It's Happening at the Zoo

 

Sloth and Baby
Palm Beach Zoo, West Palm Beach, FL
July 13, 2024

Zoo Day!

Yup, Chris and I went to the Palm Beach Zoo yesterday, just because.

I felt a bit funny as we entered as we were the only ones without kids in tow. It almost made me feel conspicuous, but in some ways that was a good thing because we engaged in conversations with the zoo staff and did not have kids trying to get on to see the animals. 

Flamboyance of Flamingos
Palm Beach Zoo, West Palm Beach, FL
July 13, 2024

This zoo is very different from most. It has a lot of shade which is nice for the animals. It also has a lot of screens to protect the animals, but which makes taking images tough. The shade made the visit pleasant as we were out of the sun. 

There is a wide variety of animals to enjoy and there are also a number of interactive programs, which are best reserved in advance. We know that now. 

The zoo is not huge, but that made it a pleasant day looking at the animals because as we all know--it's all happening at the zoo!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Happy Hour on the ICW

TIKI 52 Looking to the ICW
Tequesta, FL
July 12, 2024

 The weather was actually pleasant and Chris and I headed off to our newest favorite watering hole to enjoy the evening and Happy Hour. Tiki 52 was just beginning to get busy as we arrived to enjoy a few apps and adult beverages. 

The sky actually had some blue patches, which was a change since we have had a lot of Saharan dust during the past few days. I do not know which is worse, the Saharan dust we are experiencing here or the smoke from the Canadian wildfires that the Northeast experienced last year. At least the Saharan dust does not have a noticeable smell. It does, however, cause similar respiratory distress for some people.

We had such a great time with Happy Hour that we ordered dinner and continued to enjoy the evening. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

20s in the 70s

70th Birthday Cake
Tequesta, FL
June 29, 2024

 Chris and I celebrated a friend's 70th birthday last evening. 

It was a big affair and was attended by many neighbors and friends. We had a great time and enjoyed the conversation and the festivities. 

But it was a 70th Birthday party. We can delude ourselves into thinking 70 is the new 50--but it is still 70.

I heard a saying the other day that describes the situation that our generation finds itself in:

In the 70s we were in our 20s, but now in the 20s we are in our 70s. 

Some people rephrase is as saying I had a lot more fun being 20 in the 70s than I am being 70 in the 20s--but you know what--for Chris and I (although we are not yet 70, but it is within spitting distance) that is just not true. We are having a lot more fun now being retired and enjoying life, our family, and friends than we did as struggling recent graduates and with a young family and new careers in the 70s. 

I guess I am thankful for where I am--right now!

Happy last day of June 2024! My favorite month of the year begins tomorrow!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Off the Beach

Ride Computer
Tequesta, FL
June 27, 2024

 The afternoon weather has been stormy the past few days. This led us to celebrating happy hour off the beach last evening. 

We went to a local restaurant and enjoyed some great conversation, wine, and apps. I was excited about oysters for $1.50/shuck. I enjoyed three as I split the half dozen we ordered. 

The clouds and thunderstorms kept us off the beach because there is nothing worse than being caught on the beach during a thunderstorm.  

Getting out during the mornings before the storms form is critical. That is when I bike. I have ridden 295 miles this month and am hopeful of getting out tomorrow to push my total over the 300 mile mark. I realize the 160 miles I rode the GAP really helped me reach the 300-mile mark, but this would not be my first month of achieving that mark. October 2022 and March 2023 are the other months that I have managed to exceed 300 logged miles. 

Goals are fun to have, especially when they are achieved. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Off to the Show!

 Instead of watching the disaster that was the presidential debate, last evening Chris and I had tickets to see Mama Mia at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. We had a great time. 

The music was, as always, stirring and the performances were exciting and energizing. 

The Kravis continues to be a great theater in which to see top notch performances. And it is so easy to get out after the show--unlike many places where I have to wait 30 or more minutes to exit the parking garage. 

After the Curtain Call Encore of Mama Mia
Kravis Center, West Palm Beach, FL?
June 27, 2024

The show was great! As I wrote the music and the acting was energizing and the song finale after the show was stirring and brought the audience to their feet and many joined in with the celebration. 

Even with the rain, it was an evening to remember and was what an evening at the theater should be: memorable entertainment! 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday Evening is Beach Time

Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
June 21, 2024

 Chris and I headed to the beach last evening to enjoy Happy Hour with friends. The beach was the perfect escape from the oppressive heat. We were greeted by beautiful cloud-filled skies, bright sun, a strong surf, and a pleasant wind to keep the experience comfortable. There were even surfers to provide entertainment.

The Crew
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
June 21, 2024

Sitting on the beach at the end of the week, and especially a week in which we traveled, provided a way to relax and unwind from the activity. 

The surfers always provide a show and since I can't surf, I am always fascinated at how they balance themselves upon the ever-changing waves and avoid crashing onto the shore. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Riding the GAP - The Light at the end of the Tunnel

Brush Tunnel
Near Cumberland, MD
June 16, 2024

 The third day of the GAP ride was tunnel day. We rode through three long tunnels, one of them was almost 3300 feet. I learned that tunnels are dark and cold! Really cold!

The last tunnel was most interesting, however, not because of its particular geography or length, but because as we arrived to transit, a Western Maryland Scenic Railroad train was coming out of the tunnel. Truly, the light at the end of the tunnel was an oncoming train. 

We stopped and chatted with the runner in the image while the train passed. It was pretty exciting because we had been riding along the tracks for quite a few miles and I hoped that we would get to see the train. And we did!

I enjoyed waving to the people on the train. When we lived in Maryland I wanted to ride the train, but never was able to get it on the schedule. 

I feel fortunate that within a few miles of the end of the three-day ride to have actually arrived at the perfect moment to see the train emerge from the tunnel. Coincidence? I think not. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

A Fun Evening with Family

 

Luke Catching Flying Seafood
Ellicott City, MD
June 12, 2024

It was an evening for celebrations and much of the family joined together for a meal at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse in Ellicott City. 

I have to admit, I am still getting used to the oppressive traffic in the Baltimore area. I had forgotten how bad traffic is on the main roads from about 3:30 PM to after 7 PM. I have been about 15 minutes late for everything I have attempted during those times. Last night was no exception. 

We had a wonderful time at the restaurant, once we arrived. The family had good fun at the table and there was so much to discuss--especially for those of us heading out on the GAP ride tomorrow. 

Of course the meal ended with the tossing of shrimp and people trying to catch it in their mouths. I do not think anyone caught the shrimp. That was lucky for me because the chef forgot I'm allergic to and I got caught in the moment of trying to catch the airborne shellfish until the cry at the table brought me to reality and I allowed the seafood to bounce off my face. 

It was truly a fun evening with family. 

Friends, colleagues, and memories

 I enjoyed a fantastic afternoon yesterday. 

I was able to attend the 60th Anniversary of the organization that I used to work for and have been retired from for the past almost 2 1/2 years. 

It was great to be back on the campus and noting the changes which have occurred, although I could not actually go into my old offices. But most importantly, I was able to meet with many of my old bosses, friends, and colleagues while learning how the organization has grown since my fairly recent departure. 

Decade anniversaries provide an important moment in an organization's life. They are useful in reflecting on the past and charting a course for the future. That is what I heard yesterday. The organization in which I enjoyed working for the non-military portion of my adult life continues to be thriving, vibrant and relevant. 

It was great meeting my friends and fellow retirees as well as the current members of the organization. I especially enjoyed meeting with so many of the former directors who came. I was very happy to have traveled from Florida to be part of the celebration. 

And so until we meet at the 70th!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

A.Ham

 

Kravis Center Set for Hamiltom
West Palm Beach, FL
April 13, 2024

Hamilton.

To say the show was fabulous is an understatement. 

Chris and I sojourned into West Palm Beach yesterday to attend a matinee performance of Hamilton at the Kravis Center. 

Kravis Center View Behind our Seats
West Palm Beach, FL
April 13, 2024

We had wanted to see the musical about Alexander Hamilton since it was first performed on Broadway and our desire was heightened by the Disney production a few years ago.

Wow! Being there in person was an emotional and, yes, a religious experience. I read the book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, upon which most of the production is based. The story of Hamilton is a true rags to riches story where a Caribbean orphan becomes an influential founding father and whose vision for the fledgling nation remains the basis of our banking system today. Not to mention his explanation of the Constitution as documented in the Federalist Papers. It was an interesting coincidence that we attended the performance of Hamilton on Thomas Jefferson's birthday. Jefferson, as you might expect, is part of the story.

The Kravis is a superior venue. I was awed by its size and comfortable seats. Very unlike the Hippodrome in Baltimore where, frankly, I never enjoyed attending shows. I look forward to attending another performance at the Kravis soon. AND, they have free EV car chargers and parking! I was also very impressed with the parking garage egress plan. We did not hurry to our car after the show and yet were out of the garage and on the highway in about 11 minutes.

P. S. I now know what A.Ham means!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#hamilton #a.ham #kravis

With Fireworks and Chocolate

Mary and Fran
Fulton, MD
April 12, 2014

 We celebrated the 10th Anniversary of two of our best friends, Fran and Mary, last evening. They treated us to a celebratory dinner at a very upscale Asian restaurant. 

Dessert and Firework
Blackbird Restaurant, Tequesta, FL
April 12, 2024

Thinking back on the day, 10 years ago, on the day we were gathered with friends and family to celebrate their long anticipated union. I was honored to be the officiant and it was a great evening with extra nice April Maryland weather allowing the celebration to spill outside of the venue and under the blooming cherry trees. 

Last evening, it was with flair and fireworks that we celebrated their anniversary. Yes, at the end of the dinner the restaurant brought a beautiful dessert along with a small pyrotechnic to mark the occasion.

I was afraid the fireworks might set off the smoke alarms, but no such travesty happened. 

It was fun and the food was excellent.

Congratulations Mary and Francis on 10 years together! It was a great celebration--then and now!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Eclipse

 

Eclipse 2024
Tequesta, FL
April 8, 2024 2:57 PM

It is being called a "shared experience." And it was! 

The eclipse was something that we were all talking about as it happened, unfortunately, Chris and I did not properly prepare for the even and so we did not haver the proper eye protection to stare at the event other than when the conjoined sun and moon were passing through a cloud. And even then, it was a quick glance. 

Eclipse 2024
Tequesta, FL
April 8, 2024, 3:01 PM

Fortunately, some other residents or our community shared their eye protection with us and we were able to view the eclipse against a clear sky.

Here in Palm Beach County, we only achieved about a 49 percent totality. We were far off the beaten path, yet at the eclipse's peak in our area, we could tell that the brightness of the sun was significantly reduced. The 49 percent of totality occurred at about 3:03 PM when the sun broke out into a clear sky, here. 

It was an event and I am glad that I was able to record it for posterity, or whatever. 

Except for the darkness just after 3 PM, it was a beautiful day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Trucks N' Tunes April 2024

Constitution Park
Tequesta, FL
April 5, 2024

 I enjoyed an evening out at a local park with friends for Happy Hour. It was another in a string of beautiful evenings with moderate temperatures, crystal blue skies, and low humidity. The Village of Tequesta sponsors the event and throngs of people and kids showed up to enjoy the evening. 

The live music and the food trucks are the draw, but the weather provided the exclamation point. I truly enjoy watching the kids, of all ages, race around the park and just enjoy being outside. I wonder if they find it an enjoyable break from computers and smart phones? 

The music was mostly oldies, and I mean old. We recognized songs from the 50s and 60s. Looking around it was clear that most of the people were far too young to appreciate the songs, even though they were not performed very well. The lead singer was having pitch problems and also did not have good command of some of the songs. It was like he learned them yesterday. 

But, it was enjoyable to be out of the house and enjoying a meal with friends. Did I mention Happy Hour? Oh yes ,we also enjoyed Happy Hour before heading out to the food trucks for dinner.

This was the first Trucks N' Tunes since Daylight Saving Time went into effect and it was nice having daylight until almost 8 PM. This was also the last Trucks N' Tunes listed for the year, sadly. I expect the series to resume in November. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday Happy Hour

Tiki52 in the Afternoon
Tequesta, FL
April 4, 2024

 It was off to Tiki52 for Happy Hour last evening. The day was absolutely awesome and the evening was shaping up to be more of the same.

It was good to get out with friends after the day and sit for a while to have some conversation. The place was relatively deserted when we arrived about 5 PM, but by 6 PM it was hopping. All of the tables were full and people were waiting to be seated. I'm glad we like to get to places early to beat the crowd and enjoy a very different ambiance. 

The snowbirds are slowly leaving and soon we will have the venues to ourselves again. I am seeing fewer northern license plates in the parking lots and clogging up the roadways. Traffic can still be horrific in the afternoons. Fortunately, Tiki52 is about a mile from the house and it is right on the water next to a marina. What a perfect spot.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Dinner Guest

Dinner Guest
Port Salerno, FL
April 1, 2024

Chris and I headed out to Port Salerno last evening for Happy Hour and dinner with friends. It was a beautiful spot right along the water near a marina and the boat traffic kept me entertained for most of the evening. 

We were at a place called Shrimpers Grill and Raw Bar, which was very enjoyable. The weather was fantastic with a nice breeze. 

One of the highlights of the evening for me, however, was a waterbird that just enjoyed hanging out on the concreted deck next to us waiting for scraps--which never came. 

It was a nice evening and a great way to start the second quarter of the year. 

Oh yes, I also did get the taxed done and submitted. Thankfully, it was a bit easier this year than last.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Driving Miss Daisy

 It was the stuff of movies. 

Chris and Luke on the Paddle Board
Jupiter Island, FL
March 25, 2024

Learning to use a paddle board is not an easy task. It is much like riding a bike, I believe. It takes some time and coordination to learn and then it almost becomes second nature. I, at least, hope that is true. 

Yesterday the task was learn to use a paddle board. 

Luke Standing on a Paddle Board
Jupiter Island, FL
March 25, 2024

We had fun. It took quite a while to get the paddle board inflated and even then, I didn't inflate it quite enough. Close--but an expert told me it needed even more air. I thought my pressure gauge was incorrect, but he said he thought his was incorrect the first time as well, but the boards really need to be very stiff.

We had fun and I have another paddle board that we will inflate and get out in the near future. Yes, I did make it out on the board, I was not brave enough to try standing, but that will come, I think. 

Luke did manage to stand on another paddle board. A really nice paddler boarder stopped and gave us some important tips.  

Chris did not want to try the board on her own and Luke took her for a ride, kind of like Driving Miss Daisy. She enjoyed the experience.

Closing out the day we raced back to the beach after dinner to see the space launch. There were a lot of clouds, but we did get to see it as it climbed out and the second stage ignited over the ocean. It happened as dusk was falling and the sight of the SLV heading off into space was, as always, magnificent. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Attack of the Biting Midges

 It was likely the worst beach experience that I have ever, and that includes a lot of beach experiences, had. 

It was a sad ending to a great day. 

View of the Atlantic
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
March 23, 2024

We began the day with a trip to the Elliott Museum in Stuart, FL, to see the King Tut replicas, the antique car collection and the baseball memorabilia. We also learned about the Ashley Gang who were early 1900s South Florida moonshiners and, during prohibition, rum-runners.

King Lucas
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
March 23, 2024

Then lunch at a small cafe with a view of the Atlantic.

For the late-afternoon, Chris and I along with Jeremy and Luke, headed off to the beach to enjoy the day which had cleared and was bright and sunny. What we did not consider, as we headed out, was that a significant rainstorm passed through the Jupiter/Tequesta area while we were in Stuart. That meant the area became a breeding ground for biting midges, also known as "no-see-ums." And we started scratching almost as soon as we settled onto the beach. It took us some time to realize that all of us were scratching and then Jeremy actually saw the no-see-ums on his shirt which helped us all understand that we were under attack. 

I thought we had bug spray in the beach bag, but alas it had been removed. After a while longer hoping the assault would cease, we decided to head home. We brushed each other off a well as possible at the car to preclude the bugs from finding a new home. Once we arrived at the house we visited the community pool to help get the bugs off our clothes and out of our hair. Then it was showers for all!

I am hopeful of never experiencing another biting midges attack again.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

They Arrived

 It was a busy evening. 

Jeremy and Teddy
Tequesta, FL
March 22, 2024

Jeremy and Luke along with Teddy and Gloria arrived about 4:45 PM and the electricians arrived about 6 PM to install the circuit for the charger. 

And so the evening began and continued until after 11 PM. 

There was a trip, during a vicious thunderstorm to the airport to retrieve Julie, but I stayed home and helped the electricians finish up with the circuit installation. Fortunately they had departed by the time Chris, Jeremy, and Julie got home from the airport. The installation project was more complex than I imagined, but the electricians worked hard for over four hours and completed the project shortly after 10 PM.

The car charged swiftly overnight and is now at 90 percent--which is, as I have been reading, the optimal charge, unless departing on a long trip. 

It was a fun, busy, and late evening.

Our boating plans for today changed due to expected rain, high winds and rough seas. Now we will likely be headed to the Elliott Museum in Stuart to revisit the King Tut exhibit and enjoy the remainder of the treasures there including the antique vehicles.

Note: I have a Keeshond in the house again! Well, only for a week.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Can You Believe It?

 It is Friday, again!

My Electrical Panel
Tequesta, FL
March 18, 2024

The end of the week just kind of sneaked up on me and suddenly everything I had been putting off is suddenly due. 

I know, what could I possibly have to get done by the weekend? Well, I have to completely reconfigure my garage to support the installation of the car charger, for one. At least there is space in my electrical box and apparently sufficient service to the condo to support the 40 amp car charger. 

And, I am behind in getting reservations for the sights we want to see on our upcoming European cruise and vacation. The cruise is locked in, but I need to get other sights reserved in both Rome and Venice since we are doing additional days there. I hope we can get our clothes cleaned somewhere. 

The electricians will be here about 5:30 pm so I have some time. But, Jeremy, Julie (later arriving at PBI), Luke and two dogs should also be arriving about that time as well. It might be a real circus around here. 

Happy Friday to all and may your end of week Happy Hour be especially enjoyable.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Garage Work and Dinner

 Monday sure seemed to arrive quickly. 

Blackened Ahi Tuna
Cooper's Hawk, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
March 18, 2024

I decided to take a day off from riding after the 26-mile ride on Sunday. I also had an electrician arriving to survey putting an outlet in my garage to support charging our new car. I actually spent most of the day receiving bids to install the outlet. The bids were wide ranging and the high and low bids were separated by $1,000. Amazing. 

I am also trying to reconfigure my garage to get the new car inside when we head out on trips. That will be difficult since the garage is just wide enough and long enough for the car to fit. Ugh! But, I used to get a car in the garage in the old days. 

Last evening we headed off to dinner at Cooper's Hawk. I had a reward to redeem and wine to retrieve. I ordered the Blackened Ahi Tuna and it arrived to my table with some of the nicest presentation that I have enjoyed in a long time. I very much enjoyed the entree. It was as good as it looks!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL