Downsizing Drama--Storage Media

 

We are under a month to go on the downsizing and subsequent relocation to Florida. There is not panic, a little consternation, but we are keeping it in check. 

The latest issues revolve around old storage media such as VHS tapes and CDs. 

Do we keep or discard?

The CDs are marked for donation, we finally decided. Actually we do not have many CD players left in the house. The best on is in my Jaguar--a six-CD changer! My truck does not even have a CD player, it is too new. 

The CDs, therefore, are not a problem--the VHS tapes are. We have a mix of tapes which contain family videos and another group which are of TV shows tapes and sent to us while we were living in Germany. As we went to check the contents of the tapes we discovered that our VHS player was not working. It may have been 15 or more years since it was actually used and someone left a tape in it which would not eject. 

What to do?

I checked Amazon--new VHS players are unreasonably expensive, but Chris had the answer: Goodwill. She picked up a very nice player for $12. 

We are working through the tapes and keeping only the ones with family vids on them. It is fun to work back through the past and see the places and people we visited. It is sad because I realized that we videoed many activities and have never actually watched the tapes, until now. 

Downsizing fun!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Early End to Summer?

Black Walnuts on the Ground
Elkridge, MD
July 17, 2022

 The Summer is progressing faster than I would like. 

I feel Summer fading into August where it will then end in September. There are signs that there summer may be ending early.

One sign is the black walnuts falling on my lawn. I was outside and heard a couple falling from the tree the other day. I was happy not to be under the tree as they hit the ground. They made a significant sound.

I think the black walnuts are falling early this year. I don't remember them falling during July. The online references indicate that the nuts fall during September and October. They make a mess when I mow as they shoot out from the blades. I keep the tractor pointed at the trees so as not to do any damage. 

Who knew that black walnuts are worth about $20 per hundred pounds? Hulled, of course. 

Maybe I should pick them up?

Nah, they are more fun to mow!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Monday Musings - July 18, 2022

 

1. Monday has arrived again. Today is the 3rd Monday of July. There is only 1 Monday remaining in the month and 23 in the year. Better get out there and enjoy the summer. It is slipping away quickly.

Riordin Claiming the Pillow
Elkridge, MD
July 16, 2022

2. No. This is my pillow. That is how I felt as Riordin was guarding a blue pillow on the sofa the other day. It was almost as if he was saying, "Don't even think about it."

3. There is something about cars and repairs/maintenance. I am replacing tires on two of my vehicles this week and also replacing brakes on one of them. Amazing how things get stacked up.

4. It is the middle of the summer and vacations are in full swing. I am glad that I had the opportunity to enjoy a week in Sint Maarten because the rest of the summer is going to be a lot of work as we complete the sale of the house and move to Florida.

5. Just a follow-up. I am still selling many things on Facebook Marketplace and have become adept, I believe, as recognizing scammers. It is sad that so many people are trying to get something for nothing. I have even had a scammer try to separate my from my Jaguar and have me pay them for the experience. 

6. Today in History. On July 18, 1940, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who first took office in 1933 as America’s 32nd president, is nominated for an unprecedented third term. Roosevelt, a Democrat, would eventually be elected to a record four terms in office, the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms.

READ MORE: How FDR Served Four Terms as U.S. President 

Roosevelt was born January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, and went on to serve as a New York state senator from 1911 to 1913, assistant secretary of the Navy from 1913 to 1920 and governor of New York from 1929 to 1932. In 1932, he defeated incumbent Herbert Hoover to be elected president for the first time. During his first term, Roosevelt enacted his New Deal social programs, which were aimed at lifting America out of the Great Depression. In 1936, he won his second term in office by defeating Kansas governor Alf Landon in a landslide.

Europe Fears Economic Fallout if Russian Gas Outage Drags On - The Wall Street Journal

Boeing Closes In on Making New Dreamliner Deliveries - The Wall Street Journal

Ukraine military says several Russian attempts to advance in Donetsk were repelled - CNN

What's this new variant BA.5, and is it worse than Omicron? - CNN

Heat wave sets Britain on course for its hottest day on record - Reuters

Russians buying cheaper food items as incomes fall, says leading retailer - Reuters

Ghana confirms its first outbreak of highly infectious Marburg virus - Reuters

Gunman kills 3 at Indiana mall; armed bystander kills shooter, police say - The Washington Post

Beach trips can be costly to the environment. Here’s how to reduce your impact. - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Standing in Line

 The past couple days have seen me return to brick and mortar stores to do some shopping.

It has not been an enjoyable experience.

The stores, while open, seem to miss an important point about retail sales. In order to get return business, the checkout process needs to be stress free and smooth. Think about it, the stores are trading their merchandise for my money. There are many other places to spend my money and even purchase the very same items. 

Why do I have to stand in line?

My sample size is three stores over two days with, sadly, similar results. 

In all three stores I was in line for over 5 minutes and approaching 10 minutes. I was next in line in two of them, but the cashier struggled with the person checking out. My beef? There were other employees in the store, why didn't they open another register. And by the time I was able to check-out, there was a true line behind me in all three establishments. 

Stores have got to do better or the competition will win.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

On the Walk

 

Red Spotted Purple Butterfly
Elkridge, MD
July 15, 2022

Chris and I walk almost every morning. The principle purpose is to get Finnegan ready for the day, but the secondary purpose is to ensure that we get at least 30 minutes of continuous motion.

The route is not usually exciting, but it has its moments. 

For instance, yesterday a Red Spotted Purple butterfly was flying around a tree we walk past. I don't see many of these. When I checked the field guide, I initially confused it with a female Black Swallowtail, but as I checked closer I realized that it was not a swallowtail at all. I was lucky that the butterfly actually posed for a picture!

This route takes us past four condemned townhomes that were destroyed by fire on July 1st. They are boarded up and we have not seen must activity, yet. It is believed that a propane grill started the fire which spread to the adjoining units. It was very sad. We saw the activity as we returned home from Sint Maarten at about 1:30 AM on July 2nd. 

I guess it is all in the neighborhood.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

10 Straight

A 10-game winning streak has not happened for the Orioles since a 13-game streak during the 1999 campaign. 

All of the teams in the AL East are OVER .500.

American League East Standings
As of Play on July 14, 2022

That has happened before, but not very often. More importantly, despite the Yankees being the untouchable team of the season, the O's are just 1.5 games out of the Wild Card position. They actually gained a half-game last night because both Boston and Toronto lost.

The Orioles are on a road trip and head into the Trop (Tropicana Field) tonight to face the Rays.

The O's no longer are tied for the longest win streak in baseball as the Mariners played last night and extended their streak to 11 games, but so what, the O's have played themselves into contention and now begin a stretch, broken up by the All Star Game, of 10 games--7 against the Rays and 3 against the Yankees! It is time to see what this team is really made of!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Bastille Day 2022!

Fort St. Louis
St. Martin
June 30, 2022

My second favorite foreign holiday has arrived and I look forward to the images of fireworks being launched in Paris tonight!

Happy Bastille Day!

And to think I was in France (well, St. Martin) just two weeks ago. I did enjoy seeing the tri-color flying on the French side of the island, all the more knowing that it is France.

Flags at Orient Bay Beach
St Martin
June 28, 2022

I do not know why I like Bastille Day so much, but the thought of a holiday associated with a prison breakout intrigues me. 

Through history, the French have either been for us or against us, but never wishy-washy about America. Of course it was their assistance at Yorktown which made the cause of the Revolution a reality as Cornwallis surrendered. 

Well, it is a French holiday and we should celebrate with them. 

Vive la France!

Oh yes, and Happy Friday Eve!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Eerie Storm

Eerie Rainbow
Elkridge, MD
July 12, 2022

 At the end of a hot day, the obligatory thunderstorms moved through the area cooling the temperatures a bit. In addition to providing an spectacular light show with deep rolling thunder, Chris and I witnessed a sky coloration not often seen. As the skies cleared and a rainbow formed, the clouds reflected the reds of the sunset. It was dark and red, almost like skies depicted on alien planets in science fiction movies.

The storms came at the end of a long day which saw us meet the people who have contracted to buy the house and then enjoy some time on a floatie in the pool. 

I had a person test drive my Jaguar, which is for sale. They seemed very interested and I will have to see how that goes. My car is listed on CarGurus and Facebook Marketplace. 

Happy Hump Day!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, again

 I have stumbled once again upon Tuesday--I know, it arrives every week. 

Nightstand
Elkridge, MD
July 11, 2022

Today, however, seems different. I don't have a day filled with activity, but I expect to be busy.

Yesterday I was busy on Facebook Marketplace listing items which have been slated for downsizing and then actually selling some of the items. I did finally sell a small refrigerator, which had been seeing incredible interest for a few days but no one actually wanted to come pay for it. I am amazed at how many people ask if something is still available and then I hear nothing more from them. And then, not the other hand some sales happen incredibly quickly and without drama. 

One item, actually a pair of items, that went smoothly and without drama was two nightstands. I love it when something just passes on to its new owner without drama and I had a great time chatting with the new owner of my former treasures. 

I continue to tackle the minor repair issues. I managed to solve a leaky pool light problem while also mowing using my repaired mower deck. 

Downsizing will continue today. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 11, 2022

 

1. Welcome to this edition of Monday Musings. Today is the second Monday of July 2022. There are 24 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. I just have to mention the Orioles. They now have an 8-game winning streak for the first time (within a single season) since May 2005! They are also just 1 game below .500. While they are the cellar-dwellers of the AL East, they are actually tied for 8th in the league (of 15) and are just 2 games out of Wild Card contention.

3. I have been having a fun time selling items on Facebook Marketplace. It is frustrating, however, that so many people make promises that they do not keep. AND, I also continue to fend off scammers. Let the seller beware!

Enchantment of the Seas
Baltimore Cruise Port
July 9, 2022

4. I dropped Jeremy and Julie off at the Baltimore Cruise Port on Saturday. It definitely was not cruise weather as they departed. Here is an image I took while stopped of the cruise ship, Enchantment of the Seas, as I was leaving the port. I can sum it in one word: rain!

5. I have been amazed at the number of maintenance issues that have developed in the house since we accepted the offer of sale. Maybe I just notice them more, but those annoying little projects keep adding up.

6. Today in History. On July 11, 1804, in one of the most famous duels in American history, Vice President Aaron Burr fatally shoots his long-time political antagonist Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton, a leading Federalist and the chief architect of America’s political economy, died the following day.

Alexander Hamilton, born on the Caribbean island of Nevis, came to the American colonies in 1773 as a poor immigrant. (There is some controversy as to the year of his birth, but it was either 1755 or 1757.) In 1776, he joined the Continental Army in the American Revolution, and his relentless energy and remarkable intelligence brought him to the attention of General George Washington, who took him on as an aide. Ten years later, Hamilton served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and he led the fight to win ratification of the final document, which created the kind of strong, centralized government that he favored. In 1789, he was appointed the first secretary of the treasury by President Washington, and during the next six years he crafted a sophisticated monetary policy that saved the young U.S. government from collapse. With the emergence of political parties, Hamilton was regarded as a leader of the Federalists.

Ukraine War Pushes Millions of the World’s Poorest Toward Starvation - The Wall Street Journal

Freight Rates Are Starting to Fall as Shipping Demand Wavers - The Wall Street Journal

Ukraine's harvest becomes the new battlefield, as fires blacken heartlands - CNN

Is Covid-19 surging again? - CNN

Europe on edge as Nord Stream Russian gas link enters shutdown - Reuters

Ships get older and slower as emissions rules bite - Reuters

Lithuania widens curbs on Kaliningrad trade despite Russian warning - Reuters

America has decided the pandemic is over. The coronavirus has other ideas. - The Washington Post

Uber used covert tech to thwart government probes and advance its ambitions - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD