Out the Hotel Window - Huntsville, AL, October 2012

The colors of autumn were clearly visible as I opened the blinds yesterday morning to snap the image out the window.

Out the Hampton Inn window
October, 17, 2012

The dawn golden sun highlighted the reds and yellows already adorning the trees outside my room.

In recent memory, this was one of the most colorful views out the hotel window from my room.

I remember that I was surprised as the airplane was landing at the progression that autumn has already made into the area. I think the Baltimore region is behind even Alabama in that respect.

I have been to Huntsville before, although not for a few years now. I am always fascinated at how pretty the area is. I guess I have some other mental image of Alabama--along a muddy river with thousands of mosquitoes swarming to carry me off or something.

But it is not like that at all.

This trip was not without its challenges. I forgot my razor. I never forget my razor--but alas, not I can no longer say that. At least the hotel desk had one and the nice lady smiled at me as I sheepishly went down to retrieve one of their disposables.

Despite forgetting the razor, it looked as if it was going to be another beautiful day. Amazing how a bright and cheery dawn can set the tone for a day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Airplane Window - October 2012

I flew from Baltimore to Huntsville yesterday. It was a beautiful day flying along the mountains on the first leg from Baltimore to Atlanta and the scene just caught my eye.

Airborne over The Carolinas
October 16, 2012

Sadly, the camera doesn't do it justice with the mountains rising from the valley floor to meet the sky--but it helps that I have it fully processed in my head.

I just found the scenery stunning--green and alive. I think I have been traveling to Denver too often and am numb to the scenery along that journey which is essentially flat. Although sometimes I enjoy the Great Lakes off in the distance.

Yesterday, though, the mountains rising up from the broad valley floors were just inspiring to look at and to enjoy.

Thankfully the flights were both smooth and short because I get to make the return trip today.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Huntsville, AL

Fine Wine, Great Steak, equals Awesome Dinner

The other evening Chris and I considered going out to dinner--but then decided to buy two thick Angus steaks, do up some potatoes and crack open a special bottle of wine at home rather than paying incredible prices for something we can do at home in the dining room by candle light without the chaos and cost.

The wine we decided on was a special wine--1996 Henschke Mt Edelstone Shiraz from the Eden Valley in Australia--which is a Barossa Valley appellation. I have had this bottle since about 1999 and I knew it had been properly cared for and should be stunning. I was a bit afraid that it would be corked, since the last two reviews that I had read about the wine indicated that the wine was corked--but this bottle was not only not corked--it was awesome. I was amazed at how a wine right at its peak of maturity provides mature and smoothly integrated flavors.

The steaks were done on the grill over low hear after searing to seal in the juices. They were done to perfection, I took them off at 130 degrees (medium-rare) and they were the hit of the meal blending perfectly with the wine.

Fine meals--wine and food, are so expensive when prepared by restaurants. That bottle of wine would have been untouchable price wise when eating out. But I remember how much I paid for it, in Australian dollars, during one of my trips and while it was a very affordable, it was one of the most expensive wines I had ever purchased back in 1999.

I was excited that it had aged so well and for over a decade in my possession. It was almost like parting with an old friend.

But it was well worth the wait. The dinner was perfect. The conversation intriguing and best of all--it was in our own dining room.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 15, 2012

1. Happy Birthday Chris. Wow. I don't feel as old as the calendar says we are. Seems like yesterday I was a jock on a high school football team beating Union Endicott 10-0 for her birthday present.

2. Baseball is summer. Period! When it ends, summer is over.

3. The pastor asked us to tell each other what we like about autumn in church. I said, "nothing." People laughed. I was serious!

4. Autumn precedes winter. Don't forget that. It tries to delude us with the colorful trees, but fundamentally the snow is coming. Ugh!

5. Baseball is day after day and not just once per week. That is why I like it.

6. Orioles!  Just think about it. Last year they were the 26th best team in the league. This year the 8th. Next year the World Series.

7. I have spent a lot of time these past few weeks thinking about cancer. It sucks. Survivors are heroes. Nuff said!

8. I wish we could elect a president who will fix the country, but I am afraid that will not happen.

9. Can you spell fifty-seven? Ugh! I can.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Baltimore Running Festival 2012

I attended, but did not participate in, yesterday's Baltimore Marathon and Running Festival. Personally, running for running sake and I never really got along. But I am impressed with those people who can run long distances without coughing up a lung.

Jeremy and Mike after the Half Marathon

Jeremy and Mike ran in the half-marathon and both completed it with really respectable sub 10 minute mile times. We were near the finish line outside Orioles Park to cheer them as then ran by--within sight of the finish line and they both looked really good running.

Baltimore Marathon October 13, 2012
Nine Mile Point

As we were waiting for their race to start we had the opportunity to see the world class runners pass the 9 mile marker about 40 minutes after the race began. They had significantly separated themselves from most of the other runners and were clearly in the lead.

These guys didn't even look tired.

The winner, from Kenya, finished the race in about 2 hours and 13 minutes.  We had a friend who ran the full marathon in just under 3 hours and 15 minutes--fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Congrats Kevin!

It was a beautiful day. The sky was clear and although very cool in the shade, the sun was warm and the humidity was low. A more perfect day for a run would be hard to imagine.

It was fun to be in the city and celebrate the joy of running and health, and pushing oneself to achieve difficult goals.

It was a celebration of life!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And so the Magical Baseball Orioles Season Ends

The Orioles lost to the Yankees in game five, the deciding game, of the American League Division Series (ALDS) last night.

Although it pains me to write it--congrats to the Yankees. I won't be cheering for you to win the series, but congrats anyway. I know the maligned Orioles from Baltimore stretched you in ways you never imagined possible. There was the home run or is it a foul ball home field call--but that's baseball.

Effectively, my baseball season is over. Yes, I will still cheer for the Giants. Personally, I hope the Yankees lose to Detroit, because my second favorite team is whoever is playing the Yankees.

I'm looking forward to the off season, and Spring Training, and the hope for next year.

One team had to lose--despite the best efforts of our school system to teach otherwise--one team wins and the other loses.

That's life. That's sports.

That is why we keep score.

Thank you to the Orioles. Each one of the, all season long. It was a lot of fun and it was downright exciting. The Orioles Magic is finally alive again.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Orioles Baseball Reflections--ALDS Finale Tonight

What a ride it has been with the Orioles this year.  The past two nights have had me staying up hours past my bedtime cheering for the team as they are locked in an epic struggle against the evil empire (Yankees). The teams are now tied 2-2 in a best of five series which ends tonight. They have played 25 innings of baseball over the past two nights--making me a very sleep deprived fan.

I am sure tonight will be dramatic. The best pitcher the Yankees have to offer will be on the mound against the "next man up" Orioles.

I like our chances.

I reread some of my blogs form March when I was headed off to Sarasota for Spring Training. The Orioles were expected to be terrible, but in my usual Spring Training mode, I believed that "it" could happen.

I am the eternal Spring optimist.

I go to Sarasota to get a feel for the team.

Here is what ESPN wrote before the season began:"Lefthanders Brian Matusz and Zach Britton make major strides before the team is crushed under the weight of a powerful division. For the sixth straight year, Baltimore fails to win 70 games, for the 15th straight year the team has a losing record. Yes, this is the best-case scenario."

Their best case scenario was, it turns out, a long way from reality. That is why the games have to be played.

The reality:

Entry Hall at Orioles Spring Training Facility

The Orioles won 93 games and made the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. They beat Texas (American League Champions for the past two years) in the one game Wild Card round. They have set up tonight's finale by playing the Yankees to a draw in the American League Division Series. All of these accomplishments are a long way from finishing with over 100 losses. I bought World Series tickets for the first time in my life and I believe that I may yet get a chance to use them to see the Orioles play for the crown of "best in baseball."

So win or lose tonight--the guys gave me and the other fans a season to remember. I hope they don't try to manage my expectations for next year. Because I know what goals I have in mind for this exciting baseball team.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Let's Talk Politics

How can you tell a politician is lying?  His/her lips are moving.

Sadly, it seems so true. We have become jaded by empty promises from office seeking people who will, it seems, do anything to win.

And then what? We are left wondering--what did I ever see in that person?

Who loses?

We all do when people without a clue get elected.

I always like to consider--can they make a decision? Do they surround themselves with people who will give them good advice--and will they take it? Can they evaluate competing views and choose the best one for the country? The news media seems to believe that consistency is the most important thing. Sadly though, the ways bills are written a seemingly good bill can be so loaded with pork that voting for it is just wrong. So really, it comes down to can they think, can they speak in full sentences, and can they make decisions under fire?

It is hard, as voters, to evaluate all of those complexities. And failing these items we become swayed by the manufactured facts and voting records fed to us by the campaigns and news media.

The real problem is that it is all so important. But often, there seems to be no right answer.

Maybe Mickey Mouse would be the best choice. At least I know the words to "It's a Small World" and I can never tell if Mickey's lips are moving.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Anti-ism wins: Protestants a Majority no Longer

The Associated Press reports that "For the first time in its history, the United States does not have a Protestant majority, according to a new study. One reason: The number of Americans with no religious affiliation is on the rise."  Rachel Zoll, an AP Religion Writer reported this in her article titled Report: US Protestants lose majority status.

Karl Marx wrote that "Religion is the opiate of the masses." I wonder what the lack of a widespread religious underpinning to our society bodes for the future?

The study suggests that the Americans who say they have no religion vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. I'm not sure what to make of this except that social policies offered by democrats may offer an alternative to religion. The aims are similar--take care of those around you through social programs. But the tax implications, as we have witnessed in European countries, are huge to pay for programs and that leads to bigger government and increasing inefficiency which creates more of a tax drain on society.

Despite the lure of social "do-goodism" though, the real issue is why are more and more Americans   choosing to avoid and reject the hope offered by religion?

Could it be because the message has become blurred by high visibility fanatical policies? Has protestantism become equated with an "anti-ism" approach to significant issues without providing an alternative? I can see it. In the name of religion we have witnessed Koran burning, gay-bashing, violent anti-abortionist activities, and in-your-face "I'm right and you're going to hell" mentalities which, frankly, turn me off.

It seems, aided by the sensationalism of the news media, that protestants are anti everything. It is obfuscating the message of eternal hope and the love of God. The efforts of the majority are being overshadowed by the radical few. And now, the numbers reflect that.

We need to be less damming and more affirming and forgiving. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

On an Damp and Cold Night

The night was cold. The crowd was loud. The game was on the line.

Orioles Park - October 8, 2012

The city seemed united behind a bunch of baseball players locked in a struggle between the rebel alliance and the evil empire.

I looked at the clock as the game ended--it was 11:59 PM on October 8, 2012.

The upstart Orioles pulled even with the Yankee juggernaut in the best of five elimination series.

But they had help.

48,000 fans were louder than I have ever heard them. I was listening to the cheers echo off the surrounding buildings during the pauses. Fans united, trying with their voices to help the team find a way to win.

Oriole Park - Post-season Baseball
October 8, 2012

And, in no small way it seemed that we did.

Nine innings of baseball with the crowd growing stronger with each pitch finally reaching a deafening roar as the last Yankee batter struck out to end the game.

Nothing could be sweeter for Orioles fans.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD