Flying South with the Geese

Geese flying South during November 2014

There they were flying south the other morning. The geese were formed in their classic "V" formation.

The sky was clear and blue. 

It was a beautiful scene. I even caught the airliner leaving a contrail in the image as I recorded the sight for my memory.

The geese were flying south, and with them they were carrying my heart. I wish I were heading south to the warmth of a nice sandy beach somewhere.

The jet was heading north--probably to New York or Boston or some other equally as frozen city.

My vote is clearly to go with the geese--they know their way is the best way.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Axis and Allies: WWI 1914 - Review

Wow. Axis and Allies WWI 1914 is a fantastic and complex game that captures the essence of World War I.

Three of us traveled 100 years into the past to recreate the situation in Europe at the beginning of 1914 and play out the Great War, or the War to end all wars. This is what we do while the women in our lives face the crushing Black Friday crowds.

Thankfully, the game was simplified from the actual history of the time. The instructions indicate that the game averages 8 hour to play. We played for 10 hours and still none of the national capitals had been captured. The game played out much like history records WWI--slow and plodding. But, each turn was important and critical to the overall outcome.

The Board for Axis and Allies WWI 1914

We played with three players and I have to admit, I was the central powers and the game requires constant attention. The first round through the 8 countries took us 3 hours--but much of that time was learning the rules and the differences between the classic Axis and Allies versions and this one.

After the first round, the game picked up in pace, but our efforts to achieve a decisive victory on the field of conflict were just as inept as that of the countries involved in the war. No country or alliance could gain the advantage and the game quickly descended into a war of attrition which the allies gradually began to win especially as the U.S. was allowed to entry the conflict on turn 4 and in this case the French developed into an effective fighting force.

The game is complex. Eight countries are represented. On the allies side there are the French Alliance, the British Empire, the Russian Empire, Italy, and the United States arrayed against Germany, the Ottoman Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

My mistakes? As Germany, I thought that I could quickly take Moscow and before the French and British could organize and then I would be able to hold the lines while the Austrian-
hungarian armies pushed through Italy and then onto Paris. I didn't pay enough attention to the India connection of the British Empire and my Ottoman Empire forces were neutralized and I was in a defensive posture for the bulk of the game.

After 10 hours of play, Moscow was under attack and Constantinople and Berlin were under siege. The Austro-Hungarian Empire forces were finally making their way through the Alps to pressure the French and the Italians, but Ottomans and Germans were effectively neutralized. The Central Powers navies had been neutralized and the allies had unopposed command of the sea lines of communication. I conceded the game.

RECOMMENDATION: It was a great game and another fantastic Black Friday event! If you enjoy this type of historical simulation--this game is for you.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

To Shop or Not: Bring on the Games!

Black Friday has arrived!

I am sitting safely in the comfort of my chair, writing, just before 6AM and the women in my life have already headed out to risk life, limb, and wallets at the explosion of after Thanksgiving Day sales. Early reports indicate that it is a jungle out there.

Great Dinners mean Fantastic Left-overs

I have no expectation of gracing a store today, except maybe to get more beer.

Today, as is every Black Friday, is devoted to wargaming and learning more about the history of the world wars. The guys gather to play Axis and Allies, while the women in our lives shop. The kids? They are with us, but are pretty much on their own.

I take another sip of my coffee, stretch, yawn, and reflect upon yesterday in the quietness of my living room. Not even the TV is on to allow reality to disturb me. The grazing and gaming are expected to commence about 9AM. 

We are playing a new version of the game this year: WWI:1914. The map is completely different we are struggling to learn the rules before convening. We got tired of confirming that the Allies win WWII every time we play no matter who plays the Axis or who pays the Allies.

The women shop while the men play! What a role reversal from prehistoric times when the men were the hunter-killers and the women stayed at home.

Who cares? Game time is coming soon! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The food, the Snow, the Day: Thanksgiving

Flag in Front of the House

Happy Thanksgiving! This is one of those truly American holidays that cuts across all of the cultural boundaries.

I am saddened that more retailers are opening their stores on the holiday this year. Thanksgiving was the last holiday that retailers recognized and now, even this holiday, is being minimized in the pursuit of profit.

The season of the turkey is here for the annual celebration. Yet, even yesterday, the tendrils of winter reached across the land to provide a sample of the cold, dark, weather on tap for the next couple of months.

Snow in my Yard

The scene around the area was very wintery. Even in my yard there were examples of the snowy, cold weather although for the most part this area was spared the terrible conditions faced by many others in the northeast. 

I am glad that I was not traveling yesterday and that the travelers in the family had already safely arrived at their destinations.

Cranberries on the Stove

I got to experiment with cooking yesterday afternoon by making cranberry sauce from scratch. I love canned cranberry sauce, because I have only rarely been able to taste the made from scratch variety. I believe I may never appreciate the canned variety again. Especially since one of the secret ingredients in the cranberry sauce I made is Port! Yup!

The completed Cranberry Sauce

Food, football, family, friends, and fun! I am ready for the day.  (The five "F's" of Thanksgiving)

I will take time to give thanks for the blessings that I have received today and for the blessings that everyone in my family has received. We are richly blessed and we are genuinely thankful.

Have a great day. Be well. Give thanks.

--Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Twas the day before Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Thoughts:

Eat a turkey, don't be one.

Be thankful for your blessings.

Enjoy the day and the weekend.

Stay away from the black friday sales, all they want is your money.

I found a website about 62 Thoughts Everyone has During Thanksgiving Dinner. Here are my favorites:

2. It’s about time. The turkey “is going to be ready in 30 minutes”…for the past hour and a half.
14. Oh great, now dad has to carve the turkey. Why didn’t he do that before we sat down?
15. Watching dad carve the turkey is the Thanksgiving equivalent of watching paint dry. Except I am HUNGRY.
30. Everyone calm down! I’m not Dr. Octopus!
31. Why are we talking about politics? This will only lead to the parents shouting so loudly people are spitting food across the table.
32. DON’T MENTION HILLARY. WHATEVER YOU DO DON’T MENTION HILLARY.
33. Darn. Mom mentioned Hillary. Here we go.
34. Oh no, grandpa tasted the turkey. I am not ready for this.
35. PLEASE DON’T SAY HOW “MOIST” THE TURKEY IS.
36. DRY! It’s dry! I feel so very #blessed.
60. Literally all I am capable of doing right now is rolling over to the couch and passing out.
61. God, I am SO glad Thanksgiving is over.
62. And I can’t believe we’re doing this again in a month for Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving!

--Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

November 24th--Respite Before the Storms

What a day! It was unexpected and fantastic.

Although, officially we did not make 70 degrees, the local weather station recorded 69.5 degrees and the day was fantastic.

The rain ended, the sun came out and I enjoyed a great afternoon and evening.

Silhouetted Deer in setting sun on the course

Let's recap the afternoon--which was the creative part of the day. 

I slipped out of work, with the approval of my supervisor, to head off to the golf course with Jeremy.  Yup--a warm, sunny afternoon was celebrated outdoors on the golf course. 

It was not that I played that well on the course, but that it was November 24th it was warm enough to be outside in a short-sleeved shirt playing golf! We played until dark--14 holes and on the way to the club house spied deer all along the course in the sunset lit landscape. 

Back at the house, it was time for  happy hour and some quality time around the fire pit with Mom and Dad. 

Glasses of wine, cheese and some great conversation in the evening light was a true memory.

It was, after all, November 24th. A day when cold should reign, but for a moment, for an afternoon, the temperatures were warm and memories were made. I am beginning to realize that I must take advantage of great weather when it is unexpectedly provided.

I strive to grasp and remember days like yesterday. Today's high will be 55 degrees and that will happen this morning. The evening forecast calls for 39 degrees accompanied by rain and snow! Oh by the way, it is thirty days until Christmas!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - November 24, 2014

New Door Mat

1. Happy Thanksgiving. Eat a turkey, don't be one.

2. Be safe traveling this week, remember, this week has one of the busiest travel days of the year.

3. It is supposed to be in the 70's today. Yay! A final respite before the onslaught of winter begins.

Snowman picture on the wall

4. Winter takes many forms. Lots of people like snowmen. This one has lights! And it now hangs in my family room. It blinks. Really!

5. Traveling through Pennsylvania on a Sunday morning is the best time.

6. Turn signals. What a concept. I wonder how many people really know what the lever on the left side of the steering wheel is for?

7. What exactly is a turkey trot?

8. It is good to have the family gathering for the holiday! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunrise Fire in the Sky

Sunrise Reflected in the Car Door

Yesterday morning the fiery sunrise that graced the eastern sky was something to behold.

I walked outside to photograph it and I saw its reflection in the car. It was stunning, ruining in a stripe along the door of the car.

The sunrise was even more spectacular when looking at it through the naked, ready for winter, trees. The day was dawning and with it promise and excitement. Even though it was clear and cold, it was about 18 degrees as I stood outside with no coat and bare feet taking the picture, the artistry in the sky was something to be marveled at and appreciated. 

Sunrise, Saturday November 22, 2014
Danby, NY

I wish I were a painter like Van Gogh, but at least I can take an image to remember the magnificence of the scene.

I saw the fire of the sun as it crept above the horizon, the scene seemed even colder than it was because of the bare trees.

I am glad I imprinted this scene on my mind. But that was yesterday.

I wonder what joys today will bring?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY

Travel, sunset, flags and pizza

Looking Up a Valley in Central Pennsylvania

This time if year, it is best to leave for a road trip while there is still plenty of daylight.

The road trip this weekend is to upstate New York near the region where the epic snows have been falling, but not quite there; thankfully!

I enjoyed the drive because I didn't have to drive the first part of the trip and was able to look out the window and absorb the views as the sun began to set. It is that golden time of day when the sun makes even the leafless trees look interesting in the setting light. I especially enjoyed the lengthening shadows cast by the setting sun on the hills.

The colors were so bright yesterday against the crisp (OK, cold) sky.

Flag on the Bridge to Northumberland, PA

Sadly, though, as we were traveling across the bridge into Northumberland, PA, I saw something that needs to be corrected. The bridge has a number of US flags adorning the span, but they are in a sad state of repair and need to be replaced. Many of the flags along the bridge were torn similar to the one I imaged here. Proper care an respect of the flag mandates that these flags need to be replaced. I hope this happens soon.

Dinner at the end of the road

Fortunately there was only a dusting of snow on the ground when we arrived. The heavy snow is more north. The good news was that when we arrived there was a pizza waiting for us and that easily erased the memory of the trip. 

Traffic on Friday afternoon was frustrating even though we left just after noon. It took almost an hour to drive the 30 minutes around the Baltimore beltway. That set up a chain of events that caused us to hit heavy afternoon traffic in two other locations. Ugh! All told, traffic added an hour to our trip. 

But we arrived safely and I enjoyed the views until darkness fell and then, of course, it was my turn to drive.

It is the weekend. I am going to enjoy it and have a great time. I will be back home and at work too soon.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Danby, NY

Keeping My Eyes Open

It was a beautiful November Sunday afternoon headed into a Baltimore Ravens football game on the Sunday before Veterans Day. What should I have expected?

Firstly, I didn't expect to be going to a Ravens game nor did I expect the weather to be idyllic.

Walking along the Ravens walk, however, I discovered two fully restored venerable vehicles from World War II. A half track and a Willys Jeep.

I remember watching television shows and movies with both of these vehicles in them and I never realized how reliable vehicles like these helped to change modern warfare.

They seemed out of place amid the throng of modern day football fans and many of whom barely paused to notice there historic machines. 

By keeping my eyes ope, I discovered something that did not seem to belong.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD