Loss of the Season

Coronavirus related losses are mounting; affecting every aspect of life. 

While many of us are mourning the loss of professional sports, the impact on youth and high school sports is even more devastating. Entire seasons have been canceled and opportunities to improve skills through on-field competition are being lost. 

Moonrise over GORC Park
Odenton, MD
March 9. 2020

The GORC 12U baseball team that I was assisting is losing its season and while there are hopes that a season may be reconstituted during June and July, the original April 25 date for restart has come and gone with only rumor and conjecture regarding the future. The pinnacle tournament of the season was to occur in Cooperstown, NY, during late June--but that was an early victim of the coronavirus. 

A month-and-a-half ago on March 9th, the team had its first outdoors practice after working out all winter in an indoors facility. I snapped this image of the moon rising over the field feeling full of hope and excitement as the reality of the upcoming season was finally coming to fruition. The lights were on and we were practicing baseball. I wrote about the optimism of the moment in a post titled, The Moon Rises.   Little did I know as I wrote that blog that it would be the only outdoors practice in which I would participate and that coronavirus would soon cancel almost everything. 

But, it is not a total loss, yet. There is still hope for baseball, despite the daily evidence to the contrary. 

Time will tell--we will adapt and survive.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 27, 2020

1. It is the last Monday of April. I was planning to be in Rome today! The year is nearly 1/3 complete! Think about that!

2. Watching a presidential coronavirus news conference is like watching a reality TV show, the only problem is that we are living the reality. How I wish it were a contrived for TV reality. Thankfully, the frequency of the news conferences are being reduced to save us the anguish of trying to separate fact from fantasy. 

3. This morning I was awakened by one of the worst sounds imaginable--a cat puking in the hallway! It is one of the things that when it happens makes me wonder why I have cats.

Riordin in the Kitchen Drawer
Elkridge, MD
April 26, 2020

4. The rain has settled in again, but looking at the forecast, even though there is rain, the temperatures are beginning or moderate and I believe that we have passed our last frost of the season.

5. And writing of cats, yesterday as Chris and I were cleaning the drawers in the kitchen, Riordin decided that we needed help. He crawled into on of the drawers and claimed it as his new residence. Of course, I did not let him linger too long before moving him along and resuming the project. 

6. I am astounded by the news reports of drivers being clocked at speeds well over 100 MPH routinely while the roads are less congested. CNN reports police departments across the country are clocking  drivers traveling in excess of 100 MPH with increasing frequency. I have witnessed some of those drivers on Maryland highways and it is disconcerting how quickly a vehicle traveling that fast approaches. I have been known to have a bit of a lead-foot on open roads, but I employ my cruise control to keep myself from grossly exceeding the posted limits. Remember, Speed Kills!

7. Today in History. On April 27, 4977 B.C., the universe is created, according to German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler, considered a founder of modern science. Kepler is best known for his theories explaining the motion of planets.

Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, in Weil der Stadt, Germany. As a university student, he studied the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus’ theories of planetary ordering. Copernicus (1473-1543) believed that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the solar system, a theory that contradicted the prevailing view of the era that the sun revolved around the earth.

Headlines

Kim Jong-un’s Absence and North Korea’s Silence Keep Rumor Mill Churning - The New York Times

Millions of Credit-Card Customers Skip Their Payments - The Wall Street Journal

A New Problem Is Brewing in the Beer Industry: One Million Kegs Are Going Stale - The Wall Street Journal

Social distancing could last for months, White House coronavirus coordinator says - The Washington Post

McConnell’s rejection of federal aid for states risks causing a depression, analysts say - The Washington Post

Shares gain as investors look to lockdown easing - Reuters



President Reagan Quote for the Week

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Walking the Yard to Escape Coronavirus

Azalea in the Rain
Elkridge, MD
April 23, 2020

The rains returned for the weekend. Despite their appearance, we were able to accomplish some outdoors projects yesterday and even enjoy a some time around our fire pit last evening. 

Lily of the Valley
Elkridge, MD
April 25, 2020

As the springtime continues the next round of flowers are blooming--the azaleas and the lily of the valley. 

Walking around my lawn and gardens helps me take my mind off the coronavirus pandemic for a few needed moments. It allows me to clear my mind of the constant din of the news and focus upon something different. I need that. 

The rain, even though I am not a huge fan, brings cleansing and I love the smell of the air after a rain. It is clean and smells of spring and life. 

Because of the coronavirus and the self-isolation, I have been tracking the progression of the springtime  more intently this year. I have noticed the progression of the leaves--from the autumnal-like reds and oranges of bud break to the now fully green leaves. I have watched the progression of the flowers as they mark the phases of the deepening Spring--and serve to provide a continuing source of nourishment for the bees. I have even been happy to see the bats return to the evening sky above my house. 

Each time I notice something new or changed, my mind forgets--just for a moment, about the global struggle in which we are engaged. And I find some peace. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Coronavirus Canceled Vacation

Today is a day when the pandemic becomes real--too real, as it has affected our personal plans in a material and financial manner. 

Villa Near Lucca Italy
Note, it says Temporarily Closed
From Google Maps

Today is the day that Chris and I and five of our friends were supposed to fly to Rome, Italy, to begin a two-week vacation that would ultimately culminate on May 10 with our triumphal return to the US. 
We were leaving on a United Airlines flight departing Newark, NJ, this afternoon and arriving in Rome tomorrow morning. 

We had rented an apartment in Rome for a few days and then we were going to drive to Lucca, in Tuscany where we had a hilltop villa rented for almost two-weeks from which to base our travels through the region. In Rome we were going to do the big sites and also, of course, Vatican City. From Lucca we were going to Pisa, Florence, Sienna, Lucca, and so many other places. We were going to see art, the countryside, wineries, olive groves, the sea coast, and generally immersing ourselves in Italian culture and wine. Did I mention wine? 

Planning for this trip began during August of last year and the only thing we had not finalized were the rental cars. 

Getting refunds for the canceled trip has met with mixed results. 

We used Airbnb for the apartments in Rome. Refunds were a breeze.

We used VRBO for the villa in Lucca. Getting a refund has been a process and they still have not refunded our entire amount. Somehow they continue to keep about 14 percent of what we paid--and the entire villa was paid for in advance as required.

While we were on United Airlines for the flights and they agreed to refund our fare, the travel agency we used, ASAP, has been terrible and continues to sit of our refund. I have called them on multiple occasions and often get put on hold until the line goes dead. When I do get through, the agents promise action that never materializes. I am frustrated beyond belief at this process. 

So what have I learned for the future? I will not use VRBO--ever! And I will make my own travel arrangements with the airlines. As for travel insurance? No. Turns out travel insurance did not cover this event. 

Reschedule? Not yet. I am still evaluating the opportunities and of course, will the virus return next year to mess up future travel plans? Remember, the 1918 Spanish Flu actually lasted until 1920!

So, Chris and I continue ride out the stay-at-home order here in Maryland with only dreams for the lost Italian vacation. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Living in a Failed State?

The Coronavirus revealed America's failures. We Are Living in a Failed State: The coronavirus didn't break America. It revealed what was already broken. And that is how an article in the Atlantic scheduled for publication in the June 2020 edition of the magazine begins. 

I do not know if the Atlantic is considered a liberal or conservative publication, but it should not matter, we have become too preoccupied with the slant of the news. I am more interested in the information presented and does it pass muster.

The article starts with a like a runaway truck going down a long hill and doesn't stop. The author compares the U.S. response to the coronavirus with that of Pakistan and Belarus. 

One paragraph in the article really struck a chord with me in describing our state of unpreparedness:

Every morning in the endless month of March, Americans woke up to find themselves citizens of a failed state. With no national plan—no coherent instructions at all—families, schools, and offices were left to decide on their own whether to shut down and take shelter. When test kits, masks, gowns, and ventilators were found to be in desperately short supply, governors pleaded for them from the White House, which stalled, then called on private enterprise, which couldn’t deliver. States and cities were forced into bidding wars that left them prey to price gouging and corporate profiteering. Civilians took out their sewing machines to try to keep ill-equipped hospital workers healthy and their patients alive. Russia, Taiwan, and the United Nations sent humanitarian aid to the world’s richest power—a beggar nation in utter chaos.

I highlighted the last line. 

Wow. Read the article--there are many more paragraphs worth reading and quoting to stimulate discussion and educated comment.

From Governor Cuomo's News Conference via You Tube
April 23, 2020

From Governor Cuomo's News Conference via You Tube
April 23, 2020

But, I don't want to focus on the Atlantic article only--because Senator Mitch McConnell has also demonstrated incredible insensitivity by suggesting that cash-strapped states should go bankrupt. I have to agree with Governor Cuomo--states provide essential services such as law enforcement and fire protection among many others, yet the Congress is willing to fund small businesses through record setting bailouts but not assist the states? There is something wrong with that equation. And the insensitive comment about "stopping blue state bailouts." Does Senator McConnell believe that it is OK for democrats to die of COVID-19 to save republicans?

Symptoms of a failed state? 

Sadly, it seems probable. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Scenes from the Quarantine

Finnegan Enjoying Quarantine
Elkridge, MD
April 21, 2020

The mood in the country seems to be one of unease as many want to begin discussions of reopening the country. It is a difficult discussion because ultimately we are trying to weigh restarting the economy against people's lives. In my mind, the question boils down to, how many additional people will die if we reopen too soon?

Dogwood Flowers from my Daily Walk
Elkridge, MD
April 19, 2020

Sadly, I'm not sure some people look at the equation from that perspective. I think they are looking only at the $$$. 

Turning to the quarantine, my pets seem to be enjoying the quarantine a lot more that should be expected. The other day I caught Finnegan sleeping on Chris's lap with his paw in the air. I have to admit that I have not seen a dog sleep like that before. And he seemed comfortable. 

The blooming flowers and trees of the springtime continue to amaze me. There is a dogwood tree along out walking route that is in magnificent bloom and I stopped to enjoy its beauty and take a few images the other day. 

There is still beauty to be found, we just need to look for it and see it when it shows itself to us.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Filling another Coronavirus Stay-at-Home Day

Firepit from Above
Elkridge, MD
April 19, 2020

On Sunday, while I had Radio Flyer flying, I took a couple images just for fun. I gave me something to do on a coronavirus Sunday. I have been fascinated with what is called the "Birdseye" view of things on the ground. It is amazing how different something looks from the air rather than from our normal perspective. I thought this was a very interesting view from about only 35 feel AGL. Radio Flyer was below the trees, yet imaged this unique view of the fire pit. Interestingly, the chairs that usually are around the pit are missing, because it had been rainy and cold since I mowed the week before. 

The Pool
Elkridge, MD
April 19, 2020

The other image that I took was of the pool. The recently replastered pool which is now full of water and fully swimmable, although it is too cold to even consider getting into the water at this point. This image was taken from about 50 feet AGL to get the whole pool in the frame. As an aside, I received an interesting notice from my electric supplier the other day advising me that we were using more electricity during April than is normal and to expect a high bill than in previous years. I quickly determined that the increase is because we have been running the 1 1/2 horsepower pump daily since the end of March when the pool was filled with water. But, the pool, as you can see, is looking great!! I cannot wait for warmer temperatures and summertime parties!

Every day, it seems, I must find new a way to enjoy the day while protecting myself from coronavirus exposure. I know that this is not a dress rehearsal for retirement because I cannot go to the beach! And when I am retired there will be a daily obligatory walk on the beach.

 Important Update from Yesterday: Working during the Coronavirus

No limbs or digits were lost during the making of the video showing Chris splitting wood. For that matter, no limbs or digits were lost by either of us during the entire time we rented the log splitter.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Working during Coronavirus

Splitting Wood
Elkridge, MD
April 20, 2020

It was an enjoyable April day. The temperature moderated and it did not rain. 

The Splitter at Work
Elkridge, MD
April 20, 2020

What a great day for some heavy yard work, like splitting logs from ash trees that had been felled and were laying around. They were too big, as they lay, to be used as firewood and another season on the ground would render them worthless for anything other than residences for the flora and fauna that would transform them from wood into soil over the next few years. 

It was also a great day to get heavy work done while practicing social distancing during the coronavirus stay-at-home order. Fortunately, renting construction and construction-related equipment is allowed during the stay-at-home order. 

Chris enjoyed using the splitter. Here is a short video of her splitting the logs. She does a good job. 

After we worked through the pile of logs that we had assembled, I got the chainsaw out and cut many more in an effort to clear some of the mess in the underbrush. 

The ash trees were magnificent and provided a dense canopy, now they will provide enjoyment as we sit around our fire pit during the evenings and enjoy wine with friends, pending of course the end of the stay-at-home orders and relaxing of social distancing.  

I note that the loss of the magnificent ash trees was due to the emerald ash borer which, like coronavirus, was brought to us compliments of China.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

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