Consider your elbow.
Kind of a weird thought isn't it?
I have been considering my elbow for a while now. And since my surgery two weeks ago, I have been thinking about it a lot more.
Let's begin with the problem: cubital tunnel syndrome. The referenced article provides a good overview.
Who knew? We have all heard of carpal tunnel syndrome--but now a new tunnel to worry about. And I don't mean the Lincoln Tunnel, either.
Well, I had the nerve damage part--so surgery was the best option.
The surgery went well and the recovery is going well, too--just slower than I would like. I had thought I would be playing racquetball again in three weeks--but the doctor wants me to wait six weeks because, fundamentally, racquetball and the stress it puts on my elbow significantly contributed to the problem.
So I wait. I do not want to be that "guy" and mess up the great work done in my elbow.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Monday Musings - June 18, 2012
1. Father's Day 2012 is history--next up, Independence Day.
2. Family wine and cheese tastings are a lot of fun.
3. With the opening of the long-awaited Wegman's, the area finally has a grocery store which is as diverse as the people who live in the county.
4. Sunny afternoons with cooler temperatures and low humidity--can it get any better than this?
5. There is something exciting about seeing the Blue Angels streaking across the bay and around the area during their air shows.
6. Summer, by the way, officially begins this week. Stand by for the solstice and the longest day of the year.
7. Are you aware of the leap second on June 30th?
8. I ran across a revealing article about the 12 worst supermarkets in America. Too many of them are close to home. Who knew that Wegman's was the largest grocer in the nation with 22 percent of the market share?
9. Tall ships, fast jets, and a clear sky; can it get any better?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
2. Family wine and cheese tastings are a lot of fun.
3. With the opening of the long-awaited Wegman's, the area finally has a grocery store which is as diverse as the people who live in the county.
4. Sunny afternoons with cooler temperatures and low humidity--can it get any better than this?
5. There is something exciting about seeing the Blue Angels streaking across the bay and around the area during their air shows.
6. Summer, by the way, officially begins this week. Stand by for the solstice and the longest day of the year.
7. Are you aware of the leap second on June 30th?
8. I ran across a revealing article about the 12 worst supermarkets in America. Too many of them are close to home. Who knew that Wegman's was the largest grocer in the nation with 22 percent of the market share?
9. Tall ships, fast jets, and a clear sky; can it get any better?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sunday, June 17, 2012
I Survived the Wegman's Opening
This morning--in Columbia, with hundreds of my closest new best friends, I visited the new an long awaited store opening.
Wegman's has everything and we are glad that they finally opened.
I cannot believe I went to the grand opening of a grocery store.
And lived.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sailabration - Baltimore
Baltimore is in the midst of celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Star Spangled Banner. The two year commemoration is kicking off with the Sailabration this weekend aroound the Baltimore Inner Harbor.
I had fun attending the Sailabration yesterday and enjoying the tall ships and the crowds and the air show.
The celebration brought tall ships from around the world into the harbor for viewing--and the crowds yesterday were there to view them along with us.
The ship from Mexico was a beautiful sight sitting along side the inner harbor from a distance. We actually visited a ship from Indonesia.
But I was fascinated by the flags and the people I met. During the course of the day I stod n line next to Tim Tooten, a TV personality from Channel 11 who we watch all the time. He was visiting with his wife just enjoying the day.
Wandering around the inner harbor, amazingly and without a huge entourage, was the governor--Martin O'Malley, and I got to shake his hand and say "hi" to him. I did not ask him why he can't manage the state better, though.
In addition to the ships, there was an air show and fireworks later in the evening. We did not stay for the fireworks, but did see some of the air show.
We actually had a god spot t see some of the airshow and I was nice to see the aviators flying their machines demonstrating their proficiency and seemingly defying gravity.
It was a fabulous day in Baltimore. The Sailabration is well worth the time aand effort to attend as the weather has been nothing short of awesome.
Oops, I did forget the sunscreen, so I got a bit over cooked.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
I had fun attending the Sailabration yesterday and enjoying the tall ships and the crowds and the air show.
The celebration brought tall ships from around the world into the harbor for viewing--and the crowds yesterday were there to view them along with us.
The ship from Mexico was a beautiful sight sitting along side the inner harbor from a distance. We actually visited a ship from Indonesia.
But I was fascinated by the flags and the people I met. During the course of the day I stod n line next to Tim Tooten, a TV personality from Channel 11 who we watch all the time. He was visiting with his wife just enjoying the day.
Wandering around the inner harbor, amazingly and without a huge entourage, was the governor--Martin O'Malley, and I got to shake his hand and say "hi" to him. I did not ask him why he can't manage the state better, though.
In addition to the ships, there was an air show and fireworks later in the evening. We did not stay for the fireworks, but did see some of the air show.
We actually had a god spot t see some of the airshow and I was nice to see the aviators flying their machines demonstrating their proficiency and seemingly defying gravity.
It was a fabulous day in Baltimore. The Sailabration is well worth the time aand effort to attend as the weather has been nothing short of awesome.
Oops, I did forget the sunscreen, so I got a bit over cooked.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, June 16, 2012
The Overnight
Three grandsons and an overnight. From 5:30 pm we were the effective parents of three boys under age 8.
It brings back fond memories of times gone by watching three excitable boys.
Really? No.
Thank goodness for a pool to keep them amused and to tire them out. Followed by pizza and a movie--then thankfully, bed! I did get to reprise my role as surfboard pop-pop while we were in the pool.
I should have known that morning would come early though. I think it was before 6 am when the first one rose with the brightening rays of the sun. By 7 am--they were all up and getting back to the business of the day--eating, watching movies, and playing.
Such a great life. Donuts, movies, and doting grandparents.
How do I sign up for that?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
It brings back fond memories of times gone by watching three excitable boys.
Really? No.
Thank goodness for a pool to keep them amused and to tire them out. Followed by pizza and a movie--then thankfully, bed! I did get to reprise my role as surfboard pop-pop while we were in the pool.
I should have known that morning would come early though. I think it was before 6 am when the first one rose with the brightening rays of the sun. By 7 am--they were all up and getting back to the business of the day--eating, watching movies, and playing.
Such a great life. Donuts, movies, and doting grandparents.
How do I sign up for that?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Friday, June 15, 2012
Decks, Pools, and Summer
The deck project started on a whim two weeks ago has reached a milestone. The actual deck is complete thanks to the hard work of friends and family. I especially appreciate the way everyone continued on even after my elbow surgery effectively took me out of the game.
We did a little redesign work on the deck--so it looks at the same time different and better. It, at least, is ready for another 20 years of partying and enjoyment.
The only part of the project remaining is to reconstruct the stairs--and that is on hold until I am cleared by my very conservative doctor to resume swinging a hammer and playing racquetball.
It is all good though.
The deck still needs a coat of protective stain--but that is going to wait until the wood drys out and will actually allow the stain to soak into it.
The improved view of the pol area that the redesigned deck rails provides is very nice. We have the perfect backyard--deck and pool. There is no better way to experience and enjoy the summertime.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
We did a little redesign work on the deck--so it looks at the same time different and better. It, at least, is ready for another 20 years of partying and enjoyment.
The only part of the project remaining is to reconstruct the stairs--and that is on hold until I am cleared by my very conservative doctor to resume swinging a hammer and playing racquetball.
It is all good though.
The deck still needs a coat of protective stain--but that is going to wait until the wood drys out and will actually allow the stain to soak into it.
The improved view of the pol area that the redesigned deck rails provides is very nice. We have the perfect backyard--deck and pool. There is no better way to experience and enjoy the summertime.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Old Times Remembered--Omaha
It was November 1983, Chris and I and the two (at that time) kids, Jeremy and Nicole, arrived to a cold and almost frozen Offutt AFB, near Omaha, Nebraska.
It was a different time. We had traveled from Shreveport, Louisiana, where I had just completed a the three year assignment to 8th Air Force at Barksdale AFB. I was an Air Force Captain and we were living pay check to pay check while raising a family and fulfilling my dream to be a vagabond Air Force officer. We were fortunate to move into base housing just before Thanksgiving and the arrival of snow and sub-zero temperatures. Two weeks later and the move in process would have been markedly different.
Although I was assigned to Offutt for two years, I spent only about 7 months actually living there. Te rest of the time was on the "road" seeing the world and living the dream.
I was reminded of all of this during the past few days as I revisited Offutt and was reminded of how things used to be. They say that you can never go back and, frankly, I'm glad that I never tried.
Omaha is a wholesome city. It is clean and surprisingly there is a lot to do and get involved with. The traffic at rush hour is non-existent--especially compared to the Baltimore-Washington corridor. But it is in the middle of the country and I am truly a coastal person. I love ocean beaches and it is a long way to the ocean from Nebraska.
Our family grew while did our two years in the Omaha area. Our cornhusker, Patrick, was born--so all things considered this short adventure on the road of life was a good one.
It is good to revisit and remember--but trying to go back usually ends in frustration and disappointment. It is hard to recreate the magic that resides in the mind when confronted with the realities of day-to-day life.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
It was a different time. We had traveled from Shreveport, Louisiana, where I had just completed a the three year assignment to 8th Air Force at Barksdale AFB. I was an Air Force Captain and we were living pay check to pay check while raising a family and fulfilling my dream to be a vagabond Air Force officer. We were fortunate to move into base housing just before Thanksgiving and the arrival of snow and sub-zero temperatures. Two weeks later and the move in process would have been markedly different.
Although I was assigned to Offutt for two years, I spent only about 7 months actually living there. Te rest of the time was on the "road" seeing the world and living the dream.
I was reminded of all of this during the past few days as I revisited Offutt and was reminded of how things used to be. They say that you can never go back and, frankly, I'm glad that I never tried.
Omaha is a wholesome city. It is clean and surprisingly there is a lot to do and get involved with. The traffic at rush hour is non-existent--especially compared to the Baltimore-Washington corridor. But it is in the middle of the country and I am truly a coastal person. I love ocean beaches and it is a long way to the ocean from Nebraska.
Our family grew while did our two years in the Omaha area. Our cornhusker, Patrick, was born--so all things considered this short adventure on the road of life was a good one.
It is good to revisit and remember--but trying to go back usually ends in frustration and disappointment. It is hard to recreate the magic that resides in the mind when confronted with the realities of day-to-day life.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
People in the Airport -- Chicago O'Hare
It was fun stoping over for an hour the yesterday in Chicago. I was able to watch a Lufthansa 747 board for departure to Frankfurt while waiting for my own flight. I also spent some time watching ramp operations and the apparent chaos that somehow seems orchestrated to ensure bad things do not happen.
People were everywhere, I had forgotten how many people a 747 carries.
Children clinging to parents. People from foreign lands. A cross section of humanity.
One little boy was very brave, walking away from his parents for a few minutes. But there was no panic. He was a cute two years old and not afraid of anything. The onlookers were more concerned about his welfare. But there was nothing to worry about as his mother was always within sight of the adventurous lad.
I enjoy passing through Chicago. It is alive and there is always something happening.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
People were everywhere, I had forgotten how many people a 747 carries.
Children clinging to parents. People from foreign lands. A cross section of humanity.
One little boy was very brave, walking away from his parents for a few minutes. But there was no panic. He was a cute two years old and not afraid of anything. The onlookers were more concerned about his welfare. But there was nothing to worry about as his mother was always within sight of the adventurous lad.
I enjoy passing through Chicago. It is alive and there is always something happening.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Out the Hotel Window - Omaha, NE
I was treated to an explosive evening my first night in Omaha. The sky was alive with a massive thunder storm which seemed to never end.
The rain swept through the city and created a scene like an impressionist painting outside my window.
The lights were blurred like a scene from a French painting. Although I did not make it to the Old Market due to the rain--but it was a fun scene to watch with the lightening illuminating the rain swept streets at irregular intervals.
And all of it was just outside my hotel window.
-- Bob Doan, Omaha, NE
The rain swept through the city and created a scene like an impressionist painting outside my window.
The lights were blurred like a scene from a French painting. Although I did not make it to the Old Market due to the rain--but it was a fun scene to watch with the lightening illuminating the rain swept streets at irregular intervals.
And all of it was just outside my hotel window.
-- Bob Doan, Omaha, NE
Monday, June 11, 2012
Monday Musings - June 11, 2012
1. A beautiful, hot weekend and lots of fun near the pool because I couldn't actually get into it yet.
2. Traveling for business on a Sunday is no fun. Especially during the mid-day. Note to self for the future.
3. I am amazed how resilient the human body is, I looked at my arm after the wrappings were removed and was shocked at what I saw--but it worked. I was able to pour a bottle of wine with my left hand already! And that's how I noticed there was a problem to begin with.
4. The deck project is at a halt due to my recovery--but I expect it to be done by weekend.
5. Changes are hard. This is the month that my boss retires and I, with the thought of that, already miss him.
6. July is coming and so is my trek to Florida for relaxation. Bring on the sun and the heat--it's summer!
7. As I was flying yesterday, I was amazed again at the vastness of this fantastic land.
8. I wonder if there are any vineyards in Omaha.
9. Have any one else noticed that the airlines are leaving the seatbelt lights on more than they used too? They were on for the entire duration of both of my flights yesterday.
-- Bob Doan, Omaha, NE
2. Traveling for business on a Sunday is no fun. Especially during the mid-day. Note to self for the future.
3. I am amazed how resilient the human body is, I looked at my arm after the wrappings were removed and was shocked at what I saw--but it worked. I was able to pour a bottle of wine with my left hand already! And that's how I noticed there was a problem to begin with.
4. The deck project is at a halt due to my recovery--but I expect it to be done by weekend.
5. Changes are hard. This is the month that my boss retires and I, with the thought of that, already miss him.
6. July is coming and so is my trek to Florida for relaxation. Bring on the sun and the heat--it's summer!
7. As I was flying yesterday, I was amazed again at the vastness of this fantastic land.
8. I wonder if there are any vineyards in Omaha.
9. Have any one else noticed that the airlines are leaving the seatbelt lights on more than they used too? They were on for the entire duration of both of my flights yesterday.
-- Bob Doan, Omaha, NE
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