Monday Musings - October 14, 2019

1. It is the second Monday of October and we are celebrating Columbus Day. I have the day off from work.

2. We are in a period when we enjoy seven Federal holidays in a 5 month period from September through 
January. They are: Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and Martin Luther King's Birthday. 

3. Yesterday the GORC Wildcats U12 Cooperstown team had a baseball game. Who knew that it was going to rain. We did not complete the second inning before the game was called for rain. It rained hard! But we received no rain in Elkridge! I still had to water the lawn to nurture the grass seedlings we are encouraging to fill the empty spots. 

4. Family NFL Results:

    Ravens defeat Bengals 23-17
    Redskins defeat Dolphins 17-16
    Cowboys lost to Jets 22-24
    Steelers defeated Chargers 24-17

5. I wonder if they still teach the school children about Columbus and the jingle, "In 14 hundred and 92, Columbus sailed the ocean blue?" And then about his three ships, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria? I remember drawing pictures of the ships arriving off the coast of the New World.

6. The temperatures have been trending downward, I may have turn the heat on in the house soon. 

7. Despite the rained out baseball game yesterday, we still havre not received any measurable rain in Elkridge in two months and it is dry!

8. I noticed that colors are beginning grace the trees yesterday as they don their autumn finery for the final show of the season.

9. Today in History. U.S. Air Force Captain Chuck Yeager becomes the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. Yeager, born in Myra, West Virginia, in 1923, was a combat fighter during World War II and flew 64 missions over Europe. He shot down 13 German planes and was himself shot down over France, but he escaped capture with the assistance of the French Underground. After the war, he was among several volunteers chosen to test-fly the experimental X-1 rocket plane, built by the Bell Aircraft Company to explore the possibility of supersonic flight.


Headlines

Abandoned by U.S. in Syria, Kurds Find New Ally in American Foe Abandoned by U.S. in Syria,  - The New York Times

Green Berets Feel ‘Ashamed,’ and Kurds Describe ‘Betrayal’ - The New York Times

Hong Kong violence is 'life-threatening', say police, citing crude bomb - Reuters

Saudi visit showcases Putin's growing Middle East influence - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

When our children turn the pages of our lives, I hope they'll see that we had a vision to pass forward a nation as nearly perfect as we could, where there's decency, tolerance, generosity, honesty, courage, common sense, fairness, and piety. This is my vision and I'm grateful to God for blessing me with a good life and a long one. But when I pack up my bags in Washington, don't expect me to be happy to hear all this talk about the twilight of my life. 

  -- Republican National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, August 15, 1988


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

This is What I Saw

Sunrise over Route 100
Maryland
October 11, 2019

It was Friday morning early, just as the sun was rising in the East. I was driving to work on the road that I usually take, but because the sun is rising later, it was mostly dark. Too dark.

In the East, I witnessed the first light of dawn. Breaking over the horizon and framed by the road I was driving. It was an inspiring sight. The sky was clear and the colors of the morning were vibrantly greeting me as I made my way to start the last workday of the week. The reflection of the sunrise on the hood of my truck is something that I did not notice at the time I snapped this quick image. But, it highlights the beauty of the scene.

Fox at Crofton Country Club
Crofton, MD
October 12, 2019

I will follow that with what I saw while golfing yesterday. I enjoy seeing wildlife on the golf course and yesterday was no exception. As I was warming up in the chipping area, a fox ran across the grass and stopped to check me out. I was quick enough to grab my camera and snap an image of it, even while I was amazed that it was so close--within my comfort zone for a wild and potentially rabid animal. But, the fox went about its business and left me alone with to enjoy my ragged golf game. I need to play golf more often than every three months. It has been since July that I was on a course. 

Golf aside, I have been treated to some exciting views this weekend.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

This is What You Missed

If you watched CNN or Fox yesterday, all you saw was the continuing internal struggles of the Executive Branch vs. the Legislative Branch of our government. Here is what you probably missed the was happening.

From Reuters

From Newsweek:

EXCLUSIVE: TURKEY ATTACKS US SPECIAL FORCES IN SYRIA, APPARENTLY BY MISTAKE

From Reuters:

Two killed as fierce typhoon hits Tokyo, millions told to evacuate

Turkish-led forces enter Syrian border town Ras al Ain, fighting rages

Exclusive: U.S. migrant policy sends thousands of children, including babies, back to Mexico

Petrol bombs thrown in Hong Kong metro, protesters defy face mask ban

Turkey's Syria offensive 'invasion' of Arab land: Arab League secretary general

Dutch police detain 130 Extinction Rebellion protesters

More than 100,000 people displaced so far amid violence in Syria: U.N. World Food Programme

Judge blocks Trump immigration rule, calls it 'repugnant to American Dream'

'We feel betrayed': Kurds in U.S. voice anger at Trump's troop pullback


Here is my advice--keep your head up  and eyes and ears open. The world is not stopping just because the U.S. is having an extreme Constitutional crisis.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Darkness Descends

Under the Lights
GORC Park
Odenton, MD
October 9, 2019

I noticed how quickly darkness is descending while at baseball practice Wednesday evening. It used to be that darkness arrived about 8 PM, but now it is dark by 6:30. 

Having practice under the lights is becoming the normal way now. We are getting used to it, but during the summer it definitely was not the normal for practice. 

The season is definitely winding down. The grass is brown the fields are worn and the lack of rain has turned them into dust bowls. I remember the spring when we had to play around standing water and mud pits--now it is dust which gets into everything. 

And as darkness descends and the game goes on, we are squeezing the last bit of summer out of October. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bucket Battle

Bucket Battle
The Gauntlet is Thrown
Odenton, MD
October 9, 2019

There was a humorous moment after baseball practice last evening. 

Bucket Battle 2
The Crowd Gets Serious
Odenton, MD
October 9, 2019

The team uses painters buckets, the big, 5 gallon plastic ones, to hold the baseballs that are used during practice. It is really nice that there are a couple dozen practice balls, but keeping them from becoming a ground safety hazard can be difficult and we use the buckets to corral them. That makes the balls confined and accessible for drills and batting practice. 

It seems that during practice a couple of the buckets got in the way of a drill and some enterprising team member stacked them together to clear the mess. That seemed like a good idea at the time, but it resulted in a post-practice scene where grown adults and boys attempted to separate the buckets--with no success. 

Bucket Battle 3
The Buckets are Winning
Odenton, MD
October 9, 2019

Over a short time, more and more people because involved in the bucket battle as time wore on, but to no avail. The stubborn buckets would not be separated. 

The best minds, and brawn, at practice last evening could not separate the buckets. AND, it is important to note that there are holes in the bottom of the buckets to help prevent just the situation that occurred. The holes allow air into the buckets and prevent the creation of a vacuum. 

As I left practice, the buckets had claimed victory and were being shuttled to a garage where tools could be applied to the situation. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Truth is out There

There was a popular show on TV any years ago. It was called The X Files. The show was about strange phenomena that seemed to point to the existence of aliens (as in from another planet) living among us in our daily lives. Each week as the new episode arrived in my living room, the opening credits would end with the phrase "The truth is out there" fading from my TV screen. 


I feel like I am living in an episode of The X Files. The grasp on the truth is rapidly slipping away from many in Washington D.C. Rumors, innuendo, bold faced lies seem to be the norm for too many. It has been going on for so long that it is almost impossible to separate fact from fiction.

I remember a joke that I used to tell--it was funny then, but is not longer funny because it is too true. The joke went: How do you know when a politician is lying? His lips are moving. 

In reality--we need to upgrade our political leadership. There is too much partisan politics. 

I was intrigued by a comment that Pat Robertson made yesterday about the President over the Kurdish issue: “And I believe — and I want to say this with great solemnity — the President of the United States is in danger of losing the mandate of heaven if he permits this to happen,” he concluded.  As quoted in USA Today.  I never thought about a president as having a mandate from heaven. 

So as I do not know what is really going on, because there is so much subterfuge, I am hoping that we as a nation survive this crisis of integrity.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

To Rain, or Not to Rain

Some areas of the region received rain yesterday. 

Weather Map for the Region
October 8, 2019

We did not. With the exception of one evening during early September, I cannot remember meaningful precipitation occurring at the house since the 4th of July. Things are brown and dying--except for those items that we have been watering. We were promised rain.

I remember writing earlier in the year that there was too much rain and it was a nuisance. Not so any more. I would welcome a good two-day drenching rain event to restore life to the landscape before the dark days occur in earnest. 

So I am looking forward to rain falling from the sky soon. Believe it or not, the evaporation from the heat and dryness has lowered the level of water in my pool to the point where I am considering adding water to the closed pool! Crazy! 

Maybe rain will fall to quench the earth today.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 7, 2019

1. October has arrived. This is the first Monday in October. There are 85 days remaining in 2019. 

2. I saw Christmas decorations adorning the local Costco on Saturday. It is not even Halloween yet! That written, there are 78 shopping days until Christmas. 

3. The GORC Cooperstown 2019 baseball team suffered a crushing defeat yesterday, 19-0. But, there were many positives from the game. The team began hitting the ball. The problem was that the other team was hitting the ball where our boys weren't. We, on the other hand, seemed to hit it right to their boys. 

4. Family NFL results:

   Ravens defeat Steelers 26-23
   Redskins lose to Patriots 7-33
   Cowboys lose to Packers 24-34

Around the Fire Pit as Daylight Flees
Elkridge, MD
October 5, 2019

5. The low temperature on Saturday was 52 degrees cooler than the high on Wednesday. It must be Autumn.

6. Chris and I enjoyed an evening around the fire pit on Saturday night. It was cool and the mosquitoes were not active. The fire was hot and high and it was a beautiful way to watch the day pass into night. 

7. It has been dry--drought conditions. I think I may have to add water to my closed pool as the evaporation is lowering the lever farther than I would like to see it lowered. 

8. Today in History. On October 7, 2003, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is elected governor of California, the most populous state in the nation with the world’s fifth-largest economy. Despite his inexperience, Schwarzenegger came out on top in the 11-week campaign to replace Gray Davis, who had earlier become the first United States governor to be recalled by the people since 1921. Schwarzenegger was one of 135 candidates on the ballot, which included career politicians, other actors, and one adult-film star.



Headlines


Trump Endorses Turkish Military Operation in Syria, Shifting U.S. PolicyTrump Endorses Turkish Military Operation in Syria,  - The New York Times

Second Whistle-Blower Claims ‘Firsthand Knowledge’ of Ukraine Dealings - The New York Times

Global stocks hover as weak European data, trade anxiety offsets U.S. jobs boost - Reuters

Taiwan says China is an 'authoritarian' threat in the Pacific - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect. 
  -- State of the Union Address, February 6, 1985


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Racing Across the Brown Grass

Ethan with Team Before the Start
Arundel High School
Odenton, MD
October 5, 2019

The regional drought continued yesterday. The grass is getting dry and brown in most areas. It was also very cool yesterday morning and that made it a great day to go attend my first cross country meet.

The JV Team Singing Sweet Caroline
Arundel High School
Odenton, MD
October 5, 2019

Ethan was running for the Arundel High JV team. 

It was great to be there to see the race. I decided that I like cross-country because it is over in about 25 minutes. Ethan ran a hard race and is showing significant improvement every week. I am learning that the time on the scoreboard is only a guide because each course is different and some are much harder than others. 

It was fun to watch the start of the race. I was lucky to have my iPhone at the ready to capture the start of the race. It is very impressive. I think seeing so many boys racing across the dry, brown grass is quite a sight. And Ethan is clearly visible towards the end.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cold

It happened overnight. The temperature dropped into the 40's for the first time since early Spring. It was a rude greeting to Autumn! I expect the trees to begin changing in earnest and the leaves to begin piling up in my yard. 

It is real! After setting a record the other day at 98 degrees--perhaps Summer is finally over. 

I am not ready for summer to depart!

The departure of summer means that winter--and the dark season is not too far behind. It is already dark more than it is light. 

But the day is busy with cross country and baseball--it should be a nice day to be outside. I will try not to get to sunburned. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Second Season

It is playoff time! Yes, baseball continues. 

And there is a local team actually in the playoffs-- the Washington Nationals. They won their wild card game and last night played the Dodgers in game 1 of the NLDS. For those who wonder about the abbreviation that is National League Division Series. 

OK, the Nationals got blown out 6-0. But they just need to get their feet under themselves. It is a five game series--so they could turn it around. History says that they won't--the team has a miserable record and has lost every post-season series they have been in except the recent Wild Card game that they won. 

It is sad that the Orioles are not anywhere near the playoffs. I was fairly close in my preseason prediction that they would wind 57 games--they won 54. I was hoping for a better performance. 

Baseball is into its October run, however, and there are some great teams chasing to be World Series winners. 

It will be fun to watch.

My prediction? Astros vs Dodgers with the Astros winning the World Series in 6 games. You read it here first.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Last Gasp

Summer does not realize that its run is over. Yesterday saw a new high set in Baltimore. The high temperature yesterday was 95 degrees eclipsing the previous high by 3 degrees. Summer is still here. It was the hottest October day since they began keeping records in 1872.

We enjoyed baseball practice last evening in the heat. While the boys withered a bit while working out, but I enjoy practice in the heat far better than in cold weather. I remember last April when the temperatures were in the 30's--it is hard to concentrate. 

The weather reporters are forecasting that Autumn is on its way. they are saying cod front is on its way and Saturday morning the forecast is for lows in the mid-40's. Now that is cold. 

I suppose that yesterday's temperatures are summer's last gasp. Today is supposed be in the 70's. Over 20 degrees cooler than yesterday's high. It is 77 degrees right now but the cold front is on its way and the temperatures will drop. 

On the weather front--we really could use some rain. But I am sure that will come and then I will complain.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

A-12 on the Deck of the Intrepid
NYC
September 29, 2019

We took a lot of pictures during our two-day visit to NYC. It seemed harsh to share just four of them in yesterday's blog. So, I decided to do another day on the city and focus upon on specific stop.

Jax and Chris in Gemini Capsule Mock-up
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, NYC
September 29, 2019

Amidst all of the fun of walking around in the man-made canyons beneath the towering buildings, there were a lot of fun things to see and experience. We had a very busy schedule and there was almost no downtime. 


Today, I am going to focus on the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. I had never been to the museum before, but I will not miss it again. It is definitely on the stop for every visit to the Big Apple with people who have never been there before. First, the view from the ship of the skyline is stunning! But even more important, the aircraft carrier and its history is presented in spectacular form and the ability to wander around the carrier is a second-to-none experience. the museum represents probably the best nexus for sea, air, and space that I have ever experienced. 

Me and Jax
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
September 29, 2019

Regulus Cruise Missile
Cold War Nuclear Relic
USS Growler
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, NYC
September 29, 2019

The exhibits are in great shape and they are, most importantly, accessible. It is east to get close--but do not touch. There are many hands-on exhibits for the young people in your life. 

The tour of the submarine and the the space shuttle Enterprise hangar are highlights--but there are highlights around the entire complex. The museum is truly a gem in the heart of the city. 

It is a must see.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Conquering NYC

At Night from the Empire State Building
September 29, 2019

Reflection of the new World Trade Center 1
on another building
September 30, 2019

It was a whirlwind trop to the Big Apple for Chris, Jax, and me. 

We left Sunday morning and returned last evening. It was a trip to celebrate his promotion from 5th grade and into middle school. We could not have picked a better weekend for the visit and making use of a school holiday made it an even better trip. The weather was generally fantastic with only a few raindrops falling onto us as we disembarked from the oat which brought us back to shore from visiting the Statue of Liberty. 

The trip included a visit to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, the obligatory visit to Times Square and dinner there followed by a nighttime visit to the Empire State Building--which was awesome. I had never seen the city from there at night. 

Chris and Jax at the Shuttle Enterprise
Intrepid Air and Space Museum
September 29, 2019

Statue of Liberty
September 30, 2019

Yesterday was a fast paced day. We began by going to Rockefeller Center and visiting some of the shops. We missed the Today Show by a few minutes. From there, after retrieving the car, we headed off to the World Trade Center Memorial and from there the Statue of Liberty. There is so much to do in NYC, a short overnight just does not seem to do it justice. 

But we had fun and squeezed in a much as we could. We drove this time and it was not too bad. I even did pretty good in the NYC traffic. It is not all that much worse the Baltimore traffic.

And now, we return to our regularly scheduled week.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Unsatisfying Result

It was a doubleheader Saturday and the GORC Cooperstown 12U headed to La Plata to play the Senators. 

Lunch Between the Games
La Plata, MD
September 28, 2019

It was a long drive. But everyone arrived ready to play the games. The day started cool due to the heavy overcast, which was great--but, we began the first game in a drenching rainstorm, which while keeping the dust down on the field also seemed to quench the intensity of our bats. The games ended under a burning sun. We managed only three runs over the two games. The final results were losses: 14-1 and 14-2. The mercy rule kicked in for both games. 

We made some good plays in the field, but the Senators bats were very hot and they were able to find holes in our infield and outfield all day. 

It was a learning experience!

We will be better for it next time. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Crashing through the Weekend

Me with Jeremy, Nicole and Patrick
Elkridge, MD
September 26, 2019

We have so much stuff planned this weekend that two days were not enough in which to complete everything and so I stole a day from the workweek and added Monday to make this a three-day weekend!

We are going to be "crazy" busy. 

We have already been busy starting with my birthday on Thursday, followed by Happy Hour with friends last evening. 

Today the GORC Cooperstown Wildcats play a double header in La Plata! At least we get two games because it is over an hour drive with no traffic. That will eat up most of Saturday. But it will be a baseball Saturday--what could be bad about that?

Tomorrow, bright and early probably before dawn, Chris and I head out for NYC with Jax for an overnight. I am taking a day off on Monday so that we can explore NYC and then return at our leisure. 

By the time the weekend is complete, I may be looking forward to getting back to work to get some rest. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Birthday

Thanks to all who provided greetings for my birthday. It is overwhelming to get greetings form so many people. I remember that in the olden days we would rush to the mail box for greetings and now we go to Facebook. 

I cannot believe that I am another year older--I hope I have the mental capacity to remember my new age when asked--whatever it is.

I have been asked about retirement and I think the end of the daily work rodeo is forming out on the horizon. It is still in the distance, but I have begun to get ready for the day when I no longer report to work promptly at 0700--but not yet. 

What will life after retirement look like? 

I am still looking for that answer. 

Prostate Cancer Awareness Ribbon

From seeing my retired friends, I know that there is life after retirement, but I am not too sure what it is at this point. 

But this birthday reminds me that the year past was a traumatic year. I went through 44 prostate cancer treatments starting right after my last birthday and have been recovering marvelously since then. September is, after all,  prostate cancer awareness month.  Chris and I bought a condo in Florida--but did not go on a cruise, although we recently went to Hawaii. But most importantly, we have spent time with family. 

A wise man once told me that after I retire and leave the organization where I work that people will quickly forget what I did there, but my family will never forget the times we spent together and the times we spent apart. 

I have had both times with and apart from my family.  Last evening was special because I was able to gather with my whole family--minus one, to celebrate.

Let the next year begin.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Craziness in D.C.

The back and forth summer of jockeying by the President and the Congress has continues into autumn and the wheels are threatening to come off the country. My minds is reeling from all of the activity. 

Wow it has been a wild week! Or is that a month? Possibly a wild year? Maybe two-and-a-half wild years?

Accusations. Charges. Counter-claims. Whistle-blowers. Indignation. Ukraine? Elections.

And then there is the impeachment probe being initiated in the House. More dysfunction at work. 

Is anyone governing the country? Managing foreign policy? Ensuring Domestic tranquility? 

Who is in charge at The White House? 

Will there be another government shutdown as early as Tuesday? 

Is anyone in charge anymore?

Have our leaders lost sight of their primary mission?


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Autumn Arriving

Autumn Evening
Elkridge, MD
September 24, 2019

Last evening the weather changed and I felt Autumn in the air. The temperatures were below 80 and the humidity finally dropped. Chris and I sat outside under a cyan sky sipping the white wine of summer past and enjoying the moderate temperatures. Although we were afflicted by hordes of gnats.

Sitting outside as the twilight fell, I noticed that autumn colors were beginning to make their way into the trees. The dry weather has meant that many leaves are already falling and are  covering my yard. But, we recently had the yard aerated and over-seeded  meaning we are watering right now trying to get grass germinated and growing before the warm weather departs. 

What we do to try and enjoy good lawns, so that we can mow them. With Autumn arriving, the end of the lawn care season is in sight, just as the pool season has likewise ended. 

It is time to begin to make ready for the dark season. We retrieved the Halloween decorations from the attic last evening to begin to make ready for the season of goblins and ghouls! October is getting close! Soon there will be frost on the pumpkins. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

October Baseball

Major league baseball teams dream of playing October games because that means they are in the playoffs with a chance to play and win the World Series. 

The Orioles will not be playing in October this year. They are 51-106 .325 with five games remaining. They have bested the record of the 2018 Orioles who only won 47 games--but to say that there is improvement is searching for positives among the thorns. Last night they lost a 15 inning game 11-10 by virtue of a walk-off homer to the Blue Jays. They have two more games in Toronto and then it is off to Boston for the final three games of the season.

Practice 
GORC  Cooperstown 2020 Wildcats 12U
September 23, 2019

As for meaningful October games. the GORC  Cooperstown 2020 Wildcats 12U team will be playing the entire month. Yes, it is Fall Ball and while the normal autumn sports are being played, there will still be baseball to fill the void left by the Orioles departure. 

The team has played two games already, both losses--but close losses: 5-2, 8-6. There is a doubleheader on Saturday in La Plata against the Southern Maryland Senators that promises to be interesting. The Senators are one of the best teams in the area and it should be a true test for the team. And the baseball season continues even as the Orioles lick their wounds and try to figure out how not to lose 100 games or more next season. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - September 23, 2019

1. Summer slipped away and Autumn began while I was sleeping. The leaves falling on my yard are now properly aligned to the season.

2. Returning home after being away has been a bit of a whirlwind with parties and football. And now it is back to our regularly scheduled life.

Finn and Riordin Sleeping
Elkridge, MD
September 22, 2019

3. Buddies sleeping together in a sunbeam who had been reunited after a week apart. They were cute laying there stroking the same pose. 

4. Family NFL report: 

    Ravens lost to Chiefs 28-33
    Steelers lost to 49ers 20-24
    Cowboys defeated the Dolphins 31-6
    Redskins meet the Bears tonight

Spider in the Bushes
Black and Yellow Garden Spider
Odenton, MD
September 22, 2019

5. There was this huge spider. It was in a bush outside of Nicole's house and it made for a great image. It did not seem to mind the attention it received. 

6. It is amazing how quickly Chris and I can unpack--we had everything unpacked and the first load in the wash and were out the door for a birthday party just an hour-and-a-half after arriving home on Saturday.

7. With the ending of September on Monday next week, the progression towards winter will begin unabated. At least we are still playing baseball until November. 

8. Today in History. On September 23, 1875, Billy the Kid is arrested for the first time after stealing a basket of laundry. He later broke out of jail and roamed the American West, eventually earning a reputation as an outlaw and murderer and a rap sheet that allegedly included 21 murders.

The exact details of Billy the Kid’s birth are unknown, other than his name, William Henry McCarty. He was probably born sometime between 1859 and 1861, in Indiana or New York. As a child, he had no relationship with his father and moved around with his family, living in Indiana, Kansas, Colorado and Silver City, New Mexico. His mother died in 1874 and Billy the Kid—who went by a variety of names throughout his life, including Kid Antrim and William Bonney—turned to crime soon afterward.

Headlines

Hong Kong Police Posed as Protesters, Launching a Bloody CrackdownHong Kong Police Posed as Protesters, -New York Times

36 Hours in Albuquerque - The New York Times

Iran resists sanctions, U.S. is 'desperate,' Rouhani says - Reuters

Five civilians killed in air strikes by Saudi-led coalition in Yemen: TV - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

All my life I've seen that when people have freedom and a vision, when they have the courage and the opportunity to work hard, and when people believe in the power of faith and hope, they can accomplish great things.
  -- Remarks at a Question-and-Answer Session at St. Agatha High School in Detroit, Michigan, October 10, 1984


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Home at Last

The view out my back door window is familiar. 

Wailea Beach Sunset, Maui
September 19, 2019

It is good to be home at the completion of the trip and I am ready to get back into the things of my life--including work, baseball, and household chores.

But the memories of the trip are fresh and even though the trip home was long and seemingly endless, I feel pretty good as this morning dawns and am ready to face the challenges that the early autumn is presenting. 

Lighting the Tiki Torches
Wailea Beach, Maui
September 19, 2019

Speaking of which, Autumn begins tomorrow morning at 3:50 AM EDT. 

The trip home was much longer than it needed to be, but that is the way we were routed. Sometimes I wish that Southwest would play well with others and I could have changed airlines in Denver and arrived home about three hours sooner than we did. As it was, we arriver at the airport promptly at 4:20 PM after leaving Maui the night before at 8 PM. Even by subtracting the six hour time change, that is still almost 14.3 hours of travel! And after being up all day, it made for a very long travel experience.

But we are back!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD