Late Today

Jax at the Plate
Lakeshore Athletic Complex
June 1, 2022

 I had an early departure this morning for a baseball game. I was on the road at 7:30 AM and so I didn't get the blog done in the morning. 

It turned out that because of lack of umpires, the baseball game became a scrimmage and I became an umpire in the field. It was my first time as an umpire since college and fortunately lately the parent from the other team was a real umpire in another league and helped me through. 

It was fun!

I learned a lot. I had always noticed the umpires using hand signals between each other, but except for ensuring they knew the number of outs I never could decipher them. Well, that changed. There is a lot of communication between umpires to ensure they each know what is happening. I believe in my heart, I made all good calls today. As a scrimmage, there was no time limit and the seven inning game went almost three hours in the developing heat of the day. I was dog tired after.

But, I knew that I had projects to do at home, like taking hazardous materials to the landfill including some lithium batteries. They only accept hazardous items and liquids on Saturdays. Chris and I also managed to clean out the pool house attic and crossed another room off the list. Most of the stuff in that attic went to the landfill, with the exception of pool toys and floaties.

It was a beautiful day for being outside and we were.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Lights, Action, For Sale

The Illuminated Pool
Elkridge, MD
June 2, 2022

 In the heat of yesterday's morning sun, I managed to resolve the issue with the lights in the pool. Yay. The resolution allowed Chris and I to enjoy a beautiful evening in and around the pool with the lights beaming brightly after the thunderstorms moved through the area. We even lit the gas fueled fire pit to enjoy the ambiance. I installed bright white LED bulbs in the existing housing and they changed the color of the pool giving it a much bluer hue. 

Sitting around a hot fire pit on a warm summer-like evening may seem a bit eccentric, but Chris and I both realize that these opportunities are rapidly drawing to a close as we signed with a realtor yesterday to market the homestead. Hopefully, in a few short weeks we will have a signed contract and begin the final preparations to permanently depart the house we have loved for over 21 years. It is much different than any other move we have done as we have never lived so long at any address in our entire lives. After 21 years at the same location we have accumulated a lot of stuff which we do not need in our future location.

Life is beginning to change, although with the tropical depression headed for Tequesta with up to 12 inches of rain, I am happy I'm not there--one day in a row.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

One Thing More

The Pool on Memorial Day
Elkridge, MD
May 30, 2022

 Houses require maintenance and anyone who owns one knows this is true. And that maintenance seems to come in terms of "one more thing." By that, I mean that after completing one project while it would be nice to take a rest it is likely time to tackle the next project.

Take yesterday, for instance. I was wrestling with a GFI (ground fault interrupter) problem, still unresolved, with the pool lights. GFI issues can be very frustrating. But, I also need to do a repair on the dryer AND we received a letter form our condo association that there is an issue with the fire suppression system (sprinklers) in our Florida condo. Ugh! Two houses mean four times the problems.

The nice thing about the problem with the pool lights was that I was in and around the pool all day in the 90+ degree weather. The GFI is on one of the two light circuits. Making the problem worse, both pool lights were burned out and needed replacing and one of them separated from the base which I removed it--which does complicate things just a bit and coincidentally is on the circuit with the GFI issue.

When I finish the pool, the dryer is waiting for attention!

Well, I'm off to get started on the day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Prepping and Downsizing

Freshly Stained Porch
Elkridge, MD
Jume 1, 2022

 The seemingly headlong rush towards getting the house on the market, sold, and returning to Florida continues with daily activities, both indoors and out. I enjoyed yesterday's 90 degree temperatures, but was a sweaty mess when I came inside about 1 PM after working outside for the morning. 

The projects we are doing are really just routine maintenance that needs to be accomplished every few years. I have gained the side porch--I replaced a board last year but never got around to properly staining the new wood and then I noticed the entire porch really could use a new coat of stain. I also painted a window frame that needed a touch up. The north side of the house does not get a lot of sun and we get a bit of green algae growth on the siding which I power washed a couple days ago. The paint was the final bit on that project. 

There was a scheduled baseball game last evening and so Chris and I. have devised a plan where we enjoy the big meal of the day for a late lunch. It is really working fairly well because it is much better than trying to eat a meal when I get home from baseball at 8 or 9 PM. Today is more of the same--another game and likely another mid-day main meal. 

Another day in an unnumbered series of days.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

After the Holiday

Finishing Ribs on the Bar-B
Elkridge, MD
May 30, 2022

 Memorial Day 2022 was memorable. Most all of the family gathered for a meal and fun in and around the pool. There were smoked ribs finished on the Bar-B, salads, adult beverages, and fun in the pool. 

The weather cooperated, for a change, providing a dry and hot day. That is what Memorial Day is supposed to be: dry and hot. 

Memorial Day in the Pool
Elkridge, MD
May 30, 2022

We started during the early afternoon and continued into the evening. A variety of music was played to help the mood of the day.

The pool started the day at 77 degrees and I am sure it gained a couple degrees by day's end. 

It was great fun and everyone relaxed and just let the day happen. 

After all, isn't that what holidays are all about, families gathering together to take an official time-out from the hectic schedules of life and enjoy each other?

And now, we resume our regularly scheduled activities.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - May 30, 2022

 

1. Remember and honor on this Memorial Day! It is the last Monday of May. How did the month escape? There are just 30 Mondays remaining in this year.

2. I have been so busy watching the weather in the Atlantic, I totally missed the first names hurricane of the year in the Pacific that is heading for Mexico. I guess having a residence in Florida has made me focus more on the more immediate threat.

3. I was exhausted when I dragged myself to bed last evening a bit earlier than I prefer. It had been a busy day of activity. The day started by visiting a Patrick and Jen's house that is under construction. It was exciting to walk through the house before the drywall was installed to see the work of the tradesmen: plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists. I was excited to hear how Patrick had included outlets and drops for WiFi throughout the house. It is really an experience to see how things are put together behind the walls.

4. Projects abound. After visiting Patrick's under-construction house and coaching a baseball game, I managed to power wash the siding on the house which took me until after the normal start of Happy Hour. But, another projects was able to be completed. It paves the way for two more projects to be completed.

5. Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of Summer! We are expecting 90 degree temperatures to begin the season of fun. The pool is open!

6. The Severn Seminoles 14U are in the Championship Bracket of the Elkridge Stars and Stripes Tournament. They lost a tough game yesterday in the bottom of the last inning and finished the seedings 5th of 12 teams. Their first game this morning is at 8AM! Here's hoping for a championship. 

7. Today in History. On May 30, 1431, at Rouen in English-controlled Normandy, Joan of Arc, the peasant girl who became the savior of France, is burned at the stake for heresy.

Joan was born in 1412, the daughter of a tenant farmer at Domremy, on the borders of the duchies of Bar and Lorraine. In 1415, the Hundred Years War between England and France entered a crucial phase when the young King Henry V of England invaded France and won a series of decisive victories against the forces of King Charles VI. By the time of Henry’s death in August 1422, the English and their French-Burgundian allies controlled Aquitaine and most of northern France, including Paris. Charles VI, long incapacitated, died one month later, and his son, Charles, regent from 1418, prepared to take the throne. However, Reims, the traditional city of French coronation, was held by the Anglo-Burgundians, and the Dauphin (heir apparent to the French throne) remained uncrowned. Meanwhile, King Henry VI of England, the infant son of Henry V and Catherine of Valois, the daughter of Charles VI, was proclaimed king of France by the English.

Russian Forces Push Into Key City in East Ukraine - The Wall Street Journal

Bombed Bridges, Closed Ports Keep Ukrainian Grain From a World That Needs It - The Wall Street Journal

Canceled Plans Are a New Normal - The Wall Street Journal

Photos since Columbine show cycle of gun violence in schools - The Washington Post

Covid was vanishing last Memorial Day. Cases are five times higher now. - The Washington Post

9-year-old describes escaping out a window during shooting - CNN

Hurricane Agatha barrels toward Mexico - CNN

UK says Russia suffers devastating losses among lower-ranked officers - Reuters

Analysis: How the Ukraine conflict is reshaping global oil markets - Reuters

Twenty victims found after Nepal air crash, hopes fade for two missing - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Walking Down the Yellow Brick Road

Yellow Brick Road
Big Cork Vineyards, Rohersville, MD
May 28, 2022

One would think I was off to Oz, but in fact I was at my favorite East Coast Winery to enjoy a night of Elton John music performed by Yellow Brick Road. 

It was a great evening at Big Cork Vineyards in Rohersville, Maryland. The lawn was packed with Elton John fans by the time the show began and the wine was flowing freely. The weather was nearly perfect. The temperatures remained moderate, the skies cleared during the show and the winds were calm. It made for a great night of music and fun.

Yellow Brick Road
Big Cork Vineyards, Rohersville, MD
May 28, 2022

The band generated energy which the crowd reflected back to them as the show continued. The first set was relatively slow punctuated by long, almost too long, instrumentals and highlighting some of Elton John's lesser known hits. The highlights of the first set were Rocket Man and Candle in the Wind.

After the intermission, the show began to really rock with every song being a classic. This is where the band energy increased as did that of the crowd. I found myself near the front of the stage dancing for most of the set--and singing as loudly as I could and slightly off key as I could. There was good interaction with the band as they at times encouraged the crowd to sing the refrain from some of the songs. As darkness fell, the excitement grew with each familiar song. The highlights I remember were Benny and the Jets, Philadelphia Freedom, Crocodile Rock, Levon, Tiny Dancer, and a great rendition of Pinball Wizard. 

I was able to take a short video of the band doing Philadelphia Freedom which also shows the crowd. 

Yeah, we had a good time! I recommend an evening with this band if you get the chance. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Brakes in the Garage

Jeep in the Garage
Elkridge, MD
May 27, 2022

Out of the blue yesterday, although the sky had been gray for the past four days, I wound up doing something not related to either downsizing or baseball. Patrick needed to replace the brakes on his Jeep and needed to use my garage, since it provided shelter from the rain. 

New Brakes
Elkridge, MD
May 27, 2022

I had to move stuff around that is being stored for moving to Florida to make room for the front of the Jeep, but it worked very well. The job included new brakes: calipers, rotors, and pads as well as an oil change. It was a great afternoon in the garage using tools that I soon will no longer have access to as I divest many tools like the heavy duty floor jack. 

It was a great afternoon with Patrick and the Jeep. As we got into the project it became clear that the caliper on one side was locked up, and we determined that we should replace it and likely the other one. There was a break in the action as we headed off to the local autocrats store for the calipers. In the end we completed a $1200 or more brake job for the cost of parts, which were not inexpensive. I was a bit shocked that the core charge for the calipers was $60 each--I guess they really want those back to refurbish.

Great afternoon. Great fun. Good job!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Highway to the Danger Zone

 

Last evening, I returned to the movie theater for only the second time during the COVID era. The event was to see Top Gun Maverick on the big screen.

Wow!

What a ride and what a movie. The sequel, 36 years in the making, pays homage to the original Top Gun by continuing the storylines, but it is much more than that. A taken from the news world situation, a should-be but not over-the-hill renegade pilot, the music, and all of the drama you might expect are rolled into the plot to create a movie experience that should draw people back into the theaters. 

Yes, the movie is a formula movie. It is predictable, but wow, the plot twists and the flying action are definitely not green screen. 

If you like the original Top Gun (and the music, did I mention the music?) and have been waiting for a reason other than a Marvel superhero movie to go back to the theater--this movie is it. It must be seen on the big screen to be fully appreciated. 

At the conclusion of the movie, Chris commented, "I wish I could stay here and watch it again!" Chris does not generally watch movies more than once in the theater.

One reviewer wrote: But mostly, honestly, it’s two hours of sheer, visceral fun on the big screen, which feels very retro. In the best possible way.

Bob's recommendation: A must see! 

Side note: If it has been a while since you saw Top Gun, watch it before you go.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Little Known Secrets - Facebook Marketplace

 

Winemaking Equipment

I learned yesterday that I could not sell my winemaking equipment on Facebook Marketplace. Because the equipment is related to alcohol it is not allowed to be offered for sale. I appealed the decision and, as expected, lost although the explanation was not clear.

So now, as I am downsizing, I have winemaking equipment and large fermenting bottles that I need to re-home. Sadly, I only made one batch of wine as I never found time to work another vintage. The wine I made was not great, but it was drinkable. I still have two bottles remaining which I should open to determine how they are aging or if they are over the hill. 

As it turns out, there is a comprehensive list of items that cannot be sold on Marketplace. They are detailed under Commerce Policies. This is important to know stuff although even reading the policies I do not see how winemaking equipment qualifies as buying or selling alcohol. I wonder if they know it takes at least three months to make a drinkable wine. It is not like someone is going to buy today and imbibe tonight. 

Now that I am fully aware of the policies. I will do a better job staying between the white lines. Actually, I don't see where I might violate the commerce policy again.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD