Growing Older

 

The Crew, Jeremy, Nicole, Patrick
Elkridge, MD
October 18, 2026

I realized something yesterday as Chris and I were celebrating the birthday of our oldest--who turned 50.

Ugh! 50 years ago, Chris and I became parents! That, friends, is a half century. 

We must be getting older. I suppose we should have realized it since we are both retired and living our best life. But now, we have a half-century old adult child! And I thought I was getting old when I became 50!

It was good to see our three adult children together for Jeremy's birthday, even though we were in Florida. It warms our hearts that they are finding their way together. 

So Happy Birthday Jeremy! We will see you all soon for a huge holiday.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - October 19, 2026

 1. Happy Monday again. This is now the third Monday of October. Wow! Where is the month speeding off to? There are 10 Mondays remaining in the year. We are down to single digits next week as we close out  October!

2. Family NFL Results. It was another mixed week for the family teams. The teams went 2-2 for the weekend with the Commanders playing tonight and the Dolphins on a BYE. The teams now post a 16-16-1 record for the season. 

Ravens (4-2) against Browns (4-2), 10-13

Steelers (4-2) overcame Buccaneers  (1-5), 26-19

Commanders (1-3-1) face off against 49ers (5-0), tonight on MNF 

Cowboys (2-4)  were destroyed by Packers (4-2), 13-23

Dolphins (0-5) BYE 

Chiefs (5-0) scalped Chargers (0-5), 22-6

New DieHard
Tequesta, FL
October 18, 2026

3. It was a rough day with the truck. Chris and I have not been driving our truck much, of late. Gas prices are the primary reason, since we have a really nice EV. I try to remember to start the truck and drive it--but driving just to keep the battery charged and the fluids moving does not often make it onto my list of critical things to do. It should have! I went out yesterday to start the truck and drive it. Bad news! Dead battery. And so began multiple trips to the auto parts store. The battery tested good, but never achieved a full charge after two free charging sessions. The voltage topped out at 12.2V and the cold cranking amps made it to 513 of a rated 800. I bought a new battery and installed it. I believe the five year old battery, after consultation with ChatGPT, was telling me it was about to expire when I needed it most. I want to thank the current administration for the misguided tariffs which contributed to the exorbitant battery price of over $260.

4. Abandoning Friend and Ally. Donald Trump did something even more horrific when he signed an executive order waiving nearly all of the new sanctions on Russia under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. This was a law he had signed into effect barely a month ago to honor his deceased friend, the senator from South Carolina. On the cusp of the October 18th deadline to put those measures into effect, Trump paused the sanctions, citing “national interest.” (Hope for America)  Apparently, Ukraine is no longer either a friend or an ally as abandoning sanctions gives Russia more resources to apply against them. And now an unwarned Russian offensive is underway.

5. Today in History. Hopelessly trapped at Yorktown, Virginia, British General Lord Cornwallis surrenders 8,000 British soldiers and seamen to a larger Franco-American force on October 19, 1781, effectively bringing an end to the American Revolution.

Lord Cornwallis was one of the most capable British generals of the American Revolution. In 1776, he drove General George Washington’s Patriots forces out of New Jersey, and in 1780 he won a stunning victory over General Horatio Gates’ Patriot army at Camden, South Carolina. Cornwallis’ subsequent invasion of North Carolina was less successful, however, and in April 1781 he led his weary and battered troops toward the Virginia coast, where he could maintain seaborne lines of communication with the large British army of General Henry Clinton in New York City. After conducting a series of raids against towns and plantations in Virginia, Cornwallis settled in the tidewater town of Yorktown in August. The British immediately began fortifying the town and the adjacent promontory of Gloucester Point across the York River.

France reels from weekend violence as mayors rebuke government for security failings - Reuters

Zelenskiy says Ukraine got no warning as Russia launches major attack - Reuters

Rubio denies US paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine - Reuters

World faces nature reality check at UN biodiversity conference - Reuters

Order to limit Starshield for Ukraine came from inside White House - Reuters

Why Latino voters are swinging away from Republicans - CNN

Expedition to a remote Pacific island fails to find fresh clues in hunt for Amelia Earhart’s plane - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Wash-out

 

Downpour
Tequesta, FL
October 17, 2026

The forecast was mostly correct yesterday. The morning was nice and I was able to complete an 18-mile ride, but the afternoon was stormy. 

The afternoon storms were much more violent. 

The rain came down in volumes which the drainage systems could not handle. Many of the streets soon became rushing rivers of water headed for the inlet. 

Chris and I enjoy storms and this one was memorable for its intensity and duration. Often, here is South Florida, the storm rolls in and is gone in minutes. Not so yesterday! The storms continued all afternoon in varying intensity. 

It was an angry wind that whipped through the palms driving the rain mercilessly into the earth and buildings. While the storms were unusually strong, they were not nearly as severe as those we have experienced from the bands of hurricanes that passed through the area a couple years ago. 

I took a longer video that shows the driving rain and wind whipped palms. 

This morning, the skies are gray and filled with clouds. It is windy but a cooler 75 degrees with lower humidity. A good day to stay in and watch football. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friends and Family make Celebrations more Fun

Birthday Dinner
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
October 15, 2026

 

Birthday Flowers and Balloons
Tequesta, FL
October 16, 2026

Thursday evening, Chris and I were joined at dinner by friends to celebrate her birthday. 

We had a great time celebrating, beginning at the house for some Happy Hour drinks before heading to the restaurant. 

Celebrating events with friends and family makes it all more enjoyable. The additional people break the routine and highlight the special nature of the event. Our family could not join us for the celebration, but they were present through the flowers and balloons they sent and their encouraging and fun telephone calls. 

Throughout the day, Chris was celebrated as she received phone calls and texts.

Friends and family really do make celebrations for fun.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Kraken Lives!

 

The Kraken Lives
Tequesta, FL
October, 15, 2026

I am amused at the creativity shown in Halloween decorations around the community. Again this year, creative decorations abound. I believe the beautiful South Florida weather contributes to the variety of decorations that I see during my bike rides around the community.

The yard decorations run the gamut from skeletons of all kinds and in many poses, to pumpkins and witches crashing into trees. One that most intrigues me this year is of the tentacles rising from the yard. Two things come to mine, the most obvious might be a kraken rising from the yard to devour the house and those who approach it. I think it can be really creepy. The other possibility that comes to mind is "Day of the Tentacle," a computer game from the distant past. 

I think the image came out really well considering that I took it on my Meta glasses while coming around a corner on my bike. I rode a solid 18.5 miles yesterday and the weather was beautiful. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sunlight on the Palms

Tequesta Palms
Tequesta, FL
October 14, 2026

 Sitting at dinner last evening, Chris had a good view of some palms across the street as the sun was setting. She convinced me to completely turn around in my chair to capture the scene. Although the image I took was not what she wanted, it shows how the forward palm was already in shadows while the palms to the rear remained in bright sunshine. 

We were out for dinner to enjoy another evening of good weather. South Florida has finally broken out of the cycle where the "feels like" temperature is consistently over 100 degrees. The 85 degrees with a nice breeze we were experiencing last evening was very pleasant and we enjoyed dinner al fresco. OK, it was on a veranda, but still was technically open air!

There is something special about enjoying Italian cuisine al fresco, even with the noise from the street. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

They were Diving Right in Front of Us

 

Afternoon on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 13, 2026

The weather moderated both in temperature and rainfall making yesterday a perfect afternoon to hit the beach for Happy Hour. 

And we did!

We were not disappointed because for much of our time enjoying adult beverages and snacks we were treated to an aerial show compliments of a few pelicans who were diving into the water.

The water temperature was 84 degrees and the air was about the same as we set up our camp on the beach. The are was cleared of the humidity and the clouds were puffy and white until the sin began to set and then the clouds reflected the golden rays. 

But it was the pelicans that stole the show. I have never seen so many pelicans diving into the water and for so long a period before. 

They were fun to watch. I am glad that I was able to capture some of their activities.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

On the Streets Again

On the Street, 5 miles into the ride
Tequesta, FL
October 12, 2026

 Since returning from our fun-filled and sometimes frustrating Caribbean cruise, I have been riding my bike regularly. I still have not returned to my usual 18 miles a day, but am riding about 14 miles until I get back into shape. I have been nursing a sore back that apparently has become chronic. It does not hurt to ride, but really begins to bark at night when I try to sleep. 

Pedestrian Walkway on the Bridge
Tequesta, FL
January 15, 2024

I realized, yesterday, that my normal biking circuit is going to change beginning Friday when one of the bridges I cross will be closed for a year. I am glad that Martin County is renovating the bridge, but it is going to really change my ride. Sadly, it is through one of the prettier areas of my route and the closure will hinder my ability to do a closed loop ride.

The bridge has a walkway separated from the vehicle lanes which I enjoy traversing. The walkway can be dangerous, however. Although, usually I am the only person on the walkway, I have had a couple close calls and one incident when I actually crashed while avoiding a dog on the narrow path. I have learned stop before entering the bridge if someone is biking or walking in my direction or to dismount if people are stationary on the bridge.

As for riding, I have already exceeded last month's mileage, but am still 260 miles below where I was this time last year. Sometimes I wonder if the apps that track all of this stuff were designed just to make me feel bad. 

This morning, the current temperature of 72 degrees is the lowest we have seen in months and I am excited about getting out for a ride. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - October 12, 2026

 1. Happy Columbus Day, Indigenous People's Day, or whatever it is called now. It is the second Monday of October! Wow. The month is cruising along and there are only 11 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Osprey outside the Window
Tequesta, FL
October 11, 2026

2. The bird outside our window. Yesterday during a drenching thunderstorm, Chris and I went to the veranda to check on the storm and were startled to see an osprey sitting in a tree very close to our condo. We enjoy seeing ospreys when we are at the beach or boating, but have never seen one perch on the treeling behind the condo. It was easy to assess that the bird was seeking cover during the storm. It remained for a while before flying away.

3. Family NFL Results. It was a another less than satisfying weekend for most of the family teams. The teams went 2-2-1 for the weekend and now post a 14-14-1 record for the season. 

Ravens (4-1) soared over Falcons (2-3), 30-23

Steelers (3-2) trample Colts  (2-3), 34-22

Commanders (1-3-1) snatched a tie from the jaws of victory against the Giants (3-1-1), 27-27 

Cowboys (2-3)  were outgunned by Buccaneers (1-4), 16-24

Dolphins (0-5) lost again to Bengals (3-2), 24-31

Chiefs (4-0) BYE

4. Revered or Reviled? Apparently, our President is more concerned about putting his name on everything he can than with how history will remember him. His temper tantrum for not winning the Nobel Prize was classic. I know that I am looking forward to the day when governmental business is no longer conducted via social media. His quest for accolades and awards reminded me of something General Patton is quoted as saying: 

“For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting.” (Highlighting mine)

5. Today in History. After sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus sights a Bahamian island on October 12, 1492, believing he has reached East Asia. His expedition went ashore the same day and claimed the land for Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain, who sponsored his attempt to find a western ocean route to China, India, and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia.

Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451. Little is known of his early life, but he worked as a seaman and then a maritime entrepreneur. He became obsessed with the possibility of pioneering a western sea route to Cathay (China), India, and the gold and spice islands of Asia. At the time, Europeans knew no direct sea route to southern Asia, and the route via Egypt and the Red Sea was closed to Europeans by the Ottoman Empire, as were many land routes.

Ukraine accuses Russia of violating Trump's energy ceasefire - Reuters

Six reasons Democrats may fall short of a midterm landslide - Reuters

Closure of Riyadh airport extended after deadly Houthi strikes - Reuters

China's tax crackdown piles pressure on luxury brands as US spending falters - Reuters

Trump backlash stokes GOP fears of a midterm wipeout - CNN

A megadrought has drained the nation’s largest water reservoir by 70% - CNN

European troops arrive in Greenland as Trump targets allies with new tariff threats - MS Now

‘Wow!’: Trump snaps after losing out on Nobel Peace Prize again - MS Now

Elon Musk Flooded Republican Groups With $276 Million in Rescue Mission for G.O.P. - The New York Times

Kremlin rejects 60-day truce offer and refuses to comment on Trump’s ‘energy ceasefire’ - The Guardian

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Weekends are for Sports

 

Georgia Defeats Alabama 20-17
Tuscaloosa, AL
October 10, 2026
(Butch Dill/Getty Images)

As Thursday slides into Friday and the start of the weekend, my autumn attention turns to sports. There are so many opportunities with the NFL, college football, NHL, MLB Playoffs, Premier League. I get overloaded sometimes. 

I stay up too late and then cannot get to sleep because of the game's ending. 

Things have been crazy since Wednesday night. 

The Yankees lost (yay!)

Dallas lost.

Arsenal won.

Syracuse, Maryland and USF lost. 

Georgia won in a wild ending. 

Ravens play today without Lamar.

Penguins lost twice.

The Dolphins will likely go to 0-5 today.

More MLB playoffs!

And those are just the games I have an interest in!

There is so much!

I am glad that I am retired and do not have to go to work in the morning. And because I was up late last night watching Georgia win, I decided not to ride my bike this morning. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL