Monday Musings - June 30, 2025

 

1. The end of the month of June has arrived. This is the last Monday of the month and we have arrived at the halfway point of the year. As expected, there are 26 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Finn in the Lead
Tequesta, FL
June 29, 2025

2. Finnegan led the way on our walk yesterday. It was hot and humid, but he took the almost 1.5 mile walk in stride. It was good to tire him out. 

3. I remain stunned by the Supreme Court rulings that were rendered on Friday. It may be heresy, but I wonder if some of the justices are not as impartial in their reading of the law and the Constitution as they claimed during their hearings. One commentator saw the ruling as follows:

The law regarding birthright citizenship is clear and well-established. Nor can Presidents rewrite amendments to the Constitution with a stroke of a pen. So why, in this particular case, where the injunctions prevent the administration from doing something that is so clearly wrong and will be so harmful—depriving newborns of citizenship—would the Court decide it’s the right time to take the step of pushing aside the injunctions? It’s hard to believe there was a sudden upswell of concern about protecting the defenseless presidency from overreach by the courts. This case will have real impacts on real people’s lives 30 days from now, and when, or rather if (because there are concerns the solicitor general will posture to keep the substantive birthright citizenship issue out of the sights of the Court) the Court decides that Trump was wrong a couple of years down the road, many people will have been damaged in ways that will be hard to undo. Not all of them will have the resources to find a lawyer and file a lawsuit of their own.  (Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance)

4. The Orioles are back at 11 games under .500 (36-47). They need to continue doing what they did over the weekend, by winning a series from the Tampa Bay Rays, to have a glimmer of hope at being in the playoffs. They need a .608 record the rest of the way, meaning they must win 48 of the remaining 79 games. Time is short. I heard it estimated that it would take 84 winds to squeak into the playoffs as the last Wild Card team. It is time for Orioles Magic.  

5. I am personally very much against the budget bill now being discussed in the Senate. It is bad governance. I am very much against the bill because it allocates too much money for immigration enforcement and building the wall at the expense of Americans and seeks to vilify those who rely on Medicaid by suggesting that they are laggards who should work instead of being on Medicaid. If America first doesn't focus on Americans, then who is it for? Oh yea, I get it--the oligarchs. 

6. Today in History (modified). On this date in 1934 occurred the “Night of the Long Knives,” in which German dictator Adolf Hitler had his elite SS guards summarily execute many leading officials of the SA, a Naziparamilitary group.

Syrian forces massacred 1,500 Alawites. The chain of command led to Damascus. - Reuters

Canada rescinds digital services tax to advance stalled trade talks with US - Reuters

Immigration raids leave crops unharvested, California farms at risk - Reuters

Ukraine F-16 pilot killed in large-scale Russian attack - Reuters

The real reason Republicans are rushing to pass the Trump megabill - MSNBC

Senate rejects War Powers Act measure on Trump, additional military strikes on Iran - MSNBC

Israeli attack on Tehran facility leaves 71 dead, as nuclear concerns linger - FoxNews

Man arrested after disrupting Senate debate on Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' - FoxNews

The bill could change the federal government and U.S. economy. Here’s what’s in it. - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Across the New Bridge

Control Center
US-1 Highway Bridge over
the Loxahatchee River
June 28, 2025

 I rode across the new US-1 bridge over the Loxahatchee River yesterday. It was exciting and I have wanted to ride the bridge for a while. I made the ride whilst completing a 16+ mile ride. 

Riding across the new bridge was a lot easier than the previous bridge. The bike lane is wide. The previous bridge didn't to have bike lane and I had to ride next to (or in) traffic. I remember sitting in traffic when the bridge had opened and nearly suffocating from the exhaust of the car next to me. The span is easier to ride across as well because it is fully concrete as opposed to the open metal grates of the previous bridge. 

I enjoyed riding over this bridge as opposed to its predecessor. I think I may develop a regular route that includes this bridge into my riding plans because it will allow me to ride along the ocean. While the breeze was in my face heading out yesterday, it was as refreshing as a breeze at 85 degrees could be. 

I videoed of a portion of my ride across the bridge.

 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Math is Wrong

 Alligator Alcatraz! 

Catchy name, but everything else about it is wrong. 

It seems that the governments (Federal and Florida) are excited about the prospect of opening an immigrant detention camp in the middle of the Everglades on an abandoned airfield. 

The worst to operate the facility annually will be $450M to house up to 5,000 immigrants pending deportation. 

I did the math. 

It comes to $90K per year per person (a/k/a detainee) housed at the facility. 

That money comes through Medicaid cuts and other programmatic reductions for Americans! This makes no sense. Are we becoming a country of prisons and camps. 

The airfield was abandoned for a good reason some 50 years ago: to preserve the environment. Reactivating the airfield and housing people there is a bad decision made by people who have no regard for either less fortunate Americans or the environment.

The math is not good for the economy or the environment. 

Who comes up with these crazy ideas? 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Boats and Storms

Chris and Finn at the Helm on the ICW
Heading Back to the Marina
June 26, 2025

Blue Skies Heading Out at 9:52 AM
Manatee Pocket, Port Salerno, FL
June 26, 2025

Boat day was short yesterday. I could write that it was a tale of two hours. The first hour was blessed with blue skies and calm waters.

We enjoyed the 30 minute trip to our favorite boat-only access beach on Peck's Lake. The winds were fair and the water almost smooth. Being a weekday, there were few other boats plying the waters. I enjoy having the ICW to myself.

We checked out a Bayliner yesterday. I like these boats because they have a ladder in the front which makes for easy egress when we slide up onto a beach or sandbar. It does not handle as nice as the Cobias, but I have gotten used to it and it handles a lot better than the Hurricanes.

We arrived at the beach and got set up to enjoy beach time, but when I checked the weather I was amazed at how it had all changed in the short while since we departed the marina. The storm tracker showed a mixed bag of storms, some with lightening, headed our way and already in Stuart, which is where we had planned to enjoy lunch. 

The Storm from Manatee Pocket at 11:22 AM
Port Salerno, FL
June 26, 2025

Stuart is north of the marina and we were on a beach to the south. I estimated we had about 50 minutes to get back to the marina before the storms arrived. We packed up after enjoying about 10 minutes on the beach and started motoring back.

As we were motoring in Manatee Pocket towards the marina, the storm clouds were very threatening. Chris was very relieved when we tied-up and made it to the car before the rains started. And they did. As we were leaving the marina the rain started. 

We beat the storm, but our total boat time was short of 2 hours--not the day that I had envisioned, but safety of the passengers and vessel is the most important aspect of boating. And it is just not fun to boat in the rain and wind.

There will be more days to enjoy on the water. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Grooming Day

 

Keeping a Watchful Eye
Tequesta, FL
June 26, 2025

Yesterday was grooming day for Finn. He hates going to the groomer. I think it is separation anxiety from Chris, but he handles it fairly well. He is becoming used to the process. 

I have to admit, he smells a lot better when he returns. 

They brushed his teeth yesterday. I'm sure that was an experience for him. He hates having things put into his mouth, sometimes that includes food!

This morning, he came down and kept a watchful on the activity of the house. I'm sure he suspects that something is afoot. He does that many mornings and he usually couples that with a few more minutes of shut-eye. 

Today, however, he is getting a surprise. We are going boating and he is joining us! He likes the boat, but does get a bit nervous if the waves are rough. That can be a problem because he gets under my feet for safety. Haha. Right. Safe for whom?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

At the Marina

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
June 23, 2025

 It was a typical Tuesday in South Florida. It was hot, but not as hot as north of here where extreme heat warnings were issued for most of the East Coast. We had normal heat and humidity--which can be very enjoyable.

Pelican
Blowing Rocks Marina, Tequesta, FL
June 23, 2025

Chris and I made our usual Tuesday trek to the local watering hole. We enjoy the afternoon breezes coming off the ICW and watching the fishermen return from a day on the water. The sky was blue and punctuated with bright puffy clouds, but there was no rain.

A pelican arrived as we were enjoying the scene and provided some live entertainment before the band began cranking out noise. 

It was relaxing; sitting along the edge of the marina enjoying the scene and the breeze off the water.

I am beginning to really enjoy the idea of Tuesday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL  

Frost Science Museum, Aquarium & Planetarium

Fish in the Aquarium
Frost Science Museum, Miami, FL
June 23, 2025

 Chris and I agreed to take Jeremy and Julie to the Miami Cruise Port yesterday. We decided to make it a day trip and planned a stop at the Frost Science Museum after dropping them off at the port. The museum is located near the cruise port and it was fairly easy to get from the port to the museum. 

The museum has its own parking garage, which I found a bit expensive at a flat rate of $18. But, the museum is right in the downtown area of Miami and the prices are not that high when considering other cities like Baltimore or NYC. 

Moray Eel
Frost Science Museum, Miami, FL
June 23, 2025

While at the museum, I was able to get a nice image of Freedom of the Seas, Jeremy and Julie's home for the next four nights, from the fifth floor observation deck. But that was just the beginning. The museum if full of exciting things to do and the centerpiece is the three-story aquarium with associated exhibits about Florida environs. Fantastic!! I  one of the Florida specific exhibits, I saw a barracuda that would definitely make me leave the water. 

Three Wheel Enigma
Frost Science Museum, Miami, FL
June 23, 2025

But wait! There is more to the five-story museum. Currently, an AI exhibit is being hosted and the museum also has a planetarium and a dinosaur exhibit titled, "The Dig." We did not explore the entire museum, saving some for a return trip. 

I was very excited about the AI exhibit. Inside of it I found a a three-wheel Enigma machine from WW2. There were also 1951 letters to and from Alan Turing discussing the possibility of a chess playing machine. 

There is a lot to see and experience in the museum. And, there is a very nice cafe to obtain beverages and food. 

It was definitely a great way to make the most out of the two-hour each way trip from home to Miami! Maybe next time I will use the train. 

Recommendation. The Frost Science Museum, Aquarium & Planetarium is a must visit when in Miami. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - June 23, 2025

 

1. It is the 4th Monday of June. The Summer Solstice happened Friday. There are 27 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Jer, Chris and Julie on the Sandbar
Jupiter, FL
June 22, 2025

2. Boating day was a huge success. The weather was a bit touch and go, but I determined that the rain and thunderstorms were going to remain inland from us and so we risked the weather and were rewarded with a fantastic afternoon of boating. The highlight was enjoying time on a local sandbar after which we motored to a restaurant and tied up the boat for lunch. Following that we toured the area before returning the boat to the marina.

3. Is anyone else concerned? The president looks as if he is getting us involved in another Middle East War. The same man who promised to end Ukraine-Russia within 24-hour of being elected. His actions by failing to support Ukraine fully have likely extended the conflict and resulted in the deaths many more Russians and Ukrainians. And now, Iran?

Looking at the New US-1 Bridge
Loxahatchee River, FL
June 22, 2025

4. Chris and I watched the 50th Anniversary showing of Jaws the other evening. This movie was one that she started every summer with while watching the grandsons! We will need to keep the tradition going as Beck gets older.

5. How about the O's? They had crawled up to 10 games under .500, but lost 2 of 3 to the Yankees to fall to 11 games under. And now Adley Rutschman is on the DL. Well at least they are only 12 games out of first and 6.5 games out of the Wild Card. Ugh. There remains a lot of baseball to play. 

6. Today in History. Well, it happened. They changed the website format and I cannot find the stories that I used to be able to access for my weekly history. I will keep looking and maybe return this item for next week. 

Iran issues warning to 'gambler' Trump: We will end this war - Reuters

Hague NATO summit aims to focus on Trump's spending goal but Iran looms large - Reuters

Russian attacks on Kyiv kill seven and injure dozens, Ukraine says - Reuters

Senate Democrats now have regrets about Kristi Noem. If only someone warned them. - MSNBC

Analysis Sweeping GOP budget bill illuminates the central fault line in the modern Republican coalition - CNN

‘Jaws’ turns 50. It changed pop culture and our perception of sharks - CNN

Russia says countries may supply nuclear warheads to Iran after US strikes on key facilities - FoxNews

Texas governor signs MAHA bill to add warning labels to food products - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sunday Funday

Crepe Myrtle in Turtle Creek
Tequesta, FL
June 21. 2025

 Chris and I are expecting a very exciting day. Jeremy and Julie are scheduled to board an aircraft soon and fly-in for an overnight visit before heading off on a cruise out of Miami. We have a fun day planned on the water followed by a relaxing at the house for the evening.  

I have a boat reserved and we should have fun exploring the sandbars which appear at low tide with hundreds of our new best friends. 

Yesterday, I enjoyed a 17 mile ride through Tequesta. The crepe myrtle are in full bloom and I saw this one that made be take notice because of the deep color. 

Here's hoping you have a great Sunday!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Caught

Chris and Finn
Tequesta, FL
June 20, 2025

 Priceless. That is the expression on Chris's face as I caught her napping on the sofa with Finn. I wordlessly grabbed my phone to catch the scene as she was sleeping, but for some reason she woke up just as I took the image. 

What else is there to do on the longest daylight of the year? Nap, of course. 

We had had a busy morning and had just completed lunch. It was, after all, siesta time! Finn is a great bed buddy. 

We finished off the day entertaining friends and had an enjoyable Happy Hour  followed by a summertime dinner of hamburgers, potato salad, and cooked squash. Somewhere along the way we forgot to serve dessert!

Welcome weekend.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday Ride

Crossing A1A Bridge
Tequesta, FL
June 20, c2025

Happy Summer Solstice

It happened quite suddenly. I was reviewing email and the news from overnight when suddenly I was invited out on a Friday morning ride which ended up at over 20 miles.

We rode across a bridge over the Loxahatchee River that I had only ridden once before and then down through Jupiter before crossing back into Tequesta. I realized that I had not fully regained my biking stamina from the nearly two weeks I since I was riding regularly. Yea, I was sucking wind by the time I got home. It was a great training session however. I spent 48 minutes exercising in Zone 1!

For a mostly unplanned Friday morning ride, it was great and it felt good to get a some significant mileage accomplished. Yea, I had to drink two bottles of water when I got home because I didn't drink enough while riding. It was about 86 degrees when we finished the ride. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday-eve and Summer

Summer Begins Tomorrow

Remember Juneteenth

 Thursday has come rolling in announcing that tomorrow is Friday! What a calling, announcing that the weekend is near. 

Even though I am retired, I still like to think of Thursday as Friday-eve, especially on a morning like today when it is raining and I probably will not get my mood-altering bike ride accomplished. 

Today, however, Thursday is not just Friday-eve. No, it is also Summer-eve. Yes, for those who have lost track of the seasons, Summer begins tomorrow! Yay!

For the next three months we are set to enjoy long days, hot nights, and hopefully, sunshine. Maybe some boating, travel, and excitement. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Against the Storm Clouds

Palms against the Clouds
Tequesta, FL
June 17, 2025

 There is something about sunlit palms waving in the breeze against gray storm clouds that makes me want to take an image. And so I did, yesterday. 

The rising sun provided just the right illumination for the trees. And these trees are right outside of my front door. 

As the day was drawing to a close, Chris and I enjoyed  Happy Hour along side the ICW which cannot be beat. Even with the heat of the day lingering, we sat comfortably under the expansive thatched rook of Tiki52 and enjoyed the cooling breeze and adult beverages. 

Who knows what today will bring. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Clouds to Cloudless

Clouds in the Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
June 16, 2025

 During my ride yesterday, I crossed the Loxahatchee Bridge in Tequesta and I just had to stop. The scene was almost like a painting. The water was still and the reflection of the clouds; stunning! I stood, holding my bike, and enjoyed the moment for a bit longer than normal.

Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
June 16, 2025

Later, we descended on the beach to enjoy Happy Hour. The sky was cloudless and the beach almost deserted. I love an empty beach. There were a few people about, but we enjoyed Happy hour and watched the osprey's hunt. There were not the usual shore birds, but the scene was very satisfying.

A great Florida day from start to finish.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Monday Musings - June 16, 2025

 

1. It is the third Monday of June. It is later than you think! There are but 28 Mondays remaining in the year. Summer officially begins on Friday at 10:42 EDT! Are you ready?

2. Regarding the protests on Flag Day. I was appalled by the comments of some elected leaders who do not support Americans right to peaceful protests. These leaders are not supporting The Constitution which specifically protects the rights of the people to peaceably protest. Amendment 1:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. (US Constitution)

Birthday Celebration for Julie
Ellicott City, MD
June 12, 2025

3. Before departing Maryland we were honored to celebrate a big birthday. I won't say how many years, but the number did end with a zero. Happy Birthday Julie--and many more. The celebration occurred at a Japanese Steak House and we were treated to the usual excitement surrounding a hibachi meal. I missed my small piece of pork on all three occasions when the chef flipped it to me. 

4. An amazing thing is happening. Last week the inflation rate was reported at 2.4% over May 2024 and everyone was happy. The president promised that he would reduce prices, a 2.4% inflation rate is still an increase. It is counter-intuitive. BTW, the inflation rate for May 2024 over May 2023 was just 3.3% and it was an outrage. Weird. The inflation rate for September 2024 over 2023 was 2.4% and inflation became a huge issue in the campaign.

5. Today in History. On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in America opens at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. Known as a switchback railway, it was the brainchild of LaMarcus Thompson, traveled approximately six miles per hour and cost a nickel to ride. The new entertainment was an instant success and by the turn of the century there were hundreds of roller coasters around the country.

Coney Island, a name believed to have come from the Dutch Konijn Eilandt, or Rabbit Island, is a tract of land along the Atlantic Ocean discovered by explorer Henry Hudson in 1609. The first hotel opened at Coney Island in 1829 and by the post-Civil War years, the area was an established resort with theaters, restaurants and a race track. Between 1897 and 1904, three amusement parks sprang up at Coney Island–Dreamland, Luna Park and Steeplechase. By the 1920s, Coney Island was reachable by subway and summer crowds of a million people a day flocked there for rides, games, sideshows, the beach and the two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk, completed in 1923.

Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel warns of tough response - Reuters

Airbus bags Saudi order as Franco-Israeli dispute rocks air show - Reuters

Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter arrested - Reu tears

Trump rejected Israeli proposal to assassinate Iranian supreme leader: U.S. officials - MSNBC

I’m not just protesting kings — I’m protesting Christians idolizing Trump - MSNBC

Trump orders 'largest mass deportation operation' as unrest erupts in major cities - FoxNews

Congress is coming for your EV — and what’s left of conservatism - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#mondaymusings

The Final Leg Home

 Happy Fathers Day 2025

Locally Heavy Rainstorm
Ft Pierce, FL
June 14, 2025

Yesterday's final leg home took just over 4 hours. I would like to say it was an easy drive, but driving through Florida during the summer (OK, technically not summer, but tell that to the weather!) means rain and thunderstorms. We had rain yesterday. Locally heavy rains. Fortunately, the storms while at times fierce were localized and we drove through them after a few minutes. 

Finn on the Luggage Cart
Kingsland, GA
June 14, 2025

We began the day in Kingsland, GA, and enjoyed a quick breakfast before loading up and driving away. I usually gas-up the truck the night before, but decided to do it as we pulled out in the morning. I won't do that again. I like getting to the highway expeditiously after leaving the hotel. Finn enjoyed the ride from the room to the truck on the luggage cart. He is a trooper and is very good at our hotel stops. There were other dogs on the floor. How do we know? We heard them barking, yet Finn did not return their calls.

I-95 FL-GA Line Going South
June 14, 2025

I determined that when we can make it, Kingsland, GA, is my stopover of choice. It is a few minutes from the Florida-Georgia line and Florida always seems like the longest part of the trip. I-95 traverses many open uninhabited areas which make the drive seem longer. Not to mention that it being the second travel day, we just want to get home by that point. 

We arrived home safely and were very happy to have returned. Being mid-June, we have noticed that the daylight is significantly longer in the north. I looked it up and discovered that today the daylight is 1h6m longer in Elkridge, MD, than it is here in Tequesta! Of course, it goes the other way during the winter season. 

Well, that wraps up the travel south and we are getting back into the rhythm of life here.

As a final thought--Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers. Being a father is a special calling.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Happy Flag Day 2025

 Happy Flag Day

What a Flag Day it is!

Aside from the craziness in DC, the entire country is turning out for this year's Flag Day it seems. 

I remember the day as an opportunity to celebrate the country and our flag. 

It is fitting that Americans are also taking today to protest the actions of the Executive Branch which violate our inherent rights and the rights of others. It is our right under the First Amendment to the Constitution so to do!

Celebrate being an American and our freedom.

O, yes we are home!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Escape from DC

 

South of the Border
South Carolina
June 13, 2025

We are on the road headed south. I made a point of getting away from the DC area before the Flag Day festivities get out of hand. 

Or is the 250th Anniversary of the US Army?

Or is it a birthday celebration?  

Who knows?

Tanks will be rolling through our nation’s capital. 

 Chris and I decided to escape before the roads become gridlocked.

We have been driving about 6 1/2 hours and are in South Carolina headed into our first rainstorm of the day. 

Travel days can be so much fun.

— Bob Doan, near Dillon, SC

Liberty and Justice for all

 

I remember saying the Pledge of Allegiance every morning in school.  And I believed those words. I have always believed these words from which I understand that the U.S. is a republic (not a true democracy) and that everyone is entitled to "liberty and justice". 

It seems that forces in our country right now would have us forget that based upon our Constitution ". . . with liberty and justice for all" is a bedrock principle of our society and country. 

I had an enjoyably heated discussion the other evening about the principle of due process. Apparently, some of our leaders and many citizens do not believe that due process is entitled by all people in the United States. Reviewing three of the salient Amendments to the Constitution makes the point that liberty and justice for all is not just a convenient idea, but it is embedded in our laws as also is due process.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.  (Cornell Law School)

What is happening? It is routinely reported that warrantless searches of homes are being conducted by government officials. The exclusion describes in the interpretation of this amendment is, I believe, being exaggerated. These searches, therefore, may violate this amendment. It has also been reported that people are being whisked off the streets by masked officers who do not display their official affiliation. I cannot see how this can be legal? 

Amendment XIV (portion of section 1)

No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. (National Constitution Center)

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. (National Constitution Center)

Amendments five and fourteen go together to protect life and liberty while ensuring due process. I found it instructive in the Fourteenth Amendment that one portion specifies citizens, which are defined earlier in the amendment, but the next sentence states "any person." It is an important distinction because the constitutional protections are for everyone within the United States. For the purposes of Liberty and Justice for all, the constitution applies to everyone: illegal immigrants and legal visitors as well as citizens. And it further states persons are entitled to due process. 

Due process is where mistakes can be corrected, like trying to deport a citizen. Citizens cannot be deported by definition. And as for immigrants, dismissing legal asylum claims violates due process.

Liberty and Justice for all. That is what it is all about. Just because ensuring liberty, justice and due process may be inconvenient, does not justify abridging rights guaranteed by the Constitution. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

 

Evening Golf

Me Waiting for Tee Time
Timbers at Troy, Elkridge, MD
June 10, 2025

 I managed to get away for some evening golf yesterday. Jeremy and I headed off to the local course for a 5:45 PM tee time knowing that we would not be able to play the entire 18 holes, but still looking to enjoy hitting the ball and playing as many holes as we could. Evening tee times are much less expensive than the normal day rate. 

We were the first time after the league teed off. That meant that we were behind some slow golfers. We have played the evening times before and usually get through 14 or 15 holes. Last evening, because of the slow play of the league foursome in front of us we only were able to play 11 holes. Somehow, the course did not advise us of the 9-hole rate, for which I am a bit miffed because they tried to kick us off the course after 9 holes and only allowed us to play on after we had an excited discussion with them. But we had to succumb to the darkness in the end.

But we had a great time!


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Hour and then the Game

 It was a great afternoon and evening where everything fell into place, smoothly. 

We began with Happy Hour and friends, Cathy and Gary, at Seasons 52 where we caught up and enjoyed great company. The apps we enjoyed were good, but the assortment of mini desserts was over-the-top delicious. It was funny that we had never enjoyed multiple desserts before, but last evening they were the perfect exclamation point to a wonderful Happy Hour.

Jax on the Mound
Arundel High, Odenton, MD
June 9, 2025

Following Happy Hour in Columbia we raced to Odenton to attend an American Legion team baseball game.

Jax was on the mound for the team and posted a dominating performance notching no earned runs and nine strikeouts over six innings. He only allowed four walks and three hits. 

The team played well and they won 4-1 with Jax getting the win.   

We definitely enjoyed the afternoon and evening especially the conversation during Happy Hour and Jax's great pitching performance to cap the evening.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 9, 2025

 

1. It is the second Monday of June. There are 29 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Through an oversight, last week's Monday Musings was not published. Oops! 

Chris and Beck
Glen Burnie, MD
June 8, 2025
(Image by Patrick)

3. Happy Grandma. We spent last evening with our youngest grandson, Beck. Chris was in her glory with the opportunity to spend quality time with Beck. We enjoyed a great dinner and time together with Jen and Patrick. It was especially nice to sit outside around the fire pit and enjoy great conversation and food.  

4. We journeyed to Big Cork in Rohrersville, MD, yesterday. We enjoyed a tasting of a variety of wines and were then treated to a very nice charcuterie box which contained more choices than we could eat along with wines. The 2022 Cabernet Franc continues to be a great wine and my personal favorite. The 2022 Meritage, which is a blend of 50% Cab Franc, 25% Malbec, and 25% Petit Verdot; was also drinking very nicely. 

5. There are a lot of things happening in the country right now, but critically, the most concerning of the moment is the unrest in Los Angeles regarding the ICE arrests. The federal response seems excessive. But, perhaps that is why LA was chosen to have such a display of force. This situation surely is taking our eyes off the bigger issues and problems.

6. Today in History. With a spectacular victory at the Belmont Stakes, Secretariat becomes the first horse since Citation in 1948 to win America’s coveted Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. In one of the finest performances in racing history, Secretariat, ridden by Ron Turcotte, completed the 1.5-mile race in 2 minutes and 24 seconds, a dirt-track record for that distance.

Secretariat was born at Meadow Stables in Doswell, Virginia, on March 30, 1970. He was sired by Bold Ruler, the 1957 Preakness winner, and foaled by Somethingroyal, which came from a Thoroughbred line known for its stamina. An attractive chestnut colt, he grew to over 16 hands high and was at two years the size of a three-year-old.

California governor calls Trump National Guard deployment in LA unlawful - Reuters

Israeli forces seize Gaza aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg - Reuters

Iran to present counter-proposal to US in nuclear talks - Reuters

Exclusive: US expects Russia to launch multi-pronged strike on Ukraine - Reuters

'Tom, arrest me. Let's go.': Gov. Gavin Newsom responds to Trump border czar's threat - MSNBC

LAPD says ‘agitators have splintered’ in downtown area, declares unlawful assembly - FoxNews

The NASA science missions that would be axed in White House’s 2026 budget - The Washington Post

Trump tax bill reveals striking shift in GOP’s focus - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday Activities

 

We have a busy day planned. Once the day begins Chris and I expect to be visiting a our favorite winery for the late-morning and early-afternoon and then we celebrate the evening with our youngest grandson and his parents. It is a distinct change from yesterday which saw me golf in the morning and enjoy a very relaxing afternoon and evening. 

We visited Primanti Brothers to enjoy lunch with Jeremy. That was our first visit to Primanti Brothers. I enjoyed a huge Ruben sandwich and, well, an adult beverage. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the multiple sports games on the TVs for a while. The remainder of the afternoon was devoted to watching baseball and a movie. There may have been a nap involved. 

We are more than recharged for a busy day. 

Today promises to be cool--with a projected high around 74 degrees. In Rohrersville, MD, it will be cooler crawling up to a high of 70 degrees. I am glad that we golfed yesterday.

I guess we will need to take some jackets with us once we begin the day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD