Working Harder

I have been retired over five months now. I thought retirement would be a bit more relaxing than it has been these past few weeks.

Getting a house ready for sale is no small task. Trust me! There is always one more thing to do--especially after living in the same house over 21 years. 

Hydrangea Bloom
Elkridge, MD
June 14, 2022

Today is picture day for the real estate listing. Yay!

Chris and I have been busy getting the house into a "Better Homes and Gardens" category of cleanliness and beauty. I think we are at about the 95 percent level. I know of one garden that needs attention--it is not going to get it unless I decide to mow it under!

That written, the hydrangeas are in bloom in front to the house. We planted the Endless Summer variety a few years ago and enjoy their blooms all year. The plants have gotten so bit they have covered the entire garden and I often refer to them as the "hydrangeas that ate Elkridge." We are lucky right now in that we have both purple and pink blooms. It makes them very interesting. The calla lilies are also blooming as we slide into the longest daylight of the year. 

But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully by this time next week we will be under contract and preparing to escape to St Maarten for a week of beach and sun. My beach low-level light is definitely illuminated!

Happy Hump Day, btw!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, Tuesday

 I was awakened this morning to the rumble of thunder and the flash of lightning. 

Dining Room Nearly Ready
Elkridge, MD
June 14, 2022

I am thankful I completed my outdoors work yesterday while the temperatures were in the 90s and the sun was shining. I even allowed myself some enjoyment by jumping into the pool. The water was a beautiful 81 degrees. 

Tomorrow is picture day! The house, inside and out, needs to look better than it did when we toured it over 21 years ago. And it does!

On the really exciting side, we already have a scheduled showing for Saturday. Yay!

It is both exciting and frightening. 

From a getting ready for photo day standpoint, we are almost there.

BTW, Happy Flag Day! Go wave a flag!



-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 13, 2022

 

1. Look out! It is the second Monday of June and the month is half-over. Summer begins next week. We are nearing the mid-point of the year with just 28 Mondays remaining in 2022.

Royal Farms
Severn, MD
June 12, 2022

2. I filled my gas tank last evening. I was lucky on two counts. First, my 26 gallon tank was not completely empty. Second, I was able to get gas for $4.75 instead of $5.00. I have not paid this much for a tank of gas since I traveled to England during 1992 with our full-size van.

3. I am confused about the Republican positions on guns and abortion. In one they want to protect the rights of Americans to kill children and in the other they want to take away a woman's right to control her body because they say it kills children. 

Rabbit on the Pool Deck
Elkridge, MD
June 12, 2022

4. We had a visitor on the pool deck yesterday. A small, and I mean small, not very old rabbit was munching on something on the carpet right outside the door. It was very cute and I just had to capture an image of it.

5. I realized this morning that in about two months my signature banner will likely never include Elkridge, MD, in it again. Wow!

6. Despite that I could not find many headlines about it, the Russia invasion of Ukraine continues. 

7. Is anyone else tired of hearing about the animosity between actors? We survived Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial and now we have Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Ugh! There are real problems happening in the world today.

8. Inflation. Why is it so hard to understand that the inflation we are experiencing is directly related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine? The invasion is driving up oil costs which underpin everything in the world economy. Additionally, oil is a global market and so despite the U.S. being a net exporter of oil and gas, the demand in Europe and china is driving up the prices and that means that we, U.S., consumers are paying for the impact of the war from our wallets. To reduce oil costs the Russian invasion must end and Russian oil must begin flowing to Europe and Asia.

9. History Today. On June 13, 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court hands down its decision in Miranda v. Arizona, establishing the principle that all criminal suspects must be advised of their rights before interrogation. Now considered standard police procedure, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can, and will, be used against you in court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you,” has been heard so many times in television and film dramas that it has become almost cliche.

3 reforms left out of the bipartisan gun deal - CNN

Fiji says Asia's biggest security threat is climate change, not conflict - CNN

Ukrainian forces pushed from Severodonetsk city’s center; NATO chief to Sweden - The Washington Post

Monkeypox dilemma: How to warn gay men about risk without fueling hate - The Washington Post

Amazon calls cops, fires workers in attempts to stop unionization nationwide - The Washington Post

Futures Put S&P 500 on Course to Enter Bear Market - The Wall Street Journal

Without Cheap Russian Energy, Some European Factories Must Close - The Wall Street Journal

Idaho Police Arrest 31 Suspected White Nationalists Near LGBT Pride Event - The Wall Street Journal

Major crypto lender Celsius freezes withdrawals as markets tumble - Reuters

UAE bans 'Lightyear' film screening over supposed content violation - Reuters

Wikipedia fights Russian order to remove Ukraine war information - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

What to do?

 The downsizing and preparation to tell the homestead continues unabated. 

The Paint
Elkridge, MD
May 12, 2022

We are only doing the minimum necessary to make the place look like it is worth what we are asking. Although we did not have any major painting projects on the plan, yesterday we ran into one of those situations that caused us more than a moment of discussion.

Taking personal pictures and mementos down off the walls we discovered som damage behind on of the images. We did not remember the damage, but it was more than just filling the hole. No problem, some Spackle and damage repaired, right? Not so fast grasshopper! I keep paint from every project so we can effect repairs, but in this case I did not have the proper paint. I had more than a few cans of paint that were close, but no exact match.Frustration began to set in!

What to do? Repaint, of course. This wall, however is not a normal wall. It is in the stairwell meaning it is nearly two stories tall! Yay! But, the wall needed to look good, not just to sell the house for for Chris and I. This was a repair that we would have had to accomplish whether the house was going to be sold or not. 

And so, after a trip to the paint store to get a gallon of paint which matched the wall abutting the stairwell,  we were tackled the wall. It only took a couple of hours, but it was time that we had not planned into our schedule. 

Everything looks great now. 

Did I mention that I hate painting? And I hate it more when I am at the top of a ladder nearly two stories up in a confined stairwell. 

I wonder what fun we will have today?

Oh wait, I have a baseball doubleheader scheduled--except, it is raining throughout the area. I may not be able to escape for five or six hours!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

LakeFest Weekend

LakeFest Weekend: Sway
Columbia, MD
June 10, 2022

Columbia Festival of the Arts is presenting a LakeFest Weekend. Chris and I attended the event last evening and enjoyed time sitting along Lake Kittamaqundi listing to music and watching performers. 

There was also a fine arts show included and we toured artisans and explored their creative wares. 

The most creative group we experienced was Sway, three dancers on long poles moving to music. They were not only creative and inspiring but talented and exciting to watch. 

We joined a group of people and made some new acquaintances while experiencing the event. 

The only downside was that the music being presented by the bands was too loud and, frankly, they need a new sound mixer because the vocals were had too much high range and sounded very harsh. We could not hold a conversation during some of the songs and we were not even in front of the stage. I think the noise level may have been above that of a jet engine!

It was an enjoyable evening, however. Relaxing by the lake watching the people and discussing wine and wineries with others. 

The LakeFest continues today and I recommend it as a place to visit and enjoy.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Golden Girls - Review

 

Last evening we took a break from baseball and downsizing. Chris and I escaped to the Hippodrome theater to enjoy Golden Girls!

We last went to the theater while we were wintering in Jupiter, Florida, and saw, Why I Hate Hamlet. I have to admit, I am not a fan of the theater. When I am crammed into the too small seats of the Hippodrome Theater, as I was last evening, I can't help but think that I'd be more comfortable at an Orioles game. At least the theater allowed me to enjoy a glass of wine while seated.

Golden Girls was great. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Important safety tip--the actors were men doing the parts of the four famous women and they were believable and enjoyable. Second safety tip, the sexual comments and jokes could be considered offensive to some, but may also expand your vocabulary. The show done just like the TV show with two sets: living room and kitchen. All of the action took place in one, or at times both, of the rooms. The audio was clear, I was near the rear of the theater, but could both see and hear without trouble. 

Parking, which can be a problem in Baltimore, was not an issue last evening. I believe it was because the Orioles were out of town. After the show, Chris and I were able to exit the theater, get to the car, and were home within about 30 minutes--and it is a 19 minute drive. 

Great escape and great evening. 

Third safety tip: This show is not suitable for children.

Recommendation: See Golden Girls.

-- Bob Doan, ELkridge, MD

The Sign is Up

 

Marketing the Homestead
Elkridge, MD
June 8, 2022

The downsizing and house selling became very real yesterday. 

The sign went up!

While the house in not officially on "the market" yet, that day is just over a week away. Until the sign went up it was all fun and games and a bit surreal, but now it is serious. 

We are in our 22nd year of occupancy, having purchased the the home at the end of February 2001. We have lived here longer than anywhere during our entire lives. I don't even think about the address when I write it, it is an integral part of me, seemingly permanently inscribed into my brain. 

I inaugurated this blog during December 2007 and looking back through some of the entries I found documentation of the great times that our family and friends have enjoyed in this house. 

The good times and celebrations will not end; the venue will just change.

Changes. The process that began during December last year continues as Chris and I move forward in retirement. There is still so much to do, but we have done as great deal as well. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Downsizing

 Storms moved through the area last evening, drowning plans for outside activity. They also portend increased humidity today and for much of the next week. It is beginning to feel like summer in Maryland. 

Downsizing while also preparing the house for marketing continues unabated. Yesterday the "stager" visited and gave us some tips for improving the pictures that will be taken next week for the listing advertisement. It was very interesting to work with her and understand what prospective buyers are looking for when reviewing pictures before actually visiting a house. Chris did a spectacular job preparing the house and most of the suggestions were tweaks to what she had already accomplished. We both remarked that the house is beginning to resemble our Florida condo in terms of simplicity and lack of clutter.

Downsizing would be easier if we were moving into a new or vacant home, but we are relocating to our fully furnished condo in Florida and so we need almost nothing from our Maryland home which means that we must be ruthless in our efforts. It is hard to be ruthless when dealing with treasures accumulated over a lifetime.

The evening rains caused baseball practice to be canceled last evening. There is a game tonight which hopefully we will be able to play as the Severn Seminoles 14U prepare for the season ending playoffs and need to get one more league game played to qualify.

It certainly feels like summer outside!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Living In-Between

Chris with Finnegan and Rex
Elkridge, MD

 Chris and I are living in the in-between zone--that period of time between when our house is ready to be marketed and when it is sold and the final push to clear everything out begins. 

There are a lot of things "up in the air" right now. We spend a lot of time discussing options and plans for things for which we cannot even plan. 

Now that we have achieved the in-between, I am hoping to actually make it to a golf course. What a concept. It has been since February that I have strode across a fairway looking for an errant ball.

This past weekend we hosted Patrick and Jen along, with their faithful dog Rex, while they too are living in-between. Patrick's house was being marketed over the weekend which is a step toward moving into a house currently under construction later this year. 

There are so many changes afoot right now and many of us are living in-between. A busy summer is ahead. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

  

Monday Musings - June 6, 2022

 

1. June has arrived and today is the first Monday of the month. There are just 29 Mondays remaining in the year as we slide towards the mid-point.

2. Today we remember D-Day, June 6, 1944.

3. Sometimes it seems that in the past, unlike today, we actually were able to identify who the bad guys were.

4. Is anyone else frustrated by the inaction and gridlock in Congress. They are arguing about minutiae while the country is being held hostage by the oil companies.

5. We were treated to a beautiful weather weekend. I worked outside most of the weekend doing odd jobs around the. house--some which have been languishing for more than a year. I even got to spend some time enjoying the pool, although the today's 59 degree morning is going to set that back a bit.

6. Today in History. On June 6, 1944, Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower gives the go-ahead for the largest amphibious military operation in history: Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of northern France, commonly known as D-Day.

By daybreak, 18,000 British and American parachutists were already on the ground. An additional 13,000 aircraft were mobilized to provide air cover and support for the invasion. At 6:30 a.m., American troops came ashore at Utah and Omaha beaches. 

Chinese fighter jet 'chaffs' Australian plane near South China Sea, Canberra alleges - CNN

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a vote of confidence today - CNN

Chernobyl Workers Pick Up the Pieces After Russian Occupation - The Wall Street Journal

North Korea Launches Short-Range Missiles Into Sea - The Wall Street Journal

Ukraine’s World Cup Dream Ends With Defeat to Wales - The Wall Street Journal

Senators say gun deal is within reach, but without Biden’s wish list - The Washington Post

Putin threatens to hit new targets if long-range missiles are delivered to Ukraine - The Washington Post

How crypto giant Binance became a hub for hackers, fraudsters and drug traffickers - Reuters

Russia's Lavrov calls decision to block plane 'unprecedented' - Reuters

Nine dead in three mass shootings across United States - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tackling a Tough and Sensitive Problem

 Addressing the carnage being caused in this country by fire-arms had become a pressing social issue. 

The problem is that people are looking at only a portion of the problem and that, many times, is through a partisan political lens that imposes biases upon a solution. It is time to throw off the chains of partisan politics and work together to make a meaningful impact on the problem. 

Is there a problem? A correspondence in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reported:

The previous analysis, which examined data through 2016, showed that firearm-related injuries were second only to motor vehicle crashes (both traffic-related and nontraffic-related) as the leading cause of death among children and adolescents, defined as persons 1 to 19 years of age.4 Since 2016, that gap has narrowed, and in 2020, firearm-related injuries became the leading cause of death in that age group. From 2019 to 2020, the relative increase in the rate of firearm-related deaths of all types (suicide, homicide, unintentional, and undetermined) among children and adolescents was 29.5% — more than twice as high as the relative increase in the general population. (Highlighting added)

Let me restate what was reported in the NEJM: the leading cause of death among children and adolescents (persons aged 1-19 years) since 2020 is fire-arm related.

So let's agree, there is a problem.

I believe there are three things, which would not violate the Second Amendment of the Constitution, that can be done to reduce the fire-arms related deaths in America. Restrictions that have legally been placed upon Constitutional rights in the past an--for instance it is unlawful to use our Free Speech right and yell fire in a theater, therefore, it is permissible to ensure our freedoms are practiced in a socially responsible manner. 

So, what do I think we as a country can begin to do?

Step 1

Increase funding for mental health services focused upon the adolescent age group. This includes increasing  access to Mental Health treatment in schools to both identify and assist troubled students--those who both desire to kill others or those who might do harm to themselves. We need to dedicate resources to creatively help this age group while also removing the stigma associated with receiving mental health care.

Step 2

Why can anyone buy large amounts of ammunition? Why can teenagers buy large amounts of ammunition designed only to kill people because it is used in assault weapons? Fix this. Significantly increase taxes on assault weapon ammunition and limit the number of rounds that can be purchased. Also, establish 21 years old the minimum age limit to purchase ammunition used in assault weapons. The drinking age and the age to buy cigarettes in 21, why are youths allowed to purchase ammunition which is designed to be used in weapons designed only to kill people? I would advocate that shotgun ammunition and .22 caliber ammunition still be available to younger people for target and sport activities. Ammunition purchases should be entered into a federal database much as purchasing some decongestant over-the-counter drugs are tracked.

Step 3

Create and enforce limits on the purchase of weapons. All weapons! The limits should include a waiting period, a background check, and a minimum age to purchase (perhaps 21), but not possess fire-arms. In parts of this country fire-arms are used for protection in wilderness and open areas and by youthful hunters. Weapons designed for hunting game or self-protection should be allowed for younger persons, but they should not be able to possess assault fire-arms, nor should they be able to purchase weapons. 

Something must be done. We must not abridge rights granted to us by the Constitution, but we can ensure that the Right to Bear Arms is accomplished in a socially responsible manner in order to stop the carnage and help protect those members of our society that are unable to protect themselves. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Late Today

Jax at the Plate
Lakeshore Athletic Complex
June 1, 2022

 I had an early departure this morning for a baseball game. I was on the road at 7:30 AM and so I didn't get the blog done in the morning. 

It turned out that because of lack of umpires, the baseball game became a scrimmage and I became an umpire in the field. It was my first time as an umpire since college and fortunately lately the parent from the other team was a real umpire in another league and helped me through. 

It was fun!

I learned a lot. I had always noticed the umpires using hand signals between each other, but except for ensuring they knew the number of outs I never could decipher them. Well, that changed. There is a lot of communication between umpires to ensure they each know what is happening. I believe in my heart, I made all good calls today. As a scrimmage, there was no time limit and the seven inning game went almost three hours in the developing heat of the day. I was dog tired after.

But, I knew that I had projects to do at home, like taking hazardous materials to the landfill including some lithium batteries. They only accept hazardous items and liquids on Saturdays. Chris and I also managed to clean out the pool house attic and crossed another room off the list. Most of the stuff in that attic went to the landfill, with the exception of pool toys and floaties.

It was a beautiful day for being outside and we were.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Lights, Action, For Sale

The Illuminated Pool
Elkridge, MD
June 2, 2022

 In the heat of yesterday's morning sun, I managed to resolve the issue with the lights in the pool. Yay. The resolution allowed Chris and I to enjoy a beautiful evening in and around the pool with the lights beaming brightly after the thunderstorms moved through the area. We even lit the gas fueled fire pit to enjoy the ambiance. I installed bright white LED bulbs in the existing housing and they changed the color of the pool giving it a much bluer hue. 

Sitting around a hot fire pit on a warm summer-like evening may seem a bit eccentric, but Chris and I both realize that these opportunities are rapidly drawing to a close as we signed with a realtor yesterday to market the homestead. Hopefully, in a few short weeks we will have a signed contract and begin the final preparations to permanently depart the house we have loved for over 21 years. It is much different than any other move we have done as we have never lived so long at any address in our entire lives. After 21 years at the same location we have accumulated a lot of stuff which we do not need in our future location.

Life is beginning to change, although with the tropical depression headed for Tequesta with up to 12 inches of rain, I am happy I'm not there--one day in a row.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

One Thing More

The Pool on Memorial Day
Elkridge, MD
May 30, 2022

 Houses require maintenance and anyone who owns one knows this is true. And that maintenance seems to come in terms of "one more thing." By that, I mean that after completing one project while it would be nice to take a rest it is likely time to tackle the next project.

Take yesterday, for instance. I was wrestling with a GFI (ground fault interrupter) problem, still unresolved, with the pool lights. GFI issues can be very frustrating. But, I also need to do a repair on the dryer AND we received a letter form our condo association that there is an issue with the fire suppression system (sprinklers) in our Florida condo. Ugh! Two houses mean four times the problems.

The nice thing about the problem with the pool lights was that I was in and around the pool all day in the 90+ degree weather. The GFI is on one of the two light circuits. Making the problem worse, both pool lights were burned out and needed replacing and one of them separated from the base which I removed it--which does complicate things just a bit and coincidentally is on the circuit with the GFI issue.

When I finish the pool, the dryer is waiting for attention!

Well, I'm off to get started on the day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Prepping and Downsizing

Freshly Stained Porch
Elkridge, MD
Jume 1, 2022

 The seemingly headlong rush towards getting the house on the market, sold, and returning to Florida continues with daily activities, both indoors and out. I enjoyed yesterday's 90 degree temperatures, but was a sweaty mess when I came inside about 1 PM after working outside for the morning. 

The projects we are doing are really just routine maintenance that needs to be accomplished every few years. I have gained the side porch--I replaced a board last year but never got around to properly staining the new wood and then I noticed the entire porch really could use a new coat of stain. I also painted a window frame that needed a touch up. The north side of the house does not get a lot of sun and we get a bit of green algae growth on the siding which I power washed a couple days ago. The paint was the final bit on that project. 

There was a scheduled baseball game last evening and so Chris and I. have devised a plan where we enjoy the big meal of the day for a late lunch. It is really working fairly well because it is much better than trying to eat a meal when I get home from baseball at 8 or 9 PM. Today is more of the same--another game and likely another mid-day main meal. 

Another day in an unnumbered series of days.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

After the Holiday

Finishing Ribs on the Bar-B
Elkridge, MD
May 30, 2022

 Memorial Day 2022 was memorable. Most all of the family gathered for a meal and fun in and around the pool. There were smoked ribs finished on the Bar-B, salads, adult beverages, and fun in the pool. 

The weather cooperated, for a change, providing a dry and hot day. That is what Memorial Day is supposed to be: dry and hot. 

Memorial Day in the Pool
Elkridge, MD
May 30, 2022

We started during the early afternoon and continued into the evening. A variety of music was played to help the mood of the day.

The pool started the day at 77 degrees and I am sure it gained a couple degrees by day's end. 

It was great fun and everyone relaxed and just let the day happen. 

After all, isn't that what holidays are all about, families gathering together to take an official time-out from the hectic schedules of life and enjoy each other?

And now, we resume our regularly scheduled activities.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 30, 2022

 

1. Remember and honor on this Memorial Day! It is the last Monday of May. How did the month escape? There are just 30 Mondays remaining in this year.

2. I have been so busy watching the weather in the Atlantic, I totally missed the first names hurricane of the year in the Pacific that is heading for Mexico. I guess having a residence in Florida has made me focus more on the more immediate threat.

3. I was exhausted when I dragged myself to bed last evening a bit earlier than I prefer. It had been a busy day of activity. The day started by visiting a Patrick and Jen's house that is under construction. It was exciting to walk through the house before the drywall was installed to see the work of the tradesmen: plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists. I was excited to hear how Patrick had included outlets and drops for WiFi throughout the house. It is really an experience to see how things are put together behind the walls.

4. Projects abound. After visiting Patrick's under-construction house and coaching a baseball game, I managed to power wash the siding on the house which took me until after the normal start of Happy Hour. But, another projects was able to be completed. It paves the way for two more projects to be completed.

5. Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of Summer! We are expecting 90 degree temperatures to begin the season of fun. The pool is open!

6. The Severn Seminoles 14U are in the Championship Bracket of the Elkridge Stars and Stripes Tournament. They lost a tough game yesterday in the bottom of the last inning and finished the seedings 5th of 12 teams. Their first game this morning is at 8AM! Here's hoping for a championship. 

7. Today in History. On May 30, 1431, at Rouen in English-controlled Normandy, Joan of Arc, the peasant girl who became the savior of France, is burned at the stake for heresy.

Joan was born in 1412, the daughter of a tenant farmer at Domremy, on the borders of the duchies of Bar and Lorraine. In 1415, the Hundred Years War between England and France entered a crucial phase when the young King Henry V of England invaded France and won a series of decisive victories against the forces of King Charles VI. By the time of Henry’s death in August 1422, the English and their French-Burgundian allies controlled Aquitaine and most of northern France, including Paris. Charles VI, long incapacitated, died one month later, and his son, Charles, regent from 1418, prepared to take the throne. However, Reims, the traditional city of French coronation, was held by the Anglo-Burgundians, and the Dauphin (heir apparent to the French throne) remained uncrowned. Meanwhile, King Henry VI of England, the infant son of Henry V and Catherine of Valois, the daughter of Charles VI, was proclaimed king of France by the English.

Russian Forces Push Into Key City in East Ukraine - The Wall Street Journal

Bombed Bridges, Closed Ports Keep Ukrainian Grain From a World That Needs It - The Wall Street Journal

Canceled Plans Are a New Normal - The Wall Street Journal

Photos since Columbine show cycle of gun violence in schools - The Washington Post

Covid was vanishing last Memorial Day. Cases are five times higher now. - The Washington Post

9-year-old describes escaping out a window during shooting - CNN

Hurricane Agatha barrels toward Mexico - CNN

UK says Russia suffers devastating losses among lower-ranked officers - Reuters

Analysis: How the Ukraine conflict is reshaping global oil markets - Reuters

Twenty victims found after Nepal air crash, hopes fade for two missing - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Walking Down the Yellow Brick Road

Yellow Brick Road
Big Cork Vineyards, Rohersville, MD
May 28, 2022

One would think I was off to Oz, but in fact I was at my favorite East Coast Winery to enjoy a night of Elton John music performed by Yellow Brick Road. 

It was a great evening at Big Cork Vineyards in Rohersville, Maryland. The lawn was packed with Elton John fans by the time the show began and the wine was flowing freely. The weather was nearly perfect. The temperatures remained moderate, the skies cleared during the show and the winds were calm. It made for a great night of music and fun.

Yellow Brick Road
Big Cork Vineyards, Rohersville, MD
May 28, 2022

The band generated energy which the crowd reflected back to them as the show continued. The first set was relatively slow punctuated by long, almost too long, instrumentals and highlighting some of Elton John's lesser known hits. The highlights of the first set were Rocket Man and Candle in the Wind.

After the intermission, the show began to really rock with every song being a classic. This is where the band energy increased as did that of the crowd. I found myself near the front of the stage dancing for most of the set--and singing as loudly as I could and slightly off key as I could. There was good interaction with the band as they at times encouraged the crowd to sing the refrain from some of the songs. As darkness fell, the excitement grew with each familiar song. The highlights I remember were Benny and the Jets, Philadelphia Freedom, Crocodile Rock, Levon, Tiny Dancer, and a great rendition of Pinball Wizard. 

I was able to take a short video of the band doing Philadelphia Freedom which also shows the crowd. 

Yeah, we had a good time! I recommend an evening with this band if you get the chance. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Brakes in the Garage

Jeep in the Garage
Elkridge, MD
May 27, 2022

Out of the blue yesterday, although the sky had been gray for the past four days, I wound up doing something not related to either downsizing or baseball. Patrick needed to replace the brakes on his Jeep and needed to use my garage, since it provided shelter from the rain. 

New Brakes
Elkridge, MD
May 27, 2022

I had to move stuff around that is being stored for moving to Florida to make room for the front of the Jeep, but it worked very well. The job included new brakes: calipers, rotors, and pads as well as an oil change. It was a great afternoon in the garage using tools that I soon will no longer have access to as I divest many tools like the heavy duty floor jack. 

It was a great afternoon with Patrick and the Jeep. As we got into the project it became clear that the caliper on one side was locked up, and we determined that we should replace it and likely the other one. There was a break in the action as we headed off to the local autocrats store for the calipers. In the end we completed a $1200 or more brake job for the cost of parts, which were not inexpensive. I was a bit shocked that the core charge for the calipers was $60 each--I guess they really want those back to refurbish.

Great afternoon. Great fun. Good job!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Highway to the Danger Zone

 

Last evening, I returned to the movie theater for only the second time during the COVID era. The event was to see Top Gun Maverick on the big screen.

Wow!

What a ride and what a movie. The sequel, 36 years in the making, pays homage to the original Top Gun by continuing the storylines, but it is much more than that. A taken from the news world situation, a should-be but not over-the-hill renegade pilot, the music, and all of the drama you might expect are rolled into the plot to create a movie experience that should draw people back into the theaters. 

Yes, the movie is a formula movie. It is predictable, but wow, the plot twists and the flying action are definitely not green screen. 

If you like the original Top Gun (and the music, did I mention the music?) and have been waiting for a reason other than a Marvel superhero movie to go back to the theater--this movie is it. It must be seen on the big screen to be fully appreciated. 

At the conclusion of the movie, Chris commented, "I wish I could stay here and watch it again!" Chris does not generally watch movies more than once in the theater.

One reviewer wrote: But mostly, honestly, it’s two hours of sheer, visceral fun on the big screen, which feels very retro. In the best possible way.

Bob's recommendation: A must see! 

Side note: If it has been a while since you saw Top Gun, watch it before you go.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Little Known Secrets - Facebook Marketplace

 

Winemaking Equipment

I learned yesterday that I could not sell my winemaking equipment on Facebook Marketplace. Because the equipment is related to alcohol it is not allowed to be offered for sale. I appealed the decision and, as expected, lost although the explanation was not clear.

So now, as I am downsizing, I have winemaking equipment and large fermenting bottles that I need to re-home. Sadly, I only made one batch of wine as I never found time to work another vintage. The wine I made was not great, but it was drinkable. I still have two bottles remaining which I should open to determine how they are aging or if they are over the hill. 

As it turns out, there is a comprehensive list of items that cannot be sold on Marketplace. They are detailed under Commerce Policies. This is important to know stuff although even reading the policies I do not see how winemaking equipment qualifies as buying or selling alcohol. I wonder if they know it takes at least three months to make a drinkable wine. It is not like someone is going to buy today and imbibe tonight. 

Now that I am fully aware of the policies. I will do a better job staying between the white lines. Actually, I don't see where I might violate the commerce policy again.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rainouts, Faucets and What's Next?

 

The Final View of the Repair
Elkridge, MD
May 25, 2022

The rain and cold returned. It is 55 degrees this morning as the day begins.

I very much enjoyed the dry 90 degree temperatures of this past weekend and so, my reward apparently is rain and much cooler temperatures. 

The rain has already postponed two baseball games and thrown the schedule askew. And there is rain in the forecast for the next four days.

Despite the rain, however, the plumbers returned to the scene of the faucet debacle. Amazingly, in about 90 minutes the problem was resolved with another new faucet. The copper work actually looks much better than the previous attempt and it works--or rather it does not leak while in use! Yay! Check yesterday's blog to see the before image.

I was happy that there was no additional charge to complete the repair, however, I would have preferred that it had been done correct the first time. I did feel bad for the plumbing team because at times they needed to be outside in the cold rain. 

Now it is on to other repairs. Wait, I already repaired the automatic chlorinator for the pool. Next up; the dryer which is making a bad sounding noise which may just be the blower has become clogged with lint causing it to be unbalanced. Unfortunately, cleaning or replacing the blower requires complete disassembly of the dryer including removing the drum. That is an all morning project.  

Always one more project to accomplish!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Faucet Repair, Part 2

 After opening the treasure chest to pay for a plumber to repair an exterior faucet and thinking the problem was solved, there is a part 2 to the story. 

The faucet does not leak when it is turned off. That is the good news. The plumber departed believing that everything was good. 

The next day I actually used the faucet. Trouble, unbeknownst to me, began as soon as I turned on the water. The faucet, while providing water to the hose was also spraying water behind the wall into the house. Yup, huge mess. Fortunately, I needed to go into the basement and heard the water running behind the wall and was able to minimize the mess and damage. 

I had initially thought that the solder joint had failed, but upon further investigation I determined the water was coming into the house from inside of the the concrete wall itself indicating that the faucet was broken. And unusable. My diagnosis was confirmed by a plumber yesterday who will be returning today with the proper tools to chip away the concrete packing that the first plumber placed around the new and apparently broken faucet.

Today should be interesting as the plumber wrestles with this disaster. Yesterday I asked the plumber that was assigned to correct the problem why the other plumber used concrete as packing instead of silicone, which was used by the original faucet repairer over five years ago. Without vocalizing an answer, he gave me a look that said it all. And now the concrete must be chipped away, piece by piece. 

One wonders why the other plumber never turned the faucet on to see if it worked.

We may never know.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD