Quiet Memorial Day

Red-bellied Woodpecker
High on a Palm Tree Shoot
Tequesta, FL
May 23, 2026

The weather here in South Florida was nearly perfect for a Memorial Day celebration. Chris, Finn, and I celebrated alone and together.

Marley Keeping a Watchful Eye on Us
Tequesta, FL
May 25 ,2026

We began the day by heading over at our friends' house looking after their cats. We were not there long as it was a litter box day. Their automatic Whisker robot litter box needed a bag change. While the litter box is fully automatic, it requires human assistance to change the bag which holds the used litter. While changing the bad is an easy process, it still smells like, well, cat poop!

We headed back to the house to enjoy lunch and relax a bit. 

The highlight of the day, believe it or not, was watching the last five innings of the Orioles game. I finally activated my MLB app so that I could watch the games. The Orioles have been so disappointing thus far this season that I have avoided becoming too attached to the team. But after yesterday's gutsy and thrilling win over the league leading Rays, it is hard not to get excited. Of course a walk-off two-run home run will help with the excitement, but considering that the score was tied 2-2 at the end of 9 innings and the final score after 13 innings was 7-5, it was a hugely exciting extra inning slugfest game. And it was the O's first win against the Rays in 4 games this season.

And that was Memorial Day 2026. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - May 25, 2026

 Memorial Day 2026

1. It is Memorial Day and the final Monday of May. Whew. Where did the month escape to? Heading into June next week, there are just 31 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. It is good that we, as a nation, take a day to recognize the ultimate sacrifice made by true patriots to secure our freedoms and liberty through the centuries. As this country celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of one of the most consequential documents in human history, The Declaration of Independence, we must rededicate ourselves to creating a nation that embodies the spirit of that document. 

Sandhill Crane
Tequesta, FL
May 24, v2026

3. I enjoyed nice ride yesterday, although the winds was a bit strong at times. OK, really strong. I came across the first Sandhill Crane that I have seen in quite a while. That is was alone was also a bit weird. I normally see them in pairs. Perhaps the other member of the pair is sitting on the nest somewhere?

4. The Orioles managed to split a doubleheader yesterday. Yay. There are still mired in 4th place in the division and starting a series with the Rays today that could drop their season through the floor. Ugh!

5. I'm confused. If Iran is totally destroyed, as the administration declares, why do they get to set the terms of the end of the conflict? Stuff like this does not make sense. To the victor go the spoils and the terms of the conflict's resolution. I'm afraid that our president thought he would get a quick win and be hailed as a warrior hero rather than as a mediocre commander-in-chief. We are wasting our military resources and national treasure in pursuit of fleeting glory that will not happen. 

6. Today in History. Four years after the United States won its independence from Great Britain, 55 state delegates, including George Washington, James Madison and Benjamin Franklin, convene in Philadelphia to compose a new U.S. constitution on May 25, 1787.

The Articles of Confederation, ratified several months before the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, provided for a loose confederation of U.S. states, which were sovereign in most of their affairs. On paper, Congress—the central authority—had the power to govern foreign affairs, conduct war, and regulate currency, but in practice these powers were sharply limited because Congress was given no authority to enforce its requests to the states for money or troops. By 1786, it was apparent that the Union would soon break up if the Articles of Confederation were not amended or replaced. Five states met in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss the issue, and all the states were invited to send delegates to a new constitutional convention to be held in Philadelphia.

13 US service members have died in the war with Iran. Here are their stories - CNN

Iran and US play down hopes for imminent breakthrough in war - Reuters

Pope Leo urges world to 'slow down' on AI in fervent first manifesto - Reuters

Dollar drifts lower as oil falls on Hormuz deal optimism - Reuters

Missile and drone strikes kill eight in Russia and Ukraine - Reuters

After 250 years, Revolutionary War-era soldiers finally laid to rest in upstate New York - CNN

Polls show many Republicans don’t believe these three facts. That’s bad for America — and the GOP. - MS Now

All charges dropped against ‘Broadview Six’ after feds admit to errors in case - MS Now

--  Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Three-Day Weekend Blues

 

The unofficial start to Summer has arrived! 

Travelers, start your engines. 

It is going to be quite a weekend and I am glad that we are not traveling until next weekend, maybe the craziness will subside. 

Today is a boat day. Chris, Finn, and I will be heading out on the ICW for some enjoyment. It should be a beautiful day and we will enjoy some beach fun on North Jupiter Island followed by shopping and lunch in Stuart. 

I was encouraged by some things that happened in the Congress yesterday, especially concerning the $1.8B slush fund that the Acting Attorney General and Trump want to establish. It was reported as follows:

Republicans were angry they had no advance warning about the plan, questioned the legal basis for the fund, were unhappy with Blanche’s descriptions of how payments would work, and said they wanted no part of it. As former Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) put it: “So the nation’s top law enforcement official is asking for a slush fund to pay people who assault cops? Utterly stupid, morally wrong—Take your pick.”  (Letters from an American)

Then, Congress departed for the holiday weekend a day early.

But before they left, the House Republicans managed to cancel an important vote on the Iran War. 

House Republicans on Thursday abruptly canceled a vote on a resolution directing President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran or win approval from Congress to continue the war, after it became clear they lacked the votes to defeat the measure.

The retreat was a striking setback that exposed fractures within the G.O.P. over the conflict at a moment when the party has begun pushing back forcefully on Mr. Trump and his agenda. (NY Times)

Maybe there is some positive change afoot in Congress.

But then, as I wrote, they departed a day early. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Mother's Day 2026

 Happy Mother's Day

My Mom
Sidney J. Doan

Today is a day when our thoughts turn to the great women in our lives, Mothers. I write that in plural because there are many mothers in our lives worthy of recognition.

I especially remember my mom. It is now the fifth Mother's Day since she passed. I give thanks for the other mothers in my life including my wife, Chris, and my daughters. 

I was reminded of the proclamation issued by President Ronald Reagan on April 26, 1988:

Maternal love is the first tangible bond any human being knows. It is a tie at once physical, emotional, psychological, and mystical. With all of the words that have been written about motherhood, all of the poems of tribute and gratitude that have been penned through the ages, all of the portraits of a mother and child that have been painted down the centuries, none has come close to expressing in full the thankfulness and joy owing to mothers.

The mark of motherhood, as the story of Solomon and the disputed infant in the first Book of Kings shows, is a devotion to the well-being of the child so total that it overlooks itself and its own preferences and needs. It is a love that risks all, bears all, braves all. As it heals and strengthens and inspires in its objects an understanding of self-sacrifice and devotion, it is the parent of many another love as well.

The arms of a mother are the newborn's first cradle and the injured child's first refuge. The hands of a mother are the hands of care for the child who is near and of prayer for the one who is far away. The eyes of a mother are the eyes of fond surprise at baby's first step, the eyes of unspoken worry at the young adult's first voyage from home, the eyes of gladness at every call or visit that says she is honored and remembered. The heart of a mother is a heart that is always full.

Generation after generation has measured love by the work and wonder of motherhood. For these gifts, ever ancient and ever new, we cannot pause too often to give thanks to mothers. As inadequate as our homage may be and as short as a single day is to express it -- "What possible comparison was there,'' a great saint wrote of his mother, "between the honor I showed her and the service she had rendered me?'' -- Mother's Day affords us an opportunity to meet one of life's happiest duties.

Proclamation 5801 Mother's Day, 1988, April 26, 1988, President Ronald Reagan

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Easter 2026

 

Happy Easter!

I was encouraged this morning by reporting that the second downed aircrew member was rescued. I was concerned that some unique and expensive equipment was destroyed in the process of the rescue. I remember that last time the U.S. tried to rescue Americans from Iran, the operation ended in miserable failure. At least this operation was a success and hopefully the family of the rescued airman is rejoicing on this Easter morning. 

Easter is a time of reflection and joy. When we emerge from our cocoon of doubt to fly freely on the wings of faith. May you be renewed and strengthened in the promise of Easter. (Easter Wishes)

Blossoms on a Flowering Tree
Odenton, MD
April 4, 2026

He is Risen!

He is Risen, indeed!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Holy Saturday 2026

 Easter is Upon Us!

Today is the Saturday before Easter and many families have traditions and religious activities that consume the weekend. Coming after the darkness of Good Friday, Saturday provides a time of waiting and hope for the resurrection and salvation which is to come. 

Yesterday was a disastrous day for the Iran operation. One aircrew member remains missing, two airmen were rescued, two aircraft shot down and two helicopters shot-up with aircrew wounded while engaged in the SAR mission. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who are/were part of the operations AND their families. 

On this Holy Saturday I wait.

I wait for word about the missing and the wounded.

I wait for the joy of the resurrection.

I wait for truth and light to flood the darkness.

I wait for the peace that I believe we all so dearly long for.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Note: SAR is search and rescue

St Patrick's Day 2026

 Happy St Patrick's Day

Who doesn't like a chance to party? 

Sadly, it is going to be very cool and possibly rainy today which may dampen the celebrations, but whomever heard of a St Patrick's Day party being rained out? 

It might happen. 

In other activities, I completed my NCAA Men's Basket Ball Bracket in preparation for the tournament beginning. Of course I selected Syracuse as the next national champion. Oh wait, Syracuse is not in the tournament? Really? I guess that was a dream. 

OK, I selected UConn as the eventual champion. If it goes like most years, UConn will be eliminated during the second round and my bracket will be totally busted by the end of the round. 

Braggart's statement of the day (for which I cannot comprehend the purpose):

Jimmy Carter… How did his attack work out in Iran? Not too good. I think ours is slightly better. (on X and The Washington Post)

Does he know Jimmy Carter died? Jimmy Carter never attacked Iran, there was, however, a failed attempt to rescue the American Embassy hostages.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It was a Dining Experience

View of the Table
Tequesta, FL
February 14, 2026

 How do I describe our Valentine's Day dinner? 

Fabulous! 

Better than any restaurant because the meal flowed smoothly and the evening was not punctuated by noise from other patrons. Sometimes it gets so loud in restaurants that it is hard to hear the conversation at our own table. 

Last evening was a perfect setting for our loving wives. 

Scallops in the Pan
Tequesta, FL
Valentines Day, February 14, 2026

The four course sea food meal consisted of beet salad, scallops on pasta, corvina entree, and cheese cake. The guys enjoyed oysters on the half-shell in addition.

It was a well orchestrated event with the timing of each course being superior. Each course was paired expertly with the perfect wine to highlight the light flavors of the food.

But more important than the food, hard as that is to imagine, were the friends with whom we shared the meal. We enjoyed varied conversation as the evening progressed. 

I wish that I had taken a few more images because the dishes were works of culinary art in and of themselves.

Thanks to Fran for creating the menu, shopping with me, and serving as the master chef for the evening. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Valentines Day 2026

 Happy Valentine's Day!

It is the day for lovers!

Valentine's Bouquet
Tequesta, FL
February 13, 2026

A friend and I are preparing a sumptuous dinner for our wives tonight. We shopped yesterday for the fixings and believe that, not counting the wine, we will spend about $110 on a special dinner for four people. We would expect to pay at least that per person for a Valentines Day dinner in a restaurant.

Dinner should be fantastic, of course, if it goes according to plan. 

Chris likes yellow roses, not the ubiquitous red ones, and I was able to secure a dozen of her favorites. She was happy that I remembered flowers and there may be a card for later today since the flowers are already on the table. 

Enjoy the day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Day 2, and it begins

 I realized this morning that having Christmas and New Year's fall on a Thursday really helps people focus on the holidays and take maybe 5 holiday days off, two weeks in a row!

How cool is that?

Chris and I just hung out yesterday and enjoyed the first day of the new year. 

The temperatures are warming and South Florida will see 70s again today. That means that I should be able to get out on the streets with my new biking gear. I was gifted a new bright orange biking helmet and a radar-camera for tracking vehicles as they approach me from the rear. 

I am excited to try them both out. 

I ride a lot on the streets and while I have a rearview mirror, sometimes I get surprised--I hate surprises. 

My new helmet has lights, turn signals, and is wired for bluetooth connection to my phone. My only concern is about how many bluetooth connections my phone can support at one time. I need to try all of the gear out to see. 

I have to admit that I was very disappointed by the outcome of the Sugar Bowl game last evening. It got a bit sloppy at the end and Georgia blew a 4th quarter lead and ultimately lost. I guess there is next year. 

It is time to get 2026 started.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

New Year's Day 2026

 Happy New Year 2026

Palm Tree Across the Street
Tequesta, FL
December 31, 2025

The old year has passed and the new arrived. 

We will have to see where the new year takes us. 

It was a long day. We arrived home early yesterday morning from Baltimore and we were also able to say good-bye to the day and celebrate the new year's arrival at midnight. 

I was excited to see the palm tree outside of the front door against a blue clear sky. It reminded me that I was again in South Florida, even though the morning temperatures were in the 40s. I know it will warm up and that, unlike places further north, we will not be dealing with any snow or ice to start the new year. 

We enjoyed a New Year's Eve dinner with friends and then it was back to the house for some after dinner adult beverages. After they departed, Chris and I watched the final installment of Stranger Things Season 5. It had a bit of a tear jerker ending, officially I guess they call it an emotional. The series has been being produced since 2016, so it had been around awhile. It is hard to believe that it is over, but it needed to be complete. 

Tonight, we will be watching College Football Playoffs. 

Well, Happy New Year. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Crashing the Party

 

Blue Sky and Sun
Odenton, MD
December 29, 2025

The biggest party night of the year is tomorrow night. Sometimes I can't tell if we are partying to cast off the year behind us or for the hope of a better year ahead. No matter, there are likely more of us out there just for the chance to party. 

Chris and I expect to be awake for the New York City ball drop tomorrow night, but we will be arriving back at our home on New Year's Eve after the flight out of Baltimore later today. So tomorrow will be a long day as we celebrate both the day's arrival and the year's end. In retrospect, I'm not sure why I booked an evening flight, but I did and I guess I have to own it. Our trusty car is waiting for us in long-term parking and if we don't check bags we should be home about 40 minutes after we land at PBI. 

I took the rather uninspiring image at the top of the item because yesterday was the first time that I needed to wear my sunglasses outside in almost a week. The overcast skies had set in and I was concerned that I might not see the sun again until New Year's Eve in South Florida. Thankfully, that will not be the case as it is supposed to be a bright, partly sunny, and cold day. At least it will be sunny, but the projected high of 33 degrees is a bit too cold for me. 

It is going to be cold in Tequesta when we arrive. The projected high for the day is only 65 degrees and it will be about 50 degrees when we arrive tonight. What happened to the 80s? I guess I will need to wear a sweater on the plane.

Travel days can be a real pain! But, party on!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Christmas Village

Overview of the Snow Village Display
Glen Burnie, MD
November 30, 2025

 While visiting with Patrick, Jen, and Beck last evening, I had the opportunity to get a last look at their Snow Village display. 

Patrick does a masterful job creating the display and I learned last evening that he prefers the village pieces to the more rural settings of farmhouses and barns. They have a game they play consisting of hiding pink flamingos in the village for keen-eyed observers to find and re-hide. 

Snow Village Detail
Glen Bunie, MD
December 27, 2025

Christmas, which was just three days ago, is far from over, despite many people’s belief that it has concluded for the year. Retailers are in the midst of the after-Christmas sales, attempting to clear out their remaining stock before the 2026 models begin arriving. I’ve been eyeing an excessively priced TV that hasn’t yet gone on sale, but since it’s the 2025 version, I’m hoping the arrival of the 2026 models will provide some price relief.

I would like to say that I am enjoying the winter weather, I am not! But, I am mindful that it could be worse. My sister who resides in western New York State reported 22 inches of snow on the ground yesterday. That is 22 good reasons not to live there. The Snow Village is fun to look at and to create every year, but, thankfully, the snow is not real and the pieces actually are warm despite the wintery appearance. 

I am looking forward to returning home to warm South Florida next week for New Years and then off on a cruise to the Bahamas for a few days. But until then, we have more people to visit and things to do despite the cold.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton. MD

The day after Christmas

 Happy Boxing Day

I learned about the day after Christmas when I was in High School while working part-time after school at a men's clothing store.  The day after Christmas was, in this store, the busiest day of the year. The store was swamped with returns and exchanges not to mention people anxious to spend their Christmas money. 

I do not recall the store conducting an after-Christmas sale on the day after Christmas. Usually that was a bit later. But on the sales floor, we were swamped. It was total anarchy from opening at 9 AM until closing at 5 PM, unless, as it is this year, the day after Christmas was a Friday and then the store was open until 9 PM.

My Dad was a manager at the store and at the end of the day we would walk, exhausted, to his car to head home. We did a lot of father-son bonding during the short couple of years that I worked at the store. It is a good memory. 

I never knew that the day after Christmas was also Boxing Day. I only learned of Boxing Day some years later. To my knowledge, American society has never given a name to the day after Christmas, unlike Black Friday which as we know is the day after Thanksgiving. 

That clothing store is long gone. It is just a shell of itself on Cayuga Street in Ithaca. I likely will never pass by it again, but I remember working on the sales floor as well as pressing clothes after the tailors had altered them, washing the windows, straightening stock, shoveling snow, breaking ice, vacuuming every night, taking out the garbage, and doing whatever the owner thought needed to be done. 

But I also remember my Dad. And the day after Christmas.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Happy Christmas 2025

 

Family Pajama Christmas Eve Brunch
Glen Burnie, MD
December 24, 2025

Christmas Eve was a fun-filled family day and Christmas morning has likewise been fun with family.

Marley Creek
Glen Burnie, MD
December 24, 2025

We did something different for the traditional Christmas Eve brunch by having each family arrive in pajamas. It was something fun and added a new twist to our gathering. The family posed for the annual picture still in their pajamas. After most of the others departed, Chris and I stayed for a while and enjoyed time with Baby Beck, who was fighting a cold he acquired at day care, but he was in a remarkably good mood and enjoyed a late afternoon walk down to the water.

The day was pleasantly warm and the walk to Marley Creek was very nice. The sunset was stunning.

Chris, Finn, and Me
Odenton, MD
December 25, 2025

Christmas Day dawned continuing the warmer trend. While not the 80's of the South Carolina beaches, it was still very comfortable and nice. We enjoyed a sumptuous Christmas breakfast of waffles and then descended upon the Christmas tree and the gifts. Santa was very generous. I guess I was a good boy this year, and why he doesn't know won't hurt him!

Now, it is time for games and fun as we relax and enjoy the day.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those in need and I am keeping our military personnel and civilian first-responders in the forefront of my mind. I know there are so many unsung heroes on the frontlines, whether the front is here in America or in some place around the world. 

May you find peace and joy wherever this Christmas Day finds you.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Christmas Eve 2025

 Happy Christmas Eve

For our family, the festivities begin this morning and continue through tomorrow. 

It is exciting this year with a new grandson who is experiencing his first Christmas. Actually, it was a lot of fun shopping for him. Who can possibly resist buying trucks and tractors for an almost one-year old? 

It was very easy to get pulled into the noise and hustle this season, but we resisted. Chris and I managed to get our Christmas cards addressed and mailed in a more relaxed manner and although we have had an aggressive travel schedule, we are looking forward to the next couple of days. We even have the presents wrapped. Well, I may have to wrap an additional gift we bought for Beck, the youngest grandson, yesterday. 

Now, it's time for family. 

I don't expect to listen to or watch the news until Friday. 

White Christmas? 

Thankfully, no! I am looking forwards to the projected high of 51 degrees for both today and tomorrow! Maybe snow on Friday. 

Of course, not everyone can be with their families on this holiday season. I am remembering the first responders, those working shift work, and of course our military personnel across the world and here at home and send them a special thank you for their service!

May the peace and joy of Christmas be with you today and throughout the New Year.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

A Great Day for Flying

Route 301 Bridge over the Potomac
Dahlgren, VA
December 22, 2025

 The trip north on a Southwest flight was, believe it or not, enjoyable. Yes, the airports were jammed with holiday travelers. There was even a line for baggage checkin at the Palm Beach International Southwest counters. I've never been in a line there before. TSA moved passengers through security screening in an expeditious manner and we enjoyed some time in the lounge before arriving at the gate about five minutes before boarding began. Actually, the pre-boarders were already being assisted down the jetway as we took our place in line. 

Our Flight Route
Southwest 2489 PBI-BWI
December 22, 2025

Our flight route took us out over the Atlantic and we went feet-dry over the Carolinas with Cape Fear in sight. It was one of the clearest flying days that I can remember and the sight of the coast from Cape Fear running to the north was stunning. The strip of sandy beach sandwiched between the spit of land and the ocean was very evident all the way to the horizon. I failed to take a picture of it for posterity, but I later took an image as we passed by Dahlgren, VA, and the Route 301 bridge crossing the Potomac River that I have had the pleasure of traversing on multiple occasions.

The jet was completely full, but the 2h 25m flight was still enjoyable. The only disturbing part was that we arrived in Baltimore 15 minutes early, but had to wait on the tarmac for the gate to open for 20 minutes. That meant we actually arrived at the gate 5 minutes late. I do not enjoy when that happens--and then, there was about another 10 minute wait until the cabin door was opened and we could begin the deplaning process. I am glad I did not have a connecting flight. 

Did I mention that there was no internet service? That was an annoyance, but fortunately, I did not have anything worthwhile to work on and so I sat back and enjoyed the flight crammed into a middle seat so that Chris could enjoy the window seat. We try to take an aisle and a window seat leaving the middle empty and hoping no one is anxious to sit between us, but with the jet being full I resigned myself to the middle seat even though I had an "A" boarding pass. I guess all of that goes away next month when Southwest begins assigning seats. 

I really cannot expect much more when traveling during the busy holiday season. I guess I am now an official traveler holiday statistic.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Enjoying the Lights at Night

Happy Solstice

Winter or Summer Begins

 

The shortest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere and the longest for the Southern Hemisphere has arrived!

We will be enjoying 10H 29M of sunlight today in Tequesta. For our family near Baltimore, they will enjoy only 9H 27M of sunlight! Conversely, in Sydney, NSW, Australia, they will enjoy 14H 27M of beautiful Summer sunshine.

Christmas Lights Along the Street
Port St Lucie, FL
December 20, 2025

Chris and I were in Port St Lucie last evening for dinner. It was fun being in a different neighborhood as darkness fell and the Christmas lights illuminated the street. This particular street was fully decorated, there may have been only one house not displaying festive holiday decorations. A huge contrast from our boring condo community where we didn't even put lights up on the welcome sign.  

Dinner and the conversation during the evening was fabulous. I was advised that I may have monopolized the discussion a bit, but we had a very deep discussion about the Netflix production, House of Dynamite. Finnegan even enjoyed being around his favorite cat friend, Tigger. 

A great holiday evening and a very nice way to celebrate the arrival of the Solstice.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Nighttime Reflection

 We enjoyed a great dinner last evening with friends. It was a festive holiday dinner complete with great conversation in advance of our upcoming travels. Their house was very festively decorated for the seasons. 

I spent time out on the lanai for a while after sunset taking in the scene across the lake. The dark lake was flat and reflected the lights of the houses on the far shore like an impressionist painting. The palms on the near shore provided some depth to the image. 

The South Florida evening was perfect. It was the kind of evening that I need to remember during the Dog Days when the temperatures do not fall below the mid-80s and sunset in after 8 PM. But, for now, I enjoy the evenings and look forward to them through at least February. Next week, we return to the Maryland winter. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It was COLD

Under the Tiki Hut at Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
December 16, 2025

 I know that it is hard to believe, but it gets cold here in South Florida. Last evening, Chris and I headed off to what was billed as a Country Style Christmas celebration complete with Line Dancing. It was being held at our favorite restaurant, Tiki52. 

The restaurant was festively decorated and a dance area had been raked in the sand to support the line dancing. We were able to get a front row table because we arrived early, which was really at our normal time. 

The wind coming off the ICW made it seem colder than the actual temperature. The temperature started at 71 degrees, by the time we departed it was only 69 and we were cold. I had dressed appropriately in jeans and a sweater, but still, I got cold. It was weird!

We had fun, but although the festivities were supposed to begin at 5:30 PM, there were problems with the sound system and the music was delayed. We waited about an hour before deciding that we were done eating, drinking, and we were cold. So despite that we were having an enjoyable time, we departed. It just got to be too cold. 

So yes, it gets cold here in South Florida, even at 69 degrees!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL