Monday Musings - September 14, 2026

 

Out the Hotel Window
Charlottesville, VA
September 7, 2026

1. September is half over and guess what is lurking for arrival next week? Yup, Autumn. Today is the second Monday of September and there are only 15 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Well, there is but one game remaining in the NFL kick-off. It has been six days of football between the NFL and college. The football orgy began last Wednesday and finally concludes tonight. 

3. The Family Football Tracker returns and the season is not off to a good start. The teams went 2-3 with one game remaining for opening weekend.

Ravens (1-0) defeated Colts (0-1), 41-23

Steelers (1-0) got past Falcons (0-1), 20-13

TFKATR* (0-1) narrowly lost to Eagles (1-0), 22-24

*TFKATR - Team Formerly Known As The Redskins  

Cowboys (0-1) stomped by Giants (1-0), 20-28

Dolphins (0-1) drowned by Raiders (1-0), 13-27

Chiefs (0-0) face Broncos (0-0) tonight!

4. The Orioles have effectively removed themselves from post-season contention by losing the series to Toronto. They are 4 games out of the wild card with only 12 games remaining. They also are likely going to post another losing season unless they can win 9 of their remaining 12 games.

5. The Bankruptcy Game. Is Trump playing the game with America? Do we really believe that there will be a $5K payout is the Republicans win the election? And for that matter, what is the definition of winning? Check this out: The Board Trump installed to run the Kennedy Center is warning it could close as early as this week. According to The Washington Post, Trump’s officials said the center is facing “certain financial collapse” within weeks. They also “insist” that adding President Donald Trump’s name may be the only way to avoid bankruptcy. The bankruptcy game is something the president is familiar with. He has bankrupted the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, casinos, the Plaza Hotel, and some resorts. (Civil Discourse)

6. The image I took looking out the window of our hotel in Charlottesville, VA, clearly shows the beginning colors of Autumn. The leaves are yellow on the bushes outside of our first floor room. The view is not that great, of the parking lot. But it was a nice room and we had an enjoyable stay. 

7. Today in History. U.S. President William McKinley dies on September 14, 1901, eight days after being shot by a deranged anarchist during the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.

McKinley won his first Congressional seat at the age of 34 and spent 14 years in the House, becoming known as the leading Republican expert on tariffs. After losing his seat in 1890, McKinley served two terms as governor of Ohio. By 1896, he had emerged as the leading Republican candidate for president, aided by the support of the wealthy Ohio industrialist Mark Hanna. That fall, McKinley defeated his Democratic rival, William Jennings Bryan, by the largest popular margin since the Civil War.

Hormuz talks postponed and oil prices jump - Reuters

Global AI stocks fall as industry chiefs call for slowing development - Reuters

Carney, locked in US trade war, pitches Canada to global investment titans - Reuters

Trump calls $5,000 payouts 'easy' to fit into federal budget - Reuters

Fed rate hike on Wednesday now likely, say economists, and at least one more to follow - Reuters

Adult woman dies of measles complications in growing Pennsylvania outbreak - CNN

Ukraine is fighting Russia anywhere it can – even in the deserts of Africa - CNN

Trump blames Ukraine for America’s record-high diesel prices - MS Now

E.P.A. Is Expected to Erase Limits on Climate Pollution From Power Plants - The New York Times

Saudi Arabia Faces ‘Worst-Case Scenario’ After Being Rebuffed by Trump - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

By the Water

 

Boat on the Loxahatchee
Tequesta, FL
September 13, 2026

The weather was fantastic this morning. I was greeted by blue clear skies and temperatures in the upper 70s as I began my bike ride. 

It felt good to be out on the streets again. 

Gopher Tortoise
Tequesta, FL
September 13, 2026

I realized this morning, as I began listening to  Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 4, that my rides are defined by rivers and water features. I ride along the river and often the ICW or the Atlantic Ocean. I enjoy the changing scenery of the water, be it boats or shoreline features. I especially love looking at the water when it is flat, as it was this morning. The single boat heading under the bridge this morning caught my attention and made me wish to be out on the water on so perfect a day.

I was heartened to see two tortoises this morning in their usual places. I have not seen them in well over a month and thought perhaps they had moved on to other areas or been killed. The one in the image even posed for me by keeping his head out of his shell. 

It was a good ride and I could tell it had been almost two weeks since my last ride. I was six minutes slower than usual. 

Hopefully, the weather is moderating and I will get back into biking shape. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Patriot Day Travel

Patriot Day Flag
Baltimore Washington International Airport, MD
September 11, 2026

 Thinking about Patriot Day, while watching hours of remembrance ceremonies yesterday, I still find it hard to believe that 25 years have passed. I have a very different memory from most Americans as I was not in the country at the time and did not directly feel the terror and confusion. I watched the events unfold in TV. It was a difficult time as I was stranded half a world away from my family for an additional week until the airlines resumed service. 

Chris and I flew home to Tequesta yesterday. I used to avoid flying on September 11th. There was extra and obvious police presence in and around BWI airport as we prepared for departure, but we were not delayed by the increased security.  

Our flight to the airport that serves Palm Beach County and the surrounding area was thankfully uneventful. Chris and I were amazed upon arrival at how deserted the airport seemed to be. There were no seething crowds in the terminal nor lines of vehicles jockeying for position outside the baggage terminal. Even the normal Friday rush-hour traffic seemed subdued during our drive from the airport to our home. 

It was a somber day of remembrance. As it should be. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Down to Marley Creek

 

Marley Creek
Glen Burnie, MD
September 11, 2026

Patriot Day 2026

25 Years Later

We spent most of the yesterday with Beckett. That, of course, is a grandparents delight, having a day pretty much alone with a grandchild. 

Gramma with Beck
Glen Burnie, MD
September 10, 2026

He is a busy, inquisitive, and delightful boy. He is all boy. He bounces off floors and only fusses for a while. We were hard pressed to keep up with him, but used all of the spaces that are specially prepared for him in the home. He kept his new toy doll close for most of the day. We took a very enjoyable over a mile walk down to Marley Creek. Walking through the forested area to the banks of the creek is cathartic. The built up stresses of life just melted away among the sounds of the birds and cicadas. We heard an eagle screech, but only caught sight of a wing as if glided into its, presumably, nest high in a tree along the banks of the creek. 

We were quite busy all morning and, I have to admit, it was quite a relief when he went down for his nap--and so did we!

On Patriot Day 2026, as we pause to remember and reflect, we must rededicate ourselves to a vision of America where "We the People" wrest control of our country and the government from the criminals and oligarchs. As President Bush said on September 14, 2001, while standing on Ground Zero: "I can hear you! I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people -- and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!" Our voices will be heard strong and loud on election day!

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

It is Alive!

1st Gen Wayfarer Meta Glasses

 I have written before about my Meta Wayfarer glasses which failed and I subsequently obtained another pair at a reduced cost because Meta said the glasses were not repairable. The battery had failed. 

Well--the dead have been resurrected. 

Patrick, my son, ordered a replacement battery. Well, not exactly replacement because he ordered the next generation battery for the Meta glasses which has better reliability and other improvements. 

Meta Wayfarer Battery

Companies that make products with rechargeable batteries need to ensure there is an easy way to replace the battery. A failed rechargeable battery often becomes the reason that an item stops working and needs replacing. Frankly, it is almost criminal given the cost to replace the product versus replacing the battery.

In this instance I spent over $200 to purchase a new pair of glasses, Meta gave me a deal on 2nd Gen glasses because mine were out of warranty. With shipping, the next generation battery was $15 and took about 30 minutes to install, with some specialized tools. To replace the battery, one of the arms needs to be separated to access the battery compartment and then re-glued once the battery is installed. The procedure is not something most people can do without destroying the glasses, but it was successfully accomplished in this instance. 

My other experience with a not consumer replaceable battery was a Yeedi floor cleaner, similar to a Roomba. I was able to procure a replacement battery and replace it, but because I could not get the battery from the company, the connector was not a perfect match and I finally discarded the Yeedi. When I called the Yeedi company they informed me they did not sell new batteries and it was not a consumer replaceable item. They offered me a discount on a newer model--which I did not accept.

I am not sure what I am going to do with two pair of Meta glasses, but it is a good problem to have. 

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

Beck and the Cube

Beck in the Cube
Glen Burnie, MD
September 8, 2026

 Yesterday was a day with Beck. We were together most of the day until we departed during the afternoon to meet with friends. 

Beck is full of energy and a lot of fun to be around. 

Beck Escapes
Glen Burnie, MD
September 8, 2026

We played in the playroom and Beck showed his many skills with a variety of toys.

There was a situation with the cube, however, when Beck discovered that there were places that his head could go through but his body could not follow. There were a few moments of panic until he was rescued from the aggressive cube. 

After the panic subsided, he resumed playing and learning. 

It was amazing how tired we became from playing. I was ready for a nap when Beck went for his.

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

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