The Season Creeps In!

 

Christmas Bedroom
Tequesta, FL
November 12, 2026

Friday arrived again, right on schedule! 

The earlier sunsets are becoming a bother. It gets dark too quickly and limits our outdoors activity. 

The in-between weeks have arrived. They are the roughly two weeks between Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. It is the period that we both focus on the upcoming Thanksgiving feast while beginning Christmas preparations.

I wrote that we broke the seal on Christmas. Yesterday, we continued our much too early decorating for the season by transitioning our bedroom. There were no turkeys to displace and so it seemed the natural place to start. My flamingo, however, remains strategically placed in a corner.

Chris and I had spotted a Christmas comforter in Pottery Barn about a month ago when they began displaying their Christmas merchandise. We had talked about it several times, and yesterday, we decided we liked the look. So, we went back to the store to buy the things we needed to complete the bedroom makeover. 

Finn was excited about the end result. 

Let the decorating begin!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thank You for Your Service

 Veterans Day 2026

Thank a veteran for their service! 

I enjoy identifying and recognizing other vets. No matter the service, there is a bond among veterans because we have served our republic. 

Below are some quotes about Veterans and Veterans Day collected by the Reader's Digest.

"It's an honor that not only a small percentage of Americans can claim, and one that marks those who are able to claim it as brothers and sisters. It's a badge of courage that unites across all ages, regardless of background—because to be a veteran is to have endured and survived challenges most Americans will never know." —Joe Biden

"To all the mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, spouses—all those who stand alongside our veterans—and their families, caregivers, survivors: You are the solid steel spine that bears up under every burden, the courageous heart that rises to every challenge." —Joe Biden

"The person you pass as you walk down the street might not be wearing our nation's uniform today. But consider for a moment that a year or a decade or a generation ago, he or she might have been one of our fellow citizens who was willing to lay down their life for strangers like us." —Barack Obama

"These are the hidden heroes of a peaceful nation: our colleagues and friends, neighbors and family members who answered the call and returned to live in the land they defended." —George W. Bush

"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free." —Dan Lipinski

"You have shielded your fellow citizens from danger. You have defended the beliefs of your country and advanced the rights of the downtrodden. You have been the face of hope and mercy in dark places and a force for good in the world." —George W. Bush

To all veterans: 

Thank-you for your service!

-- Bob Doan, Veteran, Tequesta, FL

Transition to Christmas

 

Despite it being mid-November and definitely the turkey season, the transition to Christmas is already underway. 

Holiday Preparations
Tequesta, FL
November 3, 2026

I am noticing the transition as I bike and even right across the way at the shopping center. When we last ventured to Tiki52, I noticed that the palm trees had been wrapped in festive lights!

I enjoy seeing the palms don their holiday lights. Since transitioning to standard time from daylight saving time, the lights help stave off the darkness which is falling earlier. We are luckier here in South Florida because our daylight is 43 minutes longer than latitudes similar to Baltimore right now.

I have evidence that the Christmas season is arriving too early. Chris purchased a Santa for the house yesterday. And she has already acquired new small Christmas tree decorations which are sharing the stand under the TV with Thanksgiving decorations.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL  

Season of the Turkey

Election Day 2026 - VOTE!

Turkey Display
Tequesta, FL
November 2, 2026

Chris and I were walking into a store yesterday and a man suggested to me that we were going to need to build an ark because of all the rain. I responded that we needed to find some gopher wood. We both laughed and went on our way, but the weather has really been that bad. I saw the sun briefly through a cloud yesterday, but other than that it has been raining. We are lucky as we apparently have good drainage in our area, but we are not driving around much right now until the waters recede.

Arguably, my favorite season of the year has arrived. It is the Season of the Turkey. Unofficially, it runs from November 1st until Thanksgiving. 

I love turkeys and the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Turkey's are so uniquely American and Thanksgiving is based upon another uniquely American event. 

The season is also a time to reflect and give thanks for the blessings of another year. Some years the negatives may seem to outnumber the blessings, but the blessings are always more important. 

This year, Chris and I decided to display some of our  turkeys in the display case. It worked out pretty well and gives us a change from the other items in the display. After Thanksgiving, the display case will be devoted to Snow Village. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Halloween 2026

 Happy Halloween!

Finn the Pirate, Yarr!
Tequesta, FL
October 30, 2026

The night of witches, ghouls, and goblins is upon us!

Halloween has arrived and, sadly, the forecast here is calling for rain. Trick or Treaters are being advised to carry their umbrellas for the evening festivities.

Finnegan is ready! He donned his costume, borrowed form friends, to check for size. He was not happy about the process, but he accepted the indignity with his usual grace and indifference.

Finn will me meeting his fans at two establishments this evening, weather permitting. He will be at Locals our newest watering hole first and then over to Tiki52 for the adult Halloween Party. It promises to be a fun and busy evening. 

Be careful out there!

Although we so not usually get any Trick or Treaters, we bought one bag of candy--just in case. We have a few more children in the community this year. And maybe, just maybe a few will grace our doorway. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Riding into Halloween

 

Moon over the Houses
Tequesta, FL
October 28, 2026

Halloween is almost here. The full moon is waning and it was making its way down the western sky yesterday as I was preparing to head out on a ride. The moon sat there in the sky, almost laughing at me. 

The forecasters got the weather wrong for yesterday, thankfully. There were predictions of intermittent rain all day, but that did not materialize and I was able to get a 17-mile ride accomplished. I am still developing a new base ride with the closure of one of the bridges that I normally traverse. 

Ghouls in Tequesta
Tequesta, FL
October 28, 2026

The halloween decorations abound and I snapped an image of some interesting decorations as I zoomed past on my bike. People are so very creative.

There was some standing water in places that I had to traverse, but the rains definitely had stopped and the land was beginning to dry. 

I am looking forward to the upcoming transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Lawn decorations express the seasons in so many different ways and they make my rides more interesting.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - October 12, 2026

 1. Happy Columbus Day, Indigenous People's Day, or whatever it is called now. It is the second Monday of October! Wow. The month is cruising along and there are only 11 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Osprey outside the Window
Tequesta, FL
October 11, 2026

2. The bird outside our window. Yesterday during a drenching thunderstorm, Chris and I went to the veranda to check on the storm and were startled to see an osprey sitting in a tree very close to our condo. We enjoy seeing ospreys when we are at the beach or boating, but have never seen one perch on the treeling behind the condo. It was easy to assess that the bird was seeking cover during the storm. It remained for a while before flying away.

3. Family NFL Results. It was a another less than satisfying weekend for most of the family teams. The teams went 2-2-1 for the weekend and now post a 14-14-1 record for the season. 

Ravens (4-1) soared over Falcons (2-3), 30-23

Steelers (3-2) trample Colts  (2-3), 34-22

Commanders (1-3-1) snatched a tie from the jaws of victory against the Giants (3-1-1), 27-27 

Cowboys (2-3)  were outgunned by Buccaneers (1-4), 16-24

Dolphins (0-5) lost again to Bengals (3-2), 24-31

Chiefs (4-0) BYE

4. Revered or Reviled? Apparently, our President is more concerned about putting his name on everything he can than with how history will remember him. His temper tantrum for not winning the Nobel Prize was classic. I know that I am looking forward to the day when governmental business is no longer conducted via social media. His quest for accolades and awards reminded me of something General Patton is quoted as saying: 

“For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting.” (Highlighting mine)

5. Today in History. After sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus sights a Bahamian island on October 12, 1492, believing he has reached East Asia. His expedition went ashore the same day and claimed the land for Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain, who sponsored his attempt to find a western ocean route to China, India, and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia.

Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451. Little is known of his early life, but he worked as a seaman and then a maritime entrepreneur. He became obsessed with the possibility of pioneering a western sea route to Cathay (China), India, and the gold and spice islands of Asia. At the time, Europeans knew no direct sea route to southern Asia, and the route via Egypt and the Red Sea was closed to Europeans by the Ottoman Empire, as were many land routes.

Ukraine accuses Russia of violating Trump's energy ceasefire - Reuters

Six reasons Democrats may fall short of a midterm landslide - Reuters

Closure of Riyadh airport extended after deadly Houthi strikes - Reuters

China's tax crackdown piles pressure on luxury brands as US spending falters - Reuters

Trump backlash stokes GOP fears of a midterm wipeout - CNN

A megadrought has drained the nation’s largest water reservoir by 70% - CNN

European troops arrive in Greenland as Trump targets allies with new tariff threats - MS Now

‘Wow!’: Trump snaps after losing out on Nobel Peace Prize again - MS Now

Elon Musk Flooded Republican Groups With $276 Million in Rescue Mission for G.O.P. - The New York Times

Kremlin rejects 60-day truce offer and refuses to comment on Trump’s ‘energy ceasefire’ - The Guardian

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Holiday Travel and Family

 

Finn Relaxing with his Best Friend Kaya
Tequesta, FL
September 7, 2026

It is crazy to travel on the last day of a holiday weekend, right? Especially to drive the beltway around Washington, DC. But that is exactly what Chris and I did yesterday on Labor Day. We drove from Charlottesville, VA, to Glen Burnie, MD, to spend the holiday with family. We departed Charlottesville about 9 AM and enjoyed a very pleasant drive. Yes, really! We were shocked. There were no delays and no spots along the route where we slowed significantly. It was the best drive along that route we have ever made. 

The Labor Day Family
Glen Burnie, MD
September 7, 2026

The drive was so good that the Apple Maps projected arrival time at the beginning of the trip was our actual arrival time! That almost never happens.

Upon arriving at Patrick's house, we were greeted by Beck who continues to grow and has become the dynamo of the family. If only we could harness his energy and enthusiasm! 

Later, during the afternoon, the rest of the family arrived and we enjoyed chatting and being together until evening fell. Once the fire pit was lighted, the evening began to wind down. Beck was in bed and it was just the remaining adults. The fire kept us warm as the temperature fell into the 60s. That is the coldest temperature Chris and I have experienced is a few months. 

We received an image of Finn reclining back hone in Tequesta with his best friend. That made Chris very happy to know he was relaxing and being well taken care of by friends. 

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

Monday Musings - September 7, 2026

Happy Labor Day

1. The first Monday of September has arrived and along with it Labor Day and the unofficial end of Summer. Wow! And only 16 Mondays remain in the year. 

Sunset at Hark Vineyard
Earlysville, VA
September 6, 2026

2. Chris and I enjoyed a the wines of Keswick Vineyards yesterday. The visit brought back old memories of how we transitioned from simple enjoyment of wine to become interested in all aspects of wine making and enjoyment. This interest has led us to visit wineries and vineyards in the U.S. and other countries.

3. As yesterday ended, we were at the award winning Hark Vineyards enjoying a grand birthday party and a spectacular sunset over the mountains. The party and the wines were very special and made memories not to be forgotten. 

4. The Orioles and decided to end their post-season chances by going 0-6 so far in September. They entered the month with a chance to win a wild card post-season spot, and now six games into the month that have all but given that opportunity away. They were just embarrassingly  swept by the Red Sox in a four game series. They only scored six runs in the entire four game series and five of those were in the first game!

5. At 9:10 this morning [Sunday], after spending the entire weekend hiding inside his Bedminster golf club, avoiding the waiting press and their cameras, Donald Trump posted his first social media post of the day. By 10:35 this evening [Sunday], he had posted more than 60 times, with each share more concerning than the last. The posts became so disturbing at times that many began openly questioning if the president of the United States was having a mental health crisis, with some of his fellow MAGA Republicans even ridiculing him back. (Hope for America)

6. Today in History. On September 7, 1813, according to the most cited—and Congressionally approved—account, the United States gets its nickname, Uncle Sam. The name is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812. Wilson (1766-1854) stamped the barrels with “U.S.” for United States. But because Wilson was known locally as "Uncle Sam," soldiers began referring to the grub as “Uncle Sam’s.” The local newspaper, the Troy Post, picked up on the story and Uncle Sam eventually gained widespread acceptance as the nickname for—and personification of—the U.S. federal government.

Scholars have uncovered a handful of earlier references linking the U.S. to the nickname Uncle Sam, but the Troy Post origin story has stuck as the official one.

Far-right AfD courts conservative support after historic German state election win - Reuters

Iran to announce new restricted zone in the Gulf in the coming days - Reuters

Warning signs abound for Republicans as midterm campaign begins final sprint - Reuters

At least five killed in Amazon Prime Air cargo plane crash in Miami - Reuters

Horse smuggling exposes cracks in US defenses against screwworm - Reuters

Armed man arrested after pushing through crowd toward Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee - CNN

U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner arrive in Kyiv after talks with Putin in Moscow - MS Now

U.S. objects to new world map that corrects the size of Africa - MS Now

As War Grinds On, Trump Relishes Renovation Projects - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Charlottesville, VA

Christmas Comes Early

 

Rocky's ACE Hardware
Tequesta, FL
August 18, 2026

It is mid-August and the ACE Hardware put out their Christmas display the other day. I was a shocked!

I actually found the display funny as I looked at it and noticed the Christmas trees were surrounding the frozen bait cooler. It seemed perfect. Frozen bait and Christmas. I guess they go together. 

It seems that the holiday seasons are blending. As Halloween arrives on the store shelves, so does Christmas. 

And the prices! Chris and I went to Michael's yesterday for some frames and browsed through the Halloween decorations. WOW! Prices are astronomical. I can definitely see the impact of the tariffs. Who is going to pay $49.99 for a decorative pumpkin? It seems that $49.99 is the new $10. I saw even larger pumpkins marked $99.99.

It is going to be an expensive and very long holiday season. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Really Most Sincerely

 Happy Hump Day to all!

Boat Heading Down River
Tequesta, FL
July 14, 2026

I hope you partied hard to celebrate Bastille Day! Chris and I enjoyed some nice French wine last evening as part of our celebration. Really, and most sincerely, we had a very subdued celebration.

Some mornings, it seems that crises abound. Like this morning when one of the chargers failed to charge a watch and phone. I am sure it was operator error--but it still becomes a crisis. 

Yesterday, in addition to Bastille Day, I enjoyed a great ride. It was another nice day. 

I wasted a few minutes trying to capture the sun glinting off a spider's web. The camera would never actually focus on the spider and the images didn't work. 

I stopped to take the image of a solitary boat motoring down the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River. The river was pleasantly flat and I wished I had been in the boat rather than on my bike. But, I rode 19 miles and was able to enjoy the ride and the day. The weather was not nearly as oppressive as it had been which made the ride even nicer. 

As an aside, mangos are ripening and falling from the trees. They make a mess on the roads and sidewalks. Sadly, they usually do not survive the impact with the street or ground and so I have not collected any.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Lazy Days and Mondays

Happy Bastille Day

Vive La France! 

Well a busy week just got easier. 

We canceled our boat and so we have nothing on the agenda for today. That means a relaxing day. Tomorrow is already jam packed with meetings and activities throughout the day. 

Bastille Day is my second favorite foreign holiday. I think I will be looking for something French. A good French wine comes to mind. And I have a few! I just realized that the French are in involved in both of my favorite foreign holidays: Bastille Day and Cinco de Mayo. One is a jail-break to start a revolution and the other is an embarrassing defeat.

Turning to the U.S., however, the news is not so great and there is definitely no reason to celebrate. 

ICE continues out of control and we can thank the Republicans for that. If no one is above the law, then why do ICE killings continue without apparent consequences. 

Monday was definitely not a lazy day. There was an ICE killing in Maine--

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin initially told Senator Angus King that Guerrero was the target of the warrant. Hours later, Mullin called King back to correct himself. The victim was not the target. They killed the wrong person. ICE is a rogue agency. The president’s own military force, and people are dying. (Hope for America)

My thought here is, why are agents shooting the driver and not the car? Kill the car; it will stop and the driver can then be detained, questioned, and/or arrested--alive. 

Inquiring minds want to know!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Week Ago

I cannot believe it has been a week since we celebrated the 250th Birthday of America.

It seems like it was a long time ago . . . 

In a place far, far away

Yet, it was just a short week ago, or so the calendar says. 

Why do I feel that the holiday was somehow stolen from us? That the celebration was muted. 

But it was a great celebration. 

And we need to remember the celebrations as the Dog Days deepen. It is already a very hot summer. 

According to Duck.ai, here are some of last week's news highlights:

Key News Highlights from Last Week

Political Developments

• Election Assistance Commission Changes: President Trump removed the last members of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, dismissing two Democratic commissioners and allowing a Republican member to resign. This move has raised concerns about the future of election oversight.
• 
  

Environmental Issues

• Wildfires in Spain: Spain is currently facing severe wildfires that have resulted in at least 12 fatalities. The situation remains critical as efforts to contain the fires continue.
• 
  

Scientific Discoveries

• New Dinosaur Species: A new species of dinosaur, named Uragasaurus kalasinensis, was discovered in Thailand. This plant-eating dinosaur is believed to have lived approximately 150 million years ago and had a neck as long as a cricket pitch.
• 
  

Technology and Society

• Meta's AI Image Feature Backlash: Meta faced significant criticism after releasing a new AI feature that allowed users to alter Instagram content. The backlash led to the company retracting the feature shortly after its launch.
• 
  

These stories reflect a mix of political, environmental, scientific, and technological developments that shaped the news last week.

My news note is that apparently the Iran War is not over as hostilities have resumed. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Independence Day 2026

 Happy Independence Day

Wave a flag, shout for joy, enjoy the flash, bang, boom of the fireworks--even if they are only on TV tonight. 

I hope those who are traveling made it to their destinations without incident. 

Those of us not traveling are hopefully happy to be where we are. 

Last Fireworks over Elkridge House
Elkridge, MD
July 4, 2022

It is hot in much of America today. Too hot to be comfortable. Be mindful of the temperatures if anticipating in outdoors activities and stay hydrated.

I used to host my own fireworks display in Maryland. It was a lot of fun and a definite memory builder.

I remember the Independence Day fireworks in my hometown of Ithaca, NY. We used to go to Cornell University's football stadium, Schoellkopf Field, for the celebration. It always seemed that the entirety of Ithaca, NY, and the surrounding areas were packed into the stadium for the fireworks. The setting was awesome because the field is situated on the side of a hill overlooking Ithaca and Cayuga Lake. 

I always got a bit antsy waiting for the main event to begin. I loved the fireworks. I especially enjoyed the noise and following the rockets up into the air to their point of detonation. They always seemed so close. The fireworks was an event we did as a family. I learned that I did not like crowds from the fireworks experience. I think it was because we were always worried about losing one of my siblings. Overall, however, fireworks were fun. 

Chris and I have watched fireworks from many different venues over the years. One especially memorable viewing was Shreveport, LA, during the early 1980s when the entire planned display launched at one moment. It lit up the entire bank of the river. 

Hopefully, we will not experience anything quite so exciting this year. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Independence Weekend

 The holiday weekend has arrived. The roads will be jammed, the airports will be worse. I am happy to be at home looking at the palm trees and enjoying the soupy heat of South Florida. 

Independence Day provides an opportunity to reflect on America and where we have been during the past year(s). It also provides a gut check--are we happy with the direction our leaders are taking us? 

I am appalled that our president has robbed the coffers of America for $2 Billion during the first year of his second term. (The Hill)

The administration has engaged in illegal wars and were apparently defeated by the Iranians. I know the prevailing spin is that we won, but if Iran still controls the Strait and is setting the terms of the peace agreement then it is clear we are not the victor. 

The administration is oppressing the poor and vilifying those who seek to improve their lives while also contributing to our society.

I bring these up on a holiday weekend only to point out how important it is to vote during the upcoming elections. We can vote for the continued fleecing of America or we can vote to restore a sense of purpose and justice to our land and bring to fruition the words of the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, . . .  (Declaration of Independence)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Best Month of the Year Arrives

 

Chris Flying into July
3D Doubt Your Eyes display
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

Welcome to July! My favorite month of the year. 

Summer is in full swing. Schools are out. Vacations are underway. 

Independence Day is upon us!

I was reflecting upon the 250th Anniversary of our nation and became a bit sad. I remember the excitement and energy for the 200th, waaay back in 1976. The bicentennial celebration was a very special time and the energy and excitement in the country was felt everywhere. 

Veteran's Day Airshow
Stuart, FL
November 7, 2025

I'm not feeling it for the 250th.

It feels as though my celebration has been stolen. It feels like our country is divided like perhaps never before. 

But then, I read an article in PolitiFact that compared 1976 to the present day. I guess in my remembrance of the good old days, I had forgotten how the country really was in 1976. The article begins: 

A country in a sour mood. Inflation and gasoline prices soaring. A culture war raging. A president with sagging approval ratings. 

America at 250? Actually, America at 200 and 250.

As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, a look back five decades to 1976 — the year of the nation’s bicentennial — reveals notable similarities with today. (PolitiFact)

Well, my favorite holiday of the year (Independence Day) is nearly here and I am going to celebrate the month of July and our nation.

Why?

Because I remain proud to be an American!

Happy July!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Flag Day 2026

 Normally, Flag Day passes without too much notice or fanfare. It is a day to celebrate the symbol of our nation, our unique flag, our colors, something to which we stand at attention and salute when it passes.

Flag Day was first proposed in 1861 to rally support for the Union side of the American Civil War. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation that designated June 14 as Flag Day.^[4] On August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was officially established by an Act of Congress.^[5] On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, beginning in the town of Rennerdale.^[1] New York Consolidated Laws designate the second Sunday in June as Flag Day, a state holiday.^[6] (Wikipedia)

This year, however, Flag Day has been overcome by a pompous, pretentious, and self-aggrandizing birthday celebration that will occur on the White House Lawn. It has become clear that the president's view of America is one where charlatans and snake oil salesmen are able to grift "We the People" and rob the treasury.

But I guess that is just me.

Happy Flag Day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL