Vacation House Cat

Martin 
Sampson Bay, Sint Maarten
June 25, 2022

 

Martin under the Sofa
Sampson Bay, Sint Maarten
June 25, 2022

Reflecting upon our recent week in Sint Maarten, one thing that was very interesting was the house cat that visited the veranda every morning and evening. The cat was not feral, but rather friendly. Chris adopted the cat while she was there and named him, Martin! 

Of course Chris found a stray to adopt. She has a warm spot in her heart for animals. I do not believe it was a stray, as it acted too tame. I believe it was an outdoor cat charged with keeping the vermin away from the three story house, we were lucky to have the second floor as our residence for the week.

But then there was Martin. He was always around, especially when Chris was visible. He sat at the door mornings waiting for her, but never attempted to come inside. We were smart enough never to attempt to pick the cat up, but to interact with him on his terms.

Martin on the Sofa
Sampson Bay, Sint Maarten
June 26, 2022

Chris teased about bringing the cat back with us, fortunately she was just teasing although at times I was not too sure. Martin became a substitute for the absence of Finnegan, her Yorkie, almost but not quite.

Now, I presume that Martin is still visiting the apartment every morning and the current residents are enjoying having him around. Well, maybe enjoying is a stretch, but he is likely there doing his "I own this place" routine.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Preparing for the Summer

 

Freshly Open Pool after Initial Vacuum
Elkridge, MD
May 17, 2022

Happy Hump Day!

In what should be the last pool opening in Elkridge, Chris and I enjoyed 80 degree temperatures and Pool Opening Day 2022 was one of the smoothest in recent memory. 

The day began with a trip to our local pool store to purchase chemicals and supplies. OMG, what a shock! Literally, chlorine is $4 a pound--up from $2.25 just a year ago. And when buying 50 pounds that makes a difference. All of the other chemicals and additives likewise have experienced a radical price increase. 

Under the cover, the pool was clear with only some debris that had blown into the water to remove. The algae bloom that we suffered with during the past few years was not present and only 12 pounds of chlorine shock seem to have brought everything into near balance. I still need to adjust the alkalinity and hardness a bit--but chemical wise, the pool is swimmable. Yes I am still doing the obligatory after the winter cleaning and need to brush the sides and vacuum again, but wow--the new pool cover I bought last season really seemed to do the job. 

Gray Tree Frog
Elkridge, MD
May 17, 2022

Adding to the excitement of pool opening day was the visitor we had watching the activity: a gray tree frog. The frog perched on one of the galvanized fence pipes and spent the day in the sun. 

The frog remained all day and even after we concluded about 4PM to get ready for a baseball game. The frog did not seem to mind having us around and even posed for a picture. I hope to see it again today.

With the pool open and nearly swimmable all we really need are a few more days of warm/hot weather. It was the forecast 91 degrees for Saturday which spurred me into action. I did not want to miss that opportunity to get the pool up and operating in advance of the Memorial Day Weekend in two short weeks.  

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Fighting for a Spot

When the sun comes out everyone, it seems, becomes excited. 

Louis, Finnegan, Riordin in a Sunbeam
Elkridge, MD
May 10, 2022

It happened the other day when the sun created a warm ray shining through the window onto the floor. Two cats and one dog found a way to share the space and soak up some warmth. Louis, who is back visiting, Finnegan and Riordin all managed to find space--and they were close to each other. 

For a while, all was calm in the house as the three slept together. Sadly, the sunbeam soon moved away and the three animals scattered.

I wish the sun would shine more often. Since the afternoon yesterday the skies have been overcast again and are expected to remain gray until next week. Rain and thunderstorms are the forecast for tomorrow making Happy Hour a potential washout. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunbeam

Finnegan and Louis
Elkridge, MD
April 20, 2022

What could be better on a cold Springtime day than lying in a warm sunbeam on the floor? 

Nothing, it appears.

That is how I found Louis and Finnegan yesterday.

Yes, for those of you who know the saga of Louis, the white cat, he has returned for a few weeks while his human takes a vacation. His return has been very smooth and the greeting he received from the rest of the pack was very touching. He has slipped right back into his old roles of trying to kill me by sneaking up behind me when I am working at the kitchen counter and also serving as the resident trophy cat. 

What is a trophy cat? 

A trophy cat is one which is always around, but does not like attention, to be picked up, or touched. It wants to be seen, but not openly acknowledged. It exists to be admired and cared for. They make good cats for those who do not enjoy having a cat sitting in their lap, except on very rare occasions. 

Which brings me back to the sunbeam. It is one of Louis's favorite spots in the house. Yesterday, Finnegan joined him for some midday warmth. I was sorry that I could not likewise find a sunbeam to enjoy.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Osprey in Flight

Osprey
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
April 8, 2022

Osprey with Boat
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
April 8, 2022

I sat on the beach, during Happy Hour, last evening trying to capture an Osprey in flight as it was hunting. It was hard to get the camera to focus in the correct spot as the osprey flew overhead. The focus was slow and the osprey was agile on the light wind. 

I did finally get one image that is passable; the osprey with its wings outstretched in flight--but that is all that can be seen. I had tried to get something else in the field of view to make the scene more exciting, but the sun angle and the flight of the osprey made that difficult. 

But I did manage a couple others that show what I wanted--just not exactly what I was trying to image.

It was fun, and I was actually very lucky because at one time there were three ospreys in flight within my field of view. The evening was perfect.. The lighting was low on the horizon as the sun was beginning to set. And the ocean was nearly flat. A perfect Friday Happy Hour on the beach to celebrate the end of the week.  

Osprey on the Cloud
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
April 8, 2022

It was a very good week and I will miss the ability to enjoy a perfect ending to the day on the beach. The turtles have not started nesting in great numbers yet--but I expect that when I return in August there will be many turtle nests along the stretches of sand that I most enjoy.

Wintering in Florida has been idyllic. I have a lot to do as I prepare to return to Maryland and get into a new rhythm there for my retired life. I have been there only 8 days thus far during this year and have not developed a daily rhythm as I have here in Florida. 

Mundane tasks await me in Maryland such as mowing lawns, opening and maintaining the pool, and preparing the house for sale. Downsizing is going to be difficult--but, necessary. I also want to play golf--more golf than I have played here in Florida, but then,  Have really been enjoying riding my bicycle and I don't want to push my stamina too much by riding a bike AND playing golf on the same day. 

But today, I want to enjoy the beach, the sun, the sand and the ospreys soaring overhead.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Turtle Fest 2022

Turtle Fest 2022
Juno Beach, FL
April 2, 2022

The opportunities to get out and enjoy some sun and good weather as well as fun activities abound during this time in South Florida. 

Yesterday it was Turtle Fest! A great way to begin the month and stay in tune with nature. One of fun facts that I came away with is that there have already been 52 loggerhead turtle nests identified along the local coastline. Leatherbacks lead in nesting as neither the loggerheads or green turtles have nested yet--but they are coming during the next weeks. 

Florida works to provide a good environment for sea turtles to nest. There are announcements about sea turtle nesting season and Florida State Parks provide additional information. In the past, I have been fortunate to watch sea turtles laying eggs and also witnessed nests erupting with small sea turtles racing for the sea. It is truly magnificent to watch, but not interfere with these events.

We need to think about the consequences of the products we use and there impact they may have on marine life. The use of plastic bags and plastic straws must be minimized and replaced with products made out of materials that decompose--such as paper and bamboo.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Uneasy Truce

 

Finnegan and Marley at the Table
Tequesta, FL
March 29, 2022

An amazing thing happened last evening.

We were at a friend's house for Happy Hour and dinner. They like it when we bring Finnegan along for the evening and so he has spent many evenings at their house. 

They have a cat named Marley. Marley and Finnegan have developed an uneasy truce. Finnegan avoids Marley and Marley hisses at Finnegan. Finnegan would like to play with Marley, but Marley does not particularly appreciate Finnegan invading her domain.

Last evening they both jumped into empty chairs at the table hoping to gain access to the happy hour apps and then they saw each other. It was a difficult moment for both of them. They each wanted to flee, but they also wanted to be at the table. Finnegan looked away and Marley hissed. But they remained in the chairs. 

It was a funny moment, worth remembering.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Spring Arriving!

Happy first day of Spring!

At 11:33 AM EDT we will finally say good-bye to Winter and look forward to longer days and warmer temperatures. 

I have been enjoying the warmer temperatures here as we hit 85 degrees yesterday with beautiful blue skies and gentle breezes. Today is supposed to be cooler, only 80 degrees. But I am looking forward to another great day. 

Yesterday was a typical Saturday. The usual dog walk, a 13-mile bike ride, watched a movie, grocery store, Happy Hour on the beach, and dinner to close out a great day. 

Happy Hour was interesting as Chris and I watched, and then got involved with, three dogs playing. It was great fun, but the dogs. like petulant children, did not want to leave when the families determined it was time to depart. 

Dogs and Chris on the Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
March 19, 2022

Dogs can be like children and these dogs were a lot of fun. They even invaded our small encampment and spread cheer and sand to us. 

The dogs were everywhere and in the water. I am glad that I did not have to clean them when they returned home. 

They were fun and it was all in good fun even as we watched the owners of the dogs get frustrated. Wet ave b been there. I know Chris felt differently, but I was glad that Finnegan did not accompany us for Happy Hour. 

I am enjoying the thought of Spring beginning and the daylight exceeding the darkness for the next 6 months.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Quandary on the Beach

 

Portuguese Man O' War on the Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
March 15, 2022

I found myself in a quandary the other day while I was walking the Jupiter Island beach. Many Portuguese Man O' War were strewn across the beach where they had washed up with the tide. My natural instinct is to help animals in trouble, but in the case of the Portuguese Man O' War, I found myself standing there wondering if they even knew they were dead. Or even more difficult--how could I tell if they were alive? Fortunately they are not sentient. 

But while I had the urge to try to re-float the animals in the ocean, the big question in my mind became: why? If they were not dead it would only prolong the inevitable because they will only wash back up onto the beach to bake in the sun AND they are a hazard to humans. Their long tentacles provide very painful stings. 

So I looked at them on the beach and chalked their demise up to natural selection. For some reason these Portuguese Man O' War washed up on the beach and their genes were being removed from the gene pool. 

After a few moments, I went back to enjoying my beach walk while avoiding the tentacles of the Portuguese Man O' War washed up on the beach and baking in the sun. It is that time of year. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Curiosity

 

Riordin in a Bag
Tequesta, FL
March 14, 2022

Curiosity killed the cat, or so the phrase goes.

We witnessed how something like that could occur last evening as Chris and I along with family and friends were playing cards and enjoying munchies and wine. Riordin decided to explore an empty bag of chips. Yes, he was on the counter while we were at the table. 

Riordin is an inquisitive cat. A bit too inquisitive. As I have documented previously, he likes to explore boxes and bags looking for strategically important locations where he can curl-up and nap. So it is important to note that he was not interested in the contents of the bag, but rather was looking for a secluded place to enjoy. It did not work quite the way he imagined as the bag was not large enough for him and he was having difficulty getting it off his head. 

I removed the bag from Riordin's head and all was well.

If you are interested in the history of the phrase: Curiosity killed the cat, click the link at the b beginning of the blog.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Hiding in Plain Sight

 

Hiding in Plain Sight
Tequesta, FL
March 10, 2022

OK, sometimes I think I am living on the edge of Jurassic Park. Lizards are everywhere when the temperatures crawl into the mid-80s as they did yesterday. They can be very startling as they zip across in front of me while I am walking or biking. For some reason they feel the race across the sidewalk when I approach. 

I have seen colorful lizards during my biking outings, but generally there are two types of lizards that zip about: the six-lined race runner and geckos. During one of my bike outings, I did see a small iguana and one very colorful lizard that scurried into the underbrush before I cold get a good look at it. I'm not sure what the lizard in the photo is, but it was outdoors on the still warm exterior of the house last evening, hiding in plain sight. As close as I can determine it may have been a Tropical House Gecko.

I don't mind the lizards too much. We do not allow them inside the house, but occasionally one gets into the garage which can be disconcerting. Unlike other areas of Florida, I have not seen any iguanas in our immediate area so we do not fear falling iguanas during periods of cold weather. 

Thankfully, unlike Jurassic Park, the lizards of Florida are not trying to make a snack out of people. Just be ready for them to show up--anywhere.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - March 7, 2022

 

1. Welcome to March 2022. Today is the first Monday of the month. There are 42 Mondays remaining in the year. Spring officially begins in 13 days!

Marley and the Turtle
Tequesta, FL
March 6, 2022

2. The cat and the turtle. Marley is a cat and she is the clear queen of her home. A new item, a wooden turtle, was introduced into her domain the the other day and it apparently has created some conflict. Marley was noticed trying to decide if the turtle was friend or foe last evening. The turtle, of course being wooden, did not back down from Marley's advance causing her to retreat. 

3. After biking over 30 miles during the past two days, I am going to take a break today. Yesterday's ride, just short of 20 miles, took me to the southern tip of Singer Island where I could look out across the shipping channel and to the Atlantic Ocean with its roiling waves. It looked to be a rough day to be out on the ocean. While facing a left-quartering headwind for most of the ride down Singer Island, it became a right quartering tailwind for the ride back ad resulted I a much more enjoyable and faster return trip. 

4. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is abhorrent. I am amazed at the number of people who have suddenly become foreign policy experts or military experts without any experience in either. Many of these same people were rendering unfounded and incorrect COVID medical opinions just two weeks ago. The situation revolving around Ukraine is very complicated and a mis-step could have dire consequences for the planet. I am watching the Biden administration navigate a complex world situation. This is a war and all of the instruments of national power are being employed as effectively as perhaps has ever been done by the U.S. Remember, war is hell and making this worse, the survival of the Russian Federation is in play making the end game and exit strategy even more complicated and dangerous.

5. Chris returns from her trip to Maryland today. Yay! Finnegan is more than ready to welcome her home.

6. Today in History. On March 7, 1965, in Selma, Alabama, a 600-person civil rights demonstration ends in violence when marchers are attacked and beaten by white state troopers and sheriff’s deputies. The day's events became known as "Bloody Sunday."

The demonstrators—led by civil rights activists John Lewis of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and Hosea Williams of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference—were commemorating the recent fatal shooting of Jimmie Lee Jackson, a 26-year-old church deacon, by state trooper James Bonard Fowler. The group planned to march the 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, the state capital. Just as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge outside Selma, they were ordered to disperse. Moments later, police assaulted them with tear gas, bullwhips and billy clubs. Lewis, then 25, was one of 17 marchers hospitalized; dozens more were treated for injuries. 

Russia detains at least 4,640 people on Sunday during protests, says independent monitoring group - CNN

300 Shots Fired, 280 Russian Tanks Gone: US Missiles In Ukrainian Hands - NDTV

Republicans weigh approach for Ketanji Brown Jackson nomination fight - CNN

Biden Caught Between Inflation and Calls to Ban Russian Oil - The Wall Street Journal

Global Markets Fall After Oil Hits $130 a Barrel - The Wall Street Journal

After Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Moldova worries it might be next - The Washington Post

In rare trip to Venezuela, U.S. officials discuss that nation’s oil exports amid a proposal to ban Russian fuel - The Washington Post

Ukraine decries 'immoral' stunt after Moscow says it will let civilians flee — to Russia - Reuters

Russian no show at U.N. court hearings on Ukrainian war - Reuters

'Putin will not stop in Ukraine', Lithuanian president warns Blinken - Reuters

Note: the "n" key on my keyboard is malfunctioning. If there are too many or missing n's, please excuse the inattention of the editor.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tortoise

 

I was treated to a bike ride in a new area yesterday. A friend and I went north of Hobe Sound and rode into Port Salerno. Part of the ride included the Seabranch Preserve State Park which has a very nice riding trail through the Florida scrub. We enjoyed a very pleasurable 12-plus mile ride. 

Tortoise Eating
Seabranch Preserve State Park, FL
March 5, 2022

I never actually took an image of the scrubland or the trail, but I was able to record a tortoise eating along the trail--which is essentially a wide sidewalk. 

The tortoise I imaged was not the only one seen during the ride. One the way back through the park to where the vehicle was parked two more tortoises were found. It was unclear whether one was the same one I imaged or not. One of the two tortoises demonstrated that these are not slow moving creatures. The tortoise did not like being watched and made a speedy, for a tortoise, escape into the brush. I was actually impressed with its speed. 

The ride yesterday was an out and back with some exploration of Port Salerno along the waterfront. The ride is mostly flat. While the wind was strong, it only affected the ride on the way back, of course, since the winds were from the southeast. The trees did a good job of keeping the wind from becoming too much of a nuisance. Riding directly into a strong wind is not a lot of fun. 

The total time of the ride was just over one-hour. A pleasant pace and an enjoyable ride.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Course Birds

Sandhill Crane
Bent Tree Golf Course, Sarasota, FL
February 25, 2022

Florida's golf course fauna is significantly different from the northeast. In addition to the occasional alligator lurking in the water hazards or crossing the fairway, there are birds. In the northeast the largest birds that must be contended with are usually Canadian Geese. Anyone who has had the opportunity to interact with a Canadian Goose knows that they can be very aggressive--sometimes it is best to let them just have the golf ball. In Florida, we often see Sandhill Cranes which are both larger and louder, but more sedate.

Sandhill Cranes
Rosedale Golf & Country Club
Bradenton, FL
February 24, 2022

Sandhill Cranes are large birds that are definitely not afraid of golfers and they are considered a threatened species by the State of Florida. They sometimes block shots and often get between the golfer and the ball. I have not noticed them to be as aggressive as geese, but they are big enough to definitely defend themselves. 

Sandhill Cranes are loud. They do not honk like geese, but that make a sound that reminds me of what a pterodactyl might sound like had I been around during the Jurassic Period to hear them. Fortunately, I was not as I am sure that I would have quickly become a morsel for either a pterodactyl or dinosaur. 

And all of this from a golf course? Who says golf is not an imaginative game. I have linked 21st Century golf to the Jurassic period in just a few paragraphs.  

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Pelicans Gathering for Dinner

Pelicans Gathered for Food
Jupiter, FL
February 21, 2022

Pelicans are fun to watch. Chris and I love to watch them fly along the beach either above us or skimming the waves in search of their next meal. We often see them diving into the surf to consume some unsuspecting fish.

Our favorite phrase when a squadron of pelicans fly overhead is "Pelicans on patrol" because they fly in formation.

Last evening as Chris and I enjoyed Happy Hour, also known as Must Drink Monday, at one of our favorite local establishments along the banks of the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, we saw a gathering--a very large gathering of pelicans waiting for dinner near a dock where the day's catch was being cleaned. 

Look closely at the image and the piece of fish that the pelicans are vying to consume is visible just below midway between the back of the watercraft and the upraised pelican beaks. 

The pelicans were entertaining and I was enjoying a heaping pile of nachos at the time so I was eating along with the pelicans--although not, obviously, the same dish. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

My Stupid Cat

 

Finding Water in the Wrong Place

I caught the Riordin, my cat, doing something disgusting the other day. 

He was drinking from the toilet!

For real.

Apparently he was not happy with the water situation in the house. Frankly, I do not understand his desire for toilet water. Chris and I maintain fresh water for the animals in a central location and change it daily. We also provide Riordin with his own bowl of water that the dogs cannot access. We are beginning to understand that Riordin does not like to share and believes he is special!

I was amazed at how he perched himself on the seat to access the water in the bowl. 

Sadly, this is not the only time I have surprised Riordin in the toilet. This was the time I had my phone with me to catch him in the act. We are trying to keep the seat tops down, but sometimes, OK most times, I forget. 

Thank goodness cats, unlike dogs, do not greet people by licking faces.

Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friends at the Door

 

Finnegan, Makayla, Riordin at the Door
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022

Chris and I enjoyed a quiet Happy Hour on the patio last evening. We talked and sipped wine, but at some point I looked over and noticed that we had excluded the rest of the family from our end of the day celebration. All three of our faithful family members were at the door looking at us as if to say, "Did you forget to invite us?"

Of course we had not forgotten them, we had intentionally excluded them. Sometimes it is nice to sit alone and talk without worrying about one of them wandering off and of course the dogs like to enjoy our Happy Hour munchies. 

We decided that we would end our alone time and go inside rather than. inviting the entire family outside. It was a beautiful evening, however. It was also the end of another great day which included a walk, bike ride, and brunch with friends. 

While our friends at the door were cute to look at, we did not make them wait long before we joined them inside for an evening together. It was a very different Friday evening and one of the few that we spent at home alone with just our family.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back to the Beach

Kitesurfing on the Atlantic
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 10, 2022

The weather turned warmer and Chris and I were able to return to the beach for Happy Hour yesterday. It was still a bit cool, as in the low 70s, but sitting on the beach watching the ocean and the activity was an enjoyable way to get out of the condo for a bit and enjoy life outdoors.

We have been watching way too much of the Olympics and shows on Netflix and it was nice to get back to the beach and then off to dinner with friends at a Greek fusion restaurant. Watching a kitesurfer on the ocean provided some entertainment as did the multiple probable spinner sharks which were jumping from time to time. 

We have become experts at packing what we need for the beach in about 15 minutes. The beach chairs permanently reside in the car and are ready for any spur-of-the-moment expedition to the beach. 

The morning activity included a dog walk and a bike ride. We are thoroughly enjoying the outdoors activity and seem to enjoy it more after a stormy day which keeps us inside. I have to admit, we have mostly lost pale look of snowbirds wintering from the north. 

I wonder what adventure will find its way to me today.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - February 7, 2022

 

1. Greetings. It is the first Monday of February! There are 3 Mondays remaining in the month and 46 remaining in the year. 

Finnegan Protesting
Tequesta, FL
February 4, 2022

Riordin in a Box
Tequesta, FL
February 4, 2022

2. How do we keep our cat, Riordin, happy? We put a box on the floor and he makes it his own personal space. He has been using the box now for three days. I would like to recycle it, but I believe it has been somewhat permanently repurposed. He is laying in the box as I write this morning.

3. Chris and I took Finnegan for a morning walk the other day. Since we were going biking we decided to stop short and return home. Finnegan had other ideas. He protested the truncated walk by doing the downward dog and stopping. He would not be moved--well, he only weighs six pounds and so he was moved and like a petulant puppy did return home with us in the end. But it was a funny moment where it was clear that Finnegan realized his morning walk was being shortened.

4. The Olympics are a bit of a disappointment. The U.S. is without a gold medal so far and has garnered only three silver medals. The Russian Olympic Committee has six total medals--twice the U.S. count. Don't get me wrong, I am happy that the U.S. team has won medals, but I think everyone expected more.

5. I am continually amazed at the impatience of drivers in South Florida. I do not understand why some people think it is OK to travel excessively fast on residential streets. Here in our small community we have had to erect a speed limit sign to slow drivers down. It is for 12 MPH. Hoping to see results soon.

6. Today in History. On February 7, 1964, Pan Am Yankee Clipper flight 101 from London Heathrow lands at New York’s Kennedy Airport—and “Beatlemania” arrives. It was the first visit to the United States by the Beatles, a British rock-and-roll quartet that had just scored its first No. 1 U.S. hit six days before with “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” At Kennedy, the “Fab Four”—dressed in mod suits and sporting their trademark pudding bowl haircuts—were greeted by 3,000 screaming fans who caused a near riot when the boys stepped off their plane and onto American soil.

Two days later, Paul McCartney, age 21, Ringo Starr, 23, John Lennon, 23, and George Harrison, 20, made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, a popular television variety show. Although it was difficult to hear the performance over the screams of teenage girls in the studio audience, an estimated 73 million U.S. television viewers, or about 40 percent of the U.S. population, tuned in to watch. Sullivan immediately booked the Beatles for two more appearances that month. The group made their first public concert appearance in the United States on February 11 at the Coliseum in Washington, D.C., and 20,000 fans attended. The next day, they gave two back-to-back performances at New York’s Carnegie Hall, and police were forced to close off the streets around the venerable music hall because of fan hysteria. On February 22, the Beatles returned to England.

Frontier Group, Spirit Airlines Merge in $6.6 Billion Deal - The Wall Street Journal

Climate-Change Concerns Revive Interest in Carbon Capture Despite Checkered History - The Wall Street Journal

Tens of Thousands Still in Dark in Tennessee After Winter Storm - The Wall Street Journal

National Archives had to retrieve White House records from Mar-a-Lago - The Washington Post

In Ukraine’s capital, residents grapple with the threat of war - The Washington Post

Covid isn’t gone. Americans are moving on anyway. - The Washington Post

CDC study shows N95, KN95 masks give best protection against covid - The Washington Post

Exclusive: U.S. calls for 'concrete action' from China on trade deal, article with gallery - Reuters

China locks down city on Vietnam border as COVID cases rise - Reuters

After two years of closed borders, Australia welcomes the world back - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Damaged Butterfly

Juvenal's Duskywing
Elkridge, MD
August 24, 2021

I found a sad butterfly in the yard the other day. 

It was damaged and struggling in the grass. I really didn't realize how damaged this creature was until I looked up in the guides to identify it. 

I believe it to be a Juvenal's Duskywing--but there are important parts missing along the bottom of the wings. Look at how ragged it is. I am open to a better identification if someone has one. 

I helped the butterfly out of the tall grass and into the air. It managed to fly away before I could place it on a nearby bush. 

This butterfly reminded me of a lot of people that I know--damaged. We all have scars and damage that we contend with daily. The COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting how damaged we are as a society right now. The "Me First" movement has gone a bit too far and people are forgetting that through our own personal sacrifice and giving we make everyone stronger.

I hope the damaged butterfly survives, just as I hope we as a society can survive.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD