee ID, for instance — were still in the home, underwater.

She sat down on a folding chair looking out onto what was left of the neighborhood. Their house would be torn down. Their savings were drained. They’d have to move in with her parents. Nothing was happening as planned, and drying in the sunshine before her was a final mortgage document, sent days earlier in the mail, one more thing soaked by the flood. Their first payment was due Oct. 1.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

September Arrives

The high temperature today is expected to be about 68 degrees. I guess that is a fair welcome for September. 

We are rolling into the last three weeks of summer and the weather seems more autumn-like. Too autumn-like.

While I am here worrying about the weather, there are millions of Americans worrying about their next sip of water of rebuilding their lives after Hurricane Harvey. Chris and I have signed up to be foster dog caregivers for pets that need a home until their owners can get a place for them. 

According to NPR, here is a list of ways that aid and help can be directed to help those struggling in the aftermath of the hurricane. Here's How you Can Help the People Affected by Hurricane Harvey. 

Open up your hearts and homes. We are only beginning to see and understand the devastation.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Playoff Push

From MLB.com

Like runners in a marathon finding a little bit more gas when the finish line is in sight, the MLB teams fighting for a playoff spot are playing just a bit better as August ends and the final full month of the 162 game season is about to begin. 

The Orioles have run off seven straight wins to get back into the wild card race, and with the team from up north whose name shall remain unwritten losing three straight, other wild card spots are within reach!

The wins have not been things of beauty, like last night blowing a 2-0 lead to go down 6-2 and then blowing a 7-6 lead to have to win 8-7; but a win is a win! This time of year, every win seems more important. 

The Orioles have 29 games remaining. The end of the campaign is definitely in sight. 

Let's Go O's. Now is the time to secure a post-season playoff spot!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Devolving into Autumn

It is happening all to quickly. August has lost its grip on summer and is rapidly slipping into autumn. 

As evidence, I present the weather almanac from yesterday. 

The high temperature did not make it even to 70 degrees! The low was also in the 60's! It rained--all day! This morning the temperature in 59 degrees.

I heard people indicate that the weather seemed more like autumn than late summer! 

I am mourning the loss of summer and all of the things that I didn't get done. 

At least today will be warmer with an expected high of 76 degrees.

The trees surrounding my yard are, however, giving up their leaves in fairly rapid succession. It is making pool maintenance tough. The water temperature has fallen to an uncomfortable temperature as well.

I should probably give into the situation and begin planning to close the pool the weekend after Labor Day!

Summer certainly is devolving into autumn!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Power Outage

There was no blog this morning. 

Morning Power Outage Candles
August 29, 2017

Chris and I were without power in the house due to, reportedly, a dump truck driving down US 1 with its back up and tearing down the power lines.

It was weird.

Chris and I have survived hurricanes without losing power, yet a renegade truck changed our morning routine.

I got up at 5 AM, as usual, and made my coffee, yet by 5:20 AM the power was off, again! Yes, again. It had been off from about 2 AM until 3 AM and I had a scared 35 lb fluffy totally freaked out dog sitting on me as I tried to sleep. That is not a TV in the picture, it is a mirror!

Enjoying Her coffee
Light Provided by iPhone

Chris sent me out to Dunkin Donuts to get coffee when she got up. I felt sorry for her and gladly went to get her morning cuppa Joe.. 

Sleep escaped me. She is a mouth breather and panted all night without the fan.

I was able to shower and shave and get off to work. The water in the water heater was hot and provided a nice candle-lit shower. That was funny. 

But it all worked out.

We were much more fortunate than the people of Houston, however, because the power was restored by 9:30 AM and we are not experiencing flooding.

Chris and I are thankful that our power was restored and we urge everyone to donate money, goods, or time to help the people of Texas besieged by Hurricane Harvey.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 28, 2017

Site of one Former Horseshoe Pit

1. August is winding down. Today is the last Monday of the month. Labor Day is a week away.

2. The destruction and chaos caused by hurricane Harvey is unfathomable. My thoughts and prayers are with the people who live in the affected area.

3. The Orioles have managed to claw their way back to .500 and are 2.0 games out of the second wild card position. There are just 32 games remaining in the regular season.

Heron at Eisenhower
August 27, 2017

4. Removing unused, but well constructed, horseshoe pits proved to be a much harder job than expected. Chris and I learned that the brute force method was not the best approach.

5. I love golf courses because of the wildlife that is usually seen. Yesterday a heron posed for me.

6. Busy weekends with great weather do not happen often. This one was awesome.

7. And so it is Monday again!

8. The coming weekend is a holiday weekend! At least it is something to look forward to with the start of September.

Headlines

Full extent of Harvey’s aftermath starts to come into chilling focus - The Washington Post

India withdraws troops from disputed Himalayan region, defusing tension with China - The Washington Post

Fatigue and Training Gaps Spell Disaster at Sea, Sailors Warn - The New York Times

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"You know, some people say it's America's natural resources that make our country so great, but the greatest resource of all is our working men and women -- their skill, hard work, guts, and determination."

Radio Address to the Nation on Economic Growth , August 30, 1986

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tree Trimming Weekend

Piles of Brush in the Side Yard

Mowing the yard has been a weekly affair this summer with the copious amounts of rain we have received. Our yard is lined with juniper trees which need trimming every couple years to remove the dead branches and allow for better access with the tractor while mowing.

Saturday, using my newly acquired chain saw, was tree trimming day. And the trees were trimmed. It opened up the yard and will make mowing more enjoyable by not having to duck as much under the junipers. 

Relaxing Around the Fire Pit

We created huge piles of brush which will be heading off to the dump this week in the truck. I would have preferred to rent a chipper to reduce the brush, but at over $200 for a day, it seems a bit expensive. Although, I do so enjoy running the chipper.

After the work of the day which included removing one of the unused horseshoe pits, then came relaxation around the fire pit. 

A fantastic day. Beautiful, although a bit cool, weather and hard work.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday Evening Reconvenes

Last evening we recognized the unofficial end of summer as our wine group reconvened to share stories of summertime travels and experiences.

The evening was cool as we enjoyed each other's company under the clear sky as the sun set. A great dinner and some fantastic wines created the perfect setting for reconnecting with friends.

The summer has not been kind to some of our band and others of us are already beginning to plan for next summer. It is almost like our own personal football season as August comes to an end and September arrives next week.

It was great to be back together with friends. I look forward to enjoying the passing seasons during the next weeks.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Friday Arrives

It is not even a three-day holiday weekend and I am excited about the arrival of Friday.

Ethan and Jax on Ocean City Beach
Last Weekend

It seems the weeks get harder and longer and the hoped for respite of the weekend gets shorter. 

While I am not planning a beach weekend,  I will be using my new chain saw to clear some trees and brush and begin to build a wood pile for the fire pit.

I am surprised how cool the August nights have become already as the humidity drops along with the temperatures.

I feel the summer slipping away as August fades into September.

I am reminded that I need to enjoy each day for itself and not perseverate on the days past. Each day is full of its own promise.

I need to mow the lawn!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Shuttering the Government

The ultimate sign of political weakness is contained in the threat to shut down the government. 

In a New York Times article, Trump Widens Rift With Congress as Critical Showdowns Loom, the President  ". . . threatened a government shutdown over his long-promised border wall and attacked key lawmakers whose votes he needs heading into a crucial legislative period." Trump reportedly said: "Build that wall. Now the obstructionist Democrats would like us not to do it. But believe me, if we have to close down our government, we're building that wall." As reported by Wake up to Politics. 

It is easy to say that I'm going to "take my ball and go home." But, it shows an immaturity of thought and action that imposes penalties upon all Americans by shuttering the government in order to attempt to force through an unpopular and singly focused opinion. 

To make such a statement, with the new budget year just over a month away, is frightening especially since the President is blessed with a Republican controlled Congress that he can't get along with.

The one positive thing that the President may be accomplishing is reviving bipartisan cooperation--against him!

Why do some politicians believe that being in elected position gives them the right to impose their narrow beliefs upon others rather than developing and inclusive atmosphere where everyone is better off living under the rights and privileges that the Constitution provides?

My Take: Shutting down the government because it can be done is not living up to the inauguration day oath: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunrise over the Ocean

Dawn, August 20, 2017
Ocean City, MD

I am a dawn kind of guy, people who know me know that to be true.

Sunday morning, I got up early to play golf and being at the beach I was treated to a predawn show over the ocean. The sun, still below the horizon, began to light up the eastern sky.

I love the ocean and I love the colors of the dawn. 

It is a great way to start the day, especially when August is heating up before it ends in a short nine days.

I sat for a few minutes and enjoyed the show as the day began to arrive. And then it was off to the golf course. I do enjoy teeing off as the sun peaks through the trees at a low angle and the dew is heavy on the grass.

I appreciate the summer and the heat and the dampness and the mornings when it is warm when I walk outside.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Eclipse

I am already making plans for the 2024 Total Eclipse!

The eclipse was fun! I was awed at how nearly everyone was excited even the total eclipse--even in areas where the eclipse was only partial--like Baltimore and Washington. 

It was the astronomic event of the year. Some called it the event of the century, but I think that was overstating the situation a bit.

August 21, 2017 Total Eclipse Path
over South Carolina

I reflected back on a couple of total eclipses that I experienced--I don't really recall the 1979 eclipse, but I do remember the 1972 eclipse. My family was driving towards Prince Edward Island as it happened. I recall briefly seeing the sun and moon coupled together through the clouds. If only we had left one or two days sooner we could have enjoyed totality in Canada. 

I discovered that NASA has an eclipse page! It is called Total Eclipse 2017. The next total eclipse to cross the united States occurs on April 8, 2024! Of course there are a few total eclipses between then and now, but they cross other, more distant parts of the world. Time and Date has a chart of the upcoming eclipses. 

I did wander outside and borrow some eclipse glasses to view the sun and moon together. It was inspiring, to say the least. Viewing the event on TV actually made me want to travel to totality during the next U.S. eclipse, which will include such close cities as Buffalo and Syracuse. There is a map of the path with animation at Time and Date.  

It was clear from the continuous news reporting yesterday that the eclipse was renewing our interest in space and forces that we cannot control. It was fun to watch the reactions of the crowds across America as totality happened. 

I'm planning on being there, next time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD