Thursday, November 10, 2016

Out the Hotel Window - Los Angeles, CA, November 2016


Out the Hotel Window
Los Angeles, CA
November 7, 2016
The last evening of our get away trip, Chris and I spent in Los Angeles at one of the hotels near the airport.

The view out the hotel window was a lot better than the view out the hotel in Lompoc. At least we could see something other than bushes.


Out the Hotel Window
Los Angeles, CA
November 8, 2016
I took two images, one at night as we arrived at the room and the other in the morning so that I could see what was actually out there. 

The liquor store was prominent! Maybe the lighted sign was a clue.

Beyond the warehouse, however the view was far more interesting. It was going to be a beautiful day on Tuesday--but, I was to be trapped on an airplane for the better part of the day.

That is how some days are--especially travel days. I had to return to Maryland and the short vacation had to end.

The views I see out the hotel windows as I travel continue to change and amaze!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

We the People have Spoken


President-elect Trump
I woke up to a different America today. I admit that I had a pretty good idea what I was going to find when I finally went to bed after 11 PM last night.

In accordance with the Founding Father's plan for America, the people have spoken. Whether I agree with them or not is immaterial, "We the People" have decreed that there is going to be a new direction for our President and likely our country for the next four years beginning in January.

I think there are parallels between the British vote to exit the European Union (BREXIT) and the election of our new President. People are fed up with the way things are going and want something different, even if they do not fully understand the magnitude of the change for which they voted.

It is important to note that none of the four candidates for president (yes, there were four) achieved a majority of the popular vote--yet, because of the genius of the Electoral College, we have a President-elect and not a run off! People who call for getting rid of the Electoral College miss the importance and stability in our election process that the college provides. 

I was watching CNN on TV and following the New York Times election coverage on my laptop last evening. It became clear to me that the pundits and polls were wrong again. The sense that the election was going to be over early, was clearly not to be. 

I think we need to "tighten our seat belts and ensure that our tray tables and seat backs are in their full upright position." It is going to be a wild ride for a bit.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Sunsets of California



Sunset on Ventura Beach
November 4, 2016
During our short trip to the Left Coast, Chris and I have experienced some spectacular sunsets. There is something inspiring about the sun setting across the ocean. Watching the bright orb in the sky descend into the sea and the finely tendrils bathing the world in gold and then red hues. Sometimes, I find it interesting to put my back to the sun and see how the world is resounding to the sunset. 

Sunset on Pismo Beach Pier
November 6, 2016
I also look around to see what other things are in the sky. I found the moon the other evening, hanging there also watching the sunset. 

Sunset on Santa Monica Pier
November 7, 2016
But we experienced three different beach sunsets and enjoyed them all. It is amazing how cold it gets after the sun sets. 

I was always amazed at how many other people also come out to watch the sunset. 

The clouds make each one different. Last evening the sun went behind a cloud bank before actually setting and it muted the event a bit. But the sunset was still spectacular. 

What a great way to end the day, enjoying the colors of the sunset.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Los Angeles, CA


Monday, November 7, 2016

Monday Musings - November 7, 2016


At the Edge of the Reagan Library and Museum
1. Tomorrow is Election Day. I hope the winner can unite this fractured country.

Sunset, Pismo Beach, CA
November 6, 2016
2. One of the strangest signs that I have seen in a while was at the Reagan Library. I stood there for a while looking for a rattlesnake, but alas, one did not want to come out and play.

3. We have been enjoying sunsets on our trip to California, usually, from a beach somewhere. Last evening we enjoyed the early sunset from the pier on Pismo Beach.

4. "The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted, it belongs to the brave." Ronald Reagan 1986.

5. While visiting wineries in the Paso Robles area, we happened upon a covered bridge. It was very quaint! The winery was enjoyable, too.

Covered Bridge at
Halter Ranch Vineyard
6. I wonder what news will be reported once the election is over? Is the world still out there somewhere?

7. I have noticed that the exit ramps from California roads, especially US 101, are not a well identified and marked as back in Maryland. 

8. Tomorrow is election day. If you haven't yet, get out an vote. Make your voice heard.

9. Veteran's Day is on Friday this week. Hug a Vet and thank them for their service.

10. One of the hardest things to find while on a trip is decent coffee.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Out the Hotel Window - Lompoc, CA, November


Out My Hotel Window
Lompoc, CA
November, 2016
Sometimes, left to my own devices, I don't choose a hotel room for a view. Such is the case of our room in Lompoc on this trip. 

I wanted easy access and no stairs for dragging wine bottles into the room. After all, we are visiting wineries and planning to bring at least a case of wine back to Maryland with us in our trusty wine carrier. For that convenience,  little did I realize, I was be rewarded with a view of bushes outside my room. I almost feel as if I am underground. In addition, the window is extremely dirty and diffuses the light.


Sunset near Ventura, CA
November 4, 2016
I am disappointed, of course, because I would prefer to enjoy stunning vistas and spectacular sunsets, similar to what Chris and I experienced during our drive from Los Angeles to Lompoc on Friday.

Practicality overshadowed beauty on this trip. 

But we are having a great time and visited some great wineries while viewing some stunning scenery yesterday.

Today is another day and although the scene outside my hotel window won't change much, the scenery along my journey promises to be different.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Dream Big for America


Set against the backdrop of 2016 and perhaps the most contentious election in recent history filled with vulgarities and dirt almost never before seen, I visited the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, yesterday.

Outside the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
What a change. I think everyone needs to get in touch with how American politics used to be. When Reagan was elected, the Republicans did not control the House of Representatives--but the country still got things done. There was a dedication to America and the country and less to partisan politics.

Ronald Reagan had a vision for America--and it was a positive vision for the future. I saw a video of a Presidential Debate and the the words were firm but polite. Our current brand of politics have become thuggish. Where the 80's the good old days? Certainly not! Reagan took office facing out of control gas prices and double digit inflation. I remember the interest rate of the first house that Chris and I bought was 11.75 percent!!

Me Next to Reagan's Air Force 1
Tail Number 27000
The election of 1980 was not an election where the choice was the lesser of two evils, but rather it was a choice between two visions for America. The election was not filled with personal attacks, but rather it was defined by laying out a path for the future.

I cringe at the thought of the future right now. I wonder if either of our candidates has any vision for America's future other than becoming our next President.

Chris, Riding Next to President Reagan
Visiting the Reagan Library and Museum was almost a religious experience. I truly came into adulthood during the 80's and I grew up immersed in the issues facing America at that time. I remember how President Reagan took America by the reins and changed direction--not with words, but by actions.

In his State of the Union address during January 1984, President Reagan said, "America is too great for small dreams."

We are faced, during this election it seems, with  flawed and small dreams for America. We are faced with the vilest form of partisanism. Who is offering a choice and a vision for America and for everyone and not just select groups?

"I know our people will not fail America. They never have. Our task is to be sure our leaders do not fail the American people."
                                         Ronald Reagan, 1982

-- Bob Doan, writing from Lompoc, CA

Friday, November 4, 2016

Drone Games


Patrick's Karma drone
Patrick showed up on my doorstep the other evening with a great new toy: the GoPro Karma drone.

Nice.

We flew it around the neighborhood for a bit--and it is really nice. Much better than the inexpensive drone that I have. Mine is so light I don't even need to register it. 

The drone flies so easily--GPS and gyro stabilized. 

It was a lot of fun, but a bit scary because of the trees. 

I want one. 

I have no idea what on earth I would do with it, but I do want one to play with. 

I think the gyro stabilized images will be awesome. I'm looking forward to some daytime images of the house from the air!

Boys and toys. How true.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Cubs WIN!



Game 7 did not disappoint. It had everything that baseball has come to expect from a Game 7: drama, homers, rain delay, and scoring, but most importantly it showcased two teams playing some of the best baseball possible ending a season that began seven months ago.


Yes, I was up late last evening. No, I was not awake for the deciding 10th inning because I had to preserve something for work today. The rain delay at midnight east coast time caused me to evaluate my options and choose some sleep and to read about the winners in the morning.

What an inning it was. Two runs scored for the Cubs and one for the Indians. 


The Cubs won their first championship since 1908! That is historic! Even the New York Times documented the occasion with an image on the first page. The movie "Back to the Future" was off by only one year!

The Cleveland Indians now possess the longest championship drought in baseball, as they last won the World Series during 1948!

And so, the 2016 MLB campaign has ended. The boys of summer have struggled since April and finally, a champion has been crowned. 

Tonight, I can go to bed at a reasonable hour! Spring Training does not begin until February!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Game 7--Tonight


Although it did not look likely a few days ago, the Cubs hailing from Chicago will meet the Indians from and in Cleveland for the final and deciding game of the 2016 World Series tonight.

It is going to be a long evening for me as I anticipate watching the game to completion.

Just Sunday evening, it appeared that the Cubs would fall short in their quest to end the championship drought, but game 5 apparently was a turning point. Last evenings 9 runs, in their 9-3 win, propelled the Cubs into the deciding, and final, game 7.

Nine runs last evening in game 6 almost equalled their total run production for the first five games--which was 10. 

Game 7's are magical and heart-breaking. There is no tomorrow and one of the two teams that has been playing for the Championship of the World will go home a "loser." Although, really, by playing in a World Series how can a team ever be considered a loser? There are 28 other teams that did not make the World Series. 

I am not going to make a prediction for the game, because by their very nature, Game 7's are almost unpredictable. Here are some interesting facts:

 -  The Cubs last World Series appearance was Game 7 in 1945 against the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers won, in Wrigley Field, Chicago, 9-3; which was the score of last night's game (how strange is that?). 

 - Since 1991, the six World Series have gone to game 7 and the home teams have won 5 times. In 2014, the Giants defeated the Royals in Kansas City.

 -  The last time that Cleveland was in the World Series was 1997 and they lost game 7 to the Marlins in Florida. They lost 3-2 in 11 innings.

It seems that history is against the Cubs, but still, I want the Cubs to win tonight. 

Let's go Cubs! And then next season I want to be able to use one of those World Series tickets that I get from the Orioles for a home game!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Good-bye Halloween, Hello November


Another Halloween is over and October now is past.
The trees are getting bare and the cold is coming fast. 

The Kids Before Setting off to Trick or Treat
Happy November. It is the season of the turkey! The calendar continues to slip away, day by day, and the end of the year is approaching.

Sunday marks the end of daylight saving time and with it the darkness really begins to take over as the slide towards the winter solstice begins in earnest.

Candidates Trick or Treating
Last evening's festivities were enjoyable observed with the grandsons. They conquered the neighborhood in Odenton and retrieved a major haul of candy from the generous homeowners. There were a number of excellent costumes. And, I even spied the presumptive future President of the U.S. out trick or treating in the neighborhood. Both candidates were out together carrying a baby. I took a picture as proof. I was surprised that "The Donald" was not wearing a red tie, however.

But the fun and games of October has become the serious contemplation of the November national election. It is time, America, to choose our next President. I do not recall a race as tumultuous since the 60's. 

And November has arrived. It is decision time now that the fun times are behind us.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

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