Monday, May 21, 2012
Monday Musings - May 21, 2012
1. Impromptu parties are awesome. We had the first pool party of the year last evening. Best of all, we couldn't plan for it all day.
2. I was able to sleep during the middle of the day on my floatie in the pool. What could be better?
3. Summer is getting so close. The daylight is lasting longer and longer and we are getting so much done around the house.
4. Lilacs and hoses. What do they have in common? They occupy nearly the same space in my garden.
5. Shoping for a replacement garden tractor is not easy. And who really wants to spend money on a garden tractor?
6. How about the Orioles? When they used the cartoon bird as the symbol of the team, they were one of the best teams in baseball. Now that the cartoon bird has returned they are number one again. Coincidence?
7. Have you noticed the stock markets? Can you believe that Greece is behind the current problems?
8. Dogs know best.
9. The rain is coming again. Ugh!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Baseball, Lacrosse, and Tractor Shopping
The weekend revolved around a trifecta of activity. Friday night we traveled to Nationals Park to watch the Orioles continue their fantastic season.
They defeated the Nationals in eleven innings. I discovered that Orioles fans are far more polite when traveling into hostile parks than are the Red Sox and Yankees fans are that I get to meet at Camden Yards.
Nationals Park is a great pace to watch baseball and the evening was awesome.
Yesterday was a day devoted to yard work and trying to find a new tractor. By 7:30 am, I was looking at Craigslist possible replacements. Too bad that one did not start. By 9 am, we had driven about 20 miles to look at another. Disappointed, we did not buy that one either. Fortunately, the neighbor let me borrow his and the lawns are mowed--but the search goes on.
The afternoon took us to a lacrosse tournament. We had been watching Jax for the late morning while Ethan was spending time playing lacrosse. Sadly, it took so long to get to the tournament, we only saw the second half of Ethan's second game. But it was fun to see how much he has developed as a lacrosse player this season.
A truly busy Friday night and Saturday--and there is still Sunday to contend with!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
They defeated the Nationals in eleven innings. I discovered that Orioles fans are far more polite when traveling into hostile parks than are the Red Sox and Yankees fans are that I get to meet at Camden Yards.
Nationals Park is a great pace to watch baseball and the evening was awesome.
Yesterday was a day devoted to yard work and trying to find a new tractor. By 7:30 am, I was looking at Craigslist possible replacements. Too bad that one did not start. By 9 am, we had driven about 20 miles to look at another. Disappointed, we did not buy that one either. Fortunately, the neighbor let me borrow his and the lawns are mowed--but the search goes on.
The afternoon took us to a lacrosse tournament. We had been watching Jax for the late morning while Ethan was spending time playing lacrosse. Sadly, it took so long to get to the tournament, we only saw the second half of Ethan's second game. But it was fun to see how much he has developed as a lacrosse player this season.
A truly busy Friday night and Saturday--and there is still Sunday to contend with!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, May 19, 2012
At the Symphony
Saturday evening was spent at the Baltimore Symphony reliving the music of the 60s and enjoying old memories.
After a day of shopping, work, and sports what could be better?
And the Baltimore Symphony does it best. They put on a great show that truly spanned the decade. Although they almost forgot the Beach Boys, they did get them in.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
After a day of shopping, work, and sports what could be better?
And the Baltimore Symphony does it best. They put on a great show that truly spanned the decade. Although they almost forgot the Beach Boys, they did get them in.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Friday, May 18, 2012
Taxes and Lack of Representation
The governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley, who has presidential aspirations, has succeeded in firmly placing Maryland into the top five states with the highest personal tax rates this week.
Did he do this himself? Well, essentially yes he did!
How, you might ask?
By creating a no fault situation in which no one needs to accept responsibility for raising taxes. The legislature will blame the governor for calling the special session and having no other alternative. The governor can correctly point out that it was the legislature which actually passed the bills raising the taxes.
But in my mind--they are both at fault for not managing the budget and the state better to have to resort to such oppressive tactics.
Here is the kicker--now Maryland will be going back to employers and having them begin withholding taxes at the new higher rate retroactive to the beginning of the year! The year is almost half completed.
I am amazed that so many elected officials can be oblivious to the consequences. This, after all, is an election year and as of right now my vote goes to anyone who voted against the tax increase.
The day of uneven and increasing tax rates must come to an end. It is simple--which taxpayers are fueling the economic recovery? I am becoming an advocate for a flat tax with no exemptions!
It is only May, and I know many people have short memories--but we have to remember the tax increases when we vote in November.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Did he do this himself? Well, essentially yes he did!
How, you might ask?
By creating a no fault situation in which no one needs to accept responsibility for raising taxes. The legislature will blame the governor for calling the special session and having no other alternative. The governor can correctly point out that it was the legislature which actually passed the bills raising the taxes.
But in my mind--they are both at fault for not managing the budget and the state better to have to resort to such oppressive tactics.
Here is the kicker--now Maryland will be going back to employers and having them begin withholding taxes at the new higher rate retroactive to the beginning of the year! The year is almost half completed.
I am amazed that so many elected officials can be oblivious to the consequences. This, after all, is an election year and as of right now my vote goes to anyone who voted against the tax increase.
The day of uneven and increasing tax rates must come to an end. It is simple--which taxpayers are fueling the economic recovery? I am becoming an advocate for a flat tax with no exemptions!
It is only May, and I know many people have short memories--but we have to remember the tax increases when we vote in November.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Oil and North Dakota
An article in the Wall Street Journal yesterday really intrigued me. North Dakota passed Alaska to become the number 2 oil producing state.
I guess I thought that Alaska had been the number one state all along. Turns out that Texas is the number 1 oil producing state.
It all goes to show how much oil the shale in North Dakota is capable of producing. And there may be even more in Ohio.
Contrary to what we have been led to believe, the U.S. is beginning to increase oil production. Can we meet our needs? Probably not.
But it is an interesting thought.
As the Wall Street Journal reports: North Dakota is likely to hold onto the No. 2 spot, as Alaska's output has steadily declined over the past decade. Six years ago, Alaska produced about eight times more oil than North Dakota.
Wow--we can continue to pollute our planet and deplete its resources for a few more decades.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
I guess I thought that Alaska had been the number one state all along. Turns out that Texas is the number 1 oil producing state.
It all goes to show how much oil the shale in North Dakota is capable of producing. And there may be even more in Ohio.
Contrary to what we have been led to believe, the U.S. is beginning to increase oil production. Can we meet our needs? Probably not.
But it is an interesting thought.
As the Wall Street Journal reports: North Dakota is likely to hold onto the No. 2 spot, as Alaska's output has steadily declined over the past decade. Six years ago, Alaska produced about eight times more oil than North Dakota.
Wow--we can continue to pollute our planet and deplete its resources for a few more decades.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Frustration on the Court
My racquetball has been awful lately. And I mean totally miserable. It is following the problems going on in my life with my shoulder and now my cubital tunnel syndrome.
But worse, I am not moving and seeing the ball--it is like I am playing in slow motion.
Last night I got smoked like I wasn't even on the court.
I am frustrated. To say that I definitely do not have the "eye of the tiger" right now would be a understatement.
Playing so miserably really takes the fun out of the game. I hate losing--don't get me wrong, but losing when I am playing well is a lot more palatable than just acting like road kill on the court.
I am like road kill.
But I keep playing because I figure there is no way to get out of a funk unless I keep trying. Every day is a new day. Maybe it is just like an extended hitting slump that some baseball players go through.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
But worse, I am not moving and seeing the ball--it is like I am playing in slow motion.
Last night I got smoked like I wasn't even on the court.
I am frustrated. To say that I definitely do not have the "eye of the tiger" right now would be a understatement.
Playing so miserably really takes the fun out of the game. I hate losing--don't get me wrong, but losing when I am playing well is a lot more palatable than just acting like road kill on the court.
I am like road kill.
But I keep playing because I figure there is no way to get out of a funk unless I keep trying. Every day is a new day. Maybe it is just like an extended hitting slump that some baseball players go through.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Rain, rain, and did I say more rain?
Yesterday was one of those days that we actually need every so often. Rain to replenish the earth and continue the springtime growth.
My lawn is growing out of control--I am not looking forward to trying to get it back under control. If only I had a lawn mower--mine is still in the shop. But the lawn is too wet to mow right now, anyway.
Rain is necessary to keep the growth and green going.
It is still raining this morning and promises to be a wet and dreary day. Not that that matters as I work under the cold, uncaring glow of fluorescent lighting.
Makayla hates the rain. She won't go out in the yard to do her business and it almost comical to watch her try to find a dry place under the bushes to pause for her morning constitutional.
The drive to work should be especially trying--the roads tend to clog when it rains and the impatient drivers push the tolerance of the rest of us by trying to creat speed where none should exist.
Uncaring, the rain will continue to fall.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
My lawn is growing out of control--I am not looking forward to trying to get it back under control. If only I had a lawn mower--mine is still in the shop. But the lawn is too wet to mow right now, anyway.
Rain is necessary to keep the growth and green going.
It is still raining this morning and promises to be a wet and dreary day. Not that that matters as I work under the cold, uncaring glow of fluorescent lighting.
Makayla hates the rain. She won't go out in the yard to do her business and it almost comical to watch her try to find a dry place under the bushes to pause for her morning constitutional.
The drive to work should be especially trying--the roads tend to clog when it rains and the impatient drivers push the tolerance of the rest of us by trying to creat speed where none should exist.
Uncaring, the rain will continue to fall.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, May 14, 2012
Monday Musings - May 14, 2012
1. It is not just about grapes, but it is about wine.
2. Mother's Day is a celebration of life and love.
3. Cats and dogs living together.
4. Monday's come too soon and weekends are too short.
5. Why does it seem that for every new technology deployment we take one step forward and a half step backwards?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
2. Mother's Day is a celebration of life and love.
3. Cats and dogs living together.
4. Monday's come too soon and weekends are too short.
5. Why does it seem that for every new technology deployment we take one step forward and a half step backwards?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sunday, May 13, 2012
A Day in the Vineyard
I spent a couple off hours yesterday wandering through the vineyards at Keswick in Virginia with the winemaker, Stephen, and the owner, Al.
We did a two hour walking tour that covered almost every aspect imaginable of vine growing and more importantly--wine making. My take away: It all begins in the vineyard.
Along the way we discussed soils, pests, sunlight and the hot and cool side of the vines. There was a fabulous discussion about pruning the vines and even how many vines are planted in an acre (900). We even had the opportunity to discuss the process of changing over the grapes grown by the winery and discovered that Keswick is no longer growing malbec, replanting that block with merlot and experimenting with vine density.
Along with the discussion of the vines and growing, of course, was sampling the end product. Along the walk, strategically placed coolers of wine and barrel samples were positioned to help remind us of what the end product--wine, is all about.
It is not about growing grapes, it is about making wine. I heard that somewhere.
-- Bob Doan, Charlottesville, VA
We did a two hour walking tour that covered almost every aspect imaginable of vine growing and more importantly--wine making. My take away: It all begins in the vineyard.
Along the way we discussed soils, pests, sunlight and the hot and cool side of the vines. There was a fabulous discussion about pruning the vines and even how many vines are planted in an acre (900). We even had the opportunity to discuss the process of changing over the grapes grown by the winery and discovered that Keswick is no longer growing malbec, replanting that block with merlot and experimenting with vine density.
Along with the discussion of the vines and growing, of course, was sampling the end product. Along the walk, strategically placed coolers of wine and barrel samples were positioned to help remind us of what the end product--wine, is all about.
It is not about growing grapes, it is about making wine. I heard that somewhere.
-- Bob Doan, Charlottesville, VA
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Ordinary but not Boring
I believe I live an ordinary life. It is not filled with the trials of being superstar or a heroic political leader (are there any out there anymore?) I blend into the background fabric of life and existence.
Yet, my life is not boring. No, in fact each day is filed with people who are fun and exciting to talk to and spend time with . My daily activities, while at times seemingly mundane, allow me to express my inner self and make a contribution which I believe is important.
Life can be ordinary--but it certainly does not need to be boring.
Would I really want a life that is not ordinary? I think not.
I do not long to live a life where my time is managed, my appearances monitored, and every word dissected for its true or double meaning.
I enjoy my life where early on a Saturday morning I can drink coffee, have my dog at my feet, and tap a few sentences on my iPad to help my make sense of what happened yesterday or what will be going on today. And not really worry if anyone else even that I am awake. A life where stopping to smell the flowers--or even notice them, does not make me late for some over inflated appointment.
Ordinary does not mean without purpose. Life has purpose, even more so when ordinary.
As I reflect on life and the meaning of the word ordinary--I believe that I strive to be ordinary.
Because hidden in the meaning of ordinary is the word normal and that is reassuring.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Yet, my life is not boring. No, in fact each day is filed with people who are fun and exciting to talk to and spend time with . My daily activities, while at times seemingly mundane, allow me to express my inner self and make a contribution which I believe is important.
Life can be ordinary--but it certainly does not need to be boring.
Would I really want a life that is not ordinary? I think not.
I do not long to live a life where my time is managed, my appearances monitored, and every word dissected for its true or double meaning.
I enjoy my life where early on a Saturday morning I can drink coffee, have my dog at my feet, and tap a few sentences on my iPad to help my make sense of what happened yesterday or what will be going on today. And not really worry if anyone else even that I am awake. A life where stopping to smell the flowers--or even notice them, does not make me late for some over inflated appointment.
Ordinary does not mean without purpose. Life has purpose, even more so when ordinary.
As I reflect on life and the meaning of the word ordinary--I believe that I strive to be ordinary.
Because hidden in the meaning of ordinary is the word normal and that is reassuring.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
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