Has it really been 50 years?

 Chris and I celebrated Labor Day by going to the movies. 

We chose the 50th Anniversary Jaws as our movie to watch. 

Yes, we have watched Jaws on streaming multiple times and have the entire script fairly well memorized, but that did not deter us from heading off to the theater to see the movie on the big screen. 

We were excited by the opening monologue from Steven Spielberg which explained that the movie had been reprocessed into 4K or better viewing. I had hoped that they might include some scenes cut from the original, but apparently they did not.

It was great to see Jaws on the big screen again and with the full vibrant sound. We both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it for any others out there who enjoy watching Jaws on the small screen. Think of all the people who have only ever been exposed to Jaws on a TV-size screen--they will be in awe as they watch Bruce (the shark) terrorize the island community of Amity.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - Labor Day 2025

1. Welcome September--it is the first Monday of there ninth month of the year. Whew! We made it this far. There are 17 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States. Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. "Labor Day" was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. Wikipedia

House under construction
Tequesta, FL
August 31, 2025

3. I find it very interesting to monitor the progress of houses being constructed along my bike routes. There are multiple houses being constructed. All of them are being constructed on lots where existing homes were razed. Watching the process from demolition to completion is fascinating and I am also amazed at how long it takes to get to completion and occupancy. This is not a quick process.

4. I managed a 19-mile ride yesterday. It got a bit warm towards the end, but despite my ride, I still closed out August with less than 100 miles ridden. It was one of my worst months since I've been keeping records. The most significant thing about the ride, however, was that I passed 6,000 miles ridden since buying my bike during February 2022.

5. The biggest threat to our Republic may be residing in the White House. International ineptitude coupled with domestic ineffectiveness all he has to show for his efforts. The president is more concerned about retribution than he is actually accomplishing something positive for the American people. His disdain for renewable energy sources is one area where his actions are increasing costs for American families. Tariffs are another. The downward spiral may be happening too fast to correct.

6. Today in History. On September 1, 1972, in what’s billed as the “Match of the Century,” American chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer defeats Russian Boris Spassky during the World Chess Championship in Reykjavik, Iceland.

In the world’s most publicized title match ever played, Fischer, a 29-year-old Brooklynite, became the first American to win the competition since its inception in 1866. The victory also marked the first time a non-Russian had won the event in 24 years.

Fischer, who started playing chess professionally at age 8, won the U.S. Open Championship when he was 14 (he would go on to win it seven more times) and became the world’s youngest international grandmaster at age 15.

Fischer’s skills and age—and demanding, arrogant attitude—made him a pop culture phenomenon. He became the subject of books and movies and even inspired a song, “The Ballad of Bobby Fischer.”

Earthquake in Afghanistan kills 800, injures 2,800 - Reuters

China's Xi pushes a new global order, flanked by leaders of Russia and India - Reuters

Israel sends tanks deeper into Gaza City, more families flee - Reuters

In Mexican border town, thousands of jobs lost due to Trump tariffs - Reuters

Tracking Trump’s retaliation against a wide swath of critics and perceived political enemies - CNN

Trump's Cabinet meeting profanity highlighted a harsh truth about his Putin failures - MSNBC

Trump administration threatens states with odd demands for sex ed censorship - MSNBC

One meal a day, no bathing for days: Inside the 'humanitarian crisis' at an ICE field office - MSNBC

Trump makes bold declaration about DC amid his federal policing intervention - FoxNews

Trump wraps up week announcing that billions in foreign aid is canceled - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Another Repair Completed

Controller Board
Tequesta, FL
August 30, 2025

It is Alive!
Tequesta, FL
August 30, 2025

 One of the reasons that Chris and I drove the truck to Maryland for our recent visit was to retrieve the NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike that we gave to one of our children. As I wrote before, the bike had fallen out of their exercise routine and was not functioning.

I determined that the controller board needed replacing and felt that I could effect the repair and so, we loaded the bike into the bed of the truck and hauled it to Florida where it has sat, mostly disassembled, until yesterday. The controller board arrived Friday and I had been anxious to install it.

The process turned out to be more complicated than expected and I had to overcome a tool problem, but am happy to report the operation was a success and the patient survived. I am in the process of getting my account reestablished. 

I felt good about getting the job done and should be up and running today for exercise during rough weather conditions--like thunderstorms. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It is Finnegan's World

Finnegan on the Bed
Tequesta, FL
August 28, 2025

 Finn is a small-ish, 6 lbs, Yorkie who apparently owns the world. 

I accompanied him on his morning walk today, because I didn't feel like riding my bike. He has two routes: short and long. The short is just under half-a-mile while the long is about a mile-and-a-half. More often than not, when I accompanied Chris and Finn he chooses the long walk. But not today. 

Today we did the shorter walk which includes a stop at the local Ace Hardware. Finn has a lot of friends working at Ace and they always give him a grand greeting. There are usually treats involved and he races around the store off-leash. His antics provide amusement for the day. 

After a while, he is ready to head home and crash on the couch for a well deserved nap. 

Ah, it is a dog's life after all. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back in the Saddle Ride

Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
August 29, 2025

 I was back in my bike saddle this morning for an 18-mile ride around Tequesta. I usually take it easy after a weeklong layoff, but I was feeling good and did my usual ride without the recent 1.4 mile add-on that I have been doing to get over 19 miles. 

I made my usual quick stop on the Loxahatchee River Bridge in Tequesta for a quick image to record the conditions of the day. The temperature was 78 degrees when the ride began and 1h19m later, when my ride was complete, it was 81 degrees. I bested my usual time by 5 minutes--that is how good I felt and I spent 38 percent of the time in my peak cardio zone! 

I did not see my usual tortoises nor frequently sighted Sandhill Cranes. But I did enjoy seeing the changes in the short week since I last rode. 

Soon I will be ready for the remainder of the day and a trip to Costco!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And We Made it Home

Image of the Seat Back Video Taxiing to Depart Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
August 27, 2025

 Chris and I arrived home to a very happy Finnegan this morning just after 1 AM! The people caring for him dropped him off earlier in the evening so that he would be there to greet Chris. I am not sure who was more excited at the reunion, Finn or Chris.

Image from Houston Airport
Houston, TX
Auguat 17, 2025

The flights were, again, fantastic and on-time! Yay, Delta! They were 4 for 4 on this trip. We even dodged a few thunderstorms around Houston. It is always somewhat eerie arriving after midnight into a deserted airport as we did early this morning at PBI. 

We especially appreciated the hospitality of Pennie and Scott. Thank you again. It was good to spend time with you and of course see Dad.

Chris and I are excited that we have a break in our travel schedule, for just over three weeks, until we head out into the Caribbean for a cruise!

As we put an exclamation point on the Houston trip, we are happy that it was both successful and enjoyable. 

And now,  it is back to our regularly scheduled life. I know there is a palm tree around here somewhere. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Out the Airplane Window

Open Pit Mine
Nearing Atlanta, GA
August 22, 2025

 I rarely sit next to the window on an airplane. I did, however, sit next to the window on the flight last week from Palm Beach to Atlanta. Most of the flight the I kept the window shade down, it was a cloudy and there was bright sun above the clouds and I was on the East facing side of the jet. 

I opened the shade after the jet descended under the cloud deck to land in Atlanta and was amazed to see a very large open pit mine. The mine was pretty much in the middle of an industrial area and along side a major highway. I figured it was an active mine since the bottom had not filled with water. 

It is interesting to see some of the features outside the airplane window. 

Today is a travel day. Chris and I are completing our trip and heading home to Finnegan. Hopefully the flights are as smooth today as they were last week. We have had a good visit with Dad and the Houston-area members of the family.

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Fun with Poppers

Lonely Jalapeño Popper
Weston Lakes, TX
August 25, 2025

 Jalapeño poppers were the stars of Happy Hour last evening.

I took an image of the last one sitting alone on the serving dish. 

I was amazed at how long the lonely popper stayed on the plate before being eaten. Funny, none of the adults ate this last popper. It was finally eaten by a passing 10 year old--who did not realize that the jalapeño had some heat to it and he made some interesting facial expressions before heading to the kitchen for relief. 

Food can be fun!

OK, I did feel bad for the child.

Earlier during the day, Chris and I visited with Dad. He was in remarkably good spirits and we had a very enjoyable visit.

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Monday Musings - August 25, 2025

 1. Happy Monday! Today is the final Monday of August. Labor Day is celebrated next Monday which will be the 1st of September. It is later than you think. There are only 18 Mondays remaining in the year.

Around the Pool
Weston Lakes, TX
August 24, 2025

2. Chris and I have been enjoying the hospitality of my sister and her family. We enjoyed a fun afternoon around the pool after visiting Dad in the morning. It was a very enjoyable afternoon and I doubled as the margarita bartended. Frankly, I lost track of the number of margaritas I made, but I do know we had to Door Dash additional mixer!

3. Wow, things are happening in the country. I am concerned, that Lincoln's "government of the people, by the people, and for the people . . . " has become the government of the $, by the $, and for the $. I am very uncomfortable with the U.S. government having control of, getting money other than taxes from, and/or stock in significant companies. At least three, Intel, USSteel, and Nvidia have already succumbed. Government is not a business designed to turn a profit at the expense of the shareholders. Who are the shareholders? We the People!

4. As the administration of President Donald Trump is using loopholes in the nation’s laws to claim the right to use the military against American citizens, Democratic governors are pushing back.

The administration has taken control of the Washington, D.C., police under the 1973 Home Rule Act, which permits that takeover if “special conditions of an emergency nature exist.” Although the Department of Justice itself reported that crime in the city is at a 30-year low, Trump declared a crime emergency in the District of Columbia on August 11 to take control of the police.

The Home Rule Act limits the president’s takeover to 30 days unless the House and Senate pass a joint resolution to extend that time. On Friday, Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced a bill to extend the takeover for about six months and to make that time the default for all future “emergencies.” (Letters from an American)

5. Has anyone else noticed that the current administration does not tolerate dissent or disagreement? Remember back to the Biden administration, just 9 short months ago, how it seemed everything that the administration desired was met with disagreement by the opposition and yet no one went to jail, they were not vilified, nor did they have their houses searched by the FBI.

6. As we head into the Artificial Intelligence (AI) age is anyone else concerned that rewriting history and news will threaten the accuracy of the responses? We really do not need biased AI results. 

7. Today in History. On August 25, 1944, after more than four years of Nazi occupation, Paris is liberated by the French 2nd Armored Division and the U.S. 4th Infantry Division. German resistance was light, and General Dietrich von Choltitz, commander of the German garrison, defied an order by Adolf Hitler to blow up Paris’ landmarks and burn the city to the ground before its liberation. Choltitz signed a formal surrender that afternoon, and on August 26, Free French General Charles de Gaulle led a joyous liberation march down the Champs d’Elysees.

Paris fell to Nazi Germany on June 14, 1940, one month after the German Wehrmachtstormed into France. Eight days later, France signed an armistice with the Germans, and a puppet French state was set up with its capital at Vichy. Elsewhere, however, General Charles de Gaulle and the Free French kept fighting, and the Resistance sprang up in occupied France to resist Nazi and Vichy rule.

Israel hits Gaza hospital, killing at least 15 people, including journalists - Reuters

Trump's redistricting push could bring decades of Republican rule to the US House - Reuters

Exclusive: US confirms first travel-associated human screwworm case connected to Central American outbreak - Reuters

Oil prices edge up as traders weigh supply risks - Reuters

Homes in California wine country and central Oregon are under evacuation orders as crews battle wildfires  - CNN

Retailers are using ‘sneakflation’ to pass along Trump’s tariffs - CNN

Taiwan defeats Nevada to win 2025 Little League World Series - FoxNews

France summons U.S. Ambassador Kushner over ‘unacceptable’ antisemitism letter - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

It was a Party!

Chris and I with Dad
Katy, TX
August 23, 2025

 Chris and I were part of a country-wide celebration yesterday afternoon. 

It was for Dad. 

The family gathered in person and on Zoom to honor Dad and connect with him. For his part, he had a good day. 

6 Great-grandkids Together with Dad
Katy, TX
August 24, 2025

All of 4 of his children participated along with 6 of 10 grandkids and 7 of 10 great-grandkids. Even the youngest great-grand was on screen to send him greetings. (I can only hope I got the numbers correct. Public math is not my forte.)

It was a great afternoon. The dinner convened in Dad's residence and the food was catered from Olive Garden, which made it very convenient. Who doesn't love pasta comfort food

The credit for bringing the entire dinner together goes to my sister Pennie. While Chris and I provided some muscle, Pennie was the brains behind the success. 

Dad looked good and it was good to visit with him in person again as I expect to do for the next few days until we return home. The dinner lasted about an hour and a half, after which Dad was tired and we took him to his room where the staff very shortly arrived to begin the evening bed-down procedure. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX