Atop the Slide into the Abyss

These are the times that try men's souls. - Thomas Paine

This statement was true in 1776, and scarily enough it is true today as well, almost 250 years later. 

We are facing half-truths, lies, and the outright trampling of the basic rights protected in the Constitution.

The latest "I can't believe they said that," revolves around the right to due process.

I read a statement from a congressman which (this is paraphrased) If they are here illegally they should be deported. 

Marco Rubio our Secretary of State suggested, on Sunday, that illegal immigrants can be deported outside of the protections of the Constitution. He said that immigration law requires deportation and that they are not entitled to due process, I'm guessing, because he feels immigration law supersedes the Constitution. 

“Once you come into our country illegally, it triggers all kinds of rights that can keep you here indefinitely. That’s why we were being flooded at the border, and we’ve ended that,” Rubio said.  

We've ended that--and "that" is the Constitutional right to due process. The Constitution applies to EVERYONE within the borders of the U.S. and territories--no matter how they've managed to get here. That fundamental principle is what has made America Great! And now it is being cheapened and we are becoming a laughing stock.

What happened to "innocent until proven guilty?"

We have begun the slippery slide into the abyss of authoritarian chaos where even the Constitution is subject to reinterpretation. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Monday Musings - April 28, 2025

 

1. Happy Monday. It is the final Monday of April. The year is about 1/3 over and there are 35 Mondays remaining.

Gardenia Bush in Bloom
Tequesta, FL
April 27, 2025

2. I am very concerned about the Orioles. They are on pace for a 100 loss season and there seems to be no way to get the club into the win column. They were just swept by Detroit and the Yankees come to town tonight! Ugh. 

3. I managed to get an image of blooming gardenia bushes yesterday. The sweet fragrance remains hanging in the air. I enjoyed my almost 18-mile ride yesterday. The traffic is lighter on Sundays although there were many more people out walking. I got out a bit later than normal. 

4. There is no plan! Typically when the U.S. sets a policy or chooses a course of action there is a plan, a playbook, which has both short-term and strategic goals. It becomes clear last week that with regard to Ukraine-Russia, the economy, tariffs, immigration, foreign policy, and whatever else I can think of that there is no plan. We are at the mercy of the gray matter inside of one person's head. We have seen regular flip-flops which leave everyone wondering--what's up? All that I can discern is that a failed 19th century solution is being applied blindly to a 21st century problem and it is floundering just as badly now as it did back then. The world is very different now and more interconnected than it was in the 1800s. 

5. Today in History. April 28, 1789. Three weeks into a journey from Tahiti to the West Indies, the HMS Bounty is seized in a mutiny led by Fletcher Christian, the master’s mate. Captain William Bligh and 18 of his loyal supporters were set adrift in a small, open boat, and the Bounty set course for Tubuai south of Tahiti.

In December 1787, the Bounty left England for Tahiti in the South Pacific, where it was to collect a cargo of breadfruit saplings to transport to the West Indies. There, the breadfruit would serve as food for enslaved passengers. After a 10-month journey, the Bounty arrived in Tahiti in October 1788 and remained there for more than five months. On Tahiti, the crew enjoyed an idyllic life, reveling in the comfortable climate, lush surroundings and the hospitality of the Tahitians. Fletcher Christian fell in love with a Tahitian woman named Mauatua.

Hispanic voters helped Trump retake the White House. Now their support is waning - Reuters

Risk of global economic recession surges on US tariff shockwaves - Reuters

Putin declares 3-day May ceasefire to mark 80 years since World War Two victory - Reuters

Suspected US airstrike hits Yemen migrant centre; Houthi TV says 68 killed - Reuters

Analysis How Trump’s big bet on tariffs went bad - CNN

Canadians vote in election overshadowed by US tariff and annexation threats - CNN

New estimates suggest Elon Musk's DOGE has been a self-sabotaging project - MSNBC

Debt crisis deepens as 1 in 4 Americans forced to choose between bills and basics - FoxNews

Putin thanks North Korea for sending troops to fight Ukraine: 'Will never forget the heroism' - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cars I Don't Often See

 

Lotus and Lamborghini
Jupiter, FL
April 26, 2025

It has been a great week for car spotting. 

Sure we have seen the usual plethora of Bentleys and Rolls. They are almost everywhere. But, over the past couple days I have been introduced to a few cars that just do not show up often.

Yesterday, for instance, Chris and I pulled into a small shopping area to find a Lotus and a Lamborghini parked next to each other. That was a first, but even more interesting was the color of the Lamborghini--purple. There they were, parked together alone in the lot. I took a moment to admire them and imagine the sound of their engines accelerating. 

1989 Jaguar XJS V-12 rouge Special Edition
Image from the Internet

Late last week, I was introduced to a very special Jaguar. It was a 1989 Jaguar XJS V12 Rouge Special Edition. And it was in our community. One of the residents had borrowed it from his father-in-law to take his daughter and friends to Prom. Wow--it was a beauty with only 28,000 miles on it. Now this Jaguar was not in the same class as the Lotus or the Lamborghini, but it was a really beautiful car. I failed to take an image of it sitting in his drive, but found a few on the internet so I could remember the awesomeness of this classic. He told me how much someone told him it was worth, but that was a bit of an exaggeration. Nonetheless, it was a heart stopping car. 

Later Chris and I got into our 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-e and headed out wishing we were in the Jag and remembering the ones we have owned. At least our Mach-e is red. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Night at the Theater

 

View from my Seat, Dreyfoos Hall, Kravis Center
West Palm Beach, FL
April 25, 2025

We went to see a Broadway Across America production of Les Misérables last evening at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The production began promptly at 8 PM and was stunning.

But there is more to the story.

Our normal roughly 30 minute trip to West Palm Beach took almost and hour due to Friday-night rush hour traffic. The situation on I-95, my preferred route, was so bad that we saved almost 10 minutes by driving US-1, with all of its stoplights, into the city. We made our dinner reservation and enjoyed a relaxed dinner at True Food Kitchen which is a short walk from the Kravis. When I say short walk, I mean short, like less than 10 minutes at a leisurely walking pace. 

But what about the show? 

The show was great. We had less than optimal seats at the very back of the hall, but still had good view of the stage. The sound system was perfect. What bothered me is that the show is very dark--I knew that before hand, but from where sat it was a bit too dimly lit. We could not make out the faces of the actors and actresses. 

The Kravis, however, is a great place to watch live theater. The seats are comfortable and parking is free. I look forward to returning for another show soon. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Happy Hour Returns to the Beach

 

Happy Hour Crew on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
April 24, 2025

It happened.

We finally returned to the beach to enjoy Happy Hour. It had been months, it seems, since we last enjoyed an evening on the beach. 

Between our traveling, the weather, and some sickness we have been away from the beach--but not so last evening. We returned. It was glorious. 

Pelicans on Patrol
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
April 24, 2025

The highlight of the evening was the appearance of two spinner sharks, well it could have been one shark jumping twice. There is almost no way to capture spinner sharks on camera because before you realize it's happening it is over except for the splash.

We enjoyed a few hours of watching the waves crash on a nearly empty beach. Sadly, there were no surfers to entertain us--but we spent time catching up on recent travels. 

We had a great time and are looking forward to getting out tonight to attend a performance of Les Miserables at the local theater. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Fragrance of Gardenias

Gardenia in Bloom
Tequesta, FL
March 29, 2025

 The fragrance of gardenias was everywhere yesterday during my almost 18-mile ride. 

The gardenias have been in bloom for a couple of weeks now, but yesterday they seemed to be at their peak. The sweet fragrance was everywhere and it was very enjoyable. I enjoyed the sweetness around every curve. 

After my morning ride, Chris and I spent the day restocking the food supplies which we had drawn down during April due to our many travels. We expect to be home for most of May! Yay. 

Due to a dental appointment, I won't be able to ride today, but I am hopeful of getting out again tomorrow and enjoying the gardenias again. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Home Again

From the United Club
George Bush Intercontinental Airport 
Houston, TX
April 22, 2025

 The travel day was executed without incident. That is always great. The flight was onetime and the journey to the airport was without incident. 

Who can ask for more? 

Even Finnegan was at home and greeted us as we entered the house. He puts on an unrivaled display of excitement when we arrive after being away. 

We had left the car at the airport and it was great just walking into the garage, hopping into the vehicle and driving away after traveling. We do not do that too often, but the short nature of the trip meant that parking at the airport was less expensive than getting an Uber or a Lyft. 

We do not have any travel planned for the month of May. It will be good to be home and enjoying the South Florida lifestyle of boating, golfing, and biking for a while. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Finalizing the Visit

Saltgrass Steakhouse
Fulshear, TX
April 21, 2025

 Yesterday was our final full day in the Houston area. We spent time with Dad at his residence while also enjoying lunch with some of the family. 

By the end of the day the weather was spectacular--blue clear sky and low humidity. 

Today is another travel day. We are making our way back to Florida and hopefully will be arrive by mid-afternoon. 

Lunch at Saltgrass Steakhouse was very nice and seemed to be authentically Texan. The weather was so perfect that we sat outside and enjoyed good company and weather. 

Following that, we headed off to see Dad at his residence. I was able to fix a broken wheel on his adjustable tray and we chatted about the state of the world for a few hours before Chris and I said our final goodbye and headed back to Scott and Pennie's for the evening. 

It has been a busy and enjoyable trip, but going home is always a positive thought especially knowing Finnegan will be home in time to greet us as we arrive. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Monday Musings - April 21, 2025

 

1. Today is Easter Monday and the third Monday of April. There are 36 Mondays remaining in 2025. 

Me, Dad, Chris
Easter Sunday in Texas
Weston Lakes, TX
April 20, 2025

2. The news of the death of Pope Francis is the lead story this morning. The 88 year old Pope died overnight of pneumonia. 

3. Chris and I were excited to have spent part of Easter Sunday with Dad. We had a great day and enjoyed a fantastic dinner prepared by my sister Pennie with help from Chris. 

4. I have wondered why the Easter Bunny is depicted with eggs and more importantly why the eggs are decorated. Now mind you, this was not something that I  ever spent much brainpower thinking about, but I mentioned it to my sister yesterday and she offered a potential explanation. It seems that the Easter Bunny stole the eggs from the hens and then dyed them so the hens would not recognize them. The Easter Bunny then distributed the eggs to the unsuspecting. I guess that makes the Easter Bunny a thief! For an alternate reality, Good Housekeeping has a more plausible story. 

5. I am holding my breath concerned about what Executive Branch inspired travesty will occur this week. I would hope for a quiet week where the markets recover, tariffs are terminated, and concern for the hard-working American people outweighs the need for splashy headlines. 

6. What is up with the Orioles? They lost 24-2 yesterday and position players pitched the last two innings giving up 9 runs. The team, which was projected to be in the World Series by multiple sports writers, seems to be sinking into irrelevancy. 

Colosseum
Rome, IT
May 11, 2024

7. Today in History. According to tradition, on April 21, 753 B.C., Romulus and his twin brother, Remus, found Rome on the site where they were suckled by a she-wolf as orphaned infants. Actually, the Romulus and Remus myth originated sometime in the fourth century B.C., and the exact date of Rome’s founding was set by the Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro in the first century B.C.

According to the legend, Romulus and Remus were the sons of Rhea Silvia, the daughter of King Numitor of Alba Longa. Alba Longa was a mythical city located in the Alban Hills southeast of what would become Rome. Before the birth of the twins, Numitor was deposed by his younger brother Amulius, who forced Rhea to become a vestal virgin so that she would not give birth to rival claimants to his title. However, Rhea was impregnated by the war god Mars and gave birth to Romulus and Remus. Amulius ordered the infants drowned in the Tiber, but they survived and washed ashore at the foot of the Palatine hill, where they were suckled by a she-wolf until they were found by the shepherd Faustulus.

Pope Francis, whose tenure was marked by turbulence and division, dies at 88 - Reuters

Pentagon chief Hegseth shared sensitive Yemen war plans in second Signal chat - Reuters

Harvard says Trump administration doubled down after sending letter reported as unauthorized - Reuters

As Trump eyes coal revival, his job cuts hobble black lung protections for miners - Reuters

Trump's threat to block international students is a terrible own goal - MSNBC

International students are being told by email their visas are revoked and they must ‘self-deport.’ What to know - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Happy Easter 2025

 Easter has arrived. 

Here is praying you have a blessed day. 

Chris and I continue our visit to see Dad. We spent a couple hours with him yesterday at his residence. We enjoyed meeting some of his table mates while enjoying lunch. Yes, they have assigned seating. It was a very enjoyable visit. 

Today the Easter celebration continues and we will retrieve Dad early this afternoon for some family enjoyment.

 

Happy Easter to all.

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX