Taking the Field

Mike Gathering the Team Before Practice
March 19, 2018

There is a big storm racing towards the Mid-Atlantic region. Hopefully the last gasp of Winter.

GORC Dodgers Take the Field
March 19, 2018

Spring begins today, if you can believe it, at 12:15 PM. Just after noon. 

The weather, however, will definitely be more winter-like during the next couple of days.

A sure sign of Spring, however, is baseball. Last evening the GORC Dodgers took the practice field for the third time and continued their journey developing as baseball players.

There team is actually pretty talented. We have a few pitchers, including Jax, and they have a good sense of how to play defense. It is going to be a great season. It is amazing how quickly practice passes when we are all busy and having fun.

Now, all we need is warmer weather. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 19, 2018

1. Spring begins in two days, even though it doesn't seem like it.

Chris at Carroll Park
March 18, 2018

2. Yesterday's weather was a great foretaste of Spring. The temperature made it into the mid-the 50s. 

3. Chris and I snuck out for a quick round of golf yesterday. I had an interesting round, I think I hit every tree on the course with a ball--it was frustrating. 

Around the Smoking Fire Pit
March 18, 2018

4. The evening was pleasant and we tried sitting around the fire pit, but the wood was a bit damp and we were soon overcome with smoke. We headed under the deck for a propane fire pit to finish off happy hour. 

5. Sunday was a good day to get some lawn work done, and I was successful in getting the work done. 

6. The situation in D.C. has become incredible. That any governing is being done is a miracle. Don't forget, there is another government shutdown looming.

7. There is a major winter storm looming, the region should begin panicking soon.

8. How about Syracuse making the March Madness's Sweet 16? Who saw that coming?

Headlines

Poisoning of Russian ex-spy puts spotlight onMoscow’s secret military labs - The Washington Post

Wireless firms seek to preempt local authority to install 5G equipment in neighborhoods - The Washington Post
Disabled Veterans Waited Up to Seven Months for VA to Fix Their Wheelchairs - The Washington Free Beacon

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"There is one other obligation that all of us as citizens must face up to if we are to preserve our freedom: We must restore the security of America. Without that security, survival itself is in doubt." Address Before a Joint Session of the Alabama State Legislature in Montgomery, March 15, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Despite the Weather . . .

We are a resilient bunch.

With the temperatures rising from an early morning low of 24 degrees into the mid-30's, baseball practice for the GORC Dodgers U10 baseball team was conducted for an hour-and-a-half yesterday. We had a great practice and the boys were really ready for the workouts.

It was cold, but the calm winds made it bearable. 



The temperatures are not expected to improve much this week. It is a very depressing forecast. More cold, ice, snow, and gray skies are in the forecast.

Getting outside despite the cold weather is important. 

Today, there may be some golf in my future. The temperature is expected to get into the 50's and a nine hole round is possible. A short respite form the crappy weather. 

And then there will likely be some yard work accomplished to continue to get ready for the season ahead. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Common Theme--COLD!

Sunset over a Venice, Florida Beach
March 8, 2018

It was a crazy week. Although I traveled the East Coast form Florida to New York, there was one common theme: cold!

Last week at this time I was in Florida and while that should be enough, it was cold in Florida. I go to Florida during March to experience a taste of what is to come when Summer finally breaks here in Maryland. I was disappointed because the temperatures were in the 60's and low 70's--except, of course, for the day I departed when the 80's finally appeared.

Geese in Niagara Falls
March 12, 2018

I did make it to a beach, briefly, while I was in Florida, but it was too cold to stay. Even with a coat on the temperatures were crashing into the 40's and it was just plain cold.

I arrived home after 8PM Sunday night and was on the road for Niagara Falls by 6:30AM Monday morning. If that is not a shock to the system, then I do not know what is.

I really got to experience cold in Niagara Falls. Even the geese were cold!

Leaving Niagara Falls, I returned to Maryland where it was also cold!

It is cold!

The temperature may crawl into the 50's tomorrow, but there are no 70's in sight.

It is 25 degrees outside right now and I have baseball practice in three short hours. 

That means more cold!

I hope it gets warm soon.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

2018 Valspar Championship Reflections

Tiger Woods
Valspar Championship Round 2
March 9, 2018

Jordan Spieth
Valspar Championship Round 2
March 9, 2018

It is hard to believe that is has already been a week since I attended the second round of the  2018 Valspar Championship. 

It was my first PGA Tournament in person and Jeremy was very patient with me as I tased a lot of questions as we walked the course.

What a day it turned out to be. It was fun to walk the course and watch the pros play golf. I was impressed and amazed with the access. I was also happy that i was never near anyone who yelled "It's in the hole" as soon as the club connected with the ball.

It was fortuitous that Tiger Woods was in a threesome with Jordan Spieth and Henrik Stenson on that day. I really like watching Jordan and Jeremy is a huge Tiger fan. 

Tiger Woods
Valspar Championship Round 2
March 9, 2018

I took a lot of images of the activities, but I also videoed some of the hits and putts. 

The day was cool and so it was not a tedious and hot walk like it will be as the season wears on. I actually enjoyed the sun and the crowd, which was very well behaved. 

I love seeing the course and how it was prepared for the pros. The sound of their clubs hitting the ball was different form any sound that my club has ever made.

All-in-all it was a great event. I wish I had time to do more of the rounds. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Golf Course Critters

Florida in March provides med a chance to get back into touch with the critters that inhabit golf courses. 

Some of them are downright dangerous--like the gators. Some are just enjoyable to watch like the birds, especially the sand cranes (which I failed ot take a picture of this year even though they were everywhere). I love the way they scream like I imagine a pterodactyl would sound.

It is a different experience though walking to the waters edge and having to check for gators. I have a rule about never putting my hand in the water just in case I missed one lurking just off shore. Yes, they are big, but they are stealthy. 

Stealthy Gator
Jim Schaecher took this image

The wildlife on the golf course reminds me that it is possible to be in harmony with nature. Respect the diversity and live together.

There is do much more to do on a golf course than hit the little white ball around.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Hotel Window - Niagara Falls, NY

Out the Hotel Window
March 12, 2018

I was expecting a breathtaking view out my hotel window while staying in Niagara Falls, but alas it was not to be. 

Out the Hotel Window #2
March 13, 2018

I did manage a before and after image out the window during my brief, one-night stay at the Hampton Inn on Niagara Avenue. The before was the day of arrival and the after was the day of departure. The difference was a snow storm. Ugh! 

Do we really need to experience snow during the month of March? I think not. 

Snow Falling on the Niagara River
March 12, 201 8

I tried to take an image of the same scene out window, but somehow I forgot how I had oriented the camera. 

Spring is just a week away. Count 'em, seven days. 

I did enjoy the fluffy flakes falling on the Niagara River while we were out watching the water plunge across the falls. It is a scene that I am sure not many people get to see because they are not crazy enough to visit during the the cold, still, winter season. 

I am glad to be south today, although the temperature at the house this morning is 28 degrees. Too cold to be Spring.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Florida to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls
March 12, 2018

It has been a crazy couple days. Sunday I was in 80 degree temperatures in Florida. Yesterday I arrived in frozen Niagara Falls to attend a funeral for one of Chris's aunts. This morning it is snowing liberally and a blizzard is hitting the east coast.

I want to go back to Florida.

I drove past snow covered golf courses on the way here and reflected upon some of my better strokes in the bright, warm Florida sun just hours before.

It is amazing how so much weather can be packed in such a short time.

The images I took of the falls show the power of the water in the frigid temperatures it was a good time to visit as there were no crowds. Similarly, many of t
he touristy attractions were not open. But parking was plentiful.

I guess I enjoy visiting popular attractions during the off season.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Niagara Falls, NY

Monday Musings - March 12, 2018

The Team for the Golf and Baseball Weekend
Jim, Andy, Jeremy, Bird, Mike, Me Steve

1. The golf and baseball weekend was successfully completed and I have returned to the cold northern climate. I wish I was still in Florida!

Final Score
Pirates vs Orioles
March 10, 2018

2. I learned something about golf this weekend. If you play every day, either you get better or your muscles quit working.

3. I got to run the bases at Ed Smith Stadium. I think it is pretty cool that they have a seniors run the bases event. Up north at Camden Yards they only have a kids run the bases event.

Banana Tree and Fern

4. I want a banana tree in my back yard.

5. Sometimes flying can be very interesting. Yesterday Jeremy and I sat next to Senator Ben Cardin on the flight from Tampa to Baltimore. We did not discuss politics.

6. I thoroughly enjoyed the Valspar PGA Event. Where else can you get up close and personal with the golf legends?

Headlines

How Trump’s Disdain for the Iran Deal Makes a North Korea Pact Even Harder - The New York Times

Jordan Spieth
Valspar Championship
March 9, 2018

China’s Xi Jinping gets expanded mandate, may rule for life - AP

Missouri is a destination wedding spot — for 15-year-old brides - The Kansas City Star



Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"There is one other obligation that all of us as citizens must face up to if we are to preserve our freedom: We must restore the security of America. Without that security, survival itself is in doubt." Address Before a Joint Session of the Alabama State Legislature in Montgomery, March 15, 1982

-- Bob Doan, writing from Elkridge, MD

Bridge with ears

The Skyway bridge over part of Tampa Bay is an interesting and somewhat pretty structure. I stopped to take a picture of it on our way to the airport.

It was a beautifully warm and sunny day. Finally. The cold gave way to a nice warm 80 degree day. The day began to get warm during our morning golf round at Sarasota National. Although gray and foggy as we teed off, the gray cleared and the bright warmth was appreciated.

It is too bad the Florida warmth arrived as our group was leaving. But even the brief warmth made returning to the cold north difficult.

Cue Spring. When is Summer?

— Bob Doan, writing from Tampa, Florida