Monday Musings - December 20, 2021

1. It is the third Monday of December and one Monday remains in the month and the year.

2. It is Christmas week and the final preparations are being made. Be careful not to make your holiday a super-spreader event.

3. Family Sports Report

    NFL

    Ravens (8-6) lost to Packers (11-3), 30-31

    Cowboys 10-4 defeated Giants (4-10), 21-6

    Steelers (7-6-1) defeat Titans (9-5), 19-13

    Washington (6-7) play Eagles (6-7) Tuesday

    NHL

    Penguins (16-8-5) defeat Devils (10-14-5), 3-2

    Premier League

    Arsenal (10-2-6) defeats Leeds (3-7-8), 4-1

4. Omicron is the word of the day and it appears intent on driving us back to draconian measures.

5. For those interested, my Mom's obituary was published in the Ithaca Journal yesterday. 

6. Is the race over yet? 

7. Today in History. On December 20, 1957, while spending the Christmas holidays at Graceland, his newly purchased Tennessee mansion, rock-and-roll star Elvis Presleyreceives his draft notice for the United States Army.

With a suggestive style—one writer called him “Elvis the Pelvis”—a hit movie, Love Me Tender, and a string of gold records including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” Presley had become a national icon, and the world’s first bona fide rock-and-roll star, by the end of 1956. As the Beatles’ John Lennon once famously remarked: “Before Elvis, there was nothing.” The following year, at the peak of his career, Presley received his draft notice for a two-year stint in the army. Fans sent tens of thousands of letters to the army asking for him to be spared, but Elvis would have none of it. He received one deferment–during which he finished working on his movie King Creole–before being sworn in as an army private in Memphis on March 24, 1958.

Stock Futures, Oil Prices Fall on Omicron Curbs - The Wall Street Journal

Himalayan Glaciers Are Melting at Furious Rate, New Study Shows - The Wall Street Journal

Europe Keeps Its Ski Slopes Open Despite Omicron - The Wall Street Journal

Britain is weighing another round of restrictions as Omicron surges amid political turmoil. - The New York Times

Billions in Amtrak Funding Could Modernize Aging Rail System - The New York Times

Moderna says booster dose appears protective against Omicron - Reuters

Europe weighs Christmas curbs as Omicron sweeps continent - Reuters

China says Taiwan is a 'wanderer' that will eventually come home - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Christkindlmarkt

Christkindlmarkt 
Baltimore Inner Harbor
December 18, 2021

 If I am voluntarily visiting a Christkindlmarkt, it must be Christmas.

Baltimore has a small, but nice, market right on the Inner Harbor that Chris and I enjoyed yesterday. 

It was the first time we had been in Baltimore in quite a while. With the Orioles tanking through the summer, there really had not been any reason to head down to Baltimore where parking is almost as expensive as it in in New York City. 

We wandered around the market, enjoyed some gluhwein and a pretzel, picked up some candles for our pyramids, and spent too much on parking. Finnegan accompanied us and, with the exception of a nasty corgi, he had a good time as well. 

Arriving before 11 AM there were no crowds and not all of the shops were open, but by about noon the place was fully bustling as can be seen from the image. It was good to be outside doing something different and celebrating the season. Inside of the tent, admission required, was a nicely stocked Kathe Wohlfahrt store with classic German Christmas decorations and pyramids from Rothenburg ob der Tauber. We remembered visiting the store in Rothenburg on two occasions while we were stationed in Germany. 

It was fun to do something different on a gray almost-Winter day. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday--the Last

 Yesterday was a significant day. It was the last Friday that I will be working. The next two Fridays are holidays "observed"--and so the 17th was the last time I will enjoy announcing to my coworkers that it is Friday. 

As a solace, I still retain two opportunities to announce Happy Friday Eve--for the two Thursdays remaining in the month. And I know there are coworkers, and former coworkers, who cringe every Thursday when I attempt to get into the weekend mindset a day early.

Well, it's over now. There are just 8 work days remaining in my career and two of those are likely going to be abbreviated while another one or two will be filled with retirement celebrations. 

People ask me if I'm excited. 

Yes. 

Do I have some nervousness? Yes.

Chris and I have been planning my retirement for two years, so we are executing a plan that we have developed and refined for a while now. It is not like it is a knee-jerk retirement.

The last Friday at work is over and the future is in front of me!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thankfully there is YouTube

Error on the Microwave

The dreaded words were heard uttered last evening: "Bob, the microwave is broken."

Looking up from my computer while seated in my chair I cringed. Ugh. Another broken appliance. Merry Christmas, I thought.

And the troubleshooting began. I tried all of the usual tricks and I even cycled the power to no avail. 

It was a strange fault, when the start button was activated the microwave provided a fault saying "open/close door then press start." Which did not start the microwave. And I admit, I may have tried it multiple times. There is something weird about doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result. 

My initial diagnosis? A bad circuit board.

But wait--let's check the internet.

And I am thankful that I did. I found a YouTube video talking through fixing the exact error code I was getting on my exact microwave! Hope was rising. The video was only 2m30s long meaning it was likely a simple fix. I watched the video and could not believe what it was telling me:

The diagnosis: dirty door sensor. The remedy? Damp paper towel cleaning.

Could it really be that simple? 

Turns out it was. 

Crisis averted and the microwave has returned to its previously consistent performance.

Thanks YouTube! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Temporary Goodbye

 

Outside the Hotel
Orlando, FL
December 16, 2021

I am departing Florida this morning. It always makes me sad to leave the Sunshine State and head back north, but on the other hand it is good to go home.

It was another short trip, although longer than my previous 38-hour whirlwind. I am heartened that I will return before the end of the month. And then a cruise to start the new year 

Yay. 

I love the sun in the palms this morning outside of the hotel. And the blue sky. 

I’m in the airport now sitting here staring out the window at the jets, the palms, a water feature, blue sky, and warm sun knowing that I am headed back to cold temperatures and gray. But the sunshine will be in my heart. 

—Bob Doan, Orlando International Airport, Florida

Out the Hotel Window - Orlando

 

Out the Hotel Window
Orlando, Florida
December 14, 2021

I was assigned to the worst room with a view in the hotel. It is right above the lobby looking out over the portico. The view is, well, terrible.

I am staying at one of my preferred hotels, one that includes breakfast. The room is very nice and spacious but the view is, well, less than enjoyable.  

Orlando Airport
December 14, 2021

It really is not an issue, this time because this is a work-associated trip and I will not be in the room very long. In fact I expect to depart today before sunrise and return after dark. At least I can see the sky.

The view from one of the Orlando Airport Hotel rooms would have been much better--at least they had a Christmas Tree to enjoy in the middle of all of the airport activity.

A quick story. As we were landing yesterday the cabin crew on the Southwest flight made the announcement: "Look out the right side of the aircraft, you can look out the left side too, you will see palm trees and green grass and no snow. Welcome to Florida." They made me smile. Their rendition of "Southwest the Friendly Airline" sung to the tune of "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer" so entertained me that I forgot to record it for posterity.

At least the view from the jet and the entertainment was better than the view out my hotel window.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Take Heart, the Finish Line is in Sight

Well, as Tuesday rolls around I am becoming more concerned about the Christmas gifts remaining to be procured. 

Frankly, I am out of ideas.

I admit, I'm a bit distracted with what has transpired during the past few days--but the headlong rush to Christmas has not slowed. The finish line is there, a short 11 days away. But of course everything needs to be done 2 days prior because of our family's traditions which also encompass the entirety of Christmas Eve.

I can feel Chris's stress as well as she deals with the multitude of tasks: meals, gifts, logistics, schedules, impending travel. I am luckier as I get to deal with all of those things and work. 

Thank goodness for my bike--I have committed to getting up early to workout not only for conditioning but for stress relief. 

Here is to everyone similarly afflicted by "this most wonderful time of the year." 

Take heart, the finish line is in sight!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - December 13, 2021

 

1. Welcome to Monday all over again. Today begins the last full workweek of the year. There are two Mondays remaining in 2021. 

2. Thanks to everyone for the outpouring of love and sympathy over the passing of my Mom. Your thoughts and prayers have really helped as I remember my Mom,  the great woman of faith and tower of strength.

Patrick and Chris at the Cowboys-Washington Game
FEDEX Field, Landover, MD
December 12, 2021

3. Family NFL Results. It was a rough week, only one of the family teams managed a victory.

    Ravens (8-5) lose to Browns (7-6) 22-24

    Steelers (6-6-1) lose to Vikings (6-7) 28-36

    Cowboys (9-4) defeat Washington (6-7) 27-20

4. Two of our family were able to enjoy the Cowboys vs Washington Football Team game from the stadium yesterday. We did identify them on TV in their end zone seats. It was fun to know that members of the family were at the game cheering for the visitors while the remainder of us were gathered together rooting for the home team.

5. The darkness continues to expand its grip on the region, but in just two short weeks the Solstice will occur and light will begin returning.

6. Today in History. Vice President Al Gore concedes defeat to George W. Bush in his bid for the presidency, following weeks of legal battles over the recounting of votes in Florida, on December 13, 2000.

In a televised speech from his ceremonial office next to the White House, Gore said that while he was deeply disappointed and sharply disagreed with the Supreme Court verdict that ended his campaign, ”partisan rancor must now be put aside.”

“I accept the finality of the outcome, which will be ratified next Monday in the Electoral College” he said. “And tonight, for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession.”

 The U.S. Needs a Hypersonic Capability Now - The Wall Street Journal

The evidence so far indicates that Omicron spreads faster than other variants. Here’s what we know. - The New York Times

Chris Wallace Leaves Fox News as Right-Wing Hosts Hold Sway - The New York Times

Meadows Was Deeply Involved in Fighting Election Outcome, Jan. 6 Panel Says - The New York Times

Omicron could become dominant variant by next week in some European countries, officials predict - The Washington Post

Vaccine holdouts in U.S. military active-duty ranks approach 40,000 - The Washington Post

'Phenomenal' Omicron spread accounts for 40% of London infections - Reuters

Two cargo ships collide in Baltic fog, rescue underway - Reuters

Starbucks shuts two China outlets after reports they used expired ingredients - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Memories of Mom

Mom
August 16, 2013

It is with sadness that I share news of the passing of my Mom, Sidney J. Doan. 

Sadness because the world has lost one of the most faith-filled, genuine women to be found almost anywhere and because her passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew her and especially her family and my Dad, her husband of 67 years. She was my Mom.

But there is joy in her passing because she is now free from the most terrible disease I can think of, Alzheimer's, which robbed her of her memories and stole her quality of life leaving her a mere specter of her former vibrant, independent self. The disease took Mom from our family before her time. But she is now free, having changed her address to an eternal one this morning.

She was the last of her generation, all of her siblings have passed on before her. She was unique and one of a kind. She had to be strong and able to win a battle of wills because she was my Mom and I was not the easiest kid to parent. She set clear goals for me and my siblings when we were young and I can say we each achieved the goals she set out for us. She helped navigate our family through the obstacles that life threw in front of us with a sense of drive and determination that rubbed off on me. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Race is On

 

Start your engines and get dust off the keys on the computer and get the shopping finished. It is two weeks until Christmas. 

I guess that it is time to get serious about Christmas because the race has already begun and I am still at the starting line.

Santa is going to come, of that I am sure. But it may be a photo finish. 

I hope you are ahead of me. I guess that I am not really still at the starting line, I have gifts for my parents which have already arrived at their destination and are ready for the BIG day. And, I have one for Chris which should be delivered today. I also have some ideas--which need to translate into physical gifts. 

Who said that it is the most wonderful time of the year? I find it stressful. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD