Showing posts with label Weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weather. Show all posts

Friday, January 26, 2024

80s and Bike


 I have been keenly watching the national weather forecast. I have noted that there is only one place in the country that has warm temperatures, in the 80s and that is South Florida!

Yay!

Chris and I enjoyed sitting outside on our patio last evening as the sun set. I remembered the incredibly hot and humid days we suffered through during September and October. Last evening was perfect. It has been windy--but that is not hard to handle when the temperatures are warm. 

We rode over 16 miles together yesterday, even in the wind. It was nice not to sweat profusely and to enjoy the ride around Tequesta. I decided not to ride Beach Road on Jupiter island because the wind was coming from the south and the ride back would have been entirely directly into the wind--a very exhausting endeavor.  

We are lucky that more of the same is on tap for today. We will remain warm until Monday, when our temperatures again drop and become cold. 

I think we will go to the South Florida Fair today or tomorrow. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Weather and the Beach

Jupiter Island Beach
Jupiter island, FL
January 16, 2024
With afternoon storms forecast, yesterday was a day for morning outdoors activity--and I took advantage of the opportunity by completing a 16+ mile ride around Tequesta. It felt good to be getting my legs under me again, although I could tell they are still getting back into riding shape after the over one month hiatus. 

Along the Dune
Jupiter Island, FL
January 16, 2024
Chris and I later headed off to the beach for a walk and to enjoy some time together in our favorite environment. As we crossed the top of the stairs over the dune, we were greeted with a beautiful blue sky and multicolored ocean scene across a wide beach. I confess, it has been some time since we visited this beach, we have been going to Carlin Park--but, I was unprepared for what we saw. While everything looks idyllic, in truth an incredible amount of sand (beach) has been washed into the ocean. I took an image from the base of the dune--as near as I can estimate about 10 feet of sand has been carried off and the beach which last year went from halfway up the dune and sloped to the ocean is now gone and has a slight slope from the base of the dune to the ocean.

Further down the beach, where the new Seaglass condo building has been constructed, the stairs from the building to the beach no longer actually make it to the beach. They end about 5 feet above the beach. The beach erosion is significant. To make it worse, I am pretty sure all of the sand has ended up just off shore and destroyed the fragile ecosystem. It is a lot of sand!

The beach was, however, very enjoyable in the wind  80 degree temperatures. I highly recommend it for everyone fighting snow and cold!


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Raw Day for Recovery

Northern Cardinal
Odenton, MD
December 28, 2023

 It rained.

It was cold.

I was not a good day to be outside. 

We have been enjoying a fun bird feeder. It is the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder and comes equipped with a wifi camera and an AI program to identify the birds at the feeder. 

We have been enjoying the feeder and the visits from the birds--even on a rainy and raw day. Sadly, we cannot feed the birds in Florida due to the infestation of Palm Rats which are very destructive.

The Bird Buddy images and video can be shared and Chris and I have been added to this camera so we can enjoy the activity. 

The Bird Buddy provides images and videos of the visitors depending upon the length of their visit. Looking at the images and videos was something to do while also watching a few series on TV.

Today, hopefully, the weather will be better. 

Wait, did I mention that we went to trivia night at the local brewery and our team came in second? If only we had done better on the music round.


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

It's Relative

 


Cold is a relative thing. 

It seemed cold here yesterday with a morning temperature of 63 degrees as I headed out for my ride. I thought that I had properly prepared for the cold by wearing a long sleeve shirt, rather than my usual short sleeve riding shirts. 

I even waited to start later than normal, hoping that the temperature would improve.

It didn't. 

With the cold wind, I knew the ride was doomed right from the start. I could not keep my core warm and so, after about two miles of being cold I decided to head home. The 4.1 miles yesterday was my shortest ride in a very long time, but, on the good side of the ledger, the ride put me across 100 miles for the month. 

I never even crossed my favorite bridge in Tequesta. 

I am going to have to dress warmer for these low 60- and high 50-degree days. I remember last year it didn't seem so bad, but cold is relative. Given the wind and the humidity 60s cam feel refreshing or frigid. 

Next week when we are in Maryland, I will be longing for 60-degree days.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta ,FL

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Preparing for the Rain

Weather Radar 7:35 AM
November 21, 2023
Accuweather

 Apparently, the region is going to received a drought-ending rain soaking during the next two days. I admit I was amazed at the low water level in the storm water collection pond. I remember earlier in the year watching families of Canada Geese in the water, and the water level was much higher.

The rain has not yet arrived, but it is clear from the current weather radar that it will arrive soon. And be everywhere.

I really did not realize the this area was experiencing dry and near drought conditions. Being so close to the Chesapeake I wonder how that could happen. Upon further reading however, I discovered that the smoke from the Canadian fires, which are still not extinguished, affected the rain quantities. Some of the fires are expected to burn through the winter and continue to be a problem next year. 

Well, as for today, I guess I will be confined mostly inside. 

That is not a bad thing, it just is.


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Wind and Rain

Storm through the Screen
Tequesta, FL
November 15, 2023

 The news media is calling our overnight local weather "like a nor'easter."

The winds were hitting tropical storm strength last night and the rain pummeled the earth. Yesterday, we were mostly trapped inside to avoid the wind and rain. 

Debris from the Storm
Tequesta, FL
November 16, 2023
Last evening, I took an image of the senior living facility through rain droplets clinging to our patio screen. It shows what we were dealing with all day. This morning, I imaged our sidewalk and the debris from the overnight windstorm. Fortunately we still have a blower and as soon as the winds die and the place dries out we will blow off the sidewalk.

We are headed to a concert in a theater tonight and I have dinner reservations at one of our favorite restaurants in Stuart. I originally booked them for outdoors on their beautiful deck overlooking the St Lucie River, but due to the expected winds and rain I have moved the reservation to an indoors table. 

The storm is supposed to end today and Friday should be nice weather, which is good because we will be departing the relative warmth of Florida for the colder and more autumnal Maryland. 

Well, at least the holiday has not been blown away!


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Birds of a Feather . . .

 

Flocking Ibis and Egyptian Geese
Tequesta, FL
October 28, 2023

It is Autumn.

I am receiving images of autumnal-cloaked trees from friends and family in the North, but here in South Florida it is Autumn as well. 

How do I know?

The birds are flocking. They are congregating. 

Last evening I looked across a lake outside of a friend's house and marveled at how two very different species congregated together. There were Egyptian Geese and Ibis on the bank of the lake opposite of where we were enjoying a glass of wine. What was most interesting was that there appeared to be three separate flocks within the congregation. Two Ibis flocks and one of Egyptian geese. 

They fed together on the shore for quite a while until departing just before dark. 

It is Autumn, after all.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Autumn Arrives in South Florida

 Autumn arrived in South Florida yesterday. 

Autumn Dinner
Tequesta, FL
October 17, 2023

The high temperature for the day was in the mid-70s and for the first time in months, or possibly ever, we had the windows open to let the cooler and low humidity outside air into the house. 

It was great. 

There is a crispness to the 60 degree morning air. I have the patio door open to let the refreshing air into the house. I am looking forward to a bike ride to enjoy the crystal blue skies and cooler temperatures.  

After weeks of oppressive humidity and temperatures in the high 80s and low to mid 90s it is refreshing and invigorating. 

We enjoyed a great dinner last evening with friends to celebrate a visit from the North. The moderate temperatures were welcomed and we even lit the small alcohol-fueled fire pit for the occasion. 

The week promises to be great and tomorrow we are heading out on a pontoon boat to enjoy the intracoastal waterway and a few beaches and sandbars. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Closing out the Week

Looking out to the Intracoastal Waterway
Tiki 52, Tequesta, FL
October 6. 2023
Finding a great happy hour location is one of the great ways to place the exclamation point on the end of the week.

Last evening we visited Tiki 52, which is located in a marina very close to home, to end the week and prepare for the weekend. 

The staff at Tiki 52 scared us a bit by suggesting that the snow-birds were beginning to return as some vehicle transports have begun arriving in the area. 

Despite the threat of the restaurants and highways being filled with northern visitors for the winter, it was a great afternoon under blue sunny skies. We had not had an afternoon so clear in a very long time. The ocean breeze kept the temperature in the middle of the comfortable range, which was nice although docking at the marina was difficult as the wind kept complicating the situation by moving the boats in undesired directions. 

We did not stay long, because we were just having happy hour and there was a band setting up to play and it always seems that the bands play their music too loudly and that stifles conversation. 

A great happy hour followed by a nice dinner at home. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

August Summer Day

Summertime Flowers
Ithaca, NY
August 14, 2023

 I am enjoying a cool mid-Summer in Ithaca. And when I say cool, I mean cool. Having escaped from the low-90s of Florida. I am enjoying the high-70s of Upstate New York. Twenty degrees makes a huge difference. 

The skies were as overcast yesterday as I remember. Today will being rain most of the day. Yup, it is summertime in Ithaca, NY.

I have to admit, it is a radical change from Florida where the daytime temperatures are hitting 95 degrees and the heat index is reaching up to 110 degrees. It makes being outside almost unbearable. But, mid-70s is cold.

Well, if I think this is bad, in about two weeks Chris and I will be in Alaska where the daytime highs are in the 60's. 

I guess I can consider this a respite from a hot summer!


-- Bob Doan, Ithaca, NY

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Beating the Heat


 The excessive heat has returned. 

Yesterday we capped out at 93 degrees, but the heat index was about 106 degrees.

Reports from the beach indicate that the sand is too hot!

Excessive heat warning! And they mean excessive!

Starting the day at 81 means nothing cooled overnight.

So today is gonna be a hot one!

I need to get out on my bike early and we are probably not gonna play golf. Chris wilts in the heat. 

Happy Tuesday!


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL




Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Saga of the Cat

Riordin on the Laptop
Elkridge, MD
January 5, 2012

 Yesterday wound-up being devoted to our recently diagnosed asthmatic cat, Riordin. 

Riordin had a scheduled appointment with the vet. We made it to the appointment without incident and by indecent I mean that Riordin did not puke. We are now at exactly 50 percent, 2 of 4, for trips to the vet with puke. And the appointment went well. He received another steroid and B12 shot for his asthma and we discussed nebulizer treatments. 

We were finished with the appointment and after leaving less than $200 with the vet, we headed home with Riordin looking good and seemingly feeling good.

Not so fast!

About halfway home, Riordin began panting and breathing rapidly. He was in respiratory distress. My initial thought was let's get him home and quiet and do a breathing treatment. As we grew closer to Tequesta, the vet is a 35 minute ride away, Riordin's distress became more severe. Chris called the vet and instructed us to return, which we did. Unfortunately it took almost 20 minutes to get back. 

When we made it back to the vet, they put him immediately into an oxygen tent and told us to come back in 2-2.5 hours. So, Chris and I headed off to lunch, got some gas at Costco, and did some shopping at Home Depot instead of driving all the way back to Tequesta only to turn around and drone back to the Vets office in West Palm Beach.

Evening Thunderstorm in Tequesta
July 24, 2023
I asked the vet about the incident and he told me that asthmatic cats have breathing episodes. The only thing to do is take them to a vet for oxygen treatments. We are going to be providing regular breathing treatments and have purchased a small enclosure designed for oxygen and breathing treatments. It is amazing what can be found on Amazon!

We did make it successfully home after the second vet visit of the day. We were concerned that Riordin was in the beginning stages of another incident, but he made it home and is doing fine. He is eating and drinking and being his old general nuisance--which is why I love him.

By the time we were settled at home it was Happy Hour and time for the evening thunderstorms.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Smoke Fills the Air

Clear Gray Sky
Waugh Chapel, MD
July 17, 2023
 Canadian wildfire smoke is again filling the skies in Maryland. 

The days are hazy with a hint of smoke on the nose. The clear sky is not blue, but gray. It is not pretty to look at and there is a fuzzy band around the sun.

The smoke really puts a damper on an otherwise bright and sunny day. It would be overcast--except not the sky is clear of clouds.

Yesterday was a hot day. Humid. And filled with smoke.

The sky was just eerie in its grayness.I longed for blue and imagined how the sky used to be.

We seem to be confronted with airborne problems whether it is the Canadian wildfire smoke or in Florida the Saharan dust.


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Travel Day



 If it is Sunday, I must be on the road. Well, or in the air as the case may be. 

We are winging our way north today. We have little expectation of escaping the oppressive heat, however the mornings could be a bit more enjoyable based upon the forecast. 

It is going to be hot everywhere. The temperatures are very close. However, by next week it appears a cooling trend will begin in Maryland that will not be replicated in Florida. 

We all just need to learn how to live in a hot climate, apparently. 

As for a travel day, well with rain on both ends of the trip expected, we are likely going to get wet and have a bumpy ride. 

And that seems to be the best that we can hope for. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL




Sunday, June 18, 2023

Sitting out the Heat

Weather Radar from Channel 5 at 7:15 AM
June 18, 2023

 Chris and I sat out the heat yesterday.

There was an obligatory trip to the grocery store for supplies, but aside from that, we avoided direct exposure to the 105 degree stress index day. 

It was weird. 

The sky looked as if it were going to storm all day and it did storm during the afternoon. Today looks like more of the same. The weather radar from 7:15 AM shows storms to the south and coming from the west. We are likely to get storms all the day. I am glad that I do not have any outdoors activities planned.

Definitely not a good boating day, and I may not be able to get in a bike ride even though the heat indices are getting into a more normal range. 

It can be frustrating, but no more so than dealing with the poor air quality of the northeast caused by the Canadian wildfires. 

Have a Happy Sunday. 

And BTW, Happy Father's Day to all the Father's out there. Don't forget Dad! 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Saturday, June 17, 2023

South Florida in June

It is the stormy, wet time of year here in South Florida. 

The afternoon/evening thunderstorms are just a part of life and we are used to having them roll through. A particularly fierce storm with driving rain came through last evening as Chris and I were watching TV. We didn't even acknowledge it until be both heard the thunder. Looking outside, the driving rain and wind reminded me of the glancing blow we took from a hurricane, with the key difference being it only lasted a few minutes. 

We have also been experiencing somewhat unbearable heat. The stress index has been over 100 degrees every day this week limiting outdoors activity. That written, I did manage an almost 17 mile bike ride yesterday, but I was very hot when I returned home. I actually enjoyed the ride, but the stiff west wind make it a challenge in some areas. I added in a one-mile loop in the middle of the ride. I am thinking that this will become my new base ride. I look at the elevation data form the ride and it seems almost humorous when compared to the rides I made in Maryland. I mean, how can 51 ft descent and 41 ft descent compare to the last ride I took in Maryland with 407 ft ascent and 411 ft descent? Very different riding.

I just saw this afternoon's stress index forecast: 105-108 degrees! 

Hot! Thank goodness for air conditioning.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Don't Breathe Outside


 The wildfires in Canada seem to be of biblical proportions not only in the number of square miles burned (over 12,400), but in terms of the millions of people affected. 

I was advised of a website that I can discover the local air quality. It is airnow.gov. Allowing the site to access your current location provides the display seen at the right. I encourage everyone who is affected by poor air quality to access the website.

I canceled my planned bike ride for today. I rode yesterday and it was likely a mistake, but the air quality is much worse today. 

Yesterday as I drove to a doctor's appointment, I was amazed at how the haze from the fires obscured the landscape. 

I had this thought: When I look at the cloudless sky where did the blue go? 

Be careful out there. 

Don't breathe deeply.


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD


Saturday, June 3, 2023

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


Thursday, April 27, 2023

Between the Storms

 

Looking over the Atlantic
Jupiter Island, FL
April 26, 2023
I made it out for a bike ride yesterday. I rode my base 15.5 mile circuit around Tequesta and Jupiter. The weather was beautiful in the morning, but it soon clouded over.

Chris and I managed a quick trip to the beach for a walk with Finnegan as the day wore on, but even as we walked along the beach the storms were gathering from the south and west. Looking over the ocean, everything seemed fine--but back along the land the gathering storms caused us to cut short our sojourn. 

Looking West from the Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
April 26, 2023
We made it home before the afternoon rains began. We enjoyed sitting on the patio listening to the thunder and watching the torrents of rain pelt the trees and ground. We still need rain, but I am sure that these recent storms have to be easing the region from drought conditions into a more normal rain pattern. I know that these afternoon thunderstorms are a pattern that seems normal for this time of year in South Florida.

More of the same is expected for today.

In the image looking west, the sargassum gathering on the beach can be clearly seen. It is not nearly as deep as some predicted, but the smell of the decaying sea grasses is somewhat off-putting. The dune rises about 10 feet from the base of the high tide line (the darker area) to the mangroves. It is a steep wall of sand and I still wonder if the sea turtles will be able to lay eggs this year. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Rain, Rain,

Rains in Tequesta
Tequesta, FL
October 2022

 It has rained off and on for the past three days. 

That means that my bike has been unused in the garage since I my last ride Sunday morning. 

I have been sitting around the house. Ugh!

The rains at time have been torrential. Fortunately, the storms were not as bad as last October when streets and roads were closed due to the rains. It was a mess during that storm. The storms during the past two days were more restrained. They, however, delivered much needed rain. While the much of South Florida remains in drought conditions, our area has transitioned into abnormally dry from severe drought and that does not include the rains of the past three days. 

But, it is bright and sunny this morning and I am hoping to get out and put some miles on my bike tires this morning.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

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