Monday Musings - April 20, 2020

1. Welcome to the last third of April. After a warm start, the weather has turned cold. Too cold. The winemakers of Maryland and Virginia suffered through harvest killing frosts over the weekend.

Eastern Redbud Tree
the Usual View
Elkridge, MD
April 19, 2020

2. Coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, is still raging and most small businesses remain shuttered. As of this morning there are 759,786 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the U.S. which have resulted in 40,683 deaths. Get the current numbers at COVID-19 Map.

Eastern Redbud Tree from Above
Radio Flyer in Action
Elkridge, MD
April 19, 2020

3. I had this really cool idea about flying my drone to get a view of our redbud tree from above. I thought the perspective would be interesting. And, indeed it was an interesting image. I took an image from the side of the tree, the usual view, and one from above--sadly, even though it is the same tree, the color saturation is different. But the effect is interesting. It was fun navigating Radio Flyer, my drone, among the branches of the other trees that tower above the redbud tree in a light wind. 

4. It truly is frustrating that gasoline prices are so low, but I have no where that I need to drive. 

5. The cold weather has made working outside difficult, until yesterday. With temperatures in the 60's it was fun to be outside. I finally completed the brake job on my truck! New pads and rotors for the front. Good for another 55,000 miles!

6. On my daily walk I discovered . . . Walking basically the same route every day, I have begin to really notice the changes of the season and the activity happening in the neighborhood. I recently, over the course of three days, watch a new deck be built on one house. 

7. It is supposed to be in the 60s again today! Yay!

8. Finnegan likes to bark at squirrels! They ignore him, which of course makes him bark more.

9. Today in History. On April 20, 1999, two teenage gunmen kill 13 people in a shooting spree at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, south of Denver. At approximately 11:19 a.m., Dylan Klebold, 18, and Eric Harris, 17, dressed in trench coats, began shooting students outside the school before moving inside to continue their rampage. By 11:35 a.m., Klebold and Harris had killed 12 fellow students and a teacher and wounded another 23 people. Shortly after noon, the two teens turned their guns on themselves and committed suicide.


Headlines

Hong Kong Arrests Spark Anger From Movement That Has Left the Streets - The Wall Street Journal

Protests Against Stay-at-Home Orders Grow, Encouraged by Trump - The New York Times

In Pandemic, a Remote Russian Region Orders a Lockdown on Information - The New York Times

South Koreans return to work, crowd parks, malls as social distancing rules ease - Reuters

Deserted Thai beaches lure rare turtles to build most nests in 20 years - Reuters

Top Navy admiral to decide fate of ousted Captain Crozier - OANN

At least 16 people, including gunman, dead in Nova Scotia shooting — Canada’s deadliest in history - The Washington Post



Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Politicians Rage

I suppose the most important thing to remember about politicians is that we are at fault for electing them.

I remember that I once heard that you can tell a politician is lying because their lips are moving. 

I was fascinated the other day by the exchange between the president the the governor of New York.  

From Crooks and Liars.

The first move from the president:

"Governor Cuomo should spend more time doing and less time complaining. Get out there and get the job done. Stop talking. We built you thousands of hospital beds that you didn't need or use, gave large numbers of ventilators that you should have had and helped you with testing that you should be doing." 


The response from the governor:

Let's respond to the president. First of all, if he's sitting home watching tv, maybe he should get up and go to work, right? Second, let's keep emotion and politics out of this, and personal ego if we can. Because this is about the people. And it's about our job. And let's try to focus on that. 

The governor continues:

And the number came from a projection from him. Him. See, he should read the reports he issues. The White House Coronavirus Task Force had enormous -- projected in the millions of people. The CDC, which is the president, projected in the millions of people. So the projections were high. They were the president's projections. So for him to say that anyone, "Well, you relied on projections and the projections were wrong," they're YOUR projections, Mr. President. So were we foolish for relying on your projections, Mr. President?


And who loses when exchanges such as these happen?

We do! The sick and dying people lose. 

Exchanges such as these demonstrate that our elected leaders have taken their eyes off the issue and problem and are moving into damage control and finger pointing. 

Our elected officials need to set their political differences and egos aside to solve the crisis. Let the finger pointing happen when it is over and no one really cares.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It Really is Saturday

Tulips
Elkridge, MD
April 16, 2020

It doesn't just feel like just another Saturday in an unending string of Saturdays--it really is Saturday. The calendar told me so!

The Diving Board and Reflection
Elkridge, MD
April 16. 2020

I could tell that it is really Saturday because it is raining and it always seems to rain on Saturdays. 

But it is Spring and the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing and the governors are trying to figure out how to safely get us all back to something resembling a functioning economy. 

In the meantime, I am getting so bored that I began taking images of the reflection of the diving board in my pool water. I actually took three images and decided that I liked this one the best. 

My Palm Tree in Florida
Tequesta, FL
November 19, 2029

The reflection of the diving board in the pool reminded me of an impressionist painting, perhaps by Monet. The wind was blowing and it took three images to get one that I liked.

I dream of visiting my palm tree in Florida. But, that trip seems further away with each passing day. The discussion about flying with fares being so inexpensive, or driving due to concerns about being crammed onto an airplane for the 2 hour 20 minute each way flight, continue to spark lively discussion. I suspect driving will win because it is the most flexible and we do have a number of things that need relocating to Florida that won't fit into an aircraft. 

But at least we are planning for when we are free to move around the country again. 

When will that be? Ever? 

And it is still early on Saturday. The Today show is on! I already mowed the lawn this week, but it is still raining.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Stimulus--Status Quo--The Usual

The news is full of discussions about the government stimulus payments.

Sadly, the stimulus has become the usual story of the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

When the Stimulus Check in Your Bank Account Isn’t What You Expected

The internet has stories about people rushing to Walmart with their newly received stimulus to buy non-critical items as big screen TVs. How is a TV more important that food or rent?

Wait--people don't need to buy food, they can go to the food banks! And they don't need to pay for rent--they can't be evicted--so of course a new big screen is suddenly an essential item.

OK, that was sarcastic! I guess I am a bit miffed at abuses because my tax dollars are funding the stimulus payments. The federal deficit is exploding--it has become too large to ever imagine paying off. And of course, the bigger problem is that if people are shopping for non-essential items, then they are not practicing social distancing. 

On the other hand, there are also multiple reports of people giving their stimulus checks to local food banks to help those who really need the help! And that is an incredibly laudable use for the stimulus money.

Important safety tip: Receipt of the stimulus payment is NOT permission to ignore social distancing and race to Walmart to buy non-essential items!

For the rest of us? We can be content to know see our tax dollars at work.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Today must be Saturday

Most Americans are rallying around the concept of social distancing and staying home to do our part so that the healthcare system is not overloaded and can tend to those stricken with COVID-19. 

Of course there's a bit of selfishness in the seemingly altruistic approach--we don't want the healthcare system overloaded in case we need it!

Before Coronavirus
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
September 11, 2019

Here are some numbers to show how Americans in general are complying. An article in The Wall Street Journal lays out the impact of the stay-at-home orders on the travel industry. The article, The Devastated Travel Industry, by the Numbers really brought home for me the impact of complying with the stay-at-home orders. Some of the numbers from that article:

Number of TSA passengers screened on April 12: 90,510; same day of the week one year ago: 2.4 million.

Hotel occupancy on Oahu: 7 percent. One year ago: 90.7 percent.

Percent of passengers Delta Airlines is flying on a typical day compared to its normal load: 5 percent.

American Airlines Tail
Phoenix, AZ
September 11, 2019

United Airlines departures from San Francisco daily: 50, the plan was for 300.

United Airlines departures from Newark daily: 16, the plan was for 400. (An April 25th flight upon which I had a ticket to Rome, Italy, is one of those canceled)

61 Year record broken: American Airlines flew its first transcontinental flight, nonstop between New York and Los Angeles, on Jan. 25, 1959. JFK-LAX had remained in American’s schedule ever since, until now. (There were cancellations for storms, 9/11 and other disruptions, but the flights remained in the schedule.) Number of JFK-LAX nonstops in current American schedule: Zero.

The impact is phenomenal. And remember, the cruise ships are not sailing. I don't have numbers for the impact there--but the bottom line is that most Americans, except in Michigan, are staying home. I cannot fathom why the people of Michigan do not get the seriousness of the stay-at-home orders--too soon they likely will need the services of the healthcare system that they overloaded. See Michigan drivers jam capital to protest coronavirus stay-at-home order.

Good for the rest of us. Staying home is hard, but I realized this morning that it is Saturday. And so is tomorrow. And the day after, and probably the day after. Now I wonder, will Monday ever come again?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Keeping Busy on Coronavirus Time

Bleeding Hearts
Elkridge, MD
April 11, 2020

It knew that yesterday was Tuesday, but I forgot. I lost track of time. Everything had devolved into projects that had no time limits.

I was busy and I was at times frustrated.

Red Bud Tree
Elkridge, MD
April 11, 2020

The obligatory things were accomplished--the newly plastered pool was brushed three times, the dog was walked, the garbage made it to the street, and the lawn was mowed for the third time this Spring. 

I attempted to do a brake job on my truck, but was thwarted due to misplaced tools. I wound up putting the tire back on the truck and going to Lowe's for the tools that I needed. I am doing an $850 brake job for $150 in parts that arrived in a next day order and now $50 in new tools. I think that is a good trade off.

But in doing the brake job and going to Lowe's, I lost track of time! I was supposed to have a 5PM Zoom meeting for Happy Hour--but did not get on until 5:30. Weird! I never miss Happy Hour!

It is all part of the new normal. Getting things done and not worrying about the time of day. I am amazed how quickly a day can escape.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Remember How it Used to Be?

Opening Day 2018
Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
March 29, 2018

With the social distancing that I have been practicing, I am wondering if I will ever be comfortable in a crowd at a baseball stadium again?

It is a weird thought.

Or how about being crammed into seats on an airplane? Or even the line to get through security at the airport?

I am incredibly suspicious of others and am diligently keeping my distance. I feel violated if someone encroaches on my personal space which has increased from 18 inches to 6 feet!

Will I ever be able to shake someone's hand again when I meet or say good-bye to them? 

And how about a hug? Will I ever hug again?

I am going to have to be deprogrammed from social distancing to return to normal. 

I wonder when the new normal will go away?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 13, 2020

1. It is the second Monday of April and as the month churns towards the halfway point we remain under a "Stay at Home" Order.

2. Coronavirus and COOVID-19 are the leading news topics from around the world. 

Dogwood Tree
Elkridge, MD
April 12, 2020

3. The dogwood tree in my backyard is in bloom as the springtime deepens. I continue to love the flowers and the colors of the Spring which portends the summer to come.

4. I keep looking at the airline fares trying to plan a trip to my Florida home, but I cannot determine when we will be free to move about the country again. 

5. The rain pounding against my window this morning will keep me from heading outside to enjoy the day. 

6. Thank goodness for Zoom, Google Duo, FaceTime, Amazon Echo Show and whatever other video communication application that there may be out there, we can be present without actually being together!

7. April showers bring May flowers -- it is really raining today!

8. Be smart--practice social distancing and stay home!

9. I noticed that cruise line fares are at an all-time low point! Perhaps a cruise is in the future.

10. Today in History. On April 13, 1997, 21-year-old Tiger Woods wins the prestigious Masters Tournament by a record 12 strokes in Augusta, Georgia. It was Woods’ first victory in one of golf’s four major championships—the U.S. Open, the British Open, the PGA Championship, and the Masters—and the greatest performance by a professional golfer in more than a century. It also made him the youngest golfer by two years to win the Masters and the first person of Asian or African heritage to win a major.
  (Personal note--I miss golf, all of the golf courses are closed!)



Headlines

Chinese Citizens Returning From Russia Fuel Coronavirus Spike - The New York Times

50 Years Ago, 3 Astronauts Survived Apollo 13. Could It Happen Again? - The New York Times

Officials worldwide declare Easter Bunny ‘essential worker’ - OANN

Smithfield shutting U.S. pork plant indefinitely, warns of meat shortages during pandemic - Reuters

Record oil output cuts fail to make waves in coronavirus-hit market - Reuters

Thomas Jefferson Quote for the Week
In honor of Thomas Jefferson's birthday, today, I decided to find a quote from him to provide inspiration for the week ahead.

Called upon to undertake the duties of the first Executive office of our country, I avail myself of the presence of that portion of my fellow citizens which is here assembled to express my grateful thanks for the favor with which they have been pleased to look towards me, to declare a sincere consciousness that the task is above my talents, and that I approach it with those anxious and awful presentiments which the greatness of the charge, and the weakness of my powers so justly inspire. A rising nation, spread over a wide and fruitful land, traversing all the seas with the rich productions of their industry, engaged in commerce with nations who feel power and forget right, advancing rapidly to destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye; when I contemplate these transcendent objects, and see the honour, the happiness, and the hopes of this beloved country committed to the issue and the auspices of this day, I shrink from the contemplation & humble myself before the magnitude of the undertaking. Utterly indeed should I despair, did not the presence of many, whom I here see, remind me, that, in the other high authorities provided by our constitution, I shall find resources of wisdom, of virtue, and of zeal, on which to rely under all difficulties. To you, then, gentlemen, who are charged with the sovereign functions of legislation, and to those associated with you, I look with encouragement for that guidance and support which may enable us to steer with safety the vessel in which we are all embarked, amidst the conflicting elements of a troubled world.
  -- Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801 in the Senate chamber


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Easter Morning

Happy Easter.

You are not alone on this highest of holidays in all of the Christ-following world! 

While we may think the story began at Christmas--in fact, the story began with creation and continued through the history of the chosen people which led us to Good Friday.  

And that is where it all changed! God's plan of redemption did not end on Good Friday, nor did it end on Easter morning. It continues to this day. And upon that is our hope built.

President Reagan, on April 2, 1983 made the following statement regarding this time of year:

My fellow Americans: 

This week as American families draw together in worship, we join with millions upon millions of others around the world also celebrating the traditions of their faiths. During these days, at least, regardless of nationality, religion, or race, we are united by faith in God, and the barriers between us seem less significant.

Observing the rites of Passover and Easter, we're linked in time to the ancient origins of our values and to the unborn generations who will still celebrate them long after we're gone. As Paul explained in his Epistle to the Ephesians, ``He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. So then you were no longer strangers and aliens, but you were fellow citizens of God's household.''

This is a time of hope and peace, when our spirits are filled and lifted. It's a time when we give thanks for our blessings -- chief among them, freedom, peace, and the promise of eternal life. 

This week Jewish families and friends have been celebrating Passover, a tradition rich in symbolism and meaning. Its observance reminds all of us that the struggle for freedom and the battle against oppression waged by Jews since ancient times is one shared by people everywhere. And Christians have been commemorating the last momentous days leading to the crucifixion of Jesus 1,950 years ago. Tomorrow, as morning spreads around the planet, we'll celebrate the triumph of life over death, the Resurrection of Jesus. Both observances tell of sacrifice and pain but also of hope and triumph.

I especially felt connected to the words at the end of the portion of the speech that I quoted, ". . . of hope and triumph."

Great pain, suffering, and death is occurring across our country and around the world right now. While we say that death is not an ending, but a beginning because of Easter morning--it never feels that way when it is happening to your family or to your friends. There is grief, and tears, and families torn asunder. Lives are being lost and it is easy to lose hope.

During this time of national crisis we need the hope that Easter provides even more! We need to place our hope in the risen one who heals, He is our hope!

Do not lose faith, cling to hope.  

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Another Coronavirus Weekend

The days are blurring one into another. It is the weekends that provide some sense of normalcy--when I am supposed to be home and we usually have more things planned into the two days than can reasonably expected to be accomplished. 

Around the Fire Pit
Elkridge, MD
April 7, 2020

I am sitting here watching Today, which is what I usually do on a Saturday morning. The difference this weekend is that there are not expansive plans, even for the holiday weekend. The Easter dinner planned for 11 people, will not happen. The Easter Egg Hunt with well over 100 eggs stuffed with prizes and cash--will not be hidden throughout the yard. 

It is a sad commentary on where we are in fighting the coronavirus. 

That we are fighting the virus individually from our homes is evident everywhere. Even around our fire pit the other night it was just the two of us, alone, instead of family and friends celebrating the completion of another beautiful day.

There is an interesting graphic opinion piece that I found in the New York Times that chronicles one family's escape from New York City. 

We Left New York With Clothes, Our Cat and Three Bottles of Disinfectant

I found it interesting and I am sure that it is a story that was repeated many times in the earlier days if the outbreak.

I hope each of you are being safe and staying well. Do not let the isolation deprive you of celebrating this holiday weekend. I have become a Zoom warrior. It seems that we are meeting with family, friends, or our church family nearly every night. We are staying in touch!

We may be in this fight individually, but we are not alone!

Happy Easter and a blessed Passover. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD