Saturday on the Diamond

Jax on the Mound

It was an early morning game for the GORC Dodgers. The temperature at game time was barely 40 degrees, but it warmed quickly to almost 50 degrees. The Dodgers showed up to play and soundly defeated their opponents the Crofton Giants, 14-1. 

The game featured a very rare unassisted double-play by Jackson. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, he caught a pop-up and ran to to catch a runner who left third base too quickly. Had there been no outs at the beginning of the play it would have been a triple play since the runner on second also showed up at third base and Jax tagged him too. 

Jax also pitched three innings of shut-out baseball, including the first inning which saw only three hitters go to the plate.

The rest of the team played strong as well. There was good hitting, including a home run, and smart base running. There were also a couple of other defensive gems. Crofton's only run came on a bases-loaded hit batsman. 

It was an exciting game. The team has a tough week ahead with practice on Tuesday and games on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday! Wow. What a schedule. Thank goodness the team is blessed with six quality pitchers.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hanging Around

Watching the Twilight
April 20, 2018

The Neighborhood at Dusk
April 20, 2018

During the evenings this week we have had some enjoyable activities including sitting around the fire pit, until it ran out of propane.

I was able to fly Radio Flyer at dusk last evening and got some nice shots as the light was leaving the sky. It was fun to fly my drone and be able to see its lights and follow its flight. 

Earlier in the week, as we were sitting around the fire pit enjoying Happy Hour, Chris and I were amused by the antics of Ted, Jeremy's Keeshond puppy. Ted ran around the pool with Finnegan, but was especially enjoying the water just under the cover. He is a true water dog. 

It was fun to watch Ted run across the pool cover. He is so full of energy. 

I wish I had that much energy. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cold on the Diamond

The GORC Dodgers played a baseball game last evening.

Jax at Bat on Saturday

It was cold! Too cold. 

It is really hard to play baseball when it is cold and over the course of the game it got colder. According to the weather history for Crofton, where the game was played, the temperature was about 47 degrees when the game started, but the wind chill was closer to 40 degrees. By game's end, the temperature was 44 degrees, but the windchill had dropped to about 37 degrees. 

It was cold, but the guys persevered. It was hard to concentrate on baseball. 

In the end, the Dodgers squeaked by the Crofton Orioles 7-5. It was not a pretty game, but the pitching held up. This game went 5 innings, which is longer than the opening day 4 inning game. Both games were ended due to the time limit.

Jackson, for his part, played a solid game. He put the tag on a runner at third for an out on an attempted steal and had some solid hits. 

It was so cold, I don't think anyone took pictures of the event. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Orioles Collapse

I guess that it is hard to say that the Orioles have collapsed as it appears that they never came out of the dugout committed to the season.

The O's currently sport a disappointing 5-13 record. They have a five game losing streak and face Detroit again tomorrow needing a win to avert another series sweep. 

I had predicted a 7-10 start, but thought they would likely manage to win the Detroit series, hence I was expecting them to be 9-11 after the Detroit series. Since there was a rainout in Boston, they could have been as good as it 9-10. It isn't there yet.

The team has too many holes--pitching, fielding, batting. Aside from that, they are in pretty good shape.

There are still 144 games to play and the O's can turn things around. They seem to be close in most games and have lost many games during the late innings. The only highlight so far is that they have not lost a Thursday game! 

Maybe they will win this afternoon's game!

I can hope. The beginning of the season optimism has evaporated.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Signs of Spring

Bleeding Hearts in Bloom

During the two days of warm weather last week, every tree and plans, it seemed, expended pent-up energy and blossomed forth only to be greeted this morning by temperatures below freezing. The temperature has dipped to 29 degrees this morning.

Weeping Cherry Tree in Blossom
April 17, 2018

Many of the plants don't really care much about the cold temperatures, but I did receive a report this morning from wine country in Virginia that the vineyards were working to protect the grape vine buds due to freezing temperatures. 

Around the house, however, there are the signs of Springtime's arrival. I flew Radio Flyer yesterday to document the greening of the yards and the area around the house. It was encouraging to see the green replacing the brown of winter. The winds aloft were high, but my drone handled them very well.

Aerial Shot of the Greening
April 17, 2018

The bleeding hearts are up and blossoming, there grass is turning green, and the weeping cherry tree is finally getting some blooms, although the weather has certainly reduced the density of the blossoms this year.

I hope the cold breaks soon! It is time to get onto outdoors activity. The GORC Dodgers had practice last evening and it was very cold with temperatures only in the 40's. 

Spring is coming and may even be here. It is just hiding.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Return of the Cold and Wet

It was too good to be true!

The cold weather has returned and the rains have come very strong washing away some of the mulch Chris and I recently placed in our gardens.

I am longing for warmer weather.

Much warmer weather.

In reviewing the forecast I am struck that today's expected high of 49 degrees is almost 40 degrees cooler than last Friday's actual 88 degree temperature.

Who turned off the heat?

10-Day Forecast for Elkridge, MD

While the 10-day forecast does show a warming trend into the 60's, and dryer conditions, it is still going to be too cool to consider opening the pool.

Even worse, we have baseball practice tonight and a game on Thursday! Hopefully the fields will be dry enough to practice tonight after the torrential rains of the past few days. 

Life goes on, it just could be warmer! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 16, 2018

1. Tax Day is tomorrow! We all know what that means!

2. The two 80 degree days last week are sorely missed right now. The rain is falling and it is cold.

3. NHL Hockey: Penguins win, lead series 2-1. Capital lose, losing series 0-2.

Blue Mash Golf Course
A gray and cold day
April 15, 2017

4. Baseball: Orioles lose again, will not make my prediction for first 17 games. Currently are 5-11 and today's 17th game of the season is rained out, already.

5. I played a round of golf yesterday. The temperature dropped from the 50's into the 40's while I was playing. It was another raw, cold round of golf. My score reflected my lack of enthusiasm. I took an image of the day. The course is hosting a US Open Playoff Tournament, I don't think I'm anywhere near ready for that, but it was nice to play on a course preparing for that caliber of golf.

6. I wonder what new craziness will emerge from Washington this week? I'm not sure it can top last week.


Headlines

In Interview, Comey Calls Trump ‘Morally Unfit’ and a ‘Stain’ on All Around Him - The New York Times

CALLS GROW TO BOYCOTT STARBUCKS AFTER TWO BLACK MEN ARRESTED FOR NOT MAKING ORDER - Newsweek

Barbara Bush in failing health, won't seek further treatment - CNN


Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"My foremost responsibility is our national security, just as it is the prime duty of Congress to appropriate the necessary resources to keep our defenses strong. This is our duty, not only to America but to the cause of human freedom. It's also our job to make sure that every tax dollar we spend, we spend well."

Radio Address to the Nation on the Defense Budget, March 1, 1986

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Season has Begun

Jax at 3rd
April 14, 2018

The official beginning of the youth baseball season occurred yesterday with the GORC Dodgers defeating the Crofton Orioles 16-8. It was only a 4 inning affair due to the slowness of the game. 

Post-game Meeting
April 14, 2018

All of the kids played great. 

We were actually behind after two innings after giving up a grand slam; however, the boys responded over the next two innings with two home runs  of their own, including one by Jax, and some solid base running. It was very interesting that both of our pitchers each hit a homer. Jax pitched two solid innings and looked great on the mound, in the field, and at the plate.

It was a great start to the season. The two teams meet again on Thursday in Crofton to complete the home-and-home series.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

13-13-13

Yesterday was one for the record books. 

It is a day that will never repeat in all of its interesting permutations. 

The Cake! 

Beginning with the obvious--

It was April 13th.

It was Friday, hence it was also Friday the 13th.

It was Thomas Jefferson's birthday! Just throwing this in, because the most important aspect of the day is yet to come.

The Teenager

It was Ethan's 13th birthday! 

Our oldest grandson became a teenager! While the party was somewhat subdued, I am sure the next few years will be exciting.

In addition to the combination of 13's, the weather for the day was spectacular. The high was 87 degrees and the skies were clear. The day was a taste of more to come, but after a similar day today, it will be over 10 days before we see temperatures in the 80's again. 

The day was a unique combination of 13s and weather. And now, since we have successfully made it past the 13th--cue Springtime.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Taste of Springtime

Lucas, Jeremy, Chris, and I with Ted, Finn, and Makayla
April 12, 2018

Jeremy and Ted
April 12, 2018

It finally happened yesterday. The temperatures climbed into the 70s with a bright sun and blue skies!

It seemed as if Spring had finally shaken off the lingering effects of Winter and decided to make an appearance almost one month late.

It turned into a great afternoon in which Lucas could finally get some time in on his new bike, which had been waiting for nice weather since January. Chris, Jeremy, and I along with the dogs walked Luke over to the school where he got some good time in riding his bike.

We were not the only people enjoying the warm afternoon. Radio Flyer even flew to document the activity, although the winds were a bit gusty and I had to keep it close. 

It was an enjoyable outdoor activity during a time when there just has not been the opportunity to get outdoors. 

There are more days like this on tap, finally! Let the Springtime roll!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

In Summary

The White House
December 2016

So much has been happening in the news lately. It can rally make one's head spin.

There is so much stuff coming out of Washington that it makes trying to understand what is happening to the country and our leadership very difficult.

Being away on vacation, I tried hard not to get too involved in everything happening, but the discussions and recriminations are everywhere and affecting every aspect of this country. 

An opinion column in The Washington Post titled, Trump is making less sense than ever, lays out things that happen and seem to make no sense. 

Then there is Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, deciding not to run for office again. I am not entirely sad to see him go, however, I am concerned that any voice of reason for the Republican Party has been lost. 

On top of the insanity in Washington, there are chemical attacks and retaliations in Syria that are threatening to further embroil the region in deeper conflict. 

There is also the Facebook mess. I think the Facebook problems may be overblown in an attempt to overshadow the other problems in Washington. 

I'm not sure where this is all heading, but it cannot be good.

Quote for the Day:

A people that values its privileges above its principles soon less both.  - President Dwight D. Eisenhower

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Back in the Routine

Late Arrival of Spring
April 10. 2018

Although it is Wednesday morning, I am only just beginning get into the routine of my life again.

The Neighborhood
April 10, 2018

I am not in a warm, sunny place. 

Landing in Baltimore yesterday morning the cruel reality of the lingering Winter was evident.  The trees are still not bursting with leaves. The cold is slowing their progression from naked branches into leafy shade-giving trees providing relief from the blistering sun.

I could use some blistering sun.

I flew Radio Flyer yesterday and took some images just to document the late arrival of Spring and the leaves on the trees. 

I have not even begun to plan my pool opening date yet. It is slipping later and later into May. I hope it is warm by Memorial Day.

I hope the weather turns soon. It is supposed to be nice this weekend, but then turn cold again. At least I haven't had to mow the lawn yet.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Leaving Paradise

Me on the Beach

As the jet took-off from Ft Lauderdale this morning shortly after 6AM, I was struck by the hard reality that my beach time had come to an end.

Sadly, a real end. 

The Ocean (Left) and Intercoastal (right)
Radio Flyer in the Skies
April 9, 2018

Yesterday I was on the fifth different beach of our vacation, flying Radio Flyer, my drone, in the bright warm sunlight. Today I was flying out of Florida under the over of darkness!

What a difference a day makes. At 9AM I was standing in the 30-degree weather at BWI waiting to be picked up and ushered home.

It is always great to be home, but this time I would be greater to stay warm.

Jupiter Lighthouse
April 9, 2018

We visited the Intercoastal Waterway Beaches yesterday. Radio Flyer made a great first flight, but then the day began to cloud and the winds began blowing at unsafe speeds.  

In the evening, we celebrated the end of another great Florida vacation by enjoying a couple cold ones at The Square Grouper and watching the weather form around the Jupiter Lighthouse.

It is over.

I didn't even have time to write the blog this morning, but I did edit the video on the plane.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 9, 2018

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
April 8, 2018

1. Sadly, today begins my last full day in Florida. Tomorrow it is back to the gray and cold of the northern states. 

2. Vacations are nice, especially when the most difficult question has been, which beach should we go to?

3. The Orioles have possibly righted the listing Birdland ship by taking a 4-game series from the Yankees 3-1. They are now 4-6 for the season, but sadly are close to my 7-10 prediction for the first 17 games. 

4. There has been something really great about walking outside and being greeted by warm, moist weather. 

5. The Masters provided a fantastic finish yesterday. Golf can be riveting with nail-biting finishes. 

Squadron of Pelicans
Jupiter Island
April 5, 2018

6. My big question for the day, should I play golf or go to the beach this morning?

7. Annoying habits of other drivers on the road: pulling in front without signaling. It would seem that in today's environment of increased distracted driving that people should win a Darwin Award for doing this. 

8. Watching the birds on the beach is a relaxing pastime. The pelicans have been flying in large flocks all week long. We usually only see them in small groups, but this week we have seen flocks (squadrons) numbering more than 40. 



HEADLINES

As Trump Seeks Way Out of Syria, New Attack Pulls Him Back In - The New York Times

North Korea Said to Offer Direct Assurance It Will Discuss Denuclearization - The New York Times

‘I know I don’t need it’ An AR-15 owner explains the allure. - The Washington Post

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"My foremost responsibility is our national security, just as it is the prime duty of Congress to appropriate the necessary resources to keep our defenses strong. This is our duty, not only to America but to the cause of human freedom. It's also our job to make sure that every tax dollar we spend, we spend well."

Radio Address to the Nation on the Defense Budget, March 1, 1986

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Another Day, Another Beach

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
April 7, 2018

It was another idyllic day in Florida during the month of April yesterday. That meant another trip to the beach to enjoy the sun and surf. The beach of the day was the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach on Jupiter Island. 

Fishing on Hobe Sound Beach
April 7, 2018

The trip to the beach was planned to take advantage of the morning before the other beachgoers arrived. Being Saturday, we actually experienced some crowds at the beach as we were departing about 1PM. 

As we arrived, the beach was principally the domain of those fishing for the bounty of the sea. In chatting with the various fishermen, I learned that they were only catching frustration that morning. No one had caught anything meaningful. It was a very interesting view along the water looking at the poles lined up. I should have taken and image of that same view later because the poles had been replaced with beach umbrellas.

Beach Essentials

I had some time, while sitting on the beach, to compose a beach image of essential items.

Beach trips require a number of things, among them flip flops, beverages, umbrellas and a good view. 

We were well supplied yesterday. 

Tubular Dog at West Palm Art Show

And, since drones are not allowed in the National Wildlife Refuge, there are not corresponding drone images to share. Radio Flyer had to stay in its travel case back at the house. I learned an interesting legal tip about drones in the refuge. It is illegal to even possess a drone in the refuge whether flying it or not. I was smart enough to talk to the ranger BEFORE I took my drone to the refuge. I had read that flying the drone in the refuge was illegal, but I didn't know that even possessing one was illegal as well.

So while I view my drone as an essential beach item, knowing where it is allowed is equally as important.

During the afternoon we headed off to West Palm Beach for an art show. I have to confess that I was impressed by the artists--however, one piece really made me smile. I was this tubular dog who was lifting his leg. 

Another day is on tap and my Spring Break vacation is rapidly coming to an end. I wonder what we will do today?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Another Sunny Day

Chris on the Course
April 6, 2018

I have to admit that I am getting used to bright sunny days with temperatures in the 80's. This type of day provides multiple opportunities for enjoyable outdoors activity.

On Dog Beach
South of Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida
April 6, 2018

Yesterday, for instance, Chris and I played another round of golf. We have found a par 3 course in the area and we can knock out a round in less than two-and-a-half hours. Par 3 courses can be very difficult, they generally have very small greens and require a lot of precision. I had a really good day yesterday, but then when you keep your driven in the bag it is hard to get into too much trouble.

After the golf, then there is the beach. We have been to four different beaches since we have been here. Our favorite, Hobe Sound, is a National Wildlife Refuge and drone flights are not allowed, so Radio Flyer has to stay home. The other beaches we visit are all fair game and Radio Flyer has been proving itself very capable this week. 

I have been enjoying some of the different views the drone provides, like looking at the stairs coming down to the beach from above and to the side. It also provides a good view of how crowded the beach is, or is not!

It is expected to be another sunny and warm day! I wonder what today will bring?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Walking the Beach

Fran and Chris Shelling on Jupiter Island
April 6, 2018

Walking the beach looking for shells is an enjoyable and relaxing experience. The beach yesterday was packed with shells and provided literally hours of enjoyment as we worked out way along it. 

Unlucky Crab in the Shells
Jupiter Beach
April 5, 2018

Shells stretched along the beach for seemingly miles, it was actually 3/4 of a mile. It was a great walk in the bright sun and breezy conditions. 

Walking along the beach and examining the shells there provided an enjoyable morning activity. The winds were too strong to fly Radio Flyer, my drone, but even so the day was filled with shells and discoveries. Some of the discoveries were sobering, such as the crab which had clearly not had a good morning on the beach.

Blowhole at Blowing Rocks
Jupiter Island
April 5, 2018

We walked to an outcropping called Blowing Rocks to see the waves crash onto the shore. It was a beautiful day and the sun, water, rocks, and sea made for some great images. 

Waiting for the waves to crash onto the rocks through the blow hole was frustrating, the strength of the waves did not create a dramatic view, but it was still fun to experience and even more challenging to capture as an image.

Sea, sun, wind, and shells. A day along the beach.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

As the Warm Days Pass

Chris at Jupiter Dunes
April 4, 2018

I notice that my daily blogs are being posted later and later during the day.

It must mean that I am enjoying my time away and sleeping later into the morning, at least until after 7AM, while also enjoying daily activities.

Yesterday, for instance, began on a golf course after a leisurely breakfast. Chris and I suffered through a rainstorm for three holes, but emerged into bright sunshine and enjoyed a quick round on a par 3 course. Chris did great and carried the water in the image above!

Happy Hour on Carlin Park Beach
April 4, 2018

Then there was some wine shopping during the heat of the day, such as it was. The heat actually felt good and it had been a long time since we had actually graced a wine store, or wine stores. There is something great about Florida grocery stores selling wine. The are grocery stores, wine stores, and wine super markets and they all seem to survive. We went to four places and found very different wines and very little overlap. Maryland should take a note.

Happy Hour on Carlin Park Beach
April 4, 2018

I worked on videos from Radio Flyer's flights over Jupiter Island Beach on April 3rd. I put together a video of the second flight. I think I got some nice views. I have been really exploring the birds-eye view and the cool scenes it provides. That is the strength of the drone anyway, getting right above the subject and providing a different point of view. 

The end of the day was enjoying the sun setting behind us as we relaxed on Carlin Park Beach. It was really beautiful and a great way to end the second full day of our Spring Break vacation.

I wonder what is in store for the next couple of days?

-- Bob Doan, writing form Tequesta, Florida

Beach Life

Jupiter Beach
April 3, 2018

Sitting in a chair under an umbrella on Jupiter Island Beach looking out at the blue ocean crashing onto the shore is an enjoyable, relaxing experience that I look forward to every year. This beach is one of the reasons we keep coming to this area.

Birds Eye View of Jupiter Beach
April 3, 2018

The beach is never crowded and has over the years allowed to remain in a more natural state. As we made our small camp at 11 AM yesterday, no one else was on the beach. By the time we left, about 3PM, a few others had arrived, but there was ample room for all activities.

Radio Flyer, my drone, made its first flight over a beach next to the ocean. The winds were near the maximum sustained about 15 mph with gusts to 19 mph. I only received on wind gust warning. In the birds-eye view you can see the umbrellas in the middle of the beach, and it is also clear that almost no other beachgoers were near us, competing for space. 

Life is a beach!

Life on a beach is idyllic. 

Radio Flyer's video of the area and the beach really provide a fun perspective. I took it up to altitude for some scenic shots, but had great fun just flying along the beach. 

During my second flight of the day I sojourned a bit over the ocean, not far, just to see how Radio Flyer handled. I did not notice any difference in handling or flight characteristics. 

Beach days are the best. We are probably taking a break today due to over-exposure to the sun yesterday. We had some suntan lotion failures that we need to address with a day out of the sun.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

From Cold to the Beach

Hope Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
April 2, 2018

One awesome thing about the arrival of April this year is Spring Break! Well, I don't actually get a Spring Break vacation, but Chris does. We decided to keep it simple this year. 

Jupiter Lighthouse
April 2, 2018

Florida! The travel day was fabulous. We went from cold weather to beach in six hours!

Average high temperature for the Baltimore 10 day forecast is about 50 degrees for the next 10 days with lows in the mid 30's. The 10 day forecast for Jupiter has highs averaging in the low 80's with no lows expected below 68 degrees!

And that is why we are here! We need a taste of summer, right this very minute.

Pelicans on Patrol Over Home Sound Beach
April 2, 2018

The warm temperatures and the bright sun are a stark contrast to what we have been experiencing in the Baltimore area. We actually planned our travel so that we were able to fly south and be on a beach before 1PM. It was magnificent. 

Yesterday was a beautiful beach day filled with bright sun and few clouds. I could tell that it is still the high season in Florida, the beach was crowded. There may have been 20 other people on the beach. 

I am happy to report that our golf clubs arrived without incident. One of the great things doubt Southwest is that bags fly free and so do golf clubs. 


-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida