What Happened to Kinder and Gentler?

A new paradigm has been created in America during the past two or so years. People who offer differing thoughts and ideas are being vilified.

I see it in the political ads on television. I saw one last night that so repulsed me that I am seriously considering changing my party affiliation. The ad stopped just short of characterizing the opposition as enemies of the state.

It is appalling the amount of fear and hate mongering that many of the campaign ads are pushing this year. Our society, encouraged by the current administration, has become sadly polarized and that is unhealthy. The ability to engage in healthy discourse about issues has eroded and we are being forced into a single and unhealthy view of the world.

That is wrong. The problems our country and the world face require thoughtful consideration and discussion. No one person has the answers to the problems and even then, there are multiple sequences and branches that need to be considered and explored.

The recent spate of explosive devices that have been apparently mailed arounds the country to those who voice differences of opinion from the current administration are a symptom of the larger problem of intolerance. Violence against the opposition is encouraged and condoned by the lack of condemnation coming from the highest levels of our government.

The Brave New World is very scary.

Is America still the shining beacon of light for the world?

If what is happening in America today is not enough reason to get out and vote in the mid-Term elections, then I do not know what is!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Autumn Gracing the Trees

Autumn Trees
October 24, 2018

Last evening as Chris and I were walking the dogs we noticed that autumn colors were finally arriving on the trees. Perhaps the light frost of the past few mornings had jump-started the autumn colors.

The trees were highlighted in the setting sun and they were stunning on the street among the still green trees.

Sunrise over Elkridge, MD
October 24, 2018

Yesterday morning, I also noticed the sunrise on the horizon while I was sitting at a stop light on my way to work. I guess it was a day to notice the autumn.

The morning sky was clear and the sunrise on the horizon was even. The trees, which still have their leaves, were silhouetted by the color of the colorful sky.

The day was bookended by the sunrise and the last rays of the sun. In between was color and life.

Life is noticing the world around me.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday Traffic Woes

Baltimore Traffic
undated

I am unsure why, but traffic always seems heavier on Wednesdays. 

I am watching the morning traffic report and one of the announcers mentioned that the traffic is so heavy that people must be heading out for an early Thanksgiving holiday.

Pretty funny unless you have to be out in it. 

I, unfortunately, have to be out in the traffic everyday. 

Baltimore has some of the worst traffic in the country! And Wednesday's are the worst day of the week. I always plan extra time to get anywhere on Wednesdays.

Today, I get to enjoy the traffic even more because I have a morning class in one location near the airport and then get to head to my regular worksite! Yay! And, as an added bonus, I get to head off for my afternoon treatment right as the evening rush hour begins!

I used to get very frustrated by the traffic, but now I just cope with it. 

It is hump day after all! And Chris and I are still working through our major remodeling project.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Project - Step 1 Demolition Continues

Counter and Cabinets Removed
October 23, 2018

The thing about big projects is that there is always something more to do. 

Walls Prepped for Painting
October 23, 2018

During the remainder of the weekend, Chris and I were able to remove the sink base and cupboard. Yesterday Chris and some friends began prepping the wall for painting and I began to deal with the electrical issues. There are wires that need to be converted into plugs and other wires that need to be capped for future use.

We have been trying to decide on the perfect color for the walls and the paint swatches are visible just to the left of the patio door. We have narrowed it down to two colors, until another one surfaces. In the end the room is going to be a lot brighter than the current iteration.

We have been discovering some interesting things as we prepare the room. The frame that held the range hood is constructed so well that we are trying to repurpose it for something else. Not sure what that will be yet.

But, the project continues! Behind every cabinet there is a new surprise!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 22, 2018

1. The temperature was an exhilarating and way-too-cold 33 degrees this morning. The end of October is clearly in sight as the morning temperatures continue to dip closer to freezing.

2. Big projects provide a way to spend lot of time working to improve the quality of the homestead.

3. The sound of the furnace blowing warm air into the house is certainly different from the mornings where cooler air was desired. The cat likes to sit on the register to gather the warmth.

4. Family Weekend NFL Results:

   Ravens (4-3) lost to Saints (5-1) 23-24
   Cowboys (3-4) lost to Redskins (4-2) 17-20
   Redskins (4-2) defeated Cowboys (3-4) 20-17
   Steelers (3-2-1) did not play due to Bye

Tree Beginning to Change for the Autumn
Barrington, NY
October 3, 2018

5. Why is the warmest place in the house the restroom?


6. The thought of heading out into Monday morning traffic coupled with the cold is not a pleasant thought. the Parkway is already jammed!

7. The colors of Autumn in the trees do provide a short period of joy before the dark days settle in for the Winter.

8. For my friends and family who are counting down with me, 9 down and 35 to go!

9. Congratulations to Nicole and Mike and the boys for fostering their third puppy. She is a cutie and I am sure she will be adopted quickly.

Headlines

A 14-year-long oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico verges on becoming one of the worst in U.S. history - The Washington Post

Migrant Caravan Continues North, Defying Mexico and U.S. - The New York Times

Trump says U.S. to exit landmark nuclear arms pact, Russia threatens retaliation - Reuters

Things are bad at Sears. They're worse at Kmart - CNN

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

There is no more striking symbol of  democracy than the picture of a citizen casting a ballot, electing a leader, choosing his or her own destiny. 

  -- Remarks at a White House luncheon to Delegates to the Conference on Free Elections, November 4, 1982


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Step 1, Phase 1 The Project Begins

Counter and Cabinets Headed to the Landfill
October 20, 2018

It was not without its challenges, but step 1 of the demolition phase of the remodeling project was successfully completed yesterday. 

The Counter and Bar are Removed
October 20, 2018

When it was over, the counter was deconstructed and removed to the landfill. It totaled 520 pounds of construction debris but the room looks much larger than before. The hardest part turned out to be getting the foundation board off the concrete. It was both nailed into and glued onto the concrete. It was not going anywhere and had to be removed a piece at a time. The pile of wood in the picture are the remnants of the 2X10 board. It burned very nicely in the fire pit!

The big problem are the two electric wires that I need to turn into plugs and, oh yes, the missing piece of wall board! Turns out the bar was built into the basement as it was finished, which makes sense. It was build to never be removed, well, except now it is gone. 

We are definitely committed now and will be buying the new floor soon. We are also going to be painting the room  as soon as we can choose a new color. We are down to the final choices and want to get painting as soon as deconstruction is over, and when I get the wall repaired.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

On the Threshold of a Major Project

Basement Family Room
October 20, 2018

I'm sitting here at the beginning of another weekend. The rain has finally stopped, although everything is soaked. That definitely puts a damper on outdoors activities for a while, but no matter, Chris and I are lining up a major remodeling project for the basement rooms.

Laundry Room
October 20, 2018

Today we will be deconstructing the basement family room, laundry room, and bedroom including removing the counter and sink in preparation for painting and installing a new floor throughout. We have already begun to purchase furniture to populate the remodeled room.

It is always a bit daunting at the beginning of a big project. And downright scary. But we are hoping that the results are worth the effort. We have not devoted much energy to updating the basement rooms. They are the only rooms in the house that still have carpet! Both rooms have carpet that was either in place or installed as we moved into the house almost 18 years ago.

Basement Bedroom
October 20, 2018

It is a big project! 

But we hope the end results will be worth it. There will be a new floor all the way through the basement to tie everything together. 

If we can keep focus, I hope to have the project completed before Thanksgiving!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wine in the Finger Lakes

Sunrise October 4, 2018
Senaca Lake in Torrey, NY

Chris and I scooted off to the Finger Lakes region of Upstate NY for a quick get away and to sample some local wines during the early part of October. We had hoped to enjoy the colors of the autumn leaves, but the change had not yet begun. 

The Symbol of Heron Hill Winery

We were treated to some spectacular sunrises, some great white wines, all while enjoying a beautiful house on the shores of Senaca Lake in the town of Torrey, New York. 

The days went by quickly and during the time we were there we visited 13 wineries and sampled an untold number of wines. The white wines were, as expected, very nice and all had a fantastic price point. We were able to obtain a couple bottles of the New York Governor's Cup winning wine for $17.99 from Keuka Springs Vineyard. It was their 2017 Gewurtztraminer. 

While enjoying the wines was certainly a highlight of the visit, the stunning sunrises and and views over Senaca Lake were really the highlight of the trip. 

I enjoyed the sound of the gentle waves hitting the shore and Chris and I slept with the window open to let the sound of the waves provide a peaceful night's rest.

Radio Flyer took to the skies on a couple of occasions to document the sights we were seeing. 

It was a quick trip, but relaxing and enjoyable. 

I highly recommend a repeat visit, next year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Night Out

Elkridge Furnace Inn
Elkridge, MD

Dinner at the Elkridge Furnace Inn
October 16, 2018

Birthdays provide a great reason to change things up and head off for a nice dinner at a restaurant that we don't usually visit.

Chris and I did just that to celebrate both of our recent birthdays the other evening and enjoyed a great dinner at the Elkridge Furnace Inn. 

The Inn is located very close to our home, yet we do not often head there for dinner. We actually should dine there more often because we had a great dinner with superior service and an enjoyable time. 

It was very nice to get out, alone, and have a chance to talk and celebrate each other. The restaurant provided us with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine to start off the evening celebration and our waiter offered to take the image of the two of us beginning our evening out. 

It was a great evening out and we returned home to enjoy some of the cheesecake that I had made for Chris's birthday celebration.

Mmmm. cheesecake!

It was great evening out at a local restaurant.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Countdown

Russian launch to ISS
October 11, 2018

I have experienced the thrill of watching, in person, the countdown of launches into space. They are far better than watching on television, but the effect is similar.

In person, I have walked out to a beach or stopped on a causeway with a radio near to hear the NASA announcers as they talk about the time remaining to launch. The excitement builds and then t=we hear the final seconds 10..9..8..7..6..5.. all the way to zero and the engines light and the vehicle lifts off the pad and begins its journey into space.

It is thrilling!

Hopes and dreams ride with the ascending vehicle.

My Closed Pool

There are other countdowns that I employ.

How many days until my next vacation or cruise. I have an app on my phone that lets me know how many days remain. It is a countdown. The time always seems so far away--and then it is here.

Some people have the annual Christmas countdown of shopping days left until the big day! One always seems to scream by at almost light speed. But I remember as it kid it was incredibly slow. The days remains until Christmas 2018 are 69 meaning there are 68 shopping days remaining.

I have countdown for the number of days remaining until I open my pool for the next summer season. Currently it is 202. Ugh!

I am currently near the beginning of another countdown. They always seem to go slow at the beginning. I have completed 6 days and have 38 remaining. Mine is based on weekdays with Thanksgiving and Black Friday not included. December 11th will mark the completion and hopefully success!

Countdowns help me achieve goals! I cannot climb a mountain except one step at a time and I cannot reach a goal except one day at a time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD