Veteran's Day Special

Thank them!

Remember them!

Across the seas and even here in our own land, America's military veterans have served with distinction!

American Cemetery in Luxembourg

Many who didn't make it back and are still remembered in the far off lands they helped to liberate from tyranny.

Pause for a moment and reflect on the freedoms that you have  and then remember that someone made a sacrifice for you.

Those who served are all around and most a very humble about their service. I always blush when someone thanks me for my service.

Veterans, be proud!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Red Cup Furor Overblown

Starbucks' Red Holiday Cups

Perhaps one of the funniest, if not saddest, stories to cross my viewing during the past few days has been the furor over Starbucks' red holiday cups! Certain Christian groups are accusing Starbucks of being anti-Christmas because the cups are plain red rather than adorned with symbols of the season.

My thought was, why not orange for pumpkins?

Can someone really, in good conscience accuse Starbucks of being anti-Christmas? 

I worry that we are becoming a paranoid society and that people are searching for ways that they can feel persecuted. There are real issues out there, like the climbing Baltimore murder rate and people are seriously worried that Starbucks is using a plain red cup for the holiday season?

Get a life!

For me, I like the minimalist holiday look. I find it festive and simply elegant!  Good job Starbucks. I may even head over to Starbucks for a cup-of-joe in a red cup.

And that is My Take!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It was a Dark, Dreary November Evening

Steaks on the Grill

During the Dark Season, one of the toughest things to do in to keep moving after the darkness arrives all too early.

Yesterday was even tougher. It was rainy and seasonably cool--meaning, all outdoor activity ceased. 

Ugh!

I found a way to beat the darkness! Cooking steaks on the grill! It brought back the smells of summer and the tastes that I long for. Served with a nice dark red wine--a Grenache, it drove out the darkness--at least for a moment.

I need to keep reminding myself that the darkness, in and of itself is not a bad thing. It need to overcome the darkness by doing things that remind me of the summer and sunlight.

Summer is not just a season, it is a state of mind.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - November 9, 2015

1. November has been extremely mild and enjoyable, prolonging a spectacular autumn for the region.

2. Veteran's Day is this week. Thank you to all who have served and who continue to serve!

3. It is good when the team I'm rooting for doesn't lose, even if they don't play. Go Ravens!

4. Scented candles are just a bit much! And they are polluting our home environments. 

5. It is baseball season, yet?

6. On this day in 1965, the great Northeast blackout happened.  I remember where I was when the lights went off.

7. I have had a cold that just keeps lingering. It is miserable.

8. This is only week two of standard time! And it keeps getting darker, earlier.

9. The end of predatory towing companies freedom to pillage and plunder may be in sight!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: News Media Run Amok

It has been clear for some time now, that the news media is over stepping their boundaries when it comes to reporting.

No longer, it seems, is the media, which I use as a collective term, satisfied to report the news of the day, they want to create the news.

No where is it more evident than the Presidential olympics. Why are the discussions of the candidates overshadowing more pressing news of the day? Because not only can the media report, but, they can create and then shape the news in a sensational manner.

The scary part is? Who will elect the next President? The news media! I have heard arguments about whether the media, collectively again, is liberal or conservative and it really does not matter. The shaping and uneven reporting does a disservice to Americans who depend upon the news media for information.

There needs to be something sensational every day!

It makes the ratings go up! And that means money. It does not equate to full and truthful reporting.

Not everything being reported is really news! A lot of it is opinion, beware.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: Police Abuses

I read a particularly disturbing article about a police chase in Louisiana this morning that continues to highlight the changing nature of police departments around our country. And this comes after a particularly rough summer where police abuses have been highlighted.

Jeremy Mardis Killed by Police Bullets in Louisiana

This story is perhaps the worst of all. It is set in rural Louisiana where apparently police involved in a car chase fired a number of bullets into a car earlier this week. According to one account, they fired 18 bullets into the SUV. At least 6 of those shots struck and killed 6 year old Jeremy Mardis who was strapped into his seat. The driver of the vehicle, Jeremy's father,  was unarmed and survived. The police allege that were attempting to apprehend the driver because of warrants which have not materialized. Two officers have been charged with 2nd degree murder. The tragedy? This story has not made the national news except as an afterthought. 

This comes after another young man was killed a few weeks ago after his car broke down along I-95 near Jupiter, Florida. 

And it comes after a summer of unrest around the country about the aggressive, shoot-first and ask questions later approach to law enforcement that is being employed.

This is not the 1930's with gangsters riding around the country laying trails of death and destruction behind them robbing banks and using automatic weapons. Innocent bystanders are being killed by direct fire!

I remember that, in olden times, the police were the servants of the people. When someone strayed, they packed the person up and took them home. An encounter with the police was not a life threatening event. Look at old TV shows how the police are portrayed--they lived in the neighborhoods they protected and knew the people. The police helped people and only addressed the most egregious violations.

We, apparently, have become a society intolerant of even the most minor transgression and the result has been the militarization of the police forces which have transformed them from being servants of the populace to being the enforcers first. 

I fear the abuses will continue.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: We have Lost the News

We are a news starved society, out of touch with what is happening in the world unless it is dramatic. Our major news sources are myopically focused upon the upcoming--still over a year away, election at the expense of keeping Americans in touch with what is going on around the world.

Does I really care what Donald Trump's current ranting is about, and is it news worthy? I think not!

Yes, most Americans may understand that a Russian airliner was downed, probably by ISIS/ISIL over the Sinai, but do they even know where the Sinai is?

How many people know that a dam burst in Brazil engulfing a community in a river of mud and killing at least 15?

Or that refugees from Syria and the Middle East are still trying to get into Europe?

How many have already forgotten that the Russians are actively fighting in Syria?

We live in a connected world, but we have blinders on. We ignore most of what is happening around us and form opinions based only upon what others are screaming at us.

We have lost perspective because we are not getting the full story, and are only hearing occasional sound bytes. Maybe it is because we are not reading the newspapers anymore. I know what I actually have a paper in my hands, I read a lot of the smaller stories that provide insights into what is going on around the world.

Journalism has become entertainment and we have lost the news and its critical perspective as a result.

And that is My Take!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Cactus Blooms

Cactus Blooming

One of the interesting things that happens each year as Thanksgiving approaches is that our cactus blooms.

It is another one of those autumnal events that mark the ending of another year and the approach of the holiday season.

It is funny that the cactus sits around all year apparently doing nothing and unaware of the beauty of summer, but once November arrives it blossoms. 

We own two of the cactus--originally we thought that they were Christmas cactus, but now they apparently have become Thanksgiving cactus. Turns out, there are both Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus varieties AND it is possible to tell the difference between them! The linked article from the Clemson Cooperative Extension describes the cactus and an Easter relative as well. 

Another sign of the season--flowering cactus! 

Enjoy November. Well, as much as possible!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

My Take: November versus Christmas

I had the opportunity to accompany Chris into Target the other evening where the Halloween section was rapidly being replaced by the Christmas-related items for sale. 

What happened to November? They skipped right over the turkeys and the pilgrims. That is a holiday foul!

Maybe it is me; I just do not want to deal with the idea of Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, it is the holiday shopping season that I could live without. The advertisements for Black Friday sales are already in full swing--and it isn't even Black Friday yet. 

How about  breather to enjoy the season that is and not rush headlong into the season that is coming.

Fireplace at Home

On Monday evening, we transitioned from Halloween to Thanksgiving. The house is adorned with pilgrims, pumpkins (not jack-o-lanterns), and turkeys.

There is more than enough time for December decorations, when the time comes. Let's not rush the season. I almost wish for January 2nd, when we can begin to get back to a normal pace of life. 

I we are going to rush something, let's skip over it all and get right to April and pool opening season!

Like that is going to happen.

Enjoy November and Thanksgiving. I know at least one member of my family thinks that Thanksgiving is the best holiday, ever! So let's enjoy it!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Autumn's Blast

My Neighbor's Trees in the Evening Light

Green has departed the forests, except for the evergreens. All of the leaves around my yard have turned and many trees are rapidly becoming bare as autumn hastens into winter. 

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

I ran across this quote by Albert Camus yesterday and I was surprised that I never had heard it before. 

It is definitely true this autumn, when I have been appreciating the leaves as they don their autumn colors before falling into piles on my lawn ready to be swept back into the forest near the bases of the trees from which they fell.

Trees around my yard
November 2, 2015

Last evening was especially stunning as the setting sun accentuated the colors. I caught the sun reflecting off the clouds, silhouetting the nearly devoid of leaves trees around my yard. 

Sunset in the Window

It was a stark scene that foretells the winter that is to come.

I captured an interesting view of the sunset reflected in the window of Chris' car. I thought it to be interesting view of the sunset. 

And as the autumn deepens, sunset comes earlier and earlier, the dark season is at hand stifling the brilliance of the leaves.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - November 2, 2015

1. I can't believe that it is November already! It seems like yesterday, I was just closing the pool.

2. Happiness is something I can choose!

3. The Ravens won yesterday, they are no longer tied for the worst record in the NFL. Miracles do still happen.

GORC 80lb Wildcats after Playoff Win
November 1, 2015

4. The GORC Wildcats 80lb football team salvaged a 7-0 playoff win yesterday. Jax made a possible touchdown saving tackle on a kickoff return.

5. Congrats to the Kansas City Royals on winning the 2015 World Series. Now we can get down to business and start building the Orioles into a World Series contender.

Spruce Goose in Flight

6. On this day, in 1947, the Spruce Goose flew! It was its maiden and only flight.

7. Bad fog is cancelling flights and snarling traffic in the UK today.

8. I had another frustrating day on the golf course yesterday in that I didn't play as well as I believe that I can. I feel like I am close to playing really well, but each new round highlights another aspect of my game requiring attention.

9. China dropped its one-child policy! I think that is a win for the people of China. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Season of the Turkey

With the arrival of November, the Season of the Turkey is upon us!

As the Halloween decorations find their spots in boxes and before the onslaught of the Christmas season, there are a couple weeks of respite when the Season of the Turkey provides comic relief culminating with the celebration of Thanksgiving!

Wood to be Stacked

In preparation of the beginning of the Dark Season, coincident with the Season of the Turkey, I spent most all of yesterday working in the yard. There was wood to stack and grasses to cut from around the pool. It was a solid day of work, but the results were worth the effort.

Stacked and Ready for Winter

There is always so much to do to get ready for the season ahead and I was glad for nice weather to get most of it done. I made two trips to the landfill with trash and of course the grasses from around the pool to be recycled. I forgot to snap an image of the truck overloaded with the grasses, which were tightly strapped into place. It is always a bit comical to see how high they stack.

It was a bright and sunny autumn day, the culmination of which was Halloween and Trick or Treating. The numbers of children seemed lower this year, but the neighborhood parties were definitely increased. I was amazed at the obvious presence of the police to ensure the festivities were celebrated without incident. 

Autumn View of the Lawn
October 31, 2015

In the end, I was even able to hit a bucket of golf balls into my net and help my sore muscles stretch out after the stresses and strain of the day.

With each passing day, I am more ready for the Season of the Turkey. 

For now, I will take a deep breath and enjoy the pause before the craziness of the holiday season crashes upon me!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Halloween and the Zombie Apocalypse

Lucas: The Piñata must Die!

Coincident with the end of October, is one of those American observances--Halloween. The History Channel has a good exposé on the origins of Halloween. 

This paragraph from the History Channel article defines the context for the holiday as it evolved in America. 

Celebration of Halloween was extremely limited in colonial New England because of the rigid Protestant belief systems there. Halloween was much more common in Maryland and the southern colonies. As the beliefs and customs of different European ethnic groups as well as the American Indians meshed, a distinctly American version of Halloween began to emerge. The first celebrations included “play parties,” public events held to celebrate the harvest, where neighbors would share stories of the dead, tell each other’s fortunes, dance and sing. Colonial Halloween festivities also featured the telling of ghost stories and mischief-making of all kinds. By the middle of the nineteenth century, annual autumn festivities were common, but Halloween was not yet celebrated everywhere in the country.

Ethan in Costume

Tonight is that night that the "distinctly American version of Halloween," and the harvest celebration gets into full swing with the annual Trick or Treating which brings kids to the doors of many homes and parents follow along behind to keep them safe. 

I am not a huge fan of Halloween--but, I have come to appreciate the social exchange that occurs in many neighborhoods as neighbors meet, perhaps for the only time each year, on their doorsteps and neighborhoods are drawn together. 

Nicole, the Hostess in Costume

Last evening, I attended a Halloween party which embodies the good characteristics of the observance. Family and neighborhood friends got together, not so much to observe Halloween, but as a pretext to get together and enjoy some time away from the stresses of life. 

Tonight, I will wander a neighborhood following behind the grandchildren and their friends as we visit the holes of their neighbors. Along the way we will bee up with other neighbors that we know from years past and marvel as the growth of the kids i na year. We may exchange some punch or other adult beverage, and we will enjoy the youthful enthusiasm of the evening.

That is bad, how? I think some overly moralistic and self-anointed keepers of tradition need to get over themselves.

I do have a thought! What if the Zombie Apocalypse happened on Halloween? Would we know until it was too late? I don't want to get into a discussion of Zombies--according to the definition, they are fictional characters and they are best left that way.

They are fictional, right?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Autumn Light

Driving home yesterday afternoon after a quick round of golf, and before the ending of Daylight Saving Time causes these infrequent afternoon delights to end, I noticed the clouds in the sky highlighting the autumn leaves of the trees.

Plugged Ball in the Side of a Bunker
October 29, 2015
Timbers at Troy

It was an idyllic afternoon. 

I was able to play 11 holes of golf in less than two hours after working a whole day and enjoy the weather. 

I did encounter some interesting shots on the golf course which tested both my skills and patience, like the plugged ball in the side of a bunker on the par 3, 5th. I was able to get it out in two strokes and salvaged a double bogey on the hole.

It was a beautiful afternoon made even more so by the reflection of the setting sun off the clouds highlighting the golden and red leaves of the autumnal trees.

I definitely noticed the fast approaching darkness as the light began to disappear at about 5:30 PM. It was too bad that darkness was so quickly falling, because I was able to make par on both the 10th and 11th holes. This was a great way to end probably my last mid-week golf outing until Daylight Saving Time returns during March.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Debate-o-rama

Another debate and another loss for the American people. 

The line of Republican hopefuls were struggling to be heard and yet, when they were heard, they all sounded the same. 

I seemed like a group of angry men and women. 

Angry that they could not control the format or the questions. And if they didn't like a question they either ignored it or complained that their question was harder.

One of the funniest moments was when a particularly contentious issue was being discussed and the candidates inquired what the rules were for allowing follow-on comments. They did not like the answer--moderator discretion. It was humorous.

The NY Times provides a summary of each candidates' performance in How They Did: A Breakdown of the Republican Debate on CNBC. Reading the article is a lot more interesting that watching the so called debate. I have to agree, the CNBC moderators did not and could not moderate the event. 

In my mind, the big losers were Jeb Bush and Rand Paul. They failed to clearly get their messages out and at times appeared petty. 

There was no big winner, but Marco Rubio was clear and focused. 

Donald Trump and Ben Carson were too busy trying not to lose that  they almost failed to make an appearance. 

The rest of the crowd were lost in the noise and confusion of the evening.

What I heard--everyone has a tax plan! Everyone has a reason for trying to sound different.--but they all are beginning to sound alike and the same. 

All I heard was more whining and less substance.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

For All the Pigs in Iowa

I read a fascinating fact in the Washington Post yesterday. According to Senator Grassley, the senior U.S. Senator from Iowa, "one out of every three pigs in the U.S. lives in Iowa!" Yes, the story was about lifting the pork ban in Federal Prisons, but the factoid was interesting nonetheless.

Is it just a weird coincidence that the Presidential Olympics is currently playing out in Iowa in advance of the caucasus? Most of the candidates are spending time in Iowa and, perhaps, the will of the hog farmers is being heard in the reversal of the Federal Prison ban on pork and pork products?

Pork on a plate

I'm not sure what to do with this information. I am not sure I can even figure out why is it significant?

I wonder if the recently forged budget deal has anything to do with Iowa and the hog farmers?

Just saying.

Well, if the government is funded through September 2017 and we don't have to worry about shutdowns and furloughs, is that a bad thing?

And maybe is it all because one in three U.S. pigs live in Iowa?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Return of the Dark Season

Many people have noticed that I hesitate to call the season that officially begins during December, in the Northern Hemisphere, by its given name. I actually have a reason. By calling it the Dark Season, I can more closely align the actual season when Daylight Saving Time ends with the calendar. 

This year on Sunday, November 1, Daylight Saving Time ends and the Dark Season begins. That is the coming Sunday. By the way, did you notice that Daylight Saving Time is singular and not plural?

During the dark season, all hope of getting out of work on time and getting in a few holes of golf evaporates. One week from today, the sun will set in Elkridge, MD, at 5:04 PM and it will be dark by 5:32 PM--effectively ending outside activities.

Preparations for the dark season are in full gear! There are grasses to cut around the pool area and windows to replace. There are leaves to be raked and lawns to be prepped for the coming season. The loss of the evenings means that I will be spending more time inside--wishing that I was outside.

And with the darkness, the cold arrives! 

With the loss of thermal warming from our good friend Sol, the temperatures drop and the warm rains of summer turn into the frigid blizzards of December!

Face it--the dark season is not my favorite.

Last evening I was outside at 6 PM, in daylight, hitting golf balls into my net. Next week, I won't even be able to see my net at that time.

The dark is coming!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 26, 2015

New Entrance Light

1. I was beginning the process of installing a new light yesterday when Chris noticed it was dark in the room and turned on the light. Unfortunately she turned on the light that I was removing! I wonder if she had more nefarious motives?

2. Here is a question, why do NFL teams needing for a first down on a 4th and 8 yards to go throw a 5 yard pass and think that is somehow going to be successful?


3. The World Series is finally beginning. It is the Royals against the Mets. I am cheering for the Mets since the Royals eliminated the Orioles last year.

4. The weather this past week was mild and enjoyable. The leaves are falling off the trees in droves. I cleared them from my lawn on Wednesday and it looked as if I had done nothing by Thursday evening.

Statement on the Side of a Case of Wine

5. At a friends house for dinner the other evening, I noticed an interesting phrase printed on the side of a case of wine. It read, "Caution: You're about to have a lot more friends." 

6. I was reading an advertisement from the New York Times and was amazed to discover that modern homes burn faster, much faster, than older homes. That just doesn't make sense to me.

7. I have never caught a baseball while sitting in a stadium. Apparently, there is a science to catching baseballs in the stands as detailed in the article How to Catch a Baseball in the Stands. Who knew?

8. I was amazed at how much work I was able to get done around the house by just staying home and working yesterday. What a concept! My biggest projects of the season is still out there: cutting the grasses around the pool and replacing two more basement windows. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Spectacular Saturday

It was a busy and enjoyable Saturday that started early and finished late.

I am amazed how many things we can cram into a day that, while related, require travel and preparation.

GORC 80 Lb. Wildcats
October 24, 2015

First up was the last regular season game for the GORC Wildcats 80lb. football team! Go Cats. Unfortunately Jax's team suffered a crushing defeat at the early morning game. It was cold on the field as the sun was rising over the trees in Crofton, MD, and that did not help the play of the Wildcats.

Look at how long the shadows are in the image. Yes, it was that early, especially considering that the sun went behind the clouds for the rest of the day about 9:30 AM. Did I mention cold? It was pretty cold, too!

Jeremy Walking to the Green
Eisenhower Golf Course
October 24, 2015

From the gridiron to the golf course was the next part of my day! Yes, somehow I tried to squeeze in 18 holes of golf. I wasn't entirely successful because the groups in front of us were playing slow and I had to leave after 4 hours and 10 minutes and 15 holes for my evening dinner engagement.  Jeremy and I were teamed up against the Haslup brothers and although we were tied at the turn, the match got away from us and we were too many holes behind when Jeremy and I had to leave. We will get them, next time!

It was a beautiful autumn day, a bit overcast, as the image shows, but a nice day for a round of golf. I wish we could have played better, but it was good to get out and play. The course was in good shape and made for great competition.

After dinner in Baltimore

The evening included a dinner at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Baltimore. The Syracuse phenomenal restaurant has made it to Baltimore! And it was great barbecue. We were out with Jeremy and Nicole to celebrate a birthday and an anniversary! hat an awesome evening in Baltimore enjoying great company. 

What a busy day. But what great memories. 

I wonder what is in store for today?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cancer Awareness of the Month

October is breast cancer awareness month. Sadly, though, I wonder if other cancers are forgotten about and under researched as a result of the explosion of awareness for this one aggressive form of cancer?

I have been seeing sports teams wearing pink all month and while I appreciate the emphasis, I would prefer to see other cancer colors represented more widely.

My awareness to other forms of cancer was increased when I was talking with a neighbor who just had a radical surgery as part of their battle against this insidious invader.

Orchid for Testicular Cancer Awareness

As it turns out, breast cancer is not unique by having an awareness month. Almost every month is designated for awareness of other specific cancers. 

Who Knew?


April, for instance, is testicular cancer awareness month and orchid is its color. Most people don't know that.

Emerald for Liver Cancer Awareness

October we know is for breast cancer and its color is pink, but did you know that October is also liver cancer awareness month and its color is emerald?

Check out the full list here!

Cancer sucks! I just want to be sure that all forms of cancer are receiving the research necessary to defeat them.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Bad-Boy or the Socialist?

Labels.

Sometimes they tell me what I need to know in a brutally truthful manner. 

I have been watching the Presidential Olympics and am concerned that the final two frontrunners may require a choice between a "bad-boy" businessman who is making it a campaign issue to be politically incorrect or a self-admitted and labeled democratic socialist!

Wow! I'm feeling on the outside of the inner workings of the political system. 

Does Trump ever smile?

Is there no joy?

I am surely hoping that there is a moderate hidden in there somewhere. Someone other than the current front runners.  

I do not think we need bigger government to solve our problems. I think that is what has caused many of our problems, people are looking for the federal government to resolve issue that should be handled at the state or local level. That means bigger government and higher taxes. All of the candidates seem to be trying to impose their personal view of the world upon everyone living in the U.S.

The bad-boy or the socialist? Surely there has to be another option!

Why yes, it appears there is--a former Secretary of State and First Lady who is, in my mind, a flawed choice. She never smiles either.

And then there is the world renown doctor who has some isolationist ideas and has made a few politically incorrect statements of his own while trying, apparently, to be more "Trump-like."

There are a couple of former governors who are rapidly falling off the pace because their messages are fuzzy. 

Fortunately, the is still a year until the election and we will be able to watch the candidates under the microscopic inspection of the news media.

Maybe something good can still happen for the country.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Supersonic Week

I cannot believe how quickly the week is rocketing by. It seems like just yesterday I was driving home from a relaxing and enjoyable weekend of wine tasting in the Finger Lakes region.

Every day and evening the week has been chocked full of activity. And today is Thursday, already.

Where is the week careening off to?

Who is in charge?

I remember a saying from years ago: "stop the world I want to get off." It seems appropriate.

This morning I am charging off to play racquetball, leaving just enough time to get to work and then as soon as I get home Chris and I have another full evening planned.  At least we did get to enjoy a glass of wine around the fire pit last evening.

The daily recipe seems to be constant activity, sleep, repeat.

I see Sunday on the horizon! Maybe a change is coming!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Return of Star Wars

Yes, I stayed up a late Monday night to watch the new Star Wars trailer. The trailer has over 25 million views, as of this morning, on You Tube.

No, I haven't purchased my opening day tickets, yet.

I can see, by the article in the New York Times this morning titled 
'Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Is a Hit at the Presale Box Office that I am one of millions of fans of the Star Wars series and that the upcoming release os on track to become the biggest opening movie of all time and possibly ever, well at least until the next movie in the series is released. 

The movie is slated for a December 18th release and it may well provide a much needed temporary distraction from a governmental shutdown of galactic proportions. 

The inaugural Star Wars film was released on May 25, 1977, and it was an unheralded film in advance of its release. But once audiences grasped the magnitude of the struggle between good and evil as brought to life by the "Force" and the realistic nature of the characters an "empire," so to speak, was created. In an unusual twist, at its release the original Star Wars film was simply titled, Star Wars. Subsequently, as the juggernaut grew, it was renamed Star Wars Episode IV, A New Hope!

Yes, I am excited. It has been 38 years since I walked into a movie theater in Denver, Colorado, yes I remember where I first saw the movie, to view Star Wars. I remember I missed the opening sequence because the popcorn line was incredibly long. I had no idea that evening that my entire family, including children and grandchildren, would be caught up in the Force and the magical story that is Star Wars.

May the Force be with you!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

William Seward House, Auburn, NY

Statue in the Garden of Seward House
Auburn, NY

During a lull from sampling Finger Lakes region wines, we headed to Auburn, NY, to visit the Seward House. 

Seward, as in William H. Seward, is a name most often associated with the purchase of Alaska from the Russians, but as an able and apt Secretary of State for President's Lincoln and Johnson, he represents so much more.

The house appears frozen in time. The furnishings are nearly complete and the staff of the house were knowledgeable. The one-hour tour went more than an hour and a half, mostly due to my questions and push for more depth and detail in the stories and anecdotes. 

It is one of the few museums where pictures are allowed and encouraged. Turns out that I didn't take many images because I was fascinated with looking at everything in the house. The homestead was converted to a museum before everything could be sold off and therefore everything has a story. The current exhibit regarding the assassination of Lincoln along with the attempted assassination of Seward is excellent and helps to historically align Seward's life and times.

I highly recommend a visit to the Seward house for a fun afternoon of history and connecting the pieces of history together.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - October 19, 2015

Snow on the pines along Route 15 in PA
October 18, 2015

1. Snow! For real! I experienced snow in Central NY and Pennsylvania yesterday. Ugh. Winter is too close.

2. The Ravens effectively ended their season with a loss yesterday. A 1-5 record is going to be almost impossible to overcome, unless they decide to go on an 10 game winning streak.

October Fire in the Fireplace

3. One of the joys of a weekend away is discovering new things that were there all along.

4. I didn't play golf this weekend, but I saw a lot of empty golf courses in Upstate NY.

5. The results of my weekend confirmed that New York vineyards continue to improve and develop their wines. The whites are among the best in the country for Rieslings and there are other varietals coming close behind.

Boat Lift in the Early Morning Light

6. Sometimes I run across scenes that are just beautiful. I'm glad that I always have a camera to capture them.

7. Impatient and aggressive drivers are a distinct problem on the highways.

8. Why are some people so willing to give away civil rights that they personally don't appreciate?

9. I have discovered a new style of leadership--leadership by confusion.

10. Transparency is something that we at the same time desire and despise. We want others to be transparent while we work to conceal our own lives and interests.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD