Clocks and Trains and Children

A visit to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore reminded me that my love for clocks and trains are entwined. 

The massive locomotives which played the rails and moved America from coast to coast depended upon reliable time keeping to make their runs safely. In the days before computers and sensors, it was the pocket watch of the conductor which controlled the progress of the trains across the nation. 

Seeing the behemoths of the past first hand reminded me of what a marvel these engines truly were. They were constructed in an era without computers to precise mechanical standards. It was a marvel to think about the machining associated with building these complex engines. I was reminded about how big an 80 inch drive wheel is--and it is all steel!

Riding the rails. I enjoyed reviewing the evolution of rail travel from the small boilers on a carriage to the super fast steam locomotives and then to the diesel electric engines of the modern rail era. 

Standard time--the time zones that we live with: Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific were established during 1883 to support rail traffic. Although not enacted into law until 1918, the standardization of time increased safety on the rails. 

I took a video of the roundhouse and some of the engines and rolling stock on display. Of course, Jax needed a diversion, so he got to enjoy the carousel. What a great way to spend a too cold day in Baltimore? I also become very childlike when I visit this great museum, but the carousel was too small for me.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

50 Shades of Green

Florida Green
March 23, 2015

The weather has been playing with my affections. During the past week I have experienced the 80's of Florida and the 20's to 70's of the Baltimore area.

I wish it would settle into a solid range--like the 70's to 80's. 

Along with the whipsawing temperatures, I have enjoyed what I will call, 50 shades of Green. 

13th Hole at Timbers at Troy
March 27, 2015

While in Florida--the green trees and grass exhibited deep and mature hues of green. Against the cyan sky--the colors were stunning and rich.

Yesterday, I experienced the faded hues of green attempting to transform from the faded tones of Winter while golfing during the afternoon.

The two just do not compare. 

I long for the deep mature greens--but waking to temperatures in the 20's is not going to make the transformation happen anytime soon. I am hopeful, however, because tomorrow morning is the last one with below freezing temperatures forecast for the next ten days!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Spring Break 2015 Arrives

One of the best parts of the school year has arrived--Spring Break. Families are traveling to warmer destinations to escape the winter and get a jumpstart on Springtime.

It is exciting. I get to enjoy Spring Break because Chris is a teacher and has this week of freedom provided to her every year.

The whipsaw temperatures of the past few days are frustrating. Wednesday morning it was 24 degrees with a high in the 40's and yesterday it was over 70 degrees. Today's high will only be near 50 degrees.

It was fun to conduct baseball practice in just shirts and not be encumbered by heavy coats--what a difference a day makes.

This year for Spring Break I will be taking a stay-cation and doing projects around the house to get things tidy and ready for the summer season. The Winter has been so long and rough that I have not been able to do many projects that need to be accomplished in advance of the Summer play season.

And there may be some racquetball and golf, too!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Youth Baseball Spring Training

Although only about 50 degrees this evening, it was dry and Jax's GORC (Gambrills-Odenton Recreation Council) baseball team had its first practice. 

The field was in perfect shape, the evening air was cool and the boys were ready to play baseball.

It was good to be back on the field and moving up with the team from T-Ball to coach pitch.

I was in the batting cage pitching most of the evening--what a good way to get my arm into shape. But since the idea is to pitch the ball so they can hit it, it is a lot easier on the arm. 

The team this year is the Pirates--which is better than last year's Tigers because the Pirates do not directly compete with the Orioles. 

I was amazed how quickly the practice passed while I was in the batting cage throwing up home run balls for the boys. Some of them can really tag the ball. 

It is going to be a long season and I'm happy that it is finally underway!

I'm back from Spring Training in Florida and now it is time for baseball to really begin!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Reflections on the 2015 Spring Training Trip

A sunny Florida March 2015 afternoon
 at McKetchnie Field in Bradenton

It is over. 

I wandered through the front door of the house about 9:30 PM last evening completing my four day 2015 Spring Training trip to Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida.

It was awesome to escape the cold of the north. The temperature this morning when I woke up at home showed 25 degrees on my thermometer. That is one third the average temperature that I experienced in Florida and it is about 61 degrees below the maximum temperature I enjoyed while not getting sunburned.

New Banner at Ed Smith Stadium

On the Orioles:

They look good. Solid. There was a lot of hustle and the pitching looks very strong. The hitting is coming around, but I am concerned about the fielding. I saw our starting third baseman commit two errors in one game--he seemed too casual making the plays.

I saw one starter really look in control yesterday! I was disappointed by our closer who had an off day and allowed two runs to score--but, overall he looked good.

Sharing the course with a Sand Crane

On Florida:

Great weather, good food, awesome golf courses and of course palm trees. Add that together with baseball and it is a recipe for fantastic! I do have to admit the traffic around Tampa at 5pm on a Tuesday evening was awful! I almost did not make it to the airport for my flight. The backup exceeded 10 miles--and it crawled.

Did I mention the critters? There were animals everywhere. It was refreshing to see so much wildlife--including more than one alligator and a snapping turtle that was taking a leisurely stroll across one golf course. The sand cranes were everywhere almost like the deer that populate on course I play near home.

Jeremy at the Tee

On Golf:

Golfing in Florida was a great experience. I'm glad that the northern courses do not have as much water. Seriously, I don't think I saw a water hazard that I couldn't put at least one ball into. Sometimes three or four. Yet, the courses were tough , but fair and fun! 

There is something awesome about having the first tee time of the day on a golf course and watching the sun wake the world for another day. Especially when it is warm and there is not a frost delay.

April is coming and I surely hope the temperatures begin to warm. I am anxious for baseball and warm summer afternoons--more so now that I have experienced a glimpse of what lies ahead from my short trip to the warm south.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Gathering of Orioles

With the Orioles Bird 2015

Sadly, the last day of my short Spring Training trip has arrived. One of the Orioles fans has already flown north and the rest of us must return to the cold today.

At least we get to enjoy another baseball game this afternoon as the Orioles travel to Bradenton to play the Pirates. From there it is on to the airport to begin winging my way home.

It has been fun and exhausting at the same time. Three rounds of golf and three baseball games by the time it is complete.

Yesterday we were drenched by a passing rainstorm on the golf course, but after a short delay we were able to finish the round.

Tomorrow it is back to the grind and my short time away will be a memory. But a good memory.

-- Bob Doan, Writing from Sarasota, Florida

Out the Hotel Window - Sarasota, FL

Green. I have been overcome with green after the long cold and monochromatic winter of my discontent in the north.

Outside my hotel window people are playing in the pool surrounded by lush green foliage. It is awesome. I don't really want to leave. The smells of life are everywhere.

Playing golf yesterday I enjoyed the wildlife everywhere.

I am more than ready to enjoy the warmth and green on my return to Baltimore

-- Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida

Guy Trip Food

Why is it that when on a guy trip, I eat the wrong foods? The wings are so good. They smell good. But where are the veggies? No where in sight. Well there were some fried pickles.

Good food and a four day road trip to Florida.

I have not seen one snow flake since I arrive here. The 86 degrees yesterday erased all of my bad memories of March in Baltimore.

The food, it's guy food.

Baseball, the O's won yesterday. Golf this morning and baseball this afternoon. What could be better?

The food. How long can someone survive in guy food?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida

It's just not Fair!

Daffodils in the Snow

Spring began yesterday and we suffered through yet one more blast from Winter.

Snow, cold, and messy roads.

I had hoped that the snow would have been melted before the end of the day, but alas, the weather forecasters steered me wrong. 

The daffodils in my gardens stoically stood their ground against the onslaught. Undeterred, they continued to repel the monochromatic snowfall with their determined green and reminded me that spring is not gone, it is just a slow starter!

Good-bye Winter, may this be your last gasp!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Start your Mowers--Spring is Arriving

Chris on the Tractor

Yesterday afternoon the lawn tractor took to the yard! It was the first sortie of the season and while it wasn't technically mowing, it was removing the accumulated winter's trash and leaves from the yard!

We worked in the yard even though there is snow in the forecast. The snow won't last long and we needed to clear the yard and get the reemergent fertilized down. 

Today marks the beginning of Spring, although we need to withstand one last punch from Winter before we can truly celebrate the passing of the season of cold and darkness.

The Yard after removal of the debris

It was really cold--my electric bill was $200 above normal as a result of our efforts to hold the cold at bay and maintain a warm, toasty home.

But Springtime is starting and the temperatures are moderating!

The yard is getting ready, as am I, for outdoors living.

Bring on the grill and the fire table!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD