1. Autumn has a way of endearing itself to me--but it is so short a visit.
2. The piles of leaves are coming.
3. I saw the movie Argo. Wow, what a ride. A piece of nearly forgotten history brought back to life. Go Canada!
4. I am amazed at how many things have happened during my life--many of which I don't remember until reminded. And now many of them are considered history.
5. Now that baseball is effectively over--I guess Sundays will have to be devoted to just football for a while since the NHL can't seem to solve its problems.
6. I enjoyed a nice evening in Annapolis on Friday. Sitting along the harbor, watching the boats come and go. Conflicted because at the same time I both wanted and didn't want a boat. How funny is that?
7. Who knew that there were Ghost Bridges in Maryland?
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, October 22, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Colors of Autumn
I had the opportunity to spend much of yesterday outside enjoying a spectacular weekend of warm temperatures and brightly adorned trees.
I snapped a couple of quick images with my phone to help record the autumn beauty. It was great to enjoy the spectacular display of leaves before they fall from the trees and become a problem.
I was especially enjoying the reds mixed among the yellows and oranges.
The colors in the trees made me a bit sad because I know that this is that last gasp before the bare branches appear in preparation of the cold and snow of winter.
We also checked out a pumpkin farm. What a spectacular scene--the blue sky, the orange pumpkins in the cleared fields--stunning!
I probably could have done better with a picture, but it captures the day pretty well. A classic autumn day--one that people remember when they think of why they love autumn so much.
Pumpkin patches are an October and autumn classic. The children just love running from pumpkin to pumpkin trying to find that perfect candidate for carving into a scary jack-o-lantern.
While we were out and about, I snapped a picture of one house, across from the soccer fields, that just made a good picture of the day. I was impressed by the clear sky and mixed colors of the leaves.
It was truly an autumn day to remember.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
 |
| From the Soccer Field in Odenton, MD |
I snapped a couple of quick images with my phone to help record the autumn beauty. It was great to enjoy the spectacular display of leaves before they fall from the trees and become a problem.
I was especially enjoying the reds mixed among the yellows and oranges.
The colors in the trees made me a bit sad because I know that this is that last gasp before the bare branches appear in preparation of the cold and snow of winter.
 |
| Y Worry Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Tree Farm Davidsonville, MD |
We also checked out a pumpkin farm. What a spectacular scene--the blue sky, the orange pumpkins in the cleared fields--stunning!
I probably could have done better with a picture, but it captures the day pretty well. A classic autumn day--one that people remember when they think of why they love autumn so much.
Pumpkin patches are an October and autumn classic. The children just love running from pumpkin to pumpkin trying to find that perfect candidate for carving into a scary jack-o-lantern.
 |
| House in Autumn Color in Odenton, MD |
It was truly an autumn day to remember.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Wicked at the Hippodrome - Review
I attended the Broadway Across America musical Wicked at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore on Thursday evening.
I admit that I am not a huge fan of the Hippodrome. I find the seats small and close. And unlike attending a ballgame, it is impossible to get up and head out to the restroom and concession except at intermission. And anyone who has tried to do both--restroom and concession, during intermission at a theater knows that it is practically impossible to accomplish both tasks.
That written, I found the musical to be a very enjoyable and it provided for an entertaining event. The music is complex and the songs are difficult to appreciate because I could not identify a compelling melody. I would have loved to come away with a melody that I could sing to remind me of the magical time in the theater, but the show is sadly lacking in this area. Even Cats, a show which I do not appreciate at all, had that one signature song: Memory.
For those who don't know, the show is about the witches of Oz--Glinda (the Good) and Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West). The show, set in Oz (as one might expect) documents the relationship between the to girls who were, believe it or not, friends. I enjoyed the interpretation of the motives for each choosing their course and in finding that sometimes being good is can be bad and being wicked can really be an instrument for good.
The scenery, sets, and costumes were excellent and visually stimulating. The acting was superb. I especially enjoyed Jeanna De Waal who played Glinda and Christine Dwyer who played Elphaba. The show hinges upon their performances--and they did not disappoint. Their voices are clear and strong--and that is critical because of the number of duets they sing. Of the two, I felt Christine had the stronger voice and most enjoyable. She easily filled the theater, when the score called for her to do so.
Not wanting the give away the plot, I will only comment upon the storyline in general terms. Being a huge Wizard of Oz fan, I enjoyed the synchronization of the story lines which I found complimentary and worked well together. Wicked is, in a sense, the backstory for the Wizard of Oz. But it is more than that, too.
RECOMMENDATION: See the play. It is worth it. Enjoy the experience.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
I admit that I am not a huge fan of the Hippodrome. I find the seats small and close. And unlike attending a ballgame, it is impossible to get up and head out to the restroom and concession except at intermission. And anyone who has tried to do both--restroom and concession, during intermission at a theater knows that it is practically impossible to accomplish both tasks.
That written, I found the musical to be a very enjoyable and it provided for an entertaining event. The music is complex and the songs are difficult to appreciate because I could not identify a compelling melody. I would have loved to come away with a melody that I could sing to remind me of the magical time in the theater, but the show is sadly lacking in this area. Even Cats, a show which I do not appreciate at all, had that one signature song: Memory.
For those who don't know, the show is about the witches of Oz--Glinda (the Good) and Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West). The show, set in Oz (as one might expect) documents the relationship between the to girls who were, believe it or not, friends. I enjoyed the interpretation of the motives for each choosing their course and in finding that sometimes being good is can be bad and being wicked can really be an instrument for good.
The scenery, sets, and costumes were excellent and visually stimulating. The acting was superb. I especially enjoyed Jeanna De Waal who played Glinda and Christine Dwyer who played Elphaba. The show hinges upon their performances--and they did not disappoint. Their voices are clear and strong--and that is critical because of the number of duets they sing. Of the two, I felt Christine had the stronger voice and most enjoyable. She easily filled the theater, when the score called for her to do so.
Not wanting the give away the plot, I will only comment upon the storyline in general terms. Being a huge Wizard of Oz fan, I enjoyed the synchronization of the story lines which I found complimentary and worked well together. Wicked is, in a sense, the backstory for the Wizard of Oz. But it is more than that, too.
RECOMMENDATION: See the play. It is worth it. Enjoy the experience.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Friday, October 19, 2012
Debates and Elections
Do debate winners make good Presidents?
I wonder.
Do we even know who really won the debates? I have read leading writers claim that both of the leading candidates won the most recent debate.
Perhaps it is considered a win if no one clearly loses. In my book though, it is a tie.
So I am left wondering--do good debaters make good Presidents?
History might say no.
Winning a debate alone is not a good indicator of Presidential characteristics. That written, in the classic sense, the Presidential Debates really aren't debates at all--but more like a free-for-all discussion of the hot button issues designed to sway voters.
Even the facts presented during the proceedings, aren't.
The plans presented to accomplish this or that, really aren't. Presidents don't propose bills--Congress does.
How will the future President work with a hostile Congress to get the business of the country accomplished? That is really the true question that needs to be answered during a debate. And recent history shows that even a Congress controlled by the same political party as the President, may be hostile!
Bi-partisianship! I would love to hear that word spoken more. I would desire that our elected officials put aside their personal goals and focus on running the country--together and not over the cold, dead bodies of their opponents. Partisan politics is out of control and it is fueled by special interest groups which have a singular focus with no respect for the larger issues.
Whomever I vote for in a couple weeks is going to need to show me that they have a vision for America which is both inclusive and bipartisan.
Oops! I don't think that candidate is running.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
I wonder.
Do we even know who really won the debates? I have read leading writers claim that both of the leading candidates won the most recent debate.
Perhaps it is considered a win if no one clearly loses. In my book though, it is a tie.
So I am left wondering--do good debaters make good Presidents?
History might say no.
Winning a debate alone is not a good indicator of Presidential characteristics. That written, in the classic sense, the Presidential Debates really aren't debates at all--but more like a free-for-all discussion of the hot button issues designed to sway voters.
Even the facts presented during the proceedings, aren't.
The plans presented to accomplish this or that, really aren't. Presidents don't propose bills--Congress does.
How will the future President work with a hostile Congress to get the business of the country accomplished? That is really the true question that needs to be answered during a debate. And recent history shows that even a Congress controlled by the same political party as the President, may be hostile!
Bi-partisianship! I would love to hear that word spoken more. I would desire that our elected officials put aside their personal goals and focus on running the country--together and not over the cold, dead bodies of their opponents. Partisan politics is out of control and it is fueled by special interest groups which have a singular focus with no respect for the larger issues.
Whomever I vote for in a couple weeks is going to need to show me that they have a vision for America which is both inclusive and bipartisan.
Oops! I don't think that candidate is running.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Thursday, October 18, 2012
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.
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 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
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
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.
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
 |
| 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
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
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
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, October 15, 2012
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
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
Sunday, October 14, 2012
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 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.
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
 |
| 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
Saturday, October 13, 2012
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
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
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