Travel Thursday Reflections

Flight Route WN2328
April 30, 2026

 Chris and I were up early this morning, 5:15 AM, to catch a 6:15 AM Uber to the airport for our 8:20 AM flight to West Palm Beach and home. Like most nights before a trip, we did not sleep very well even though we had enjoyed a marvelous evening with Patrick, Jen and Beck. 

The Uber was on time, which was very nice. It was about 50 degrees when we got into the car for the ride to the airport. 

BWI was a mess, well, I should say Southwest at BWI was a mess. It took us over 30 minutes to get our bags checked and processed. Lots of people were flying. The counter was understaffed. Proceeding to the concourse, the TSA-pre line was longer than the non-TSA-pre line, but moved fairly quickly due to some apparently newly deployed equipment that processes people faster. 

Although we enjoyed an on-time take-off, the Southwest boarding process has become very slow because there is not enough overhead space now that the airline charges for bags and more people are trying to carry their bags onto the plane. It really slows both boarding and deplaning.  

Storm off the Carolina Coast
April 30, 2026

It was not until late in the flight, as the low clouds broke and I noticed we were flying over Lake Okeechobee that I began to understand why we we going to be late landing--the course was radically different. The normal route is nearly due south, coasting out over South Carolina and flying direct to PBI over the ocean until just before landing. Today, however, we flew almost to Tampa before crossing to the east coast of Florida.

Self, I asked, why would we do that? The flight had some mild chop at times, but was not a severely bumpy ride. So, I checked a weather map and saw a huge very mean-looking storm right over the usual flight track. Aha! That's why we are going to be late landing. It was interesting that although we were coming in from the west, we flew to the south of PBI, I saw the field out the window, and out over the ocean to land heading west--which added more than a few minutes. The new approach from the east actually flys to the north of PBI to avoid Mar-a-Lago necessitating a slight roll out during final approach to the field. I am sure the people living under the new flight route are not happy!

I noted that as Chris and I departed the jet, we were in row 11, that the time was already about 11:25 AM and the jet was supposed to take off for a return trip to Baltimore at 11:40 AM. That was not going to happen. I looked it up, they did not take-off until 1:22 PM--an almost 2 hour delay. I am very happy we took the first flight of the day. It is going to be a long day of flying for a lot of people.

But, we are home, warm, and happy!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Last Day of the Trip

 

Lucas and Patrick Around the Fire Pit
Glen Burnie, MD
April 26, 2026

Tomorrow is another travel day as Chris and I return to the more consistently warm weather of South Florida. It will be an early day with a much too early flight, but we should arrive home before noon!

But before we travel, we have one day remaining in cold and rainy Baltimore.

I miss blue skies of just two days ago, but it appears that today is going to be overcast, cold, and, of course, rainy.

Tonight we are spending time again with Patrick, Jen, and Beck. Beck is a true bundle of unbridled energy and excitement. I spent time on Sunday chasing him around the dining table. We ended the Sunday evening around the fire pit, but I do not anticipate repeating that experience due to the expected afternoon rainfall.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD 

A Beautiful Afternoon

 

Enjoying a Great Game
Ferndale, MD
April 27, 2026

I was beginning to think that I had done a terrible job packing for our current visit to Maryland. I brought three pairs of shorts, but only one pair of jeans. Until yesterday, I had worn shorts on three days and jeans on two days with the prospect of wearing jeans for a third consecutive day. Yesterday started cold, with temperatures in the 40s, but warmed enough to allow a change from jeans to shorts. 

Chris and I immensely enjoyed the warm afternoon. We attended an Arundel High baseball game against North County, even though Jax was not scheduled to pitch. It was the perfect way to enjoy the blue skies and bright sun of the late-April afternoon. 

The game was well played. Arundel won 3-1, the game it was mostly a pitchers duel. Arundel had many hits but could not get a run across the plate until the 5th inning. They then proceeded to score in the next two innings as well. In terms of errors there was only one in the game; committed by the North County, and between both teams in the 7-inning game there were 8 walks and 9 strikeouts, very evenly distributed with Arundel pitchers claiming the extra strikeout. 

And that's the way it was. I do enjoy having a front row seat to the game. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

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