Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Why I'm Growing a Mustache
I am growing a mustache.
More than a few people have noticed the addition to my lip as it is finally, after two weeks, beginning to become visible to the casual observer.
Why, some ask? I have never before seriously grown facial hair.
Well, it is Movember.
What is Movember? It is a month devoted to highlighting men's health issues. Everyone knows that October is breast cancer awareness month, it is hopes that November will become synonymous with men's health issues: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
These are tough issues for men to discuss, but men's very lives depend upon bringing these issues into the open.
Men die, on average, six years sooner than women.
The Movember Foundation is dedicated to highlighting men's issues. The Movember Foundation is the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year round. They have one goal: to stop men dying too young.
One visible way that men show support for men's health issues if to grow a mustache, or moustache, during November. And provide other support to the foundation to fund men's health awareness.
Grow a Mo, save a Bro!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Veterans Day 2018 - A Special Tribute
Veterans Day fell on Sunday this year meaning that the holiday covered two days. That was a good thing.
While it is unfortunate that the children in most Maryland schools have to attend classes on Veterans Day, because of that I attended one of the most touching and memorable Veterans Day celebrations I can remember. The event was held yesterday at Waugh Chapel Elementary School in Odenton.
I was invited is because my grandson Jackson is in the fifth grade there. Even better, he had a speaking part in the Veterans Day assembly. I was honored to attend, but I have to admit I was not entirely sure what I was going to find once the assembly began.
The assembly began by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and then singing the Star Spangled Banner. The readings were short, as they should be to maintain the attention of the school children. Jackson did a spectacular job reading his poem and I was able to capture it on video. I was genuinely touched as the entire student body sang God Bless the USA. They sang with enthusiasm and I felt proud to be there in attendance to see and hear them. I admit, I enjoyed listening to them sing so much that I did not record the moment. It is, however, etched in my memory--the Waugh Chapel Elementary student body singing in unison and the growing enthusiasm as the song continued.
It was a most special Veterans Day and it made me proud to stand up as an American and as an American veteran!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, November 12, 2018
Monday Musings - November 12, 2018
1. It is the second Monday in November. I get a day off to observe Veterans Day.
The Finished Basement Bathroom |
Riordin in Finnegan's Bed |
3. Chris returned from Ithaca with Mom and Dad. While she and Finnegan were away Riordin appropriated the dog bed and his own. While the dog was away the cat played.
4. Family Weekend NFL Results
Steelers (6-2-1) defeated Panthers 52-21
Redskins (6-3) defeated Buccaneers 16-3
Cowboys (4-5) defeated Eagles 27-20
Ravens (4-5) were on a bye
5. Writing of sports, one wonders why the Orioles have not hired a general manager and a manager.
6. Take a minute to thank a Vet today.
7. For those counting with me, 24 down and 20 to go! December 11th is getting closer.
8. Today in History. On this day in 1954, Ellis Island, the gateway to America, shuts it doors after processing more than 12 million immigrants since opening in 1892. Today, an estimated 40 percent of all Americans can trace their roots through Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor off the New Jersey coast and named for merchant Samuel Ellis, who owned the land in the 1770s.
Headlines
In North Korea, Missile Bases Suggest a Great Deception - The New York Times
Iran military says it is ready to protect oil tankers against threats - Reuters
Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it's not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work -- work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it.
Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week
Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it's not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work -- work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it.
--First Inaugural Address, January 20, 1981
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Veterans Day 2018
The Temperature Outside November 11, 2018 |
Well, there can be no doubt about it now, Winter is just around the corner.
The temperature outside this morning is 24 degrees!
Brrrr.
I am glad that I am working inside, but I already miss being outside. The leaves have fallen everywhere and I need to get them off the lawns and from around the pool. But it is too cold!
Today, however, is a day to celebrate our veterans! Those who, like myself, have dedicated themselves to this Republic.
It is not a secret that I respect the thoughts and words of President Ronald Reagan, and so on this Veterans Day 2018, I have found these thoughts about the day from our former President:
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan explained why the old label for the day had ceased to be applicable:
President Reagan at Arlington Veterans Day 1986 |
Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It’s a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It’s a day to be with the family and remember.
I was thinking this morning that across the country children and their parents will be going to the town parade and the young ones will sit on the sidewalks and wave their flags as the band goes by. Later, maybe, they’ll have a cookout or a day at the beach. And that’s good, because today is a day to be with the family and to remember. -- From The Daily Signal
He went on to recognize many of our heroes during that speech, but, it contains one more line that really caught my attention:
We must always remember that peace is a fragile thing that needs constant vigilance.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Nearing Completion - I wish
Loaded for the Dump November 11, 2018 |
It was too cold to play golf this morning, anyway, so I don't feel too bad about not hitting the small ball around the course.
It is hard to believe that the floor was only begun to be laid one week ago. The baseboards are nearly compete and items are being completed as the end draws near.
That written, there are still many things left to accomplish.
I have to get back to the basement and get cracking one the remaining items. So much to so, but looking better with each passing day. This project turned out to be much larger than I had imagined.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Friday, November 9, 2018
Frenetic Friday
My Favorite Thanksgiving Decoration The Season of the Turkey |
The remodel project is in full swing. I have an assortment of tasks to complete there as the rooms inch ever closer to being able to support occupancy.
This is also a rare three-day Veterans Day weekend. With Veterans Day falling on Sunday, I get to enjoy what is called Veterans Day Observed on Monday! As I looked at the calendar I realized that the season of the Turkey is almost over. Black Friday is just two weeks away and Thanksgiving is now less than two weeks from being here. November is drawing to a close and it only just seems like it was beginning. Which, in fact it is, it is only the 9th, it just seems later as time is slipping away so quickly.
This weekend is a good example of time slipping by. In addition to working the basement remodel project, I also usually hang the outdoors Christmas lights on Veterans Day. We don't illuminate them until Black Friday to signal the beginning of the Christmas marathon. And, we still have not cut the ornamental grasses around the pool. And, since it has been raining, I have not removed the leaves from the lawn.
So many things and so little time.
Have a memorable Veterans Day!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Project Update: Flooring Installed
The Money Shot Flooring Completed November 8, 2018 |
It has been a struggle. I had hoped to be complete this weekend, but I still have cabinets to order and the treads for the stairs will not arrive until next week.
The new bar, however, arrives Monday and I am very excited.
The washer and dryer are back in place and my task is to return the area to livable conditions. I have the baseboards installed in the back bedroom, with the exception of two oddly shaped pieces that were kicking my butt last night when I was tired.
One of the hardest things we did last evening was to reinstall the washer and dryer. It was hard because the pair of essential household machines are older and the rubber feet are deteriorating a bit and they left marks on the new floor as I jiggered them into position. After some minutes of scrubbing, the flooring was restored to its "new-ness."
I finally feel as if the end is in sight on the project. We are still hemorrhaging money, but that too is beginning to slow. I sorely underestimated the total cost of the project. The little things do mount up.
But it is going to be grand when finally completed!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Project Update: Floors
Laundry Room with Washer and Dryer Removed Ready for Flooring November 6, 2018 |
It has been a struggle, but the floors in the laundry, bath, and back bedroom are all prepared for the installation.
Basement Bedroom Ready for Flooring November 6, 2018 |
Additionally, the walls have been painted and touched up.
Even after the floors are installed, we will have a number of things to complete. New cabinets will need to be installed and some of them have not yet been purchased.
The new bar arrives Monday! A true Veterans Day celebration.
It will be good to have the floors installed and get the basement back into function order. There are still so many things out of place., like the washer and the dryer.
We are still deciding about the stairs. It is amazing how expensive the materials are to upgrade the stairs! Ugh. I have a feeling that tis project is going to continue until well into December. It may never be complete.
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Monday, November 5, 2018
Monday Musings - November 5, 2018
1. It is the first Monday in November. There are less than 60 days remaining in 2018 and 50 days until Christmas. More importantly, there are 17 days until Thanksgiving.
Although Not Complete, Reclaiming Living Space The Remodel Project Continues November 4, 2018 |
Lucas Unpacking Wine November 4, 2018 |
3. It was tough to stay awake last evening. It was dark so early. The dark season has arrived.
4. Work on the basement project continues. We cleaned things up a lot and made the space livable. We even watched a TV show from the room last evening.
5. Lucas was a great help yesterday as the wine closet was repopulated. He enjoyed putting the wine bottles back into the wine rack. He was very careful and we appreciated the help.
6. Election Day is tomorrow. Vote or don't complain about the outcome.
7. For those counting with me, 19 completed and 25 to go. I hit the halfway point this week.
8. I watched the sun rise yesterday. I was reminded about how vibrant the colors of the autumn are against a crystal blue sky. The trees have donned their party costumes to celebrate the last party before winter arrives.
9. Family NFL Weekend Results
Dallas (3-4) plays tonight
Ravens (4-5) lost to Steelers (5-2-1) 16-23
Redskins (5-3) lost to Falcons 38-14
10. The season of the turkey has arrived!
11. Today in History. On this day in 1994, George Foreman, age 45, becomes boxing’s oldest heavyweight champion when he defeats 26-year-old Michael Moorer in the 10th round of their WBA fight in Las Vegas. More than 12,000 spectators at the MGM Grand Hotel watched Foreman dethrone Moorer, who went into the fight with a 35-0 record. Foreman dedicated his upset win to “all my buddies in the nursing home and all the guys in jail.”
Headlines
Sunday, November 4, 2018
The Floor Begins to Take Shape
Floor Installation Steve Takes a Break November 3, 2018 |
It looks great.
While the guys doing the installation were installing the flooring in the main room, Chris and I were working in the laundry room and bathroom doing painting and preparation.
The Repaired Wall |
I was finally able to paint the repaired wall where a large piece of dry wall was installed. It came out perfectly! I was impressed.
Riordin Inspecting the Laundry Room Ready for Flooring |
It was a long day. Chris and I got started about 7 AM and Eric and Steve, the flooring installers arrived shortly after 9. They worked until about 7 PM. We did, however, enjoy happy hour together.
More work to do! Chris and I have to stay in front of them and I think we have a plan to do just that. The floors are prepped, it is just a matter of painting and moving furniture so they have a clear shot.
And then there will be the moldings and baseboards that will have to be installed.
New cabinets are also being procured to replace the ones that were removed. It is quite a project and I still hope that we will be finished, mostly, by next Saturday!
-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)