A Life Well Lived

Etna Church 
Etna, NY
April 23, 2022

 On Saturday, family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of my Mom, Sidney Doan. 

We gathered inside a small church in Etna, New York. The church was filled two overflowing and the service which was planned for an hour took two hours to complete as so many people took time to express their memories of how Mom's impact on their lives. 

The service was at times funny because of the stories being told and other times tearful as we collectively grieved her passing--but in the end it was a celebration and for me it was uplifting to see so many of my relatives and friends gathered together, many of whom traveled great distances to be there. 

Mom touched many people during her life and for this day, for one last time, she was the star and the subject of our gathering. I have to smile about how many people mentioned that she made the best pumpkin rolls.

My Mom
Sidney J. Doan
1935-2021

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sandals

My Sandals

I am on the road again headed for New York and a reunion with family. We are attending the Celebration of Life for my Mom who passed during December. It has been a long wait, but we needed the weather to be nice. It promises to be a nice Spring day following 12 inches of snow earlier in the week. 

As I was packing for the short trip I came across my sandals. I have not worn them since returning to Maryland from Florida. That was over a week ago. Prior to that I think I had worn them nearly every day. It is funny how the weather determines what I wear. I have also been trapped wearing jeans for the past week. I miss my shorts. 

The sandals reminded me that warmer weather is coming. It cannot get here fast enough. I’m sure it will be here soon. 

For the service tomorrow I was advised to wear essentially throw-away shoes because mountains of mud are expected. I did not bring my sandals even though warmer weather is expected. 

Wearing the sandals will come soon enough maybe as soon as I return to Maryland. 

-- Bob Doan, somewhere in PA along Interstate 81

Sunbeam

Finnegan and Louis
Elkridge, MD
April 20, 2022

What could be better on a cold Springtime day than lying in a warm sunbeam on the floor? 

Nothing, it appears.

That is how I found Louis and Finnegan yesterday.

Yes, for those of you who know the saga of Louis, the white cat, he has returned for a few weeks while his human takes a vacation. His return has been very smooth and the greeting he received from the rest of the pack was very touching. He has slipped right back into his old roles of trying to kill me by sneaking up behind me when I am working at the kitchen counter and also serving as the resident trophy cat. 

What is a trophy cat? 

A trophy cat is one which is always around, but does not like attention, to be picked up, or touched. It wants to be seen, but not openly acknowledged. It exists to be admired and cared for. They make good cats for those who do not enjoy having a cat sitting in their lap, except on very rare occasions. 

Which brings me back to the sunbeam. It is one of Louis's favorite spots in the house. Yesterday, Finnegan joined him for some midday warmth. I was sorry that I could not likewise find a sunbeam to enjoy.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Yellow

Image from Somewhere too Far North

 It is Springtime, according to the calendar and not the weather, and there is something exciting about yellow flowers. 

Even in my own house I have yellow tulips and yellow mums, roses, and lilies to brighten the mood and stave off the cold. There is something inherently bright and warm about yellow. Perhaps because it is the color of the sun and the thought of yellow brings imagined warmth.

My Yellow Tulips
Elkridge, MD
April 20, 2022

Yesterday on the news, I saw tulips covered in snow. The Nor'easter left snow across the northern part of the country, temporarily stopping Springtime in its tracks. Fortunately early Spring flowers are resilient and do not wilt or die because of freezing temperatures and snow. The tulips stood strong in the face of Winter's dying gasp.

Fortunately, all I experienced was the cold. And wind. 

I am preparing to travel to the frozen north. I believe the temperatures will moderate before I arrive and that the snow will melt. But, I am looking forward to seeing multitudes of yellow daffodils, tulips, and other Springtime flowers.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Suffering the Cold

Dogwood Blossom
Elkridge, MD
April 17, 2022

 OMG!

It was 39 degrees this morning headed to an expected high of 52, maybe. 

It will be colder tomorrow morning, possibly 36 degrees.

I did not order this cold weather! 

We spent an enjoyable Easter Sunday outside cleaning the yard of the debris left behind by some wild rabbit who thought colored eggs were funny! The weather was cool, but mild. I even flew my drone, Radio Flyer. I also was able to get a nice image of a dogwood tree blossom.

And now--it is just cold! I have not ridden my bike in too many days. I think I will have two ride my indoor bike to stay in shape. 

This weekend we venture north! The weather promises to be milder and this week's Nor'easter will have dumped the last snow of the season on the landscape and moved away. We expect to see snow on the mountains of Central Pennsylvania we traverse the region.

Well, I guess this is Spring!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 18, 2022

 

1. Welcome to the third Monday of April 2022. There are 36 Mondays remaining in the year. That means we area already 16 Mondays into the year, or we have already lost nearly 31 percent of the year. 

Easter Family Picture
Elkridge, MD
April 17, 2022

2. It is Federal Tax Day! Don't forget--the Tax Man cometh! For you!

3. Yesterday the yard was filled with family as the annual Easter Egg Hunt was completed. The Easter Bunny left eggs everywhere around the yard. A great family picture was obtained, however, sadly, one member was missing as he was visiting his other set of grandparents.

4. Hey, the fun isn't over--it is Easter Monday. I hear eggs will be rolled on The White House grounds during the morning hours. 

5. I wonder if the aggression I see on the highways is related to COVID? Are people acting out their frustration in their cars or have they lost a sense of society and collegiality due to the isolation caused by the pandemic?

6. Today in History. On April 18, 1906, at 5:13 a.m., an earthquake estimated at close to 8.0 on the Richter scale strikes San Francisco, California, killing an estimated 3,000 people as it topples numerous buildings. The quake was caused by a slip of the San Andreas Fault over a segment about 275 miles long, and shock waves could be felt from southern Oregon down to Los Angeles.

Florida rejects 41% of new math textbooks, citing critical race theory among its reasons  - CNN

The biggest risk to the global economy no one is talking about - CNN

North Korean leader shown observing weapons test as country fires projectiles into eastern waters - CNN

Russia hits targets across Ukraine, fighters cling on in Mariupol - Reuters

Raisi says Iran will target heart of Israel if it acts against Iranian nation - Reuters

Russian Orthodox leader backs Ukraine war, divides faith - The Washington Post

The nuclear missile next door - The Washington Post 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hail on the Orioles

 

The view from 332
OPACY, Baltimore, MD
April 16, 2022

Happy Easter!

The sun is shining although, at 46 degrees, it is a bit cool this Easter morning. 

Last evening Chris and I attended an Orioles game. It was our first Orioles game in two years! I have to admit it felt good to be back at Pickles before the game and then to enter the stadium to see the team. We ate a pork sandwich from Boog's before the game and even had seats in the section where I used to have season tickets.

Looking Out of the Tunnel at the Hail Storm
OPACY, Baltimore, MD
April 16, 2022

The game suffered a rain delay before beginning--it was not much of a storm, that was to come later in the evening. The weather radar was not kind to the Orioles on this Springtime evening. After securing a 2-0 lead, I experienced something that I have never experienced before at an MLB game--a true hail storm. 

Walk to the Car
Baltimore, MD
April 16, 2022

The hail continued for some minutes and actually collected on the field, then it turned to rain and dampened our spirits. We waited for a break in the action, as it was getting late, and made our dash for the car--which was parked about 3/4 mile away--a distance we covered in less than 15 minutes.

We did not run as the rain, fortunately, held off. 

The Orioles ultimately lost momentum, likely due to the rain, and then lost the game 2-5 to the visiting team from the North, whose name will remain unwritten. 

It was good to be back in the park and, I have to admit, there was not a COVID-19 related mask in sight--all night. It was like old times (OK, it was like 2019): the Orioles losing a baseball game and no one seemingly concerned about a pandemic.

Again--Happy Easter to all. May you enjoy the blessings of this special day wherever you are. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Flowers and Bees

 

Bumble Bee in Crab Apple Blossoms
Elkridge, MD
April 14, 2022

My allergies started acting up the day after arriving back in Maryland. While I enjoy looking at the Springtime flowers and trees springing to life, they have caused my allergies to go into overdrive. 

Despite the inconvenience of sniffling every few minutes and loading myself up on antihistamines and other allergy drugs, I do enjoy the rebirth happening all around me.

The dark season is over and I am enjoying at least five rabbits racing around my yard in addition to the blooming flowers and buzzing bees. It seems that life is erupting everywhere. I was very surprised to see our Bleeding Hearts in full glory upon our return to Maryland. I have even mowed the lawn, mostly to remove the debris and prepare for tomorrow's Easter egg hunt. 

It is Easter! 

Enjoy the weekend and the Springtime as you celebrate the holiday.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Springtime and Memories

Redbud Tree in Bloom
Elkridge, MD
April 13, 2022

 The redbud tree in our yard is blooming. I know redbud trees across Maryland are in bloom right now, but this one is special. Mom, who passed during December, bought it for Chris and it has been growing larger and more beautiful each year.

And also our gardens host a large plot of Lily of the Valley. We brought these to Maryland years ago from Mom's garden to have something from home with us.

I guess with the celebration of life service for Mom coming next week, I have been thinking more about her and the flowers and trees cause me to remember. As we prepare to sell the house later this year, I know that these memories will remain and that those who move in will not understand their significance. They will become just another redbud tree and a patch of Lily of the Valley. But, Mom's hand will always be there.

We may have to smuggle some Lily of the Valley to Florida--I'm sure the agricultural inspectors will love hearing the explanation for that. 

Oh yea--Happy Easter, today is Good Friday.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Birthdays!

Chris and Ethan
Odenton, MD
April 13, 2022

We enjoyed a birthday celebration last evening. 

Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States was born April 13, 1743! Most people don't remember his birthday, but I do

because . . . 

sharing a birthday with the 3rd President is our own oldest grandson. They are a few centuries apart, fortunately.

So we enjoyed an April birthday party and watched the Orioles snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. 

But more importantly, Happy Birthday Ethan!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD