As the Heat Returns

Lily on the Pool
Elkridge, MD
April 4. 2021

 After the cold spell which saw temperatures were in the low 50's and even high 40's overnight, the hot summer 90 degree plus weather has returned. And I am cheering! The pool is back up to the optimal summertime swimming temperature and it feels awesome to fall into the warm waters.

If I cannot be at the beach to enjoy a hot summer day, I want to be able to enjoy my pool. Napping on a floatie with a cold drink in my hand on a summer afternoon is almost the best that it can be.

The pool is clear and the water is balanced. Perfection for the short four month period every year when we actually can enjoy the pool. Until the pool was opened and the water warmed the only ones who really enjoyed it were the dogs, like Lily did during April earlier this year. A few nice days here or there do not offset the expense of keeping the pool clean and balanced. 

I think we opened the pool the latest ever this year. Truly. But, the weather since has meant that we made a good decision--between the continual rains and the too cold temperatures it has not been a lot of fun to be in the pool.

But that has changed, with the arrival of hot summer days. 

Here comes the sun, heat, and humidity! Everything for which a summertime in Maryland is know. 

And the pool water is beckoning. 

Why am I working when the pool is calling? Remind me again?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 28, 2021

 1. Wow. It is the fourth and final Monday of June. There are 26 Mondays remaining in the year.  Next week it will be July and we will be celebrating the start of the second half of the year.

Crowd at Big Cork Concert
Rohrersville, MD
June 26, 2021

2. Chris and I went to an actual concert Saturday night on the lawn at a winery. The weather was great and the crowd was definitely not concerned about COVID.

3. I have noticed that many drivers are speeding along the roads at scary speeds and creating unsafe situations. 

4. Yesterday I moved a sofa and a mattress--what a great way to begin a hot June Sunday. Not!

5. There is something relaxing about lounging in the pool on a floatie on a hot afternoon.

6. What are decisions related to relocating so difficult? It seemed like a no brainer just a few months ago and now doubts are increasing about the planned residence change to Florida.

7. I am very happy that my condo in Florida is not in a high rise building. Chris and I had looked at some like that, but decided against them.

8. Today in History. Sometime after midnight on June 28, 1969, in what is now regarded by many as history’s first major protest on behalf of equal rights for LGBTQ people, a police raid of the Stonewall Inn—a popular gay club located on New York City's Christopher Street—turns violent as patrons and local sympathizers begin rioting against the authorities.

Although the police were legally justified in raiding the club, which was serving liquor without a license among other violations, New York’s gay community had grown weary of the police department targeting gay clubs, many of which had already been closed. 

Soon, the crowd began throwing bottles at the police. The protest spilled over into the neighboring streets, and order was not restored until the deployment of New York’s riot police sometime after 4 a.m. 

Unemployment Rolls Shrink Faster in States Cutting Aid - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Airstrikes Hit Iranian-Backed Militias in Syria and Iraq - The Wall Street Journal

Possible Failure Point Emerges in Florida Building Collapse - The New York Times

Infrastructure Deal Is Back on Track After Biden’s Assurances - The New York Times

Records crushed in Pacific Northwest amid historic heat wave - The Washington Post

Trump Organization attorneys given Monday deadline to persuade prosecutors not to file charges against it - The Washington Post

North Korea sees 'propaganda value' in slimmer Kim, analysts sayAsia Pacific - Reuters

Analysis: Shut off from the world, Australia fosters red-hot growth at home - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

The signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 marked both the beginning of a new nation and the start of a great epoch in the history of political affairs. That day in Philadelphia, a Republic was born based on the idea of liberty for all. The Fourth of July is America's birthday celebration, but it is also a day of importance for anyone who believes in freedom.

The Declaration of Independence opened government to the people as never before. Each individual was acknowledged as possessing certain inalienable rights. And these rights in turn enabled our people to take part in their political system. Here was a true revolution, embodying the idea that government required the consent of those it governed. Overnight, Americans were acknowledged as citizens of a free land where they had once been only colonial subjects of a distant monarch.

To this day, this eloquent document detailing the rights of man and the concept of individual liberty is as moving as it is timely. It continues to hold profound meaning for us. We should remember the words of John Adams when he wrote of its signing to his wife Abigail as, ``the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.''

This Independence Day, 1985, let us be guided by the wisdom of that great American statesman and of all our Founding Fathers. As we commemorate 209 years of liberty today, let us pray for God's blessing and His help in safeguarding the precious legacy of the Declaration of Independence.

Message on the Observance of Independence Day, 1985 - July 3, 1985

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

1964 The Tribute

1964 The Tribute
Big Cork Winery
Rohrersville, MD
June 26, 2021

 On a beautiful summer evening, perched on a grapevine covered hillside as the sun was setting down the valley, Chris and I attended a no kidding real concert last evening in Rohrersville, Maryland to enjoy the music of 1964 The Tribute. The band plays primarily the music of The Beatles and dresses the part. The advertise themselves as providing a Beatles concert experience as it was 50 years ago.

1964 The Tribute
Big Cork Winery
Rohrersville, MD
June 26, 2021

Of course the concert was hosted by our favorite winery, Big Cork Vineyards and we were seated on the lawn with hundreds of other people who appreciated the music of the Beatles. It was a fun and fast moving evening. 

The band covers not only the music of the Beatles, but added in some other period songs as well. The band attempts to be authentic in the way they speak and the musician playing there part of Paul McCartney even plays the bass guitar left handed. We were seated along the area where the band entered and departed the stage. It was fun to see the performers up close. 

By way of a review--the band did an authentic job of trying to represent the Beatles during their early years. The first set was well put together with a nice mix of songs. The second set dragged in the middle as if the band was trying to save energy for the final songs and the encore. Covering a Buck Owens song, Act Naturally, in the middle of the second set did not fit the mood of the evening. If the band wanted to pay homage to an American song writer/songer something by Johnny Cash from the period might have played better. The finale and encore were worth the wait, however, as the crowd did finally enthusiastically dance as the band played it final music of the evening.

It was a great evening and we enjoyed the well-balanced wines of Big Cork along with the music. The staff at the venue was superior. The only comment on the venue would be that pop-up dining canopy's should be at the back of the seating area. In the middle, as many of them were, caused for obstructed viewing of the band and the show. I was told that people started arriving for the show early in the day! 

Great weather, great music, the best wine in Maryland--what could make for a better evening?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Weekend Rolling In

Rainy Saturday Morning
Elkridge, MD
June 26, 2021

 Sometimes it is hard to believe that the weekend, which I anticipate all week, has arrived. 

I wish that I could sleep in, but the animals in the house are trained to be up and around by about 5:00--and so my idea of sleeping-in consists of maybe an additional 30 minutes until Makayla starts whining to go out. As she did today.

It rained overnight and in fact it is raining now as I write this, which really puts a damper on the day's activities. But the rains contribute to the lush, green Summer that I am experiencing. 

I had planned on taking some refuge to the landfill, and it should dry enough to do that later. Tomorrow I get to play mover again as I have a sofa and love seat to move and a mattress to acquire. I hope it is not raining.

I do so enjoy Saturday and Sunday mornings, however, because I really do not have anywhere that I need to be and I can digest a couple of newspapers, electronically, and catch-up on the news of the week. The rain is good for that as well, it keeps me inside.

Enjoy the day. It is the best one that we have.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Strawberry Moon

 The moon was full and bright last evening. It was a Strawberry Moon and it was also a super moon. I have read that it is the last super moon of the year--and it was super. 

The moon was so large last evening that it lit the landscape like a cloudy day. 

The Strawberry Moon is the first full moon of Summer.  

Summer truly has arrived and I am ready for it in so many different ways. It has been cool, but I am sure that the temperatures will begin to rise as the Dog Days arrive next month.

Fun days are ahead!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hibiscus Morning

Hibiscus Around the Pool
Elkridge, MD
June 20, 2021

 The flowers of summer make for great pictures. Chris bought this hibiscus and it is strategically stationed around the pool. The flowers are huge and magnificent. 

The other morning the bloom really spoke to me.

I do enjoy the summer flowers for their variety and color. This one with its multiple colors is just stunning. 

We were talking about how to winter this plant when we are likely not going to be in Maryland for most of the winter.  It certainly cannot make it on its own. Chris suggested transporting it to Florida, but riding in the bed of the truck on a 15 hour drive during January is probably not a good idea.

So many questions, for another time. 

For now, I will enjoy this beautiful blossom and the others that have opened since I took the image. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Atop the Bubble

 It has happened before. 

A headline from The Wall Street Journal this morning proclaims

U.S. Existing-Home Prices Hit a Record in May, Rising 24%

The bubble of home prices.

Yes, it is a great time to sell, but only if you have to or you have a place already established to move into because it is not a great time to buy a home. 

It creates a conundrum for those of us on the bubble. 

To sell or not to sell? That is the question for which Chris and I have spent much time discussing. 

When will the bubble burst?

When will the supply of homes meet demand?

When will interest rates climb and push prospective buyers out of the market?

When will inflation rob us of the opportunity?

What is the break even point of selling early but having to rent until we fully transition?

And then remember--with the higher prices come higher assessments and the TAX MAN cometh!

Ugh!

I wish the whole problem matched the timing of our plan more. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Preparing for Independence

Independence Day Flamingo
Elkridge, MD
June 20, 2021

 I expect that this year's Independence Day celebration may be the biggest since the end of World War 2.

Why?

Because we will be celebrating independence doom COVID-19. 

The vaccines are working--the data is in and the rest of the world is striving to be where we have come as a society. Freedom from the prevalent threat of COVID-19. We are no longer viewing our neighbors suspiciously as potential carriers of the 21st Century plague.   

Break out the pools and queue the get togethers. Sadly, some municipalities canceled their fireworks displays not believing that the country would be ready to resume life in the post-COVID period. 

Break out the travel plans--we are free to move about the country and soon, Europe as well as the Caribbean. 

Caution is the word--be smart, but be free.

Happy Independence Day! Coming to a backyard near you in less than two weeks.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 21, 2021

 

1. It is the third Monday of June. Wow. The month is flying by. 

2. Summer is here. It started last evening. Enjoy there first full day of Summer and plan your get away.

3. I had an enjoyable Father's Day. Low key, but very enjoyable. Thanks to all who participated. And as an added benefit, the cicadas were gone and so it was enjoyable to be outside.

Pool Cover Last Hurrah
Beallsville, MD
June 19, 2021

4. I was advised over the weekend that my pool cover had come to the end of its useful life. That was a shock. I knew it needed repair, but when faced with the facts, I could not escape the realization that the cover needed to be replaced. Not an expected summertime expense.

5. For the first time in many years I do not have any summertime travel plans.

6. As a sign of the post-Covid experience, yesterday marked the first time that I shopped in a grocery store without first donning my facial covering. It was about a 60-40 mix of people with the majority still covered. I had a facial covering in my pocket, but wanted to see how it felt not to wear the mask. It felt unsettling. We are not fully back to pre-Covid normal yet.

7. Today in History. June 21, 1788. New Hampshire becomes the ninth and last necessary state to ratify the Constitution of the United States, thereby making the document the law of the land.

By 1786, defects in the post-Revolutionary War Articles of Confederationwere apparent, such as the lack of central authority over foreign and domestic commerce. Congress endorsed a plan to draft a new constitution, and on May 25, 1787, the Constitutional Convention convened at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. On September 17, 1787, after three months of debate moderated by convention president George Washington, the new U.S. constitution, which created a strong federal government with an intricate system of checks and balances, was signed by 38 of the 41 delegates present at the conclusion of the convention. As dictated by Article VII, the document would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states.

How Five Hong Kong Protesters Escaped by Speedboat and Found Freedom in the U.S. - The Wall Street Journal

New York Faces Lasting Economic Toll Even as Pandemic PassesNew York Faces Lasting Economic Toll Even as Pandemic Passes - The New York Times

Tucker Carlson Calls Journalists ‘Animals.’ He’s Also Their Best Source.Tucker Carlson Calls Journalists ‘Animals.’ He’s Also Their Best Source. - The New York Times

Unmasking the far right: An extremist paid a price when his identity was exposed online after a violent clash in Washington - The Washington Post

Preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapon is ‘paramount priority,’ national security adviser says - The Washington Post

American Airlines Cuts Flights to Avoid Potential Strains - The Wall Street Journal

Olympics Tokyo organisers to cap spectators at 10,000 per venue - Reuters

Bitcoin slumps in wake of China crackdown - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

In the early days of our Republic, Americans watched Yankee Clippers glide across the many oceans of the world, manned by proud and energetic individuals breaking records for time and distance, showing our flag, and opening up new vistas of commerce and communications. Well, today, I think you have helped recreate the anticipation and excitement felt in those homeports as those gallant ships were spotted on the horizon heading in after a long voyage.

Today we celebrate the 206th anniversary of our independence. Through our history, we've never shrunk before a challenge. The conquest of new frontiers for the betterment of our homes and families is a crucial part of our national character, something which you so ably represent today. The space program in general and the shuttle program in particular have gone a long way to help our country recapture its spirit of vitality and confidence. The pioneer spirit still flourishes in America. In the future, as in the past, our freedom, independence, and national well-being will be tied to new achievements, new discoveries, and pushing back new frontiers.

The fourth landing of the Columbia is the historical equivalent to the driving of the golden spike which completed the first transcontinental railroad. It marks our entrance into a new era. The test flights are over. The groundwork has been laid. And now we will move forward to capitalize on the tremendous potential offered by the ultimate frontier of space. Beginning with the next flight, the Columbia and her sister ships will be fully operational, ready to provide economical and routine access to space for scientific exploration, commercial ventures, and for tasks related to the national security.

Simultaneously, we must look aggressively to the future by demonstrating the potential of the shuttle and establishing a more permanent presence in space.

Remarks at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on Completion of the Fourth Mission of the Space Shuttle Columbia - July 4, 1982

-- Bob Doan, ELkridge, MD

Father's Day

 Happy Father's Day to all the fathers. 

It is a commitment that can be one of the most rewarding things in life as we guide our children to adulthood and independence. And then watch them guide their children through the same process.

My how the world has changed since I was a kid or even the a new father.

That is progress I guess.

Not every day is idyllic--there are highs and lows, but that is life.

But no matter--Happy Father's Day to my Dad and every other guy out there who knows how to appreciate the first time the baby slept through the night, or was finally house broken and all of the other firsts that go with growing up. 

-- Bob Doan, ELkridge, MD