The Saturday Ride

 

Snapping Turtle
Along WB&A Trail
June 3, 2023

Chris and I managed to bike yesterday. It was only our second excursion together and it was a fairly easy 8.75 miles.

Chris Making the Turn
WB&A Trail, Odenton, MD
June 3, 2023

We rode a portion of the WB&A Trail. It was an out and back ride since part of the trail remains closed. I imaged Chris at the turn where we began the return portion of the ride after we had stopped for water and to chat. 

The smell of the honeysuckle remains strong in the wooded areas. It is just enjoyable to be assaulted by such a sweet odor as we bike. 

We enjoyed a wildlife close encounter along the trail. A snapping turtle was meandering beside the trail and we stopped, along with other bikers, to view the animal and take a few images. The animal does not look happy, but then when does a snapping turtle ever look happy.

The generally gentle grade of the WB&A Trail makes riding enjoyable. Even with an elevation change of 330 feet, for the most part riding the trail is very enjoyable. There are only a couple hills which actually require a significant downshift.

It was a fun ride on a Saturday morning.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Frying on Friday

 Some wonder why we could possibly live Florida during the Summer.

Well, it can be hotter and more miserable in Maryland. Look at yesterday, for example.

Odenton, MD, topped out at 96 degrees. The air was still and the sun was hot.

Tequesta, FL, topped out at 87 degrees with an ocean breeze. 

The other thing that sizzledyesterday was the economy because the debt issue was resolved and the President will sign the bill today.

President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office to emphasize that democracy depends on bipartisanship.” [W]hen I ran for President,” he began, “I was told the days of bipartisanship were over and that Democrats and Republicans could no longer work together. But I refused to believe that, because America can never give in to that way of thinking…. [T]he only way American democracy can function is through compromise and consensus, and that’s what I worked to do as your President…to forge a bipartisan agreement where it’s possible and where it’s needed.”

(Letters from an American)

I remember when Biden was running that he promised to work in a bipartisan manner for the good of the country.

And wow, did he ever come through for the American people and the world.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Motoring on the Chesapeake

Thomas Point Shoal Light
Chesapeake Bay
June 1, 2023

 It was an absolutely beautiful day for boating the Chesapeake. Chris and I procured a boat for the afternoon intending to share the experience with the family, but as life happened when the time came it was Chris, me, and Finnegan who got to enjoy an almost perfect boating day. 

The bay was almost flat and we were able to motor down the South River, from Liberty Marina, into the Bay and enjoyed a nice ride to Annapolis and then onward to the Bay Bridge. We motored up the river to the downtown Annapolis area, but decided not to tie up and walk the city. We saw the sights and maybe next time we will tie up at Pusser's for a meal. 

Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Chesapeake Bay
June 1, 2023

We discovered a couple of things on our trip. First, it is really hard to take pictures from a moving boat. Even when I cut the engine to idle, the undulating motion of the Bay really makes taking images tough. We also noted that I need to take an extra battery or a cable for my iPhone to support my navigation app.

One thing that we discovered yesterday was that the haze from the Canadian fires raging in Nova Scotia made it difficult to identify landmarks on the shoreline. It also made the multitude of freighters and tankers riding at anchor in the bay seem like a ghost fleet as they appeared out of the haze once we transitioned form South River into the Bay. 

Finn on the Bow in His Lifejacket
Chesapeake Bay
June 1, 2023

But as can be seen, aside from the haze, it was a nearly perfect boating day. I was able to use my nautical chart app on my iPhone to navigate to the places we wanted to visit. Even the bay bridge was invisible when we first motored into the bay, only later appearing out of the haze. It is so large that it seemed close when we first sighted it, yet still took a long time to actually pass under the spans.

Finnegan at times seemed to enjoy the trip, but he definitely did not like motoring through the wakes of other vessels. I admit, I sometimes didn't slow enough to minimize the crashing of the boat as we crossed the wakes because they did not seem as large as they actually were.

All-in-all, we had a great afternoon and successfully returned the boat to the marina without a scratch!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Debt Crisis - Solved or not?

 In a stunning display of bipartisanship, the House of Representatives voted to suspend the U.S. debt ceiling for two years.

A great victory--but the fight is not over. The Senate still needs to approve something similar. I do not fully understand why they have been sitting on the sidelines of this crisis.

Hopefully, the Senate will display similar bipartisanship and pass the measure which will avert a worldwide financial crisis once signed by the President. 

Do I like the measure? Not fully. But, it represents the kind of bipartisan compromise that our President, Joe Biden, is famous for achieving. 165 Democrats and 149 Republicans voted for the measure. 

But, sadly, the fight continues. 

Time will tell. But I am encouraged by the bipartisan vote.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Embracing Midweek Serenity: Finding Balance in the Bustle

Welcome to Wednesday. Today let's explore ways to navigate the middle of the week and find moments of serenity amidst the daily hustle. Let's embrace the midweek blues and transform them into a positive, balanced experience. So, let's dive in!

1. Start Your Day Mindfully: Wednesday mornings can often feel like a blur as we rush to tackle our to-do lists. Instead, prioritize starting the day with mindfulness. Dedicate a few minutes to meditate, journal, or simply sit in silence and set positive intentions for the day ahead. By cultivating a calm mindset, we can approach the challenges of the week with greater clarity and peace.

   
   

2. Find Your Midweek Motivation: Midweek slumps can sometimes zap our motivation, making it harder to stay focused and productive. Combat this by identifying your sources of inspiration. Whether it's listening to uplifting podcasts, reading motivational quotes, or connecting with like-minded individuals, seek out the fuel that ignites your passion and reminds you why you started this journey in the first place.

   
   

3. Take Active Breaks: We all know the feeling of hitting a productivity wall in the middle of the day. Instead of pushing through without a break, give yourself permission to pause and recharge. Step away from your desk and engage in a physical activity that rejuvenates you, such as taking a walk, practicing yoga, or enjoying a quick workout. These moments of movement will boost your energy levels and provide a fresh perspective when you return to your tasks.

   
   

4. Express Gratitude: Amidst the busyness, it's essential to pause and acknowledge the things we are grateful for. Use Wednesdays as an opportunity to reflect on the blessings in your life. Consider starting a gratitude journal, where you can jot down three things you're grateful for each Wednesday. This practice will shift your mindset towards appreciation and positivity, helping you maintain a balanced outlook.

   
   

5. Connect and Collaborate: Wednesday is the perfect day to reach out and connect with others. Initiate conversations with colleagues, friends, or even strangers who share similar interests or aspirations. Engaging in meaningful conversations and collaboration not only provides fresh perspectives but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and support. Remember, we're all in this journey together!

   
   

6. Embrace Mini Self-Care Rituals: A midweek self-care routine can work wonders in maintaining equilibrium. Incorporate small self-care rituals into your Wednesday schedule, such as enjoying a bubble bath, indulging in a favorite treat, reading a book, or engaging in a creative hobby. These moments of self-nurturing will help recharge your spirit and infuse your day with a sense of tranquility.

Wednesdays are not just about getting through the week; they're about finding joy and balance along the way. By implementing these practices, we can transform midweek blues into opportunities for growth, connection, and self-care.

Wishing you all a fulfilling Wednesday! Stay balanced embrace the journey.

Oh yeah, Happy Hump Day!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Note: written with the help of ChatGPT, an AI language model trained by OpenAI

What did you do?

 

Geese on the 17th Fairway
Timbers at Troy, Elkridge, MD
May 29, 2023

Memorial Day 2023 has come and gone. It used to be that the next holiday up was Independence Day, but now there is Juneteenth!

Yes, another holiday. Wait, everyday is a holiday for me!

I did enjoy a long round of golf yesterday. And I mean long. Holidays make for full courses and long rounds. We played Timbers at Troy yesterday, or rather it played me! We spend 4 hours 51 minutes whacking at the little white ball and pushing it around the course. 

Honeysuckle
Timbers at Troy
Elkridge, MD
May 29, 2023

I had looked at the weather earlier in the week and decided on a mid-morning tee time. The problem is that a mid-morning tee time runs over lunch and one can get hungry and thirsty. Fortunately, I picked a good time because the rain started as Chris and I were driving away from the course.

As we played the course we were treated to wildlife and sweet smells. The honeysuckle remains in bloom and provides a sweet fragrance across parts of the course. We were also treated to an over anxious Marshall who encouraged us to speed up play while we were on the third hole, which upset me since we had been waiting for the group in front of us at the previous two holes and continued to wait at nearly every successive hole. We may have appeared slow, but we remained in contact with the foursome in front for the whole round. It is all part of golfing on a holiday, I guess.

It is amazing how an almost five-hour round of golf can eat up a day!

But, it was a great holiday spent with Chris and Jeremy.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - May 29, 2023

 

Memorial Day 

1. Remember those who gave their last full measure of devotion for this country. Thank a vet or active duty service member for their service.

Virginia Mountains
Afton, VA
May 25, 2023

2. It is the last Monday, of 5, in May 2023. It is also Memorial Day. There are 30 Mondays remaining in the year.

3. I realized that as a retired person I really don't take vacations anymore. I am on vacation every day. When I leave home I am simply traveling as part of my retirement, like a business trip. 

4. The weather in Maryland has been unseasonably cold since our arrival here. Today we are attempting golf with forecasts for continued cool temperatures and a threat of rain.

5. It is a Monday holiday. I made have erred in getting a tee time. The course likely will be extremely crowded resulting in a 5-hour round of golf.

6. Today in History. At 11:30 a.m. on May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, become the first explorers to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which at 29,035 feet above sea level is the highest point on earth. The two, part of a British expedition, made their final assault on the summit after spending a fitful night at 27,900 feet. News of their achievement broke around the world on June 2, the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, and Britons hailed it as a good omen for their country’s future.

Mount Everest sits on the crest of the Great Himalayas in Asia, lying on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Called Chomo-Lungma, or “Mother Goddess of the Land,” by the Tibetans, the English named the mountain after Sir George Everest, a 19th-century British surveyor of South Asia. The summit of Everest reaches two-thirds of the way through the air of the earth’s atmosphere—at about the cruising altitude of jet airliners—and oxygen levels there are very low, temperatures are extremely cold, and weather is unpredictable and dangerous.

4 great white sharks detected in waters off New York and New Jersey - CNN

Police: 7 children found in home with padlocked fridge, caged rats, never attended school and lacked basic knowledge - CNN

Iran will face consequences after Kyiv was targeted with Iranian drones, Ukrainian official warns - CNN

Biden says final US debt ceiling deal ready to move to Congress for vote - Reuters

North Korea to hold key ruling party meeting in early June - Reuters

Nigeria's Tinubu gets his turn as president, familiar problems await - Reuters

Explosions rock Kyiv as Russia launches new attack - Air Force - Reuters

Japan puts missile defences on alert as North Korea warns of satellite launch - Reuters

Disney’s Orlando Campus Cancellation Is a Blow to Neighboring Projects - The Wall Street Journal

Texas Republicans pass bills changing election policies for large Democratic county - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Free Fallin

Free Fallin
Big Cork Vineyards
Rhorersville, MD
May 28, 2023

 Saturday was concert night. Last evening we went with friends to Big Cork Vineyards for the Summer Concert Series. The featured band was Free Fallin, a Tom Petty tribute band. It was a beautiful evening for an outdoors concert. As the concert progressed, the sky began to become a visual experience of its own. Combined with the music of Tom Petty, the evening became a visual and auditory experience to enjoy.

The band hails from Minnesota and has been together for 17 years playing Tom Petty music. I have to admit, I am not a huge Tom Petty musical fan, however, the music on the lawn of the winery last evening was enjoyable and during the second set the band played the greatest hits of Tom Petty. I admit, I knew the tunes, but not all of the words so I used my phone to access the lyrics so that I could sing along.

The band has an authentic Tom Petty sound and look. They connected very well with the assembled masses on the lawn. Big Cork is a beautiful venue for concerts and, being a vineyard, the wine flows freely. There were food trucks for those who desired some food and I enjoyed the ice cream truck which I sampled during the intermission.

It was a great evening with friends in the Maryland Mountains under a stunning late-Spring sky. It was also the perfect way to begin a holiday weekend.

I recommend the band and the music. If they play at a venue near you, go see them if you like even one Tom Petty song! You will come away appreciating the music even more. It was a great evening.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Debt and Rights

Flamingos stand in a pond in Navi Mumbai, India,
on Sunday, May 22.
Punit Paranjpe/AFP/Getty Images

Like a bunch of flamingos.

That is what I feel our Congressional leadership is like, sometimes.

The debt crisis has been looming for months and they find out they may have five more days and they immediately plan to take five more days.

And what has the Democratic-controlled Senate been doing the past few weeks? They should have passed a debt ceiling bill and be negotiating with the House. Seriously, things apparently have become broken.

And the whole process is being held hostage by a few outliers.

I feel that the majority of the Congress just want to raise the debt ceiling and get on with business. Yes, the looming budget battle is going to be wild, but allowing a small minority to hold the whole country hostage and threaten not only our economy but the world's? Really?

Sadly that is where we are headed. In Florida, for instance, one parent can decide which books the majority of children cannot be exposed to in schools, whether the majority agrees or not. My view, if parents object to a book, then don't let their kids read the books. The idea that librarians can be held liable for obscene material in the collection, as a law in Arkansas is proposing, is preposterous. The definition of obscene is fairly amorphous and apparently changes with the wind. There is classical literature and art which certain people would feel is obscene. Look at the statues in Europe where portions have been broken off because someone felt it was obscene.

We have lost societal compass that made us what we are: an inclusive society that embraces individual freedoms and rights even if we, ourselves, don't agree with the practice of those rights. I believe that one can be Pro Life and yet support abortion rights. It is not that hard. There is no inherent right allowing someone to abridge the rights of others just because of a disagreement and especially when that disagreement is based upon a supposedly religious difference.

America is great because it is diverse and embraces differences. Wait, that, apparently is the liberal lie.

Well, I'm still waiting for Congress to raise the debt ceiling--a fairly simple task. I am not convinced they are capable of more complex problem solving.

Finally, I would never call members of congress flamingos, I like flamingos too much.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Virginia Wineries

King Family Vineyards
Crozet, VA
May 25, 2023

 During the past two days, Chris and I have managed to visit 8 Virginia Wineries in the Charlottesville region. 

We have been treated to stunning vistas, varied wines, and great conversations with the friends who are accompanying us on our trek. 

One thing we are definitely enjoying are the varied wines. It is surprising that we have not purchased more than we have, but I think the idea of transporting them to Florida and hoping they arrive in good condition is a bit off-putting. 

View at Mount Ida Farm and Vineyard
Charlottesville, VA
May 24, 2023

We especially enjoyed returning to King Family Vineyards, where we are members. I believe the consensus of the group was that the wines were tasting best at King. I also purchased the most wine at that vineyards.

We enjoyed the stunning views from Mount Ida Farm and Vineyard and also from Hazy Mountain Vineyards and Brewery. These vineyards are designed for stunning views and hosting weddings. Their wines are coming along. But, I will say that the pizza at Hazy Mountain is excellent!

We have had some great fun and great food. 

I highly recommend Duner's out outside of Charlottesville for dinner! Excellent service, great menu, and a just a really nice place to enjoy conversation and dinner. 

And our visit is not yet over. 

-- Bob Doan, Earlysville, VA