And Coming to the Plate is . . .

Jackson Hamming for the Camera

T-ball is a fascinating variation of baseball. The object of the game is to teach youngsters the rules of the game and to hook them on the excitement of watching their heroes play--which is a bit easier when living in a town which actually has a major league baseball team like Baltimore does.

Jackson gets a Hit

Wearing the gear, stepping to the plate, making the run to first--I remember all of those things, mostly fondly. I admit, though, that I had forgotten how much progress the players make from day to day. Out team has transitioned from hitting only off the "T" into hitting pitched tossed by the coach.

Last evening was our first game where they hit pitches coming from the coach. And they did great. Every one of them had at least two innings where they made it to base by hitting from the coach and not off the T.

But the game went long! An hour and a half.

But the thrill when they hit a fair ball was evident in all of them. Problem was, they wanted to stand at the plate and watch it.

Not the approved approach to the game, but given the raggedy fielding it really didn't matter. Although, our team made three outs during one inning! All of them unassisted to our first baseman!

Ah, but what a hit it was! I can almost imagine some Orioles of old admiring their game winning shot in the bottom of the ninth!

Baseball! I am reminded of a statement that Yogi Berra made about Little League baseball, and while this isn't Little League, you'll get the idea:

Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets.

And in my case, grandparents, too.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hockey, Playoffs, and the Next Season

The hockey season that almost wasn't has transitioned into its second half--the playoffs. Believe it or not, after 48 regular season games we now get to work through two months of playoffs until Lord Stanley's Cup is finally hoisted by the winners of it all.

Yes, I am a Pittsburgh Penguins fan. I have been for a very long time. I am hopeful that I will get the chance to attend a Washington Capitals game late in the playoffs if the Pens survive.

Last evening was the Pens first playoff game and the started off with a 5-0 win. It is a sure sign that Spring is here when the NHL gets into the playoffs.

I was asked recently, why I don't follow the local hockey team.  That was an easy answer--Baltimore does not have a hockey team. If Baltimore had a hockey team, I probably would eventually become a fan as I would attend games and it is easier to root for the home team than constantly against them. Although, I have no problems rooting against the Capitals when I go to those games, although, usually there are almost as many Penguins fans in attendance as Capitals fans.

Bring on the playoffs!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Springtime and Gardens

Something there is that doesn't love a wall, 
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, 
And spills the upper boulders in the sun, 
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast. 
-- from Mending Wall by Robert Frost

In my case--it is water flowing off the driveway that doesn't like my lawn. During the past year in one area the grass has been washed away and a small ditch has been cut by the rushing water. 

What to do? Plant more grass, try to divert the water and hope for the best. Sadly, it is a very shady spot and growing grass is probably not an option.  The spot is along a fence next to the driveway and had always been a problem. So this year the answer is to plant a garden and provide a rocky channel to reduce the force of the run off and stem the erosion.

This garden is adorned with ugly utility boxes--just to add to the ambiance.  And shade--lot's of shade. Most plants being sold right now require 6 or more hours of full sun per day. This garden gets one or two.

I must be getting old. I am beginning to appreciate gardens more and more. It seems that the older people get the more they talk about and consider their gardens and dream of retirement. I'm not sure that gardens and retirement are in any way linked except interest in both increases as we get older.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Legends, Memories, and Life Well Lived

A month or so ago, I wrote in a blog titled Zillbilly Losing Battle to Cancer,  that the usher who had created a unique persona at Orioles games to entertain the fans, was afflicted with stage four lung cancer.

Charlie Zill, that man who served the fans as an usher at Orioles games for 17 years, died over the weekend as reported by the Baltimore Sun. I also received a personal note from a family member as a comment to my blog about Charlie to let me know the news.

I was honored to have witnessed Charlie's rendition of Zillbilly. If you remember, the Orioles suffered through some 14 losing seasons and so often, his antics during the seventh inning stretch were the only thing to enjoy during some of those long losses that mounted against the Orioles during those years.

I remember looking over to section 244 from wherever I was in the stadium to see Charlie bring Zillbilly to life. I always smiled at his enthusiasm and creativity.

I was fortunate to be at Charlie's last game last week when the Orioles honored him. I remembered that he had wanted to see one more game and I enjoyed the seventh inning during John Denver's Country Boy when he reprised Zillbilly for the last time. Many in the stadium did not fully understand the legend of the man being honored that evening--but I did. And I was happy for him to be able to attend one last Orioles game.

Charlie--thanks for the memories.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 29, 2013

1. April is almost over and springtime still is not assured.

2. Death and taxes are the only things we are assured of. Too bad we cannot reduce taxes.

3. Weather is changeable. The best weather forecast I've ever found is to look out the window to see what's happening outside.

4. When it rains it pours.

5. On this day in 1429, Joan of Arc lead Orleans of France to victory over the English.

6. Sunny days allow for more fun than rainy weather.

7. Wine is the elixir of life. Drink and be merry.

8. Baseball, lacrosse, and afternoons enjoying family. What could be better?

9. Sundays spent with family. That is what it is about, right?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

"No New Taxes!" -- The dream and the reality

I remember those words uttered by then President George Bush (the first) which came back to haunt him when he actually had to raise taxes.

What I don't understand is that cry had changed for of our governmental bodies. Now I am hearing at every level of government our elected officials crying for "Let's find new taxes!".

Truly, I have heard about special taxes for certain sizes of soda, on square footage of billboards, and even now a new tax on rain, yes a Rain Tax--to name just a few. In addition to new taxes, I am being confronted with increased taxes on gasoline and even internet purchases and nearly every other of category in which I am taxed. Maryland already has a wine tax which is 3 percent higher than the sales tax.

Everywhere I look--taxes are increasing. And there are taxes on taxes, too.

What isn't increasing? My income.

At some point taxes are going to outstrip the ability to pay them. And the problem is that new taxes are everywhere and on everything.

The only good thing about new and increasing taxes?

I can't think of any thing good about increased taxes except they may be tax deductible--but by then the damage is done.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It Will Be Better--I Promise

Geraniums out my Window on the Back Deck

Some promises seem empty.

Everyone who reads my blog knows how much I look forward to Springtime and rebirth and the world coming alive after the dark days of Winter.

And now, effectively, I am a prisoner I my house and cannot enjoy outdoors activities.

Why?

Allergies! I am in the middle of the worst allergy attack of my life. I am so miserable that I don't even want to be around myself let alone other people having to listen to me sneeze and cough, and sniffle. Yuck! To all of you who have put up with me thus far--I'm sorry. You have my admiration for not sending me off away from you.

My allergist promised this season would be better. It's not, it's the the worst. I'm totally demoralized. I have been getting shots at least weekly since June of last year.

We are going to have a short conversation during my newly scheduled Monday appointment--I'm going to say it's not working. I am miserable. I need the good stuff--if there is any good stuff? Claritin, Benadryl, and some nose spray are just not getting the job done.

Ugh!

Maybe it will rain and cleanse the air of all of the bad stuff.

But I like the sunshine!

I'm so conflicted right now. Looking out of my window, I want to be outside and not worry aobut the consequences.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Some of My Friends are Birds

I have to chuckle each time I see the Orioles Bird in some location not at the stadium. The other night, it was outside my favorite pre-game watering hole, Pickles, that I ran across my new best friend.

The Orioles Bird always seems to be smiling. When he is waving the Orioles flag at the games after a win, he seems to be more than happy--almost jubilant.

But he never speaks.

He wears his emotion on his sleeve.

His expressions are in his actions.

He is my favorite team mascot, well maybe I appreciate the Syracuse Orange a bit more. Nope--it is really the bird.

I enjoy watching him at the games as he incites the crowds to cheer and motivate the Orioles.

Some birds are just good, but

the Orioles Bird is the best!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Weeping Cherry Blooms

April 10, 2013 - The Buds Begin to Open

This springtime I documented the progression of Spring through the blossoming of the Weeping Cherry tree in my yard.

April 11, 2013 - Getting Fuller

As I reviewed the images, taken over a 12 day period, I noticed how not only did the blooms open on the tree, but how the leaves on the trees behind the Weeping Cherry began to fill in.

I guess the four images represent the 13 days of Weeping Cherry--or something corny like that.

April 13, 2013 - Full Bloom

It is fascinating to see the changes. I also noted how the lawn greened up during that two week period as well.

Springtime and rebirth are good for the soul. It reminds me that even though everything seems to be dead, life is contained within. 

The resurgence of the blooms and the green are a sign that the dark season is over.

I just wish the temperatures would start to climb, although yesterday it hit 77 degrees.

April 23, 2013 - Still Blooming but Fading Fast

Although the blossoms are fading fast, the tree is still a marvel to look at and admire. Why? Because I really have nothing to do with its beauty. God did that.

I just get to enjoy and appreciate it. 

Every day now for two weeks. And during the summer as I mow around the tree the image of its springtime beauty remains clear--until next year's image replaces it. Best yet, my Dad and Mom were here this year to enjoy the blossoming with me--and that is a memory I will never forget.

Maybe. despite Winter's best efforts Spring is really here.

What is next?

I only need to look and be ready to enjoy.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Springtime Fizzles

It has been unseasonably cold the past couple weeks. Spring's arrival was supposed to shake the world free from the grasp of Winter. It has not been a clean break. Blizzards and mounting snows in the mid section of the country continue on what seems like an almost daily basis. Cold temperatures continue to rock the East. Even freezing temperatures continue in my personal mecca of Florida.

I have attending baseball games wearing winter coats trying to stave off frostbite and it has been too cold to even drink beer. I think the vendors would do better offering hot chocolate and coffee as the walk through the crowd.

Summertime is on deck. Literally. The geraniums have been planted in the planers, the pool is calling to me that it is time to be open. I mowed the lawn for the first time last weekend. This is the first year I that I can recall not mowing at least once during March and then continuing weekly mowings through April. The pool deck area has been prepared for relaxation--if only the temperatures would cooperate.

I hear even the cicadas are on deck waiting for warmer weather to emerge. Although, the cold has kept the mosquitos in check--and that is a good thing.

So, in my estimation, Springtime has fizzled. I got excited yesterday morning when the pre-dawn temperature was 45 degrees. It was ten degrees warmer than the previous two days and 25 degrees colder than it should be, in my mind. This morning, however, ground was lost as the predawn temperature was only 41 degrees.

I am waiting for the warm-up to begin so that outdoor activities can get into full swing. Today's high is expected to be 75 degrees.

Waiting.

Still waiting.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD