A COVID-19 Sunday in America

 

It is an October Sunday in America.

The MLB playoffs are underway.

The NFL is playing football, but two games are postponed due to COVID-19.

The President is in the hospital with COVID-19.

745 Americans died of COVID-19 yesterday bringing the total number of American deaths to near 209,000.

As we grapple for normalcy, we are reminded at every step that we are in the middle of a pandemic. It is not a hoax. It is not fake news. I think those who did not believe that COVID-19 was real can now, finally, understand that the disease and the threat are real. 

My recommendations:

Pray for those who are afflicted that they will recover.

Wear a mask when in public. I think the mis-information about masks not helping or providing any protection has been sufficiently discounted. As the disease has progressed and our understanding of its transmission, the recommendations have evolved. Do not rely upon old information just because it suits how you want to believe.

Be responsible for yourself. What is do or do not do is no one's responsibility except yourself!

Be well and I hope you continue to be well.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, Florida

Changing Events

 

Is is amazing how quickly things change. The president has departed the White House to become a patient at Walter Reed and now is facing with the cruel realities of COVID-19 that he called a hoax. 

That the seemingly most secure COVID-19 bubble on the planet was breached suggests that testing alone does not provide sufficient protection.

I am praying for the president, his wife, and everyone in their circle to recover from COVID-19. 

It is sad that so many people are running down the "what-ifs" and not working to ensure that our republic and government remain strong. It is also interesting how the news media is now totally about Trump and has dropped the white supremacist and other COVID-19 related items.

I hope the president recovers and can get back into the business and running the government.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

 

Margaret Ingels
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, Florida
October 1, 2020

Being near and enjoying the beaches of South Florida, I have an appreciation for marine life. Yesterday, Chris and I made our almost annual journey to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida.

Margaret Ingels on the gurney
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, FL
October 1, 2020

Yesterday was a special at the center as we were able to watch a loggerhead turtle names Margaret Ingels receive treatment. It was fascinating to watch the turtle in the tank and then see the process of draining the tank and moving the turtle into the hospital for treatment. I have many images of the process, but it was fascinating see the care that these turtles are provided in an effort to rehabilitate and then release them back into the wild. 

The Center does great work and Margaret Ingels' progress can be followed on the site at: https://Marinelife.org/turtles/MargaretIngels

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, Florida

Happy New Year (FY21)

 

The new U.S. government fiscal year has begun. That is cause for celebration because the year actually began instead of sporting a government shutdown. I am appalled that the Congress waits until just before the deadline to enact legislation to keep the government running. According to news reports, 

Trump signs bipartisan legislation to avoid government shutdown through election - USA Today

And so FY21 begins much the same as many other new fiscal years have begun, under a Continuing Resolution. Continuing Resolutions are evidence that the Congress has failed to do its job and pass a budget to fully fund the government. This continuing resolution keep the government limping along until December 11th. 

Failing to enact a budget is a bipartisan problem. It is probably one of the few things this Congress does (or fails at) from a bipartisan manner. Sadly, this is an annual event. The calendar turns at the same speed and the dates to have the budget completed are fixed in law.

With the election coming, we need to remind our elected representatives of their responsibilities--and I mean on both sides of the aisle!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Debate

 

I had planned to write a review of last evening's debate between the presidential candidates for my blog today, but after watching the spectacle that unfolded in front of the world, I'm not sure that much more needs to be said.

Little of substance was discussed.

Grievances were laid bare. 

Paranoia was on display. 

The most important thing I saw was the difference in character between the two men vying for the highest office in the land and arguable the world. 

Biden says president has made U.S. more divided as Trump interrupts and slings insults - The Washington Post

There were some scary statements.

“Proud Boys — stand back and stand by,” President Trump. Despite what Donald Jr. said this morning, these words are not the same as: "stand down."

And the results? Members of the group used Trump’s “stand back and stand by” comments to create a fresh logo and messaging campaign on social media. A few minutes after the debate, the Proud Boys’ main account on Parler had tweeted a video of Trump’s statement. “YES SIR, PROUD BOYS STANDING BY,” it said. (Trump refused to condemn white supremacists and militia members in presidential debate marked by disputes over race)

It was not a presidential Presidential Debate. 

It was Theater of the Absurd--but we get to choose which direction we want this nation to go.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings on Tuesday, September 29, 2020

 

1. It is the last Tuesday of September. The month ends tomorrow. The arrival of Autumn was relatively uneventful with the exception that Summer abandoned us. Fortunately, it is still summer-like in Florida.

2. Driving for long hours makes me appreciate the size and diversity of this country. 

3. The Orioles finished the season 25-35, .417, which is a great improvement from last year. They won three more games than I forecasted, which is good and they did not finish last in the division. I learned a lot about the team and I saw they need to work on the bullpen!

4. Family football finish

     Ravens (2-1) lose to Chiefs 20-34
     Cowboys (1-2) lose to Seahawks (3-0) 31-38
     Football Team (1-2) lose to Browns (2-1) 20-34
     Steelers (3-0) defeat Texans (0-3) 28-21

5. It is weird, I am on vacation and totally forgot that yesterday was Monday! I wrote about clouds, I guess my head was cloudy from too much relaxation. Actually, it was foggy from the hot house where the A/C has not yet been repaired. 

6. Is anyone else concerned that it appears as if Russian banks literally own the president? Does that make him an agent of a foreign power? I think he has big debt to the German Deutsche Bank and Chinese banks as well.

Intracoastal Waterway
Tequesta, FL
September 28, 2020

7. We enjoyed Happy Hour at one of our favorite outdoors watering spots on the Intracoastal Waterway last evening. It was a beautiful evening with friends.

8. Today in History. On September 29, 2005, New York Times reporter Judith Miller is released from a federal detention center in Alexandria, Virginia, after agreeing to testify in the investigation into the leaking of the identity of covert CIA officer Valerie Plame. Miller had been behind bars since July 6, 2005, for refusing to reveal a confidential source and testify before a grand jury that was looking into the so-called Plame Affair. She decided to testify after the source she had been protecting, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, signed a waiver giving her permission to speak.
 

Tax Records Reveal How Fame Gave Trump a $427 Million LifelineTax Records Reveal How Fame Gave Trump a $427 Million Lifeline - The New York Times

White House Pressured C.D.C. Over School Risks - The New York Times

Immigrants Say They Were Pressured Into Unneeded Surgeries - The New York Times

Global Virus Deaths Surpass One Million - The Wall Street Journal

Presidential Debate to Focus on Coronavirus, Supreme Court - The Wall Street Journal

Maryland County to Pay $20 Million to Settle Suit Over Police Shooting - The Wall Street Journal 

Unraveling of Trump policies a distant hope for separated immigrant families - Reuters

Meatpackers deny workers benefits for COVID-19 deaths, illnesses - Reuters

Ronald Reagan quote for the week

• My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose - somehow we win out.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Clouds

 

Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, Florida
September, 27, 2020

It is the ultimate measure of relaxation when my cell phone is being used only as a camera and I ignore the stream of texts and news that continue to arrive unabated. My mind focuses upon the clouds and the bed of sea shells in front of me as I listen to the waves sweep across the beach. 

Sandpiper
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
September 27, 2020

Sitting under the colorful umbrella to help keep the damaging sun's rays from burning my skin while I look out to the east and consider the clouds. I enjoy the colors of the ocean mixing white, blue, and green and the pinks of the sun's fading rays reflecting in the clouds. The beach is anything but crowded and I can feel alone with my thoughts and of course the glass of wine in my hand.

It is fun to watch the shore birds play in the beach searching for food and rushing along the surf together or alone. 

Relax and watch the clouds as the pass. 

Another day in paradise? Not really, but close.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back to the Ocean for an Ending and a Beginning

 

Jupiter Island Beach Looking East
September 26, 2020

I was greeted by the ocean yesterday morning. It was a flat ocean with rolling waves sliding onto the beach. My morning walk was fabulous as I reconnected with the water, the waves, the sand, the sea creatures and found myself marveling in the beauty of the ocean and the ever changing beach. The sky added excitement to the scene as Chris and I enjoyed shaking off the remnants of the 14 and a half hour drive and sleeping in a house that was just a bit too hot and too humid.

Small Boat off Jupiter Island
September 26, 2020

As we walked, we saw a fisherman headed out to deeper water in a small boat racing to get to where the "big" ones are. A day on the water catching fish and enjoying the bounty of the sea was ahead.

Sunrise this morning was at 7:11 and I was sitting on my patio looking to the east as the first rays of the sun graced the land and the palm trees that are behind my condo. Chris and I will head off to walk a beach again this morning in a few minutes. It is something that we do almost every morning. We have multiple beaches to choose from to enjoy our walk and the beaches are different every day. 

I want to thank everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday yesterday. It is humbling to receive greetings from so many friends. Thank-you. I wish each of you a great day and a great year. I have to admit that spending my birthday in my happy place, even without air conditioning, was perfect. Not having the cool air in the condo will make it even more of a luxury when it is finally repaired. I enjoyed a very special birthday pie with friends last evening to go along with the celebration. No, it was not the cake that Chris, who carries the tradition on that my Mom started when I was a kid, makes every year--but it was perfect for the place and the time. 

And special.

As I celebrate a year just ended another begins full of hope and promise. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, Florida

Arrival

 

Broken A/C Unit
Tequesta, FL
September er 26, 2020

Some trips seem fraught with opportunities to overcome adversity. As I begin day one of my escape to Florida to enjoy the condo before the winter season Chris and I are again confronted with misfortune.  

It seems that the electronic boards in our air conditioning unit expired during the two week period since we were last here. So we arrived in Florida with our two dogs in 90 degree heat and high humidity without an essential creature comfort. 

It is not too bad. Our friends offered an air conditioned comfort bedroom for the night, but we wanted to sleep in our own place. We did accept an additional fan to supplement our ceiling fans. We actually slept very well. 

Fortunately, our friends went to the condo during the early afternoon to get the a/c cooling in advance of our arrival and discovered the untimely demise of the system. That allowed us to actually get a repair person in to diagnose the problem before our arrival--but, as with most electronics lately, the parts need to be ordered and the earliest we can expect repair is, well, Tuesday! But, possibly later. That is the earliest!

I am reminded that I grew up without the comfort of air conditioning. People until about the mid-20th century lived routinely without air conditioning. My sixth floor dorm room at the University of Miami did not have air conditioning when I arrived there. I survived.

The dogs are taking it in stride.

We have had quite a time lately. The electronics board on the refrigerator went as we departed the condo a couple weeks ago, the exhaust on the truck needed to be repaired before we departed, and now the A/C. That is just the way it is I guess. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, Florida

Rain

Chris and I have found the remnants of Tropical Storm Beta near Lumberton, North Carolina. It is slowing our driving a bit, but the weather radar shows we are just skirting the southern remnants of the storm. We have five hours under our belts and the trip has been smooth.

Seeing the signs for South of the Border makes me smile as they always have when I have make the journey on I-95. The signs are new and so it must be open again. I had heard they were closed a couple years ago. Who knows if that is true.

We expect to be in rain until Savannah and then, hopefully better weather. I had to do an emergency repair on the truck exhaust system when I got home from work last evening and was successful. It reminded me of how much I do not like being on my back under vehicles doing repairs anymore. I did get a new tool however. I have a Dremel again. I used it to cut an old exhaust strap off the muffler.

Well about ten more hours to go before we arrive at home in Florida. I am looking forward to being wrapped in the heat and humidity. The 40s and 50s of the past two weeks have been a reality check reminding me that the dark season is coming.

— Bob Doan, Southern North Carolina