Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Flying in the Storm


From the Storm
March 21, 2018

More from the Storm
March 21, 2018
Radio Flyer, my drone, conducted a flight in the falling snow this morning. 

It was interesting because the collision avoidance sensors frequently activated due to the falling snow. 

It was fun flying through the snowflakes and imaging the trees and the yard. Later, I will be flying up the street as the snow is already melting and I am hopeful that this Spring storm is the last of the winter period. It is time for flowers and sunny warmth.

The big snowflakes made the flying interesting, but the flight provided some unique views of the snow on the trees.



I am glad that the leaves had not yet appeared as there likely would have been a lot of tree damage.

It is not 5:30 PM and the storm appears to have spent its energy. Now comes the freezing and the cold!

But then there is the Spring, although temperatures are not forecast to be in the 50's until a week hence, next Tuesday.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And This is Spring?


Welcome to the first full day of Spring! And we are expecting 4-7 inches of snow. It may even develop into a snowpocalypse! But probably not.

Beginning of the Storm
March 21, 2018
Schools are closed in celebration of the arrival of Spring! Not really. They are closed because the roads are a mess. 

What a way to welcome Spring, with snow.

Two days ago I was outside working the team during baseball practice. Now, it will be until next week until i can do it again.

The local weather continues to remind me why I want to live somewhere that the sun shines and the temperatures are warm. Even though it was cool during my weekend get away to Florida, it was warmer than it has been in the Baltimore region.

Springtime brings such promise, but the weather can really crush those hopes with reality. 

I was thinking about when I will be opening the pool. May is beginning to look like a definite possibility.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Taking the Field


Mike Gathering the Team Before Practice
March 19, 2018
There is a big storm racing towards the Mid-Atlantic region. Hopefully the last gasp of Winter.

GORC Dodgers Take the Field
March 19, 2018
Spring begins today, if you can believe it, at 12:15 PM. Just after noon. 

The weather, however, will definitely be more winter-like during the next couple of days.

A sure sign of Spring, however, is baseball. Last evening the GORC Dodgers took the practice field for the third time and continued their journey developing as baseball players.

There team is actually pretty talented. We have a few pitchers, including Jax, and they have a good sense of how to play defense. It is going to be a great season. It is amazing how quickly practice passes when we are all busy and having fun.

Now, all we need is warmer weather. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, March 19, 2018

Monday Musings - March 19, 2018


1. Spring begins in two days, even though it doesn't seem like it.

Chris at Carroll Park
March 18, 2018
2. Yesterday's weather was a great foretaste of Spring. The temperature made it into the mid-the 50s. 

3. Chris and I snuck out for a quick round of golf yesterday. I had an interesting round, I think I hit every tree on the course with a ball--it was frustrating. 

Around the Smoking Fire Pit
March 18, 2018
4. The evening was pleasant and we tried sitting around the fire pit, but the wood was a bit damp and we were soon overcome with smoke. We headed under the deck for a propane fire pit to finish off happy hour. 

5. Sunday was a good day to get some lawn work done, and I was successful in getting the work done. 

6. The situation in D.C. has become incredible. That any governing is being done is a miracle. Don't forget, there is another government shutdown looming.

7. There is a major winter storm looming, the region should begin panicking soon.

8. How about Syracuse making the March Madness's Sweet 16? Who saw that coming?

Headlines

Poisoning of Russian ex-spy puts spotlight onMoscow’s secret military labs - The Washington Post

Wireless firms seek to preempt local authority to install 5G equipment in neighborhoods - The Washington Post
Disabled Veterans Waited Up to Seven Months for VA to Fix Their Wheelchairs - The Washington Free Beacon

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"There is one other obligation that all of us as citizens must face up to if we are to preserve our freedom: We must restore the security of America. Without that security, survival itself is in doubt."

Address Before a Joint Session of the Alabama State Legislature in Montgomery, March 15, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Despite the Weather . . .


We are a resilient bunch.

With the temperatures rising from an early morning low of 24 degrees into the mid-30's, baseball practice for the GORC Dodgers U10 baseball team was conducted for an hour-and-a-half yesterday. We had a great practice and the boys were really ready for the workouts.

It was cold, but the calm winds made it bearable. 



The temperatures are not expected to improve much this week. It is a very depressing forecast. More cold, ice, snow, and gray skies are in the forecast.

Getting outside despite the cold weather is important. 

Today, there may be some golf in my future. The temperature is expected to get into the 50's and a nine hole round is possible. A short respite form the crappy weather. 

And then there will likely be some yard work accomplished to continue to get ready for the season ahead. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Common Theme--COLD!


Sunset over a Venice, Florida Beach
March 8, 2018
It was a crazy week. Although I traveled the East Coast form Florida to New York, there was one common theme: cold!

Last week at this time I was in Florida and while that should be enough, it was cold in Florida. I go to Florida during March to experience a taste of what is to come when Summer finally breaks here in Maryland. I was disappointed because the temperatures were in the 60's and low 70's--except, of course, for the day I departed when the 80's finally appeared.

Geese in Niagara Falls
March 12, 2018
I did make it to a beach, briefly, while I was in Florida, but it was too cold to stay. Even with a coat on the temperatures were crashing into the 40's and it was just plain cold.

I arrived home after 8PM Sunday night and was on the road for Niagara Falls by 6:30AM Monday morning. If that is not a shock to the system, then I do not know what is.

I really got to experience cold in Niagara Falls. Even the geese were cold!

Leaving Niagara Falls, I returned to Maryland where it was also cold!

It is cold!

The temperature may crawl into the 50's tomorrow, but there are no 70's in sight.

It is 25 degrees outside right now and I have baseball practice in three short hours. 

That means more cold!

I hope it gets warm soon.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Friday, March 16, 2018

2018 Valspar Championship Reflections


Tiger Woods
Valspar Championship Round 2
March 9, 2018

Jordan Spieth
Valspar Championship Round 2
March 9, 2018
It is hard to believe that is has already been a week since I attended the second round of the  2018 Valspar Championship

It was my first PGA Tournament in person and Jeremy was very patient with me as I tased a lot of questions as we walked the course.

What a day it turned out to be. It was fun to walk the course and watch the pros play golf. I was impressed and amazed with the access. I was also happy that i was never near anyone who yelled "It's in the hole" as soon as the club connected with the ball.

It was fortuitous that Tiger Woods was in a threesome with Jordan Spieth and Henrik Stenson on that day. I really like watching Jordan and Jeremy is a huge Tiger fan. 

Tiger Woods
Valspar Championship Round 2
March 9, 2018
I took a lot of images of the activities, but I also videoed some of the hits and putts. 

The day was cool and so it was not a tedious and hot walk like it will be as the season wears on. I actually enjoyed the sun and the crowd, which was very well behaved. 

I love seeing the course and how it was prepared for the pros. The sound of their clubs hitting the ball was different form any sound that my club has ever made.

All-in-all it was a great event. I wish I had time to do more of the rounds. 



-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Golf Course Critters



Florida in March provides med a chance to get back into touch with the critters that inhabit golf courses. 

Some of them are downright dangerous--like the gators. Some are just enjoyable to watch like the birds, especially the sand cranes (which I failed ot take a picture of this year even though they were everywhere). I love the way they scream like I imagine a pterodactyl would sound.

It is a different experience though walking to the waters edge and having to check for gators. I have a rule about never putting my hand in the water just in case I missed one lurking just off shore. Yes, they are big, but they are stealthy. 


Stealthy Gator
Jim Schaecher took this image
The wildlife on the golf course reminds me that it is possible to be in harmony with nature. Respect the diversity and live together.

There is do much more to do on a golf course than hit the little white ball around.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Out the Hotel Window - Niagara Falls, NY


Out the Hotel Window
March 12, 2018
I was expecting a breathtaking view out my hotel window while staying in Niagara Falls, but alas it was not to be. 

Out the Hotel Window #2
March 13, 2018
I did manage a before and after image out the window during my brief, one-night stay at the Hampton Inn on Niagara Avenue. The before was the day of arrival and the after was the day of departure. The difference was a snow storm. Ugh! 

Do we really need to experience snow during the month of March? I think not. 

Snow Falling on the Niagara River
March 12, 201 8
I tried to take an image of the same scene out window, but somehow I forgot how I had oriented the camera. 

Spring is just a week away. Count 'em, seven days. 

I did enjoy the fluffy flakes falling on the Niagara River while we were out watching the water plunge across the falls. It is a scene that I am sure not many people get to see because they are not crazy enough to visit during the the cold, still, winter season. 

I am glad to be south today, although the temperature at the house this morning is 28 degrees. Too cold to be Spring.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Florida to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls
March 12, 2018
It has been a crazy couple days. Sunday I was in 80 degree temperatures in Florida. Yesterday I arrived in frozen Niagara Falls to attend a funeral for one of Chris's aunts. This morning it is snowing liberally and a blizzard is hitting the east coast.

I want to go back to Florida.

I drove past snow covered golf courses on the way here and reflected upon some of my better strokes in the bright, warm Florida sun just hours before.

It is amazing how so much weather can be packed in such a short time.

The images I took of the falls show the power of the water in the frigid temperatures it was a good time to visit as there were no crowds. Similarly, many of t
he touristy attractions were not open. But parking was plentiful.

I guess I enjoy visiting popular attractions during the off season.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Niagara Falls, NY

Monday, March 12, 2018

Monday Musings - March 12, 2018


The Team for the Golf and Baseball Weekend
Jim, Andy, Jeremy, Bird, Mike, Me Steve
1. The golf and baseball weekend was successfully completed and I have returned to the cold northern climate. I wish I was still in Florida!

Final Score
Pirates vs Orioles
March 10, 2018
2. I learned something about golf this weekend. If you play every day, either you get better or your muscles quit working.

3. I got to run the bases at Ed Smith Stadium. I think it is pretty cool that they have a seniors run the bases event. Up north at Camden Yards they only have a kids run the bases event.
Banana Tree and Fern

4. I want a banana tree in my back yard.

5. Sometimes flying can be very interesting. Yesterday Jeremy and I sat next to Senator Ben Cardin on the flight from Tampa to Baltimore. We did not discuss politics.

6. I thoroughly enjoyed the Valspar PGA Event. Where else can you get up close and personal with the golf legends?

Headlines

How Trump’s Disdain for the Iran Deal Makes a North Korea Pact Even Harder - The New York Times
Jordan Spieth
Valspar Championship
March 9, 2018


Missouri is a destination wedding spot — for 15-year-old brides - The Kansas City Star



Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"There is one other obligation that all of us as citizens must face up to if we are to preserve our freedom: We must restore the security of America. Without that security, survival itself is in doubt."

Address Before a Joint Session of the Alabama State Legislature in Montgomery, March 15, 1982

-- Bob Doan, writing from Elkridge, MD

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Bridge with ears

The Skyway bridge over part of Tampa Bay is an interesting and somewhat pretty structure. I stopped to take a picture of it on our way to the airport.

It was a beautifully warm and sunny day. Finally. The cold gave way to a nice warm 80 degree day. The day began to get warm during our morning golf round at Sarasota National. Although gray and foggy as we teed off, the gray cleared and the bright warmth was appreciated.

It is too bad the Florida warmth arrived as our group was leaving. But even the brief warmth made returning to the cold north difficult.

Cue Spring. When is Summer?

— Bob Doan, writing from Tampa, Florida

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Sunset in Venice

Did I mention that I am in Venice, Florida?

Florida is supposed to be warm.

If has been very cool. But the sunset over the Gulf the other evening was beautiful.

The baseball and golf during the trip has been fabulous. I attended my first PGA event, the Valspar tournament and was impressed with the access to the players. More on that in a future blog.

I'm not too sure I want to leave Florida.

— Bob Doan, writing from Venice, Florida

Friday, March 9, 2018

Running the bases

Home Plate
Ed Smith Stadium
March 8, 2018
I got to enjoy running the bases after yesterday's game at Ed Smith Stadium. It was awesome to me on a baseball field and running the same bases where I had just watched a major league Spring Training game. I took the picture of Home plate just before I crossed it.

The Orioles lost the game, but hey, I'm in Florida.

It was good to be in the sunshine although the weather was cold.

Spring is here!

— Bob Doan, writing from Venice, Florida

Thursday, March 8, 2018

The Painting


Finnegan
My wife is talented. 

Tuesday evening she painted a picture of our newest family dog, Finnegan. The picture is very realistic looking and has been positioned in a place of honor in one of the bedrooms.

The painting looks just like Finn. 

She did a real nice job. And then she had to drive home in a storm and was lucky not to have an accident.

We got about an inch of snow which was mostly gone by morning. The flakes were huge and the headlights could not penetrate them to show the road. 

But, she made it without incident.

And the painting was safely brought to the house.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Sunset Flight


Sunday afternoon about sunset, Radio Flyer, my drone, made a flight around the neighborhood. The sky was blue, which has been a bit of a rarity lately. 

I turned into my highest flight to date at over 230 feet altitude. I was working with the video as Radio Flyer ascended. I also did a low-level pass in the yard to further work on my controls as Radio Flyer is in motion. 



I did enjoy the ascending part of the flight and I am doing better flying the drone at low level. The panorama I tried was too fast--but I think it will get better with time. I received my first high winds warning during this flight. I was a bit concerned, but Radio Flyer handled the winds well and I continued my flight. 

Try not to get vertigo as you watch the video. 

-- Bob Doan, Ekridge, MD

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

And into Double Digits


Jax's 10th Birthday Party
Family Edition
Jackson turned 10 yesterday. Jax, as he prefers to be called, made it into double digits and celebrated a complete decade.

What a decade it has been since his birth. 

The family celebrated Jax last evening. Everyone was in attendance and it was a great way to begin the week. Our family gatherings seem to be fewer of late as we all seem to be busier.

Jax is a sportsman. He plays basketball and baseball. He is a math whiz and has an infectious personality that can fill a room--or sometimes clear a room!

Such are the joys of Jax! Birthdays are great times to think about the joys that people bring to our lives!

Happy Birthday Jax!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday, March 5, 2018

Monday Musings - March 5, 2018


1. March has arrived. There are only 16 days until Spring!

2. After the storm came the yard work. Chris and I are already Clearing the yard in preparation for recurring maintenance.

Sunset Above Elkridge, March 4, 2018
Radio Flyer
3. We met one of our neighbors yesterday, he has lived in his home 10 years and who only just met. Of ouches, he lives across the hedgerow and we go there only infrequently.

4. Radio Flyer, my drone, made a sunset flight above the house on Sunday evening. It took a couple fantastic images.

5. Leaves seem to be everywhere as Chris and I attempted to get them removed.

6. The Orioles have improved to 5-5 in the Grapefruit League Spring Training. That is really a turn around from the week before.

7. Without basketball games to attend on Sunday, it was a very different day. Here's looking forward to baseball season.


Headlines


‘Like a pinball machine’: Lawmakers struggle to negotiate with an erratic Trump - The Washington Post


Indonesian Christians flogged outside of mosque for violating sharia law - Fox News


Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"And you who are on the cutting edge of human achievement understand that freedom is not a luxury but a necessity. Freedom to think, freedom to imagine and create, these are not privileges, but the very source of our life's bread and the hope of mankind's future."
Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the National Medals of Science and Technology, March 12, 1986


- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Storm Damage


Limbs in the Yard
Chris and I went out yesterday to assess the damage from the storm.

We were lucky as we had many downed branches, but little other damage. We even enjoyed the relative warm mid-40's as we cleaned up the yard. 
Bleeding Hearts
March 3, 2018

I was shocked at how some of the branches wound up imbedded into the ground. I heard that a 77 year-old woman was killed by a falling tree limb whole retrieving her mail. I can see, from the mess in my yard how that could happen.

We also made a run to the landfill and said good-bye to the tiki bar. It served us well for many years, but its time had come. 

In the it must be Spring category, the bleeding hearts are popping up in the yard. I was amazed to find the clumps already striving to find the sun. I expect them to grow even more this week. Who knows, within two weeks they may even be blooming!

It should be exciting as the day dawns bright and clear. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, March 3, 2018

The Nor'easter


I am happy to report that I successfully traveled from  Denver to Baltimore yesterday. My Southwest flight was on time--which is almost a rarity these days and with the exception of the final about 20 minutes of the flight it was a normal flight in terms of turbulence.

The final 20 minutes were mildly exciting as the jet was buffeted by the winds of the nor'easter. The airport changes the active runway while the aircraft was in the approach and so the time exposed to the blustery winds was a bit longer, but I have to admit--it was not the worst ride I have experienced in the air by a long shot.
The Nor'easter destroys our Tiki Bar

And the landing? Well, I was expecting the jet to slam onto the runway, but despite a huge gust just as we were about to touchdown, the pilot greased the landing and the entire plane erupted in applause. In terms of actual contact with the runway it was one of the best landings ever. Much better than the carrier style landing I experienced upon arrival in Denver earlier in the week. 

At home, things were not so good. The high wind gusts destroyed our tiki bar as well as dropping many branches form the trees. But, other things were generally well. Chris and I had thought the tiki bar was about at the end of its useful life and the storm confirmed that decision.

The winds continue this morning, but the day is dawning bright.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, March 2, 2018

Travel Days


Pikes Peak
March 1, 2018
The view I should have had from my hotel window
Weather! I think I write about it too much, but it seems to be everywhere.

There is a Nor'easter raging on the coast and flights are being canceled on a regular basis. My flight, however, apparently is still on schedule. As I write this it is three hours before take-off. The cancellation, if there is one, should come about one hour before flying after I am trapped in the airport and can be precessed as just another piece of SLC (self-loading cargo).

Hotel Window View
Denver, CO
March 1, 2018
Sometimes I think the airlines forget that passengers are people, too. 

But, I do want to arrive and so I have to understand safety of flight procedures are more important than my insignificant schedule.

Upon my return to Denver last evening, I was greeted with a brown view out of my hotel window. Spring is not quite here yet. 

I hope that the green returns soon.

-- Bob Doan, writing form Denver, CO

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Out the Hotel Window - Colorado Springs Feb 2018


Colorado Springs
February 28, 2018
Sometimes you get a view of the mountains and sometimes you get a view of the parking lot.

I got the parking lot view for my one night stay in Colorado Springs.

I also got a ground floor room. I will try to avoid that in the future.

The scenery is just not much to look at from the gourd floor through the screen. Ugh.

The trip is going well. The days have been busy and I enjpyed a Brazilian steakhouse last evening, Tucanos. It was enjoyable and affordable. Affordable being the operative word.

Hopefully, today will be just a good as the other days of the trip. I hear there is weather brewing that may delay my departure tomorrow--hopefully, that does not happen. Getting home is the best part of any trip.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Colorado Springs, Colorado

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Out the Hotel Window - Denver February 2018 #2


Dawn, Denver
February 27, 2018
The scene changes with the lighting outside of my hotel window. I was luck enough to get a mountain view.
Afternoon, Denver
February 27, 2018

I was able to both start and end the day enjoying a view of the mountains in the distance. 

The temperatures were cold to start the day yesterday, but warmed nicely by the evening. In the dawn image, I can see the lights of the street lamps ands the other lights as the mountains are bring lit by the diffuse pre-sunrise light. 

The afternoon image showed the haze which has been obscuring the mountains, but the bright sunlight and nearly cloud free skies have been welcome.

Another day has arrived. Let's see how much more fun I can have.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, CO

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Out the Hotel Window - Denver Feb 2018


Out the Hotel Window - Denver
February 27, 2018
Well, I am on the road again. And of course I am in Denver again. I have not been here in a while and it is interesting to see the changes that have occurred. 

The hotel has received an complete makeover and is very new and modern. 

The roads are as crowded as ever. 

I was amazed how slow the car rental place was in moving people through. 

I did enjoy a nice Italian dinner last evening. I think I enjoyed it more because the portion sizes were  more normal and I was not left with a huge amount of left overs. 

I awakened this morning right on schedule at 4AM--that is actually sleeping in for me as the two hour time difference really hits me hard. I even tried to stay up late (well until 10 PM) to help my body adjust.

And so it begins.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Denver, CO
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