Wines of Virginia

Tarting Room Casanel Vineyards
Leesburg, VA
August 13, 2021

Chris and I headed off to the Leesburg, VA, area this past weekend to sample wines from wineries and vineyards that we had not yet had the opportunity to visit.

Let me begin by writing that there are more wineries and vineyards in this region of Virginia than can possibly be sampled in a single weekend or for that matter likely in a month. Trying to keep the weekend sane and to truly experience the wines and ambiance of the vineyards we limited ourselves to three tastings per day. So for the weekend we visited six wineries or vineyards. We had alternates selected to account for unforeseen circumstances and, in fact, the first stop was at a winery we had previously visited, but forgotten, and so we went to our second planned stop instead and added the alternate to become the third stop of the day.

The six wineries or vineyards were chosen based upon a review of their websites and the types of wine offered. Two were chosen because they offered varietals not normally experienced in Virginia. One offered both a Tempranillo and an Albariño, while another offered a Vermentino. We were not disappointed at either vineyard, although truth be told, the Tempranillo was made with grapes sourced from Washington State. My understanding is that Tempranillo does not grow well in Virginia.

So the scorecard for the weekend was six stops at wineries or vineyards. Of there six, four were definite keepers, one is on the must revisit after COVID list, and one was truly disappointing despite having a magnificent facility and a seemingly diverse and exciting wine list. That said, we purchased wines from all six wineries and vineyards and joined the wine club at one of them. Yes, I came home with bottles of all three of the wines that most interested me and many more. 

So the top four, in no particular order:

Casanel Vineyards

Stone Tower Estate Winery

8 Chains North

Walsh Family Wine

Important safety tip: Check the websites at any winery/vineyard you intend to visit to determine how or if they are conducting tastings during COVID and whether reservations are required.

Important Safety Tip #2: Drink and drive responsibly. It is OK and desired for you to spit after tasting to avoid alcohol loading.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Winter Forecast is in!

 

Woolly Worm
Elkridge, MD
August 16, 2021

I happened upon a forecast for the upcoming winter yesterday. A woolly worm was inside of my shed door and provided the unexpected and disturbing prediction: a long and difficult winter.

The woolly worm was completely black. Tradition says that the amount of black supposedly means how hard the winter will be--and an all black woolly worm cannot be a good thing. It means a long and hard winter. 

Maybe it is a good thing that I am planning on being in Florida for the bulk of the winter season.

Hopefully the forecast will change as the season gets closer. I am hoping to see a woolly worm with at least some brown on it. It is said that the woolly worms found during September are the true weather forecasters, but that month is only two weeks away--so this one could be the "real thing."

Note to self--get prepared.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 16, 2021

 

1. We are past the midpoint of August and this is the third Monday of the Month. There are just 15 days remaining in the eighth month of the year. 

2. Creative and insightful is becoming too hard to find.

3. In a show of unprecedented bipartisanship last week the Senate passed the infrastructure bill. Perhaps, just perhaps, there is yet hope for the Republic.

4. My optimism for the Orioles season has evaporated this past week. The Orioles are on an 11 game losing streak and with just 46 games remaining in the season will have a hard time winning 12 to achieve 50 wins. Why would I pay money to watch this team lose baseball games? It is very possible the team could finish with a worse record than the 2018 Orioles who managed only 47 wins. I thought we were rebuilding.

5. Afghanistan is a mess--which is what was predicted. Actually it was a mess before the withdrawal began. The U.S. is abysmal at building nation-states that can survive adversity.

6. For those who doubt the infectiousness of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, check out the last headline from Reuters below. Children hospitalized with COVID-19 hosts record numbers in the U.S.

7. There are 137 days remaining in 2021.

8. Since the solstice, we have lost 1 hour 14 minutes and 32 seconds of daylight per day, already!

9. Today in History. While salmon fishing near the Klondike River in Canada’s Yukon Territory on August 16, 1896, George Carmack reportedly spots nuggets of gold in a creek bed. His lucky discovery sparks the last great gold rush in the American West.

Hoping to cash in on reported gold strikes in Alaska, Carmack had traveled there from California in 1881. After running into a dead end, he headed north into the isolated Yukon Territory, just across the Canadian border. In 1896, another prospector, Robert Henderson, told Carmack of finding gold in a tributary of the Klondike River. Carmack headed to the region with two Native American companions, known as Skookum Jim and Tagish Charlie. On August 16, while camping near Rabbit Creek, Carmack reportedly spotted a nugget of gold jutting out from the creek bank. His two companions later agreed that Skookum Jim–Carmack’s brother-in-law—actually made the discovery.

TALIBAN SEIZE AFGHANISTAN; U.S. SCRAMBLES TO EVACUATE AMERICANSTALIBAN SEIZE AFGHANISTAN; U.S. SCRAMBLES TO EVACUATE AMERICANS - The New York Times

You’ve Never Heard of the Biggest Digital Media Company in AmericaYou’ve Never Heard of the Biggest Digital Media Company in America - The New York Times

Pentagon to deploy another 1,000 troops to help with chaotic withdrawal - The Washington Post

As DeSantis consolidates power in Fla., local officials rebuke his leadership style - The Washington Post

Haiti Earthquake Death Toll Rises to Over 1,200 - The Wall Street Journal

The Delta Variant Is Already Leaving Its Mark on Business - The Wall Street Journal

Roadblocks erected in Sydney as Australia battles Delta outbreak - Reuters

U.S.Children hospitalized with COVID-19 in U.S. hits record number - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

The true test of civilization, it's been said, is not the census or the size of cities or the crops, but the kind of people the country turns out. And ours is a country that was born of heroes. And now in the first decade of our third century, tried by all the challenges those years could hold, our moral fiber is stronger still.

Remarks on Presenting the Young American Medals for Bravery and Service - September 11, 1981

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday

 Sundays dawn full of promise. Although they seem to dawn too early these days as the animals of the house cannot distinguish between week days and weekends so they arise at their usual 0500 time. 

Today has actually been very busy cataloging the new wines we acquired, picking up trash from the yard as a result of the storm we missed Friday night. And I even was happy to attend the last try-out and first practice of the Severn Seminoles. I noted that my contact lenses affect how I catch a baseball--when I shift from distance vision to near vision the ball shifts. It was weird until I finally figured it out. 

And there was even a little time spent in the pool enjoying a very typical mid-August afternoon. 

I do so enjoy relaxing days and it is even better when projects get accomplished while relaxing. 

I have been so very enjoying an unscheduled three-day weekend. Two days in Leesburg, VA, sampling wine. 

And so the weekend ends and another week begins. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Hotel Window - Leesburg, VA

Out the Hotel in Leesburg, VA
August 14, 2021

 We are on the road again. It has been well over a year since I last spent a night in a hotel, but last night Chris and I spent the nightie Leesburg, Va. We are in Virginia for an overnight to sample wines from an area of Loudoun County.  There are many nice wineries in the county and we have been remiss in not visiting this area.

The three wineries we visited yesterday were unique and each offered their own unique interpretations. We enjoyed a new white wine based upon an Italian varietal. We enjoyed chatting with the wine makers and owners as we visited the wineries.

The day was hot and humid but the wines were enjoyable. I did chat with one owner who was serving wines in flights outside about how the heat changes the wines before they can be sampled and enjoyed. He agreed, but he is also a small vineyard with only about 10 acres under vine on an old dairy farm and does not seem to have the staff to support personal tastings.  As we were the only ones there, we did, however, receive personal tasting.

And all of this is out the hotel window. More tastings today. 

— Bob Doan, writing from Leesburg, VA

Friday Freedom

 I am taking a mid-August holiday of my own design. 

Since I am not taking my usual two- or three-week summertime vacation, Chris and I decided to create a special mid-August day to travel around the area and enjoy some activities not on a weekend. 

The weather seems to be cooperating, it is going to be hot! Hot! Hot!

But, I believe we are prepared for the heat. 

It will be a great day, of that I am sure. 

And it will also be a great day because I am out of the office!

Party on!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Pandemic Crimes

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

I wonder if the Governors of Texas and Florida should be charged with crimes for failing to rationally address the pandemic?

I know this seems extreme, but it is clear that these individuals are placing themselves, their aspirations, and their beliefs above the common good and concern for the populace.

Infections due to the Delta variant of COVID-19 are running rampant in their states and not only sickening, but killing people including children.   

Local communities should be able to respond to the pandemic as they desire. Having governors force policies which are potentially harmful to the populace is not responsible. Case in point--DeSantis ordering that school districts may not mandate that children wear facial coverings while in schools and then threatening to withhold the pay of administrators who seek to do otherwise. If he is unwilling to mandate facial covering wearing for the entire state, then he should not impede or threaten communities seeking to protect their children.

I know some see these governors as heroes, but the pandemic is raging and their time to act has passed, and now they should also pass.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Note: the blog was updated on 13 August to correct a factual error regarding Governor DeSantis's executive order.

Turtle

Northern Red-bellied Cooter
Elkridge, MD
August 9, 2021

Moving like a herd of turtles. 

Sometimes it feels like that when I try to get things organized and moving towards a goal or destination. 

The other day, however, I was able to witness for myself how slowly turtles move. There was one in our yard and the dogs, we had five at the time as we were still dog-sitting, were very interested in what I believe is a Northern Red-bellied Cooter that happened to be in the yard at the same time as we were walking them. 

The turtle was brave as the dogs attempted to sniff the now not moving animal. Chris and I were successful in ensuring that the turtle was not touched nor otherwise disturbed except for dogs being in close proximity. 

The turtle, unfazed, later resumed its trek towards the stream--at a turtle's pace.

A close encounter with nature that is not ordinary.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dinner on the Water

Out the Chart House Window
Annapolis, MD
August 9, 2021

Chris and I celebrated our anniversary last evening by enjoying dinner along the Annapolis waterfront. 

The weather was a bit rugged and the scenes were illuminated frequently by lighting.  

I was surprised that the trip to Annapolis went so smoothly. Often the traffic is crushing and that keeps me from heading to the city to enjoy the fine dining and walk around the town. 

Selfie
Chart House, Annapolis, MD
August 9, 2021

We enjoyed dinner at the Chart House, which is right on the water. The view is exceptional. The food was perfect and we were able to select a very nice Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley to enjoy with the meal. 

I remember, in olden times that we used to be able to recount all of the places where we had celebrated our anniversary. That ship has sailed--we got to about five and decided to change the topic.

All-in-all, it was a perfect celebration of the almost five decades we have been together!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 9, 2021

 

1. It is the second Monday of August. My, where has the time gone. The month is passing like a whirlwind.

2. Did you ever notice that when someone says, "Money isn't the issue," it is almost always about the money?

Baltimore Skyline
Clifton Park Golf Course, Baltimore, MD
August 7, 2021

3. Baltimore from Clifton Park Golf Course on an early sunny Saturday morning looks welcoming. It was a nice morning for golf.

4. Spending a quiet Sunday afternoon in the pool, chatting and planning our future was a great way to enjoy the heat. 

5. The Orioles have dropped five in a row, losing a series to the Yankees 1-2, and getting swept by the Rays 3-0. They have again secured last place in the American League after a promising start to the post-All Star Break portion of the season. There are 52 games remaining in the season and the Orioles still have a change to record 60 wins, but based on their current record they will end 58-104.

6. Weekend traffic has become worse than weekday rush hour traffic. It seems that everyone who is not working is trying to go to the same places at the same time.

7. The truth of climate change is becoming apparent and it is a lot worst than we thought. We can deny it all that we want to, but it is happening just the same.

8. Get vaccinated. Wear a mask in crowds. Be safe. 

9. Today in History. In accordance with his statement of resignation the previous evening, Richard M. Nixon officially ends his term as the 37th president of the United States at noon on August 9, 1974. Before departing with his family in a helicopter from the White House lawn, he smiled farewell and enigmatically raised his arms in a victory or peace salute. The helicopter door was then closed, and the Nixon family began their journey home to San Clemente, California. Richard Nixon was the first U.S. president to resign from office.

Companies Scrap Plans for Fall as Virus Cases Rise - The Wall Street Journal

Some Climate-Change Effects May Be Irreversible, U.N. Panel Report Says - The Wall Street Journal

Judge Sides With Norwegian Cruise Line in Suit Over Vaccination Proof in Florida - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Response Sends Clear Message to Afghanistan: You’re on Your Own - The New York Times

‘This Is Really Scary’: Kids Struggle With Long Covid - The New York Times

‘Goldilocks virus’: Delta vanquishes all variant rivals as scientists race to understand its tricks - The Washington Post

Florida church reeling after six members die within 10 days amid spike in cases - The Washington Post

Australia expands COVID lockdown over concern virus has spread from Sydney - Reuters

To save the planet, focus on cutting methane - U.N. climate report - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week 

I welcome this chance to further strengthen the unbreakable ties between the United States and Israel and to assure you of our commitment to Israel's security and well-being.

Israel and America may be thousands of miles apart, but we are philosophical neighbors sharing a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law. What we hold in common are the bonds of trust and friendship, qualities that in our eyes make Israel a great nation. No people have fought longer, struggled harder, or sacrificed more than yours in order to survive, to grow, and to live in freedom.

The United States and Israel share similar beginnings as nations of immigrants, yearning to live in freedom and to fulfill the dreams of our forefathers. We have both sought to establish societies of law, to live in peace, and to develop the full potential of our lands. We share a devotion to democratic institutions, responsible to the wills of our citizens. Our peoples embrace common ideals of self-improvement through hard work and individual initiative. Together, we seek peace for all people. In partnership, we're determined to defend liberty and safeguard the security of our citizens. We know Israelis live in constant peril. But Israel will have our help. She will remain strong and secure, and her special character of spirit, genius, and faith will prevail.

The prophet Ezekiel spoke of a new age -- when land that was desolate has become like the Garden of Eden and waste and ruined cities are now inhabited. We saw how miraculously you transformed and made the desert bloom. We see how, despite dangers every day, your families continue working together to build a better place to live and to prosper in peace and freedom.

Our dream, our challenge, and, yes, our mission, is to make the golden age of peace, prosperity, and brotherhood a living reality in all countries of the Middle East. Let us remember that whether we be Christian or Jew or Moslem, we are all children of Abraham; we are all children of the same God.

 - Remarks at the Welcoming Ceremony for Prime Minister Menahem Begin of Israel, September 9, 1981

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

List of Firsts

It is Sunday morning and while I wrote earlier this week about the "Lasts" that I am beginning to experience, I was gently chided by a friend to think about the "Firsts" that I will soon begin to experience. 

The thought of experiencing firsts made me smile because it has been quite a while since I have thought about experiencing firsts. 

I actually experienced a first, and I wrote about it--the first time I attended a concert along the banks of Lake Kittamaqundi. And I had fun. 

I am looking forward to the first workday morning when I awake, am not on leave and don't have to drag myself to work! But, there are still many lasts to experience along the way.

I would say that I will experience my first retirement--but that isn't true. I have retired once already. 

Next weekend, I already know that there are a few firsts planned--of course it will be associated with enjoying new wineries. 

Remember the "Lasts" and celebrate the "Firsts."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Two Weeks in a Row

 

Chris on the 1st Tee
Clifton Park, Baltimore, MD
August 7, 2021

An amazing thing happened this morning--I played golf!!

It was truly amazing considering that before last week my previous outing was June 5th, but now I have managed to risk life and limb on a course two weeks in a row!

And as an added benefit, Chris joined Jeremy and me for the outing. We had the second tee time of the day at  6:10 am and finished 18 holes in 3 hours 12 minutes! We would have been faster but the group in front of us kept us from making it a sub 3-hour round.

Although I did not log the improvement that I expected, I was two strokes overall better this morning than last week. 

It was great to be on the course before the sun crawled up into the sky and we were headed home about 9:30 with the rest of the day in front of us. 

A bad day on the golf course is better than a good day in the office!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Lily Checks out the Pool Cleaner

I was going to title this "Dog and Dolphin," but most people would not realize that the brand of pool cleaner in the video is a Dolphin. The Dolphin does its job totally unaware of the dog checking it out. 

Before I could get the video running, Lily, the dog, was barking at the Dolphin--but then, apparently, she realized that it was not a threat. 

Dogs are funny and they provide entertainment when I am not picking up piles of poo that seem as big as cow plops. 

The dog sitting continues--for a few more days.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

String of "The Last . . . "

I remember as our children were growing that Chris and I at times approached a set of situations and dubbed them, "the last . . . "

I had one of those moments yesterday. It has been quite a while since I felt one, but yesterday as I was attending a virtual conference I realized that I was beginning to experience one of "the last."

I am excited about the upcoming life change which coincides with the New Year. Chris and I have a cruise planned, if Covid allows, right out of the gate. 

I recognize now that there is going to be no shortage of last this or last that as I transition into retirement almost 45 years of going to work every day and doing something that I enjoy immensely. 

So, I will take each day and enjoy it, as I have the days before, but each day draws the end of the year closer and my time shorter. 

But, life on the other side looks equally as exciting and bright--I mean, I really want to lower my golf handicap, and soon I will be able to do just that. 

There just will be too many, "the last . . . "

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Hump

For those of us still employed and working a regular 40 hour schedule, today is Hump Day. 

It is funny how much the days of the week pass when I put them into perspective. Somehow, though, Hump Day, getting over the hump of the week and sliding into the weekend is the most powerful image and the most helpful at dealing with the routine stuff.

I guess this year the passing of days and weeks is a bit more noticeable and necessary. Watching the weeks pass in an endless stream holds the promise of significant change whereby I will no longer need to monitor the passing of the days or weeks, but should be able to enjoy each day on its own irrespective of its placement win the week.

I want to work on my golf handicap!

Happy Hump Day!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD  

Dog Sitting, Again

 

I have definitely decided what I am NOT going to become when I retire--a dog sitter/walker.

I love dogs, don't get me wrong, but they are demanding creatures.

This week we are watching three additional canines again while their humans enjoy time in Aruba. Why am I not in Aruba, you ask? 

A good question and one for which there is not correspondingly good answer.

This week we enjoyed celebrating one dog's birthday. Chris and I sang happy birthday and sent a video to its humans. It was kinda fun and I thought it came out pretty good. Maybe I'll start doing singing doggie birthday telegrams or something.

Well, that's all for now, time to walk and feed the pack.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 2, 2021

 

1. And so it has arrived, August. Today is the first Monday of the eighth month of the year. There are 21 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. July was a great month and I am sorry to see it go. From now on the daylight gets shorter and the nights cooler. Autumn is standing in the wings ready to take center stage. 

Finnegan in the Saddlebag
Elkridge, MD
July 31, 2021

3. The Orioles are 9-6 since the All Star Break. That is a solid winning record. They are flirting with not being the worst team in the American League and until they lost yesterday they were the 28th best team in baseball. 

4. Patrick got a new motorcycle and brought it over to take Chris for a ride. Finnegan liked it so much that he wanted to try to go for a ride on it by staying in the saddlebag. Don't worry, he did not close him in the bike. 

Lake Kittamaqundi
Columbia, MD
August 1, 2021

5. As a way to celebrate the new month, Chris, Finnegan, and I went for a walk around Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia. Although we knew it was going to begin raining about noon, we were able to complete the walk and did not even feel a raindrop. The rain did arrive later in the day and it rained a great deal.

6. According to some in the family Autumn begins on Thursday with the first pre-season NFL game. Well, everyone has their definition of the seasons; however, I am still clinging to Summer.

7. The Delta variant of COVID-19 is upon us. I found an article describing things we should know about this variant. It is from Yale Medicine: 5 Things to Know About the Delta Variant. My take is that we who are vaccinated are being required to mask up again to protect the lives of the unvaccinated. 

8. Today in History. On August 2, 1990, at about 2 a.m. local time, Iraqi forces invade Kuwait, Iraq’s tiny, oil-rich neighbor. Kuwait’s defense forces were rapidly overwhelmed, and those that were not destroyed retreated to Saudi Arabia. The emir of Kuwait, his family, and other government leaders fled to Saudi Arabia, and within hours Kuwait City had been captured and the Iraqis had established a provincial government. By annexing Kuwait, Iraq gained control of 20 percent of the world’s oil reserves and, for the first time, a substantial coastline on the Persian Gulf. The same day, the United Nations Security Council unanimously denounced the invasion and demanded Iraq’s immediate withdrawal from Kuwait. On August 6, the Security Council imposed a worldwide ban on trade with Iraq.

Chile Workers at World’s Biggest Copper Mine Vote to Strike - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Blames Iran for Drone Attack on Israeli-Linked Tanker - The Wall Street Journal

To Fight Vaccine Lies, Authorities Recruit an ‘Influencer Army’ - The New York Times

A Brain Drain Among Government Scientists Bogs Down Biden’s Climate Ambitions - The New York Times

Senate unveils details of bipartisan infrastructure proposal - The Washington Post

As the Taliban closes in, Afghan forces scramble to defend prisons holding thousands of militants - The Washington Post

You’re going to be asked to prove your vaccination status. Here’s how to do it. - The Washington Post

Belarus athlete 'safe and secure' in Tokyo as Poland, Czech offer visas - Reuters

Oil prices fall on worries over China economy and higher crude output - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

During the last 200 days, you've provided your countrymen with an example of representative democracy at its best. Those of you in the Republican leadership in the face of extraordinary pressures have forged a political unity that has rarely been equaled in Washington, and you did it first and foremost because you believed you were acting in the best interests of the country. And those of you here today who are members of the Democratic Party had the personal strength to put principle above partisan or special interests, and yours has been a special courage.

I think we can all agree that today our bipartisan coalition is becoming a strong and vibrant one. But I think we can also agree that we'll need this strength and vibrancy, because the challenges we must face together are by no means over. The struggle against government's irresistible urge to grow and grow is a continuing one. The fight to control the Federal budget is just beginning. But on this front, I think we can be very clear: There will be no falling back, no call for retreat.

Remarks at a Meeting With Congressional Leaders Following Passage of Federal Budget Reconciliation and Tax Reduction Legislation - August 5, 1981

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Something Different

Concert in Columbia
Columbia, MD
July 31, 2021

 I am not a huge fan of concerts, especially when I don't know the band. 

Last evening, however, our Friday evening Happy Hour group attended a concert in Columbia along the banks of Lake Kittamaqundi and had a great time. 

I was amazed at the crowd that showed. The image I took was just before the music began and as the concert started even more people arrived. We were able to maintain good physical spacing from the other people, but still felt like we were part of the fun. 

What a special day was the last day of my favorite month of the year. I began the day with golf and ended the day with friends enjoying oldies and maybe a few glasses of wine! It was an end to end day where I saw the sunrise and partied at sunset.

Why can't every day be like that? Because then it would become routine and be special.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Saturday Golf

Clifton Park Golf Course 1st Tee Box
Baltimore, MD
July 31, 2021

I love watching the sun come up on the golf course and having a 6:20 AM Tee Time will ensure that happens. 

This morning Jeremy and I played Clifton Park in Baltimore. It was my first time on the course and I was very impressed. City courses do not have a good reputation, but the greens were in perfect shape and the course was overall excellent shape. Wow. 

Clifton Park 18th Tee Box
Baltimore, MD
July 31, 2021

The course has some beautiful views and tricky holes. There is not water, thankfully, but I still managed to mishit and lose a few balls. It has been almost two months since I played last.

The weather was pleasantly cool and not as humid as it has been lately. 

The last hole of the round was especially memorable because Jeremy made his first ever Eagle putt and it was a par 5. He knocked his best drive of the day and followed that with an incredible shot that went over the group playing in front of us who were hidden in a low spot looking for their balls. When they saw us looking they told us about a ball that just appeared on the green. Wow! And he made the pressure packed shot. I videoed the shot for posterity. 

It was a great morning on the course and a great way to begin the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Racing through the Area

 

Rain Crashing into the Pool and Yard
Elkridge, MD
July 29, 2021

Severe thunderstorms and tornados raced through the region yesterday afternoon about rush hour. 

Fortunately, I was home and did not have to stress in the traffic and weather--but, the storms were impressive. Chris and I sat on the porch with a glass wine and enjoyed the sound and light show provided by nature. At one point it was 360 degrees and some of the thunder was almost instantaneous with the lightning. We kept a watchful eye on the tornado warning to ensure that it was not in our neighborhood.

The rain was a hard as I can remember as it poured firm the sky onto the hot, parched lawn. It ran down the driveway like a river. 

It was exciting to watch, but fortunately we did not suffer any damage--just a few leaves into the pool which I was easily able to clean.

If it good to be reminded of the power of nature. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Backward into the Abyss

 New recommendations from federal health officials this week on when vaccinated Americans should don face masks came with a startling bolt of news: People who have had their shots and become infected with the delta variant of the coronavirus can harbor large amounts of virus just like unvaccinated people. That means they could become spreaders of the disease and should return to wearing masks indoors in certain situations, including when vulnerable people are present. (The Washington Post)

We are taking a huge step backwards with respect to mask wearing--even vaccinated people now need to wear masks again indoors. And I have been advised this means where I work. 

Haven't we been here before?

Yes, but the numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths are forcing us to repeat history after a sweet and too short break. Life is not getting back to normal. There are too many unvaccinated people and they are getting everyone infected.

I cannot begin to explain how excited I am to wear my colorful masks again, watch my investments shrink, insurance rates rise while taxes increase to cover medical expenses. And to think, we have to go through this again because as a society could not achieve herd immunity.

It happened just as they said it would, but I am sure the non-believers are going to remain non-believers and continue to place themselves and their families and neighbors at risk. 

At least the roads should be free of traffic as everything shuts down again.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rolling Tides of Flowers

Black-eyes Susans 2
Elkridge, MD
July 27, 2021

Black-eyed Susans
Elkridge, MD
July 27, 2021

Lining my neighbor's stairs are waving mounds of Black-eyed Susan flowers. They are in full summertime bloom and are just magnificent to look at and to enjoy. 

And there are so many of them that they almost resemble ca field of Black-eyed Susans. They are so very enjoyable to look at. It makes me smile when I see them.

As my favorite month of the year draws to a close, I am daily reminded why I love July. The flowers and the abundant life. August, sadly, begins the slide into Autumn and the dark months. Even though we are in the middle of the Dog Days, I can daily feel the summer slipping away and the beginning signs of Autumn appearing. 

Enjoy the day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Looking Up?

 

It is Tuesday--a day that I still cannot figure out how to get excited about. 

Some call it the most productive day of the week, I just try to get through it. 

There are 22 Tuesdays remaining in the year 2021. That means that there are only 22 more times, after today, that I will have to figure out how to get motivated for work. Now that is encouraging. 

But, there days has arrived and I will get on my way and enjoy doing the things that fill up a productive day.

Tuesday is also a special day of the week--I get to put the trash out! Oh boy!

A hot 95 degree day is expected and so, like yesterday, I expect to get into my truck this afternoon and have the temperature gauge read 108 degrees again from baking in the hot sun all afternoon!

Just another Tuesday!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 26, 2021

 

1. It is the fourth Monday of July. My favorite month of the year is almost over.

2. How about them Orioles? They are 6-3 since the All Star break. Is there hope? They swept the Nationals!

3. Traffic! Traffic! It is back to normal which means too many cars to fit on the roads. 

4. Message to the Masses: Get Vaccinated.

5. There is nothing better than spending time with family on the weekends.

6. Are you watching the Olympics? I am. It is something different than the usual junk on TV. 

7. Who are Americans? My answer--all of us!

8. Today in History. On July 26, 1775, the U.S. postal system is established by the Second Continental Congress, with Benjamin Franklin as its first postmaster general. Franklin (1706-1790) put in place the foundation for many aspects of today’s mail system.

‘We’re Stuck’: Local Officials Fight Misinformation to Combat Variants‘We’re Stuck’: Local Officials Fight Misinformation to Combat Variants = The New York Times

Analysis: Variant Keeps Spreading, but Vaccine Refusal Is the Real Threat - The New York Times

Global Investors Are Buying American - The Wall Street Journal

The Delta Variant Upends the World’s Pandemic Response - The Wall Street Journal

First came the ransomware attacks, now come the lawsuits - The Washington Post

You got a coronavirus vaccine. But you still became infected. How did that happen? - The Washington Post

Tunisian president ousts government in move critics call a coup - Reuters

Man accused of attempted assassination of Mali president dies in custody - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

It does my spirit good to be among thousands of Americans from our heartland, people with faith in God, the United States, and themselves. And despite the doom-criers that are abroad in the land, I believe that most of America shares your faith. But there hasn't been enough recognition of the part that you play in the lives of all of us. Not too long ago a new, young Congressman from the heart of our biggest city was placed on the agricultural committee of the House -- not exactly a case of a round peg in a round hole. And his first contribution to the committee was a pronouncement that government should confiscate all food and divide it equally among all the people, because food was a natural resource belonging to everyone.

Remarks at the Annual Convention of the National Corn Growers Association in Des Moines, Iowa - August 2, 1982

_-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD