Evening along the Jupiter Inlet

Looking to the Mouth of the Inlet and the Ocean
Dubois Park, Jupiter, FL
May 30, 2025

 Last evening Chris and I journeyed, along with a friend, to DuBois Park aside the Jupiter inlet to enjoy the ending of the day and sunset. We do not visit the park often as we usually head to the ICW to watch the sunsets and enjoy the evening. That was due to the closure of the US-1 bridge for the past almost two years. But, the bridge is open and getting to DuBois Park is much easier. We traversed the bridge twice yesterday crossing over the Inlet and ICW.

Sunset with the Lighthouse
Dubois Park, Jupiter, FL
May 30, 2025

DuBois Park is comfortably large and provides multiple areas to enjoy. Situated along the inlet, there is a lot of boat traffic to enjoy and last evening the water was fairly flat which made the evening even more enjoyable. 

We were treated to a colorful sunset with the Jupiter Lighthouse as the focal point. I have enjoyed boating the waters of the ICW and the inlet and looking across to the lighthouse last evening reminded me of those great times. 

It was a great ending to the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#jupiterinlet #jupiterlighthouse #duboispark

Follow the Bouncing Ruling

 The battles playing out in the courts right now are as compelling as the Super Bowl. 

Seriously.

I mean really, it's serious. 

Watching the judicial system work to uphold the rule of law when the Executive Branch is intent on usurping authorities form the other branches and exceeding the provisions The Constitution can at times be mind numbing, but it is critical. 

The spin doctors of the Executive Branch are trying to paint the judiciary as left-wing radicals while stealing for themselves authorities they do not have. 

The gambit Trump used successfully during the four years of the Biden administration was to claim he was being targeted. He is using that now by himself targeting the judiciary. Now that he is back in The White House, it is clear which family is the crime family. Nearly every deal with another country has a sub-plot whereby the Trumps get richer and the U.S. pays the freight. And when I say the U.S., I mean US, the taxpayers and working people of America. For instance, I saw that the trade deal with Vietnam also contained  Trump family project.

Poor me (Trump) has become at least $2B richer since becoming president and openly ignores the ethics regulations that public servants are bound to follow. WAIT! Did I write public servants? Well of course I am not speaking of the president, because we all know he is not a public servant, he is in it for himself alone as he continues to make deals that benefit his family and not the U.S.

We are engaged in a struggle to determine whether, as has been true for the previous 46 presidents, presidents  are bound to follow the Constitution and laws of the land or whether they, as 47 would have us believe, have absolute authority.

Support the judges, they are apparently our only hope.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Ahead of the Storm

Storm in the Distance
Loxahatchee River Bridge, Tequesta, FL
May 28, 2025

 I managed a solid bike ride yesterday around Tequesta. I was concerned about the storm clouds that I saw, but as it turned out they remained in the distance and I enjoyed the ride. 

I imaged the clouds from the Loxahatchee River Bridge in Tequesta and at that time I wondered if I was going to get rained on during my ride. I kept a close eye on the storm and was a lucky that it remained in the distance and eventually dissipated. 

May has not been a great biking month, as I am only at about 130 miles total for 8 rides. I have had some short rides and have not logged any 20-milers during the month. I have enjoyed my rides as they allow me to watch the summer creep into the area. During my rides I do my tortoise count and focus on the areas where I know there are tortoise dens. I also watch the houses which are being constructed. Construction is a very slow process and at times the contractors forget to allow enough space for two vehicles to pass on the streets--which is frustrating. I have had to dismount and walk my bike through adjoining yards to pass the areas. 

Hopefully, June will be a better riding month!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Riding the Hump of the Week

 It is the mid-point of the week.

After two days of rain that precluded riding, I am planning on getting out today to ply the streets on my bike. 

It will be very humid and I need to reacclimatize to the steamy weather.  

At least the storms are not expected until this afternoon. But, it is Florida in the summer. Storms and rain is expected. 

It is another busy week in the country and the news. 

It is disheartening that our president has figured out how to abuse his office to increase his wealth while running roughshod over the ethics laws and rules. Also, he always talked about the Biden crime family, when in reality there is only one crime family in operation in the U.S. right now. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

June Rains Arrive Early

Orchid on the Lanai
Tequesta, FL
May 25, 2025

 The much needed rains have arrived early. June is typically when Florida moves into the season of afternoon rains and thunderstorms, but for the past two days we have been having intermittent showers and an occasional thunderstorm throughout the day. 

The weather has prevented me from riding my bike which makes me a bit restless. 

Finnegan is currently sitting on my feet. He hates the storms and especially the thunder. 

The Rainstorm this Morning
Tequesta, FL
May 27, 2025

He just ran downstairs when he heard thunder and came over to where I am sitting. While I appreciate that Finn views me as the Big Dog, I feel bad that the storms cause him so much angst.

The rains have stopped and Finnegan has departed from the protection of my feet. We will see how long that lasts. 

The humid weather caused by the storms is bringing out the bugs (sadly) and the flowers. I took a solid image of a blooming orchid at a friend's house the other evening. I enjoy taking images where I can play with the depth of field.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - May 26, 2025

 Memorial Day 2025

“If words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.” —Ronald Reagan

Decorated House
Tequesta, FL
May 25, 2025

1. Welcome to the final Monday of May 2025. There are 31 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. In an amazing finish, the Orioles are on a two game winning streak and split the four-game series against the Red Sox in Fenway. We have to enjoy the victories when they happen. Who knows, they may even get to 20 victories soon!

3. As I rode my bike around Tequesta yesterday, I was pleased to note how many houses were decorated, tastefully, for Memorial Day. There were many and that meant going above and beyond just having the flag on a pole. So many people add small flags around their gardens and the street. 

4. Well, the Big Beautiful Bill has gone onto the Senate. Wow. I am hopeful that the senators will put some fiscal sense into the bill. I am very concerned that the administration wants to cut funds to care for Americans in order to deport immigrants. That seems upside down to me. And then there is the huge tax cut for the wealthy while actually increasing the costs of living for the lower earners. I am hard-pressed to find an upside in the bill with the exception of increasing defense expenditures.

5. Today in History. On May 26, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signs into law the Immigration Act of 1924, the most stringent U.S. immigration policy up to that time in the nation’s history.

The new law—also known as the Johnson-Reed Immigration Act—reflected the desire of Americans to isolate themselves from the world after fighting World War I in Europe, which exacerbated growing fears of the spread of communist ideas. It also reflected the pervasiveness of racial discrimination in American society at the time. Many Americans saw the enormous influx of largely unskilled, uneducated immigrants during the early 1900s as causing unfair competition for jobs and land.

Trump says Putin has 'gone absolutely CRAZY', considering more sanctions on Russia - Reuters

EU sees 'new impetus' in trade talks from weekend call with Trump - Reuters

European stocks rebound as Trump's tariff deadline extension aids sentiment - Reuters

Trump's tax cut plan will be cripplingly expensive for most Americans - MSNBC

The Trump administration’s literally toxic agenda exposes ‘MAHA’ as a ruse - MSNBC

Rand Paul slams Johnson, says 'big, beautiful' bill will 'explode' debt - FoxNews

Slammed by Russian missiles, Ukraine seeks more U.S. air defense systems - The Washington Post

E. coli outbreak sickened more than 80 people, but details didn’t surface - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Memorial Day Weekend 2025

 

Memorial Day is tomorrow and the unofficial start of Summer has arrived. 

Chris and I are laying low this holiday weekend. We are going to finish the month of May without traveling anywhere. That has allowed us to recharge in preparation for the summer season. We will be heading off to Maryland during early June to visit family. 

This weekend we remember and honor those who "gave the last full measure of devotion" for our country and our way of life.

I quote the final portion of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address as a thought for today:

It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

and finally:

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

-- Ronald Reagan

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL  

Sitting Pretty

Finnegan
Tequesta, FL
May 23, 2025

 Last evening as Chris and I were sitting on the veranda enjoying the light and sound show of the storms, Finnegan, who is afraid of the thunder, calmed enough to jump onto the sofa and sit still long enough for me to get a great image. 

The Pack: Finn, Makayla, and Riordin
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022

He really hates the storms and often finds refuge under my feet as I am sitting. I have to be careful when I move, but he does know who is the Big Dog!

Later, he brought a tear to my eyes as he went inside and sat at the door looking out at me. He sat there and I was reminded of the missing members of the pack who once sat at the door as Chris and I were relaxing on the veranda. Was it already three years ago when they were all together? 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Confirming the Wine Status

 I wrote briefly about my FedEx troubles with recent wine delivery. The wine was delayed four days and not stored in good conditions. The condition of the corks seepage concerned me that the wines may have gotten "cooked."

Here is a good description of cooked wine:

If a bottle of wine has been exposed to extremes of heat, the wine might start to expand and leak out of the cork a bit. When you remove the capsule, you might notice a sticky mess. This is evidence your wine may have been exposed to heat, but it doesn't always mean that your wine is toast. A "cooked" wine's flavors will actually taste ... cooked. The fruit flavors might seem stewed, not fresh. There might be baked, burnt or caramel notes. The color may also have changed from deep red to more of a brown or brick tone.  (WineSpectator)

Well, I was concerned. But the only way to know if a wine is cooked is by sight and taste. But what, say, if I didn't want to open the bottle right now. I generally like to keep my bottles for a few weeks/months/years depending on the varietal and vintage. 

So, how to taste and evaluate the wines without opening them? 

The Coravin! 

I have had a Coravin for a few years but use it only infrequently. But, it provided a great way for me to sample the wines and make a determinations to whether they were cooked or not. 

Fortunately, the wines which appeared to have suffered the most were not cooked--by the definition above. They just got too warm and expanded in the bottle. This, of course, will lessen their shelf life, but again I am lucky in that none of the wines in this shipment were destined for long-term lay-down. One of the bottles, a solid CabSauv, was so good that I finished the bottle across three nights without ever removing the cork. 

That is the beauty of the Coravin. Chris and I are on divergent wine tastes at the moment, she likes whites more and I the reds, I will be using my Coravin a bit more because some wines go flat too quickly once oxidized.

I have contacted the winery and advised them of the results of my sampling and that I will not be requesting the replacements they graciously offered.

Ahh, wine. 

Life is too short to drink bad wine!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Down Day

 

Tobago Cays Marine State Park
St Vincent & the Grenadines
August 3, 2011 

We took a pass yesterday. 

We did manage a trip to the grocery store for replenishment, but other than that it was pretty quiet. 

I spent more time working on some older images to get them ready for possible printing and display. 

The one today is of a turtle I imaged while enjoying Tobago Cays Marine State Park during 2011. 

We had a fun day snorkeling with the turtles during a week long catamaran sailing trip. 

Working with the image brought back some great memories. I had posted a quick blog during the trip titled, Turtles of Tobago Cays. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The House Seems Empty

 We dropped George and Sue off at the airport about 12:30 PM yesterday. That ended their all-to-short time with us. 

It is amazing how the house seems empty. 

It really isn't as we are still here along with the Finn-dog. 

But still--it is sad because instead of thinking about heading off to some place and enjoying the Florida climate, I will be heading to the grocery store. 

I will also continue to install a replacement door lock. The overly complicated on that I installed last August broke and the company sent me a replacement, no charge, which has  some software issues and is complicating the reinstallation. Ugh. 

After a week on enjoying the outdoors and considering the animals of Florida, I came across this image. It got me thinking. Wow!

We are, and the Big Beautiful Budget makes it worse.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Off to the Beach--Last Day

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
May 19, 2025

 We headed off to the Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge Beach on Jupiter Island to enjoy the sun, sand, and the waves. It was a beautiful day and the last full day of George and Sue's visit with us in Florida. 

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
May 19, 2025

The waters just off the beach were alive with schools of fish moving along the beach. Every so often they would be attacked by larger fish looking for a meal and the schools would scatter only to reform after the attacker left the area. We watched this activity literally for hours.

I was late getting to the beach as I had to wait for a wine shipment. Fortunately, the delivery was as about the time I expected. It was the 3rd delivery attempt. I am very disappointed with FedEx and their inability to advise me of the wine's initial delivery and then that I could not redirect it to a pick-up location. Some of the wine appears cooked with one cork popped a bit. I have contacted the winery and they will replace any bad bottles--but FedEx really is to blame for their terrible customer service and for not properly caring for the wine in transit. 

We closed out the day with Happy Hour at Hog Snappers and then back to the house for after dinner drinks. It was a wonderful day and we are sad to see George and Sue depart. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - May 19, 2025

 

Osprey with Catch
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
Jupiter Island, FL
July 13, 2012

1. The month of May continues. This is the third Monday of the month. There are 32 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. I have been going Bach through old images and using a newly acquired application to sharpen and upscale them. I am very happy with the results and we will be printing some of the images for display. 

3. Miserable. That is my current assessment of the train wreck which is the Baltimore Orioles. The team is currently mired in a six game losing streak and is hosing signs of already packing in the season. It is incredibly sad for a team which some pundits predicted would represent the American League in the World Series this year. 

4. After a busy weekend, we are looking at a quiet beach day today. It should be a lot of fun lounging on a nearly deserted beach. 

5. Today in History. At 8:32 a.m. PDT on May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens, a volcanic peak in southwestern Washington, suffers a massive eruption, killing 57 people and devastating some 210 square miles of wilderness.

Called Louwala-Clough, or “the Smoking Mountain,” by Native Americans, Mount St. Helens is located in the Cascade Range and stood 9,680 feet before its eruption. The volcano has erupted periodically during the last 4,500 years, and the last active period was between 1831 and 1857. On March 20, 1980, noticeable volcanic activity began with a series of earth tremors centered on the ground just beneath the north flank of the mountain. These earthquakes escalated, and on March 27 a minor eruption occurred, and Mount St. Helens began emitting steam and ash through its crater and vents.

Trump to speak to Putin on end to war in Ukraine as Europeans demand ceasefire - Reuters

Brazil can no longer export poultry and meat to EU due to bird flu - Reuters

Russia launches war's largest drone attack ahead of Putin-Trump call - Reuters

I knew the pain of apartheid. How dare Trump embrace Afrikaners as refugees. - MSNBC

Senate Republicans plan to hand Trump’s favorite new industry a big victory - MSNBC

Trump's 'big, beautiful' tax and spending bill clears major hurdle in House - FoxNews

New Jersey rail strike ends with pay raise for workers, union says - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Bald Eagle
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Jupiter, FL
May 17, 2025

The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary beckoned us yesterday. Chris and I had not visited the sanctuary since it moved to its new location. 

The entire layout and set up is first rate. The animals were active and we enjoyed watching the panthers prowl and the turkeys trot. Seriously--most all of the animals were out in their yards doing something--in the case of the bobcats it was mostly sleeping, however, one of them did walk about. 

Tom Turkey with Fencing
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Jupiter, FL
May 17, 2025

While the enclosures first-rate and provide protection for the animals from humans, my only negative of the day was that the enclosures make it hard to get good images of the animals. The best image I was able to obtain was of the eagle, because the enclosure was close enough that I could lean in and take the image between the links of chain fencing. On all others, except in the reptile house, I had to fight the enclosure for an image.

I was very impressed overall with the new facility and the availability of volunteers and staff to answer questions and provide insights. I was also impressed with the availability of restrooms!

My only other critique is that I would have preferred more information about the animals on the enclosures--to include some history and in the case of enclosures with multiple species an identification guide. 

A great day and well worth the visit. Allow about 2-3 hours for a visit. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Mid-May Boat Day with Friends

Heading Out
Manatee Pocket, Port Salerno, FL
May 16, 2025

 It had been since the end of January that we last ventured out in a boat. I had four reservations canceled during February, March, and April primarily due to weather. As a result, I was excited yesterday as Chris and I were joined by four friends for a day on the water. 

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge 
Jupiter Island, FL
May 16, 2025

I reserved a pontoon boat for the day, since there were six of us. It is more comfortable for everyone because there is plenty of space. The boat is rated for 15 people, so there was lots of room to move around. Another good feature is that, being a pontoon boat, we could board or deboard from multiple locations including the bow. Boarding/deboarding from the bow was great for our first stop at my favorite beach on Jupiter Island. Everyone could stay dry. We enjoyed being the only ones on this stretch of beach until it got near noon, when others began to arrive. 

I have never been a big fan of pontoon boats because they are big and slow, but I realized big is good as it handled the wakes of the passing boats very well. As for slow, well I was able to sustain about 16 mph which is OK for motoring around the ICW. 

Sea Nettle
Stuart City Docks, Stuart, FL
May 16, 2025

After the beach we headed off to Stuart for lunch. I enjoy boating on the St Lucie River because there is usually not too much traffic and it is mostly open water once we get past the sandbars where the river joins with the Indian River. 

Arriving in Stuart we were greeted by thousands of sea nettles. They were everywhere around the docks and we enjoyed looking at them for a bit.

While we dined, the winds increased making the ride back to Manatee Pocket and the marina a bit more blustery and rough than the outbound trip. I was pleased that the pontoon boat handled very well in the rougher waters. 

We had a great day together and I look forward to getting back out on the water soon. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Checking out Bathtub Beach

Happy Beach Goers
Bathtub Beach, Hutchinson Island, FL
May 15, 2025

 We decided to checkout a new beach yesterday. Well, of course it is not new it is just that we have never visited the beach before. 

We sojourned to Bathtub Beach on Hutchinson Island yesterday. It is a long-ish drive, 45 minutes, but it is a beautiful beach. My failing was that I did not remember my snorkeling gear as there is a reef a few hundred yards offshore which is supposed to be very full of marine life. I don't feel too bad about it though because the water temperature was only 74 degrees yesterday. I will make a return trip when the water gets closer to 80 degrees. 

I don't fully grasp why the beach is balled Bathtub. It is neither small not enclosed, but rather it is a wide stretch of beach. It may be because of the offshore reef which keeps the waves at bay. 

In other thoughts, I noted this truck, a Denali, during our drive yesterday and with the push to Americanize names, I wondered if the company would be changing the name to McKinley? 

Today is a boat day! I love South Florida when the weather is good!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cheering the Wildcats

Jax and Nicole
Berlin, MD
MAy 10, 2025

 I have not written a lot about the Arundel High School Varsity Baseball Team this season. But, their win over Saverna Park made them a regional champion and propelled them into the Maryland State Class 3A Baseball Finals, it is time to start mentioning the Wildcats. 

It was a tough season, with the Wildcats going 10-10 until the regional playoffs. They won their play-in game and then defeated two more teams, including one team that was a favorite to with the state championship, to get into the finals, where they are now .

Their win yesterday, 7-2 over Saverna Park, was a signature win which propelled them into the States. 

The official final seedings for the State tournament are pending as of this morning but there is excitement in the air as the season continues. One unofficial source has Arundel facing Chopticon. The stats and comparison between the two teams is on the web.

I love baseball!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tiki Tuesday Again

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
May 13, 2025

 Tuesday is, of course, Tiki Tuesday. And yesterday definitely fit the description. 

I completed an almost 18-mile ride in the morning and enjoyed sitting at Tiki52 alongside the marina for an enjoyable evening. 

The flags were especially impressive last evening against the ultra blue sky and I felt compelled to snap an image of them. It was a nicely warm evening at Tiki52 and the wind off the water was more refreshing than it was uncomfortably cold. 

My biking adventure earlier in the day was largely unremarkable except for one stretch where the service trucks completely blocked the road and I had to dismount and squeeze my bike between them. I don't understand how the drivers did not see anything wrong with completely blocking the road to unload goods. I should have taken an image of the situation for posterity, but I was too upset that I had to dismount and walk between the trucks to think about anything other than safety. 

Well, we have friends arriving today for a week and I am looking forward to some boating and beach activities. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Summer Effectively Arrives in South Florida

And the Rain Fell
Tequesta, Fl
May 12, 2025

 The overcast gray and rain was perfect for a Monday. That describes our weather yesterday. It definitely was an indoor day. Last evening it rained so hard and for so long that we had a river in the street moving for the storm drains. Fortunately the drains were able to handle the water. Sometimes the can't.

Today, however, is shaping up to be a better day. The much needed rain of yesterday has cleared out and blue skies portend a hot and sunny day. 

The forecast for the rest of the week is sunny with highs in the upper-80s and low-90s. The "feels-like" temperature will be in the high-90s and even low-100s due to the humidity. I'm feeling some bike, beach and boat activities coming on! 

Feels like summer has arrived!

--Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - May 12, 2025

 

1. Well here we are, it is the 2nd Monday of May 2025. Amazingly there are 33 Mondays remaining in this year. 

2. How 'bout them O's? Sitting on the bottom of the division, but they managed to win their second series of the year after getting swept in Minnesota. They are currently tied for the 26th (of 30) best team in MLB. If this were the Premier League in the UK, they would be facing relegation--maybe not a bad idea. I think Norfolk could do better than they are playing right now. 

3. We enjoyed a great Mother's Day. The day was capped at a local Italian Restaurant, Vulcano's.  for a great meal with friends. The wine flowed freely as did the food. This small restaurant in a local strip plaza was a great find. The evening was great and was a fitting end for the celebration of Mothers. 

4. Trump's trade war with the world is becoming something of a joke and it is fraught with possibilities for corruption. Take, for instance, this morning's announcement of a trade deal with China. The markets surged, but was this information available to everyone or only a select few? There is money to be made, but, I suspect, the system is being games and the small investors are left holing the bag. 

5. Today in History. The body of aviation hero Charles Lindbergh’s baby is found on May 12, 1932, more than two months after he was kidnapped from his family’s Hopewell, New Jersey, mansion.

Lindbergh, who became the first worldwide celebrity five years earlier when he flew The Spirit of St. Louis across the Atlantic, and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh discovered a ransom note in their 20-month-old child’s empty room on March 1. The kidnapper had used a ladder to climb up to the open second-floor window and had left muddy footprints in the room. In barely legible English, the ransom note demanded $50,000.

On May 12, a renewed search of the area near the Lindbergh mansion turned up the baby’s body. He had been killed the night of the kidnapping and was found less than a mile from the home. The heartbroken Lindberghs ended up donating the home to charity and moved away.

Latest updates: US and China agree to lower tariff levels for 90 days - Reuters

Kurdish PKK disbands and ends 40-year Turkey insurgency - Reuters

Trump plans to accept luxury 747 from Qatar to use as Air Force One - Reuters

Republicans to reveal whether they will advance tax hike on the wealthy - Reuters

Zelenskiy tells Putin to come to Turkey if he wants talks, after Trump intervention - Reuters

Trump is finally getting his parade — and it's only going to cost taxpayers tens of millions - MSNBC

South Carolina botched this man’s execution. But that’s not the main problem. - MSNBC

Trump travels abroad after talks fail with those who shout 'death to America' - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#mondaymusings

Mother's Day 2025

 Mother's Day 2025

Sidney J. (Fairbanks) Doan 
Columbia, MD
August 16, 2013

It is a blessing that we can take a day to celebrate mothers. In the human experience, having a mother is something we all share. Sometimes the mother we celebrate may not be our biological mother, but to whom we choose to ascribe the title "mother" is, perhaps, the most honorable and important title in all of humanity.  

Today I honor all moms: my mom, my wife, my daughter, my daughters-in-law, and every woman who is a mom. 

Thanks for the love, toil, work, and dedication being a mom requires. You are the keepers of society and future generations.

Today, however, I especially remember, my mom. She passed during December 2021, but she is still very present with both Chris and me. One of the ways she is present is her maiden name. We often bike through a golf community and some of the streets are simply named Fairway with a direction (N, NE, E, SE, etc.). Her maiden name was Fairbanks and the similarity is enough to remind us of her every time we bike the Fairway streets. But more than that, both Chris and I refer to her often and the blessing that she was watching us progress from a couple of love-struck high school kids into who we are today. 

And even today my mom remains a blessing to my entire family for her strength, grace, and wisdom. 

Thanks for being my mom and the embodiment of love.

1 Cor 13:4-8a. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday on the Course

Chris Putting
Jupiter Dunes, Jupiter, FL
May 9, 2025

 Chris and I actually got out yesterday and played a round of golf at our favorite local course. We had not played together since January and it was good to be back out on the links. That written, this course is tough. Small greens and some really tough shots. I did not do as well as I would have liked. 

Green Heron
Jupiter Dunes, Jupiter, FL
May 9, 2025

We rode for a change as we normally walk the course. With the hot humid weather moving in, I thought we might enjoy the back 9 more if we were not exhausted from the front 9. And it worked out. It was nice to have the shade of the golf cart to shield us from the burning sun.

Of course, as always we were treated to a variety of animals to enjoy. Fortunately there are no alligators on this course, but I got a very nice image of a green heron. 

We enjoyed our time on the course and were able to get out of the sun just before lunch time to enjoy the remainder of the day out of the heat and humidity. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Weather Turns

Gopher Tortoise
Tequesta, FL
May 8, 2025

 The weather has turned.

Our weather has transitioned from an almost idyllic springtime with low humidity and moderate temperatures to South Florida summer where the temperatures and humidity both approach 90. It is uncomfortable after enjoying the long and luxurious weather we have experienced. But, we knew the sloppy wet heat would soon arrive.

I rode almost 18 miles yesterday before the day became too unbearable. The region is lacking for moisture as can be seen from the image of the tortoise along the roadway that I snapped yesterday. The normally lush green grasses are burnt and brown. We need rain--lots of it, but hopefully not all at once.

In the news, was it a cosmic coincidence that an American was selected as Pope on V-E Day? Yes, Pope Leo XIV is originally from Chicago.

Oh; my tortoise count yesterday was 2.

Chris and I are planning a golf outing this morning. It will be our first together since January. At least the lower off-season rates are in effect.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Riding and Walking

Flower on the Grass
Tequesta, FL
May 7, 2025

 I pushed Chris a harder yesterday on our bikes. I added a two-mile loop bringing her up to 12 miles on the ride. That she was tired at the end, but she made the ride and is getting back into riding shape.

I enjoy our rides together. They are slower than when I ride alone, but it is nice to be with someone and we stay connected on our cells to communicate during the ride. That makes it nice as we can discuss what we are seeing or warn each other of traffic situations.

The real challenge is after the ride. Finnegan needs to be walked. I have to admit I am not interested in walking the dog after riding for more than an hour. But, it needs to be done and so we do it. We definitely get our exercise in for the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Enjoying the Late Afternoon

Florida Crow
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
May 6, 2025

 The ultimate form of escapism for me is enjoying the beach on a sunny afternoon. There is something about the sound of the waves and the antics of the birds that erases all of the concerns from my mind. 

Yesterday was no exception.

Kiteboarder with Moon
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
May 6, 2025

The birds were exceptionally active. We had an assortment of crows, sanderlings, sand pipers, and a couple of ospreys that kept us amused. Sadly, there were no surfers but a couple of kiteboarders were out on the rough waters of the Atlantic.

One kiteboarder was very proficient and stayed on the water for quite a while. My only concern was when he landed the kite--it seemed like a phoenix and kept trying to rise up into the air. I felt we were within the possible impact zone if he lost control--fortunately, he was able to finally get the kite to stay down. 

A great ending to a nearly perfect day, Happy Hour on the beach with friends. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The 6th of May

 It is the day after the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. Chris and I usually host a gathering, but this year we didn't have anyone around to celebrate with and so we went out to the local Mexican restaurant to enjoy some food and libations. 

Super Nachos
Rancho Chico, Tequesta, FL
May 5, 2025

It is a short walk to Rancho Chico, but with the threat of thunderstorms in the area we drove and were fortunate enough to find parking in the much-too-small lot. I wondered why the restaurant did not actually close down the parking lot and do a celebration similar to what the Irish restaurant puts on for St Patricks Day. I think having a real mariachi band and tents out in the parking lot would be a lot more celebratory. There would certainly be more room for all of the people who crammed into the restaurant. We were lucky to head over a bit early--before the rush. 

All-in-all, we had a great Cinco de Mayo. We enjoyed margaritas--the ones I made at home were much better than the watered down ones at the restaurant. We enjoyed the music and the food. 

And so, my favorite foreign holiday is over and we move ahead. What's next? V-E Day, of course! Although I fear the name will soon be changed incorrectly because Victory Day World Way II did not actually occur until September 2 when the Japanese formally surrendered. I guess not everyone actually remembers the history they study. I wonder what our president will rename Cinco de Mayo?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL