Monday Musings - May 11, 2020

1. Welcome to the second Monday of May. Maryland remains under a stay-at-home order, but that could be lifted this week.

The Family Maintaining Personal Distancing
Mother's Day 2020
Elkridge, MD
May 10, 2020

2. Mother's Day was yesterday. The family gathered, sort of, to celebrate. he picture represents the family picture maintaining personal distancing. 

3. The seven day forecast finally has some 80 degree days on tap for Maryland! Yay! That would be a nearly 45 degree temperature swing from Saturday's morning's low of 35 degrees. Maybe I will be able to heat the pool and enjoy some time in the water this coming weekend!

My White Azalea
Elkridge, MD
May 10, 2020

4. The azaleas are fully blossomed as is befitting of Mother's Day weekend!

5. The pollen is stifling. My allergy medications are beginning to falter. It must be Springtime in Maryland!

6. Coronavirus/COVID-19 Status as of 0432L/11 May based upon the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Map:
     World: 4,116,767 cases/282,782 deaths
     U.S. :  1,329,799 (32% of World)/79,528 (28% of world)
     Maryland:  32,587 (2.4% of US)/1,644 (2% of US)

7. I am concerned that the frigid weather of the past two mornings may have destroyed the grape harvest which was destined to become the 2020 vintage from the wineries in Maryland and Virginia. 

8. It was sad that the U.S. cannot separate politics from leadership. The U.S. blocked a U.N. Security Council resolution to calling for a halt to armed conflict around the world because of a political dispute with China and the World Health Organization. See US blocks vote on UN's bid for global ceasefire over reference to WHO in The Guardian. 

9. Today in History. On May 11, 1934, a massive storm sends millions of tons of topsoil flying from across the parched Great Plains region of the United States as far east as New York, Boston and Atlanta.

At the time the Great Plains were settled in the mid-1800s, the land was covered by prairie grass, which held moisture in the earth and kept most of the soil from blowing away even during dry spells. By the early 20th century, however, farmers had plowed under much of the grass to create fields. The U.S. entry into World War I in 1917 caused a great need for wheat, and farms began to push their fields to the limit, plowing under more and more grassland with the newly invented tractor. The plowing continued after the war, when the introduction of even more powerful gasoline tractors sped up the process. During the 1920s, wheat production increased by 300 percent, causing a glut in the market by 1931.

Americans Are Being Turned Away Trying to Buy Life Insurance - The Wall Street Journal

For Flynn, Dropped Charges Are the Latest in a Life Full of Reversals - The New York Times

As deaths mount, Trump tries to convince Americans it’s safe to inch back to normal - The Washington Post

Trump eyes federal retirement plan investments amid virus showdown with China - The Washington Post

Iran says United States yet to respond about prisoner swap - Reuters

Indian, Chinese border troops in brief skirmish on northeast Indian border, India says - Reuters

Major U.S. airlines endorse temperature checks for passengers - OANN

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week


You know, Nancy and I, coming down here from Camp David on the helicopter, we couldn't help but be thinking about this particular day and what it was. I think in hindsight, perhaps, I realize more about my mother than -- and as so many of us do, did not at the time -- Nelle was a little woman, auburn hair, and, I realize now, had a strength through some very trying times that held our family together. We were poor, but the government didn't come around and tell us we were, so -- [laughter] -- we didn't know it. And probably we didn't know it because Nelle was always finding someone that was worse off then we were that needed help.

 -- Remarks During a Visit to the Jeanne Jugan Residence on Mother's Day, May 13, 1984


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Thief

Finnegan with his Stolen Goods
Elkridge, MD
May 5, 2020

He was caught after leaving the scene of the crime. 

He is a thief and a stealthy one at that. In the blink of an eye he can conduct a successful grab and go more efficiently than a gypsy on a crowded European city street. Of course the fact that he is only about 8 inches tall and races around the house on four feet contributes to his success. He is especially good at stealing unattended napkins and he loves to shred them into a pile of useless paper to demonstrate that his prowess as a thief. 

The pictured caper involved stealing Chris's pajamas from the bedroom and relocating them to the front door to make a comfortable bed for himself. He is not the least bit guilty for committing his crimes--he finds them amusing. In fact his crimes provide comic relief around the house and redirect our attention from coronavirus news reporting to thwarting his thievery. 

His seemingly boundless energy means that we have to be constantly vigilant, lest he make off with another treasure. 

Caring for pets allow me to focus on things other than the news and the constant stream of coronavirus reporting. That is a good thing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Steps to Normal

Looking at the 17th Hole
Crofton Country Club
Crofton, MD
May 8, 2020

Yesterday was a momentous day. I took the first steps towards finding the new normal in there post-coronavirus period. 

I played golf! It was great to get out on the the course and smack the ball with my clubs. Sure, my game was ragged and I had more than one "blow-up" hole.  I also finally had to leave my driver in the bag because it was doing more harm than good, but it was great to be out walking the course. 

Geese on the Golf Course near Hole 12
Crofton Country Club
Crofton, MD
May 8, 2020

One of the other things I enjoy while out on the course is the wildlife--and I do not mean the other golfers. There is usually an assortment of wildlife that makes the day interesting. In Florida, I enjoy watching the sand cranes and the gators. In Maryland, such as yesterday, seeing the geese with their goslings during the springtime is enjoyable and allows my mind to take a break from the usually miserable golf that I am playing. Yesterday was no exception as I had the opportunity to walk past this gaggle while making my way from the Tee-box to the green. 

In terms of changes due to the coronavirus, the foursome I played in yesterday respected personal distancing and the only awkward moment was at the 18 hole when the round was over and we usually doff our hats and shake hands. We just said "good round" to each other, stowed our clubs and walked off towards our vehicles. It was a bit weird. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Coronavirus musings

Lilac in my Yard
Elkridge, MD
May 7, 2020

It is Friday ending the first full week of May and while outdoors activities have been opened, not much else has changed. I have noted more traffic on the roads during the past week. It seems that fewer people are staying home or that supplies at home are running low and people need to get out for essentials. 

I have to confess that my favorite outdoors activity has become walking around my yard and the neighborhood to enjoy the flowers of the Spring. Yesterday, I noticed that the lilac is finally blooming. The fragrance is very sweet as it fills the air. Fortunately, it is near the front of the house and I am able to enjoy the aroma each time I enter or leave. 

With respect to the coronavirus response, in talking to people I have found that there continue to be spot shortages of meat, cleaning supplies, paper towels, and soups in the grocery stores. Chris and I got lucky the other day and found the meat counter fully supplied at our local store. We were able to use our new vacuum sealer to prepare the meat for storage rather than relying on zip lock bags for the extra pound of hamburger and a couple pork chops. Sadly, they were selling the meat only in extra large quantities, it seemed, but they were also limiting the quantity of meat that could be purchased. 

Last evening we were afflicted with a power outage during the middle of our family Zoom conference. We do not usually lose power and it was very frustrating to be in the middle of a conversation and suddenly have the lights go out along with the internet. I wonder if I should get an UPS unit to ensure internet connection during a power bump? Yesterday it was out for over 15 minutes, which is more than a bump, but we had a couple bumps earlier during the day. Something to ponder. 

It is interesting what thoughts begin to percolate through the cranium as the coronavirus stay-at-home order continues, although the order has been modified a bit and I am looking forward to walking a golf course and swinging wildly at the little ball later today. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Steps Forward to Recovery

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan yesterday announced that the state will make significant steps forward on the path to reopening beginning today.


I watched yesterday's news conference in the hopes that he would announce that Maryland would enter Phase 1 of the recovery plan, but he did not. He DID, however, begin the process of reopening by allowing elective medical procedures, the reopening or resumption of outdoors activities and announcing that schools would remain closed for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. 

To say that there is a lot of excitement about the announcements is an understatement. It is the first really good news that we have received since we began the extreme measures during mid-March. With continued vigilance and observation of personal distancing measures, Maryland could enter Phase 1 of the recovery mid-next week!

I have a Tee Time for Friday!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Celebrating despite the Coronavirus

Cinco de Mayo was yesterday and it is my favorite foreign holiday. My second favorite foreign holiday is Bastille Day, but more on that in July. 

Mexican-themed Dinner
Elkridge, MD
May 5, 2020

Cinco de Mayo is a minor Mexican holiday and only really celebrated in the state of Puebla. The Battle of Puebla occurred on May 5, 1862, but there were implications for the U.S. which was at that time engaged in the Civil War. Had the French been victorious and gained at a solid foothold in Mexico it was likely that the they would support the South in the Civil War and had that come to fruition the U.S. could look very different today. So it is very reasonable to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. today, and it provides a nice bridge holiday between Easter and Memorial Day.

So, despite there coronavirus and COVID-19, Chris and I held our annual Cinco de Mayo celebration last evening. Although it was just the two of us, it was as festive as ever with themed adult beverages and food. 

Party-on, but respect personal distancing!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Social vs Personal Distancing

Bay Ward Bulletin
Ottawa, Canada

There has been a lot of discussion since the coronavirus arrived on the scene about the critical importance of social distancing. Frankly, the longer the phrase has been used the more I have come to understand that while it sounds good, it mischaracterizes what we really are trying to do. 

We need to do the opposite of "social" distancing during this period. We need to become socially closer to each other. That does not mean physically closer. Becoming socially closer, to provide the support and encouragement that people need to survive the upheaval in our lives that is being experienced, is critical to helping everyone get through this time. 

Even the World Health Organization has determined that the concept of social distancing is inaccurate. In a CNN article published on April 17th titled, 
Forget 'social distancing.' The WHO prefers we call it 'physical distancing' because social connections are more important than ever.

So, how am I moving socially closer while maintaining physical distancing? 

Zoom and Google Duo have become two of my favorite communications applications. I still text and email, but I also video call when I can. It is a way to remain socially close. There is something personal about seeing who I am talking to, it makes the call more personal, even intimate. It helps to show that I care about the person on the other end of the call.

Be safe. Practice physical distancing, but also move socially closer to others. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 4, 2020

1. Crashing into the first Monday of May we are still living under a stay-at-home order in Maryland and the economy is still crashing. The second third of the year is underway.

2. Happy Star Wars Day! (May the fourth be with you!)

3. I heard that New York City is going to be cleaning all of the subway trains every day now. Funny, why weren't they doing that before? It makes me wonder--how often are public places cleaned. 

Dark Sky on my Phone
Elkridge, MD
May 3, 2020

4. Standing in Wegmans on Friday they wiped the cashier belt between customers to prevent cross-contamination. It was a great idea. I wonder how often the belts were cleaned before coronavirus?

5. B.C has been redefined. Before Coronavirus!

6. Yesterday the temperature made it to 78 degrees. During the morning weather reports the expected high was 66 degrees. I wonder why the big difference, but I am not complaining. 

7. My favorite foreign holiday is tomorrow! Cinco de Mayo!

8. I wonder what new things today will bring!

9. Today in History. On May 4, 1970, in Kent, Ohio, 28 National Guardsmen fire their weapons at a group of anti-war demonstrators on the Kent State University campus, killing four students, wounding eight, and permanently paralyzing another. The tragedy was a watershed moment for a nation divided by the conflict in Vietnam, and further galvanized the anti-war movement. 

Two days earlier, on May 2, National Guard troops were called to Kent to suppress students rioting in protest of the Vietnam War and the U.S. invasion of Cambodia. The next day, scattered protests were dispersed by tear gas, and on May 4 class resumed at Kent State University. By noon that day, despite a ban on rallies, some 2,000 people had assembled on the campus. National Guard troops arrived and ordered the crowd to disperse, fired tear gas, and advanced against the students with bayonets fixed on their rifles. Some of the protesters, refusing to yield, responded by throwing rocks and verbally taunting the troops.

Headlines

A Clear View of What Causes Air Pollution - The Wall Street Journal

Italians Prepare to Return to Work, if They Can Find Child-Care - The Wall Street Journey

Why Does the Virus Devastate Some Places and Spare Others?Why Does the Virus Devastate Some Places and Spare Others? - The New York Times

North and South Korea Exchange Gunfire Across Demilitarized ZoneNorth and South Korea Exchange Gunfire Across Demilitarized Zone - The New York Times

As Washington stumbled, governors filled the void - The Washington Post

Iran says U.S. push to extend Tehran's arms embargo is 'illegitimate' - Reuters

Stocks fall as U.S./China tensions threaten rebound - OANN



Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Look! Up in the Sky!

Blue Angels-Thunderbirds Fly-over
BWI Airport
May 2, 2020

It was over in about 45 seconds, but it was the most uplifting and unifying event that has happened in this region since the year began. 

Blue Angels-Thunderbirds Fly-over
BWI Airport
May 2, 2020

Yesterday, for a few minutes I felt like an American again instead of a refugee from an unseen virus! I felt proud of our country and my fellow citizens and patriots. Despite the official advice to the contrary, thousands gathered along side the highways under the published flight path to watch the combined U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly-over of Baltimore. 

I was out in a crowd! I was with other people! Life felt almost normal again except that we were wearing face masks and practicing personal distancing. 

Blue Angels-Thunderbirds Fly-over
BWI Airport
May 2, 2020

The fly-over raised my spirits. We were in a great place because they flew right over top of us.  I did not get an image of the jets right above me because I wanted to actually watch them not through the screen on my phone. I wanted to see with my own eyes the unified Navy and the Air Force pilots as they raised my spirit and rekindled my patriotism.

I do not know if the pilots of those jets could see the people gathered to watch them fly over, but the crowd along the road was fabulous to see. I even enjoyed being in the post-event traffic jam--I was there with other patriotic Americans who came out of stay-at-home for a few minutes to celebrate the indomitable spirit of America that we all share. 

We are still here! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Calendar Turns

The sunrise this morning was visible! That is exciting considering the past two mornings have been nothing but overcast skies and rain. But today I look outside and see the trees illuminated by the full sun and I am excited at the prospect of another day under a stay-at-home order. 

The Pool on a Beautiful May Morning
Elkridge, MD
May 2, 2020

Yesterday, aside from being May Day and Labor Day for much of the world, was a momentous pool day. It marked the first day that I did not have to brush the newly installed plaster in the pool. I have completed four weeks of daily brushing, which although reduced to mark the beginning of each new week, did require me to become very intimate with my pool. All told, during the month of April, I brushed the entire pool 70 times! I have also been keeping a very watchful eye on the chemical balance and monitored the changes caused by the inches of rain we have received since the pool was filled and daily plaster care began. 

Now I wish that the outdoors temperatures would moderate and we could begin swimming in the pool. The last time I checked the water temperature it a less than comfortable 57 degrees. So we need some warmer days. Being in the pool with an adult drink on a floatie will provide a great way to pass the stay-at-home order days.

As for what lies ahead during May? Well, hopefully the news will be less about coronavirus and COVID-19 and more about recovery and life returning to whatever the new normal is going to be. I am a bit anxious about the new normal, I hope it is not too different than the old normal, but if public places are cleaner--that would be a good change. 

And what is on tap for today? Painting the porch. No travel involved, we bought the paint yesterday. Those who know me understand how I feel about painting. Wait, maybe I can schedule a root canal instead. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Good Leaders Model Good Behavior

Interesting things have transpired in the news media over the past week.

One theme which caught my attention was the differing response to creating and following rules about wearing face masks in public. 

Leaders follow rules and provide an example for others to emulate. They reinforce good behavior my modeling that behavior. 

Which brings me to to images that I captured this week. I was careful to choose two Republican leaders so that there can be no thought that I am providing a partisan view of leadership. 

Vice President Pence in the Mayo Clinic
April 28, 2020

For the first exhibit, I have the now infamous image of our Vice President in the Mayo Clinic clearly not following the rules regarding the wearing of face protection while visiting patients. Some leaders are so vain that they will not emulate good behavior. Notice that everyone else is wearing a mask. The explanation for not wearing a mask is not sufficient. According to CNN reporting, here is the Vice President's rationale for not wearing a mask:

"As vice president of the United States I'm tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis, and everyone who is around me is tested for the coronavirus," he said, citing guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that indicate wearing a mask can prevent those who have the virus from spreading it unwittingly.

"Since I don't have the coronavirus, I thought it'd be a good opportunity for me to be here, to be able to speak to these researchers these incredible health care personnel and look them in the eye and say thank you," he said.

But, as I wrote, wearing a mask in not only about the singular view of the Vice President in this matter, it is about modeling behavior for people to follow. If the Vice President believes that he is exempt from the guidelines and rules, then there will be many others who similarly believe that the rules and guidelines do not apply to them. 

Governor Larry Hogan Walking into a News Conference
April 29, 2020

Turning now to a Republican governor--Larry Hogan of Maryland who holds regular news conferences. Governor Hogan the other day gave a news conference and, as in his previous conferences, he wore a mask. I find it interesting because there is apparently at least six feet of spacing around the participants, but the governor wore a mask with the exception of the time he spent at the podium. 

Leaders lead!

Leaders need to recognize that everything they do is leading their constituents. If they follow rules--they are leading. If they flout the rules--that too is sending a message. 

Good leaders model good behavior.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

April's Passing--What will May Bring?

It will pass quietly tonight, but today is April's last day. It was a tumultuous month. One-third of the year 2020 is history.

Tomorrow begins May and hopefully the worldwide celebrations of May Day and Labour Day will begin to revive the coronavirus-ravaged societies around the world. 

Lilac Preparing to Blossom
Elkridge, MD
April 29, 2020

The headlines remain depressing with the first quarter economic results being released around the world. Despite that, the Dow was up yesterday and there is some optimism beginning to grow that the worst is over.

But then, we read of the food chain being decimated and I wonder, what's next

Charts: Two Months That Tore Apart the Food Chain - The Wall Street Journal

Will the month of May provide any relief?

Well, at least Chris and I found a new game to play during our daily walks--today we made bets on how many times our dogs would stop to do their business. She was walking Finnegan and I had Makayla--I bet 5v stops for Makayla and she bet 5 stops for Finnegan.

I won because Makayla stopped 6 times and Finnegan stopped a whopping 9 times!

The things that we do to keep life under coronavirus interesting. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

MPG vs TBF

My Truck
Elkridge, MD
April 28, 2020

I am coming to understand the difference between miles-per-gallon (MPG) and time-between-fillups (TBF). 

I always used to believe that MPG had a direct impact on TBF. I am finding out, however, as a result of the stay-at-home order, that MPG really does not matter is the vehicle is not driven at all. For instance, my truck has remained stationary for the past five days. The TBF is increasing to the point of weeks--coming up on three weeks again and I have used only a quarter tank of gas. With gas prices so low, I wish I was driving more! I paid $1.65 per gallon for my last fill-up. But wait--I am saving more money by not driving and the MPG really doesn't matter in that case!

Columbine in the Garden
Elkridge, MD
April 28, 2020

Wow, it can get really confusing quickly. 

The coronavirus is affecting every facet of life and causing me to look at many things differently. 

Yesterday, I noticed that the columbine blooms in my garden were finally opening. It was good to see them. I have been watching the plant as it has been getting closer to blooming for sometime. 

It is likely that had this been a normal season and period of time, the blooming of the columbine would have gone almost unnoticed. I would have noted the blooms and continued walking past them. Yesterday, I not only noticed the blooms, but stopped to take an image of them. I appreciated that the blooms arrived, much like the Spring has arrived, undeterred by the coronavirus and the upheaval of our social lives and financial markets. 

So while I am distracting myself by thinking about MPG vs TBF or when MLB will begin, Spring arrived on-time and on-schedule. Fortunately, I have been able to take the time to stop and enjoy its arrival.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Loss of the Season

Coronavirus related losses are mounting; affecting every aspect of life. 

While many of us are mourning the loss of professional sports, the impact on youth and high school sports is even more devastating. Entire seasons have been canceled and opportunities to improve skills through on-field competition are being lost. 

Moonrise over GORC Park
Odenton, MD
March 9. 2020

The GORC 12U baseball team that I was assisting is losing its season and while there are hopes that a season may be reconstituted during June and July, the original April 25 date for restart has come and gone with only rumor and conjecture regarding the future. The pinnacle tournament of the season was to occur in Cooperstown, NY, during late June--but that was an early victim of the coronavirus. 

A month-and-a-half ago on March 9th, the team had its first outdoors practice after working out all winter in an indoors facility. I snapped this image of the moon rising over the field feeling full of hope and excitement as the reality of the upcoming season was finally coming to fruition. The lights were on and we were practicing baseball. I wrote about the optimism of the moment in a post titled, The Moon Rises.   Little did I know as I wrote that blog that it would be the only outdoors practice in which I would participate and that coronavirus would soon cancel almost everything. 

But, it is not a total loss, yet. There is still hope for baseball, despite the daily evidence to the contrary. 

Time will tell--we will adapt and survive.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 27, 2020

1. It is the last Monday of April. I was planning to be in Rome today! The year is nearly 1/3 complete! Think about that!

2. Watching a presidential coronavirus news conference is like watching a reality TV show, the only problem is that we are living the reality. How I wish it were a contrived for TV reality. Thankfully, the frequency of the news conferences are being reduced to save us the anguish of trying to separate fact from fantasy. 

3. This morning I was awakened by one of the worst sounds imaginable--a cat puking in the hallway! It is one of the things that when it happens makes me wonder why I have cats.

Riordin in the Kitchen Drawer
Elkridge, MD
April 26, 2020

4. The rain has settled in again, but looking at the forecast, even though there is rain, the temperatures are beginning or moderate and I believe that we have passed our last frost of the season.

5. And writing of cats, yesterday as Chris and I were cleaning the drawers in the kitchen, Riordin decided that we needed help. He crawled into on of the drawers and claimed it as his new residence. Of course, I did not let him linger too long before moving him along and resuming the project. 

6. I am astounded by the news reports of drivers being clocked at speeds well over 100 MPH routinely while the roads are less congested. CNN reports police departments across the country are clocking  drivers traveling in excess of 100 MPH with increasing frequency. I have witnessed some of those drivers on Maryland highways and it is disconcerting how quickly a vehicle traveling that fast approaches. I have been known to have a bit of a lead-foot on open roads, but I employ my cruise control to keep myself from grossly exceeding the posted limits. Remember, Speed Kills!

7. Today in History. On April 27, 4977 B.C., the universe is created, according to German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler, considered a founder of modern science. Kepler is best known for his theories explaining the motion of planets.

Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, in Weil der Stadt, Germany. As a university student, he studied the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus’ theories of planetary ordering. Copernicus (1473-1543) believed that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the solar system, a theory that contradicted the prevailing view of the era that the sun revolved around the earth.

Headlines

Kim Jong-un’s Absence and North Korea’s Silence Keep Rumor Mill Churning - The New York Times

Millions of Credit-Card Customers Skip Their Payments - The Wall Street Journal

A New Problem Is Brewing in the Beer Industry: One Million Kegs Are Going Stale - The Wall Street Journal

Social distancing could last for months, White House coronavirus coordinator says - The Washington Post

McConnell’s rejection of federal aid for states risks causing a depression, analysts say - The Washington Post

Shares gain as investors look to lockdown easing - Reuters



President Reagan Quote for the Week

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Walking the Yard to Escape Coronavirus

Azalea in the Rain
Elkridge, MD
April 23, 2020

The rains returned for the weekend. Despite their appearance, we were able to accomplish some outdoors projects yesterday and even enjoy a some time around our fire pit last evening. 

Lily of the Valley
Elkridge, MD
April 25, 2020

As the springtime continues the next round of flowers are blooming--the azaleas and the lily of the valley. 

Walking around my lawn and gardens helps me take my mind off the coronavirus pandemic for a few needed moments. It allows me to clear my mind of the constant din of the news and focus upon something different. I need that. 

The rain, even though I am not a huge fan, brings cleansing and I love the smell of the air after a rain. It is clean and smells of spring and life. 

Because of the coronavirus and the self-isolation, I have been tracking the progression of the springtime  more intently this year. I have noticed the progression of the leaves--from the autumnal-like reds and oranges of bud break to the now fully green leaves. I have watched the progression of the flowers as they mark the phases of the deepening Spring--and serve to provide a continuing source of nourishment for the bees. I have even been happy to see the bats return to the evening sky above my house. 

Each time I notice something new or changed, my mind forgets--just for a moment, about the global struggle in which we are engaged. And I find some peace. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Coronavirus Canceled Vacation

Today is a day when the pandemic becomes real--too real, as it has affected our personal plans in a material and financial manner. 

Villa Near Lucca Italy
Note, it says Temporarily Closed
From Google Maps

Today is the day that Chris and I and five of our friends were supposed to fly to Rome, Italy, to begin a two-week vacation that would ultimately culminate on May 10 with our triumphal return to the US. 
We were leaving on a United Airlines flight departing Newark, NJ, this afternoon and arriving in Rome tomorrow morning. 

We had rented an apartment in Rome for a few days and then we were going to drive to Lucca, in Tuscany where we had a hilltop villa rented for almost two-weeks from which to base our travels through the region. In Rome we were going to do the big sites and also, of course, Vatican City. From Lucca we were going to Pisa, Florence, Sienna, Lucca, and so many other places. We were going to see art, the countryside, wineries, olive groves, the sea coast, and generally immersing ourselves in Italian culture and wine. Did I mention wine? 

Planning for this trip began during August of last year and the only thing we had not finalized were the rental cars. 

Getting refunds for the canceled trip has met with mixed results. 

We used Airbnb for the apartments in Rome. Refunds were a breeze.

We used VRBO for the villa in Lucca. Getting a refund has been a process and they still have not refunded our entire amount. Somehow they continue to keep about 14 percent of what we paid--and the entire villa was paid for in advance as required.

While we were on United Airlines for the flights and they agreed to refund our fare, the travel agency we used, ASAP, has been terrible and continues to sit of our refund. I have called them on multiple occasions and often get put on hold until the line goes dead. When I do get through, the agents promise action that never materializes. I am frustrated beyond belief at this process. 

So what have I learned for the future? I will not use VRBO--ever! And I will make my own travel arrangements with the airlines. As for travel insurance? No. Turns out travel insurance did not cover this event. 

Reschedule? Not yet. I am still evaluating the opportunities and of course, will the virus return next year to mess up future travel plans? Remember, the 1918 Spanish Flu actually lasted until 1920!

So, Chris and I continue ride out the stay-at-home order here in Maryland with only dreams for the lost Italian vacation. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Living in a Failed State?

The Coronavirus revealed America's failures. We Are Living in a Failed State: The coronavirus didn't break America. It revealed what was already broken. And that is how an article in the Atlantic scheduled for publication in the June 2020 edition of the magazine begins. 

I do not know if the Atlantic is considered a liberal or conservative publication, but it should not matter, we have become too preoccupied with the slant of the news. I am more interested in the information presented and does it pass muster.

The article starts with a like a runaway truck going down a long hill and doesn't stop. The author compares the U.S. response to the coronavirus with that of Pakistan and Belarus. 

One paragraph in the article really struck a chord with me in describing our state of unpreparedness:

Every morning in the endless month of March, Americans woke up to find themselves citizens of a failed state. With no national plan—no coherent instructions at all—families, schools, and offices were left to decide on their own whether to shut down and take shelter. When test kits, masks, gowns, and ventilators were found to be in desperately short supply, governors pleaded for them from the White House, which stalled, then called on private enterprise, which couldn’t deliver. States and cities were forced into bidding wars that left them prey to price gouging and corporate profiteering. Civilians took out their sewing machines to try to keep ill-equipped hospital workers healthy and their patients alive. Russia, Taiwan, and the United Nations sent humanitarian aid to the world’s richest power—a beggar nation in utter chaos.

I highlighted the last line. 

Wow. Read the article--there are many more paragraphs worth reading and quoting to stimulate discussion and educated comment.

From Governor Cuomo's News Conference via You Tube
April 23, 2020

From Governor Cuomo's News Conference via You Tube
April 23, 2020

But, I don't want to focus on the Atlantic article only--because Senator Mitch McConnell has also demonstrated incredible insensitivity by suggesting that cash-strapped states should go bankrupt. I have to agree with Governor Cuomo--states provide essential services such as law enforcement and fire protection among many others, yet the Congress is willing to fund small businesses through record setting bailouts but not assist the states? There is something wrong with that equation. And the insensitive comment about "stopping blue state bailouts." Does Senator McConnell believe that it is OK for democrats to die of COVID-19 to save republicans?

Symptoms of a failed state? 

Sadly, it seems probable. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD