Friday Freedom

 I am taking a mid-August holiday of my own design. 

Since I am not taking my usual two- or three-week summertime vacation, Chris and I decided to create a special mid-August day to travel around the area and enjoy some activities not on a weekend. 

The weather seems to be cooperating, it is going to be hot! Hot! Hot!

But, I believe we are prepared for the heat. 

It will be a great day, of that I am sure. 

And it will also be a great day because I am out of the office!

Party on!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Pandemic Crimes

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

I wonder if the Governors of Texas and Florida should be charged with crimes for failing to rationally address the pandemic?

I know this seems extreme, but it is clear that these individuals are placing themselves, their aspirations, and their beliefs above the common good and concern for the populace.

Infections due to the Delta variant of COVID-19 are running rampant in their states and not only sickening, but killing people including children.   

Local communities should be able to respond to the pandemic as they desire. Having governors force policies which are potentially harmful to the populace is not responsible. Case in point--DeSantis ordering that school districts may not mandate that children wear facial coverings while in schools and then threatening to withhold the pay of administrators who seek to do otherwise. If he is unwilling to mandate facial covering wearing for the entire state, then he should not impede or threaten communities seeking to protect their children.

I know some see these governors as heroes, but the pandemic is raging and their time to act has passed, and now they should also pass.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Note: the blog was updated on 13 August to correct a factual error regarding Governor DeSantis's executive order.

Turtle

Northern Red-bellied Cooter
Elkridge, MD
August 9, 2021

Moving like a herd of turtles. 

Sometimes it feels like that when I try to get things organized and moving towards a goal or destination. 

The other day, however, I was able to witness for myself how slowly turtles move. There was one in our yard and the dogs, we had five at the time as we were still dog-sitting, were very interested in what I believe is a Northern Red-bellied Cooter that happened to be in the yard at the same time as we were walking them. 

The turtle was brave as the dogs attempted to sniff the now not moving animal. Chris and I were successful in ensuring that the turtle was not touched nor otherwise disturbed except for dogs being in close proximity. 

The turtle, unfazed, later resumed its trek towards the stream--at a turtle's pace.

A close encounter with nature that is not ordinary.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

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