Nighttime Reflection

 We enjoyed a great dinner last evening with friends. It was a festive holiday dinner complete with great conversation in advance of our upcoming travels. Their house was very festively decorated for the seasons. 

I spent time out on the lanai for a while after sunset taking in the scene across the lake. The dark lake was flat and reflected the lights of the houses on the far shore like an impressionist painting. The palms on the near shore provided some depth to the image. 

The South Florida evening was perfect. It was the kind of evening that I need to remember during the Dog Days when the temperatures do not fall below the mid-80s and sunset in after 8 PM. But, for now, I enjoy the evenings and look forward to them through at least February. Next week, we return to the Maryland winter. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Across the Bridge

Looking East from the New US-1 Bridge
Jupiter, FL
December 13, 2025

 Biking across bridges in South Florida often results in seeing some of the most stunning scenes. Of course, driving a car across the bridges provides a similar, only more brief view. And as the driver, I often cannot fully comprehend and enjoy the scene. 

Looking West to the New US-1 Bridge
Jupiter, FL
November 5, 2025

The first year anniversary of the new US-1 bridge across the ICW and Loxahatchee River is upon us. The bridge has returned to a normal part of life since the reopening, but I remember the traffic disaster in Tequesta during the construction.

A couple of days ago, I embarked on a 16-mile bike ride, crossing the newly constructed US-1 Bridge twice. I couldn’t help but marvel at the significant improvement in the bridge’s design compared to the previous span. Gone are the steel grates that posed a risk of losing balance; instead, there’s a dedicated bike lane. The breathtaking views from the bridge are simply stunning. On the day of my ride, the sky was a mesmerizing blend of blue and clouds, and the Intra Coastal Waterway (ICW) was relatively calm. Traffic was light, allowing me to effortlessly ascend to what may be the highest elevation in Jupiter, excluding the lighthouse.   

The view in each direction is stunning. I wanted to stop and linger, but there is a solid divider between the bike lane and the pedestrian walkway where the rest area is located. 

I checked my ride log for 2025, and I expect to complete over 1500 miles this year. That is lower than previous years as I have not to been riding as often lately due to travel. 

The ride across the bridge, however, was memorable and I am adding that circuit into my ride rotation. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Quiet Evening at Home

On the Veranda
Tequesta, FL
December 17, 2025

 With what promises to be a very busy final week before Christmas, Chris and I chose to relax at home last evening. We filled our tabletop fire pit with ethanol and enjoyed some wine and munchies while watching the news of the day on the veranda.

The temperature was perfect, low 70s, and we were out of the wind. Our fire pit was working perfectly and most importantly, Chris was relaxing. It is December evenings like that which remind us how enjoyable life can be in South Florida. While most of the rest of the country is freezing, literally, we are enjoying moderate temperatures. The temperature range yesterday was a low of 71 degrees to a high of 78 degrees. Very enjoyable. 

We completed our Christmas shopping during the day! Yay! Now we are entering the deployment phase. Monday we fly to Maryland for a holiday visit. Christmas is front loaded on the visit. 

By the time we return home, it will be time to celebrate the arrival of 2026. Wow, 2025 is disappearing! I guess I am happy to see it go.

I was given an interesting statement to consider yesterday: 

90 percent of the things I worry about never happen. Worrying Works! (The Big Apple)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

It was COLD

Under the Tiki Hut at Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
December 16, 2025

 I know that it is hard to believe, but it gets cold here in South Florida. Last evening, Chris and I headed off to what was billed as a Country Style Christmas celebration complete with Line Dancing. It was being held at our favorite restaurant, Tiki52. 

The restaurant was festively decorated and a dance area had been raked in the sand to support the line dancing. We were able to get a front row table because we arrived early, which was really at our normal time. 

The wind coming off the ICW made it seem colder than the actual temperature. The temperature started at 71 degrees, by the time we departed it was only 69 and we were cold. I had dressed appropriately in jeans and a sweater, but still, I got cold. It was weird!

We had fun, but although the festivities were supposed to begin at 5:30 PM, there were problems with the sound system and the music was delayed. We waited about an hour before deciding that we were done eating, drinking, and we were cold. So despite that we were having an enjoyable time, we departed. It just got to be too cold. 

So yes, it gets cold here in South Florida, even at 69 degrees!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

I Can't Believe He Said That

"It's all about him," I cannot believe what our president wrote about the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife. 

The comments are criminally insensitive and I wonder how any rational thinking person in America would continue to want to be led such a pompous wannabe. 

Two people were brutally murdered and he wrote the following: 

A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS. He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace! (Truth Social)

This diatribe is from the same person who called a woman, "piggy" just for asking him a question.

Apparently, there is now a disorder called Trump Derangement Syndrome, which shows just how self-centered the president has become.

These, in my opinion, are the statements of a small-minded, bigoted person who has no respect for anyone. 

Civility and respect need to return to the White House. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - December 15, 2025

 

1. And here we are, mired in the middle of the last month of 2025. There are 10 days to go until Christmas and it is the third Monday of the month. There remain only two Mondays of 2025!

2. NFL Family Football Report. Given what happened with the Ravens last Sunday, I boycotted watching the NFL this week. Between both dismal play execution by the team and criminal refereeing, I just couldn't take watching the games yesterday. Three family teams have been eliminated from the playoffs, I put the Cowboys in that category because they must win their three remaining games and the Eagles must lose all of their three remaining games. The teams are 36-45-1, .445. 

Ravens (7-7) exacted revenge on the Bengals (5-9), 28-0 

Dolphins (6-7) play Steelers (7-6), tonight

Commanders (4-10) dispatched Giants (2-12), 29-21

Cowboys (6-7-1) were effectively eliminated from playoffs by Vikings (6-8), 26-34 

Chiefs (6-8) were eliminated from playoffs by Chargers (10-4) 13-16

Christmas Poinsettia
Tequesta, FL
December 14, 2025

3. Chris placed our poinsettia in the garden to add some much needed color. It does. It was especially radiant yesterday still carrying the raindrops from the overnight rainstorm.

Christmas at the Mall
Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
December 14, 2025

4. We ventured to the local mall, the Gardens Mall, yesterday to do some Christmas shopping. We have been going to the mall fairly regularly during the year and it is usually a ghost town. Not so yesterday. The parking lots were full and the mall was bustling with Christmas shoppers. It was fun to be out and enjoying so many other shoppers. And we were successful in our efforts to find some actual physical Christmas gifts in a brick and mortar mall setting. The Christmas Spirit was definitely evident. 

5. The attacks at Brown University in Rhode Island and on Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia, that killed so many people and injured so many others sadly highlight the continuing hostility and lack of civility in the world. I thought Australia had tough gun laws and we know how liberal they are here in the US. I cannot fathom why people believe they need to get weapons and go shoot strangers. 

6. Today in History. In a ceremony held in Baghdad on December 15, 2011, the war that began in 2003 with the American-led invasion of Iraqofficially comes to an end. But violence continued and in fact worsened over the subsequent years. The withdrawal of American troops had been a priority of President Barack Obama, but by the time he left office the United States would again be conducting military operations in Iraq.

Five days after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush announced the “War on Terror,” an umbrella term for a series of preemptive military strikes meant to reduce the threat terrorism posed to the American homeland. The first such strike was the invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, which began a war that continued for two decades.

Australia plans tougher gun laws after police say father and son killed 15 at Bondi Beach - Reuters

Meta tolerates rampant ad fraud from China to safeguard billions in revenue - Reuters

 Canada's farmers are producing record crops despite droughts and floods - Reuters

Morning Bid: Stocks catch a break after bruising AI selloff - Reuters

Authorities seek Brown University gunman after releasing person of interest - The Washington Post

Why Trump won’t stop trying to free Tina Peters — and why Colorado refuses to back down - MS Now

 Last-ditch and likely to fail: The House GOP is finally ready to act on health care - MS Now

NFL officials under fire after Rams edge Lions 41-34 to secure postseason berth - FoxNews

Congress races against the clock to avert skyrocketing health care costs for millions - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Christmas Movies: The Next 9

 Tis the season for Christmas Movies. 

Image from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

There are so many movies out there that Chris and I began watching the movies before Thanksgiving this year so that we would not go into complete Christmas overload. 

I ranked my top 10 all time Christmas movies last year. I reviewed the what I wrote and stand by it. I expect to complete viewing each of the movies in my Top 10 today or tomorrow by watching The Holiday (2006) and then It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

I realized that in reviewing the list that I had forgotten to consider one of my true favorites, a made for TV movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964). No, it doesn't crack my top 10, but I realized that I may need to continue into my next ranked favorite Christmas movies. 

And so, here are my next 9 favorite Christmas movies. Since I had a tie at 10 last year, I'm beginning at 12.

12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

13. Red One (2024)

14. A Christmas Story (1983), Yes I enjoy the movie

15. The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)

16. The Claus Family (2020)

17. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

18. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

19. The Knight Before Christmas (2019)

20. White Christmas (1954)

And there it is. My top twenty Christmas movie list is complete. Obvious absences are Elf and any of the Grinch movies, although I do enjoy the Boris Karloff version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but it was a short TV show and not a full movie. 

Happy Watching!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Decorating the Season

 

Christmas Flamingos
Tequesta, FL
December 12, 2025

Out on my bike, yesterday, I was impressed with the explosion of Christmas decorations since my last trip around the village before Thanksgiving. The day was cool, almost too cool, when I started out, but I soon warmed and began to enjoy the ride. I was happy that I did not feel the effects of two weeks of not riding. 

Repurposed Halloween Decoration
Tequesta, FL
December 12, 2025

Of course, one of my favorite yard decorations was of two flamingos with Santa hats. I have a fondness for flamingo yard decorations.

And then there is the repurposed Halloween decoration that was modified for Thanksgiving and now sports a Christmas decor. They definitely get their use out of it as it has been in the yard since September. 

I think I prefer the less is best policy for Christmas decorations. I don't like the yards where it appears that Christmas puked. There are too many decorations to enjoy and they are placed without a theme in mind. One other observation, I am seeing fewer inflatable decorations here in South Florida than I did in Maryland. I'm not sure why.

The march towards Christmas continues unabated. 12 Days until the Big Day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

All I want for Christmas . . .

Christmas Light Adorned Yacht
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

 Christmas music is everywhere. Chris and I listened to a few hours of Christmas music during our drive south earlier this week. It provided something different than the usual assortment of songs and artists to whom we listen.

We tend to listen to two genres of Christmas music: Country and Christian. The pop Christmas songs and the updated renditions are not that interesting for us. 

My least favorite Christmas song continues to be "I'll be Home for Christmas," which elicits an almost immediate channel change. What a depressing song for such a joyous time of year. 

One song that I very much enjoy, because it is only two years old and not played constantly, is "All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan," by Kenny Chesney. I like the sentiment and it makes me smile. 

One verse expresses my white Christmas sentiment:

Well everybody's praying for a Christmas so white,

come to think about it, that'd be alright,

as long as it's sand and not snow on the ground,

and everyday our skin gets a little more brown,

We'll string some lights in a coconut tree,

I'll rub some oil on you, and you can rub some on me..

Pelican on the Piling
Tiki52, Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

While we were enjoying dinner at Tiki52 the other evening, I saw Christmas lights adorning a yacht. I had to think, that would be a great Christmas gift, a Christmas light adorned yacht! It was good to be dining outside in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. Back in the land of warm!

What I want for Christmas is one of the toughest questions I am forced to answer. Unlike a good politician, I cannot come up with a redirect or a long-winded way of saying nothing and making the questioner feel like they received a response with which they can work. I am happy and content with few needs or wants. 

I have, however, a very specific answer for the question this year, but I am not going to share it. Those who know me probably understand what that might be and it is not something that can be purchased, wrapped and delivered. But that, really, is my only want for Christmas 2025. 

“The Joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing each other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” –W. C. Jones

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Affordability is not a Hoax

Ribeye Steak @ Publix
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

 Affordability is not a hoax! 

Those of us who actually got to stores or online to shop know that prices have climbed and continue climbing. 

I was shocked yesterday when I went to buy some beef at Publix. I was looking at a Ribeye steak. I remember getting those last year for about $8.99/pound. Not today, it was $38.99/pound. Ugh! Did I move to Japan? I hope the meat rots in the case.

And then there is coffee! I used to get a 3 lb can at Costco for $13.00. Last time I bought one there it was $21.00. 

Even wine is bloating in price. I used to buy a Lohr Cab Sav for $11.99/750 ml bottle. Now I am seeing it for $18.99. And Whispering Angel has soared from $18.99/750 ml bottle to over $25/btl the last time I was in the store. 

And that is just food. I'm reading about higher energy costs, except for gas which I got at $2.39/gallon on Monday morning in Brunswick, Georgia. On the health front, Medicare rates for next year will increase more than inflation. 

The problem affordability problem goes right back to energy costs and tariffs. That applies for products grown or made in the US as well as imports. Consider, very little is grown or made in the US without some foreign influence on the raw materials, the machinery, or the technology.

Wait, and then I read about a $12 bn bailout for the farmers. Then, there is talk about a $2,000 payout to consumers to offset the tariff pain. That is way more than the tariffs will collect. Who is doing the math in the White House? Just drop the tariffs and prices will go down, it is fairly simple solution, but apparently someone wants to add even more to the national debt which has already grown by more than $2 trillion since December last year. (Joint Economic Committee)

Forbes in an article titled 20 SIGNS THERE'S AN AFFORDABILITY CRISIS IN AMERICA, listed areas where affordability is indeed the problem. I highly recommend clicking the link and reading their analysis.

In addition to tariffs and energy, the affordability problem is exacerbated by the oligarchs who are out of touch with prices and haven't shopped for their necessities in decades. We have too many uber-rich people running the country and thinking things are great because the stock market is climbing.

And don't forget the President who has made billions since starting his second term. There used to be laws to prevent conflicts of interest. Of course he is a happy camper--he is sucking the U.S. dry and completely oblivious to how his policies are affecting the electorate.

Affordability is not a hoax, it is not fake-news, and it cannot be wished away. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Mercer Museum, pt 2

View of the Main Hall
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

 I wrote about the Doan Gang exhibit at the Mercer Museum which is located in Doylestown, PA, last week. However, focusing on only the Doan Gang exhibit does a disservice to the larger museum. 

Firetruck
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

The museum is located in a purpose built facility, called the castle, and houses perhaps the most unique collection of authentic, used, and unrestored items from American life in the pre-industrial age. The museum website characterizes it as follows:

The museum complex features local and national traveling exhibits, as well as a core museum collection of over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools. This permanent collection offers visitors a unique window into pre-Industrial America through sixty different crafts and trades, and is one of the world’s most comprehensive portraits of pre-Industrial American material culture. The museum also features a research library that is a center for local history related to Bucks County and the surrounding region, with its roots dating back to the founding of the Bucks County Historical Society in 1880. (Mercer Museum Website)

The museum (castle) is seven stories tall and chock full of more items that can be fully appreciated in a day. In addition to large vehicles, like a horse-drawn firetruck, and whaling boat, each level has rooms dedicated to one aspect of life. These include, for instance, coopering, shoemaking, pottery, fishing, and almost anything that can be imagined. Each of the rooms contains most all of the unique tools necessary to complete the craft. 

We were given a great tip about viewing the collections; start at the top and work down. That worked very well for us. 

Horse-Drawn Log Sled
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

Which items impressed me most? The Conestoga Wagon, firetruck, whaling boat, gallows, and the incredible diversity and completeness of the collections. Be aware, the displays are in their natural state and have not been restored, but are maintained in the original condition. I was able to actually see the wear on the Conestoga wagon. I did not know that whaling boats were so large, although in retrospect they would have to be given they were harvesting whales. 

This museum is definitely worth the effort to visit and, as I previously wrote, Chris and I are planning a return trip next year. 

Note: Dress for conditions. The exhibit floors are not climate controlled and were cold during our December visit. Individual accessible display rooms may be climate controlled.  

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cutest Grandson in the World

Beck at Play
Glen Burnie, MD
December 7, 2025

 Chris and I are totally enamored with our youngest grandson, Beck. 

He is so cute and on this, our most recent, trip to Maryland we were blessed by spending a lot of time with Beck. 

Beck is both our 4th grandson and 4th grandchild. It seems we are destined to have only grandsons, but no worry, he is the cutest boy on two feet. Yes, he is standing and taking small steps. 

In short, he makes me smile. 

His parents are fantastic and are eagerly exposing him to new experiences daily. That written, his smile is infectious and his eyes are piercing. 

We could not get enough of him on our most recent trip north and we are looking forward to enjoying more time with him over Christmas. 

Simply stated, he is a force of nature!

I guess the 15 year gap between grandchildren is working in his favor. 

-- Bob Doan, Brunswick, GA

The Road Home

Go DAWGS!
Brunswick, GA
December 8, 2025

 Chris, Finn, and I rolled out of Odenton, MD, at about 4:30 AM this morning and we arrived in Brunswick, GA, about 2:40 PM. It was, all-in-all, a great day of driving. We were not burdened by any accidents or traffic tie-ups. Yay. 

We arrived at our hotel and even though check-in was not until 3 PM, they graciously had a room available for us! Which was good because I was dog tired! 

And, speaking of dogs, we were greeted in the lobby by the Georgia Bulldog! Go DAWGS! Although we are not in Athens, we are in Georgia! I had to smile, especially since the Ravens were baked into a pie by the Steelers yesterday.

The view out or hotel window hotel window is so poor that I decided not to take a picture of it. The view consists of the roof of the hotel complex. Yuck!

-- Bob Doan, Brunswick, GA 

Sunsets and History

 Pearl Harbor Day

Sunset Filling the Sky
Ellicott City, MD
December 6, 2025

As the light faded from the western sky last evening, I was provided a glimpse of beauty in the sunset. Sunsets are transitory, ephemeral. They change from moment to moment until they fade into darkness. But, for the time they are visible they can be spectacular.

Last evening's sunset was such a sunset. The low clouds reflected the red hues of sunset all across the sky. It was nearly a 360 degree sunset. What made this sunset special was the beams of light emanating from the now below the horizon sun. I don't see those often and against the naked winter trees, it was a stark, and at the same time, cold image. 

It is fitting that such sunset precedes a day when we remember the price of complacency. It could not possibly happen. Our fleet and military was safe at rest in Hawaii on that fateful Sunday morning when the realities of the world came for the United States with torpedos, guns, bullets, bombs, and tragically death. 

On the sunny Sunday morning of December 7, 1941, Messman Doris Miller had served breakfast aboard the USS West Virginia, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and was collecting laundry when the first of nine Japanese torpedoes hit the ship.

In the deadly confusion, Miller reported to an officer, who told him to help move the ship’s mortally wounded captain off the bridge. Unable to move him far, Miller pulled the captain to shelter. Then another officer ordered Miller to pass ammunition to him as he started up one of the two abandoned anti-aircraft guns in front of the conning tower.

Miller had not been trained to use the weapons because, as a Black man in the U.S. Navy, he was assigned to serve the white officers. But while the officer was distracted, Miller began to fire one of the guns. He fired it until he ran out of ammunition. Then he helped to move injured sailors to safety before he and the other survivors abandoned the West Virginia, which sank to the bottom of Pearl Harbor. (Letters from an American)

America fought World War II to defend democracy from fascism. And while fascism preserved hierarchies in society, democracy called on all men as equals. Of the more than 16 million Americans who served in the war, more than 1.2 million were Black American men and women, 500,000 were Latinos, and more than 550,000 Jews were part of the military. Among the many ethnic groups who fought, Indigenous Americans served at a higher percentage than any other ethnic group—more than a third of able-bodied Indigenous men between the ages of 18 and 50 joined the service—and among those 25,000 soldiers were the men who developed the famous “Code Talk,” based in tribal languages, that codebreakers never cracked.

The American president at the time, Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt, hammered home that the war was about the survival of democracy. Fascists insisted that they were moving their country forward fast and efficiently—claiming the trains ran on time, for example, although in reality they didn’t—but FDR constantly noted that the people in Italy and Germany were begging for food and shelter from the soldiers of democratic countries.

Ultimately, the struggle between fascism and democracy was the question of equality. Were all men really created equal as the Declaration of Independence said, or were some born to lead the rest, whom they held subservient to their will? (Letters from an American)

When America came under attack before, people like Doris Miller refused to let that happen. For all that American democracy still discriminated against him, it gave him room to stand up for the concept of human equality—and he laid down his life for it. Promoted to cook after the Navy sent him on a publicity tour, Miller was assigned to a new ship, the USS Liscome Bay, which was struck by a Japanese torpedo on November 24, 1943. It sank within minutes, taking two thirds of the crew, including Miller, with it. (Letters from an American)

 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Programming Note: Monday Musings will not be published tomorrow as it is a travel day and Chris, Finn, and I are headed south, back to the warmth. 

Cold and Snow!

Scene off the Back Deck
Odenton, MD
December 5, 2025

Happy St Nicholas Day

 

It was reported yesterday that Maryland received snow during December for the first time in five years!

And it had to be when Chris and I were visiting. It is cold! The temperature has not been above freezing for almost 48 hours. Although, today is supposed to climb into the 40s. 

We were quite certain that snowy weather was on its way as we drove back from Doylestown, PA, on Thursday evening. The road crews were diligently working to prepare the roads for the anticipated slippery conditions. Initially, I had anticipated that the snow would be light and short-lived, but to my surprise, it persists even this morning.

We are currently planning our return journey to Florida for Monday. The weather forecast predicts cold temperatures, with a low of 28 degrees, but we should make it south before the next storm. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, with several more activities scheduled for today and tomorrow. However, I am eagerly looking forward to the warmth of South Florida once again! Although I grew up in Upstate New York, I believe I developed a fondness for the mild winter temperatures of South Florida during my time at the University of Miami.

There is a certain satisfaction in not being slapped with an icy breeze when stepping outside or freezing my hands while clearing the truck windows. Which begs the question, Where did I leave my lone remaining ice scraper? I couldn’t find it in the truck yesterday. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

The Doan Gang

 

It is a thing, The Doan Gang. 

I have written about the Gang previously as I learned more about the outlaws that roamed Bucks County who were members of my extended family. Our genealogy goes back to a common ancestor who was second generation of Doans in America. 

But all of that is not so important, I guess. 

Chris and I made a trip to Doylestown, PA, yesterday, to visit the Mercer Museum and experience the exhibit dedicated to the outlaw portion of our family, The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution. The drive was three hours, each way, to Doylestown and I definitely underestimated the time I would spend in the museum, not only for the Doan Gang exhibit, but also roaming through the permanent collection, which is extensive. Chris and I would like to return, but it will have to be an overnight to more thoroughly explore the museum and visit other sites around Bucks County related to the Doans and the Revolution.

I was impressed with the balanced history of the Doan Gang exhibit. They were outlaws and committed some heinous crimes and so it is hard to elevate them to hero status, which the exhibit definitely did not do, but again they were also loyalists to the crown and the policies and laws of the developing nation were most definitely slanted against them. They were literally persecuted but the revolutionaries and lost their land and status. That does not excuse their actions, but as the foreword of the book published by the Mercer Museum explains:

The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution
Bucks County Historical Society, 2024

The foreword goes on to write: "Today many people lament that 'our country has never been so divided." This project challenges that notion by exploring the surprising tale of the Doan Gang, set against the backdrop of 1770s and 1780s America." 

Flintlock Musket (MM#19433)
used by members of the Doan Gang
Mercer Museum, Doylestown, PA
December 4, 2025

The exhibit is extensive; providing a detailed look into the Revolution as it unfolded in and around Bucks County, PA, during and shortly after the war. The Gang was not composed only of Doans, but a large number of others who remained loyal to the King. Members of the gang paid for their actions with their lives, John Tomlinson; Moses, Levy, and Abraham Doan. The latter two were cousins and were hanged during 1788.  They were the only two individuals ever executed for outlawry in the United States. 

As they were outlaws, there are very few items which can be confirmed as owned by the Doans, but the rifle is one such item. The rifle is presented behind a screen to reduce light exposure and getting a good image of it was difficult. Throughout the exhibit there are many period pieces in the collection with their ownership documented as it related to the Doan Gang. 

As our country approaches its 250th Anniversary, the value of this exhibit is magnified in that we are reminded of the difficult times from which our country was born and that not everyone embraced the Revolution. 

I heartily recommend this exhibit, not only because it documents one part of my heritage, but because it reminds me about the lives of real people and how they were affected by the societal upheaval that occurred during the Revolution. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Trivia Night at Crooked Crab

The Team at Crooked Crab
Odenton, MD
December 3. 2025

 We participated in one of our favorite activities, Trivia Night at Crooked Crab. We do not go every Wednesday that we are in Maryland, but we enjoy visiting when it works into our schedule so that we can to enjoy the atmosphere.

Last evening, our team of 5 arrived, secured a nice table, and ordered some pizza and adult beverages, well no adult beverages for the "not quite 21" member of the team. Then we prepared to battle the 28 other teams that checked in for the trivia event.  

The number of teams was the largest that I can remember. We have been there with just 10 or 11 teams, but 29 total teams meant the noise level was high as well as the competition. Sometimes it can be hard to concentrate and think with so much activity happening around.

We did well, finishing 5th, but more importantly, we had fun! 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Name Calling

 

Some people apparently fancy themselves as professional name callers. 

Our President, unfortunately, is one of those people who insults others by name calling. There is a whole table of names in Wikipedia's List of Nicknames.

Remember some of these classics?

Sleepy Joe

Crooked Joe

Crazy Hillary

Crooked Hillary

My Little Communist

Governor Newscum

Marjorie Traitor Green

Rocket Man

Little Rocket Man

The list is incredibly long and insults many people.. 

Yesterday it appeared to be that our president has earned a nickname for himself. He was seen sleeping through parts of his televised Cabinet Meeting. So, I came up with a nickname for him: Dozing Don! I also thought about Dozing Dandy Don, but it was too long. 

I personally detest name calling, but I firmly believe that if you give it then you need to be able to take it!

I really don't understand how people can support such childish behavior. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Stunningly Beautiful, but COLD

The Walk
Odenton, MD
December 1, 2025

 It was a cold, but stunningly beautiful afternoon, yesterday. It was Monday, Cyber Monday, but I missed most of the hot tech deals. I did not, however, miss enjoying the afternoon. 

Busy Sky
Odenton, MD
December 1, 2025

Chris and I went out into the 40-some degree weather to walk Finnegan. Finn was a lot happier about the foray into the cold that we were. We headed out about 12:30 PM, or shortly after noon and I was surprised that the shadows were still so very long. The sun was shining, but it was not providing any appreciable amount of warmth.

As we were arriving back at the house, I looked up at the sky and noticed the contrails there. I recalled a strange conspiracy-theory article that I recently read that the contrails are not ice crystals, but rather a mixture of chemicals that the government is poisoning us with and they are really Chemtrails. The Wikipedia post I referenced in the link calls it an "erroneous belief." I continue to be amazed at how people will believe what they will despite scientific evidence to the contrary. 

I won't go into a long discussion about the current  Secretary of Health and Human Services who apparently despises scientific evidence when it disagrees with his own beliefs, but in him we have an example of how people who subscribe to this belief system can cause grave damage to society as a whole. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - December 1, 2025

 

1. The final month of the year has arrived. This is the first Monday of December and there are only four Mondays remaining in the year. Where did it go? I cannot begin to comprehend the time compression of 2025, but I can almost hear 2026 striving to be born.

2. Family NFL Report. The ugly NFL season continues for the family teams. They went 2-4 during the past week. The only good news is that the Steelers and Ravens are currently fighting for the AFC North Division lead at 6-6--which is really miserable if you think of it. I want to mention the Commanders who went for the win last night against the Broncos, but failed. The family teams are now collectively 32-39-1, .451 for the year. The prospects of posting an overall winning record by the end of the season grow ever dimmer.

Ravens (6-6) were mauled by Bengals (4-8), 14-32 

Dolphins (5-7) drowned Saints (2-10), 21-17

Commanders (3-9) went for the win and lost to Broncos (10-2), 26-27

Cowboys (6-5-1) stunned Chiefs (6-6), 31-28

Steelers (6-6) stampeded by Bills (8-4), 7-26

 

Merry Christmas from Bob and Chris

3. Chris and I had our Christmas picture taken yesterday. Thanks to Patrick for decorating his house in such an inviting manner and including a photo stop. Yea, this will be an image on our Christmas card. 

Dinosaur Christmas Decoration
Odenton, MD
November 29, 2025

4. I have been enjoying the Christmas decorations. One in particular makes me smile, the dinosaur in my daughter's front yard. I'm not sure how a dinosaur could be a Christmas decoration, but it works. 

5. Conflicts of Interest. The U.S. government always had strict rules of ethics which prevented presidents from using their office to amass incredible wealth while in office. Trump has destroyed those rules. Here is a paragraph from an article in the Guardian:

Trump’s eldest sons, Don Jr and Eric, formally the custodians of the family business, are conducting a global dealmaking blitz. They have broken ground on new golf courses, received permission for new skyscrapers, rented out the Trump brand, and in cryptocurrency they have embraced a venture with the capacity to bring in more than everything that has gone before. (The Guardian)

6. Is anyone else concerned that the U.S. is about to go to war with Venezuela? Wait, it cannot be a war, legally. Are we on the verge of becoming a pariah nation just like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea?

7. Today in History.  In Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks is jailed for refusing to give up her seat on a public bus to a white man, a violation of the city’s racial segregation laws. The successful Montgomery Bus Boycott, organized by a young Baptist minister named Martin Luther King Jr., followed Park’s historic act of civil disobedience.

“The mother of the civil rights movement,” as Rosa Parks is known, was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1913. She worked as a seamstress and in 1943 joined the Montgomery chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Kazakhstan tells Ukraine to stop attacking oil terminal - Reuters

Venezuela's National Assembly to investigate US boat strikes - Reuters

Airbus narrows software crisis as airlines ride out A320 recall - Reuters

The case for Hegseth’s impeachment - MS NOW

Republicans’ health care homework is due — and they’re panicking - MS NOW

Trump’s threats bring war with Venezuela closer as legal fears mount - CNN

A college freshman deported while flying home for Thanksgiving is fighting to return. Here’s what we know about her case - CNN

Aid cuts have shaken HIV/Aids care to its core – and will mean millions more infections ahead - The Guardian

Experts warn of ‘global crisis’ as number of women in prison nears one million - The Guardian

Trump gave Maduro ultimatum to flee Venezuela as land operations loom: report - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD