Showing posts with label Event. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Event. Show all posts

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Another Great Saturday

Last Quarter Mile
Village Blvd, Tequesta, FL
March 16, 2024

Happy St Patrick's Day


 I began yesterday with a 15.5 mile bike ride. But, this ride was different from all the others. I am beginning training for riding the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) from Downtown Pittsburgh, PA, to Cumberland, MD, a 149 mile ride. Yesterday I rode for the first time with a bag on the newly installed rack on the back of my bike with 8 pounds of additional weight. It really changed my ride. I rode the 1h 12m ride without stopping. Usually I stop once or twice, but yesterday I forced myself to drink water without stopping. 

Map of the GAP
I could not believe how adding 8 pounds affected everything from my breathing and heart rate to my mental state. I'm really not looking forward to lugging about 40 pounds of clothes and water along the trail. But I know that I need to train to be ready for the three day ride. Patrick and Jen have a good plan and I am encouraged because this will be Patrick's fifth time to ride the GAP. Jeremy and I will be the newbies on the trail.

Upon returning home, the remainder of the day was devoted to getting our new Mustang Mach-E set-up. There is a lot to new cars. Although, fundamentally it is a car and the basics apply: get in car, foot on brake, start car, put in gear and drive. There are a lot of things to assist us as drivers. This car even has Alexa and is a WiFi hot spot!

So much to do and so little time.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday, March 15, 2024

It's Red and New

Beware the Ides of March! 

Chris and Rosie
Tequesta, FL
March 14, 2024
Buying a new car was not something we envisioned until about a week ago. Actually, it was exactly a week ago and we had our wonderfully change meeting with Patrick and Jen while beginning to enjoy Happy Hour at the Crooked Crab with Mike and Nicole. It was there we were introduced to the Mustang Mach-E. And it was not exactly love at first sight, but pretty darn close.

Mustang Mach-E
On the Road
March 14, 2024
I have been enamored with the idea of an EV for a while now and after seeing the Mach-E and doing some time. I was in love with the idea of the Tesla when they burst onto the scene. But, the time now seemed right with the incentives being offered. We do a lot of short trips, driving around the area and we think an EV will be perfect. 

It was sad to part with the Highlander, which we have had for 11 years and almost 160,000 miles. We have had some great times and traveled the East Coast extensively. It was nice to part on a high note.

Chris has named the new car Rosie, after the bomber Rosie the Riveter portrayed on Masters of the Air. 

We had an OK shopping experience. It got off to a rough start with our sales person because the first and second cars he wanted to show us were not in the correct place. Another one was dead. But, we finally fond one that worked and took a short test drive. We had already driven Jen's Mach-E and so I was able to show the salesman some of the features he could not find. 

The really only downside to thew buying experience was that we drove off the lot with only a 20 percent charge on the batteries. That is not a lot, but we are doing a very slow Level 1 charge right now at home. We tried going to a charging station, but it did not work. Ugh!

New cars--they all provide opportunities to discover new things. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sunday, March 10, 2024

The Path

 

Our Walking Path
Odenton, MD
March 6, 2024

Walking the dogs allows me the opportunity to view the changing Maryland seasons, get some exercise and converse with Chris. The dogs become almost a secondary aspect of the entire event. 

When we visit Odenton, we walk an old roadway which is closed to traffic, but has become almost as we were passing through a forest with the exception of the new roadway on one side and townhomes on the other. 

November Path
Odenton, MD
November 18, 2023
I would like to say that it is a relaxing walk, but the dogs provide some continual level of excitement, especially when we pass other dogs. It can get very exciting and sometimes a bit physical. Finnegan is well behaved and just wants to meet and greet the other members of his species, Lily, our daughter's dog, takes a more offensive view and sees the others dogs as a potential threat and gets into defensive mode. She is a very strong dog as well as she also has a mind of her own. I sometimes have to fight for control. We have found it easier to terminate the walk early or to slow our walk so as not limit contact between the dogs.

One of the things I enjoy noticing during the walks is the passing of the seasons. For instance, four days ago the trees along the path were fairly barren and from the winter. But, back in November, the path was filled with late-autumn color and leaves were everywhere. Visiting every few months helps me better identify the changes caused by the seasons. I believe I see the changes better than when I lived here and was exposed to the gradual change every day. 

The walk. And yes, I was reminded of the Robert Frost poem, The Road Not Taken. Although there are not two diverging roads here, there are two very different, yet the same roads.


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD


Saturday, March 9, 2024

Connecting

 Yesterday was filled with highlights of meeting people and enjoying a few adult beverages and food. 

Dave and Me
Arbutus, MD
March 8, 2024
The afternoon began by meeting another retired work buddy for lunch at Guinness. Dave and I worked together for 26 years. He recently retired, while I am just over the two-years retired. We had an enjoyable lunch at reconnected. It was fun to talk of old times and catch up on the people we collectively know. But it was great just to see a person who I used to see every day. I would usually start my day sitting in his office talking to him about work, life, and the events of the day. I have to admit--I miss that.

BTW, I take a terrible selfie, I know that. Ugh! 

Not too long after I arrived back at Nicole's, the four of us: Nicole, Mike, Chris, and I; headed off to Crooked Crab for an early Happy Hour. It was Friday after all. We had no sooner obtained our first drinks and got seated when Patrick and Jen arrived. It was a total surprise for all of us. Something great happened with no prior planning. It was just one of those times when good things happen despite our best efforts. We enjoyed conversation and also were able to see the new vehicles, yes plural, that Patrick and Jen have acquired. They are really nice with all of the latest safety features and Chris and I are seriously considering looking into purchasing the Mustang Mach-E to replace her Highlander.

Returning back to Nicole's we decided to watch a dog movie, Togo. I am a sucker for dog movies even though they almost always bring tears to my eyes. The historical significance of this film and its accuracy make it a must watch.

What a great day! And I realized the importance of connection with friends and family.


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Friday, March 8, 2024

Dinner and a Splash of Color

Tete-a-tete Daffodils
Odenton, Md
March 7, 2024

 Well, the whirlwind visit to Maryland continued today with a dinner at The Hideaway in Odenton. Chris and I enjoyed the company of Jeremy and Lucas as we ate our way through the great food. Our dinner was highlighted by a highly entertaining and attentive waiter, Christian, who provided top-notch service.

The dinner and conversation was great and we spent time discussing their upcoming Florida trip and beginning to plan events associated with that visit. It is hard to believe that Spring Break is upon us and much travel is about to begin. 

The weather cleared during the afternoon and the oppressive gray skies lifted. I paused by a patch of tete-a-tete daffodils that just screamed Spring to me! Against the still brown grasses of Winter, they provided a much needed splash of color. 

Sadly, although the weather warmed to the low 60s yesterday, today promises to be colder, but brighter before rain returns tomorrow!

New adventures await us daily. 


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Lunch with Friends

Daffodils in the Brambles
Odenton, MD
March 6, 2024
Continuing our visit to Maryland to reconnect with family and friends, Chris and I had a wonderful lunch with friends, Ralph and Todd, from our former street in Elkridge. 

We went to a small and very nice Italian restaurant in Waugh Chapel for an afternoon of good food, wine, and great conversation. It was so very good to catch up with them. 

Earlier in the day, we took the dogs for a walk with a light mist falling from the sky. The dogs were excited, me? Not so much! But we headed out. Along the path I spied a clump of daffodils blooming amidst thorns and brambles. I could not resist taking an image of the beauty among the desolate colors of the early Spring. The scene brought meaning to the phrase, "A rose among thorns."

We have a lot of catching up to do with family and will be focusing upon them for the next few days. It is amazing how the short distance from Maryland to Florida can create such an abyss in the mind. 

Is it Friday Eve already? 


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Dueling 16ths

Excited for the Present Inside
Odenton, MD
March 5, 2024

 During the past week we have attended three birthday celebrations for people turning 16! Weird. Well it was only for two different people and one of them was a 16 year old trapped in a 64 year old body due the calendar complication associated with Leap Year. 

Jax with Cake 
Odenton, MD
March 5, 2024
Last evening we enjoyed a small family celebration for the newest 16 year old, Jackson, a/k/a Jax. We were honored to be able to attend and are currently batting 1.000 for 16-year old family celebrations this year.

It was a small family celebration which happened after baseball practice. There was exciting news on Monday as Jax also made his high school JV baseball team. The image I took of him at the table is interesting because looking into the mirror I am seen taking the picture and his brother, Ethan, is also seen. Kinda cool. Intentional? I think not!

At least there are warm celebrations even if the weather is cold and rainy!

Oh yes, and he blew out all of the candles in one breath!


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD


Sunday, March 3, 2024

Party Day

Houston Party Boats
South Shore Harbor, TX
March 2, 2024

 As I wrote, the day arrived cooler than expected, but that did not dampen the spirits of those gathered aboard one of the Houston Party Boats to celebrate Scott's Birthday. 

Unlike Gilligan, our three-hour tour was just that. We enjoyed a pleasant cruise from South Shore Harbor onto Clear Lake and then to the mouth of Galveston Bay before returning to our starting point. The boat captain kept our journey safe and smooth.

The Family
Clear Lake, TX
March 2, 2024
Our group was promoted to the largest boat, although there were but 30 of us. We had plenty of space to move around and also had more than enough food and beverage. 

There were sights to see along the way, but most importantly we were able to enjoy each other's company while celebrating. I also got to play with the kids a bit. They were wild at times, but enjoyable. 

The Passengers on the Party Boat
Clear Lake, TX
March 2, 2024
We did well with the cool temperatures that never made it out of the very low 70s, but the boat had a very nice industrial heater that took the chill off. That was important because the breeze off the water was very cool.

As can be seen from the image, we had a lot of space and it made for a very nice cruise. 

I had hoped to cruise on Galveston Bay, but the captain told me that the Coast Guard did not allow the vessel to actually enter the bay. I am guessing that conditions on the bay can change very quickly and the party boat could become unstable. But, nonetheless, it was a very enjoyable cruise and as I wrote before, I enjoyed it more because I was not at the helm.

Thanks to Pennie and Scott for hosting us on the party boat for the celebration. I am pretty sure that a good time was had by all--well except for maybe the one person that didn't bring a coat.


-- Bob Doan, League City, TX

#birthdaycelebration #houstonpartyboats #clearlake #southshoreharbor

Friday, March 1, 2024

The Birthday


 Leap Year Birthdays are such a rarity that they inevitably enjoy multiple parties to celebrate when the actual day arrives every four years.

Last evening was the family affair marking the date and celebrating the big 16th birthday. I loved the shirt that Scott received, it says: "I'm just a 16 year old trapped in a 64 year old body."

It is a perfect representation of how I often feel. Maybe not 16 years old, but younger. I sometimes think about how different it  would be if I was in my teens with the experience that I now possess.

Ah, to dream!

Well, we had a lot of fun celebrating the birthday--and we get to do it again with a bigger crowd tomorrow!


-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Leaping


 Happy Leap Day!

It is that day which appears once every four years and seems to cause nothing but trouble. OK, I don't know about the trouble part. 

I am in Texas to visit my Dad and to celebrate the Leap Year birthday of my brother-in-law. It seemed a good time to be here and it seems that my family who reside in the frozen areas of New York are also going to be here for the same reasons! So we will be enjoying a family reunion! 

Well, we needed to do something different for mid-Winter! Although, Spring is officially just 19 days away occurring on March 19th at 11:06 PM EDT. And the way things are headed, Punxsutawney Phil may have been correct with his prediction of an early Spring.

Although 2024 is only 2 months old, it sure seems like we are on a rocket sled heading from one month to another. 

Enjoy the day as it will not return for four-more years. That almost sounds like a campaign slogan!

Ugh, campaigns! 


-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX


#spring #leapyear #earlyspring #punxsutawneyphil

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Jupiter Seafood Festival 2024

Jupiter Seafood Festival 2024
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 17, 2024

 Yesterday dawned beautiful. Chris and I decided that it was a great day to head to the 2024 offering of the Jupiter Seafood Festival

It is a classic Jupiter, Florida, event. Last year with the temperature approaching 90 degrees the fest was a bit unbearable, but this year with moderate temperatures reaching into the upper 70s it was a great and enjoyable event. 

Boat Looking
Jupiter Seafood Festival 2024
February 17, 2024
Chris and I headed out early, just after the festival opened, to enjoy the activities and the music before the crowds arrived. We felt that many others, like us, had read the weather report and knew that rain and poor weather would arrive during the afternoon.

Now, I ask, what is the most fun thing to do at a seafood festival? You might say eat, but in truth it is look at the boats. Now, I was amazed. I could buy a nice new boat with trailer and motor for less than a nicely equipped pick-up truck! Think about it! But wait, then I need a place to store it, pay the insurance, and maintain it. Wow! It makes my Freedom Boat Club membership look pretty good. I already have a vehicle capable of towing a fully loaded boat, so that did not factor into the equation.

We stopped to listen to some music and shopped at the merchants before heading back home for the rest of the day. 

And later, as forecasted, the rains came and this morning it is more like a monsoon. I'm thinking that day 2 of the festival will be a washout. Sadly. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Abrupt End for the Stairs

 

Seaglass Condos
Jupiter Island, FL
February 12, 2024

It seems that even in buildings where the starting price for condos is about $6M, there can be interesting construction issues. 

Take, for instance, these stairs. The building is supposed to have beach access. And it sorta does, except they ended the stairs about 5 feet above the beach and then had to close the access. There are two sets of stairs from the building to the beach, and both are like this. 

It is an abrupt ending. 

Blowing Rocks
Jupiter Island, FL
January 2, 2022
Now, I know what happened. When the stairs were being constructed there was actually sand at the base of the stairs. But, since then the ocean has reclaimed the beach sand and the stairs no longer reach the beach. Clearly the contractor building the stairs was not familiar with beach conditions. The stars need to be build down into the sand to account for beach erosion.

The bigger problem is that the people living in the building do not have easy beach access right now. And the building is strategically positioned right near Blowing Rocks--which is beautiful. 

Note to self: Mind the Step!


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#blowingrocks #jupiterisland #seglassjupiterisland #dangerousstairs

Friday, February 9, 2024

Rough Day at the Beach


 

Sea Foam
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 8, 2024

We ventured to the beach yesterday. While that does not seem to be an out of the ordinary occurrence, it was not a perfect beach afternoon.

Sign at the Beach Entrance
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 8, 2024
The weather was a bit raw, temperatures in the low 70s with a stiff wind, some rain, and 4-6 foot swells with a strong rip current. It was not the kind of day that even surfers were enjoying. There were a few brave crazies out in the surf, but the waves were inconsistent and we did not see many good rides. 

Swimming was not advised and the red flags were flying. 

The sign at the beach entrance did not give a water temperature, but it felt colder than 70 degrees when I tested the waters with my foot. 

The most fun that I had during my beach visit was taking an image of the sea foam. Yup, really. 

OK, maybe I really enjoyed taking a nap on the beach while I was dodging raindrops. Yes, a few clouds passed over and decided to share their moisture with us.




-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#floridabeach #carlinpark 

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Art Show Season is off and Running

Finnegan gets Hat and Glasses
Hobe Sound, FL
February 3, 2024

It is art fest season in South Florida.

There are multiple art fests every weekend during this time of the year, while the "snow birds" are in residence. The festivals provide a reason to get out and mingle in the crowds while looking at the works of art, or in some cases works of I am not sure exactly what.

Yesterday we attended the 23rd Annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts.

We walked the fest, with Finnegan, and enjoyed the sights and sounds. There was a steel drum band putting out the sweet Caribbean sounds.

Finnegan bore the brunt of the visit. He was the recipient of a new hat and glasses, which he dutifully wore for more than 30 minutes before deciding they were more trouble than they were worth. He was, however, a star of the show--it seemed everyone wanted to pay attention to him and he was on his best and cutest behavior. 

We saw a few items that tempted us, but I'm not of a mind to put a $1,000+ piece of art in a bathroom. It would have been perfect, however!

I shot a short video of the steel drum band, The Gratitude Steel Band.


My only comment was that the shuttle service from the parking area was terrible. We spent more time waiting for the bus than we did at the festival. Two busses is just not enough.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Trucks N' Tunes Returns


 

The Village of Tequesta is a great place to live! During the winter months they sponsor a Trucks N' Tunes on the first Friday of the month. They sponsor a variety of food trucks and a  band plays in the Constitution Park gazebo. It is a fun time and it is free, well except for buying food from the trucks. 
Tequesta Trucks N' Tunes After Dark
Tequesta, FL
February 2, 2024

We went to the February version of Trucks N' Tunes last evening. The food trucks offer a wide variety of food choices. Chris and I had pulled pork sandwiches which were excellent. Next month we may try some Latin offering.

We had a great time celebrating the pleasant weather and Groundhog Day! The evening temperature was in the low 70s and it was almost invigorating to see the kids running around the park. And there were a lot of kids with their families. The band was great and played a variety of rock music. 

I took a short video of the band and their music. They had a great rock sound. Maybe the bass was a bit overpowering, but given that I was a distance from them, it was nice background music and did not detract from our conversation. I took the video at the beginning of the evening, while it was still daylight and before the crowd arrived. We like to arrive early to get the best parking and we also have Happy Hour while listening to the music. About 30 minutes after I took this video, all of the space between me and the gazebo was filled with families. It is a family friendly event.




-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#tequesta

#tequestatrucksntunes

Friday, February 2, 2024

Spring is Near!

Punxsutawney Phil

 Happy Groundhog Day!

Punxsutawney Phil is predicting an early Spring!

Yay, we need it!

According to the New York Post:

The cold weather and snowfall may soon come to an end, at least according to the region’s fluffiest weather predictor.

Punxsutawney Phil, the 132-year-old world-famous groundhog, failed to see his shadow when he was abruptly woken from his sleep in Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania early Friday.

I have to say, had I been abruptly woken from my winter nap, my eyes would likely be too bleary to see anything, let alone my shadow. Good on ya Phil!

I am glad that people gathered at Gobblers Knob for the annual rite of Winter. And I am very glad that Phil is predicting and early Spring. That is good news!

So my recommendation is to celebrate this Groundhog Day Friday! Spring is on the way!


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Saturday, January 27, 2024

South Florida Fair 2024

 

Giant Ferris wheel
South Florida Fair 2024
West Palm Beach, FL
January 27, 2024
What to do on a beautiful South Florida day? Well, go to the South Florida Fair, of course!

Chris and I were given tickets to the fair and given that the weather was perfect, there was no way we could not decide to attend the fair. It was a short 30 mile drive away in Central Palm Beach Country and I have to admit it is one of the largest fairs that I have ever attended. 

We enjoyed ourselves riding the giant ferris wheel and watching the pig races. We also ate some food and listened to live country music at the main stage. 

Parking was easy and well marked and the entry security screening process was smooth--it was much better than the last NFL game I attended. 

The midway is huge--I mean really big and it goes on forever. My most recent fair experience was the Maryland State Fair--and this midway is easily three times larger and with more rides, food, and activities. 

This being our first time visiting the fair, we were very impressed with the overall size and layout. The fair covers a large area, but it seemed easy to walk from area to area. The livestock barns were small and did not allow access to all of the animals. I especially love the cow barns and it was not as well organized, nor as large, as the Maryland State Fair. But our overall experience was very positive. 



One of the events we experienced was the pig races. They were cute and funny. It was fun to be part of the experience. I tried to capture some of the fun on the short video which combines our ferris wheel ride and the pig races. 

I recommend the fair and we plan to visit it again, next year.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#SouthFloridaFair2024

#SouthFloridaFair

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Beach Afternoon

Carlin Park
Jupiter, Florida
January 12, 2024



 If this is January in South Florida, then we might be on the beach for Happy Hour.

Yesterday, after a morning of rain, the temperatures soared into the 80s and the skies cleared for the sun to peak out. That was all of the encouragement that we needed to head to the beach for Happy Hour. 

Chris and the Balloon
Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida
January 12, 2024

The beach was only sparsely populated with other beach goers and there were even a few surfers trying to catch the gentle waves. It made for a perfect afternoon, sitting and waiting for sunset while listening to the waves lapping at the sand and watching the surfers try to catch a wave.

Chris did her good deed for the day by capturing a wayward balloon which could have been dangerous to the turtles or other sea creatures. We popped the balloon and ensured that all of the pieces were transported off the beach and into a trash receptacle. And as for sea creatures, we spied a manatee heading south along the coast right in front of us.

It was the colors of the sky and ocean that made the day special. After weeks of not being on the beach, our return was dramatic as we enjoyed the sunset behind us which cast colors into the eastern sky. With sunset occurring so early, we are able to stay and enjoy the show and still head home for dinner.

Looking West Across the Sand from the Atlantic Ocean
Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida
January 12, 2024

But it was the sunset, after all, which reminded me of why I love coming to the beach. It was a beautiful display and provided the perfect exclamation point for the day. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday, January 6, 2024

Football Saturday

 

Baltimore Forecast

It is Football Saturday.

I am lucky in that I will be attending the final Ravens game of the season today. 

Did I come prepared to be cold and wet in a stadium full of rabid fans?

Nope!

But, my family and friends have been extremely generous in supplying me with a heated vest and gloves, a heavy coat, a rain coat, rain poncho, and wool socks. And a hat, did I mention a hat!

The weather is going to be the fun part! I looked at the precipitation forecast and rain begins about 9 AM and ends about 9 PM. The game begins at 4:30 PM. It will be wet and cold. 

I continue to wonder why the stadium in Baltimore is not equipped with a dome! 

But I will get to see the Ravens.

Fun fact: Both the Orioles and the Ravens ended their regular seasons with the best record in their league/conference. 

Even though many Ravens's starters have the week off to heal, I remain hopeful of beating the Steelers!


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Day 2

Dawn in Columbia
Columbia, MD
January 2, 2024

 It is Day 2 of the new year. 

Schools are open, businesses are open and there is activity everywhere. 

I had a couple medical tests this morning and was out before the dawn. I know, right? I could have slept in and gone later in the day, but I love the dawn. I had the opportunity to drive past my former place of employment twice--once in the dark at about 6 AM and then on my way back at about 7:30 AM. I recalled my many years of arriving for work usually before dawn during the winter and often going home after dark had returned. 

As I exited the medical testing facility in Columbia, MD, near the hospital, I was treated to a colorful sunrise, which I captured for a memory. 

It is a great way to get the new year started. 


-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

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