Dinner on the Water

Out the Chart House Window
Annapolis, MD
August 9, 2021

Chris and I celebrated our anniversary last evening by enjoying dinner along the Annapolis waterfront. 

The weather was a bit rugged and the scenes were illuminated frequently by lighting.  

I was surprised that the trip to Annapolis went so smoothly. Often the traffic is crushing and that keeps me from heading to the city to enjoy the fine dining and walk around the town. 

Selfie
Chart House, Annapolis, MD
August 9, 2021

We enjoyed dinner at the Chart House, which is right on the water. The view is exceptional. The food was perfect and we were able to select a very nice Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley to enjoy with the meal. 

I remember, in olden times that we used to be able to recount all of the places where we had celebrated our anniversary. That ship has sailed--we got to about five and decided to change the topic.

All-in-all, it was a perfect celebration of the almost five decades we have been together!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 9, 2021

 

1. It is the second Monday of August. My, where has the time gone. The month is passing like a whirlwind.

2. Did you ever notice that when someone says, "Money isn't the issue," it is almost always about the money?

Baltimore Skyline
Clifton Park Golf Course, Baltimore, MD
August 7, 2021

3. Baltimore from Clifton Park Golf Course on an early sunny Saturday morning looks welcoming. It was a nice morning for golf.

4. Spending a quiet Sunday afternoon in the pool, chatting and planning our future was a great way to enjoy the heat. 

5. The Orioles have dropped five in a row, losing a series to the Yankees 1-2, and getting swept by the Rays 3-0. They have again secured last place in the American League after a promising start to the post-All Star Break portion of the season. There are 52 games remaining in the season and the Orioles still have a change to record 60 wins, but based on their current record they will end 58-104.

6. Weekend traffic has become worse than weekday rush hour traffic. It seems that everyone who is not working is trying to go to the same places at the same time.

7. The truth of climate change is becoming apparent and it is a lot worst than we thought. We can deny it all that we want to, but it is happening just the same.

8. Get vaccinated. Wear a mask in crowds. Be safe. 

9. Today in History. In accordance with his statement of resignation the previous evening, Richard M. Nixon officially ends his term as the 37th president of the United States at noon on August 9, 1974. Before departing with his family in a helicopter from the White House lawn, he smiled farewell and enigmatically raised his arms in a victory or peace salute. The helicopter door was then closed, and the Nixon family began their journey home to San Clemente, California. Richard Nixon was the first U.S. president to resign from office.

Companies Scrap Plans for Fall as Virus Cases Rise - The Wall Street Journal

Some Climate-Change Effects May Be Irreversible, U.N. Panel Report Says - The Wall Street Journal

Judge Sides With Norwegian Cruise Line in Suit Over Vaccination Proof in Florida - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Response Sends Clear Message to Afghanistan: You’re on Your Own - The New York Times

‘This Is Really Scary’: Kids Struggle With Long Covid - The New York Times

‘Goldilocks virus’: Delta vanquishes all variant rivals as scientists race to understand its tricks - The Washington Post

Florida church reeling after six members die within 10 days amid spike in cases - The Washington Post

Australia expands COVID lockdown over concern virus has spread from Sydney - Reuters

To save the planet, focus on cutting methane - U.N. climate report - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week 

I welcome this chance to further strengthen the unbreakable ties between the United States and Israel and to assure you of our commitment to Israel's security and well-being.

Israel and America may be thousands of miles apart, but we are philosophical neighbors sharing a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law. What we hold in common are the bonds of trust and friendship, qualities that in our eyes make Israel a great nation. No people have fought longer, struggled harder, or sacrificed more than yours in order to survive, to grow, and to live in freedom.

The United States and Israel share similar beginnings as nations of immigrants, yearning to live in freedom and to fulfill the dreams of our forefathers. We have both sought to establish societies of law, to live in peace, and to develop the full potential of our lands. We share a devotion to democratic institutions, responsible to the wills of our citizens. Our peoples embrace common ideals of self-improvement through hard work and individual initiative. Together, we seek peace for all people. In partnership, we're determined to defend liberty and safeguard the security of our citizens. We know Israelis live in constant peril. But Israel will have our help. She will remain strong and secure, and her special character of spirit, genius, and faith will prevail.

The prophet Ezekiel spoke of a new age -- when land that was desolate has become like the Garden of Eden and waste and ruined cities are now inhabited. We saw how miraculously you transformed and made the desert bloom. We see how, despite dangers every day, your families continue working together to build a better place to live and to prosper in peace and freedom.

Our dream, our challenge, and, yes, our mission, is to make the golden age of peace, prosperity, and brotherhood a living reality in all countries of the Middle East. Let us remember that whether we be Christian or Jew or Moslem, we are all children of Abraham; we are all children of the same God.

 - Remarks at the Welcoming Ceremony for Prime Minister Menahem Begin of Israel, September 9, 1981

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

List of Firsts

It is Sunday morning and while I wrote earlier this week about the "Lasts" that I am beginning to experience, I was gently chided by a friend to think about the "Firsts" that I will soon begin to experience. 

The thought of experiencing firsts made me smile because it has been quite a while since I have thought about experiencing firsts. 

I actually experienced a first, and I wrote about it--the first time I attended a concert along the banks of Lake Kittamaqundi. And I had fun. 

I am looking forward to the first workday morning when I awake, am not on leave and don't have to drag myself to work! But, there are still many lasts to experience along the way.

I would say that I will experience my first retirement--but that isn't true. I have retired once already. 

Next weekend, I already know that there are a few firsts planned--of course it will be associated with enjoying new wineries. 

Remember the "Lasts" and celebrate the "Firsts."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Two Weeks in a Row

 

Chris on the 1st Tee
Clifton Park, Baltimore, MD
August 7, 2021

An amazing thing happened this morning--I played golf!!

It was truly amazing considering that before last week my previous outing was June 5th, but now I have managed to risk life and limb on a course two weeks in a row!

And as an added benefit, Chris joined Jeremy and me for the outing. We had the second tee time of the day at  6:10 am and finished 18 holes in 3 hours 12 minutes! We would have been faster but the group in front of us kept us from making it a sub 3-hour round.

Although I did not log the improvement that I expected, I was two strokes overall better this morning than last week. 

It was great to be on the course before the sun crawled up into the sky and we were headed home about 9:30 with the rest of the day in front of us. 

A bad day on the golf course is better than a good day in the office!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Lily Checks out the Pool Cleaner

I was going to title this "Dog and Dolphin," but most people would not realize that the brand of pool cleaner in the video is a Dolphin. The Dolphin does its job totally unaware of the dog checking it out. 

Before I could get the video running, Lily, the dog, was barking at the Dolphin--but then, apparently, she realized that it was not a threat. 

Dogs are funny and they provide entertainment when I am not picking up piles of poo that seem as big as cow plops. 

The dog sitting continues--for a few more days.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

String of "The Last . . . "

I remember as our children were growing that Chris and I at times approached a set of situations and dubbed them, "the last . . . "

I had one of those moments yesterday. It has been quite a while since I felt one, but yesterday as I was attending a virtual conference I realized that I was beginning to experience one of "the last."

I am excited about the upcoming life change which coincides with the New Year. Chris and I have a cruise planned, if Covid allows, right out of the gate. 

I recognize now that there is going to be no shortage of last this or last that as I transition into retirement almost 45 years of going to work every day and doing something that I enjoy immensely. 

So, I will take each day and enjoy it, as I have the days before, but each day draws the end of the year closer and my time shorter. 

But, life on the other side looks equally as exciting and bright--I mean, I really want to lower my golf handicap, and soon I will be able to do just that. 

There just will be too many, "the last . . . "

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Hump

For those of us still employed and working a regular 40 hour schedule, today is Hump Day. 

It is funny how much the days of the week pass when I put them into perspective. Somehow, though, Hump Day, getting over the hump of the week and sliding into the weekend is the most powerful image and the most helpful at dealing with the routine stuff.

I guess this year the passing of days and weeks is a bit more noticeable and necessary. Watching the weeks pass in an endless stream holds the promise of significant change whereby I will no longer need to monitor the passing of the days or weeks, but should be able to enjoy each day on its own irrespective of its placement win the week.

I want to work on my golf handicap!

Happy Hump Day!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD  

Dog Sitting, Again

 

I have definitely decided what I am NOT going to become when I retire--a dog sitter/walker.

I love dogs, don't get me wrong, but they are demanding creatures.

This week we are watching three additional canines again while their humans enjoy time in Aruba. Why am I not in Aruba, you ask? 

A good question and one for which there is not correspondingly good answer.

This week we enjoyed celebrating one dog's birthday. Chris and I sang happy birthday and sent a video to its humans. It was kinda fun and I thought it came out pretty good. Maybe I'll start doing singing doggie birthday telegrams or something.

Well, that's all for now, time to walk and feed the pack.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 2, 2021

 

1. And so it has arrived, August. Today is the first Monday of the eighth month of the year. There are 21 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. July was a great month and I am sorry to see it go. From now on the daylight gets shorter and the nights cooler. Autumn is standing in the wings ready to take center stage. 

Finnegan in the Saddlebag
Elkridge, MD
July 31, 2021

3. The Orioles are 9-6 since the All Star Break. That is a solid winning record. They are flirting with not being the worst team in the American League and until they lost yesterday they were the 28th best team in baseball. 

4. Patrick got a new motorcycle and brought it over to take Chris for a ride. Finnegan liked it so much that he wanted to try to go for a ride on it by staying in the saddlebag. Don't worry, he did not close him in the bike. 

Lake Kittamaqundi
Columbia, MD
August 1, 2021

5. As a way to celebrate the new month, Chris, Finnegan, and I went for a walk around Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia. Although we knew it was going to begin raining about noon, we were able to complete the walk and did not even feel a raindrop. The rain did arrive later in the day and it rained a great deal.

6. According to some in the family Autumn begins on Thursday with the first pre-season NFL game. Well, everyone has their definition of the seasons; however, I am still clinging to Summer.

7. The Delta variant of COVID-19 is upon us. I found an article describing things we should know about this variant. It is from Yale Medicine: 5 Things to Know About the Delta Variant. My take is that we who are vaccinated are being required to mask up again to protect the lives of the unvaccinated. 

8. Today in History. On August 2, 1990, at about 2 a.m. local time, Iraqi forces invade Kuwait, Iraq’s tiny, oil-rich neighbor. Kuwait’s defense forces were rapidly overwhelmed, and those that were not destroyed retreated to Saudi Arabia. The emir of Kuwait, his family, and other government leaders fled to Saudi Arabia, and within hours Kuwait City had been captured and the Iraqis had established a provincial government. By annexing Kuwait, Iraq gained control of 20 percent of the world’s oil reserves and, for the first time, a substantial coastline on the Persian Gulf. The same day, the United Nations Security Council unanimously denounced the invasion and demanded Iraq’s immediate withdrawal from Kuwait. On August 6, the Security Council imposed a worldwide ban on trade with Iraq.

Chile Workers at World’s Biggest Copper Mine Vote to Strike - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Blames Iran for Drone Attack on Israeli-Linked Tanker - The Wall Street Journal

To Fight Vaccine Lies, Authorities Recruit an ‘Influencer Army’ - The New York Times

A Brain Drain Among Government Scientists Bogs Down Biden’s Climate Ambitions - The New York Times

Senate unveils details of bipartisan infrastructure proposal - The Washington Post

As the Taliban closes in, Afghan forces scramble to defend prisons holding thousands of militants - The Washington Post

You’re going to be asked to prove your vaccination status. Here’s how to do it. - The Washington Post

Belarus athlete 'safe and secure' in Tokyo as Poland, Czech offer visas - Reuters

Oil prices fall on worries over China economy and higher crude output - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

During the last 200 days, you've provided your countrymen with an example of representative democracy at its best. Those of you in the Republican leadership in the face of extraordinary pressures have forged a political unity that has rarely been equaled in Washington, and you did it first and foremost because you believed you were acting in the best interests of the country. And those of you here today who are members of the Democratic Party had the personal strength to put principle above partisan or special interests, and yours has been a special courage.

I think we can all agree that today our bipartisan coalition is becoming a strong and vibrant one. But I think we can also agree that we'll need this strength and vibrancy, because the challenges we must face together are by no means over. The struggle against government's irresistible urge to grow and grow is a continuing one. The fight to control the Federal budget is just beginning. But on this front, I think we can be very clear: There will be no falling back, no call for retreat.

Remarks at a Meeting With Congressional Leaders Following Passage of Federal Budget Reconciliation and Tax Reduction Legislation - August 5, 1981

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Something Different

Concert in Columbia
Columbia, MD
July 31, 2021

 I am not a huge fan of concerts, especially when I don't know the band. 

Last evening, however, our Friday evening Happy Hour group attended a concert in Columbia along the banks of Lake Kittamaqundi and had a great time. 

I was amazed at the crowd that showed. The image I took was just before the music began and as the concert started even more people arrived. We were able to maintain good physical spacing from the other people, but still felt like we were part of the fun. 

What a special day was the last day of my favorite month of the year. I began the day with golf and ended the day with friends enjoying oldies and maybe a few glasses of wine! It was an end to end day where I saw the sunrise and partied at sunset.

Why can't every day be like that? Because then it would become routine and be special.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD