Monday Musings - April 27, 2026

 1. The final Monday of April has arrived. By the end of the week the year will be one-third complete. Time does fly. There are 35 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Northern Water Snakes and a Duck
Marley Creek, Glen Burnie, MD
April 26, 2026

2. While visiting with family yesterday, we took a walk to Marley Creek. It was very cool, with the temperature only in the 50s, but we enjoyed the walk. While at the still empty marina, we saw Northern Water Snakes sunning themselves on the piles of rocks along the shore. It was quite a sight and I was fascinated that the duck seemed unconcerned. 

3. The Orioles had a bad series against the Boston Red Sox; losing 2 of 3 games. Hopefully, they can begin to find a winning formula soon. They are 5 games out of first place and 2 games below .500. The season is still young and they have more than enough games remaining against the division leaders to take the division. 

4. Regarding the activity outside of the White House Correspondents' Banquet that occurred on Saturday night, political violence is unacceptable! Period. 

5. Conspiracy Theories. I have been confronted with some interesting conspiracy theories lately and I have to admit the lack of transparency on the part of the administration leads me to begin to wonder if maybe, just maybe, there is a puppet-master pulling the strings somewhere. I am not saying I believe any of what follows.

a. Did the U.S. actually recover the F-15 WSO shot down over Iran? If so, why has the name of this very respected colonel not been released? For that matter, why has the name of the earlier recovered pilot not been released? See the Racket News discussion for more. 

b. Was the gunman outside of the White house Correspondents' Dinner Saturday night part of a false flag operation designed to get approval for Trump to build  the overpriced ballroom on the spot where East Wing used to stand? (See MS Now article for more)

c. Was the assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, PA, during the 2024 campaign staged? If not, why was the body of the shooter cremated before it was throughly examined by the appropriate authorities. A good discussion is at CNN. 

6. Today in History. On April 27, 4977 B.C., the universe is created, according to German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler, considered a founder of modern science. Kepler is best known for his theories explaining the motion of planets.

Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, in Weil der Stadt, Germany. As a university student, he studied the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus’ theories of planetary ordering. Copernicus (1473-1543) believed that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the solar system, a theory that contradicted the prevailing view of the era that the sun revolved around the earth.

How Trump is moving to control US elections, one state at a time - Reuters

Trump calls suspect in press dinner attack 'pretty sick guy' whose views alarmed relatives  - Reuters

Pakistan still seeks to bridge US, Iran gaps despite failure of face-to-face talks - Reuters

Renewables in vogue as Iran war drives up Europe power prices - Reuters

CNN Investigates ‘I don’t expect forgiveness,’ the suspect allegedly wrote in a note he sent his family outlining his intention to target admin officials - CNN

The U.S. Helped Start the War. The Rest of the World Is Feeling the Effects. - The New York Times

U.S. Mint Buys Drug Cartel Gold and Sells It as ‘American’ - The New York Times

Supreme Court Reviews Police Use of Cell Location Data to Find Criminals - The New York Times

Iran offers to reopen Strait of Hormuz if U.S. lifts its blockade and the war ends, officials say - MS Now

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Where the Wild Geese Eat

 

Geese at the Collection Pond
Odenton, MD
April 25, 2026

A pair of geese have claimed the collection pond across the yard. It is a relatively safe place as it is surrounded by a fence which keeps some of the predators at bay. The pair are a bit skittish and do not allow us to get even to the fence before honking and moving away into the water. Geese claim the pond nearly every year. Some years two families of geese find a way to co-exist and I remember one year there were something like 11 goslings and 4 parents coming daily to the pond. 

Gray Treefrog on the Grill
Odenton, MD
April 25, 2026

Watching the variety of wildlife around the collection pond is fun. We were counting turtles earlier in the month and have seen woodchucks and ducks in addition to the geese. I expect to see foxes and deer soon. Earlier in the year we heard the peepers singing to celebrate the arrival of Spring.

I am not sure where this pair is going to nest. They don't usually nest at the pond, but rather come to the pond with after the goslings hatch and teach them to swim while also finding different foods to eat. 

I was surprised by a small Gray Treefrog sleeping between the knobs on the grill, which is on the deck over a story above the ground. I guess it got confused while looking for a tree to enjoy. It was so small that at first I thought it to be dirt or a leaf, but no, it was a treefrog. I left it alone and I'm guessing it departed as the rains began later during the day. 

So where do the wild geese eat? Well you know that: they eat anywhere they want.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Senior Night at the Ballfield

Homemade Fathead of Jax Held by Nicole
Odenton, MD
April 24, 2026

 It was Senior Night for the Arundel High School Baseball Team last evening. The festivities were conducted before the game against archrival Crofton. 

Senior night was the primary reason Chris and I made the trip north after being here for Easter at the beginning of the month. We do not like to miss important moments in the lives of our family members even though we live in Florida. It was a promise we made to them when we moved south. 

Tuxedo Cats Watching
Odenton, MD
April 24, 2026

During the days leading up to the festivities last night, we participated in planning and execution some ideas for the evening. One idea was a homemade Fathead--which came out really well. There were also flowers for the moms of the 12 seniors on the team.

All of his Maryland relatives, and us as well, showed-up to honor Jax at the pre-game festivities. It was good to see the show of support for Jax, who announced last week that he would be attending the University of South Florida in their engineering program this Fall. So he is going to be a USF Bull!

The Family in Attendance
Odenton, MD
April 24, 2026

Sadly, the baseball game was not as exciting as the pre-game Senior Night festivities. Jax was ineligible to pitch, having hurled 96 pitches during Wednesday night's six-inning outing for a win, but he still was very involved in the game in the dugout. As the game dragged on; rain began and then some lightening which caused a mandatory 30-minute timeout. Chris and I departed during the top of the 5th inning as the rain began, but before the lightening, and were not present at the field for the unsatisfying ending. We monitored the game on GameChanger. 

I guess last evening was our own version of Friday Night Lights! (and rain!)

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Walking under the Canopy

Under the Canopy
Odenton, MD
April 23, 2026

 One of the things Chris and I enjoy while visiting Maryland is walking under the canopy of leaves along the old Strawberry Lake Way. I have documented the changes as the trees hanging over this stretch of old repurposed highway reflect the passing of the seasons. 

Yesterday's walk was special. The change in the canopy since we last walked there earlier this month is truly amazing. The leaves are now nearly fully mature. They still sport the bright green of new leaves and have not yet darkened, but they provide the most wonderful shade. With Finnegan leading the way, we enjoyed the walk under the trees where the squirrels also played.

Admittedly, without driving we do not enjoy such a beautiful scene on our walks in Florida. There are places with a similar type of feel that I sometimes visit on my bike rides although my favorite park, Limestone Creek Natural Area in Jupiter, has been closed the past few times I have attempted to access the path. It is scheduled to remain closed until late-September. 

We will continue to enjoy our walks under the deepening canopy during our visit. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Flying to a Game

Bay Bridge
Aloft over South River, MD
April 22, 2026

 We experienced a long travel day yesterday, mostly because I had booked a 3 PM flight out of Palm Beach International which did not arrive in Baltimore until almost 6 PM.  And then we attended a high school baseball game that went until after 9 PM.

10 Minutes before Pushback
PBI, FL
April 22, 2026

Our Southwest flight was fine, with the exception that it was delayed and Southwest did not provide timely advice as to the delay. It turned out to be 39 minutes delayed minutes delayed and even 10 minutes before the scheduled door close time, the sign in the airport still showed "on-time". That meant a lot of needless standing around near the gate. Anyone who knows Southwest procedures knows that by 10 minutes before pushback we should already have boarded the jet.

The flight itself was great. It was a smooth ride and I again secured the larger legroom seats which are more comfortable. I was able to get a nice image of the Bay Bridge as we were approaching BWI.

Jax on the Mound
Joe Cannon Stadium, Hanover, MD
April 22, 2026

The excitement for the evening, however, was attending the Arundel High School baseball game against Old Mill. We arrived at the beginning of the second inning with Old Mill leading 2-0. I guess we were good luck because Arundel met the moment by scored 2 runs in the top of the second inning and going on to win a hard fought game, which was tied 4-4 at the end of 6 innings, by a score of 7-4. Jax pitched 6 strong innings to earn the win. He threw 96 pitches allowing 4 hits, 4 runs, 2 earned runs, walking 2 and striking out 6.

It was a busy travel day that began in Florida and ended in Maryland! 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Enjoying the ICW

Chris and Mary on the Beach
Along the ICW, Tequesta, FL
April 21, 2026

Earth Day 

Although it was Tiki Tuesday, we decided to head to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) for Happy Hour. The wind seemed too strong to visit an ocean beach and the more protected areas along the ICW seemed the perfect place to enjoy Happy Hour. 

Bird Along the Beach
ICW, Tequesta, FL
April 21, 2026

On weekends, the beaches along the ICW are crammed full of people and watercraft. Last evening, however, we had the area almost to ourselves. The ICW is convenient because parking is right beside the beach area.

The ICW was calm and there were fish jumping everywhere it seemed. We were visited by a wading bird that walked right in front of us seemingly unconcerned that we were within about 10 feet of where it was hunting. 

It was a relaxing and enjoyable time. I even went into the water, it was almost warm and not unpleasant at all. 

Earth Day Fact: 

One million plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide, while up to five trillion plastic bags are used a year  (Earth Day Fact Sheets)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

COA/HOA Exposition in Palm Beach

Condo & HOA Expo
West Palm Beach, FL
April 21, 2026

 I went to an exposition this morning mostly to attend a State-mandated training class for HOA Board members. It was the first Expo/convention I had attended in a few years. I have to admit, it was very different from the ones I attended while working as a federal civilian. 

Condo & HOA Expo
West Palm Beach, FL
April 21, 2026

I missed the high tech stuff I used to deal with and especially the displays of cutting edge technology with which I used to examine for practical applications.

But, this was for HOA/COA related products and services. Nothing really too high tech here. Roofs, windows, pest control, security, taxes, lawyers and the like. There were a lot of people.

I sat through a four-hour very technical and legal presentation which almost changed me from a board member to a bored member. The seminar began at 0800, sharp! I had to be on the road by 7 AM to drive, secure parking and get checked in. 

I learned a lot. The lawyer/instructor was instrumental in getting Florida's condo laws changed/updated after the 2021 Condo collapse the killed 98 people. Understanding the chain of events leading up to that was incredibly instructive. 

Now the hard part--applying all of the ideas and ensuring that our COA is in full compliance. Ugh. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - April 20, 2026

 1. Monday has arrived again; right on schedule! Wow, it never seems to miss showing-up as expected. Today is the next-to-last Monday of April. May flowers are right around the proverbial corner. Additionally, the year is slipping away and there remain only 36 Mondays to enjoy during 2026. 

McLaren Spider Sports Car
Jupiter, FL
April 29, 2026

2. While Chris and I were headed out shopping yesterday, we came across a car that we see only infrequently, a McLaren. I thought I took a good image of it as we were stopped for the light at Indiantown Road, but the UV film I added to the windshield seems to impart a honeycomb pattern to parts of the image. When I come across vehicles on the highway with retail prices in excess of $200K, I wonder if I have enough insurance. 

3. We have another travel week ahead with a return trip to Maryland beginning Wednesday. Hopefully, it will be warmer than the most recent visit. Upon returning home, we likely will not be traveling again until late-May. 

4. The Orioles had a rough week. They fell from a tie for first in the division, to third place and now three games out of first. The season is young. Hopefully they will begin winning again soon. 

5. Aside from our own inconsistent leadership trying to end the Iran War, the U.S. is experiencing what I believe is the downside of leadership decapitation. Apparently, there is a problem with who is in charge in Iran. The Foreign Ministry seems to be making agreements that the IRGC is ignoring. The closed-open-partially closed-is it open-closed nature of the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates why leadership decapitation is not usually a good plan because it leaves no one possessing actual authority with whom to negotiate.

6. Today in History. On April 20, 1999, two teenage gunmen kill 13 people in a shooting spree at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, south of Denver. At approximately 11:19 a.m., Dylan Klebold, 17, and Eric Harris, 18, dressed in trench coats, began shooting students outside the school before moving inside to continue their rampage. By 11:35 a.m., Klebold and Harris had killed 12 fellow students and a teacher and wounded another 23 people. Shortly after noon, the two teens turned their guns on themselves and died by suicide.

The crime prompted a national debate on gun control and school safety, as well as a major investigation to determine what motivated the teen gunmen. In the days immediately following the shootings, it was speculated that Klebold and Harris purposely chose jocks, minorities and Christians as their victims.

World awaits fate of ceasefire after US seizes Iranian ship - Reuters

Iran's president stresses importance of diplomacy while noting distrust of US - Reuters

Oil prices rise 6% on fears of US-Iran ceasefire collapse - Reuters

Eight children killed at home in Louisiana domestic violence - Reuters

Strong earthquake hits off Japan’s coast, tsunami warning issued - CNN

A US citizen said she was illegally held by ICE. Surveillance video, the DHS and a million-dollar lawsuit say otherwise - CNN

FBI chief Kash Patel threatens to sue The Atlantic over report on heavy drinking - MS Now

U.S. Military Strikes a Boat in the Caribbean, Killing 3 - The New York Times

This Is One of the Most Successful Federal Programs of the Last Century. The Trump Administration Wants to Kill It. - The New York Times

oil-prices-rise-markets-fall-us-iran-ftse-100-gas-strait-of-hormuz - The Guardian

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Lazy Saturday

View of the North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
April 18, 2026

 It was a lazy Saturday here in South Florida. 

It is not as if we did nothing during the day, but we did not head out on an adventure.

I managed an 18-mile ride, which felt great even though the humidity and temperatures are building. I did not see a lot of wildlife on my tour, but I did enjoy the scents of the gardenias and other flowering plants, trees, and bushes.

Chris and I also managed to move the repacked Easter decorations along with other unused items to the storage room. Out of sight and out of mind! We freed up some space in the garage to use for other infrequently used items.

Aside from that, we made an emergency run to the grocery store for some ice cream.

Thinking about some of what transpired last week.

It was a crazy week in the news as both the president and vice attempted to cast themselves as theologians and religious leaders. I was appalled at the image of Trump as a messiah and then Vance schooling the Pope on Catholicism and theology. And then there was Speaker Johnson lecturing the Pope about the "Just War" theory. I did, however, learn a lot about the "Just War" theory and its application. 

It seems as if the Jesus' words of prophecy as recorded in Mark 13:14-23 are being fulfilled:

14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. 15 The one on the roof must not come down or go inside to take anything out of his house. 16 The one in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 17 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! 18 Pray that it may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be suffering unlike anything that has happened from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, or ever will happen. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved. But because of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut them short. 21 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe him. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, the elect. 23 Be careful! I have told you everything ahead of time. (Mark 13:14-23 NET Bible) (Highlighting mine)

I was also reminded of Matthew 7: 15-20.

15 “Watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are voracious wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered from thorns or figs from thistles, are they? 17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will recognize them by their fruit. (NET Bible) (Highlighting mine)

Happy Sunday!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Mascots and Nicknames

 A funny thing happened on the way to college. 

Our second grandson, Jax, who is destined for higher education declared his future school of study yesterday. We are very excited for him and I am not going to steal the joy of the announcement except to say that Chris and I are thrilled for him and shocked because we did not even think the school he chose was on the list. 

Here's the thing. His choice got me thinking about mascots. 

Mascots are a part of our lives we often do not consider. 

I was a Fighting Ibis and a Saltine Warrior during my college career. Yea, I changed colleges.

My favorite sports teams mascots are Pittsburgh Pete, Poe, Gunnersaurus Rex, and the Orioles Bird. 

I have cheered for teams with mascots like Sammy the Sea Gull, Rocky the Pride, Testudo, Skunk, and Hairy Dawg. And there is a new one coming--which I will not name.

And then there are the team nicknames: Hurricanes, Orangemen, Ravens, Orioles, Penguins, Bulldogs, Sea Gulls, The Rock, Terps, Gunners, Wildcats, and Cowboys.

Wow! How do we keep them all straight? I am sure I have forgotten to include some. 

But it is fun! 

OK, I had not thought about the Saltine Warrior in decades. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL