Monday Musings - June 1, 2026

Southwest 4029 at the Gate
Rochester, NY
May 31, 2026

 1. The month changed over while we were asleep last night. Welcome to June! It is the first Monday of the five during the month, but only 30 Mondays remain in the year!

2. Yesterday was another travel day as we flew from Rochester, NY, to Baltimore, MD. I have to admit, I cannot recall flying to Baltimore from the North and I was excited to see different sights along the flight route. I was especially awed by seeing Three-mile Island nuclear power plant just south of the Harrisburg airport. Sitting, as I was, in a middle seat I was not able to capture an image of the plant. It was a short flight, about 45 minutes. I laughed when the crew advised passengers that it was not a "sip and savor" flight. We needed to finish our beverages expeditiously. 

3. The Orioles are playing much better of late. They are 7-3 for their past 10 games! They are winning series and actually swept the division leading Rays. Maybe they are finally coming together.

4. Cognitive dissonance. If Iran is truly as defeated as the administration says, why can't it deliver terms to Iran and have them accept them? It is clear that the actual situation is being obfuscated when the President writes something like as follows: 

“Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the U.S.A. and those that are with us,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

“The Dumocrats, and various seemingly unpatriotic Republicans, understand that it is MUCH tougher for me to properly do my job and negotiate, when political hacks keep negatively ‘chirping,’ at levels never seen before, over and over again, that I should move faster, or move slower, or go to war, or not go to war, or whatever.” (Raw Story)

Beck in the Wading Pool
Glen Burnie, MD
May 31, 2026

5. We arrived in Glen Burnie yesterday and enjoyed a fantastic afternoon and evening with our youngest grandson and his family. He is a ball of creative energy. I enjoyed helping him down a slide and into the wading pool. It was nice to be out of the cold New York weather and someplace warmer, although we did very much enjoy sitting around the fire pit last evening. 

6. Today in History. On June 1, 1980, CNN (Cable News Network), the world’s first 24-hour television news network, makes its debut. The network signed on from its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, with a lead story about the attempted assassination of civil rights leader Vernon Jordan.

CNN went on to change the notion that news could only be reported at fixed times throughout the day. At the time of CNN’s launch, TV news was dominated by three major networks—ABC, CBS and NBC—and their nightly 30-minute broadcasts.

CNN was the brainchild of Robert “Ted” Turner, a colorful, outspoken businessman dubbed the “Mouth of the South.” Turner was born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and as a child moved with his family to Georgia, where his father ran a successful billboard advertising company. After his father died by suicide in 1963, Turner took over the business and expanded it. In 1970, he bought a failing Atlanta TV station that broadcast old movies and network reruns and within a few years Turner had transformed it into a “superstation,” a concept he pioneered, in which the station was beamed by satellite into homes across the country. Turner later bought the Atlanta Braves baseball team and the Atlanta Hawks basketball team and aired their games on his network, TBS (Turner Broadcasting System). In 1977, Turner gained international fame when he sailed his yacht to victory in the prestigious America’s Cup race.

Iran and US trade strikes, Kuwait comes under fire as diplomacy drags on - Reuters

US takes step to halt Nvidia AI chip shipments to Chinese firms outside China - Reuters

Indo-Pacific nations race to arm themselves - and each other - Reuters

How Trump’s Ukraine aid cuts undermine justice for Russian war crimes - Reuters

3 climbers who fell near treacherous pass on Alaska’s Mount McKinley are dead, 1 rescued - CNN

United flight diverted to Wisconsin after passenger’s ‘multiple attempts’ to breach cockpit, crew member says - CNN

Democrats plan to force GOP lawmakers to answer for Trump’s $1.8 billion fund - MS Now

Law enforcement clashed with agitators breaking curfew outside NJ ICE facility - FoxNews

The MorningDeath from AboveWe look at U.S. boat strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

A Final Salute

With the sound of the bugle playing Taps and a salute from the honor guard, my Dad's cremains were finally laid to rest yesterday next to my Mom in the Fairbanks family section of a cemetery in Homer, NY. It had been a journey from his October passing until yesterday. The family had decided to wait until warmer weather coupled with the cemetery not being open for new burials until mid-April. Welcome to Upstate NY, so much for warmer weather because it was a cool 60 degrees yesterday.

Military Honor Guard
Homer, NY
May 30, 2026

I had the honor of accepting the flag for the family. Which was a very nice surprise. Earlier, I had been given a folder with his records of military service which I found fascinating to read through. I think I am going to put the flag in a case and store some of his service connected document in the case along with the flag to document his service to our great nation.

Following the graveside gathering, we headed back to my sister's, house south of Rochester, for an afternoon celebration and a bit of a family reunion. Yes, for those looking at a map of Western and Upstate NY, we drove about 6 hours yesterday between the different locations. 

And with a final salute, another veteran was laid to rest. He answered our nation's call, twice! 

-- Bob Doan, Henrietta, NY

Welcome to Rural Western NY

 

Delta MD-80 Landing at Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
May 29, 2026

Travel yesterday went mostly smoothly. The flights were on time and very nice. Chris and I enjoyed an airline other than Southwest where the boarding in not chaotic and it seemed that we were actually appreciated as passengers and not self-loading cargo. 

We landed in a driving rainstorm at Atlanta, where we had to change planes to continue onto Rochester, NY. I watched a jet land on a parallel runway. I had forgotten how huge is Atlanta Hartsfield, we taxied for what seemed like 20 minutes after landing to get to the gate. 

Out the Hotel Window
Henrietta, NY
May 30, 2026

The concourse at Atlanta was, as usual, a nightmare. People everywhere. The mix was humorous. People from the north were wearing coats and those of is from the south were in shorts. Fortunately, I brought a coat.

We had just enough time to traverse the concourse as we arrived at one end and were departing from the other. We did not need to hurry, but we also did not have time to explore. 

Arriving in Rochester, we had a terrible tome at the Hertz rental counter. I'm a gold member and for some reason they did not have my reservation tagged properly. But, it seems that I was not the only person with issues. Long after all of the other auto rental desks were empty, there was an hour long line at Hertz with two harried employees trying to process people! Ugh.

But, we finally secured a vehicle and joined up with family for the afternoon and then back to our lodging for the night. 

Today, we go to the cemetery for Dad's inurnment and then back to my sister's for afternoon festivities. We had waited for the inurnment, hoping for warm weather. Well, we see how that worked out. The high today is forecast to be all of 60 degrees in this region! So much for shorts and sandals.

-- Bob Doan, Henrietta, NY

Travel to Upstate NY

 

The seatback
PBI
May 29, 2026

Today is a travel day.  Chris and I are aboard our trusty Delta flight to Rochester, NY.  Hoping for a smooth travel day and good weather.  It is really humid in the Palm Beaches. I can’t even get a picture outside due to the condensation on the windows. 

First stop is Atlanta which is always a mess. From there onto Rochester.  Finn is enjoying a holiday with his second family.  

They are closing the doors and we are ready to fly.

— Bob Doan, Palm Beach International

Vespasian builds a Colosseum

 

UFC Arena under Construction
The White House, Washington, D.C.
May 2026

Construction of the Roman colosseum began under Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed by his son Titus in AD 80 with final modifications made by Domitian in AD 82. Authoritarian leaders seem to enjoy hosting sporting events. 

Which brings me to the White House. Our president is building  a modern colosseum on the White house grounds. He plans to host an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on Flag Day and his birthday. Modern gladiators will compete at this event.

How depraved is that? 

The People's House will be host to a gladiator style sporting event.

I'm revolted!

Of course, this is after the president destroyed the East Wing, plowed under the Rose Garden, and added far too much gold to the venerable People's House. The White House is not the residence of an emperor, it is the residence of a public servant. He doesn't realize that he is living there at the pleasure of "We the People" and shouldn't be making changes on a whim. He doesn't own it, he doesn't rent it.

And why is this all happening? To distract us. To keep us from pulling back the layers of corruption and uncovering what is happening in America today. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Crossing a Level

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
May 26, 2026

 I was shocked when I logged my almost 18-mile ride yesterday. I have ridden just over 7,000 miles on my bike. And in terms of miles ridden in a month, the over 175 miles ridden this month are my most in a month since July last year. I guess I have been slacking off a bit in terms of getting out on the streets.  

Chris at Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
May 26, 2026

I enjoyed riding yesterday, even though the winds were strong in my face for parts of the ride. The southeasterly wind gusted to about 30 MPH at times and that really added stress to a ride. But, I am getting into good shape.

For the evening, we headed off to $2 Tuesday at Tiki52 collocated with the Blowing Rocks Marina. With the temperature sitting at a pleasant 87 degrees and a nice breeze coming off the water, we enjoyed sitting under the Tiki for Happy Hour and dinner. We enjoy Tiki52 for its relaxed dining, good prices, and dog friendly atmosphere. Finn accompanied us last evening, as he often does. He really enjoys the Happy Hour wings!

It was an enjoyable day after the holiday weekend.

And now, on to Hump Day with a travel day looming on Friday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Quiet Memorial Day

Red-bellied Woodpecker
High on a Palm Tree Shoot
Tequesta, FL
May 23, 2026

The weather here in South Florida was nearly perfect for a Memorial Day celebration. Chris, Finn, and I celebrated alone and together.

Marley Keeping a Watchful Eye on Us
Tequesta, FL
May 25 ,2026

We began the day by heading over at our friends' house looking after their cats. We were not there long as it was a litter box day. Their automatic Whisker robot litter box needed a bag change. While the litter box is fully automatic, it requires human assistance to change the bag which holds the used litter. While changing the bad is an easy process, it still smells like, well, cat poop!

We headed back to the house to enjoy lunch and relax a bit. 

The highlight of the day, believe it or not, was watching the last five innings of the Orioles game. I finally activated my MLB app so that I could watch the games. The Orioles have been so disappointing thus far this season that I have avoided becoming too attached to the team. But after yesterday's gutsy and thrilling win over the league leading Rays, it is hard not to get excited. Of course a walk-off two-run home run will help with the excitement, but considering that the score was tied 2-2 at the end of 9 innings and the final score after 13 innings was 7-5, it was a hugely exciting extra inning slugfest game. And it was the O's first win against the Rays in 4 games this season.

And that was Memorial Day 2026. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - May 25, 2026

 Memorial Day 2026

1. It is Memorial Day and the final Monday of May. Whew. Where did the month escape to? Heading into June next week, there are just 31 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. It is good that we, as a nation, take a day to recognize the ultimate sacrifice made by true patriots to secure our freedoms and liberty through the centuries. As this country celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of one of the most consequential documents in human history, The Declaration of Independence, we must rededicate ourselves to creating a nation that embodies the spirit of that document. 

Sandhill Crane
Tequesta, FL
May 24, v2026

3. I enjoyed nice ride yesterday, although the winds was a bit strong at times. OK, really strong. I came across the first Sandhill Crane that I have seen in quite a while. That is was alone was also a bit weird. I normally see them in pairs. Perhaps the other member of the pair is sitting on the nest somewhere?

4. The Orioles managed to split a doubleheader yesterday. Yay. There are still mired in 4th place in the division and starting a series with the Rays today that could drop their season through the floor. Ugh!

5. I'm confused. If Iran is totally destroyed, as the administration declares, why do they get to set the terms of the end of the conflict? Stuff like this does not make sense. To the victor go the spoils and the terms of the conflict's resolution. I'm afraid that our president thought he would get a quick win and be hailed as a warrior hero rather than as a mediocre commander-in-chief. We are wasting our military resources and national treasure in pursuit of fleeting glory that will not happen. 

6. Today in History. Four years after the United States won its independence from Great Britain, 55 state delegates, including George Washington, James Madison and Benjamin Franklin, convene in Philadelphia to compose a new U.S. constitution on May 25, 1787.

The Articles of Confederation, ratified several months before the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, provided for a loose confederation of U.S. states, which were sovereign in most of their affairs. On paper, Congress—the central authority—had the power to govern foreign affairs, conduct war, and regulate currency, but in practice these powers were sharply limited because Congress was given no authority to enforce its requests to the states for money or troops. By 1786, it was apparent that the Union would soon break up if the Articles of Confederation were not amended or replaced. Five states met in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss the issue, and all the states were invited to send delegates to a new constitutional convention to be held in Philadelphia.

13 US service members have died in the war with Iran. Here are their stories - CNN

Iran and US play down hopes for imminent breakthrough in war - Reuters

Pope Leo urges world to 'slow down' on AI in fervent first manifesto - Reuters

Dollar drifts lower as oil falls on Hormuz deal optimism - Reuters

Missile and drone strikes kill eight in Russia and Ukraine - Reuters

After 250 years, Revolutionary War-era soldiers finally laid to rest in upstate New York - CNN

Polls show many Republicans don’t believe these three facts. That’s bad for America — and the GOP. - MS Now

All charges dropped against ‘Broadview Six’ after feds admit to errors in case - MS Now

--  Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Yard Work Saturday

Freshly Mowed
Tequesta, FL
May 23, 2026

 I know, I live in a condo. How on earth could I have yard work to accomplish?

But we did! Chris and I spent the morning raking, mowing, and laying much--in two different yards. 

Chris Finishing the Mulch
Tequesta, FL
May 23, 2026

We began the morning at the home of friends who are on a cruise in Europe. We raked leaves, magnolia trees lose leaves all the time, and mowed the lawns. It was the second time we mowed since they departed. I admit, I miss mowing just a little bit. I love riding a tractor around a lawn.

After finishing with the friend's yard, we headed back to our home and mulched the path in the back of the condo. We keep the path mulched as it helps keep mud out of the house. It also looks nice and Chris needs an outlet for her gardening spirit. The plants in our yard are still recovering from the hard freeze we experienced during February--but are greening up nicely. 

We were engrossed in our outdoor activities all morning, relishing the pleasant weather. However, we had to be exceptionally efficient at our friend’s house because a significant storm, complete with thunder and lightning, was approaching. As I was finishing up in the yard, I savored the refreshing pre-storm breeze. We promptly left to return home to Finnegan, who is terrified of thunder. Surprisingly, the storm never reached our home. Despite our home being only two miles away from our friends’, the weather can be quite different due to our proximity to the ocean. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Day on the Water

 

Heading out of Manatee Pocket
Port Salerno, FL
May 22, 2026

Chris, Finn, and I headed out of Port Salerno yesterday to enjoy a day on the waters of the ICW and St. Lucie River. It had been since March that we had risked life and limb on the water. Much of that has been due to travel schedules and weather. I have canceled at least two boat days because of poor weather conditions.

Path form the ICW Beach to the Ocean
Peck Lake, FL
May 22, 2026

The plan was to head off to our favorite, accessible only by boat, beach and then into Stuart, FL, for lunch. We called an audible, however, upon approaching the beach. The boat did not have a ladder in the bow and that meant, for a beach landing, we would have to go down the stern ladder into the water and walk around the boat to the beach. Neither of us felt like getting wet just to walk to the beach and so, even though we were a few yards from beaching, we decided just to head to Stuart where we can dock and stay dry.

View from the ICW headed for Stuart
Hobe Sound, FL
May 22, 2026

The wind began to increase as we headed for Stuart and the St Lucie River became choppy. I have been reading about how to better trim the engines to help the boat move through choppy waters more smoothly and I was able to implement what I had read. I was very happy with the result. And so was Chris and Finn. Finn parks himself right under my feet if the water becomes too choppy.

We arrived in Stuart without issues, although upon arrival at the Stuart Courtesy Docks we were greeted by a large sign stating the docks were closed. Being inquisitive, we motored closer to be able to read the small print and discovered that the docks will be closed form July 2026-April 2027 for reconstruction. It is going to be a massive project, apparently. As the docks were still open, we were able to tie-up and enjoy wandering around Stuart and enjoying lunch at our favorite cafe, the Osceola Street Cafe on SW Osceola Street in downtown Stuart.

By the time we finished in Stuart, the winds had become strong at 15 MPH or better. That meant the St Lucie River was rough with a moderate chop. The trip back to Pirates Cove Marina was not too bad, despite the conditions. Although we ended our day earlier than planned, we had a good time on the water and wandering around Stuart. It is going to be tough to find a new place to visit while the docks are being reconstructed, but Jensen Beach may be a good spot. I will have to check it out. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL