Please consider leaving a federal register comment. This is why I just reluctantly took early retirement from my civil service job at NOAA, which I loved. My position was included on this list, even though my job had absolutely nothing to do with partisan politics. donmoynihan.substack.com/p/here-is…

This surely will be the year for the Philadelphia Union to win the MLS cup. ⚽

Beautiful evening in the mountains near Frederick, Maryland. I intended to hike, but decided to break out the 4-foot Tenkara rod I always pack along just in case. Tonight, only caught a few trees and bushes, but it was lovely. Great water levels and cool temperatures, such a nice time of year.

Tenkara fishing on small stream in Catoctin Mountains, Maryland

Hiking in the Catoctin mountains after heavy rains really drives home why this area is called the Frederick City Watershed. Temporary waterfalls are everywhere.

A view of heavy runoff in Frederick, Maryland, municipal forest in Catoctin mountains

Last week, I ended more than 30 years of public service as a federal employee and Air Force officer. The people I worked with over the decades were dedicated, amazing people who care deeply about what they do. But there’s a special place in my heart for NOAA, where I spent the past 17 years. Simply put, it’s the best mission with the best people, and I was privileged to work there.

Spring is the best time to hike in the mountains. Here’s a Shagbark hickory coming to life on a rainy, cold day.

New leaves are unfolding on a tree branch in a forest with bare trees in the background.

Did some hiking this evening and a few casts in a small, spring-fed creek that’s home to some small, spring-fed brook trout. Glad we still have brookies in Frederick County, Maryland — and just look at how clear that water is.

A mountain stream called Clifford Branch, Catoctin Mountains, Frederick County, Maryland

The frogs are announcing that spring has arrived to the mountains north of Frederick, Maryland. What a racket.