Ready for the Holidays

The Christmas Lights Go Up
November 19, 2018

Two days in a row now, I have not worked on the basement remodel project. It has been a nice respite, but I need to get back at it soon. The stair treads are arriving today or tomorrow and they are the last major part of the project. 

Last evening Chris and I began two Christmasfy the house. We started outside because the weather was warmer than it is going to be during the next week.While I usually put the outside lights up on Veterans Day, I was busy with the remodel and could not get out to get them up. And I think it rained all day anyway.

Yesterday, as soon as I arrived home after work, Chris and I began to get the lights up. It is a lot easier when it is warmer outside.

We do not turn the lights on until the day after Thanksgiving, but at least they will be ready. I still need to hang the wreath, but at least most of the lights are in place. 

Turkey in Front of the Fireplace

Happy Holidays? 

The Christmas season is upon us.

Wait, Happy Thanksgiving! My turkey still occupies its proud place in front of the fireplace.

Merry Christmas.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - November 19, 2018

1. It is the third Monday in November. We have cruised into the last half of November and we celebrate Thanksgiving this week.

The Bar
November 18, 2018

2. Home improvement projects drag on for a long time after the enthusiasm is gone. I just want to be complete, but it seems everyday I discover something else that needs to be done.

3. Enjoying a nice November, late-Autumn, day means working outside raking leaves and getting the grounds ready for Winter.

4. Family NFL Results

    Ravens (5-5) defeated Bengals 24-21

    Cowboys (5-5) defeated Falcons 22-19

    Steelers (7-2-1) defeated Jaguars 20-16

    Redskins (6-4) lost to Texans 21-23

5. I have to report that the traffic experience in the region during last week's weather event was as difficult as expected from Maryland drivers. 

6. For those keeping up with my treatment progress, they added one in yesterday (yes, Sunday) to compensate for being off on Black Friday. I now have 30 completed and 14 remaining! Completion date is now December 10th!

7. It is amazing how pets are adaptable. Whenever we bring new animals into the house for a brief time, they all seem to adapt and get along. We enjoyed Jeremy's two dogs Saturday evening for a few hours.

8. We have had three days without rain! What a miracle. I need to drain water from the pool.

9. Next up? Christmas lights. I usually get them up on Veterans Day, but it was raining and I was heavily engaged in the basement remodel project.

10. Today in History. On November 19, 1863, at the dedication of a military cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincolndelivers one of the most memorable speeches in American history. In just 272 words, Lincoln brilliantly and movingly reminded a war-weary public why the Union had to fight, and win, the Civil War.

Headlines

Stalemate at APEC Forum Over U.S.-China Trade Dispute: ‘Entire World Is Worried’ - The New York Times

Why Teenagers Mix Drinking and Sex - The New York Times

Yemen’s Houthis halt missile attacks on Saudi coalition - Reuters

Trump’s attack on retired admiral who led bin Laden raid escalates a war of words - The Washington Post

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

I have always believed that this anointed land was set apart in an uncommon way, that a divine plan placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the Earth who had a special love of faith and freedom. Our pioneers asked that He would work His will in our daily lives so America would be a land of morality, fairness, and freedom.

  -- Proclamation 4979—Thanksgiving Day, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Remodel Project: An Update

I haven't written about the remodel project in a few days, but it continues as our basement is transformed.

Cabinets and Counter
November 18, 2018

The results are finally beginning to be seen. Yesterday was spent finally installing the cabinets and counter. What a process that was. We bought cabinets that measures 48 inches. And we bought a premed countertop that measured 48 inches. Silly me. Of course a 48 inch countertop is not big enough for base cabinets of the same size. So, we had to return the 48 inch top and buy a 60 inch top for $40 more and cut 10 inches off it. Ugh, what a waste, but now it all goes together.

The Room
November 18, 2018

I had never cut laminate before and I received some good help at Lowe's. I also got a nice new circular saw. The job went very well. We still have to install an as yet unpurchased toe kick under the cabinets.

We originally were going to install a wall cabinet above the counter, but it arrived damaged and had to be returned. We have since decided to enjoy the space and add some lights instead.


The room is coming together and we have three areas for conversation and enjoyment. There is the bar, the wine barrel table, and the sofa area for watching television. We tried it out with friends on Friday night, and it worked pretty well. 

Chris and I are enjoying the remodeled space.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Post-Election Headache

I have enjoyed watching television again without being assaulted by political ads bashing candidates. By the time election day arrived I was becoming numb to the ads.

I feel a great sense of relief that it is all over.

I'm not sure how the results are going to play out in results. I fear that we are looking at two years of governmental gridlock. I'm guessing that there will be at least one government shutdown as the two parties struggle for control.

I remember seeing similar scenes in other countries while I was growing up. I never believed that it would happen here. 

Sadly, I fear that the rollercoaster ride is just beginning.

It has started with the discussions and posturing about who will be the next Speaker of the House. I am concerned even about this since the party of the incoming majority cannot seem to agree on where to start with this issue.

Personally, I would like to see a clean start and a bipartisan approach, alas, that is not likely to happen.

While at least I don't have to suffer through political campaign ads, I have to keep seeing it all play out in the news.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The First Snow

The Yard
November 15, 2018

Looking up the Street about 5 PM
November 15, 2018

Yesterday brought the first snow of the season to the area. 

The region shuddered. Schools were closed. Businesses delayed. Drivers gripped their steering wheels in death grips as they navigated the streets.

I, thankfully, was spared the worst of the event because I was at work and only had to deal with some slushy parking lots and wet streets when I departed for the end of the day.

I watched the traffic patterns as I departed for the day and was able to avoid the worst of the traffic. 

Sadly, the snow had helped remove the remaining leaves from the trees and the landscape has not almost completely adopted its winter season look. Trees without leaves now are generally the standard when looking across the landscape.

Weather Forecast for Elkridge, MD

Despite my wishes to the contrary, we have moved into the last half of November, or Movember for some of us. The first snow is out of the way and the good news that there is that there is no rain in the forecast for the next 8 days--until next weekend, of course. I am very excited. Perhaps the lawn will dry enough so that I can do some leaf removal and cut more wood to get ready for the winter.

We have not has a stretch that long without precipitation in a while. I have a lot of outside things to accomplish as the basement remodel has moved into the frustrating final stages. I am beginning to understand why some people never finish projects, the final few items can be appallingly hard. I am currently struggling with the cabinets--which are disappointingly poorly constructed. But that is a tale for another day.

Bring on the sunshine!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Odds and Ends Thursday

What's Wrong in this Image

It is Thursday! The threat of a winter storm has moved into the area and the rush hour should be a mess a bit later in the morning.

It is always an event in this area when bad weather arrives. 

So I have a few updates and some questions this morning. 

The first question is what is wrong in the image to the left?

This is how I found my gate after others had been kind enough to lock up after themselves. The problem? How does leaving the key in the lock really secure the gate?

Not sure.

Cabinets in Place
November 14, 2018

By way of update for the remodel project in the basement, the cabinets arrived last evening. Chris and I picked them up at Lowes and began the process of installation. They look good in the location we chose for them. 

We have a cabinet to install above them. I actually will install the cabinets tonight. Yes, I will install the wall cabinet before the base cabinet. We are still unsure about installing a sink, but will retain the option for the future. 

So, what about the electric wire? It will be used to power under cabinet lights. 

It is exciting that the project is nearing completion, but, there are still so many things remaining before we can consider the project complete.  

Mom and Lucas
November 12, 2018

Finally, I have a nice image of Mom with Lucas. Lucas had the opportunity to play with his great-grandmother while they were here for a short visit. 

It was fun to watch them together. Lucas does not get many opportunities to enjoy the company of Mom, nor she, him. 

It was a short, but meaningful visit! And we christened the remodeled basement, even though it was not yet complete.

An assortment of thoughts for the Thursday morning.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

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

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 school body assembled in the gym for the Veterans Day celebration. There were readings and poems, and songs along with a keynote address from a Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer. But, there was also unbridled patriotism and, I believe, a genuine effort to honor the veterans, the moms, dads, and grandparents who were in attendance.

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 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

2. The basement project is nearing completion. The bar is supposed to arrive today. 

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

In China, Desperate Patients Smuggle Drugs. Or Make Their Own. - The New York Times

Iran military says it is ready to protect oil tankers against threats - Reuters

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

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:

From Time Magazine:

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan explained why the old label for the day had ceased to be applicable:

…I may be one of the few people in this room who remembers when Veterans Day was called Armistice Day, commemorating the armistice that ended the First World War on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year in 1918. And I might add, I not only remember when it was called that day, I guess we may be the only ones that were on the streets in the wild celebration of the first and actual Armistice Day when it was signed.

Armistice Day honored those who gave their lives in “the war to end all wars”— a day of hope that they had not given their lives in vain. But within a few years, and in spite of an impressive effort on the part of the Western democracies to limit arms and to outlaw war, aggressors rearmed and war came again. Ironically, Armistice Day was made a legal holiday in the United States in 1938, just 1 year before a second and more terrible conflagration swept across Europe.

President Reagan at Arlington
Veterans Day 1986

President Reagan's 1986 Veterans Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery contains some inspiring words.

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