Monday, October 31, 2022

Monday Musings - October 31, 2022


 

1. Happy Halloween! It is the final Monday of October. Tomorrow November begins and there are just 8 Mondays remaining in the year. Where did the time go?

2. Family NFL Monday Morning Report. It was another good week for the family teams which went 3-1.

  Ravens (5-3) defeated Buccaneers (3-5), 27-22

  Cowboys (6-2) slammed Bears (3-5), 49-29

  Commanders (4-4) defeated Colts (3-4-1), 17-16

  Steelers (2-6) pummeled by Eagles (7-0), 35-13

Waves Crashing on Jupiter Island Beach
Jupiter, FL
October 30, 2022


3. Afternoons on the beach watching the sun set are just fantastic. I like the Atlantic because the sun is not in our eyes and the colors radiating from the west are almost as brilliant as the reds and pinks reflect off the clouds. Yesterday was more of the same, but the waves were crashing on the shore violently. 

4. I met a personal biking goal for October even though there remain one day in the month. With the 21.95 miles I biked yesterday, I am at 318.72 miles for October. I more than doubled September's 154.35 miles while beating my personal goal of biking 300 miles during the month. With the holidays and cruises upcoming during the next three months, it will likely be February before I can approach this kind of mileage again. It has been fun to get out and ride and I have enjoyed building my endurance.

5. Wanna buy a boat? That is a question that Chris and I ask each other when we see a boat for sale. We no longer have a pool to throw money into and so a boat might be a natural place to waste dollars. That written, there is NO BOAT in our immediate future.

6. Today in HistoryOn October 31, 1517, legend has it that the priest and scholar Martin Lutherapproaches the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, and nails a piece of paper to it containing the 95 revolutionary opinions that would begin the Protestant Reformation.

In his theses, Luther condemned the excesses and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, especially the papal practice of asking payment—called “indulgences”—for the forgiveness of sins. At the time, a Dominican priest named Johann Tetzel, commissioned by the Archbishop of Mainz and Pope Leo X, was in the midst of a major fundraising campaign in Germany to finance the renovation of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Though Prince Frederick III the Wise had banned the sale of indulgences in Wittenberg, many church members traveled to purchase them. When they returned, they showed the pardons they had bought to Luther, claiming they no longer had to repent for their sins.



Higher Interest Rates Fuel Losses at the Federal Reserve - The Wall Street Journal

Eurozone Inflation Rate Rises to 10.7% as Recession Looms - The Wall Street Journal

Over 130 People Dead in Bridge Collapse in India’s Gujarat State - The Wall Street Journal

DeSantis-Trump rift bursts into public view - CNN

Russia attacks critical infrastructure in Kyiv and other key Ukrainian cities - CNN

Seoul crowd disaster leaves South Korea reeling, as death toll rises to 154 - CNN

Grain ships sail despite Moscow's pullout from deal; missiles rain on Ukraine - Reuters

Oil falls on China COVID curbs and weak factory data - Reuters

Fearing COVID, workers flee from Foxconn's vast Chinese iPhone plant - Reuters

Democrats attack GOP over entitlements, with abortion leaving some unmoved - The Washington Post



-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Nine Days

 

Sunday has arrived. 

There are just nine days until Election Day and then, hopefully, the madness will abate for at least a while. 

The string of lies and untruths in candidates' commercials are appalling. Finding truth in our country right now seems to be like looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 

Everyone has a spin. A twist. Or a downright untruth. 

I have seen ads that take truth out of context which makes it a lie. 

Soon, perhaps too soon, we will have a new Congress and then we will have to deal with a new set of problems and axe grinding issues. 

Well, at least the end (or is it the beginning?) is in sight.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Too Many Whites

 

Look at the Corner
Tequesta, FL
October 29, 2022

There are just too many different shades of white!

We finished painting the wall with the color that we thought matched the existing walls and once it was all done--wrong shade! I had even painted some of the color we were putting up onto the other wall, but for some reason, apparently, the difference in the shade cannot be recognized until and entire wall has been painted. 

So we get to do it all over again! Now was the shade Simply White or Distant Gray? I get so confused.

Ugh!  Oh wait, at $75/gallon!

Roiling Ocean of my Painting Woes
Jupiter, FL
October 28, 2022
After all of that I decided that I just needed to stand in the ocean and have it wash all of my cares away. 

It was off to Happy Hour on the beach for some relaxation. Well, mostly, there was a wedding happening on the beach and even though we were not directly in front of the ceremony, we were in offset line of vision of some of the people attending, they asked us to move. Mind you, they were at least a 100 yards behind us. It is a public beach, after all. We moved. 

And another idyllic (really, I chose that word?) day ends. I did manage a 21.25 mile bike ride in the morning! I am closing in on 300 miles for the month. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday, October 28, 2022

Rolling out the Barrel

 

The weather this week continues to be enjoyable and Chris and I took advantage of yesterday from sunrise to sunset.

Chris on her Bike
Tequesta, FL
October 25, 2022

We began the day with an easy 14.5 mile bike ride. It was Chris's first ride on her new bike. I took it easy on her and by the end of the ride she had completely bonded with the bike. She took Wednesday off from riding due to a sore knee and so yesterday was the first real ride on the new bike.

The Wall in Progress
Tequesta, FL
October 27, 2022
As the day continued, it was finally time, after delaying it as long as possible, to break out the painting supplies and begin painting the wall in the dining room. Ugh! I hate painting. It turns out that I do not enjoy home repair/improvement projects that begin with "P". Plumbing and painting specifically. Posthole digging is right up there as well. The first coat of paint is on the wall and the second will be applied today. The newly whitened wall adds additional light to the room and the entire area. 

And then the evening. 

What to do for the evening?


Yes, Oktoberfest! The Town of Juno Beach held an Oktoberfest celebration complete with pretzels, bratwurst, beans, sauerkraut, and beer/wine. All included in the admission!

We rolled out the barrel and had a great time! We enjoyed the live accordion music (and Chris danced) until after dark. It was a great way to put an exclamation point on the day. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Beach Afternoon

 

SV Dragonfly off Jupiter
Jupiter Island, Jupiter, FL
October 26, 2022

The weather the past few days has been idyllic. Seriously. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and mild or no wind. Perfect weather for afternoons on the beach or at our favorite watering hole along the Loxahatchee River. 

We are three for three for the week!

Last evening the color of the water finally returned to blue as the turbidity from the recent storms decreased. It was a beautiful night. There was a lone sailing vessel on the horizon. My Marine Traffic app indicated it was the SV Dragonfly. I enjoy identifying the vessels at sea. I am looking forward to using the app during our upcoming cruise. 

Pelican on Loxahatchee River
Jupiter, FL
October 24, 2022
Each evening has been different, yet still enjoyable and beautiful. Monday evening I imaged a pelican on a post while looking toward the mouth of the Loxahatchee River where it empties into the ocean. There were more clouds Monday evening, but sitting at the Square Grouper with friends was a perfect way to celebrate the end of the day.

I was reminded yesterday that the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) is November 6th. With sunsets happening at 6:40 PM right now, once DST ends, they will occur closer to 5:30 PM. Ugh. As I recall, however, this may be the last time that we transition off DST. According to the Sunshine Protection Act, beginning in November 2023 the United States will remain permanently on DST! Think about it--we only have two more clock changes to suffer through!

We will see what today brings! It should be another great one.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL



Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Chris Gets a New Ride

 

Chris with her new Bike
Tequesta, FL
October 25, 2022

I finally followed through on a promise that I had made since before we returned to Florida. Chris has a new bicycle!

She had been riding an old hand-me-down which was not nearly large enough for her. She has long, and I might add beautiful, legs. She needed a larger framed bike. Her old bike also did not coast as well as a new bicycle which forced her to work harder.

For those who are interested, it is a Giant Vida in Charcoal. 

Chris Riding
Tequesta, FL
October 25, 2022

As we have been increasing ride mileage, she has begun to experience some back and shoulder pain which is a sure sign that the bike is not properly adjusted for her. In this case, the bike frame was too small to properly adjust. I had made as many adjustments as the bike could make. 

Chris is routinely now knocking out 14-15 mile rides with ease. We are touring many areas around Tequesta and Jupiter. In the planning are some new places such as the local Jonathan Dickinson State Park and River Bend Park which both have trails and paths to explore. 

I am looking forward many miles of biking with her. 

BTW, yes, her bike is bigger than mine--but you know, size doesn't matter. Actually in terms of bikes, it does matter. It is critical to have the right sized equipment for both enjoyment and safety. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Tuesday, October 25, 2022

And We Are Off--Go Vote!


 It is Election Season!

VOTE!

At least here in Palm Beach County, Election Season has arrived. Early voting is underway.

Chris and I both voted yesterday. It was the most complicated ballot that I have ever seen in that we voted to retain about 10 justices (or not) in addition to the regular offices like governor and senator up for election. There were also five ballot issues. Fortunately we did our research ahead of time on each of the election items on the ballot. 

OK, I may not have spent much time on the election for Palm Beach Soil and Water Conservation District, or the Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District. I'm not even sure of why those offices in fact actually are established. 

I encourage everyone to vote. I do not care if we agree on the candidates or the issues, but it is critical to vote so that our representatives know how "We the People" feel and what we want our representatives to support.

It was important for Chris and I to vote early because we will be on a cruise over Election Day. Our vote is cast!

Do your part and be sure to vote!!!!





-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Monday, October 24, 2022

Monday Musings - October 24, 2022

 


1. Here we go! Today is the fourth of five October Mondays. Next Monday is Halloween. Buy your candy now! There are only nine Mondays remaining in the year! P.S. One month from today is Thanksgiving!

2. Family NFL Results. It was a good Sunday with three of four family teams posting wins.

  Commanders (3-4) defeat Packers (3-4), 23-21

  Ravens (4-3) defeat Browns (2-5), 23-20

  Cowboys (5-2) defeat Lions (1-5), 24-6

  Steelers (2-5) lose to Dolphins (4-3), 10-16

Ibis Take Flight
Tequesta, FL
October 23, 2022


3. On our walk yesterday, a small flock of Ibis took flight in front of us. It was fun to watch them take off. 

4. Early voting begins today in our county. Chris and I have appointments to be some of the first to cast our ballots! Get out and vote, or don't complain!

Shadow Selfie on the Beach
Jupiter Island, Jupiter, FL
October 23, 2022


5. Shadow selfies on the beach. Instead of watching a football game we really didn't care about, Chris and I headed off to the beach yesterday during the 4 PM games. It was a windy day and we enjoyed watching the tide come in. We took this image of our shadows, a shadow selfie!


6. Today in History. On October 24, 1901, a 63-year-old schoolteacher named Annie Edson Taylor becomes the first person to successfully take the plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

After her husband died in the Civil War, the New York-born Taylor moved all over the U. S. before settling in Bay City, Michigan, around 1898. In July 1901, while reading an article about the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, she learned of the growing popularity of two enormous waterfalls located on the border of upstate New York and Canada. Strapped for cash and seeking fame, Taylor came up with the perfect attention-getting stunt: She would go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.




Fed Rate Slowdown Talk Offers Respite for Markets - The Wall Street Journal

Winter’s Onset Will Change the War in Ukraine - The Wall Street Journal

China’s Xi Claims Third Term as Communist Party Leader - The Wall Street Journal

Trump set to collide with Biden, courts and facts - CNN

US: Russia's claims about Ukrainian dirty bomb are 'false flags' - CNN

Nation's Report Card: Declines in math scores is largest ever - CNN

Rishi Sunak on course to become U.K. prime minister - The Washington Post

Right-wing roadshow promotes Christian nationalism before midterms - The Washington Post

Florida needs workers to rebuild after Ian. Undocumented migrants are stepping in. - The Washington Post

Tesla cuts China prices by up to 9% as analysts warn of 'price war' - Reuters

Korean Air says jet overran runway in Philippines - Reuters


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Sunday, October 23, 2022

From Dawn to Night

Sunrise in the Clouds
Tequesta, FL
October 22, 2022


Standing on my patio as the sun was rising yesterday, I did not know that by the end of the day I would own a new laptop, but I do.

The repair cost for my old MacBook Pro was going to be about $700 and I just could not justify putting that amount of money into a 5 year old computer which would only fix the current issues. I have concerns that the screen was failing as well. And so, I decided, after much consternation, to replace my old friend.

Replacing a computer is messy. Although there is a good program to transfer data from one computer to another, it is not perfect especially when I was running a Windows emulator to allow me access to one program that just does not run well in an Apple OS environment. I am currently still getting that program up and running. 

It was not until after dark that I arrived back at home with my new laptop ready to set up. And I let the set-up processes run overnight.

I am now fine-tuning my computer and getting it ready to fill the void left by the failure of my old friend. It turns out that the old laptop was doomed by a failed Apple technology experiment--the Touch Bar. The Touch Bar technology is no longer included in Apple laptops because of the problems it created. I also found that I could not just replace my old laptop--no, I had to give up some capability or buy more capability. 

I wonder what planned obsolescence is included in my new MacBook Pro?

In the end, it was a full day, from dawn on my patio to arriving back home after dark with the solution to my computer problem. I did get in a 14 mile bike ride--just saying.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Wasting a Day



I wasted most of yesterday trying to revive my laptop. It is amazing how much time it takes to work on computers, especially when reloading the operating system is one of the suggested actions.

I could get it into Safe mode, but in the end and after chatting with an Apple tech I fear my laptop has a fatal hardware issue. I took it to a nearby tech store and I will join them this afternoon to waste more time, and probably money, to come up with the same solution—the touch bar has a flaw. Now the error can likely be repaired, but the cost seems excessive for an almost six year old laptop. I fear that I am looking at a case of planned obsolescence. MacBook Pro laptops are not inexpensive. 

The good news is that I have backed up all of my data on my external terabyte drive. I have stopped short of wiping the disk and reinstalling everything from start because I am convinced that the issue is hardware and not software related. It should be noted that the battery on my laptop is also failing, but I usually use the laptop plugged in and it gives me a couple hours power when needed. 

So, I am sitting on my patio watching the sunrise through the palms. It is 69 degrees, the sky is clear and I am looking forward to a long-ish bike ride this morning. After that, I will deal with my laptop.

Happy Saturday. 


—Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday, October 21, 2022

Leaving Key West

 


Chris and I departed Key West yesterday and returned to our regularly scheduled lives. The five hour drive was not too bad and we arrived home by about 2 pm. It was cold in the Keys as we woke and subsequently departed. But, before we departed we enjoyed a solid breakfast at Two Friends Patio Restaurant. This had become one of our favorite places because of the rooster, Solo.

Chris enjoyed interacting with Solo during our meal. I think he was a surrogate for Finnegan. The sign hanging in the restaurant about says it all regarding the chickens running around. 

Scarlet Lady
Key West, FL
October 21, 2022
After breakfast, we took one last walk around the area. A cruise ship had docked, but it was so early that none of the passengers were yet disembarking, which was a good thing since none of the shops were open. Nothing gets moving in Key West much before 9 AM.

The morning temperature was in the high 60s and so it was chilly. The wind blowing off the water made it feel even cooler as we walked along the pier. I actually was amazed at how close we could get to the ship without being stopped by security. Perhaps it was because the gangway was not yet open.

After the walk we returned to our room and loaded the car for the return trip to Tequesta. Our Key West escape was over, but we promised to return—soon.

Programming note: My laptop is still out of commission I am currently reinstalling the OS to attempt recovery.


— Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Roosters and Birds

Solo
Key West, FL
October 20, 2022


Yesterday could be described as a day of birds and also roosters, which are of course birds. 

At one restaurant we met Solo, a Key West rooster. He is the resident bird in the restaurant and it is easy to see that this rooster is definitely in control of the situation. Chris and I have been amazed at how the roosters and chickens rule the streets.  I remember them from our last visit, but then they seemed more confined to the residential areas. Not so now, they are everywhere. 

In terms of other birds, it was too cold and rainy yesterday to go birdwatching, and so we went to the Audubon House. The house is historically the familial home of a Key West salvage captain, but during the 1960s was turned into museum devoted to the period history of both the captain and Audubon. 

Image in Audubon Museum
Key West, FL
October 20, 2022

The Audubon museum has prints from the mid-1800s adorning the walls next to mementos from in the family. Part of the estate has been turned into a museum store where actual antique prints of Audubon’s works are for sale. 

We did not let the cold temperatures get us down and had a very enjoyable day. The only issue seems to be that my Mac died because it couldn’t get a critical update.  I think it may be due to the questionable internet that I am dealing with. Hopefully, when I get home and on a stable wifi it will all work. 

— Bob Doan, Key West, FL

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Out the Hotel Window - Key West

Out the Hotel Window - Key West
Pier House Resort & Spa
October 19, 2022

 

We are in Key West. Chris and I made the drive yesterday for a planned combined birthday celebration/get away. 

Out our hotel window is a stunning view of palms. Various large palms. At some point I guess I need to start learning the names of the different species of palms. We are on the ground floor and it is very cool this morning as I am writing this from the verandah. The temperature is reported as 77 degrees, but with the low humidity and breeze it seems cooler. 

The drive to Key West from Tequesta is a planned five hours before stops. And there is always one stop for lunch or dinner at my favorite restaurant in the Keys, the Islamorada Fish Company! We arrived at the restaurant almost exactly at noon, which means it is just over half-way to the destination of Key West. For those who have never driven U.S. 1 through the Keys, it is a slog. Mostly 2-lanes of towns and stops interspersed with stunning views of land, ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Islamorada Fish Company is a bit less than two-hours from Key West and provides a much needed stop and respite from the traffic--which was not that bad being that it is not the high season, yet.

Seagull and Tarpon
Islamorada Fish Company
Islamorada, FL
October 18, 2022


The restaurant is built around a large pond which is open to the ocean and is populated with large, and I mean large, tarpon. Chris decided to throw some of her leftover bread from lunch into the pond for the seagulls which were diving to snatch small fish and the bread. I just happened to get this image of a seagull about to snatch the bread while a tarpon is seen in the water below. The dorsal fin is just visible above the surface of the water in front of the seagull. 

View from the Pier House Private Beach
Key West, FL
October 18, 2022

We enjoyed our drive and arriving at the resport we changed into swim gear and headed to the beach. Yes, this report has a private beach. 

It was probably a good thing we hit the beach yesterday since the weather today is supposed to be much cooler. The temperature is forecast to decline as the day progresses and there is rain in the forecast. It may not be a good beach day. 

But wait, I'm in Key West! What is not to like? I did check the cruise ship schedule and one will arrive tomorrow morning when we are planned to depart to drive back to Tequesta. 

Fun awaits!


-- Bob Doan, Key West, FL


Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Sights at the Beach

Sailboat at Sunset
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 16, 2022

 Being on the beach late in the day provides opportunities to watch not only the critters, but also the people and their activities. 

Sunday evening as we enjoyed Happy Hour on the beach there were some sights that I just had to record.

The first was a lone sailboat offshore at sunset. The interesting part about the image is that the camera is looking East and the salmon color of the sky is the reflection of the sunset behind me. The sail reflects the sunlight and is illuminated by the almost fully set sun.

Bums on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 16, 2022


The second image from the same Happy Hour is more humorous. I call it, or rather one of my friends called it, "Bums on the Beach." Of course, we are referring to the British definition of the word "bum." That this person was laying on the beach in the position I photographed her is truly amazing. People need to think about the image they present, I guess. 

On any given day, all sorts of people find their way to the beach. It is fun to enjoy the all of sights at the beach. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

 

Monday, October 17, 2022

Monday Musings - October 17, 2022


 


1. Welcome to the last half of October. This is the 3rd Monday of the month with two remaining. There are 10 Mondays remaining in the year.

2. Family NFL report. It was a mixed week with family teams going 2-2.  

    Commanders (2-4) defeat Bears (2-4), 12-7

    Ravens (3-3) snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with the Giants (5-1), 20-24

     Cowboys (4-2) lose to Eagles (6-0), 17-26

     Steelers (2-4) defeat Buccaneers (3-3), 20-18

Makayla in the Flowers
Elkridge, MD
May 31, 2014

3. It has been a week since Makayla passed. The family is still feeling her loss. Finnegan periodically checks all of the places she used to hang-out looking for her. It is still hard not to look for her when I come into the house or when I am eating. She was always present.

After Sunset Looking Northeast
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 16, 2022


4. We made it to have a Happy Hour on the beach last evening. With the sun setting earlier, we are enjoying the changing scene. Last evening the beach was busy. There was a wedding on one part of the beach and a baptism celebration in another. The sea birds were active over the water getting their evening meal from an apparently large school of bait fish. 

5. Russia is desperate in the Ukraine war. It has been reported that they are using North Korean artillery shells and rockets and Iranian drones to attack Ukraine. For the geographically challenged, Russia does have a common border with North Korea.

6. Today in HistoryOn October 17, 1931, gangster Al Capone is sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion and fined $80,000, signaling the downfall of one of the most notorious criminals of the 1920s and 1930s.

Alphonse Gabriel Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1899 to Italian immigrants. He was expelled from school at 14, joined a gang and earned his nickname “Scarface” after being sliced across the cheek during a fight. By 1920, Capone had moved to Chicago, where he was soon helping to run crime boss Johnny Torrio’s illegal enterprises, which included alcohol-smuggling, gambling and prostitution. Torrio retired in 1925 after an attempt on his life and Capone, known for his cunning and brutality, was put in charge of the organization.



China Abruptly Delays GDP Release During Communist Party Conference - The Wall Street Journal

Kyiv Hit by Drone Attacks as Russia Targets Infrastructure - The Wall Street Journal

After Hurricane Ian, Their Company Pulls Yachts Out of Swimming Pools and Mangrove Trees - The Wall Street Journal

Gunmen kill 11, wound 15 in attack on Russian military recruits - CNN

New UK finance minister Hunt reverses tax plan, reins in energy support - Reuters

Analysis: A $1 trillion headache: China's local fiscal shortfall poses broader growth risks - Reuters

Exclusive: China's state banks seen acquiring dollars in swaps market to stabilise yuan - Reuters

South Korea kicks off military drills amid talk of North Korean nuclear test - Reuters

American technology boosts China’s hypersonic missile program - The Washington Post

Leaders of democracies increasingly echo Putin in authoritarian tilt - The Washington Post


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Birthdays and Celebrations

Chris and Birthday Flowers
Tequesta, FL
October 15, 2022

 Chris celebrated her birthday yesterday and was amazed and humbled at the outpouring of love for her. 

The day began with the unexpected arrival of a large and beautiful bouquet of flowers from our children. It was a total surprise and really brightened her day. 

The day ended with dinner at a local restaurant with friends, one of whom was also celebrating a birthday yesterday, and then coming home for a piece of cheesecake. Yes, for those of you in the know, I actually made her favorite cheesecake to celebrate the day. Sadly, however, it was my first true baking experience using the oven here in Florida. What did I learn? It bakes a few degrees too hot and so the cheesecake was too brown because it was a bit overcooked and because of that is had a crack the size of the Grand Canyon in the middle. 

But it tasted great!

And so, it was a Happy Birthday for Chris!

BTW, I received the secret for longevity in a birthday card--celebrate more birthdays! People who live longer have more birthdays. (duh?)


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Saturday, October 15, 2022

Pets and Loss

Makayla as a Puppy: The Mighty Keeshond
Elkridge, MD
January 27, 2009

 So I found out that I am not crazy in my feelings of loss over losing Makayla earlier this week. 

A friend referenced me to a Facebook post that was made a few days ago and now has over 6,600 comments made, mostly, by people grieving over the loss of their dog. 

The post is on the group Life with Animals

The picture accompanying the post is especially touching as it shows a boy/man with his dog in three frames spread taken over the years as they both grew together. 

The text of the post is a letter about loving a dog. It had a special meaning for me and I am including it here:

"They tell you not to cry.
They tell you he's just a dog, not a human.
They tell you it will pass.
They tell you that animals do not know that they must die.
They tell you that the important thing is not to make them suffer.
They tell you that you can get another one.
They tell you it will happen.
They tell you there are more unbearable pains.
But they don't know how many times you've looked your dog in the eye.
They don't know how many times it was you and your dog that looked in the dark.
They don't know how many times your dog was the only one by your side.
They don't know that the only one who hasn't judged you is your dog.
They don't know how scared you were the night his moans woke you up.
They don't know how many times your dog has slept next to you.
They don't know how much you've changed since the dog became a part of your life.
They don't know how many times you hugged him when he was sick.
They don't know how many times you pretended not to see when his hair was getting whiter and whiter.
They don't know how many times you've talked to your dog, the only one who really listens to you.
They don't know how good you were to your dog.
Little do they know that only your dog knew you were in pain.
They don't know what it's like to see your old dog trying to come over and say hello.
They don't know that when things go wrong, the only one who isn't gone is your dog.
They don't know that your dog trusts you, every moment of his life, even at the last moment.
They don't know how much your dog loved you and how little he needed to be happy, because you were enough for him.
They don't know that crying for a dog is one of the noblest, most meaningful, truest and purest things you can do.
They don't know about the last time you rocked him hard ... being careful not to hurt him.
They don't know what you felt when you caressed his face in the last moments of his life"
From dad


I was in awe of the comments and pictures of dogs that the post generated. There are so many others out there that love their dogs like I loved Makayla and that is comforting.

From reading the comments to the Facebook post, I am happy that Makayla passed away at home in my arms with the Chris and our other pets around her and not in the sterile environment of a Vets office. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Friday, October 14, 2022

More than a Hurricane

Looking out onto the Patio
Tequesta, FL
October 13, 2022


 We received more rain yesterday than we did during Hurricane Ian. It was actually pretty incredible. The amount of rain falling during the storm, which lasted for a couple hours, flooded streets and caused widespread flooding in the Jupiter/Tequesta area. 

The reports of flooding were centered in our area. One TV station, WPTV detailed the flooding. At one point we actually saw our street, Village Blvd, on the news--it was flooded. The streets mentioned in the news report are ones we traverse daily. The rain came down hard and not for just a few minutes, but for almost two hours. 

Orange-tipped Oakworm Moths
Tequesta, FL
October 13, 2022


In the end, our area experienced more flooding in a couple hours than we did when Hurricane Ian grazed us two weeks ago. 

We were not the only ones taking refuge from the deluge. I found two Orange-tipped Oakworm Moths together in the entryway. They were dry and sheltered from the rain pelting the earth just a few feet away. They are stunning in their orange color.

We survived the storm and the rain without too many issues. The water began to creep up to the edge of our patio because the gutters could not handle the amount of rain coming off the roof, but it did not actually come onto the patio.

Today should be a nice day and the weekend is expected to be cooler (low 80s for the highs) and less humid. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Finding New Places

 

Chris and I are expanding our vistas now that we have finally, mostly, completed the move-in process. The projects that I finished during the past two weeks have pushed us to the 99 percent moved-in point.

Nieuw Amsterdam
Holland America Lines


Last evening we found a new place to enjoy Happy Hour. And it is really an old place, Cooper's Hawk. We happened to be at the local mall and there was a Cooper's hawk. As it was almost 5 PM we decided to have a glass of wine and enjoy Happy Hour together. Well, we know Cooper's Hawk because we had been to the one in Annapolis. I was impressed with the wines. They have significantly improved sine the last time I visited a Coopers Hawk. I enjoyed a California Barbera and Chris enjoyed a very vibrant and exciting Spanish Tempranillo.

We also, spur of the moment, planned a Caribbean cruise for early November. There are advantages to living in Florida AND being retired: our calendar is. generally open. We got a great price on a seven-night cruise. It is costing less for both of us to go on this cruise with a balcony cabin than for one of us to go on the cruise we are going on in January with a similar cabin with a balcony. Pretty awesome!


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

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