Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts

Saturday, September 16, 2023

When the Big Waves Arrive

Surfers at the Park
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
September 15, 2023

 Celebrating Friday and the start of the weekend has been something that I love to do. Usually I do it with a Happy Hour. Since retiring, I have lost that overpowering need to be somewhere at the end of the workweek with friends celebrating the beginning of the weekend. I guess because everyday is a weekend now. 

Surfer at the End of the Rainbow
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
September 15, 2023
Last evening Chris and I went to Carlin Park Beach to celebrate happy hour. It was a great choice because the passing hurricane in the Atlantic had kicked up some big waves, in excess of 6 feet. And that means surfers!

There were so many surfers that they almost looked like the fish I took pictures of in the waves a few days ago. And they were fin to watch. We arrived on the beach about 4:30 PM, but stayed until almost 7 PM and we had non-stop entertainment. At one point there were in excess of 26 surfers ranging in age from and estimated 12 yo to 58 yo. I know the oldest was 58 because we chatted with him. And as for the youngest, I was talking to his Dad. 

The afternoon Florida storms kicked up, but remained south of us. That meant the sky to the south was very dark, but to the east and north, the skies were of broken clouds. The rain to the south caused a rainbow, actually there was a double rainbow, but the second one was very weak. As the sun sank lower in the sky, it illuminated the front of the waves and created a very beautiful scene of which I was able to capture one decent image. 

It was a fantastic Happy Hour!


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Beach Day!

 

Coral Cove Park Beach Conditions
Jupiter Island, FL
April 6, 2022
So as we have access continued to the beach, Chris and I are becoming a bit more selective about our beach days--looking for the perfect conditions. 

Yesterday, during the early afternoon our conditions were met. With the temperature soaring to 85 degrees and calm winds our conditions were met. It was just after high tide and the water was relatively calm when we walked onto the beach about 1:30 PM. I was happy to see the info on the be a ch sign that the water temperature has already risen to 77 degrees. Like most other beach days, we had the area almost all to ourselves. 

Chris on the Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
April 6, 2022
It had been a busy morning with the usual dog walk and I completed a 20 mile bike ride along beach road from Coral Cove Park all the way to Hobe Sound Nature Preserve and back. We were also fortunate in that we departed the beach after a couple hours and returned home before the afternoon thunderstorms arrived. 

Funny thing about the afternoon thunderstorms--they arrived rather suddenly and Chris was walking Finnegan at the time. She had not taken her cell phone with her and just as I heard the first peal of thunder and was calling her, I received a call from an unknown number which was her calling from a local shop to ask me to come retrieve her. So I headed out into the thunderstorm to retrieve the duo. 

Today? Did I mention that it is MLB Opening Day AND the first round of the Masters. I doubt that I will be outside this afternoon when the temperatures may exceed 90.

Just another day in Florida!


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, April 1, 2022

Welcome April 2022


 Yup, it is April. The year is 25 percent complete! That is a scary thought. 

It is also Friday and that means the weekend is upon us. I still, even though I've been retired for three months now, find excitement in Fridays. 

But for now, it is Springtime and flowers are blooming, even here in Florida. Yesterday Chris and I made a trip on the Turnpike to Ikea, it is over an hour away, to get a nightstand that was sold out by the time we got there and we noticed the Springtime flowers along the roadway. They were beautiful and reminded us that soon we will be actually experiencing Spring back in Maryland. 

We have been enjoying the great weather, but more wind and some rain are in the forecast for the day. The wind was too strong yesterday and I decided not to ride my bike. I only needed a 9 mile ride to complete 200 miles for the month--but as it is I completed just over 191 miles for March. Hopefully, I can get out today before the rain.

Well, April showers . . . 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Near Flat Water

 

Flat Water at Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
March 29, 2022
On the final day of the Happy Hour group's Florida escape we were greeted at the beach by near flat water. It is something that has been very rare of late.

While huge waves crashing onto the beach is impressive, I do enjoy it when I walk onto the beach and there are almost no waves because that means that it is a day for playing in the water. And I did. The water temperature was 77 degrees and the air was about 80 degrees. A perfect day for playing in the sand and surf.

It was also a sad day as two members of our group returned to Maryland. The day culminated a great week of fun and activity as well as some rest and an escape from the cold weather. 

Well, at least I remain in Florida! Although my return to Maryland for the remainder of the Spring and early Summer is growing closer. 

For now, the memory of flat water and a great day with friends will remain.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday, March 25, 2022

Happy Hour Group Re-joins

Happy Hour Group on the Beach
Intracoastal Waterway, Jupiter Island, FL
March 24, 2022
Yesterday, for the first time in months, our entire seven person Happy Hour group of friends assembled. The Maryland members have escaped the cold early-Spring weather and joined the Florida detachment for a few days of fun in the warm sun. And rain! 

Gathering along the banks of the Intracoastal waterway yesterday, because the wind was too strong coming off the ocean, we enjoyed warm 80 degree temperatures and light breezes, being protected in the mangroves. While we were there the weather cooperated. But, a short half-hour after we departed a strong rainstorm engulfed the area. We were happy to be back at home and out of the rain! That, after all, is Florida. It rains. And the sun comes out. Then, it rains some more.

The water temperature was enjoyable and I even went out and fully immersed myself. It was fun to be in the water. Truth be told, earlier in the month I went out into the waters of the Atlantic on a calm day. 

Nine-armed Sea Star
Intracoastal Waterway, Jupiter Island, FL
March 24, 2022
Yesterday was also the first time in a long that we found life in the waters of the intracoastal. A nine-armed sea star happened through while we were wading knee-deep in the water. We paused for a moment and examined the lonely sea star marveling at its nine arms. They really move fairly quickly and it was gone out of view shortly after being replaced on the silty bottom. 

The the day concluded with a splendid dinner and sharing a special wine, from a jeroboam, that was being saved for a just an occasion like we were enjoying.  

March is truly a great month to enjoy Florida.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Waiting

Scene from the US 1 Drawbridge
Jupiter, FL
March 22, 2022

 One of the things that I have had to get used, living in a coastal community, is drawbridges! They seem to raise at the most inopportune times. 

I got caught at one the other day. The warning lights came on and the gates lowered before I could begin to cross. I, as a result, had the opportunity to enjoy the scene from my truck as the boat requiring the drawbridge opening, which is the one in the river in the image, went from full stop to slow and then through the opening. 

It seemed as if it took an eternity for the drawbridge to finally close and the road reopen.

Unexpected waiting feels like an eternity. Yet the other day while in line to check out of a store, a woman in front of me who had a lot of merchandise told me that if I was in a hurry I could go in front of her. I replied without thinking, "no it's OK, I'm retired and I have no place I need to be." 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Image of the Week

 

Sawfish Bay Park Dock
Jupiter, FL
March 20, 2022
(Image by Chris)
Chris and I take a lot of images during the course of a week. Most remain on our phones or computers and are rarely viewed again. Fortunately, with automatic tagging we know where and when the image was taken, but when I review through old images sometimes the reason the image was collected becomes forgotten. 

We are always searching for the best image of something, which is why I may take another image every time I visit--like of the ocean. It is different every day and I appreciate that difference. 

Chris took this image on Sunday, while we were at Sawfish Bay Park, of the dock--but it is so much more. It captures the mood, the day, the waters of the Loxahatchee River and the sky. I like the way the dock brings the viewer into the picture. 

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon complete with memories of pelicans, a turtle, herons, and boating activity in the river. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday, March 19, 2022

And the Sky Cleared

Blowing Rocks
Jupiter Island Beach, FL
March 18, 2022
I felt bad for my sister and her husband as I was enjoying clear skies and warm breezes on the beach last evening. Yes, the cold winds they had experienced had disappeared and been replaced by warm breezes. The beach was busy, with maybe four other groups, but they provided activity to watch and enjoy. During their too-short visit with us the weather had turned cool, the skies rainy and gray, and wind was fierce. 

All of that changed yesterday. 

The skies cleared and the winds calmed. Even the ocean waves were calm and suitable for swimming. I also notes far fewer Portuguese Man O' War on the beach as well--possibly due to the calmer winds and waves. 

Chris and I had enjoyed a great day with a 9-mile bike ride through a local state park followed by some afternoon shopping. I am getting very good at installing and deinstalling the bike rack on the truck. Given the current price of gas, the truck only gets driven when we are going biking somewhere. 

Another great day enjoying the Florida sun and sand!


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Boy, Beach, Sand

 

At a Gulf Coast Beach
Florida
March 13, 2022
It is Spring Break for many school districts across the country. Some of them are in Texas and I received an interesting image of one of my grand-nephews enjoying his first moments on a Florida beach after driving all day from near Houston. 

This is a great image. I love the sunset in the background and the flat water of the Gulf of Mexico. And the small boy playing in the sand. 

But here is what is really funny--the small boy is wearing pants with snowmen on them! Playing in the sand on a warm beach during Spring Break with snowmen!

But, more importantly, this image just reminds me about everything great about being at the beach: water, sunsets/sunrises, playing in the sand, and beach activities!

Happy Spring Break! Keep those toes in the water!


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday, March 12, 2022

And the Rains Came

 

Water Pooling off my Patio in the Rain
Tequesta, FL
March 11, 2022
Closing out a beautiful Friday, the rains came about 4 PM yesterday. 

It was not just a little rain, but a "gullywasher" followed by some steady rain. I think the water management system at my condo has some issues as the rainwater pooled significantly in my backyard until it percolated through the sand and down into the aquifer. 

The rain was a wet ending to an otherwise excellent day with a very warm high of 84 degrees and some humidity. Chris and I took a pleasant 9 mile bike ride during the morning and then worked around the condo for the remainder of the day. There were two trips to Ace Hardware to secure items to assist in projects that were underway. The biggest project is that all of the televisions in the house are now hanging on the walls!

We are preparing for visitors--our second group of the year will be arriving later this afternoon and we are very excited. Unfortunately, tomorrow the forecast is for cold (70 degree) temperatures and some rain, but we have plans. Although it may not be a beach day we will have fun! 

For now, I will enjoy another great day and not worry too much about the bomb cyclone ravaging the East Coast!


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Thursday, March 10, 2022

Another Hump Day Passes


Friday-eve Dawns
Tequesta, FL
March 10, 2022
Hump Day has come and gone for another week and I scarcely noticed it. Chris and I enjoyed a beautiful bike ride through a State Park and then accomplished errands during the afternoon. Following all of that, we spent a quiet evening alone with the animals. The exciting part of the bike ride was that during the ride we saw four tortoises and a black racer snake and a kestrel, ignoring of course the multitudes of small lizards that scurry in front of the bike tires. We just have to believe that the lizards are faster than we are or we would be stopping every few feet to let them pass. 

And now it is Friday-eve, but my excitement for the day is waning a bit because it is becoming just another day. Today's big event should include a trip to Costco for supplies that we require in large quantities. I do enjoy shopping in Florida because the stores, like Costco, sell wine. Most of America outside of Maryland knows Costco sells wine and that the Kirkland label is generally very drinkable wine at a solid price-point.

Well the weekend is coming--I realize that weekends during the in-season mean that the beaches are full and the traffic is heavy. 

I like mid-week activities.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Along the Water

Along the Intracoastal Waterway
Jupiter Island, FL
March 8, 2022

Happy Hour has moved forward one hour. 

It used to be that Happy Hour began promptly at 5 PM. It seems, however, that with the winter and the desire to be on a beach somewhere to enjoy the day's end, that the earlier sunset times, now about 5:45 PM pushed Happy Hour forward to 4 PM.  

The new earlier Happy hour has remained the new, beach time Happy Hour, which is not a bad thing. I'm not sure what will happen on Sunday as sunset times become 7:30 PM due to daylight saving time. Sitting along the ocean or the intracoastal provides a relaxing ending to the day's activities. We often meet friends and connect about projects and the pace of retired life in Florida.

Last evening as we reclined under the shade of the mangroves, we were able to enjoy the activity on the water. There were boats of all kinds and personal watercraft zipping around. One of the most interesting was the boat puling a large tube where the intent seemed to be to determine who could remain on the tube the longest whilst the boat accelerated at great speed. It reminded me of my many failed mechanical bull riding attempts. 

And it all happens along the water.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday, March 4, 2022

Standing on the Shore

Finnegan Ready for Our Beach Walk
Jupiter Island, Florida
March 4, 2022

 I enjoy walking beside the ocean on a beautiful sunny and warm day. There is something calming about the waves hitting the beach and reconnecting with and being reminded of the raw power of nature is exhilarating. 

I have not actually done the morning dog walk on the beach in over two weeks. I can make a lot of excuses and prepare many seemingly impressive reasons, but it mostly revolves around the extra effort to get to the beach--that being hop in the car and drive for less than 5 minutes. It was a bit longer today because I got stopped by the drawbridge.

Today, I decided that we would head to the beach for our morning walk. I use the walk as a warm-up for my daily bike ride. Chris is in Maryland, freezing, and so it was just Finnegan and me. I can tell the seasons are changing. Portuguese man o' wars are washing-up on the beach. Small ones. They are out there and they find their way to the Atlantic beaches at this time of year. There were also, sadly, two dead birds. I did not get close enough to identify them, but I always wonder what could have taken down these fairly large sized  birds?

The walk was a slog today as the tide was in and the sand was soft. We only did a mile--but it was a hard mile. The ocean breeze was light and surprisingly warm. I had expected it to be cooler, but the sun more than compensated for any coolness in the breeze. 

I need to stay connected to the beach and the ocean, after all, that is why I am living here. But, I have been busy with paperwork on my computer: taxes, insurance, registering vehicles, and the like. Hopefully most of this is in the past and I can begin to enjoy more Springtime afternoons on the beach. Spring begins in just 16 short days! Just saying.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, Florida

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Losing Skills


Happy March 1st! I remember an old adage for March: "In like a lion and out like a lamb." 

With the arrival of March, I have been retired for two months and I have to admit that it seems longer with everything happening around the world. 

My handwriting has never been good. In fact, years ago I gave up writing cursive and turned to block printing. Yesterday, I actually needed to write some information down on paper and it became an interesting event. 

First, my pen would not write. I have used a fountain pen for many years because I like the density of the ink on the paper and because I believe they are more ecologically sound than throw-away pens. Apparently the ink dried in the nib, due to lack of use, and I had to clean everything out to get the pen functioning. This likely happened because I have not written anything in almost two months. 

Next, my hand did not seem to be able to write the letters and numbers smoothly and easily. Have I lost the skill of writing? Most likely yes. I could read what I wrote but it seemed like a chore rather than something that I used to enjoy doing. I guess I have been writing too much on my laptop and not enough on paper. 

I do not think that I will often exercise my writing skills, or lack thereof, in the near future, but I need to take better care of my writing instrument so that it is prepared for infrequent use. I have placed my pen in a container with the nib up so that the ink drains out rather than drying and gumming it up. Time will tell if this is a good solution.

And that is how the first day of the third month of both the year and my retirement begins.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Golf, Finally

 

Chris Waiting at the 3rd Tee
Jupiter Dunes Golf Course, Jupiter, FL
February 22, 2022
It has been exactly a month since Chris and I made our escape back to Florida. It is hard to believe, but it was Sunday, January 23rd when we motored out of Elkridge along I-95 headed for our current location in Tequesta. 

Wow--believe it or not, it seems like a lot longer ago. It has been a busy month of activity. I have not yet been retired two months and I feel as if I cannot fit another activity into our daily schedule.

Yesterday, for instance, I determined that Chris and I needed to get out onto a golf course. We had not made it out for a round since arriving. There have been a few weather issues, but mostly it has been hard to find the time. Yesterday, I took a different approach--I traded our daily bike ride for golf!

We went to a small local Par 3 golf course to shake the cobwebs off our game. Don't misunderstand--this course is tough and really works the short game strategy. The greens are small and most are elevated so that you have to be precise. Even when putting--too strong a putt and you are off the green due to the rolling nature of the landscape. Since I had not swung a club since October 22nd--the day of my retirement golf tournament, it was a way to get back into the "swing."

View of the 5th Hole from the Tee
Jupiter Dunes Golf Club, Jupiter, FL
February 22, 2022
I sucked. I could hit left or right of my target but not where I was aiming. Once, though, I terribly miss-hit the ball, but it went straight at the pin and hit the flag, instead of flying over the green, dropping about 6 feet from the hole resulting in a good putt and an undeserved par. 

Golf is one of those games. Celebrate the good shots and forget the bad. Don't focus on the last shot--work on the current shot.

The weather yesterday was perfect. Broken skies and 80 degrees. That is what Florida is all about--year round golf.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Pelicans Gathering for Dinner

Pelicans Gathered for Food
Jupiter, FL
February 21, 2022
Pelicans are fun to watch. Chris and I love to watch them fly along the beach either above us or skimming the waves in search of their next meal. We often see them diving into the surf to consume some unsuspecting fish.

Our favorite phrase when a squadron of pelicans fly overhead is "Pelicans on patrol" because they fly in formation.

Last evening as Chris and I enjoyed Happy Hour, also known as Must Drink Monday, at one of our favorite local establishments along the banks of the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, we saw a gathering--a very large gathering of pelicans waiting for dinner near a dock where the day's catch was being cleaned. 

Look closely at the image and the piece of fish that the pelicans are vying to consume is visible just below midway between the back of the watercraft and the upraised pelican beaks. 

The pelicans were entertaining and I was enjoying a heaping pile of nachos at the time so I was eating along with the pelicans--although not, obviously, the same dish. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Starting a Three-day Weekend

Blowing Rocks
Jupiter Island, FL
February 18, 2022
I realized that yesterday was the Friday prior to the beginning of a three-day weekend. That is what explained the incredible amounts of traffic we faced doing our normal shopping activities. I hope everyone had a happy Friday. 

From my point of view, it was another day in an unnumbered series of days. But a special day nonetheless.

The day did, however, begin with a beach walk. We have not gone to the beach during the morning lately due to the weather conditions. Yesterday, however, with the mild winds and near warm temperatures was the perfect morning for a beach walk with Finnegan. And we did. And we enjoyed it although the sand was unusually soft and it was a trudge to complete even a mile along the beach. It was a good workout. AS if that were not enough I followed the beach walk with a bike ride--perhaps pushing it just a bit too much. 

During the beach walk, I found Blowing Rocks to be especially picturesque. I love it when the waves crash on the rocks and I must have well over a hundred images of the rocks with the ocean spraying upon them. I guess that I am looking or the image which captures best what I see as the power of the ocean meets the immovable rocks on the beach. The image from yesterday is very close to that image in my mind.

The Presidents' Day weekend holds many exciting things in store. Last evening we went to a play, "I Hate Hamlet." It was a professional production and, frankly, I like Hamlet more than I liked the play. The acting was good, but I found the script to be trite and contrived. Today and tomorrow we will be experiencing an Art Festival and a Seafood Festival. 

We will be busy--but hopefully there will still be beach time and a bike ride. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday, February 18, 2022

Rainbow Afternoon

Rainbow over the Atlantic
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 17, 2022
Yesterday's return to the beach for Happy Hour was highlighted by a rainbow.

It has been almost a week since the weather was suitable for enjoying some beach time. Between cooler temperatures, rain, and high winds it has just not been suitable for walking or being on the beach. The winds whip the sand into the air and it becomes a stinging sand-blaster when trying to enjoy beach time.

Chris on the Beach for Happy Hour
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 17, 2022
Yesterday, the winds were still present, but the rains helped to keep the sand from becoming airborne. The bright rainbow that greeted me on the beach was perfect. I could see all the way from infrared to ultra violet--or so it seemed. The rainstorm we saw off the beach never came ashore and happy hour was preserved. 

It was a good way to end the day. I had done a few projects and we had had some deep discussions about future plans. It is an amazing time trying to balance all of the things hanging out there. Spending time on the beach and our daily dog walks help us to connect and attempt to be consistent with our plan for the future. 

The rainbow offshore was just the icing on the afternoon's cake. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Clouds

 Although so far this week it has been both too cold and windy to spend time on the beach, that will change beginning today as temperatures approach and move into the 80s for the remainder of the week. 


OK Sign over the Atlantic
Jupiter Island, FL
February 3, 2022
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about the weather especially since I am not experiencing either sub-freezing temperatures or snow! But, I have been driven from the beach. 

One of the things I do while on the beach is admire the clouds and search for patterns in them. Sometimes I am just fascinated by the complex nature of the clouds. 

The cloud I have pictures looks, to me, like a hand making the OK sign. And that is what that day was--a fantastic OK.

Most days are like that--OK. I have experienced many of them since I retired. I am amazed at both how busy I am and how I still never seem to get everything accomplished. Of course there are some projects, like the taxes and brushing Makayla, that I continue to put off just because they are detest-detestable. Makayla appreciates not being brushed as often as she needs.

But overall, life is OK. I find enjoyment in the clouds and the beach and the projects that continue to arise. I am beginning to move the televisions from cabinet top to wall mounts--that also includes rerouting electric and cords through the walls. It should make for an interesting time. 

I guess I'm settling into the pace of retirement, although I know that when I return to Maryland during April that catching up on the house, grounds, and pool will make life a bit more complicated. For now, I'm enjoying condo life in Florida. 

And looking at the clouds.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday, February 11, 2022

Back to the Beach

Kitesurfing on the Atlantic
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 10, 2022
The weather turned warmer and Chris and I were able to return to the beach for Happy Hour yesterday. It was still a bit cool, as in the low 70s, but sitting on the beach watching the ocean and the activity was an enjoyable way to get out of the condo for a bit and enjoy life outdoors.

We have been watching way too much of the Olympics and shows on Netflix and it was nice to get back to the beach and then off to dinner with friends at a Greek fusion restaurant. Watching a kitesurfer on the ocean provided some entertainment as did the multiple probable spinner sharks which were jumping from time to time. 

We have become experts at packing what we need for the beach in about 15 minutes. The beach chairs permanently reside in the car and are ready for any spur-of-the-moment expedition to the beach. 

The morning activity included a dog walk and a bike ride. We are thoroughly enjoying the outdoors activity and seem to enjoy it more after a stormy day which keeps us inside. I have to admit, we have mostly lost pale look of snowbirds wintering from the north. 

I wonder what adventure will find its way to me today.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


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