We did the trip a bit different than we have done in a long time.
We traveled mid-week rather than the day right before a three-day weekend, which in this case would have been Thursday.
After clearing the traffic catastrophe, which is better known as the Baltimore Beltway, we were greeted with relatively open road. And I mean open road like we have not seen in a long time. As the day passed into night, at all of aabout 6PM, the road became almost ours alone--except for a huge number of trucks.
I remember years ago I use to love to drive with the trucks wide open on Interstate 95 heading through Florida. I remember getting behind a truck and literally hauling at speeds of above 80 mph crusing through the open flatlands in my big-engined Ford LTD. That car would didn't really start to cruise until 70 mph. It was built for speed and power.
Last eveniing, we were not cruising a 80, but we were making greeat time because the usual traffic congestion that we face on the trip never materialized. We gianed probably 15 minutes around Harrisburg and another 15 minutes around Wilkes Barre and Scranton.
It was pleasant drive--except for the trucks.
Has anyone noticed they don't drive as well as they used to? I witnessed many that were weaving around and performing fairly aggressive lane changes.
They made me nervous--and I never used to be nervous around truckers.
November roads are dark though. I pity those who do not like to drive after dark because it is dark for so much longer.
And there are so mny trucks. Why aren't we using the rail system more instead of relying on so many long-haul truckers?
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Near Full Moon
The near full moon was hanging over the end of the street last evening as I drove off to play a racquetball match.
It was there, bright and almost cheery in the clear sky which was just beginning to be populated with points of light.
The sun was in the final stages of setting--and so the sky was not completly dark yet--but it was coming, I could tell.
Many trees still retain portions of their autumnal robes and gave the scene some color--still visible in the just before the darkness waning light.
It was warm--yes warm with temperatures in the mid-60's just to remind me that even in November the weather can be nice enough to ride with the top down on he convertible.
But I was off on a mission--heading off to the court in the height of the evening rush hour traffic.
It seems that rush hour around here is reaally rush four hours as people scurry to and from their places of employment or education. And it happens twice per day.
The moon was hanging there--almost full, it will be full on Thursday and then I wonder whether it will become a true harvest moon. The big cool orb hanging in the sky illuminating the near bare trees and casting stark shadows onto the lawns that we associate with autumn. Maybe more yellow than white--low on the horizon opposite the just set sun.
The kind of moon that when we were kids we would look into its face and really see the man in the moon. Or maybe, if we were quick, we could spy a witch flying her broom across the broad face--but only for a moment.
But it is off for the new day and the coming dawn now. I wonder what is in store for today. Something magical, I hope.
It was there, bright and almost cheery in the clear sky which was just beginning to be populated with points of light.
The sun was in the final stages of setting--and so the sky was not completly dark yet--but it was coming, I could tell.
Many trees still retain portions of their autumnal robes and gave the scene some color--still visible in the just before the darkness waning light.
It was warm--yes warm with temperatures in the mid-60's just to remind me that even in November the weather can be nice enough to ride with the top down on he convertible.
But I was off on a mission--heading off to the court in the height of the evening rush hour traffic.
It seems that rush hour around here is reaally rush four hours as people scurry to and from their places of employment or education. And it happens twice per day.
The moon was hanging there--almost full, it will be full on Thursday and then I wonder whether it will become a true harvest moon. The big cool orb hanging in the sky illuminating the near bare trees and casting stark shadows onto the lawns that we associate with autumn. Maybe more yellow than white--low on the horizon opposite the just set sun.
The kind of moon that when we were kids we would look into its face and really see the man in the moon. Or maybe, if we were quick, we could spy a witch flying her broom across the broad face--but only for a moment.
But it is off for the new day and the coming dawn now. I wonder what is in store for today. Something magical, I hope.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
After Daylight Savings Time
Work week day one of the return to standard time has been completed. The sun rose shortly after I arrived at work and set as I was driving home.
My total exposure to sunlight amounted to zero minutes.
The dark days have officially begun it seems. Departing under the cover of night and returning home after sunset. If I were a vampire it would be awesome--but it turns out that I am a creature of the sun.
And it only gets worse from here.
Today the sun rises at 6:42 am and sets at 4:59 pm for 10 hours and 17 minutes of available sunlight. By this time next month, there will only be 9 hours and 30 minutes of available sunlight.
I need a trip south, south of the equator!
I guess that is my problem with coming off daylight savings time--the amount of sunshine doesn't change dramatically, it is just more aligned to when I am at work. And I work under the warmth of flourscent lighting in a windowless office so I don't even get to see the daylight when it is available.
I suppose that I don't need to listen to the weather for the next couple of months--my weather is darkness followed by brief glimpses of the dawn (or sunset).
It will get better, I kmow.
But in the meantime, gray skies and continual darkness just don't do it for me. I'm told that it is going to be 68 degrees today--if only I get a chance to enjoy it.
My total exposure to sunlight amounted to zero minutes.
The dark days have officially begun it seems. Departing under the cover of night and returning home after sunset. If I were a vampire it would be awesome--but it turns out that I am a creature of the sun.
And it only gets worse from here.
Today the sun rises at 6:42 am and sets at 4:59 pm for 10 hours and 17 minutes of available sunlight. By this time next month, there will only be 9 hours and 30 minutes of available sunlight.
I need a trip south, south of the equator!
I guess that is my problem with coming off daylight savings time--the amount of sunshine doesn't change dramatically, it is just more aligned to when I am at work. And I work under the warmth of flourscent lighting in a windowless office so I don't even get to see the daylight when it is available.
I suppose that I don't need to listen to the weather for the next couple of months--my weather is darkness followed by brief glimpses of the dawn (or sunset).
It will get better, I kmow.
But in the meantime, gray skies and continual darkness just don't do it for me. I'm told that it is going to be 68 degrees today--if only I get a chance to enjoy it.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Monday Musings - November 7, 2011
1. It has been fun watching the long Autumn this year. The leaves are lingering on the trees.
2. The way the sun has been illuminating the golden leaves on the trees in the evening light has been stunning.
3. The ferocity of the presidential race makes me wonder why anyone would want to be the leader of this nation.
4. Fellowship is the desired state of life. To be in fellowship with each other is a state we should be working toward.
5. The fortunes of football, like life, are transient. Enjoy the winning to overcome the heartbreak of the losses. Tomorrow is new day and we get another chance. Win or lose.
6. The cold mornings are surely a shock to my summertime way of thinking.
7. Some holidays just seem to be rewritten out of existnace. I'm told that the Great Oktober Revolution is no longer celebrated on this day in Russia.
8. The is the week of Vereran's Day. Remember the sacrifices others make to ensure our ability to live as we desire.
2. The way the sun has been illuminating the golden leaves on the trees in the evening light has been stunning.
 |
| Autumn Trees in the Evening Sunlight |
3. The ferocity of the presidential race makes me wonder why anyone would want to be the leader of this nation.
4. Fellowship is the desired state of life. To be in fellowship with each other is a state we should be working toward.
5. The fortunes of football, like life, are transient. Enjoy the winning to overcome the heartbreak of the losses. Tomorrow is new day and we get another chance. Win or lose.
6. The cold mornings are surely a shock to my summertime way of thinking.
7. Some holidays just seem to be rewritten out of existnace. I'm told that the Great Oktober Revolution is no longer celebrated on this day in Russia.
8. The is the week of Vereran's Day. Remember the sacrifices others make to ensure our ability to live as we desire.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Falling Leaves
I was out early this morning with Makayla--just at dawn which, according to the clock, was an hour earlier today than yesterday.
We were standing at the end of the driveway, next to a tree which still had most all of its leaves and in the quiet of the pre-dawn light I heard an interesting sound. Both Makayla and I heard the sound of something rustling leaves--or rather the rustling of a single leaf.
I looked at the tree to discern what was making the noise.
It was the sound of a single leaf releasing from the branch where it had been attached since Sping and then falling to each succeeding branch below as it made its way to the ground. And then it was on the ground, surrounded by its friends who all had formerly been on the tree.
Another leaf followed in the path of the one which had just made its way to the ground.
I had forgotten the sound that falling leaves make. I was sure that I could hear the leaf release itself from the branch and then fall from branch to branch until reaching the ground.
It has been a long Autumn and while many treees have already shed their leaves, many more are still preparing for the Winter ahead. But, I have heard the sound of leaves falling. I stopped for a moment, taking a break from my own self-absorbed life and listened.
There are many more things to see and hear.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
We were standing at the end of the driveway, next to a tree which still had most all of its leaves and in the quiet of the pre-dawn light I heard an interesting sound. Both Makayla and I heard the sound of something rustling leaves--or rather the rustling of a single leaf.
I looked at the tree to discern what was making the noise.
It was the sound of a single leaf releasing from the branch where it had been attached since Sping and then falling to each succeeding branch below as it made its way to the ground. And then it was on the ground, surrounded by its friends who all had formerly been on the tree.
Another leaf followed in the path of the one which had just made its way to the ground.
I had forgotten the sound that falling leaves make. I was sure that I could hear the leaf release itself from the branch and then fall from branch to branch until reaching the ground.
It has been a long Autumn and while many treees have already shed their leaves, many more are still preparing for the Winter ahead. But, I have heard the sound of leaves falling. I stopped for a moment, taking a break from my own self-absorbed life and listened.
There are many more things to see and hear.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wait a Minute--What Month is it?
Sometimes we just get a bit ahead of ourselves. Today the Halloween decorations go back into the boxes until next year and the turkey's make their appearance.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Battle Rhythm
Amazing. Early November and I am already going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark. And we are not even to the end of daylight savings time yet.
I am so frustrated already by the oppressive darkness which is punctuated by busy days and busy evenings.
Darkness.
We have lost our access to the light.
I am becoming a meeting warrior it seems. I cannot believe it, but I am spending more hours than I could have imagined in meetings. Ugh.
I am a doer, not a meeting animal.
Meetings can be so unproductive.
And some of the ones I am in are really unproductive.
But it is my battle rhythm.
It is what I do.
Meetings.
My mind was fried last evening when I stumbled home after 7pm. Ugh. I played racquetball at 5:30 am and had no idea at that time I would be strapped to a chair until almost 6:30 pm.
Battle rhythm. It seems as if I have too much battle and not enough rhythm.
--Bob Doan, EElkridge, MD
I am so frustrated already by the oppressive darkness which is punctuated by busy days and busy evenings.
Darkness.
We have lost our access to the light.
I am becoming a meeting warrior it seems. I cannot believe it, but I am spending more hours than I could have imagined in meetings. Ugh.
I am a doer, not a meeting animal.
Meetings can be so unproductive.
And some of the ones I am in are really unproductive.
But it is my battle rhythm.
It is what I do.
Meetings.
My mind was fried last evening when I stumbled home after 7pm. Ugh. I played racquetball at 5:30 am and had no idea at that time I would be strapped to a chair until almost 6:30 pm.
Battle rhythm. It seems as if I have too much battle and not enough rhythm.
--Bob Doan, EElkridge, MD
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Tailights in my Eyes
Driving home from dropping Ethan off at Boys of Grace last evening on I-95, I was struck by the ribbons of lights eight lanes wide. Red taillights in front on me, winding over the hills and points of white lights coming at me from the other lanes.
The sunset was dark and almost gone on the horizon. The deep burnt orange glow still visible, but punctuated by the airplane landing lights and the stars coming into view.
It was a beautiful scene in a funny kind of way.
Ethan and I had, a few minutes earlier, just finished mowing the lawn and blowing off the leaves. It might be the last mowing of the year.
November is rapidly moving into winter. The mornings are cold aand frost covers my windshield.
Butfor now, the road was alive with ribbons of white and red lights moving at speeds about 70 mph in opposite directions.
And I was headed home for the second time tonight to enjoy a meal and some wine and relax until the morning called me to start all over again.
Another day and then facing the ribbons of lights again on the road. It seems that the dark times are upon us. Head to work in the dark and come home after sunset. I long for soringtime--and the promise is there.
The sunset was dark and almost gone on the horizon. The deep burnt orange glow still visible, but punctuated by the airplane landing lights and the stars coming into view.
It was a beautiful scene in a funny kind of way.
Ethan and I had, a few minutes earlier, just finished mowing the lawn and blowing off the leaves. It might be the last mowing of the year.
November is rapidly moving into winter. The mornings are cold aand frost covers my windshield.
Butfor now, the road was alive with ribbons of white and red lights moving at speeds about 70 mph in opposite directions.
And I was headed home for the second time tonight to enjoy a meal and some wine and relax until the morning called me to start all over again.
Another day and then facing the ribbons of lights again on the road. It seems that the dark times are upon us. Head to work in the dark and come home after sunset. I long for soringtime--and the promise is there.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Presidential Olympics
Ugh!
The race is begun and it is a marathon. The accusations and the counter accusations and sexual harassment allegations are flying.
Are we electing a saint or a president? Are we electing someone to lead us out of an economic catastrophe or some squeaky clean poster child for special interests? As I see it, a business man who has been out there with a proven track record is going to have been involved in the natural side effects of conducting business in America today--and that is people who are not willing to accept responsibility for their own actions or failures. Result? Allegations and accusations against him.
I don't know the or the facts, but I know that we have had many men with moral defects occupy the office of the President. One recent former President could likely get reelected if he ran again and he was the center of a huge scandal with interns. Why could he get elected again? Because he was a leader and people resonated with his messageand he deivered on his promises.
Let the cards fall as they may--but, let's not become so myopically focused upon one issue that we fail to elect the man or woman who can take this nation's reigns of leadership and lead us from the edge of economic ruin and back to the status of the only surviving superpower in the world. OK, maybe that was a bit over the top but you get the idea.
Jesus said something to a group of accusers loosly translated which encouraged any of them of who had not sinned was free to throw the first stone. And they all departed. Why? Because we have all sinned. Is one sin greater than another? Not really. Sin is sin. If you are perfect, well, think again. We have all sinned and fallen short of the goal. Daily, I might add. I love the ending to that scene in the Bible where Jesus tells the accused--and neither do I accuse you, go and sin no more. (John 8:1-11)
Let's not look for perfection during this presidential sweepstakes season, let us look for a leader with vision.
Personally, I'm looking for a Ronald Reagan type of leader who, btw, was divorced, was an actor, and still got elected when we were in a similar economic mess--double digit inflation and seemingly without hope. Why did we elect him? Because he helped us see what we could be. He instilled a sense of patriotism and gave us a common vision of the future. Oh yeah, and then he delivered.
I am looking for a leader who make me believe something like:
And then, let's make it happen, together.
- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
The race is begun and it is a marathon. The accusations and the counter accusations and sexual harassment allegations are flying.
Are we electing a saint or a president? Are we electing someone to lead us out of an economic catastrophe or some squeaky clean poster child for special interests? As I see it, a business man who has been out there with a proven track record is going to have been involved in the natural side effects of conducting business in America today--and that is people who are not willing to accept responsibility for their own actions or failures. Result? Allegations and accusations against him.
I don't know the or the facts, but I know that we have had many men with moral defects occupy the office of the President. One recent former President could likely get reelected if he ran again and he was the center of a huge scandal with interns. Why could he get elected again? Because he was a leader and people resonated with his messageand he deivered on his promises.
Let the cards fall as they may--but, let's not become so myopically focused upon one issue that we fail to elect the man or woman who can take this nation's reigns of leadership and lead us from the edge of economic ruin and back to the status of the only surviving superpower in the world. OK, maybe that was a bit over the top but you get the idea.
Jesus said something to a group of accusers loosly translated which encouraged any of them of who had not sinned was free to throw the first stone. And they all departed. Why? Because we have all sinned. Is one sin greater than another? Not really. Sin is sin. If you are perfect, well, think again. We have all sinned and fallen short of the goal. Daily, I might add. I love the ending to that scene in the Bible where Jesus tells the accused--and neither do I accuse you, go and sin no more. (John 8:1-11)
Let's not look for perfection during this presidential sweepstakes season, let us look for a leader with vision.
Personally, I'm looking for a Ronald Reagan type of leader who, btw, was divorced, was an actor, and still got elected when we were in a similar economic mess--double digit inflation and seemingly without hope. Why did we elect him? Because he helped us see what we could be. He instilled a sense of patriotism and gave us a common vision of the future. Oh yeah, and then he delivered.
I am looking for a leader who make me believe something like:
- If you're afraid of the future, then get out of the way, stand aside. The people of this country are ready to move again. Ronald Reagan
And then, let's make it happen, together.
- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
November Dawns
Amazingly, October is over and it is now the most wonderful time of the year.
Yes, it is the Thanksgiving season!
One of my favorite holidays just because it is about giving thanks to our creator, God, for all of the blessings we have received during the past year.
A moment, a day, to pause and think about the things we've been given that we really don't deserve. That really is the essence of grace, isn't it?
Yeah--there are a few days till Thanksgiving--but with the too soon passing of October the spiral down toward the end of the year really begins to pick up speed. Veteran's Day, then Thanksgiving and into December with the horrific rush of activity and parties until we crash into Christmas and then dance our way into the New Year. I'm exhausted thinking about it.
Halloween was fun, but it is over. Makayla played her part well and putup with the little costume we make her wear every year. She is cute with the little pointed hat and dress we make her wear.
Well, good morning November and the Thanksgiving season and good-bye to October and Halloween.
Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment while I bring on the turkeys.
Remember, if you can't soar with eagles, you can run with the turkeys.
Yes, it is the Thanksgiving season!
One of my favorite holidays just because it is about giving thanks to our creator, God, for all of the blessings we have received during the past year.
A moment, a day, to pause and think about the things we've been given that we really don't deserve. That really is the essence of grace, isn't it?
Yeah--there are a few days till Thanksgiving--but with the too soon passing of October the spiral down toward the end of the year really begins to pick up speed. Veteran's Day, then Thanksgiving and into December with the horrific rush of activity and parties until we crash into Christmas and then dance our way into the New Year. I'm exhausted thinking about it.
Halloween was fun, but it is over. Makayla played her part well and putup with the little costume we make her wear every year. She is cute with the little pointed hat and dress we make her wear.
Well, good morning November and the Thanksgiving season and good-bye to October and Halloween.
Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment while I bring on the turkeys.
Remember, if you can't soar with eagles, you can run with the turkeys.
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