Summer Green

Summer Green
Odenton, MD
August 30, 2024

 Despite the lack of rain in the region, the green of summer seems more vibrant this year than in years past. I haven't noticed many tent worms and while some trees are showing signs of heat stress, most are a vibrant green that almost blends into the background. 

Yesterday was a gray and rainy day--which was needed for the area although I am sure the wineries were not too happy since it is the middle of the harvest. Even so, the green remained vibrant. I took this image of the tree in my daughter's yard and it demonstrates how the green envelops everything. The tree is hard to distinguish against the green of the forest behind. 

This is the kind of summer that I remember as a kid growing up in Upstate New York. The heat, the humidity, and the green forest that surrounded our home. Everything during the summer seemed green, until those last days of August when color began to creep into the backdrop signaling the end of the season and the beginning of autumn. 

Color is beginning to arrive in the leaves. It is very limited at this point, but as the nights begin to cool off the color will eventually spread until only the coniferous trees remain to remind me of the summer green and excitement that the springtime brings as the green returns to fill the landscape. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

On the MD Wine Trail - Catoctin Breeze Vineyard

Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
Thurmont, MD
August 29, 2024

 Chris and I , along with two friends, headed out on the Maryland Wine Trail to visit wineries that we had never visited. There are many more wineries in Maryland than most realize and there is always the opportunity to discover a hidden gem. 

We found one yesterday in Catoctin Breeze Vineyard. The winery is nestled at the foot of a hill in Thurmont, Maryland. The tasting room is a very inviting facility and provides a great vantage point of the vineyards. There is ample outdoor seating for picnicking. 

Catoctin Breeze Merlot
Thurmont, MD
August 29, 2024

The visit was a success. We found great wines, with white, rose, and red. The price point is a bit high, but the wines are definitely well made and come with layers and long finishes.

We were especially impressed with the Merlot ($30) and the Cabernet Franc ($55). Both, while medium body presented with layers and flavors of well blended wines. I bought some of the Merlot, but felt the price point of the Cabernet Franc was a bit high. 

Be aware, the price of a tasting is $24, but comes with 6 wines and if you are really nice, maybe a 7th. In addition to the two wines already mentioned, the Adagio 2022 ($40) was tasting very nicely. It is a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cab Franc, and 25% Teroldego. In addition to the red wines mentioned, there are white wines and a rose. The listing from yesterday showed 18 offerings call ranging from $30-$55. 

I recommend a visit to enjoy some great wines and scenery. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Chasing the Moon

Moon over Magnus Ridge
Rock Stream, NY
August 25, 2024

 It seems that lately I have been noticing the moon more during the day. Perhaps it is because the daylight is longer and I do not go out much after dark to avoid the mosquitoes. 

Sunday, Chris and I stopped off a Magnus Ridge Winery, just north of Watkins Glen, to experience some Finger Lakes Wine. Magnus Ridge is one of my favorites because they make a variety of wines with good balance. And some nice medium body reds. I especially like the Cabernet Franc.

As we stepped out of the truck, I spied the moon over the winery. I guess I am not good at moonshots, but if you look real hard you can see it. I was amazed at the crystal blue sky as well. It was a beautiful image, in my head at least. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

It was Picnic Day

 

Deer Jumping Fence
Odenton, MD
August 27, 2024

Annual picnic day! What a great event.

It was a perfect day. Great weather and I was able to gather with friends and coworkers to enjoy catching up on our activities during the past year. I have been fortunate to attend each of the three organizational picnics since I have retired. I guess I am lucky to be in Maryland when they occur. 

There were some great images of the event which have already been published by Lydia and so I won't repeat them here. I had a great time talking to the people in attendance and I wish I had more time, but I had a grandfather task to complete during the early afternoon and had to leave before I was able to chat with everyone. 

My image of the day is from Happy Hour at me daughter's where I was able to capture a deer jumping the fence around the collection pond. I never tire of watching the animals that visit the pond and that I was able to capture this deer in motion was an added benefit. 

To all who attended the picnic, it was good to see and talk to you. I hope to see you next year as well.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Going through the Memories

 

Ester Proefrock
Chris' Paternal Grandmother
Undated circa 1914

Chris received a box of family images and mementos over the weekend while we were in New York. We spent part of yesterday doing a scan through the box and looking at images, many of which she does not remember seeing when she was a child. 

I decided to try out the image scanning function on my phone to see how well it would be able to capture the images and was very pleasantly surprised. It seemed to do a very good job capturing the images. I may need to find a place where I can minimize the external light because I do note some washed out areas on one of the images. 

Shirley and Roland Meyers
Chris' Aunt and Dad
Undated but prob circa 1938

It was good for her to rummage through the box and find old images of family. She also found birth certificates and, more importantly a death certificate for her great great-grandmother which listed place of birth, in Germany, and parents as well as dates. That is very exciting because we have been unable to get a good ancestral trace on her family because no one remembered the old family names.

I guess I will be on the ancestry trail when I get back to Florida. My family was much easier to trace especially there are published book with the genealogies on both my mother's and father's families. I still need to do work on the maternal sides of both families.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - August 26, 2024

 

1. The 4th and last Monday of August has arrived. Next week we celebrate Labor Day. Don't look now, but only 18 Mondays remain in the year. 

Maple Tree with Color
Stonehenge's Golf Course
Groton, NY
August 24, 2024

2. Autumn is coming. Chris and I saw leaves beginning to change on the maple trees in Central New York! Even on the golf course. That went along with the low 50 degree temperatures we experienced during our visit to Cortland and Groton. 

3. We took the less traveled route back from New York yesterday. We chose Route 15 for the ride and were careful to avoid the area in Williamsport where the Little League World Series was being played. 

4. Congratulations to the team from Florida on winning the Little League World Series.

5. Golf is a fun game if not taken too seriously

6. I cannot fathom how any active, retired, or veteran military person could vote for or work for Trump. He does not respect the military. An article in Cardinal & Pine published June 25, 2024, details six separate occasions in which Trump disparaged the military. The six are below but the article contains details. 

2015: Disparaged John McCain’s POW experience
2016: Publicly insulted a Gold Star family
2017: Expressed distaste for wounded veterans
2018: Called WWI casualties “losers” and “suckers”
2018: Dismissed Navy SEAL Commander Adm. William McRaven
2020: Downplayed troops’ injuries following missile attack in Iraq

7. Today in History. On August 26, 1939, the first televised Major League baseball game is broadcast on station W2XBS, the station that was to become WNBC-TV. Announcer Red Barber called the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York.

At the time, television was still in its infancy. Regular programming did not yet exist, and very few people owned television sets—there were only about 400 in the New York area. Not until 1946 did regular network broadcasting catch on in the United States, and only in the mid-1950s did television sets become more common in the American household.

Trump’s personal attacks aren’t just who he is. They’re his strategy - CNN

Western airlines were excited about returning to China after Covid. But not anymore - CNN

Spacecraft slingshots around Earth and the moon in a historic first on its way to Jupiter - CNN

SpaceX’s Risky Next Mission: The First Private Spacewalk - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Nuclear Missile Silos Need Modernizing, but Fixes Aren’t Coming Soon - The Wall Street Journal

Families flee after new Israeli evacuation orders in Gaza as ceasefire hopes dim - Reuters

Russia launches massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, Kyiv says - Reuters

North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees tests of 'suicide drones' - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

#mondaymusings

9th Annual Troy Whittemore Classic

Chris on the Hole we Sponsored
Stonehedges Golf Course, Groton, NY
August 24, 2024

 It was a beautiful day in Central New York, specifically Groton, NY. The sun shone all day and while it was in the 50s as the tournament began, it warmed into the 70s fairly quickly.

Our team tackled the course with enthusiasm and were rewarded with a par on the first hole we played, which was Hole 5 on the course. The format was a four man scramble best ball tournament, but none of the members on my team, including me, are anything above occasional recreational players. We did not see another par until we were on hole 1, 14 holes later. We finished in last place 12 strokes over par. The winners were 10 under par. I would be happy with an 84 any day I play, but it doesn't cut it in a best ball tournament. 

Trevar Teeing Off
Stonehedges Golf Course, Groton, NY
August 24, 2024

We had fun playing the course. Stonehedges Golf Course was a course I had never played. Chris and I were teamed with our nephew, Trevar, and his girlfriend, Cassie, and fortunately he had played the course while he was in high school. 

Stonehedges  is a tough course. The greens are especially tough, but fair. As a team our putting failed us most of the day until the greens dried and we settled into a better approach to the green. I found the greens tough; on multiple shots I landed my ball near where I aimed only to see it roll off the green or roll into a very difficult putting location. Talk about frustrating! The rest of my team had similar experiences. 

It was a day to play golf and reconnecting with friends and family all while remembering our nephew Troy. And it was a great success. The tournament funds the scholarship in Troy's memory. 

I hope the Classic returns to Stonehedges again next year because I want another chance at the course. 

-- Bob Doan, Cortland, NY

Another Travel Day for the Tournament

NY Welcome Area I-81
August 23, 2024

 Chris and I arrived in Central New York without incident. It was a longer than expected drive due to a lot of road work in I-81 in Pennsylvania, the very northern part. I can see the infrastructure bill at work repairing the roads and am thankful for its positive impact on pour country. 

Along the drive we were reminded on the natural beauty of the Northeast. The emerald green tree-covered rolling hills and the valleys are what we both grew up enjoying. The crystal blue sky yesterday highlighted the scene. Around every turn and over every hill the vistas laid out before us became a conversation topic. It is very different from Florida and there are, of course, no palm trees. 

Today is golf day. We are playing in the 9th Annual Troy Whittemore Golf Classic. The tournament remembers Troy who was taken from us at the age of 23 by cancer and funds the scholarship in his memory. A USA Today article tells more of Troy's story. 

We are looking forward to a great day with family and friends and hopefully I can hit them straight and long, but not too long, on the course today. 

-- Bob Doan, Cortland, NY

Golf Tune-up

Timbers at Troy Hole 1 From the Tee
Elkridge, MD
August 22, 2024

 I managed to get out for a tune-up round of golf before tomorrow's tournament. It was important for me to do that in that I had not swung my driver since last August at the tournament. Chris and I have been playing on a par 3 course which allows us to complete a round in about2 hours, which is about all one can stand in the heat of South Florida. 

Jeremy and I hit the course at 5:33 PM and managed 11 holes before darkness. It was a beautiful afternoon. I managed to hit all of the fairways except one, which made me happy, but my distance off the tee has definitely decreased. Perhaps it will get better with more swings, I did seem to be improving as the evening went on. 

It was fun to be out on the course. 

Today is another travel day to Cortland, NY, where we are staying. Sadly, it is just Chris and me this year as the rest of our Maryland contingent was unable to make the trip. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Truth, Honor and Joy

I have been impressed and encouraged by the Democratic National Convention. 

The use of the words Truth, Honor, Joy, and Hope continue to excite me and are far different from the hate words spoken at the Republican National Convention. 

Another word that is used correctly is Freedom! I have been encouraged when speakers say there is not enough room in our houses for our family and the government. People should be free to love whom they choose, and live as they please without undue government interference. 

America is not a failing nation as Donald Trump spews, the facts clearly show that America it is the leader in the world and is not failing, but growing. 

To see an example of a failing nation look at Russia. 

The chants: We're not going back are encouraging and promise that there is something better to offer the American people.

Oprah Winfrey said in her speech last night:

So, we are Americans. We are Americans. Let us choose loyalty to the Constitution over loyalty to any individual, because that’s the best of America. And let us choose optimism over cynicism, because that’s the best of America. And let us choose inclusion over retribution. Let us choose common sense over nonsense, because that’s the best of America.

And let us choose the sweet promise of tomorrow over the bitter return to yesterday. We won’t go back. We won’t be sent back, pushed back, bullied back, kicked back. We’re not going back. 

So, let us choose. Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, and let us choose joy! Because that’s the best of America. But more than anything else, let us choose freedom. Why? Because that’s the best of America.  (Time Transcript)

Let us choose freedom, because that is the best of America! Those words resound with hope and joy. 

Mr. Trump has shown a character unworthy of the responsibilities of the presidency. He has demonstrated an utter lack of respect for the Constitution, the rule of law and the American people. Instead of a cogent vision for the country’s future, Mr. Trump is animated by a thirst for political power: to use the levers of government to advance his interests, satisfy his impulses and exact retribution against those who he thinks have wronged him. (New York Times)

By contrast Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz closed his speech last night by saying:

Look, we’ve got 76 days. That’s nothing. There’ll be time to sleep when you’re dead. We’re going to leave it on the field. That’s how we’ll keep moving forward. That’s how we’ll turn the page on Donald Trump. That’s how we’ll build a country where workers come first, health care and housing are human rights, and the government stays the hell out of your bedroom.

That’s how we make America a place where no child is left hungry. Where no community is left behind. Where nobody gets told they don’t belong. That’s how we’re going to fight. (New York Times Transcript)

I remember four years ago when the pandemic raged because then president Trump denied its existence. Over 1 million Americans died and the shuttering of businesses and the crashing of the economy created problems that we are just now overcoming. I remember the unrest in the country, the separation of Blue vs Red, and us vs them. It took Joe Biden to boldly promise to be a president for all Americans to bring recovery and prosperity.

I'm not going back! 

Am I better off now than 4 years ago? You bet!

When we fight, we win!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Looking Over the Yard

Buck in the Yard
Odenton, MD
August 19, 2024

 One of the joys of visiting Maryland and staying with our daughter and her family is the abundance of wildlife around her yard. There always seem to be geese, deer, fox, woodchucks, and other assorted animals passing through, grazing in the yard, or swimming in the pond. 

It is very different from where we reside in Florida. The most abundant form of wildlife we see are lizards--of many sizes and colors. And then there are the birds which transit through or that we can watch along the shoreline. But from the windows of our house we do not get to enjoy a wide scene like that from the deck of Nicole's house in Odenton.

The Small Herd
Odenton, MD
August 19, 2024

Seeing a young buck in the yard reminded me that Autumn is arriving soon. Of course the 57 degree temperature this morning also reminded me of the same thing. Autumn is coming. I am a bit worried about golfing on Saturday in the cold morning air. I may need a gallon of coffee to get moving. 

The deer did not seem to mind our activities on the deck. They were not even spooked by the dogs, who have grown used to the deer and did not bark. They munched their way through the yard until an evening thunderstorm drove us all inside and the deer retreated to the nearby forest. 

Earlier this year the pond supported geese, although they seem to have moved on probably preparing for winter. I understand that most geese in Maryland do not migrate. I remember the huge flocks that used to transit the skies when I was growing up in Upstate New York. They were huge.

Update on Removed Facebook Posting: Still nothing heard from Facebook. Hmmm.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Arrived Alive

Finn Riding out of the Hotel
Dunn, NC
August 19, 2024

 Chris and I completed our travel arriving in Odenton, MD, yesterday early afternoon. The trip was not without two serious unwanted incidents caused by inattentive or aggressive drivers. Both incidents occurred within the last two hours of our travel yesterday. 

I, with some divine intervention, avoided a serious accident when an inattentive driver failed to see my truck next to him and made a strong aggressive lane change causing me to use every bit of shoulder on the left side of the road before a concrete barrier to avoid what would have been a very serious accident. I do not know how our vehicles failed to intersect, but thankfully, we did not collide. In the other incident, about 40 minutes later, an aggressive driver came around a truck, from the wrong side (passenger), and moved through an open lane I was making a lane change into. I noticed the fast-mover and aborted my lane change rather abruptly.

Thankfully, the drive is complete. We were blessed with great weather and our hotel stop is a keeper. We will likely use it again on our travels. 

Finnegan started the day by humorously riding out of the hotel on the baggage cart. He was cute sitting among our belongings. He ensured he was not forgotten. 

Like we could forget him?

Programming note: Facebook still has not responded regarding the post they took down. I continue to await the promised response to my appeal.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

#travel #I-95

Monday Musings - August 19, 2024

 

1. Welcome to the third Monday of August. There are 19 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Out the Hotel Window
Dunn, NC
August 18, 2024

2. Chris and I were amazed when we looked at the temperature this morning in Dunn, NC. It was 69 degrees and foggy. I am more used to the numerals being reversed. It was pleasant this morning as I took Finn for a walk. 

3. My take away from driving I-95 yesterday is that drivers proceeding at excessive speed is the most dangerous thing we face on the highways today. Their rapid lane changes and approach speeds mean that I must be almost as keenly aware of what is happening behind me as well as planning for what is ahead.

4. FACEBOOK has not yet responded regarding the post they took down on Saturday. I had expected a response this morning, but they remain silent.

5. We head out on day 2 of our trip this morning. I am hoping for more good weather and no major traffic tie-ups between Richmond and DC.

6. Today in History. On August 19, 1909, the first race is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, now the home of the world’s most famous motor racing competition, the Indianapolis 500.

Built on 328 acres of farmland five miles northwest of Indianapolis, Indiana, the speedway was started by local businessmen as a testing facility for Indiana’s growing automobile industry. The idea was that occasional races at the track would pit cars from different manufacturers against each other. After seeing what these cars could do, spectators would presumably head down to the showroom of their choice to get a closer look.

The rectangular two-and-a-half-mile track linked four turns, each exactly 440 yards from start to finish, by two long and two short straight sections. In that first five-mile race on August 19, 1909, 12,000 spectators watched Austrian engineer Louis Schwitzer win with an average speed of 57.4 miles per hour. The track’s surface of crushed rock and tar proved a disaster, breaking up in a number of places and causing the deaths of two drivers, two mechanics and two spectators.

Analysis The party will kick off a convention that was hastily reconfigured to try to vault Kamala Harris to a historic presidency - CNN

When and how to see the rare super blue moon - CNN

Ukraine aims to create Kursk ‘buffer zone,’ Zelensky says, as Kyiv’s forces blow up second Russian bridge - CNN

Blinken warns Israel, Hamas of last chance to end Gaza war - Reuters

Venezuelan opposition protests as election dispute drags on - Reuters

South Korea, US kick off annual drills over North's military, cyber threats - Reuters

Trump and Harris Duke It Out on Social Media - The Wall Street Journal

Flash floods in Connecticut, as some towns hit by ‘1,000-year’ rain events - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Dunn, NC

#mondaymusings

Heading North

 

But-ee's Jacksonville, FL
August 18, 2024

Today and tomorrow are travel days. We are on the road north to Maryland and also New York for a golf tournament.  It will be a busy couple of weeks. 

We departed later than normal, at 7:30 am, and made our first stop about 11:00 am just south of Jacksonville, Fl. Yes, we stopped at Buc-ee’s. It was a good stop as we took on enough fuel to get us to our hotel for the evening. We also bought sandwiches for lunch and were able to eat while still driving. We effectively saved a stop. 

Even-so, we will not get to our hotel north of Fayetteville, NC, until after 5pm. 

Fortunately, the day is bright and clear.  The drive has been easy.  That is good. But, we are in SC now where easy driving goes to die. 

Enjoy your Sunday. 

— Bob Doan, I95 in SC near mm 27

Unfit for the Position

 Former President Donald J. Trump on Thursday described the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which honors civilians, as being “much better” than the Medal of Honor, because service members who receive the nation’s highest military honor are often severely wounded or dead. (New York Times)

I engaged in a discussion last evening with someone who was trying to walk this statement back by saying he was only referring to one particular instance. Nonsense. He said it! I know he says a lot and mostly lies, but he has been consistent in his comments about the military and specifically disdain for those who were killed or wounded in service to this great nation.

The almost unintelligible quote follows:

“It’s actually much better [referring to the Medal of Freedom], because everyone gets the Congressional Medal of Honor, that’s soldiers, they’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets, or they’re dead,” Mr. Trump said, using a common misnomer for the military award. “She gets it, and she’s a healthy, beautiful woman.” (New York Times)

I am not sure exactly what he is trying to say, but my take away is that the Medal of Freedom is better because a pretty woman was awarded it. 

Oh yes, and he called it the Congressional Medal of Honor, which is not the correct name. It is the Medal of Honor! Period!

This is not the first time Trump has disparaged those who gave of themselves for our nation:

When President Donald Trump canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, near Paris, in 2018, he blamed rain for the last-minute decision, saying that “the helicopter couldn’t fly” and that the Secret Service wouldn’t drive him there. Neither claim was true.

Trump rejected the idea of the visit because he feared his hair would become disheveled in the rain, and because he did not believe it important to honor American war dead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day. In a conversation with senior staff members on the morning of the scheduled visit, Trump said, “Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.” In a separate conversation on the same trip, Trump referred to the more than 1,800 marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as “suckers” for getting killed. (The Atlantic)

He has no understanding of service, personal sacrifice or even heroism. 

Trump's comments continue to underscore why he is not fit for the office he seeks. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Stormy Day Blues

Finnegan and Me
Tequesta, FL
August 15, 2024

 Although Chris and I got out and managed a 14-mile ride during the morning, the middle portion of the day consisted of almost continuous thunderstorms. It was, therefore, a rainy and noisy day. 

Finnegan does not like thunder. I think he got traumatized during the Fourth of July celebrations in the neighborhood with all of the loud booms. It may not have helped that we took him with us as we wandered out the end of the street to see some of the fireworks and listen to the booming of the retorts. 

Finn Looking Out the Car Window
Jupiter, FL
August 15, 2024

He has developed a near paralyzing fear of booms. Whenever thunder is in the area he glues himself to me. Now, as most of you are aware, he is Chris's dog and generally has prefers her company to mine. But when the thunder crashed he seeks out the "big dog" for protection. That was the scene yesterday as he laid in my lap trying to blend into the chair while the storms were overhead. 

Chris thought it was cute and snapped an image of the traumatized dog trying to become one with both me and the chair. 

Later, however, he was fine after the storms cleared and we headed out to cast our Florida Primary ballots. As we are not going to be in town for the actual primary day, we took advantage of early voting. Finn even got a sticker announcing that he is a future voter--although I am not sure how that is going to work. Well, this is Florida and almost anything can happen here.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Again? Another pandemic?

 And from Reuters this morning:

The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. We take a look at what that means. 

While the current outbreak is mostly in Africa, in our global environment I would not expect it to be confined there for long. 

We do not need another pandemic! Oh wait, you didn't realize they had renamed monkey pox as mpox? Yup they did. 

So here is the description:

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread easily between people and from infected animals. It can spread through close contact such as touching, kissing or sex, as well as through contaminated materials like sheets, clothing and needles, according to WHO.

The current outbreak, Congo's worst ever, has seen 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths since January 2023, largely among children. The disease causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and is usually mild but can kill. Children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, are all at higher risk of complications.

Two strains of mpox are now spreading in the country: the endemic form of the virus as well as a new offshoot.  (Reuters article)

I guess we need to be aware.

Oh yea, Happy Friday-eve!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And He's Gone

Flight 667 to Baltimore
PBI
August 13, 2024

 We dropped Lucas off at PBI yesterday morning. Both Chris and I were able to get gate passes (even though we were told by the staff that they were allowed to provide only one gate pass) to stay with Luke until he boarded. 

We had to pass through the non-TSA-Pre line. Ugh! I had forgotten how long that line could be. We were in the line for over 20 minutes. Fortunately, we arrived about 90 minutes before his flight and we still had time to enjoy a lounge after passing through security. Although I am told the lounge, to which I have privileges, has been there three years I only noticed it yesterday. It was a very civilized way to wait in the airport away from the crowd. And yes, for those of you who have flown through the usually sleepy PBI airport, there were crowds yesterday. I think United, American and Southwest all had flights arriving and departing while we were there.

The concourse was, however, deserted, as we left after Luke had boarded. 

And so our time alone with Luke is over. We enjoyed his stay, but wish we had been able to do more. 

Now we are preparing for our own journey. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It was just Crabby

Lucas at Dune Dogs
Jupiter, Fl
August 12, 2024

 Our time with Lucas ends today. 

It had been a fun week and we have enjoyed our short time with him. 

He has provided some excitement into our otherwise somewhat routine world. 

Last evening, for his last supper, we went to Dune Dogs and he enjoyed some crab legs. Luke loves seafood. The poor crab didn't have a chance. I don't know why the waitstaff gave him a lobster bib when he was eating crab. Perhaps they don't differentiate. I had ribs because I really like the way they do ribs and I have wanted ribs for a while but have not been motivated to actually buy ribs and cook them. 

Today we take Luke to the airport to return him to Maryland, although we will see him again in just a few days as we travel north on Sunday. 

I don't blame him for not wanting to ride for two days with us in the truck. It can get very long on the road. I would rather fly, but we need the transportation and the flexibility of driving. Our return trip has already changed once and it may change again.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - August 12, 2024

 

1. Summer is almost over. It is the second Monday of August and there the year is down to only 20 remaining Mondays. 

2. Summer is over here in South Florida. Today is the first day of school for Palm Beach County school kids. It seemed as if the summer were too short. Well, since I'm retired, it still remains summer. Drive with extra caution as the school year begins and crazy things can and do happen around school busses.

3. Lucas, our grandson who is visiting, does not report to school for two more weeks. Summer is growing short for Maryland students as well!

4. Florida weather continues to be fairly predictable. Hot, humid, and afternoon thunderstorms. Whew! 

5. Chris and I, along with Lucas, got out to see the hit movie Deadpool & Wolverine yesterday. It is as good as they say. We very much enjoyed the experience. 

Today in History. On August 12, 1990, fossil hunter Susan Hendrickson discovers three huge bones jutting out of a cliff near Faith, South Dakota. They turn out to be part of the largest-ever Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered, a 65-million-year-old specimen dubbed Sue, after its discoverer.

Amazingly, Sue’s skeleton was over 90 percent complete, and the bones were extremely well-preserved. Hendrickson’s employer, the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, paid $5,000 to the land owner, Maurice Williams, for the right to excavate the dinosaur skeleton, which was cleaned and transported to the company headquarters in Hill City. The institute’s president, Peter Larson, announced plans to build a non-profit museum to display Sue along with other fossils of the Cretaceous period.

Defense secretary orders submarine to Middle East, accelerates arrival of strike group ahead of anticipated Iran attack - CNN

Analysis The former president’s efforts to bring down his new adversary have highlighted his own liabilities more than hers - CNN

Russia orders more evacuations as Ukraine’s incursion into its territory enters its seventh day - CNN

2 dead in Maryland house explosion, authorities say - CNN

Musk embraces Trump and scorns subsidies. But Tesla still lobbies for US benefits - Reuters

Exclusive: Billions in dollar and euro notes reach Russia despite sanctions - Reuters

Israel keeps up strikes in Gaza as fears of wider war grow - Reuters

Investors Borrowed Like Crazy During Rally. Now They’re Paying the Price. - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#mondaymusings

Sunday Smatterings

Loxahatchee River Bridge 
Tequesta, FL
August 10, 2024

Chris and I rode bikes yesterday. It was sweltering by the time we got out and we managed less than 10 miles, but we did get out on the streets. It was a very easy ride for me, but the heat really took its toll on Chris. It was a beautiful morning with few clouds, which is why we headed out, even though it was later than normal with higher temperature and humidity approaching 85 percent. 

Later that same day, I installed a new Wifi-enabled door lock. I replaced an older lock that developed too many quirks. It took a couple hours to get it installed as some modification to the doorframe was required. I did manage a new set of wood chisels out of the process.  

Our neighbors moved out of their condo and that made us sad. We have enjoyed our time with them and wish them the best in their new home. 

I am reminded that the only constant is change. 

A week from today we will be hitting the highway headed north to visit family and compete, well we really are not competitive, in the Troy Whittemore Memorial Golf Tournament which is being held in Groton, NY, this year. 

Busy times keep us happy. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Celebrating Together

 

Celebrating 49 Years
Tequesta, FL
August 9, 2024

Yesterday, Chris and I celebrated 49 years of marriage. 

No, it has not always been easy or smooth. But, we continue to respect and love each other and have even survived being together 24/7 since I retired. That may be the biggest accomplishment of all!

We took some time last evening to recount the events of our wedding day. August 9, 1975, was a stifling hot day in Ithaca, NY. Our ceremony was not until 7 PM in a church which was not air conditioned. But the sun coming through the windows was as beautiful as Chris had imagined it would be.

The fun of the day, however, began early. In the wee hours of the morning I dropped a window on my head letting my cat into my room from outdoors. Yes, I scratched my face in the process. In those days, living on the outskirts of Danby, NY, my cat would go out for the evening and sometime during the night she would appear on the porch roof at my second story window meowing to be allowed inside. There was a storm window behind the wooden frame window which had to be removed to open the screen and allow the cat inside. I guess, in my somewhat less than sober state after my bachelor party, I didn't manage the window well; it slipped and I tried to use my head to catch it. Not a good move. 

But wait, there is more. Our car, a 1970 Ford LTD, needed a new muffler and tail pipe. No problem. I bought the parts and completed the installation in the yard. Well, turns out there was a problem because the tailpipe was about two inches too short and the hot exhaust went into the trunk when the car was not moving. When my best man took the car to fill it with gas for us, the contents of the trunk caught fire. So after the reception when I went looking for the car to go to our hotel, my Dad told me that I was taking his car on our honeymoon and not to ask questions. I learned the details upon our return. 

But wait there is even more. We got to our hotel, which because of the late ceremony was just outside of Ithaca where the ceremony and reception were held, and nicely settled for our first night as a married couple when what happened? The entire wedding party crashed our door with pizza and we had an after party in our room. Someone squealed about where we were saying. To this day I do not know who it was as we had tried to keep it a secret.

The next morning, very tired, we did get on the road to where else other than Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, for our honeymoon. That all worked out well, the only exciting thing I remember from the honeymoon was watching a buffalo be born at the zoo. OK, there might have been some other things not suitable for mentioning here.

And so, from that less than smooth start, we have continued to overcome obstacles and celebrate successes for 49 years! We especially enjoy our three children, their spouses and their children. We are excited that our merry band of 11 is expected to grow to 12 come January. A dozen Doans, maybe the world is not ready for us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL