Leaving Key West

 

Chris and I departed Key West yesterday and returned to our regularly scheduled lives. The five hour drive was not too bad and we arrived home by about 2 pm. It was cold in the Keys as we woke and subsequently departed. But, before we departed we enjoyed a solid breakfast at Two Friends Patio Restaurant. This had become one of our favorite places because of the rooster, Solo.

Chris enjoyed interacting with Solo during our meal. I think he was a surrogate for Finnegan. The sign hanging in the restaurant about says it all regarding the chickens running around. 

Scarlet Lady
Key West, FL
October 21, 2022

After breakfast, we took one last walk around the area. A cruise ship had docked, but it was so early that none of the passengers were yet disembarking, which was a good thing since none of the shops were open. Nothing gets moving in Key West much before 9 AM.

The morning temperature was in the high 60s and so it was chilly. The wind blowing off the water made it feel even cooler as we walked along the pier. I actually was amazed at how close we could get to the ship without being stopped by security. Perhaps it was because the gangway was not yet open.

After the walk we returned to our room and loaded the car for the return trip to Tequesta. Our Key West escape was over, but we promised to return—soon.

Programming note: My laptop is still out of commission I am currently reinstalling the OS to attempt recovery.

— Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Roosters and Birds

Solo
Key West, FL
October 20, 2022

Yesterday could be described as a day of birds and also roosters, which are of course birds. 

At one restaurant we met Solo, a Key West rooster. He is the resident bird in the restaurant and it is easy to see that this rooster is definitely in control of the situation. Chris and I have been amazed at how the roosters and chickens rule the streets.  I remember them from our last visit, but then they seemed more confined to the residential areas. Not so now, they are everywhere. 

In terms of other birds, it was too cold and rainy yesterday to go birdwatching, and so we went to the Audubon House. The house is historically the familial home of a Key West salvage captain, but during the 1960s was turned into museum devoted to the period history of both the captain and Audubon. 

Image in Audubon Museum
Key West, FL
October 20, 2022

The Audubon museum has prints from the mid-1800s adorning the walls next to mementos from in the family. Part of the estate has been turned into a museum store where actual antique prints of Audubon’s works are for sale. 

We did not let the cold temperatures get us down and had a very enjoyable day. The only issue seems to be that my Mac died because it couldn’t get a critical update.  I think it may be due to the questionable internet that I am dealing with. Hopefully, when I get home and on a stable wifi it will all work. 

— Bob Doan, Key West, FL

Out the Hotel Window - Key West

Out the Hotel Window - Key West
Pier House Resort & Spa
October 19, 2022

 

We are in Key West. Chris and I made the drive yesterday for a planned combined birthday celebration/get away. 

Out our hotel window is a stunning view of palms. Various large palms. At some point I guess I need to start learning the names of the different species of palms. We are on the ground floor and it is very cool this morning as I am writing this from the verandah. The temperature is reported as 77 degrees, but with the low humidity and breeze it seems cooler. 

The drive to Key West from Tequesta is a planned five hours before stops. And there is always one stop for lunch or dinner at my favorite restaurant in the Keys, the Islamorada Fish Company! We arrived at the restaurant almost exactly at noon, which means it is just over half-way to the destination of Key West. For those who have never driven U.S. 1 through the Keys, it is a slog. Mostly 2-lanes of towns and stops interspersed with stunning views of land, ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Islamorada Fish Company is a bit less than two-hours from Key West and provides a much needed stop and respite from the traffic--which was not that bad being that it is not the high season, yet.

Seagull and Tarpon
Islamorada Fish Company
Islamorada, FL
October 18, 2022

The restaurant is built around a large pond which is open to the ocean and is populated with large, and I mean large, tarpon. Chris decided to throw some of her leftover bread from lunch into the pond for the seagulls which were diving to snatch small fish and the bread. I just happened to get this image of a seagull about to snatch the bread while a tarpon is seen in the water below. The dorsal fin is just visible above the surface of the water in front of the seagull. 

View from the Pier House Private Beach
Key West, FL
October 18, 2022

We enjoyed our drive and arriving at the resport we changed into swim gear and headed to the beach. Yes, this report has a private beach. 

It was probably a good thing we hit the beach yesterday since the weather today is supposed to be much cooler. The temperature is forecast to decline as the day progresses and there is rain in the forecast. It may not be a good beach day. 

But wait, I'm in Key West! What is not to like? I did check the cruise ship schedule and one will arrive tomorrow morning when we are planned to depart to drive back to Tequesta. 

Fun awaits!

-- Bob Doan, Key West, FL

Sights at the Beach

Sailboat at Sunset
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 16, 2022

 Being on the beach late in the day provides opportunities to watch not only the critters, but also the people and their activities. 

Sunday evening as we enjoyed Happy Hour on the beach there were some sights that I just had to record.

The first was a lone sailboat offshore at sunset. The interesting part about the image is that the camera is looking East and the salmon color of the sky is the reflection of the sunset behind me. The sail reflects the sunlight and is illuminated by the almost fully set sun.

Bums on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 16, 2022

The second image from the same Happy Hour is more humorous. I call it, or rather one of my friends called it, "Bums on the Beach." Of course, we are referring to the British definition of the word "bum." That this person was laying on the beach in the position I photographed her is truly amazing. People need to think about the image they present, I guess. 

On any given day, all sorts of people find their way to the beach. It is fun to enjoy the all of sights at the beach. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

 

Monday Musings - October 17, 2022

 

1. Welcome to the last half of October. This is the 3rd Monday of the month with two remaining. There are 10 Mondays remaining in the year.

2. Family NFL report. It was a mixed week with family teams going 2-2.  

    Commanders (2-4) defeat Bears (2-4), 12-7

    Ravens (3-3) snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with the Giants (5-1), 20-24

     Cowboys (4-2) lose to Eagles (6-0), 17-26

     Steelers (2-4) defeat Buccaneers (3-3), 20-18

Makayla in the Flowers
Elkridge, MD
May 31, 2014

3. It has been a week since Makayla passed. The family is still feeling her loss. Finnegan periodically checks all of the places she used to hang-out looking for her. It is still hard not to look for her when I come into the house or when I am eating. She was always present.

After Sunset Looking Northeast
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 16, 2022

4. We made it to have a Happy Hour on the beach last evening. With the sun setting earlier, we are enjoying the changing scene. Last evening the beach was busy. There was a wedding on one part of the beach and a baptism celebration in another. The sea birds were active over the water getting their evening meal from an apparently large school of bait fish. 

5. Russia is desperate in the Ukraine war. It has been reported that they are using North Korean artillery shells and rockets and Iranian drones to attack Ukraine. For the geographically challenged, Russia does have a common border with North Korea.

6. Today in History. On October 17, 1931, gangster Al Capone is sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion and fined $80,000, signaling the downfall of one of the most notorious criminals of the 1920s and 1930s.

Alphonse Gabriel Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1899 to Italian immigrants. He was expelled from school at 14, joined a gang and earned his nickname “Scarface” after being sliced across the cheek during a fight. By 1920, Capone had moved to Chicago, where he was soon helping to run crime boss Johnny Torrio’s illegal enterprises, which included alcohol-smuggling, gambling and prostitution. Torrio retired in 1925 after an attempt on his life and Capone, known for his cunning and brutality, was put in charge of the organization.

China Abruptly Delays GDP Release During Communist Party Conference - The Wall Street Journal

Kyiv Hit by Drone Attacks as Russia Targets Infrastructure - The Wall Street Journal

After Hurricane Ian, Their Company Pulls Yachts Out of Swimming Pools and Mangrove Trees - The Wall Street Journal

Gunmen kill 11, wound 15 in attack on Russian military recruits - CNN

New UK finance minister Hunt reverses tax plan, reins in energy support - Reuters

Analysis: A $1 trillion headache: China's local fiscal shortfall poses broader growth risks - Reuters

Exclusive: China's state banks seen acquiring dollars in swaps market to stabilise yuan - Reuters

South Korea kicks off military drills amid talk of North Korean nuclear test - Reuters

American technology boosts China’s hypersonic missile program - The Washington Post

Leaders of democracies increasingly echo Putin in authoritarian tilt - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Birthdays and Celebrations

Chris and Birthday Flowers
Tequesta, FL
October 15, 2022

 Chris celebrated her birthday yesterday and was amazed and humbled at the outpouring of love for her. 

The day began with the unexpected arrival of a large and beautiful bouquet of flowers from our children. It was a total surprise and really brightened her day. 

The day ended with dinner at a local restaurant with friends, one of whom was also celebrating a birthday yesterday, and then coming home for a piece of cheesecake. Yes, for those of you in the know, I actually made her favorite cheesecake to celebrate the day. Sadly, however, it was my first true baking experience using the oven here in Florida. What did I learn? It bakes a few degrees too hot and so the cheesecake was too brown because it was a bit overcooked and because of that is had a crack the size of the Grand Canyon in the middle. 

But it tasted great!

And so, it was a Happy Birthday for Chris!

BTW, I received the secret for longevity in a birthday card--celebrate more birthdays! People who live longer have more birthdays. (duh?)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Pets and Loss

Makayla as a Puppy: The Mighty Keeshond
Elkridge, MD
January 27, 2009

 So I found out that I am not crazy in my feelings of loss over losing Makayla earlier this week. 

A friend referenced me to a Facebook post that was made a few days ago and now has over 6,600 comments made, mostly, by people grieving over the loss of their dog. 

The post is on the group Life with Animals. 

The picture accompanying the post is especially touching as it shows a boy/man with his dog in three frames spread taken over the years as they both grew together. 

The text of the post is a letter about loving a dog. It had a special meaning for me and I am including it here:

"They tell you not to cry.

They tell you he's just a dog, not a human.

They tell you it will pass.

They tell you that animals do not know that they must die.

They tell you that the important thing is not to make them suffer.

They tell you that you can get another one.

They tell you it will happen.

They tell you there are more unbearable pains.

But they don't know how many times you've looked your dog in the eye.

They don't know how many times it was you and your dog that looked in the dark.

They don't know how many times your dog was the only one by your side.

They don't know that the only one who hasn't judged you is your dog.

They don't know how scared you were the night his moans woke you up.

They don't know how many times your dog has slept next to you.

They don't know how much you've changed since the dog became a part of your life.

They don't know how many times you hugged him when he was sick.

They don't know how many times you pretended not to see when his hair was getting whiter and whiter.

They don't know how many times you've talked to your dog, the only one who really listens to you.

They don't know how good you were to your dog.

Little do they know that only your dog knew you were in pain.

They don't know what it's like to see your old dog trying to come over and say hello.

They don't know that when things go wrong, the only one who isn't gone is your dog.

They don't know that your dog trusts you, every moment of his life, even at the last moment.

They don't know how much your dog loved you and how little he needed to be happy, because you were enough for him.

They don't know that crying for a dog is one of the noblest, most meaningful, truest and purest things you can do.

They don't know about the last time you rocked him hard ... being careful not to hurt him.

They don't know what you felt when you caressed his face in the last moments of his life"

From dad

I was in awe of the comments and pictures of dogs that the post generated. There are so many others out there that love their dogs like I loved Makayla and that is comforting.

From reading the comments to the Facebook post, I am happy that Makayla passed away at home in my arms with the Chris and our other pets around her and not in the sterile environment of a Vets office. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

More than a Hurricane

Looking out onto the Patio
Tequesta, FL
October 13, 2022

 We received more rain yesterday than we did during Hurricane Ian. It was actually pretty incredible. The amount of rain falling during the storm, which lasted for a couple hours, flooded streets and caused widespread flooding in the Jupiter/Tequesta area. 

The reports of flooding were centered in our area. One TV station, WPTV detailed the flooding. At one point we actually saw our street, Village Blvd, on the news--it was flooded. The streets mentioned in the news report are ones we traverse daily. The rain came down hard and not for just a few minutes, but for almost two hours. 

Orange-tipped Oakworm Moths
Tequesta, FL
October 13, 2022

In the end, our area experienced more flooding in a couple hours than we did when Hurricane Ian grazed us two weeks ago. 

We were not the only ones taking refuge from the deluge. I found two Orange-tipped Oakworm Moths together in the entryway. They were dry and sheltered from the rain pelting the earth just a few feet away. They are stunning in their orange color.

We survived the storm and the rain without too many issues. The water began to creep up to the edge of our patio because the gutters could not handle the amount of rain coming off the roof, but it did not actually come onto the patio.

Today should be a nice day and the weekend is expected to be cooler (low 80s for the highs) and less humid. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Finding New Places

 

Chris and I are expanding our vistas now that we have finally, mostly, completed the move-in process. The projects that I finished during the past two weeks have pushed us to the 99 percent moved-in point.

Nieuw Amsterdam
Holland America Lines

Last evening we found a new place to enjoy Happy Hour. And it is really an old place, Cooper's Hawk. We happened to be at the local mall and there was a Cooper's hawk. As it was almost 5 PM we decided to have a glass of wine and enjoy Happy Hour together. Well, we know Cooper's Hawk because we had been to the one in Annapolis. I was impressed with the wines. They have significantly improved sine the last time I visited a Coopers Hawk. I enjoyed a California Barbera and Chris enjoyed a very vibrant and exciting Spanish Tempranillo.

We also, spur of the moment, planned a Caribbean cruise for early November. There are advantages to living in Florida AND being retired: our calendar is. generally open. We got a great price on a seven-night cruise. It is costing less for both of us to go on this cruise with a balcony cabin than for one of us to go on the cruise we are going on in January with a similar cabin with a balcony. Pretty awesome!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

When Will it be Over?

 

The mid-term elections season is definitely out of control. My senses are assaulted with almost every political ad airing on the television. The untruths twisted into seemingly fact and the quotes from previous elections from ten years ago thrown out as current policy imperatives. 

Of course, I am in the middle of two desperate campaigns one for governor of Florida and the other a senatorial race. The stakes are high for our country. But, I wondered why have those running for office gone so far off the rails and so far from the truth to retain their offices?

I found possible answers this morning in The Atlantic. 

In an article titled: J. D. Vance and the Collapse of Dignity, the author maintains "American politics are now cruel burlesque." I tend to agree and might even table it the theater of the absurd.

Two paragraphs form the article highlight the descent of American politics into the abyss.

Americans once expected politicians to carry themselves with a seriousness that indicated their ability and willingness to tackle problems, whether poverty or war, that were too difficult for the rest of us. We elected such people not because we wanted them to be like us but because we hoped that they were better than us: smarter, tougher, and capable of being leaders and role models.

A few paragraphs later:

Today, we no longer expect or even want our politicians to be better than we are. The new American right, however, has blown past the relatively innocuous populism of the past 40 years and added a fetid cynicism about almost everything related to public life. Not only are the MAGA Republicans seemingly repelled by the idea of voting for someone better than they are; they support candidates who are often manifestly worse people than the average citizen, so that they may slather their fears about their own shortcomings and prejudices under a sludgy and undifferentiated hatred about almost everyone in public office.

I remember a cruel joke from a few years ago that, sadly, has become too true:

How do you know a politician is lying?  Their lips are moving.

Until we the voters determine to elect honest, hard-working, patriotic Americans devoted to the principles of the Constitution, we will continue to get lying, cheating, single issue (or less) scoundrels who will say or do anything to achieve office. And then we will wonder--why is our country failing? 

Why?

Because We the People are not electing people with vision and a dedication to democracy. Become afraid when candidates tout they support freedom because inevitably they have redefined freedom as free from choice instead of free to choose.

The banner of The Washington Post is Democracy Dies in Darkness. Darkness is growing in our country and we who recognize it must work to overcome it. I see it in the mid-term campaigns, some are campaigning on issues while others are campaigning on fear. Fear promotes darkness.

When will it be over? Probably never. The struggle will continue because our democracy is under attack. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL