Under the Sky

Not my Photo of Stars

Last evening was likely one of the finals evenings outside around the fire pit watching evening fall clad in shorts and a tee-shirt. The warm evening air enveloped Chris and I as we chatted about the upcoming weekend. The fire danced and cast its changing glow across our faces.

Colder weather is coming to greet the weekend and as October continues slipping away into November, it is likely these evenings will continue, but we will be wearing coats as we cast off the pervasive chill.

I saw the stars come out, as well as they do in this area of too much ground light. It was a fitting end to the busy day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Debate or Brawl

Debate night in America happened again last evening. It was another ugly dogfight on stage for the world to wonder how these two people, out of 300 million Americans wound up as finalists in the Presidential olympics.

The debate was, perhaps, the best of the three with issues getting more time than personal attacks. But, the debate still lacked a clear winner. I was left with the realization that both candidates have gaping holes in policy plans and ideas to run the country.

Some of the issues discussed during the evening included:

Second amendment. Should we return to the wild, wild west or is it possible to legislate the safe, responsible use of guns? Should we have a national right to carry?

Strong borders--getting rid of violent people or build a wall. How open should our border be? should be deport illegal immigrants even though it will cost taxpayers a bundle of money?

Supreme court. How do we want the future court to work? Which candidate has the best concept of the Constitution and how the Supreme Court can protect it. Frankly, I was dismayed by both candidates' approaches. 

Abortion--right to choice? Pro-life? This issue has continued for years and the discussions were designed to appeal to the base supporters for each candidates. There wasn't nothing new here.

Russia? Encourage espionage against Americans or defend our networks? Nuclear balance? There was a lot of finger pointing and this is a dangerous issue that was not properly nor adequately addresses. 

Expanding the economy through jobs programs. Raise the minimum wage? Women equal pay. Increasing access to college.

Taxes and jobs. Raise taxes or lower taxes? Stimulate the economy? Shipping jobs overseas? Buying steel from overseas and not supporting American workers.

Fitness to be President of the U.S. The continuing abuse of women issue versus the email controversy. The problems associated with the Clinton Foundation. 

Is the election rigged? Corrupt media, outdated voter roles, candidates with potentially criminal charges.

Whining before the vote. I think the President's remarks were right on. Don't start whining before the vote.

Moving in Syria against ISIS. The constant claim that ISIS was created by one of the candidates scares me because it demonstrates a profound lack of foreign policy understanding.

All-in-all, this was a much better debate.

And the winner is? 

No one.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Debate night

It is debate night in America again.

Which of the candidates will win? Or will they both lose, again?

I have so many questions.

There are serious differences in reality between the two. And I'm not sure either reality is the correct one.

Anyway, here we go for the last time before the election.

I will definitely be watching and listening.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Clowns

Times have changed for clowns. 

I have been reading about the scary clowns in the papers and seeing reports about them on TV.

I remember, many decades ago when I was a kid, that clowns were fun and funny. I remember them in parades driving small cars and doing stunts to make people laugh. 

There was an interesting article in the New York Times the other day titled, What Do the Scary Clowns Want? The article discussed the current trend of scary clowns and traced their origins. I was surprised to learn that scary clowns go back into at least the 16th Century. 

Ronald McDonald

The current scary clown epidemic had caused one of the most beloved clowns to go into hiatus--Ronald McDonald has been placed in retirement. The Washington Post reports that Ronald McDonald is laying low until the current clown scare is over. 

I imagine that it is going to be a very interesting Halloween--I'm not sure whether scary clowns or creatures are going to be in the biggest numbers, although Target has halted the sale of clown costumes and masks. 

I guess the phrase "clowning around" may have a new and more sinister meaning.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 17, 2016

1. I'm in shock realizing that October is already half over. 

Autumn Kissed Trees
at Arundel Mills
October 16, 2016

2. The weather is going to be fantastic this week. Highs in the 80's and lows in the 60's until Friday when more seasonally cool weather returns!

Tina working on Jeremy's Gift

3. I noticed that the trees are becoming "autumn kissed" with color.

4. Sometimes birthday presents are more fun in the making that the recipient even realizes. This was Tina and Patrick working on a gift to Jeremy yesterday. 

5. The NFL is concerned because the numbers of people watching the games on TV are down 10 percent. Perhaps they will figure out they are offering a flawed product which has become too commercialized and the rules too complex. 

6. When did clowns become scary?

7. The battle for Mosul started, according to the New York Times. 

8. Will there be any relief after election day from hearing about Trump or Clinton every hour of every day? Sadly, probably not.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Celebrating Another Year

Birthday Cheesecake

Yesterday Chris celebrated the completion of another year since her birth. 

It was a atypically quiet day. We were able to get a few things done around the house in preparation for the coming dark days. 

She received a rousing birthday chorus during the evening as her favorite cake was served--cheesecake. The boys did an adequate job. I usually make a special New York Cheesecake, but she called it off in the interest of time because it takes about five hours for my special cake.

Birthdays are special days, although I try to avoid mine. But I believe everyone needs to be celebrated and birthday's are a natural time to celebrate.

Happy Birthday, Chris.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Reflecting on NY, NY

First Street Vendor Chili Dog

Two weekends ago, Chris and I took Ethan to NYC for a fast weekend of sightseeing and excitement.

Chris with Morgan Freeman

There were the usual sights to see, however, there were a few other things that we enjoyed that helped to make the weekend very special.

One of the most enjoyable was Ethan's first chili dog from a street vendor! He thoroughly enjoyed it and there were a few more chili dogs consumed over the weekend. It seemed, however, that none of the follow-ons were as good as the first one. But he definitely enjoyed them all.

And then there was posing with a celebrity along the street. Who knew that they were every where? And he stood still for so long. He never even moved. Of course he was wax and standing in front of Madam Tussauds.

As we happened along the street, I ran across an NHL (yes I meant to type H) store. With hockey season about to start, I had to head inside. And what did I find? They were expecting me and had a jersey already prepared with my name on it! Actually it was a replica of Shane Doan's jersey. He is captain of the Arizona Coyotes. But it was cool to see the jersey with my name on it. I would have purchased it, but it was over $400! A real game jersey.

Memories made and remembered. That is the true gift of vacations and traveling.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Weekend Arrives Again

Friday's are becoming the catch-up day of the week.

I seems to get further and further behind on normal weekdays and then, Friday magically arrives and I have time to take care of the multitude of tasks that have befallen me.

Thank goodness for Friday, the savior of the week!

I have noticed that everyone seems to be in a better mood on Friday--and that is a good thing.

I am looking forward to catch up day today! Secretly, however, I wish that it was already Saturday!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Evening Falls and the Deer Play

Whitetail Playing
Photo by Chris

Evening arrives about two minutes earlier every day and so it has become easier to be positioned around the fire pit to enjoy the darkness as it envelops the region. 

The cold temperatures, in the 40s and 50s, have made the daily string of sunrises and sunsets stunningly spectacular. I enjoy the early rays of the sunrise on my way to work and the sunsets sitting around the fire pit chatting with Chris or friends recounting the activities of the day.

Two Deer on the Edge of the Yard
Photo by Chris

Last evening was especially enjoyable as two groups of deer decided to join the evening festivities. There was a small herd of five which played in the yard near us, even with the fire going. They seemed unconcerned about Makayla, who I was holding because she wanted to run and play with them. 

It was enjoyable watching them venture into the yard and then seeing the youngest of the group actually run and jump in the open space. The senior doe of the group kept a close eye on us as we sat an talked and they eventually moved along. Shortly after that, a group of two, presumably a doe and Falene, from earlier in the year, happened by for a visit. 

Watching the deer in the yard reminded me that we share the area with other wildlife. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: the Ballot Arrives

My Sample Ballot

A copy of the Official Ballot for my voting area arrived in the mail yesterday.

The past two years of political position jockeying have melted away and the reality of the decisions the are going to be made in a few short weeks are now squarely in focus. 

The debates that weren't, the mud slinging, the ads on TV will soon be over. Since I do not live in a battleground state, I have not been subjected to the complete ferocity of the campaign. I am sure that those whose lives are tied to states like Ohio, Florida, andCalifornia are  being subjected to a never-ending tirade of advertisements. And they cannot be good.

I have heard some disparaging comments about the upcoming election, for instance. "There are 300 million people in the U.S. and these two are the best we can find for President?"

My Take: Decision time is rapidly approaching!


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD