Monday Musings - April 13, 2026

 Tax Day is at Hand

1. Today is the second Monday of April and the last Monday before taxes are due. Have you filed? Time is running out. There are 37 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Go O's. The Orioles, after a rough start are tied for first place in the AL East. That is really exciting. They have a winning record and are beginning to play strong!

3. Chris and I enjoyed a weekend of entertaining and yesterday attended an auction in Wellington for some added enjoyment. It was a nice auction and I may have brought Chris a gift while there. Call it an early Mother's Day present. 

4. So I am confused, if Iran is totally defeated why then are they unwilling to negotiate terms? Traditionally, the victor sets the terms to end a conflict. As I see it, Iran is dictating terms to the U.S. Perhaps the real fake news is what is coming out of the White House?

5. Congratulations to the people of Hungary for ousting authoritarian leader, Viktor Orban, after 16 years. It was a landslide! Orban's playbook is being used by the Trump administration to suppress the American people. We should be ashamed that VP Vance went to Hungary to campaign for Orban.

6. Riddle me this: IF the energy requirement for AI Data Centers is going to be as great as projected, why are renewable energy resources not being encouraged to help meet the requirements? It does not make fiscal sense.

7. Today in History. An armed group of white supremacists attacks a courthouse guarded by a mostly-Black militia in the town of Colfax, Louisiana on April 13, 1873. A bloodbath ensues, as the militia surrenders and the white supremacists carry out a day-long campaign of terror that came to be known as the Colfax Massacre.

In the years following the U.S. Civil War, a number of freedmen and white candidates sympathetic to the cause of racial equality were elected to office across the South. This progress stirred up deep resentments among other white Southerners, bitter over the loss of the Civil War and eager to once again enshrine white supremacy into law. During this period, known as Reconstruction, federal troops were stationed throughout the South to pacify the region and protect elections. The Enforcement Acts of 1870 and 1871 prohibited people from congregating with the purpose of disrupting an election and gave the federal government the authority to use its troops in defense of African Americans and their recently granted constitutional rights.

US set to begin naval blockade of Iran's ports - Reuters

Hungarians look to changed future after pro-EU Magyar's election landslide - Reuters

Oil jumps more than 7% to above $102 ahead of US blockade on Iran - Reuters

Trump says gas prices may remain high through November midterm election - Reuters

Analysis Failed peace talks leave Trump with few options to end Iran conflict - CNN

Pope says he has ‘no fear of Trump administration’ after president’s criticism - CNN

Trump administration admits it made a mistake in Medicaid fraud accusations - MS Now

The invisible force Einstein mocked may reveal how God knows what you are thinking - FoxNews

Swalwell Suspends Campaign for California Governor Amid Sex Assault Accusations - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#mondaymusings

Sleep Eluded Us

 We had a difficult night.

Chris and I hosted another couple for dinner and had a great evening with them. Finnegan was part of the action, as he does. When we moved in from the veranda, we left the charcuterie board on the coffee table thinking we might return after dinner. This was the first time that we had not bought the board in with us when retiring from the veranda. Finn has never been a counter surfer, but the board was on the table at nose height. Apparently, he could not resist. He nabbed the remaining capocollo, about an ounce, and ate it. 

We didn't think much about it. 

Until about 3 AM.

Finnegan had been up about every hour wanting to go outside and then drinking a lot of water before heading back to bed. It was this fourth time of the night where I became concerned and determined that he was in mild distress. 

I consulted ChatGPT and received the following advice:

Capocollo is very salty, and for a dog that small, this could be enough to cause salt (sodium) overload.

Excessive thirst is often the first sign, but it can progress.  (Chat GPT)

There was further advice to monitor and call a vet if additional symptoms occurred. I called a 24-hr vet for advice. Since it had already been about 8 hours since he ate the capocollo, they advised me to ensure plenty of fresh, clean water was available and monitor for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea. He has not developed any additional symptoms and is behaving normally. Given that now more than 12 hours have passed, we are likely out of danger.

Who knew that dried, cured meats were bad for dogs. We have not even even given him a bite of the meats form the charcuterie board, but he took matters into his own paws. 

If only packaging contained a warning for dog owners when the contents are especially harmful when ingested. Grapes are apparently even worse for dogs than, cured meats--which are bad because of the high salt content. 

Lesson learned! 

We are going to need a nap today!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Red or Rosé

Showing the Wine Selections
Tequesta, FL
April 10, 2026

 We hosted Happy Hour for a neighbor last evening. We know the Happy Hour was successful because it lasted until after 10 PM. It was also nice than no one had to drive home! 

Chris had a good time as she wanted to sample both wines. Seriously, I asked her to hold the glasses so I could make a pithy comment about her being a two-fisted drinker. She is not!

Another measure of the Happy Hour success was that I totally forgot about the astronauts returning from their moon journey. Totally! I read about their successful return this morning and was happy that everything went well for them and aside from rocking on the ocean for over an hour. I wonder if they got motion sickness after being in space for 10 days?

I received some good news yesterday with respect to my broken Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. Although my warranty claim was denied, they made me a very acceptable replacement offer. I am anxious to have the new pair as I had missed their features, especially the always at the ready imaging capability. 

Although the wind blowing at 15 mph this morning, I am hoping to get out on my bike today. I will see how that works out. 

--Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Summer is Coming

 Planning for summer travel is a continual process, it seems. 

Chris and I have many travel and activities in various planning stages--it really takes a lot of time. The biggest time sink seems to be cruising on one of Royal Caribbean's big ships, which we are doing during late-July and early-August. Already I have to plan the onboard entertainment, gone are the days of just showing up at the venue. I think that is one of the reasons I enjoy the smaller ships.

Travel planning is, at the same time, both fun and frustrating. 

Fun because we plan to travel to different locations, but frustrating because it seems to be never-ending until we are actually on the trip. I hope I am not becoming an over-planner. I wish, sometimes, that I could just head-out and enjoy whatever happens, but then I would miss the activities that require advance planning because there are throngs of others who are traveling. 

Air travel is not easy. Trying to match the best fares with the most convenient travel times is not easy. 

And multiple destinations become a real problem. Do I mix airlines? What about rental cars and lodging? Ugh. So many options. 

Hard work at planning hopefully results in an enjoyable trip. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And then it Rained

Palm Waving in the Wind and Rain
Tequesta, FL
April 8, 2026

Drought conditions have been the norm this year in Florida. Until lately, however.

While it rained on and off most of yesterday, we experienced a deluge that dropped about a half-inch of water on us in about an hour! It rained hard!

We need the rain. Maybe, not all at once though.

Drought Conditions in Florida
As on March 31, 2026

Chris and I were caught out in the rain at an appointment and had the pleasure of driving during the fiercest portion of the downpour while visibility was reduced to less than about 100 yards! It was, exciting! Drainage is a problem in some areas and large pools of water collected on the streets. One less than perceptive driver sped into one small temporary lake at a higher than recommended speed and I worried they would hydroplane into us all the while sending up a wave of water that blinded us.

But the sun will come out. And it did this morning. 

Hopefully, this week's drought report will show some improvement. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Travel Tuesday - Report from the Trenches

Shortly After Departing BWI
Somewhere over Virginia
April 7, 2026

 Travel Tuesday was, by all accounts, relatively smooth with only a few bumps. We arrived at BWI about 10:10 AM for our expected 11:55 Southwest flight to find it had been delayed until 1:10 PM. I actually knew this before we departed for the airport, but I also know that Southwest does not honor delayed times and so we headed to the airport as if the flight were on schedule. 

In the end our flight departed only 25 minutes late. If we had delayed arriving at the airport, we would have felt rushed.

There were no lines and no waiting either to check bags with Southwest or to clear security. It was a very pleasant experience and is part of the reason I am choosing to fly in the middle of the day (which is a bit more expensive). 

Beginning Descent into PBI
Atlantic Ocean Near Ormond Beach, FL
April 7, 2026

Southwest's new boarding process is a slower, I think, than the previous because people have to find their assigned seat rather than take the next open seat. I used free upgrades to secure extra legroom seating. I suppose it's nice, but not worth the money. I don't envision myself paying the extra for the seat, but it was nice to get Boarding Group 2 and Row 5.

The weather on departure was light overcast with some wind. It was a bit bumpy, but nothing too concerning. The flight was nice and the Captain was good about turning the seatbelt sign off, and on, and off, and on as the weather along the route varied. 

Descent and arrival into PBI was overcast with storms. We were seat-belted a bit longer than normal for the turbulence which turned the rush to the restrooms upon landing like a foot race. 

Unlike BWI, PBI's baggage handling was efficient and our bags were on the conveyor as we walked up. Additionally, our ride home, provided by friends, was also almost instantly available and we were on our way within about 25 minutes of landing!

It is good to be home! But we miss our friends and family in Maryland. Thanks to all of you for your continuing support of our comings and goings. I want to especially recognize and thank Nicole and Mike for lodging, Jeremy and Julie for transportation, and Patrick and Jen also George and Sue for their incredible hospitality! And of course Fran and Mary for retrieving us from PBI.

I thank God that the Iranian/Persian civilization was not destroyed overnight. But that is a story for another day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Beginning and Ending

The Beginning of the Trip
Odenton, MD
March 28, 2026

 Trips, by definition, have beginnings and endings. Hopefully, the ending is at home. As today is a travel day, whether we end at home today or wind up with an intermediate layover is a question that can only be answered when we fall into bed somewhere tonight. We dearly desire the ending to be at home.

I tried something a bit different as part of this trip. I decided to document the leaf growth as Spring deepened. And, amazingly, I remembered to complete the task yesterday.

The Trip's Ending Image
Odenton, MD
April 6, 2026

When we arrived, the trees were little more than naked twigs pointing into the sky with bare limbs. I could see some leaf buds, but it was definitely early Spring.

Yesterday, however, actual leaves could be seen in the trees as they transitioned to become shade providers. Green is definitely evident. There are places where there are many more leaves and also places where the trees are still preparing to leaf forth! But, these two images show a progression in nine days for this one view.

I enjoy Spring more than Autumn. I know the bright colors of the trees in Autumn are exciting, but the new life of the Spring is far more enjoyable for me and especially since it brings the promise of Summer with warm temperatures and long, sun-filled days.

Don't get me started on the temperatures! Most days it has been cold during this trip. Even this morning the temperature was in the low 40s to begin the day. Ugh! Brrr! 

South Florida is going to be cool and rainy today with an expected 76 degree high! I'll take it! At 70 degrees in Jupiter this morning, it is already warmer there than it has been here for the past couple days. 

And so the travel day begins!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - April 6, 2026

Easter Sunset
Odenton, MD
April 5, 2026

 1. Welcome to the first Monday of April. Wow! It is hard to believe that we have entered the second quarter of the year. There are only 38 Mondays remaining in the year.

2. It is Easter Monday. Many schools are closed as families continue to celebrate the Easter season. The end of Spring Break in Anne Arundel County is today. Tomorrow begins the final push to complete the school year!

3. Chris and I travel again tomorrow. We are returning to South Florida where I hope the weather will be more consistently warm. I will report on the status of BWI, although Southwest indicates that lines have returned to normal. I like normal because I know how to deal with normal.

4. We were treated to a beautiful sunset last evening. It was even more exciting because the trees are showing signs of leafing. No longer tall twigs, the trees are becoming shade providers.

5. Some of the threats the President is making against Iran, if carried out, constitute war crimes. The orders to attack power plants and water desalination stations would therefore be illegal orders subjecting our brave military personnel to also be labeled and prosecuted as war criminals. 

6. Today in History. April 6, 1917: Two days after the U.S. Senate voted 82 to 6 to declare war against Germany, the U.S. House of Representatives endorses the declaration by a vote of 373 to 50. As a result, America formally enters World War I.

When World War I erupted in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson pledged neutrality for the United States, a position that the vast majority of Americans favored. Britain, however, was one of America’s closest trading partners, and tension soon arose between the United States and Germany over the latter’s attempted quarantine of the British Isles.

Several U.S. ships traveling to Britain were damaged or sunk by German mines, and in February 1915 Germany announced unrestricted warfare against all ships, neutral or otherwise, that entered the war zone around Britain. One month later, Germany announced that a German cruiser had sunk the William P. Frye, a private American vessel. President Wilson was outraged, but the German government apologized and called the attack an unfortunate mistake.

US, Iran weigh peace plan as Trump's 'hell' warning nears deadline - Reuters

OPEC+ agrees in principle on theoretical oil output increase

Artemis crew reaches the moon - Reuters

Congo says it will receive third-country deportees under new deal with US - Reuters

Iran rejects temporary ceasefire, insists on end to war - CNN

Russia again claims to have taken an eastern Ukrainian region. The real picture is very different - CNN

What Pope Leo thinks about Pete Hegseth’s crusading Christianity - MS Now

Trump’s latest island real estate venture: Alcatraz - MS Now

5 dangerous cruise ports travelers should research before booking excursions - FoxNews

ICE Agents Detain Newlywed Spouse of Soldier Training to Deploy - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Easter 2026

 

Happy Easter!

I was encouraged this morning by reporting that the second downed aircrew member was rescued. I was concerned that some unique and expensive equipment was destroyed in the process of the rescue. I remember that last time the U.S. tried to rescue Americans from Iran, the operation ended in miserable failure. At least this operation was a success and hopefully the family of the rescued airman is rejoicing on this Easter morning. 

Easter is a time of reflection and joy. When we emerge from our cocoon of doubt to fly freely on the wings of faith. May you be renewed and strengthened in the promise of Easter. (Easter Wishes)

Blossoms on a Flowering Tree
Odenton, MD
April 4, 2026

He is Risen!

He is Risen, indeed!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Holy Saturday 2026

 Easter is Upon Us!

Today is the Saturday before Easter and many families have traditions and religious activities that consume the weekend. Coming after the darkness of Good Friday, Saturday provides a time of waiting and hope for the resurrection and salvation which is to come. 

Yesterday was a disastrous day for the Iran operation. One aircrew member remains missing, two airmen were rescued, two aircraft shot down and two helicopters shot-up with aircrew wounded while engaged in the SAR mission. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who are/were part of the operations AND their families. 

On this Holy Saturday I wait.

I wait for word about the missing and the wounded.

I wait for the joy of the resurrection.

I wait for truth and light to flood the darkness.

I wait for the peace that I believe we all so dearly long for.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Note: SAR is search and rescue