Holiday Travel and Family

 

Finn Relaxing with his Best Friend Kaya
Tequesta, FL
September 7, 2026

It is crazy to travel on the last day of a holiday weekend, right? Especially to drive the beltway around Washington, DC. But that is exactly what Chris and I did yesterday on Labor Day. We drove from Charlottesville, VA, to Glen Burnie, MD, to spend the holiday with family. We departed Charlottesville about 9 AM and enjoyed a very pleasant drive. Yes, really! We were shocked. There were no delays and no spots along the route where we slowed significantly. It was the best drive along that route we have ever made. 

The Labor Day Family
Glen Burnie, MD
September 7, 2026

The drive was so good that the Apple Maps projected arrival time at the beginning of the trip was our actual arrival time! That almost never happens.

Upon arriving at Patrick's house, we were greeted by Beck who continues to grow and has become the dynamo of the family. If only we could harness his energy and enthusiasm! 

Later, during the afternoon, the rest of the family arrived and we enjoyed chatting and being together until evening fell. Once the fire pit was lighted, the evening began to wind down. Beck was in bed and it was just the remaining adults. The fire kept us warm as the temperature fell into the 60s. That is the coldest temperature Chris and I have experienced is a few months. 

We received an image of Finn reclining back hone in Tequesta with his best friend. That made Chris very happy to know he was relaxing and being well taken care of by friends. 

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

Monday Musings - September 7, 2026

Happy Labor Day

1. The first Monday of September has arrived and along with it Labor Day and the unofficial end of Summer. Wow! And only 16 Mondays remain in the year. 

Sunset at Hark Vineyard
Earlysville, VA
September 6, 2026

2. Chris and I enjoyed a the wines of Keswick Vineyards yesterday. The visit brought back old memories of how we transitioned from simple enjoyment of wine to become interested in all aspects of wine making and enjoyment. This interest has led us to visit wineries and vineyards in the U.S. and other countries.

3. As yesterday ended, we were at the award winning Hark Vineyards enjoying a grand birthday party and a spectacular sunset over the mountains. The party and the wines were very special and made memories not to be forgotten. 

4. The Orioles and decided to end their post-season chances by going 0-6 so far in September. They entered the month with a chance to win a wild card post-season spot, and now six games into the month that have all but given that opportunity away. They were just embarrassingly  swept by the Red Sox in a four game series. They only scored six runs in the entire four game series and five of those were in the first game!

5. At 9:10 this morning [Sunday], after spending the entire weekend hiding inside his Bedminster golf club, avoiding the waiting press and their cameras, Donald Trump posted his first social media post of the day. By 10:35 this evening [Sunday], he had posted more than 60 times, with each share more concerning than the last. The posts became so disturbing at times that many began openly questioning if the president of the United States was having a mental health crisis, with some of his fellow MAGA Republicans even ridiculing him back. (Hope for America)

6. Today in History. On September 7, 1813, according to the most cited—and Congressionally approved—account, the United States gets its nickname, Uncle Sam. The name is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812. Wilson (1766-1854) stamped the barrels with “U.S.” for United States. But because Wilson was known locally as "Uncle Sam," soldiers began referring to the grub as “Uncle Sam’s.” The local newspaper, the Troy Post, picked up on the story and Uncle Sam eventually gained widespread acceptance as the nickname for—and personification of—the U.S. federal government.

Scholars have uncovered a handful of earlier references linking the U.S. to the nickname Uncle Sam, but the Troy Post origin story has stuck as the official one.

Far-right AfD courts conservative support after historic German state election win - Reuters

Iran to announce new restricted zone in the Gulf in the coming days - Reuters

Warning signs abound for Republicans as midterm campaign begins final sprint - Reuters

At least five killed in Amazon Prime Air cargo plane crash in Miami - Reuters

Horse smuggling exposes cracks in US defenses against screwworm - Reuters

Armed man arrested after pushing through crowd toward Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee - CNN

U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner arrive in Kyiv after talks with Putin in Moscow - MS Now

U.S. objects to new world map that corrects the size of Africa - MS Now

As War Grinds On, Trump Relishes Renovation Projects - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Charlottesville, VA

What a day it was

 

Empty Booth
Charlottesville Airport, VA
September 5, 2026

It was a generally good travel day yesterday, with two minor exceptions. 

First, for some unexplained reason TSA was checking IDs at the gate as we boarded our flight from the former Palm Beach International Airport to Atlanta. Chris and I had been in the gate area and did not hear the alleged announcement and so we ran amok of the agents who snipped: "We made an announcement." I generally respect the TSA personnel, but since the IDs of everyone in the gate area were checked passing through security, what was the purpose of this added exercise, other than pure harassment at 5:20 AM?

Polo Pony and Rider
King Family Vineyards, Crozet, VA
September 5, 2026

Second, I wrote of the problems we had with Hertz at the Rochester airport during late-May. Yesterday was not as bad, but when we got to the head of the too long line the agent informed me that they had our vehicle, but it was not in the right place and needed to be retrieved. He said wait about 10 minutes. Whereupon he closed the booth and departed, presumably to get my vehicle and one for another traveler to whom he had given a similar spiel. The booth was vacant for 30 minutes before he returned. At least he had my vehicle. As it was a one-way rental, a substitute would not suffice. It was almost like they did not actually expect us to arrive and want the vehicle.

After finally departing the airport and enjoying a nap at the hotel followed by lunch, we headed off to King Family Vineyards to enjoy and afternoon of wine tasting and relaxation. We had a great time and I believe have secured enough wine to suffice for the remainder of our trip. While at King Family, we enjoyed watching the polo ponies work out in a distant paddock. We also enjoyed watching many people other wine loving people who were enjoying a late-summer afternoon at a beautiful vineyard. 

-- Bob Doan, Charlottesville, VA

Fly Day Respite

Out the Cabin Window
Over Southern Georgia
September 5, 2026

Our journey to Charlottesville, VA, is about half complete. Chris and I are in Atlanta taking refuge in a Delta Sky Club until our next flight. It was a beautiful day for flying and we were treated to the sight of some unique storms are the sun was rising in the East--which, of course, is where it always rises.

The storm was impressive and we saw much lightening. Our flight was, however, smooth. We were up about 3:30 AM and off to the airport serving the Palm Beach area by 4 AM. Everything went smoothly and we were away from the gate early. 

View out the Sky Club Windows
Atlanta, GA
September 5, 2026

The flight was not without incident--one of Chris' fingernail polish bottles exploded in her purse. What a mess! But it has been mitigates. Chris stated that she will be buying a new purse today. Probably true.

The dawn arrival in Atlanta was spectacular! It was fun to watch the world waking from the air. 

The Sky Club in Concourse D is recently remodeled and upgraded. It boasts stunning views out both sides. And they are!

We are excited about arriving in Charlottesville because we have not visited there in a few years and there are so many wineries wit which to become reacquainted. Chris often laments that one of the things we miss about living in Florida is being able to head out onto a wine trail--and we will do that this afternoon.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Between the Storms

 

Looking West into the Afternoon Storm
Tequesta, FL
September 3, 2026

The weather pattern remains stormy. That tends to limit outdoors activity especially related to beach activity. 

I was able to get in my morning bike ride. I was lucky. It began raining, hard, about 30 minutes after I returned home. It was a nice ride and I felt good to be back out on the streets. The river was flat again and I took an image of the clouds and their reflection, but it was nearly identical to the one I posted on Monday.

Music at Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
September 3, 2026

Chris and I headed to Tiki52 for the evening. Although afternoon storms were brewing, the weather radar showed they would stay offshore—and they did! We experienced a brief rain shower, but no lightning or thunder, which often accompanies storms passing further inland. After dinner, we enjoyed some music from a unique duo called the Holidazed, featuring an instrumentalist who primarily played the saxophone.

Today we are making final preparations for our Labor Day Weekend trip! We fly out bright and early tomorrow--before dawn bright and early. Sometimes I wonder why I make reservations for so early in the morning, but getting out early usually avoids the schedule-changing afternoon storms. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Commentary on America's Leadership

USS Abraham Lincoln Arriving Thailand
September 2, 2026
CNN

 The USS Abraham Lincoln pulled into port for the first time in about 9 months yesterday. Observers were shocked at its appearance. The once sleek and beautiful multi-billion dollar aircraft carrier was covered in rust from its continuous use and exposure to the seas during combat operations. 

Rust is not a condition that we expect to see on our naval warships. Our ships are supposed to be rust free and ready to operate at a moments notice. 

The toll of the extended combat deployment is clearly visible on the ship and its crew. 

The discussion on X regarding the rust is interesting and somewhat educational. Most people were defending the rust and the condition, but I fear they were missing the point. 

The point is that war is costly and takes a toll of people and equipment. It is not pretty to look at and war is expensive. 

When write that I am appalled at the image of the USS Abraham Lincoln I am expressing my outrage at the war and its toll. Our leadership does not understand the cost on people or equipment. Our national treasure is being squandered and the return on investment so far has been only negative. 

I am proud of the accomplishments of the crew of not only the USS Abraham Lincoln, but of the USS Gerald Ford and all of the military personnel who are engaged in conducting the war. 

The condition of the USS Abraham Lincoln is, I believe, a metaphor for our leadership, civilian and military, which, similar to the ship, is rust covered, broken, and no longer effective.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tiki Tuesday Canceled

 

Despondent Dog back at Home
Tequesta, FL
September 1, 2026

We knew something was wrong when we pulled into the empty parking lot. It was Tiki Tuesday, when we often head to Tiki52 for adult beverages and food. We are used to the lot being nicely full of vehicles, but this definitely was not the case.

We were running a bit late and expected a few more vehicles than a normal Tuesday night. Finn was excited about getting out, he loves going to Tiki52 for dinner. He even has learned the word, Tiki, and gets very excited when we indicate we are headed there. Tiki52 is dog friendly!

I parked the car and went to the welcome station of the empty restaurant. I was greeted by the sign announcing the September closure on Mondays to Wednesdays. The restaurant is normally closed on Mondays, but the addition of two days is disconcerting. Yes, I know business has been really slow, but we enjoy our time on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and are regulars when we are in town. 

Finn was despondent. Chris and Finn never even got out of the car. We were undecided about dinner at that point and decided to order a pizza. I had a 50 percent off coupon and we enjoyed a pizza dinner for less than $10. So it worked out.

I subsequently learned that Tiki52 is upgrading the kitchen and being closed three days per week assists in the renovation. 

It is the slow season here. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Break in the Storms

 

North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
August 31, 2026

Welcome September!

The storms abated a bit yesterday and Chris and I were able to enjoy a more normal Monday. 

I hit the streets on my bike and later joined Chris for a joint walk with Finn. And the rains held off. Amazingly.

The storms are hanging just off the coast this morning. We can see the clouds, but are enjoying blue skies above us. 

The image taken during my ride yesterday was truly amazing. The river was so calm that the reflection of the clouds are clear and visible. It was a tranquil scene, even more so given the storms we have been experiencing. 

We are looking forward to our Labor Day weekend travel north. I am having difficulty believing that Summer is coming to an end. Fortunately, I live in a place where it lasts well into November. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - August 31, 2026

 1. When today is over, the year will be two-thirds complete! Four months remain and only 17 Mondays. Today is both the last day and last Monday of August. 

2. It was a quiet weekend given the rain and storms. We did not do a lot to write about. We did manage. a few around the house projects. 

3. How about them O's! They swept the A's. The O's are 5-1 during their last 6 games and are 1 game out of the Wild Card. They are also 1 game below .500! There is actually hope that they might make and appearance in the post-season. 

4. Lake Ontario has been known by that name for over 400 years. I don't think an Executive Order from a narcissistic president is going to change that. It is too bad our president is focused on such small things when there are world changing events happening that he should be addressing. Oh yea, and what about those Epstein files? 

5. “So, let me get this straight,” national security reporter David Rothkopf wrote. “[T]he US illegally attacks a country, kidnaps its president, threatens its government with massive military force, gets them to hand over to US control a huge portion of their national assets, hails the billions it has already brought in and promises billions more[,] but we don’t know where the money’s going, how it is going to benefit the US, if it is going to benefit the US, who’s privately going to benefit, what side deals have been struck with the corrupt leaders of their country or ours, & we are supposed to celebrate this act of aggression and theft that violates international law and that could well turn out to be a massive mafia-style shakedown scheme to benefit the anti-democratic forces in Venezuela and the US, the president’s friends and supporters, possibly the president and his family?”  (Letters from an American)

6. Today in History. On August 31, 1980, representatives of the communist government of Poland agree to the demands of striking shipyard workers in the city of Gdansk. Former electrician Lech Walesa led the striking workers, who went on to form Solidarity, the first independent labor union to develop in a Soviet bloc nation.

In July 1980, facing economic crisis, Poland’s government raised the price of food and other goods, while curbing the growth of wages. The price hikes made it difficult for many Poles to afford basic necessities, and a wave of strikes swept the country. Amid mounting tensions, a popular forklift operator named Anna Walentynowicz was fired from the Lenin Shipyard in the northern Polish city of Gdansk. In mid-August, some 17,000 of the shipyard’s workers began a sit-down strike to campaign for her reinstatement, as well as for a modest increase in wages. They were led by the former shipyard electrician Lech Walesa, who had himself been fired for union activism four years earlier.

Iran targets US bases in Jordan in the first exchange of strikes in weeks - Reuters

Nepal teams seek hundreds trapped in hydropower tunnels after deadly floods - Reuters

Another Ukrainian town lies in ruins as Russians creep closer - Reuters

Trump says US will refill Strategic Petroleum Reserve using Venezuelan oil - Reuters

Trump calls for NBC’s Kristen Welker to face ‘rebuke or punishment’ from the FCC - CNN

Nepal Raises Number of Missing From Floods to 4,700: What to Know - The New York Times

Americans warned to rethink travel plans as terrorism threatens popular destination - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Rain and Thunder

 

Yesterday Morning 
Tequesta, FL
August 28, 2026

Yesterday was pretty much a wash-out. We enjoyed rain and thunder all day long. We were only able to get out for a short walk with Finn during a break in the storms. There was no chance of a bike ride. 

Afternoon
Tequesta, FL
August 28, 2026

I had hoped the weather would get better, but alas, it didn't. By 2 PM, the storms were everywhere.

Some days are just tough to get out. Yesterday was one of those days. We did head out for the evening to have dinner with friends and that was nice. Finn enjoyed going out with us. I think he likes their cat, Tigger. 

I managed to watch some pre-season football. I was forced to get a subscription to the NFL Network in order to watch the out of market preseason games and it came in handy on the stormy afternoon. Sadly, the Orioles were playing a late night game on the West Coast. At least they won!

Today is not starting much better. There is a rain shower sitting right on top of us. Ugh. I am not sure if the rain will be all day again or not. I guess i am going ot have to ride my NordicTrack S22I in some exotic location. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL