December on the Beach

Jupiter Island Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
December 19, 2024

 Last evening, Chris and I headed off to the beach to enjoy Happy Hour. 

I know it sounds crazy, but the temperature was reportedly in the upper 70s. What we did not consider was the cool wind coming off the ocean. It made it feel much cooler--but still comfortable. 

And the Shadows Grew Long
Jupiter Island, FL
December 19, 2024

As you might suspect, we had the beach pretty much to ourselves and took advantage of the relative solitude to enjoy chatting and listening to the waves crash on the beach. The ocean was as calm as it has been in a week. The sun was setting and the shadows grew long and although we chose a spot in the sun, we were shaded by the dunes a short tile later.

We enjoyed the beach and the setting sun for about an hour and then retreated to the relative warmth of our home. 

I cannot think of a better ending to a December afternoon. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Closing in on Christmas

Palm Beach Gardens Mall
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
December 18, 2024

 I had a busy morning yesterday. 

It started at the Ford dealer where our Mustang Mach-e windshield wiper motor was inspected for possible replacement under a recall. That took an hour, but no further repair was necessary. Yay.

Then it was off to Costco. Ugh. I wish drivers would consider the impact of their action or inaction on others. I sat for a full five minutes waiting for someone to clear the drive lane because they were worried they might miss a parking spot. The resulting traffic jam wound out onto the main thoroughfare. Once clear, I drove past them and easily found a spot about 50 steps further with no waiting. 

Morning Sky
Tequesta, FL
December 19, 2024

And then there was the mall! I ventured into the mall, but at 11:00 AM it was pretty devoid of shoppers. The decorations were lighted and inviting, but I had a specific task to accomplish and so I was there all of about 20 minutes.

We are closing in on Christmas. In less than a week it will be in the rearview and we will be pressing ahead to the New Year. Time is flying past.

This morning while waiting for Finn to complete his morning needs, I looked into a clear sky with my three favorite palms in the foreground. It just caught my eye and I am hoping that the peaceful scene translates into another great South Florida day as we continue finalizing Christmas plans.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Nearing Completion

 The hectic holiday shopping season is complete, well mostly. 

We sighted the finish line yesterday and to be honest I think I have two more gifts to collect and then we can put a much needed ribbon around the 2024 Holiday Gift Blitz. Amazon has been a lifesaver! The final gifts arrived yesterday, as scheduled. 

We are entering the final stages and remember; Christmas is one short week from today. 

Now we begin working the logistics of the season. Menu planning, shopping, cooking, baking, and collapsing with a glass of wine at night!

Chris and I took time last evening to visit our favorite Happy Hour location, that would be Tiki52. Although the day was pleasantly warm with temperatures nearing 80 degrees, the breeze blowing off the ICW last evening was cool and strong. We had a small accident with the waitstaff removed dirty plates and the placemat/menus went airborne and toppled drinks on the table next to us. 

It is time for a deep breath.

Today is devoted to finishing my remaining two gifts and having the Mach-e evaluated for the recall we received last week. 

There is light at the end of the tunnel and I'm pretty sure it is not an onrushing train. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Admiring the Decorations

Santa Needs a Cookie
Tequesta, FL
December 16, 2024

 For the first time since my bike accident last week, I was able to ride yesterday. It felt good to be out on my bike again and relatively pain free. My hip pointer remains tender, but otherwise I felt fine. 

I managed just over 17 miles and enjoyed the seasonal decorations along my route. 

One yard decoration stood out as both disturbing and interesting. The skeleton Santa in the image to the right was that decoration. Clearly, Santa is not eating enough Christmas cookies as he is all bones--not even any skin. I actually was looking forward to this particular yard decoration because it has been erected since Halloween. During the Thanksgiving season it was transformed into a seasonal display and now has morphed into a bony Santa. 

I am not a fan of using skeletons for decorations other than at Halloween, but this works on a slightly macabre level. Sadly, this was not the only use for skeletons in Christmas decorations that I saw, it was just the biggest.

I guess it is easy to get tired of snowmen and sleighs. But really? A giant skeleton Santa is not the answer.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - December 16, 2024

 

1. Wow. It is the third Monday of December and there are only two Mondays remaining in the year. I hope that your holiday shopping is complete because Christmas is upon us!

2. Family NFL Report. Family teams went 4-2 during the weekend. The Ravens won and the Steelers lost setting up a battle for the division on Saturday. The Steelers, however, clinched a playoff spot by losing. 

Cowboys (6-8) overcame the Panthers (3-11), 30-14  

Commanders, (9-5) slipped by Saints (5-9), 20-19

Steelers (10-4) were routed by Eagles (12-2), 13-27 

Ravens (9-5) stomped Giants (2-12), 35-14

Dolphins (6-8) were outgunned by Texans (9-5), 12-20

Chiefs (13-1) stomped Browns (3-11), 21-7

3. I'm taking a deep breath this week because once we return to Maryland next Sunday, the pace ramps up and continues into January. The holidays are upon us. 

Self Service Postal Center
Tequesta, FL
December 15, 2025

4. Thank goodness for the post office 24-hour self service center. Chris and I visited our local post office yesterday to purchase some additional stamps for a couple Christmas cards that were too heavy. It was worth it to add 28 cents rather than 73 cents for the additional postage. It was no lines and no waiting.

5. Christmas is nearly in the bag. Our shopping is complete, mostly except of course for those gifts we forgot. The Christmas cards are in the mail and we are cruising into the home stretch of the holidays. 

6. Today in History. December 16, 1773. In Boston Harbor, a group of Massachusetts colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians board three tea ships and dump 342 chests of tea into the harbor.

The midnight raid, popularly known as the “Boston Tea Party,” was in protest of the British Parliament’s Tea Act of 1773, a bill designed to save the faltering East India Company by greatly lowering its tea tax and granting it a virtual monopoly on the American tea trade. The low tax allowed the East India Company to undercut even tea smuggled into America by Dutch traders, and many colonists viewed the act as another example of taxation tyranny.

Netanyahu says he spoke with Trump about need for ‘victory,’ as Israeli government approves plan for Golan expansion - CNN

Considering moving out of the US in 2025? These are the best countries for American expats - CNN

Mayotte cyclone kills several hundred, maybe thousands, in worst storm in century - Reuters

Israel plans to double population on occupied Golan, citing threats from Syria - Reuters

Russian tanker splits in storm, spilling oil into Kerch Strait - Reuters

North Korean troops join Russian assaults in significant numbers, Kyiv says - Reuters

‘Unbearable’: Residents of some small towns, feeling inundated by cruises, fight the industry - The Washington Post

Foreign powers jockey for control in Syria, risking new conflict - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#mondaymusings 

Christmas Movies

 Chris and I have been watching our favorite Christmas movies. It seems that the Holiday Season spawns quite a few movies. 

We watched a new release, Red One, which was a different take on Santa and Christmas. I enjoyed the movie and although it got a bit long, the mythical side of the season made for an interesting story. Who knew that Santa had a brother? And the cast is solid.

I decided today to rank my top 10 favorite Christmas movies, and so here goes:

1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

2. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

3. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

4. The Santa Clause (1994)

5. The Holiday (2006)

6. Die Hard (1988)

7. Home Alone (1990)

8. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

9. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

10. (tie) Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

10. (tie) The Polar Express (2004)

I note that two of the movies are celebrating 20 years of popularity, while another is hitting 30 years old.

Biggest omissions and why:

A Christmas Story (1983) is missing and often ranked #1 on many lists. I just never got into the humor and the family situation. Yes, I can quote lines from the movie--but as a favorite Christmas movie for me it's not a must see. 

Elf (2003) is also missing and ranked high on many lists, but I am not a Will Ferrell fan and so this movie does not do it for me. 

I do enjoy watching new releases and there are many other Christmas movies that I enjoy, but I won't put them on "pause" if I have to leave the room for something. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Just Add Children

 

Christmas Tree
Constitution Park, Tequesta, FL
December 13, 2024

Chris and Finn with the Snowman
Constitution Park, Tequesta, FL
December 13, 2024

The annual Tequesta Christmas Tree lighting occurred last evening. The gates opened promptly at 5:30 PM for families to enter the Christmas displays and activities positioned in Constitution Park. Chris and I were among the first to enter the South Florida version of a winter wonderland as is possible.

There were lots of children with their families racing through the displays. We were a bit underwhelmed by the lack of food options given that it was the dinner hour. 

But, the Tequesta village tree was pretty and the giant snowman was a bit over-the-top. 

Sadly, we wandered the grounds and quickly discovered that since we were unaccompanied by children there was not much for us to do or enjoy. We could have joined the line to sit on Santa's lap, but that would have just been weird. Once we walked around we discovered that there was nothing for adults and so we departed probably 15 minutes after we arrived. 

Some holiday activities need a sign that says, "Just Add Children."

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Ride and the Crash

Riding on a Beautiful Day
Tequesta, FL
December 11, 2024

 It happens every so often.

I ride my bike a lot. During the past three years I am 70 miles short of riding 5000 miles. Over the course of that time I have been involved in, fortunately, a very few mishaps mostly through my own stupidity, but there have also been times when I laid my bike down to avoid a more serious situation like a car running running through an intersection without looking when I had the right of way. 

My most recent mishap occurred on Wednesday. It came at about the 4 mile point of what became a 22-mile ride. For me it was my most serious spill as I am still, two days later, feeling some pain and recovering. Even so, I rode another 18 miles after the mishap and enjoyed the ride knowing I would be working out the aches and pains later. 

The mishap happened quickly. I was riding with a friend, which whom I have ridden many miles, and a miscommunication between us resulted in me hitting the pavement. He thought I knew we were turning right and I thought we were continuing straight. He was in front and I was in trail to his right. I caught his back wheel and had just enough time to protect myself as I hit the pavement. I remember that when my head thunked onto the roadway I was very happy I wore my helmet. In addition to a few scratches and some light bruising, I tweaked my achilles tendon which is still recovering. I can walk, but not my normal gait yet. The only damage to my bike was that the handlebars and the front wheel needed to be aligned. 

We were lucky. He was unhurt. 

I got up and shook myself off and determined that I could continue the ride. I stretched out my foot so I could pedal and we had a very enjoyable ride from that point onward. 

These things happen, I just wish they wouldn't. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Never-ending Decorations

 

Snow Village Scenes
Tequesta, FL
December 11, 2024

Decorating for  Christmas never ends. 

Chris and I decorated the tree and the house before departing for Thanksgiving. I thought we had completed the seasonal decorating. 

Not so fast, grasshopper. 

Tuesday, we made a trip to the storage facility and retrieved some of our Snow Village pieces along with more Christmas decorations. After cleaning out the display case, we created scenes in each of the display areas. I guess we got the bug to set up some Snow Village after helping Patrick and Jen with their annual village. 

The project came out well and the scenes remind us of the snowy white stuff that I do not enjoy. We also added more festive decorations to the house. 

It seems the decorating never ends until we  put them away after the holidays. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Pelicans Amongst Us

Pelican on a Piling
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2024

 It was good to be back South Florida enjoying 80-degree temperatures yesterday. 

The sun shone warm and we busied ourselves with holiday preparations. That meant, of course, a trip to the storage facility to retrieve Christmas bins. It was a bit more challenging without the truck, which we left in Maryland pending our return. I could only get five bins into the Mach-e. 

Pelican Posing
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2024

As evening approached, we met friends at our favorite Tuesday evening establishment, Tiki52, for dinner. It was grand sitting under the tiki hut enjoying great conversation and a meal along with adult beverages. The wind occasionally blew off the ICW and it was cool, but not cold. I was attired in a short-sleeved polo shirt, shorts and sandals. It felt good to not be bundled against the cold, but rather to enjoy the evening outside. 

We were joined by pelicans. We noticed them because they are not usually around when we end the day at Tiki52. I guess they were done fishing for the day and wanted the relative quiet of the marina and Tiki52. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Pets

 Chris and I just completed a two week visit with family and friends, but  the pets in our lives also received a lot of attention. 

Chris and Ethan with Finnegan
December 7, 2024
Odenton, MD

Of course there was Finnegan with his antics and needs. He was so exhausted from the visit that he crashed on the sofa pretty much the entirety of yesterday after we arrived home. Finn can be a party animal. He easily slips into the pack mentality with Lily and Arthur, Nicole's dogs, and even wanted to play with the newly arrived kittens, Merlin and Percy. Finn was lucky to escape one play session with a minor scratch just below his eye, that is the one partially closed in the image.

Percy and Merlin
Odenton, MD
November 28, 2024

Merlin and Percy are the newest arrivals in the house. They are expanding their territory and range on a daily basis as they crash their way into everyone's hearts. There is no other way to describe them--they are just cute. They are growing very fast and will all too soon be cats. Living with dogs is good for them because they are integrating themselves into the family and learning that dogs can be friends, too.

It was a wild time, but also fun to watch the five pets interact--or sometimes not. Nicole has done a good job giving the kittens a same place away from the dogs to escape into if they feel the need. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - December 9, 2024 Travel Edition

 

1. The second Monday of December is upon us. There are but three Mondays remaining in the year 2024! Christmas is a short two-weeks hence.

A Somber Scene as We Departed for the Airport
Odenton, MD
December 9, 2024

2. Today was a travel day. Chris and I, along with trusty dog Finnegan, returned to the warmth of Florida aboard a very nice Southwest Airlines flight after two great weeks in Maryland. While in Maryland visited with friends and family while enjoying a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner. 

Nicole after extinguishing the Candles
Odenton, MD
December 8, 2024

3. Yesterday we celebrated Nicole's birthday. It is not her actual birthday, but fully 50 percent of the family will not be in Maryland on her actual day and so we made it a special and festive day for her. Nicole graciously dropped Chris, me, and Ethan off at the airport before 8 AM this morning so that we could fly to our separate destinations.

4. We were lucky to attend the first game of Jax's basketball season yesterday. While it was a losing effort, it was good to see him on the court getting into playing shape for the upcoming season. He made a few great plays and is definitely a force in the middle. He is tall and when he gets his wings fully extended he can tower over the opposition.

Jax - Force in the Middle
December 8, 2024
Severn Run, MD

5. I had the opportunity to meet Joe Scarborough in the Palm Beach International airport as we deplaned this afternoon. I was surprised to meet him, but he graciously shook hands with me as I told him how much I appreciated his MSNBC show, Morning Joe. I was honored that he took a moment to greet me and shake my hand. I have to admit, that is the very first time in my life that I have stopped someone of consequence to say hello and get a handshake.

6. Airport Horror Story. We arrived at BWI this morning without having eaten breakfast and on one cup of coffee. The idea was that we would get a "too expensive" breakfast at the airport. We ate at Firkin & Flyer and even though I advised the waitress that we had a boarding time which was 25 minutes away (we had already sat with no service for 15 minutes)--breakfast was delivered two minutes before boarding time. I was livid! We asked for boxes and forks and walked very quickly to our gate finding the first half of the B-group already boarded. We had A-group boarding. We ate our now cold and somewhat unappetizing breakfast after the jet reached 10,000 feet.

7. It felt good to get off the plane this afternoon and not be cold! I am relishing the high 70s temperatures! I am barefoot for the first time in two weeks.

8. This being the travel edition, I am dispensing with Today in History and Headlines. Catch them next week. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Fiery Sunset

Sunset on I-70
West of Frederick, MD
December 7, 2024

 Last evening as Chris and I, along with friends George and Sue, were headed to Rohersville, MD, for a winery event art Big Cork, we experienced a magnificent sunset. Since we were driving west we were able to enjoy the sunset for what seemed like forever. 

The clouds were perfectly positioned to reflect the sun's last rays. We were driving west on I-70 just east of Frederick, MD. 

The sky colored as if it were on fire. A patch of blue sky directly in front of us provided some relief. It was a beautiful ride and since I was the front-seat passenger, I was able to get an image of the sunset to remember.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD 

And the Band Played

 

Jeremy with Flood Watch
Desantis' Pizza Grill & Bar
Perry Hall, Md
December 6, 2024

Chris and I enjoyed a real treat last evening. We went to a local grill & bar to watch Jeremy sing with the band he is in; Flood Watch. 

Jeremy with Flood Watch
Perry Hall, MD
December 6, 2024

We had great fun, even though they did not take the stage until 9 PM. The band plays mostly 90s music which is generally loud and fast. I actually know some of the songs although not many of the words. 

The restaurant, Desantis' Pizza Grill & Bar, is a nicely located in Perry Hall, Maryland. The place is small, but last night it rocked with wall-to-wall people there to enjoy pizza, adult beverages, and the band.

Because of the late hour at which the performance started, Chris and I were not able to remain until the final songs, but we definitely enjoyed what we heard. 

It was great fun and we definitely enjoyed the restaurant and the show!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

It was so Cold

Solitary Turkey Vulture
Odenton, MD
December 5, 2024

 It was so cold yesterday that the only thing flying when I took Finnegan for a very short walk was a solitary turkey vulture. 

It was so cold that at one point the wind chill, or feels like temperature, was 18 degrees. And yes, that is Fahrenheit. 

It was a bright sunny day, and cold.

I have not ridden my bike since the month began, of course I did not bring it along on the trip because I expected it to be too cold to ride. I only managed 110 miles during November and am 92 miles from logging 5000 miles on my bike! I am hoping the weather is nice in Florida the next two weeks so that I can get a few rides accomplished and maybe cross the 5000 mile threshold. 

Chris and I have been having a wonderful time reconnecting with friends and family and we look forward to more enjoyment when return closer to Christmas. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Preparing for the Holidays

 

It was a quieter day yesterday as Chris and I continued preparing for Christmas.

We have been spending time on the computer and less time in the stores, although, we do need to head out to the brick and mortar places at some point to secure the final Christmas gifts.

Holiday preps take time!

We are heading to Florida on Monday for two weeks of warmth. But we will return for Christmas and the New Year. We will likely be in Maryland celebrating until lmid-January. 

Oh yes, travel and the holidays. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

I Forgot--and I got Stressed

Baltimore Looks Serene
Baltimore, MD
December 3, 2024

 I drove across Baltimore yesterday for an appointment. When I checked my mapping app, the drive was 42 minutes, BUT because of trouble on the beltway inner loop I was being routed through Baltimore City. 

I never like going through Baltimore City. The streets are a mess and the traffic is unpredictable. I padded my travel time because I have been through this before. 

Well, yesterday my travel time suddenly gained an extra 10 minutes due to an accident and a school program involving 10 buses. Ugh! It was then I remembered an earlier vow to never drive through Baltimore City to access I-83 and avoid beltway traffic. 

My stress level went up as at each turn it seemed I was confronted with a new unplanned traffic disaster.

I made it to my appointment later than the suggested arrival time, but still earlier than the actual appointment time.

Note to self: Driving through Baltimore is never an option.

As I was leaving my appointment about 2 PM, my mapping app again suggested driving through the middle of Baltimore. I decided instead to use the beltway and drive the long way around using the east side because thew west side was still bound up. I was much happier with this decision. The app said it was a. 2 minute longer route--but I am sure I would have lost a lot more than 2 minutes driving through the middle of Baltimore!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

It Even Looks Cold

It Looks Cold
Odenton, MD
December 2, 2024

 Chris and I walked Finnegan yesterday. We try to walk him every day to get the wiggles out and encourage him to take care of his personal business. 

It was cold. The temperature was hovering around 38 degrees. This morning it was 28 degrees. As we walked, I noted the scene looked every bit as cold as it was. 

Fortunately, we were bundled up appropriately and although we could feel the cold, we were comfortable. I checked the forecast and am looking forward to the high 70s and low 80s waiting for us upon our return home to South Florida next week. We will warm up there for two weeks before returning to the frozen north. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - December 2, 2024

 

1. We made it to December. This is the first Monday of the last month of 2024. There are only four Mondays remaining in the year. Three weeks from today is Christmas Eve Eve!

Finn Under the Tree
Elkridge, MD
December 1, 2024

2. We enjoyed an afternoon at Jeremy's house yesterday. It was football Sunday and Finn found a great place to get away from Jeremy's bigger dogs. He looked like a present under the tree because he was wearing his snowman sweater. He would periodically head there to get out of the way. When we took him home we discovered that he smelled like the scent added to the tree to make it smell like a real tree. His reward for being so cute under the tree was a bath!

3. Family NFL Report. Family teams went 4-2 in the multi-day game holiday game format. The Steelers won the highest scoring game of the season with 82 points posted between the two teams. The Ravens suddenly have a field-goal kicker problem. The historically most accurate kicker in the NFL left 7 points on the field which resulted in a gut wrenching loss to the Eagles.

Cowboys (5-7) made it past Giants (2-10), 27-20  

Commanders, (8-5) thumped the Titans (3-9), 42-19

Steelers (9-3) slipped by Bengals (4-8), 44-38 

Ravens (8-5) lost to Eagles (10-2), 19-24

Dolphins (5-7) were drowned by Packers (9-3), 17-30

Chiefs (11-1) made it past Raiders (2-10), 19-17

4. I am becoming cold-soaked with the Maryland daily high temperatures in the 40s. I looked at the long-range forecast for Tequesta and noted that temperatures when we return next Monday will be in the 80s. Looking forward to reviving my fading tan!

5. Programming note: I will no longer be referencing Wall Street Journal headlines in the Monday Musings News section, as I have terminated my subscription. I continue my subscriptions to The NY Times and The Washington Post.

6. Today in History. On a day like today, Albert Einstein's Theory of General Relativity was published, after the German physicist shook the foundations of Physics with his presentation to the Prussian Academy of Sciences in Berlin.

On December 2, 1915, after it was officially presented on November 25, Einstein's theory of gravitation was published in the minutes of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, in a four-page article entitled The equations of the gravitational field.

The Theory of General Relativity, reformulated the concept of Newtonian gravity and gave way to a deep development of cosmology, a branch of physics that studies the origin and evolution of the universe.

Biden’s pardon of his son gives Trump an opening - CNN

Syrian and Russian jets step up strikes on rebels after opposition seizes much of Aleppo - CNN

Putin approves record defense spending – a third of Russia’s budget - CNN

Exclusive: Latest US strike on China's chips hits semiconductor toolmakers - Reuters

Guinea stadium crush kills 56 people after disputed refereeing decision - Reuters

Philippines' Marcos says presence of Russian submarine 'very worrisome' - Reuters

Threatened by climate change, Panama Canal has big plans - Reuters

Potential conflicts of interest may haunt Dr. Oz’s confirmation to run Medicare, Medicaid - The Washington Post

Snow continues to bury Northeast, with more expected through Monday - The Washington Post

U.S. Dual Citizen Thought to Be Alive in Gaza Died on Oct. 7,  - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Odenton,MD

Snow Village 2024

 

Julienne and Chris Looking at the Snow Village Staging Area
Glen Burnie, MD
November 30, 2024

Welcome to December, the final month of a turbulent 2024.

Yesterday was Snow Village day. 

We were invited over to Patrick and Jen's to assist with the annual Snow Village set up. Sadly, Chris and I decided not to set-up our Snow Village this year because of our travel schedule and so we were excited to assist in this annual event. 

Snopw Village 2024
Glen Burnie, MD
November 30, 2024

When we arrived all of the pieces were unboxed and placed on a table as Patrick was preparing the display stand. I assisted with the final touches and then it was onto planning the village.

Planning the village is multistep process assisted by some technology. All of the buildings were placed and their relative final positions determined and then a video of them was taken as they were all removed back to the staging area while the snow blanket was added and height was also included to give the village a more realistic view. Once the contouring was finished it was time to reset the buildings and proceed to lighting. The video was used, frame by frame, to remind us of the building locations. Patrick displayed the video frames on the adjoining big screen. Following lighting it was onto the trees and accessories which bring the village from a ghost town to a thriving community. 

It was great fun to participate this year. I especially like the way the lighthouse seems to project an angel on the wall.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD 

The Annual Axis & Allies Event

Axis & Allies Europe Board at the Game Start
Odenton, MD
November 29, 2024

 Black Friday is the day the guys gather to play Axis & Allies. This year we chose to play the Axis & Allies Europe version to fill the day. This version is suited to lower number of players and it provides a satisfying 3 vs 1 format with players playing USA, UK, and Soviet Union on the Allies side and one player playing the Axis. 

I wound up defending Moscow as the Soviet Union player. I was teamed with two grandsons who played USA and UK against their Dad, the Axis player. 

The game proceeded fairly close to history with Germany laying siege to Leningrad and Stalingrad and making it to the outskirts of Moscow before the UK and USA could amass enough forces to thankfully require a major German armored army to move out of Eastern Poland and head back to liberate Berlin. I write thankfully, because the Soviet armies were exhausted and out of reserves. 

And so with a nod to history, the Allies won the game. Winning this game required one of the four capitals to be captured and held for a complete round. Berlin was captured, but before it could be held an entire round it was liberated by the aforementioned German armored army. Subsequently, with successive assaults by the UK and then USA forces, Berlin fell and the game was ended because Germany had insufficient forces remaining to mount another capital liberating counterattack.

This year, I was on the winning side.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Black Friday Antics

Merlin and Percy
Odenton, MD
November 28, 2024

 Black Friday has arrived and the annual Axis and Allies game will likely begin in an hour or so. Thanksgiving was great. The family gathered together and spent a great day together talking and enjoying each other. The NFL games became secondary events. 

I will note that two family teams played and went 1-1. The Cowboys won and the Dolphins lost. 

Part of the fun I am having revolves around two small bundles of fur and claws--Merlin and Percy. They are kittens, brothers, who can be wild and are very inquisitive. Merlin is a bit smaller but more adventurous. Percy is the classic scaredy-cat. 

They are providing lots of entertainment. 

No, I do not want or need a pair of my own!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Thanksgiving 2024

 Happy Thanksgiving!

Well it arrived all on its own. The latest date the holiday can be, but it is finally here and with it cold, wet weather; food; and football.

How could we possibly have waited for so long?

December begins on Sunday!

Until then we will have a steady diet of sports and leftovers.

Remember as you give thanks for the blessings in your life to give thanks for the first responders, military men and women and DoD civilians, and those who serve on the frontlines in our hospitals and care centers who are on duty today and every day. There are many people who do not get the day off, but who are out there making sure the rest of us are safe and can enjoy the blessings of liberty.

It has pleased Almighty God to prolong our national life another year, defending us with His guardian care against unfriendly designs from abroad and vouchsafing to us in His mercy many and signal victories over the enemy, who is of our own household. It has also pleased our Heavenly Father to favor as well our citizens in their homes as our soldiers in their camps and our sailors on the rivers and seas with unusual health. He has largely augmented our free population by emancipation and by immigration, while He has opened to us new sources of wealth and has crowned the labor of our workingmen in every department of industry with abundant rewards. Moreover, He has been pleased to animate and inspire our minds and hearts with fortitude, courage, and resolution sufficient for the great trial of civil war into which we have been brought by our adherence as a nation to the cause of freedom and humanity, and to afford to us reasonable hopes of an ultimate and happy deliverance from all our dangers and afflictions: 

-- Opening Paragraph Proclamation 118, Abraham Lincoln, October 20, 1864

America is a Nation of promise and possibilities — and that is because, every day, ordinary Americans are doing extraordinary things.  Our service members and veterans have given all, risked all, and dared all to keep our Nation free.  Our first responders, firefighters, and police officers risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us safe.  I can see the best of America in them and in our workers and union leaders, public servants and teachers, doctors and scientists, and all who give their heart and soul to ensuring people are treated with dignity and respect.  And I find hope in our Nation’s families, who sacrifice so much to achieve the American Dream and build a future worthy of our highest aspirations.
     This Thanksgiving — the last one I will declare as President — I express my gratitude to the American people.  Serving as President has been the honor of a lifetime.  America is the greatest country on Earth, and there is so much to be grateful for.  May we celebrate all that unites us — because there is nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together.

-- Excerpt from A Proclamation on Thanksgiving Day 2024, Joseph R. Biden Jr, November 27, 2024

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Even the Trees Look Cold

Looking at a Late-Autumn Morning
Odenton, MD
November 26, 2024

 The body shock of going from 70 degree days to 36 degree mornings is tough. I can only barely remember opening the door to head outside and being met by a rush of frigid air. I am more used to being slammed by a hot, moist wave and then toasted under the burning sun. 

I prefer the heat. 

Even the Trees Look Cold
Odenton, MD
November 26, 2024

It was cold yesterday, in the 40s, and even colder to start today with 36 (OMG, it's cold) degrees. While the scene is pretty, the reality is not so inviting. Even the trees look cold! I keep forgetting to put shoes on when I go outside for short activities like bringing in groceries or taking out recycling or trash.

I just need to get used to it because this is where I'm going to be for the next roughly two weeks. 

I have been enjoying the live entertainment that my daughter is providing in the form of two eight-week old kittens. They are bundles of energy. Just a moment ago they made me laugh, as during their play, they crashed into something which fell and they scurried for cover. They are cute and at this point very enjoyable. Their names are Merlin and Percy and they are brothers so they have been playing together since shortly after birth. 

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I hope everyone is already where they want to be for the holiday. Thankfully, Chris and I are in place for the festivities.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD