Mindlessly Watching Coconuts

Sailboat off Jupiter Island Beach
November 7, 2019

Until yesterday, Chris and I had were visiting the beach twice per day. Once in the morning for a walk and then again in the afternoon just to sit and watch the waves roll up onto the beach. Yesterday, however, we devoted ourselves to completing projects around the house--fixing leaky bolts on a toilet, hanging new blinds, putting a new sweep on the main door, and hanging a coat rack. Because of the projects, we decided not to hit the beach during the afternoon and went, instead, to the condo association pool. It was nice to get into the pool and cool off after a day of work. 

Coconut in the Surf
Jupiter Island, Jupiter, FL
November 7, 2019

When we are at the beach we find an assortment of things to watch. Sailboats often transitive horizon, but the other day it was a coconut that caught our attention. The coconut was playing in the surf; washing up onto the beach and rolling back into the waves. The coconut made its way along the beach and then came back. The pattern was repeated a few times as it seemed that the combination of the wind and the tide were keeping the coconut confined to one stretch of beach. After a while, another coconut arrived and played in the surf with the first one. But, for some reason, that coconut continued down the beach and out of sight while the first coconut remained. Maybe the chemistry was not quite right between them?

Mindlessly watching coconuts in the surf releases the stress-causing thoughts that fill my everyday life. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Crowds

Osprey
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter Florida
November 7, 2019

The beaches were crowded yesterday. Not with people, but with birds. 

A Flock  of Sanderlings (Sandpipers) on the Beach
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter Florida
November 7, 2019

Chris and I walked the beach in the morning and later during the day went to enjoy the warm sun and relish in the waves crashing on the beach. It is November and we are enjoying time on the beach. And unlike some northern beaches, we are not wearing coats--we are actually more concerned about getting sunburned!

As we stroll the as yet uncrowded beaches, we are able to observe the wildlife. Soon, with the return of the snowbirds, these beaches will see a lot more people. During the afternoon yesterday as we sat on the Jupiter Island Beach, the birds seemed unconcerned by our presence and began to come within a few short feet of where we were. 

Semipalmated Sandpiper
Jupiter Island Beach, Jupiter Florida
November 7, 2019

Some of the birds are migrating and they are fun to watch. The semipalmated sandpipers were especially friendly even though we were not feeding them. 

Beach Trash
Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida
November 7, 2019

Chris and I are not just visitors to the beach, but we are committed to trying to clean-up one small piece of the environment. Yesterday, we collected a lot of trash. I am wondering if it is trash from the Bahamas still washing up on the shore after the devastating hurricane earlier this year. We were amazed at the amount of trash washing up on the beach and all of it is a danger to the marine wildlife. Taking it out of the environment is something small that we can so. And yes, we have found a use for the plastic grocery bags. They make a great place to put the trash we are picking up and then depositing all of it in the appropriate receptacle. 

And off to start another day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Escape

Rising Sun Over the Chesapeake
From a Southwest Airlines Jet
November 6, 2019

Chris and I departed yesterday on a pre-dawn flight to escape the impending cold of Maryland and enjoy a last gasp of summer in Florida. We arrived at our Tequesta home before 10AM. Yesterday was a very special travel day--When was the last time you were on a flight and only had 25 passengers in a jet designed for 147? For Chris and I it was yesterday flying from Baltimore to Palm Beach International. When we boarded the aircraft the crew told us to take a row!

Pelicans in Formation
Jupiter Island Beach, Jupiter Florida
November 6, 2019

Arriving home in Tequesta was a great experience. Although we had to encourage a few renegade geckos to change residences, the house was in great shape. Getting the car started was a problem, but a new battery, delivered and installed by AAA, solved that problem. Once we finally arrived at the beach for a relaxing afternoon, the stress of the past few weeks and of the early travel day drained away and we were greeted by our beach friends--the pelicans and the ospreys. 

Beach Sand Ridge
Jupiter Island Beach, Jupiter, FL
November 6, 2019

As we expected, the geography of the beach has changed a bit as a result of the hurricane near miss and recent storms. The beach is smaller, but still not crowded. There is a ridge of sand from where the ocean has begun to reclaim the shore. The water was green and rough. It was also warm! While I did not go swimming because of the pounding surf and high waves, I was able to wade in the water and enjoy the ocean at my feet. 

Looking East from Jupiter Island
November 6, 2019

I took some nice images of the beach and the ocean. The rough waves made for good subject material. I enjoyed the pounding surf, but the erosion suffered by the beach has been extensive. Chris and I saw many different treasures along the shoreline--including a wide variety of sponges which have been ripped from their moorings. For some reason, none of the sponges seemed picture-worthy and so there are no images to share. 

We are excited about being in Florida for the next two weeks. I had to chuckle when the weathermen were enthused about the prospect of cooler temperatures arriving during the next few days. What is wrong with mid-80's? I enjoyed the warm day on the beach. At least the cooler temperatures are expected to be in the mid to high 70's. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Turkeys Arriving

Turkey Flag in Front of the House
Elkridge, MD
November 3, 2019

The house is decorated for the turkey season. November is a brief pause before the insanity of the Christmas season gets into full swing. However, Chris has already begun planning for the holiday and I must confess that there are gifts already waiting for Christmas Day.

We have a collection of turkeys that have now replaced the Halloween decorations. Turkeys are much more festive and less scary than Halloween goblins. Although, if you have ever been chased by a turkey I'm sure that you might disagree with that thought.

Chris and I are on a flight to our Florida home this morning. As the cold November weather begins to deep into the region for the weekend, we are escaping to our own piece of paradise.

But when we return, it will be almost time to celebrate the holiday by eating a turkey. And the one on the banner gracing the entrance to our home will be laughing g all the way to the container where it will wait in darkness for next season.

— Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Light Art

Interactive Light Art in the Daylight
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

Walking around the Inner Harbor Saturday evening, Chris and I discovered art with lights. They were very creative scenes that employed lights. We had a lot of fun watching them and interacting with them.

Interactive Light Art at night
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

One of the art works involved pedaling bikes to activate portions of the art. It was fun to both interact with the art and the other people. 

The art really changed character as the evening fell. 


And then there were pieces that were larger and we were able to walk into an enjoy. I videoed the following one as Chris walked into it.

It was a fun evening and we had a number of unique experiences. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - November 4, 2019

1. Here we go--the next to last month of the year is here. Welcome November, it is too cold all ready.

2. The GORC Wildcats 12U season ended yesterday with a disappointing doubleheader loss. Well, at least we know what we have to work on during the off-season to get ready for the Spring campaign.

Chris in Front of a Lighted Art
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

3. Welcome Standard Time. I am sure I prefer Daylight Saving Time. It got dark just after 5 PM last evening.

4. Chris and I spent Saturday evening at Baltimore's Inner Harbor enjoying the atmosphere and watching the sunset. After dark, the place came alive with light and color. It was a very enjoyable evening. 

5. Family NFL Results. The next time the league needs to pin a loss on the Patriots, just call on the Ravens, just saying!

   Ravens soundly defeated the Patriots 37-20
   Steelers squeaked by the Colts  26-24 (on a missed field goal)
   Redskins lost to the Bills 9-24
   Cowboys play tonight against the Giants

Baltimore Across the Harbor
November 2, 2019

6. As Chris and I were walking along the waterfront of Baltimore's inner Harbor Saturday evening watching the day fade into darkness, we observed the beauty of the Baltimore Skyline with the lights of the buildings being illuminated and reflecting in the almost still waters of the harbor. It was a scene for a picture, and so, of course, I took one.

Ferris Wheel
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

8. Do you remember what a Ferris wheel looks like at night? It reminds me of Volunteer Firemen Carnivals from when I was young. The excitement of the nights and the lights and the sounds. 

8. Today in History. A spontaneous national uprising that began 12 days before in Hungary is viciously crushed by Soviet tanks and troops on November 4, 1956. Thousands were killed and wounded and nearly a quarter-million Hungarians fled the country.

The problems in Hungary began in October 1956, when thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding a more democratic political system and freedom from Soviet oppression. In response, Communist Party officials appointed Imre Nagy, a former premier who had been dismissed from the party for his criticisms of Stalinist policies, as the new premier. Nagy tried to restore peace and asked the Soviets to withdraw their troops. The Soviets did so, but Nagy then tried to push the Hungarian revolt forward by abolishing one-party rule. He also announced that Hungary was withdrawing from the Warsaw Pact (the Soviet bloc’s equivalent of NATO).

Headlines

A Million D.U.I. Cases a Year, but Breath Analysis Often Fails Test - The New York Times

Flood of Oil Is Coming, Complicating Efforts to Fight Global Warming - The New York Times

Scores injured in chaotic weekend of Hong Kong protests - Reuters

North Korea, U.S. could resume talks in mid-November: South Korean MP - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

May I congratulate all of you who are Members of this historic 100th Congress of the United States of America. In this 200th anniversary year of our Constitution, you and I stand on the shoulders of giants -- men whose words and deeds put wind in the sails of freedom. However, we must always remember that our Constitution is to be celebrated not for being old, but for being young -- young with the same energy, spirit, and promise that filled each eventful day in Philadelphia's statehouse. We will be guided tonight by their acts, and we will be guided forever by their words.

Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the State of the Union, January 27, 1987

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Santa Maria

2018 Replica of the Santa Maria
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

It was sitting the Baltimore Harbor last night and I recognized her as soon as I saw her tied to the pier. 

2018 Replica of the Santa Maria
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

It was the full scale 2018 replica of the Santa Maria, Columbus's flagship of the squadron that with the Nina, Pinta are famous for carrying the discoverer to the "New World."

Discovering history through the replicas is a fantastic thing. The Santa Maria is only about 161 feet in length. That is roughly one tenth the length of Oasis of the Seas at 1186 feet. Oasis is a ship that Chris and I have had the pleasure of sailing upon a couple of years ago. The crew of the Santa Maria was estimated to be between 35-45 men. Who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in a small wooden ship. 

Looking Down on the Main Deck
2018 Replica of the Santa Maria
Baltimore Inner Harbor
November 2, 2019

She is beautiful, however, The woodwork is amazing and the ship appears sturdy. It, of course, is a floating museum. It is important to understand the conditions that the crew faced on a daily basis. It was not a lot of fun to be a seaman during the late 1400's. Life was tough and perils were found everywhere.

Yet, the small ships and crews found their way around the world. 

I enjoyed coming aboard and exploring the portions of the ship that were open to the public. I was amused that the ship was sporting extensive Halloween decorations, some of which are evident in the images that took. 

It was an enjoyable time delving into history. And after visiting the ship, Chris and I proceeded to enjoy the festivities adorning the Baltimore Inner Harbor for the remainder of the evening.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Frost

Frost on the Windshield
Elkridge, MD
November 2, 2019

One of the sure signs of Autumn is the arrival of the first frost. 

Frost on Chris's Car Roof
Elkridge, MD
November 2, 2019

This morning, the first frost of the season graced the area and signaled the official end to the growing season. Chris and I moved the palms and hibiscus into the pool house for protection before going out for Happy Hour at a friend's house last evening.  They were too full of water form the rains to bring inside the house yet--but as soon as they are dry, they will come inside for the winter.

Frost is a sure sign that winter is not far off. 

And it is cold this morning. As you might expect with frost. But the dawn is breaking with a clear sky and the autumn colors on the trees are even more vibrant as the leaves prepare to take their final dance with the wind and fall to the ground. 

The falling leaves mean that I get to rake the lawn again! Yay!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Day of the Turkey

Welcome November! 

And what does the arrival of November mean? It coincides with the arrival of the Day of the Turkey season. In the vernacular it is known as Thanksgiving! The Thanksgiving season has arrived. 

The Thanksgiving season is short, only four weeks, and it is often lost in the anticipation of Christmas. It is sad that the stores are already pushing Christmas--everyone is going to be burned out before December even arrives. 

Halloween passed quietly last evening. The torrential rains held off and we were able to give out most of our candy. It was fun as we were at home for the first time in about 14 years to enjoy the costumed kids in our own neighborhood. 

But now, bring on the Turkeys!!!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Halloween 2019

The day has arrived. Halloween, the day of candy and goblins. 

Sadly, the weather report is making it seem as if this year's edition in the Baltimore region will be a washout. 

This will be the first year that Chris and I are not going Trick or Treating with the grandsons--they are getting too old to want grandparents tagging along as they visit the houses in their neighborhood with their friends. 

Chris and I will sit in our house, watching the rain, waiting for the doorbell to ring with the kids in their costumes asking for a treat.

I am looking forward to the evening. Everyone be careful out there.

Tomorrow is November!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD