Spring Continues

Flowering Tree on our Walk
Odenton, MD
March 30, 2026

A conundrum. I couldn't decide this morning whether to rant about our President planning to commit War Crimes or the springtime explosion of flowers here in Maryland. 

I decided on flowers. 

Why? Well because I guess if the Congress is not interested in protecting America from a wannabe war criminal, I guess I should not be too concerned either. 

Maple Tree Helicopters Preparing for Launch
Odenton, MD
March 30, 2026

The Spring explosion of flowers is beautiful. Spring in South Florida arrives gradually. There are some trees that lose leaves for the Autumn and replace them during Spring, but they are relatively few. Mostly what happens is about 50 percent of the deciduous tree leaves are replaced over the course of the Winter. The leaves fall all the time; clogging the gutters and downspouts. I was able to convince our COA to have leaf guards installed on the gutters that are most susceptible to leaf blockages.

Chris and I have enjoyed watching the progression of Spring in the trees and flowers here in Maryland. When we arrived, the trees showed only sporadic signs of leaves. But now, the red and green leaf buds are everywhere and actual leaves are beginning to appear. 

Along with the leaves, we are seeing ducks, geese, and turtles in the pond nearby. And turtles! There apparently was an explosion of turtles because I counted at least 10 the other day. With the temperature headed for 80 degrees today, I'm sure there will be turtles and additional wildlife to enjoy and document. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Rainy cool Friday

 

Dogwood in the Neighbor's Yard
Odenton, MD
March 28, 2026

The cold and rainy gray overcast weather returned Friday as the temperature plummeted through the 60s into the 50s during the day and bottomed at 33 degrees this morning. 

Call it, Springtime in Maryland. 

Chris and I have been enjoying the blooming trees and bushes of Spring in advance of leaves erupting on the trees. 

View from the Deck
Odenton, MD
March 28, 2026

The cold, however, is somewhat harder to deal with. We enjoyed the near 80 degree temperatures of the baseball game Thursday evening a little too much, I think. The actual temperature dropped 46 degrees in 36 hours. The "feels like" temperature was reported at 24 degrees this morning by the weather service.

On this clear and cold morning, the scene off the porch is stunning. Blue sky, vibrant green grass, some trees displaying the first green against the stark trunks of the trees still waiting to burst with leaves. It looks like springtime, but feels like Winter. There is not much temperature relief in sight as the high for the day is anticipated to be about 47 degrees. 

We are headed to our favorite winery, Big Cork, for some tasting and purchases. We have not been there since the Christmas wine pick-up party. It should be a fun day with Nicole and Mike.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Baseball in the Warm

 

Jax at the Plate
Odenton, MD
March 26, 2026

As a counterpoint to yesterday's blog, we went to a baseball game last evening that was perfect in terms of temperature. 

Arundel High met South River High in a tussel with the game time temperature at 78 degrees. Wow! What a difference a day and twenty degrees makes. Although Arundel ultimately lost, the game was far more enjoyable than the 58 degrees we experienced at the start of yesterday's game. And then it got colder!

Jax on the Bump
Odenton, MD
March 26, 2026

Jax was the starting pitcher and pitched the team to a 3-3 tie at the end of 4 innings. Ultimately the team lost 11-7. The team let him bat and he made solid contact with the ball, unfortunately he hit it right to an opposing player who threw to first to make the out. It was a fun game to watch however, because the team never stopped trying and it  ended with the bases loaded and the tying run at the plate. Now that is some excitement.

In other baseball news, the Orioles began their season with a gritty 2-0 win over the Twins. I am excited about this version of the Orioles team and am expecting an 88 win season! With 1 in the books, they only need to win 87 of the next 161 games.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Baseball in the Cold

Jax Leading the Cheer
Odenton, MD
March 25, 2026

 Chris and I enjoyed two events yesterday. 

Baseball in the cold and dinner with Jeremy, Julie, and Lucas. 

I write baseball in the cold because after attending two Spring Training games in South Florida this season, yesterday's Arundel High baseball game against Severn Run High was just downright cold. 

Although Jax was not scheduled to start, we still wanted to go to the game to see, in person, the boys we have been following nearly every game so far this season on Game Changer. 

Arundel in the Dugout on Offense
Odenton, MD
March 25, 2026

The temperature at 4:45 PM, game time, was about 54 degrees, but as the game went on it got colder and the wind picked up. Nicole introduced me to some really nice electric hand warmers! Trust me, I learned they were lifesavers! As for the game, Arundel won 6-5 with some bottom of the 7th inning heroics to enjoy a walk-off win.

Jax is the scheduled starter for the tonights game! Already the temperature this morning is warmer that it was at game time last evening. Game time temperature is expected to be around 79 degrees! Yay!

We left the game during the 4th inning to enjoy dinner with Jeremy's family. We had a great meal together.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Project Hail Mary - Movie

 While the big release for the movie is today, for some reason our local theater began showings yesterday. Chris and I were at the sparsely attended first showing at 2 PM yesterday. 

We both had read the book by Andy Weir and were concerned that the movie would have a difficult time with the subject. We were both pleased with the resultant movie. 

It is great!

David Rooney writing in The Hollywood Reporter describes the movie as follows:

‘Project Hail Mary’ Review: Ryan Gosling Proves He Can Have Chemistry With a Rock in Thrilling Space Odyssey Warmed by Humanity and Hope

Sandra Hüller also stars in Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s sci-fi epic based on the Andy Weir novel about a science teacher who finds an unusual ally in a mission to save two worlds.

Gaerth, writing in Skewed & Reviewed, relates the following about the movie:

I could not say enough great things about this movie as it was an experience that was not only moving but stayed with me long after the film had ended and one that has made it one of the best films of the year and a genre classic in the making.

The movie was true to the book, about as well as can be expected. The film begins as abruptly as I remember the book beginning and the sense of disorientation adds to the realism of the movie with the intent of the mission becoming clearer as the main character remembers more of how he came to be on a spaceship headed into deep space light years away from Earth. It is science fiction, yes, but not the fantastical kind. It is believable, or at least the movie made me accept the situation and the solution. 

I laughed, I had tears, and I felt the danger. Similar to The Martian, another book by Andy Weir made into a great movie, Project Hail Mary is gritty and real. Ryan Gosling does a great job with the character.

Chris and I are making plans to see the movie again.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The New TV

 

Empty TV Box in Garage
Tequesta, FL
March 19, 2026

We finally decided to purchase the new TV we have been looking at for months. Having been tracking the price from a number of outlets, I was finally presented with a really good deal and we, to use an expression, "pulled the trigger."

What is the feature of the new TV we are most excited about? It has anti-glare technology. We will no longer have to watch TV while trying to avoid or look through the glare from the lights or windows!

But I'm not writing about the TV search and the purchase, it is about what happened after the monster was delivered.

We upgraded to a 65-inch class and were not fully prepared for the size. Fortunately, Chris was available to help move the TV from the box to the blanket covered kitchen table where the assembly process was completed.

So what did we experience during the installation process? First-off the instructions, suck!. They were all images and did not explain what the parts were or where they should be installed. The drawings were not very helpful and required a lot of interpretation. It was a real problem when I had options.

Newly Installed TV on the Wall
Tequesta, FL
March 19, 2026

Second the new wall mount, which was purchased separately, was also a disaster. The assortment of bolts to support installation did not contain one of the perfect length for the TV and even building the spacers up, there were not enough washers of the correct diameter to properly secure the mount to the TV frame. I had to go to Ace Hardware for additional washers (4/$.45). I had wanted to get bolts of the correct length, but they did not have them. It wasn't the money, it was the wasted time divining a plan that really bugged me. In the end, it worked and I was able to secure the mount to the frame in preparation for wall mounting.

But wait, there's more! 

When it came time to actually place the TV on the wall, I realized that I could not ask Chris to help because the TV is large, awkward to handle, and heavier than I could reasonably expect her to sling around. Fortunately, I was able to phone a friend who came to the rescue. Thanks Cody! 

The wall-mounting process actually went very well, we only had to change the height of the TV on the mount once! I had done a great job affixing the wall portion of the mount and leveling it!

But then came the final assault on the new TV--getting all of the streaming services working and understanding how the new TV works. 

Of course, now there is a game of musical TVs. I was confronted with the conundrum of which older TV to replace with the one that formerly was in the location of the new one. I put it in our bedroom with the intention of moving the one to replace the very old and small TV on the veranda, but Chris informed me this morning that the TV now in the bedroom is too big (it is a 55-inch) and she wants the old 41-inch TV reinstalled. Ugh! My roll down plan is officially trashed. The good news is that I had not yet performed the remove-and-replace operation on the veranda.

As an added benefit, today I get to take the packing materials to the recycling center. They are too large for the regular pick-up and I want them out of the garage!

I am looking forward to veggie-ing in front of the new TV this morning. And since baseball season is upon us, Go O's and Arundel High!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Irish all Over with Baseball on Top

 

The Irish Festival
Downtown Abacoa, FL
March 14, 2026

Enjoying a lazy Saturday is the epitome of a great weekend. 

Our big event of the day was attending the Irish Festival in Downtown Abacoa. There was a Spring Training game underway right across the street at Roger Dean Stadium which meant parking was a bit tight. OK, really tight. Fortunately, Chris and I arrived a bit early and were able to secure free parking in the overflow lot down the street. 

Irish Fest
Downtown Abacoa
March 14, 2026

We enjoyed the fest and I am looking forward to another fest in the parking lot across the street on the actual St Patrick's Day hosted by the local Irish Restaurant and pub, McCarthy's.

For the afternoon/evening, Chris and I watched a pre-season baseball scrimmage via GameChanger between Arundel High and Marriotts Ridge. Jax pitched the first two innings and later played left field getting an RBI as a batter. It was a long game--really long (3 and a half hours) and the final score was a less than satisfying 12-12 tie. The good news is that Arundel came back from a 6-run deficit to tie the game but could not push the winning run across in the bottom of the 7th. 

I love this video clip. Jax throws a killer curve to strike out the final batter of the first inning. 

I am very happy that baseball is back!

BTW--I, sadly, did not enjoy any pie on Pi Day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Raniy Day and Taxes

 Happy Pi Day

I finally found something worthwhile to accomplish on rainy days--Taxes!

The past two days have had some rain, well yesterday the rain was off and on all day. It puts a damper on outdoors activity, like biking. 

Since it is tax season and all of my statements have arrived, I decided that I would do the taxes. And so I did! I use TurboTax, as I have for decades, which makes data entry easier. This year I used the take an image and upload feature, which really worked great. There was only a small glitch on one entry where a number was misread--I am glad I caught it because much as I would like, I don't have a pension in the millions! The taxes on that would have been incredible. 

But taxes are done and filed. TurboTax suggested it took just over two hours start to finish. It really took longer as I wasted a lot of time trying to find more deductions that the standard deduction. I came up woefully short.

Now that the taxes are filed, I no longer have to perseverate about them! Yay!

And I got them done a month ahead of time. 

It is raining this morning, I wonder what I will do today?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Look, up in the Sky

Pelicans on Patrol
Juno Beach, FL
March 7, 2026

 This is a fun time of year to keep an eye on the sky. The pelicans are gathering in squadrons. Big squadrons! 

Sometimes they fly low over the water; between the waves looking for their next meal. More often though, they are flying together in the sky. Of course, there is often one pelican sitting on a piling in a marina showing off. 

Osprey with Fish
Hobe Sound Nature Reserve, FL
July 13, 2012

We also enjoy watching the ospreys hunt. They fly deliberately and often dive for fish in the ocean. That is exciting, but hard to capture on camera. One of my best was a few years ago when I imaged an osprey coming out of the ocean with a fish in its talons. They truly are magnificent birds. 

Something to scan the sky for. 

-- Bob doan, Tequesta, FL

Friends on the Beach

Six Friends on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
March 9, 2026

 Celebrating the end of a beautiful day and the sad close to a vacation for two friends, we met on the beach last evening for Happy Hour and dinner. I decided to take an image of the six friends on the beach, but it was a bit different from most. As we sat there, I saw our shadows on the beach in front of the ocean. I decided that would be our good-bye portrait. It is kinda obvious which shadow is me, lol.

Heston Kjerstad
Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, FL
March 9, 2026

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with Sue and George and it sadly is coming to an end as they fly north today. But, we will be heading North ourselves in a few weeks for Easter.

We also attended a Spring Training Game between the hometown Cardinals and the Orioles yesterday. It was a solid game for about 5 innings until the Orioles gave up 5 runs in the 6th and 7th innings to lose 7-2. But we had fun seeing the Orioles for what I believe was their first trip to Jupiter since moving to Sarasota from Ft Lauderdale during 2010.

It has been a fun and busy week. We will miss Sue and George. Here's hoping for smooth TSA processing at PBI and a refreshingly boring flight.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

ArtFest by the Sea 2026

 Welcome to Daylight Saving Time 2026

It is that time of year when we cast off the dark season and begin to enjoy the light. I have been wanting to sleep in later and this morning I did not wake until after 7:30--which is a big event for me even though aided by losing an hour during the night. 

ArtFest by the Sea 2026
Juno Beach, FL
March 7, 2026

Yesterday, we wandered off to the 2026 version of the ArtFest by the Sea. It was a more typical Florida Day with high humidity and bright sun and 80 degree temperatures. The show takes place on Ocean Blvd in Juno Beach, Florida. While there is normally a nice ocean breeze, the bushes along the road blocked the breeze and it was really hot where the artisans were set.

Flower Stems
Tequesta, FL
March 8, 2026

The show is impressive in its size. It is about a mile long with booths lining both sides. The variety of artisans is impressive as are the prices. I often see works that I would love to own, but I either don't have a wall big enough for them or my wallet is too small to care for them. We did, however, find a glass artisan from whom we purchased a couple Chihuly-esque flower stems.

I talked to the artist, Christopher Belleau of Providence, Rhode Island, about the Chihuly influence I thought I detected and he was adamant that he was making glass flowers before he even knew of Chihuly. I believe him. His flowers are realistic whereas Chihuly's seem more fanciful. Regardless, I don't have to water these flowers. We will likely be adding to our collection in the neat future. 

It was a busy and fun day which we ended with a sumptuous dinner hosted by Fran and Mary. Today a trip to the Norton Art Gallery in West Palm Beach to view Art and Life in Rembrandt's Time.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Angry Ocean Beach Day

George, Sue, Chris
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
March 5, 2026

What could be better than experiencing the full power of the Atlantic on a beautiful beach day? 

Probably nothing. 

Portuguese Man o' War
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
March 5, 2026

With the temperature approaching 80 degrees on a partly cloudy and very windy day, we headed off to the beach to chill and enjoy the day. On arrival, we were greeted by two warning flags: Dangerous Rip Currents and Dangerous Marine Life. OK, so the ocean was rough and only 73 degrees; we were not likely to venture into the surf.

The dangerous marine life were Portuguese Man o' Wars which we saw on the beach. They were not particularly dense, but we did stop walking along the waterline when we began to encounter more than a few of them.

It was too windy to put up our umbrellas. I actually did put them up only to have the wind take one airborne--including the anchor I placed into the sand to hold it down. Fortunately, the clouds kept us from being in direct sun too often and we were slathered with copious quantities of sunscreen so that fear of sunburn was remote and we did not feel as if we were baking.

We ended the day at our favorite watering hole, Tiki-52, with other friends joining us for the evening. We endured a brief rain shower while there, we were at an outside table under an umbrella when the shower began. We sought refuge in the covered stage area; returning to our table after the shower passed. 

It was a great Thursday, or Friday eve, and we are expecting an enjoyable boat and sandbar adventure today. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Chasing the Moon

 

Stock Photo from Internet

It was supposed to be an event of stellar proportions. The Total Lunar Eclipse was supposed to display a blood-red or copper-colored moon. 

I saw clouds! 

I went out into the late-dawn, pre-sunrise morning to see the eclipse during totality. When I went out, the moon was already below the buildings across the drive from me and so I hopped into the car to see if I could find a clear horizon. I could not--there were clouds everywhere. 

I drove across the A1A bridge, which rises about 30 or so feet, to see the horizon to the ground and hopefully catch a glimpse of the moon. 

I saw rainstorms in the distance and the horizon was fully cloud covered. I have an app on my phone which told me where the moon should be found. 

Finding the eclipse was a bust, but at least I tried. I truly wanted to be dazzled again. 

I remember the first time I experienced a lunar eclipse. My Dad and I watched the eclipse from the lawn next to our house. The eclipse was high in the sky, which it needed to be because our our house was surrounded by hills. I was surprised at how long the eclipse lasted. But it was a memorable experience. Of course in those days, the 1960s, we did not own a camera capable of recording the event. 

The next total Lunar Eclipse is not until 2029. Ugh!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Turtle Fest 2026

Green Turtle
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, FL
February 22, 2026

 Sunday Chris, Nicole and I attended Turtle Fest at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. 

This fest was much larger than the seafood festival we attended on Saturday AND it was FREE! Yes, we enjoyed the fest and learned about the turtles for free. No admission charge and no parking fee. In addition, they provided parking at a local business and bussed us to the Turtle Center for, yup you guessed it--FREE!

Chris and Me
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, FL
February 22, 2026

We had a great time wandering through the exhibits and chatting with the artisans. The location right next to the ocean, along Ocean Drive was perfect. The band provided entertaining music and the atmosphere was very festive.

We spent some time learning about rescued Kemp's Ridley sea turtles which had been brought to the center for recovery. These turtles are recovering and will be released near Cape Canaveral when healthy. That is their normal wintering waters. The story goes that the juvenile Kemp's Ridley sea turtles often overstay their summer areas off Cape Cod and become cold stunned. This year with the excessively cold weather it happened to more than could be accommodated in the region and many were transported to the Loggerhead Marine Life Center for recovery. 

I highly recommend the Turtle Fest next year, but a visit to the Marinelife Center is a must whenever visiting the area. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Out to the Ball Game

Nicole and me at the Stadium
Jupiter, FL
February 23, 2026

 It was a cool, clear day; perfect for baseball. Chris, Nicole, and I headed to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium to watch a thrilling, but slow moving game between the Marlins and the Cardinals. Both teams host their home Spring Training games at the stadium. When they play each other, they switch off being the home team. Yesterday, the Cardinals were the home team. That is important later.  

The Pitch
Jupiter, FL
February 23, 2026

We arrived at the park early enough to enjoy stopping at a bar for a pre-game drink and snack in downtown Abacoa. Abacoa is a community in Jupiter, FL, that has charm and should not be missed. Arriving at the park early also meant we secured some free parking!

Sitting in the sun we were hot, even though the temperature only briefly reached 60 degrees. When the shade overtook our seats, we got cold! It was one of those days! But the game was at least interesting, especially the bottom of the 9th inning when the Marlins blew a 4-2 lead and the game ended on a run-scoring wild-pitch for a Cardinals victory. It is good to be the home team.

I felt a bit guilty being able to attend a baseball game while the Northeast is digging out from a blizzard. But then reminded myself that is why I retired to Florida. We still experience cold, for instance this morning the temperature is 42 degrees. The good news is that the return of 70s and 80s is only two days away. 

I love singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game during the seventh inning stretch. 

The Orioles come to Jupiter in two weeks! I'll be there and I will be wearing baseball attire.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Jupiter Seafood Fest 2026

 

Chris and Bob at the Seafood Fest
Jupiter, FL
February 21, 2026

It was a beautiful South Florida day to enjoy the Jupiter Seafood Fest. The white clouds in the sky gave a bit of respite from the blazing hot sun which sent the temperature soaring to 84 degrees.

Early as we Arrived at the Fest
Jupiter, FL
February 21, 2026

We arrived at the fest early to enjoy some time wandering around the displays and exhibitors before the crushing crowds arrived. It was an great fun.

The seafood options were diverse as were the shopping options. There was music at the main stage that entertained us during the early afternoon while sitting in the shade. The Bryant Thomas Band was fun to watch. I have to admit, I have never before seen a trombone take the lead in a rock/country band. It was inspiring and fun to watch. While we enjoyed the music, we also were keeping tabs on the Orioles Spring Training game against the Pirates which eventually got out of control resulting in an 8-2 loss. But, here is a clip of the trombone from the band. 

What's Wrong with this Image?
Jupiter Seafood Fest, Jupiter, FL
February 21, 2026

The variety of exhibitors was great. I always like to visit with them. We also enjoyed some of the food and drink! Although I usually opt for ribs at an event like this, I had a Poke Bowl and therefore actually enjoyed some seafood.

I like this event because although there is an admission charge, parking is free and easy. Last week, the parking for ArtiFest cost as much as an admission ticket. Go figure. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

By the Fire

 

Fire Pit and View of the Yard
Tequesta, FL
February 19, 2026

We do not often get the opportunity to sit around our fire pit in the evening. Well, it is not a real pit, it is a small tabletop, ethanol fueled pit. Usually, it is too warm outside to actually enjoy the flame, but last evening was an exception. 

Moon over Tequesta
Tequesta, FL
February 19, 2026

The temperature was perfect and the evening was just made for relaxing on the veranda. We had enjoyed dinner at Tiki52 and retreated to the house for the evening. Nicole is visiting from Maryland and the comfortable weather provided a great respite from the snow and ice that she had been experiencing.

We enjoyed chatting and catching up around the fire as night fell deepened us.

Today is a boat day. Yay! It has been a while since we have been on the water. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Birds by the Water

Fish Crow
Tequesta, FL
February 17 ,2026

 The other evening, we enjoyed dinner and adult beverages at our favorite watering hole. The weather was perfect, OK, the breeze off the water was a a bit cool and strong at times. 

We enjoyed watching the birds. Mostly we were blessed with Fish Crows. Sadly, there were too few pelicans or other birds. But, the crows provided comic relief. 

Finnegan joined us for the evening and enjoyed trying to play with other dogs. There was a lot of activity at the restaurant due to the moderate temperatures and the prevalence of the Snow Birds, who have fully arrived for the season. It is a bit strange that "in-season" is February and March. We have some additional visitors due to the start of the MLB Spring Training games. The Marlins and Cardinals team logos are beginning to apperar everywhere. 

The traffic has become a problem at times. There are intersections that I avoid when I need to make a left turn. Instead, I drive around the block to get to a traffic light to ensure that I can safely make the turn. 

Well, it is Thursday or Friday Eve! I am looking forward to a summer-like boat day tomorrow, finally. February in South Florida can be fantastic.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Settling into Tuesday

Florida Dawn
Tequesta, FL
February 17, 2026

 The week got off to a easy start with the President's Day holiday celebrated yesterday. President's Day marks the end of the holiday season that began with Labor Day, as there are no more Federal Holidays until Memorial Day. I remember how I used to look forward to three-day weekends!

Forecast
Tequesta, FL
February 17, 2026

This morning dawned clear and bright. I took the image through the screen on the veranda. It looks as if it is going to be a great week! We are expecting temperatures to return into the 80s and I am fortunate to have a boat reserved for Friday! On the downside, after the beautiful weather this week, next Monday starts cold and I have tickets to a Spring Training game.

I am excited that baseball is back! I am also happy that warmed weather has returned to South Florida. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Beach Beckoned

Carlin Park Beach to Ourselves
Jupiter, FL
February 12, 2026

 We did it!

Yesterday afternoon, Chris and I made it to the beach for happy hour and dinner. We ordered subs and enjoyed a very nice late afternoon and early evening on the beach. 

Seagull in the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 12, 2026

Except for the birds, we had the beach to ourselves--and this is one of the main beaches in the Jupiter area. The surf was calm and the wind off the ocean, while cool was not uncomfortable. We dressed appropriately and were quite comfortable.

We enjoyed the birds who seemed very brave in approaching us for handouts. I went about knee deep into the 72 degree water--it was too cold to actually immerse myself into the ocean. It remember that as a boy growing up in Upstate NY, we believed that once the water hit about 70 degrees it was swimming time in the lakes. I'm not sure I'd enjoy that now and I also understand why the adults who accompanied me never got into the water. It is just too cold!

For our first foray to the beach for 2026, it was a great time. We stayed until just after sunset, leaving as the beach succumbing to the evening darkness.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL