Monday Musings - March 6, 2023

 

1. Welcome to the first Monday of March. Spring is close, DST is closer (next Sunday). There are 42 Mondays remaining in the year.

Gopher Tortoise
Seabranch Preserve State Park, FL
March 5, 2023

2. Had an exciting bike ride yesterday around Port Salerno. Saw an incredible number of gopher tortoises and had a coyote run out in front of us. We only did a short 12.5 mile ride, but it was fun and the wildlife were very active. We stopped at the end of Cove Road, Port Salerno, and looked out at the Intracoastal for a while enjoying the beauty of the scene and the day. I do not know why I take so many images of gopher tortoises, but I am fascinated by them and how many of them I see as I bike.

Chris at Cove Road Park
Port Salerno, FL
March 5, 2023

3. I will note that my favorite British Premier League team, Arsenal, had a heart-stopping 3-2 win over the weekend. They went down 0-2 early and came back with the winning goal in the 97th minute! Gotta love stoppage time. Arsenal, at this point in the season, remains atop the Premier League Table!

4. Florida leadership continues to amaze in their quest to restrict freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights all while touting that Florida is more free. The latest, as some of you have pointed out, is the bill introduced in the legislature designed to essentially restrict reporting on the governor and members of the executive branch and legislature. It is sneaky. Brodeur’s proposal, Senate Bill 1316: Information Dissemination, would require any blogger writing about government officials to register with the Florida Office of Legislative Services or the Commission on Ethics. In the bill, Brodeur wrote that those who write “an article, a story, or a series of stories,” about “the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, a Cabinet officer, or any member of the Legislature,” and receives or will receive payment for doing so, must register with state offices within five days after the publication of an article that mentions an elected state official. As I do not, nor do I intend to receive payment for writing articles, I am exempt; however, the reporting process for paid bloggers is definitely designed to restrict First Amendment Rights--specifically freedom of the press. Let's go Florida, land of the formerly free!

5. I am amazed that as the political season gets off to an early start that some candidates continue to spout untruths and outright lies to support their candidacy. Some are like the snake oil salesmen of the old west,  selling a worthless product that can only cause harm in the long run. In this case, they are touting elitism and divisiveness. Is that was we are really hungering for in the country? I think not.

6. Daylight Saving Time returns Sunday morning, March 12th. Be ready.

7. Today in History. The German company Bayer patents aspirin on March 6, 1899. Now the most common drug in household medicine cabinets, acetylsalicylic acid was originally made from a chemical found in the bark of willow trees. In its primitive form, the active ingredient, salicin, was used for centuries in folk medicine, beginning in ancient Greece when Hippocrates used it to relieve pain and fever. Known to doctors since the mid-19th century, it was used sparingly due to its unpleasant taste and tendency to damage the stomach.

Russia is close to taking Bakhmut. But it may come with a cost - CNN

Trump delivers wildly inaccurate speech at CPAC - CNN

4 US citizens missing after being assaulted and kidnapped in Mexico, FBI says - CNN

White House seeks to make abortion access a rallying cry for 2024 election - Reuters

After playing wage catch-up, U.S. firms may have found their footing - Reuters

Landslide kills at least 11 in Indonesia's remote Natuna region - Reuters

Fed’s Rate Moves Put Manufacturing Sector at Risk - The Wall Street Journal

Housing Market Momentum Stalls as Spring Approaches - The Wall Street Journal

Ukrainians Work Through Blackouts, Internet Outages as Russia Targets Power Grid - The Wall Street Journal

IRS braces for the unthinkable: A normal tax season - The Washington Post

In Calif. speech that draws protests, DeSantis stokes fight over pandemic - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Calm Ending to the Day

Walking to Dinner
Stuart, FL
March 3, 2023

 Some evenings remain in my mind long after the day has ended and the calendar rolled over to another and then another day. 

Friday evening was one of those special evenings. Chris and I were walking the streets of Stuart, Florida, headed to dinner and a concert with our friends. We were a bit later than I like to be for a dinner reservation, although we still arrived before our reservation time and had to wait for our table. 

Moon Through Palm
Stuart, FL
March 3, 2023
Taken by Fran

Even though we were hurrying from the parking spot to the restaurant, I still managed a quick image of the stunning sunset behind a lone palm tree. The sky was beautiful and the palm was majestic along the street. Following the shot I had to hurry to catch up with my friends and Chris who were intent on making it to the restaurant. We had only parked about six blocks from the restaurant, but it had taken a bit of time to secure spot along the street.

Later during dinner, which was outside to enjoy the warm evening air, we all marveled at how the Moon was peaking through the palm fonds. Fran took this image and the lighted palm with the Moon and a few clouds helps keep the memory of the evening alive.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Eagles Tribute Band - Hotel California

 

Hotel California - Eagles Tribute Band
Lyric Theater, Stuart, Florida
March 3, 2023

I like the idea of tribute bands. They bring the authentic music of famous groups live to the people at a reasonable price. And they are fun.

Last evening, in Stuart, Florida, at the classic Lyric Theater, Chris and I enjoyed the Eagles Tribute Band called Hotel California. The were excellent and each of the band members demonstrated an incredible amount of musical versatility. The Eagles songs they played were true to my memory of the songs and the band had a "big" sound. 

The Lyric is a small and almost intimate theater and the band played very well to the crowd. We walked to the 8:30 PM performance after enjoying a fantastic dinner on the waterfront at the Stuart Boathouse. The weather was perfect and the table, service, and meal selections were second to none. 

But it was the band which provided the entertainment by filling the evening with familiar songs. The band closed with an encore performance of songs not performed by the Eagles' which further showcased their diverse talents including a religious medley that worked very well and played excellently to the crowd attending the concert. 

I videoed a portion of Peaceful Easy Feeling to capture the tight vocals and musicianship of the band. During the evening the band played the biggest Eagles' hits and the crowd could be heard singing along. 

I highly recommend this tribute band and will definitely see them again sometime. They bring the music of the past to life with energy and excitement. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It Came from Outside

Lizard on the Screen
Tequesta, FL
March 2, 2023

 There it was, a large, although not iguana-large, lizard hanging on the motorized screen we recently had installed to keep vermin away from our patio area. The real question was, was it on the inside or the outside. 

In the image the lizard appears almost like a monster from a "grade b" movie coming up from a dark lagoon somewhere. 

But it was there and it was my job to investigate and determine if the lizard was violating the sanctity of our patio area or safely outside. As lizards go, it was larger than most, but not nearly as large as an iguana or some of the red-headed lizards I have seen recently while biking. 

The invader was, as it turned out, inside of the closed screen near the top. Interestingly, there was no panic on the part of the lizard, I think it had been in the patio for at least 24 hours and was running low on food and it was still cool, making it slower. I was able to open the screen about a foot and gently guide the invader out of the enclosure with a broom. The operation was completed without injuring either myself or the lizard. 

I am not sure how the lizard came to be in the enclosure. We had the screen fully up for a few minutes the day before and that is likely when the visitor may have decided to check out the place--I hope that is the answer because there are no other obvious routes of entry. 

Time will tell. But for now, case closed.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Florida Redefines Free

 

I suppose the dirty little secret will get lost under the campaigning, but despite the title of Governor Ron DeSantis' new book, Florida is not free for everyone.

The real courage in Florida is to disagree with the narrow vision of the governor and the republicans controlling the legislature. Disagreement will be immediately dealt with and stamped out. 

People have been fired from their positions, laws have been passed disenfranchising categories and classes of people, for instance LGBTQ+, and under the guise of giving parents freedom to control the subjects taught in schools, the modern equivalent of book burnings have been conducted. 

Look at what happened to the Disney Corp for voicing disagreement:

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that takes control of a special tax district surrounding Walt Disney World. State Republicans last year targeted Disney after it publicly clashed with DeSantis over a law that restricts classroom instruction of gender and sexual orientation.

Florida is anti-Woke, anti-LGBTQ+, and anti anything that does not conform to the narrow vision of the governor. The governor is passing laws to limit the discussion of diversity issues in state colleges. Is this all part of a plan to homogenize the state?

And about the claim that Florida did so well during the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida is the third leading state for COVID-19 related deaths based upon data from USA Facts. The touted economic success was achieved at the expense of people's lives. 

True freedom is inclusive of all peoples and beliefs while allowing the discussion and investigation and acceptance of dissenting opinions. DeSantis runs Florida like he is the commander of a naval vessel--it is his way or the highway. That is not what this country needs as a president. 

Florida has redefined free. Floridians instead of being free to choose are becoming free FROM choice. Florida apparently has become subservient to the demands of narrow-minded religious fanatics who believe they have the right to impose their vision of society onto everyone else. That is not what the Constitution says.

That is not the definition of freedom.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Good-bye February

Celebrating the Final Day of February
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 28, 2023

 With 80's, crystal blue skies, and some great beach time we said good-bye to February and overnight ushered in March 2023.

Wow. The year truly is careening along. 

What do we have to look forward to in March?

Well, we go back onto Daylight Saving Time on March 12th. This was supposed to be the last clock adjustment for the United States, but the House could not get this simple bill passed which had been approved by the Senate before the term ended in December and so on the first Sunday in November we will again adjust our clocks by falling backwards.

Beautiful Atlantic Ocean Waves
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 28, 2023

Of course five days later comes St Patrick's Day which is always a good excuse for a celebration.

And then there is the first day of Spring, on March 20th.

We must not forget that today is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day. I know what I'm having for lunch! 

There is so much to do and it seems so little time to get everything done. But, taking it one day at a time is the best approach. 

Welcome to the new month.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Flowers and Birds

Orchid
Flamingo Gardens, Davie, FL
February 27, 2023

 Yesterday we made another trip to Flamingo Gardens. 

It was just as much fun as our first trip. There is something exciting every time we visit. I just enjoy the combination of birds, animals, and botanic gardens. 

The orchids are coming into bloom around the gardens and they add a touch of color to the developing springtime. Photographing the orchids allows me to play with the settings on my iPhone camera to add a touch of artistry to the images. Orchids are good for that because unlike animals, they do not move. 

Anhinga
Flamingo Gardens, Davie, FL
February 27, 2023

Of course, walking through the aviary the are many birds that do not move a lot. For instance, this anhinga provided me with a show yesterday as it was spreading its wings and collecting sunlight and warmth. What was exciting, for me, was that the anhinga was within 3 feet of me and seemingly unconcerned about my presence. Some of the other birds, especially pelicans, are not so comfortable or rather they have a larger interpersonal zone.

Even though it the drive to the Gardens is a bit over an hour, I find the trip more than worth the investment. Getting out with the animals and the plants is exciting and there is still so much of the botanical gardens that we need to explore.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - February 27, 2023

 

1. And it has arrived; the long awaited last Monday of February. March begins in two days and with it the promise of Springtime, flowers, and warmer temperatures. Cue the birds and the insects! Oh yes, and there are 43 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Surf Crashing onto the Beach
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, FL
January 26, 2023

2. Sunday was a perfect beach day. The temperatures climbed into the mid-80s and there was a light breeze coming off the ocean. We went to a great beach at the Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge and were surprised to find so many of our fellow Floridians were also visiting. There was a wait to get into the area due to the parking lot being full. It was one car out and one car in. Even so, the beach was not crowded and we enjoyed watching the surf crash onto the beach. We watched a group of five boys and two dads play in their surf for a long time until the boys were exhausted and the group departed. Although we arrived a bit later than we had planned, our trusty beach umbrellas protected us from the burning rays of the sun.

Sue and Chris at the Bar
Hog Snappers, Tequesta, FL
February 26, 2023

3. For dinner we visited a great local restaurant, Hog Snappers. I have become fond of sushi and the restaurant provides a great variety to choose from. I especially enjoy the canoe, which comes with over 40 selections and is more than enough for two people to enjoy. Chris and Sue got a bit bored waiting for our table. They were sitting at the bar which, as it turned out, was where we ultimately ate dinner once an additional bar stool became available. We had a lot more fun at the bar than we believe we would have had sitting at a table. The wait staff was a lot of fun to interact with during our meal.

4. Today in History. On February 27, 1827, a group of masked and costumed students dance through the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, marking the beginning of the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations.

The celebration of Carnival—or the weeks between Twelfth Night on January 6 and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Christian period of Lent—spread from Rome across Europe and later to the Americas. Nowhere in the United States is Carnival celebrated as grandly as in New Orleans, famous for its over-the-top parades and parties for Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday), the last day of the Carnival season.

Electric Vehicles Need AM Radio, Former Emergency Officials Argue - The Wall Street Journal

'It's all a lie': Russians are trapped in Putin's parallel universe - CNN

He deported thousands. Then investigators showed him his birth certificate - CNN

Nine western states under winter weather alerts today as heavy snowfall is forecast across the region - CNN

Islamist militants have Pakistan's police in their crosshairs - Reuters

Republican war on 'woke' policies creeps into U.S. debt-ceiling debate - Reuters

China urges peace in Ukraine after U.S. warns against aiding Russia - Reuters

Low-elevation snow, blizzard conditions in California amid season’s coldest storm - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Baseball Returns

Roger Dean Stadium
Jupiter, FL
February 25, 2023

 The first Spring Training games of the brand new MLB season were played yesterday.

Chris and I along with our friends visiting from Maryland were in attendance as the Washington Nationals came to town to play the St Louis Cardinals!

Baseball is Back!

Jupiter is a baseball city. Two MLB teams conduct Spring Training here and there are two Minor League teams that play here after the MLB teams head north. 

Yesterday's game was exciting and enjoyable. The only real problem was the two teams playing both wore red and so it was Red on Red. The only visual difference in the uniforms was their pants. The day was blessed with beautiful weather, 80s and clear. The game was close, but I have to admit the crowd seemed somewhat subdued. The game felt more like a late season MLB game with both teams out of contention for the playoffs. 

There were two distinct parts to the game. The Cardinal starters beat the National starters 2-1 during the first 5 innings, but the Nationals Spring Training invitees defeated the Cardinal invitees 2-0 for the final 4 innings, making the final score 3-2 Nationals. I took the image of the scoreboard before the game was complete, but it accurately depicts the final score.

It was baseball and I was there to enjoy it. 

Roger Dean Stadium did have some opening day security issues. The lines were over 20 minutes long to gain entrance to the stadium. We missed the first half inning and the National's first run because of the lines. I am hopeful that the security processing issues will be solved as the season progresses. 

In other Spring Training news, it should be noted that the Orioles defeated the Twins 10-5 in Sarasota. 

Go O's!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Sea to Savanna

Osprey Diving for the Ocean
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 24, 2023

 I promised myself that I was not going to blog about a seashore activity today, but then I witnessed and caught on camera an event that I enjoy seeing. That event? An osprey diving into the ocean to get a meal.

I had been watching the bird hover and attempt to find the right spot and so I had my iPhone camera at the ready. And I got lucky.

Osprey into the Ocean
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 24, 2023

The GIF plays fast and I'm not astute enough to slow it to a better speed, but there is the osprey hitting the ocean.

Lion Country Safari

Loxahatchee, FL

February 24, 2023

That all happened during out morning beach walk. Later in the day, we headed out to Lion Country Safari to enjoy seeing the variety of wild animals which are kept in open areas. It was a fun afternoon and we saw many different animals. I was most impressed with the Scimitar Oryx, which I found out has been declared extinct in the wild. Wild Country Safari has a large breeding herd and is part of the species preservation project. 

Flamingo

Lion Country Safari

Loxahatchee, FL

February 24, 2023

Of course, we spent time driving slowly through the preserve and looking at the variety of land animals which included large groups of rhinoceros and giraffes along with a the largest herd of zebras in the United States. It was definitely worth the time. We stopped after the driving portion of the tour to walk through the area where some animals are kept in pens and cages, pausing to feed fish and of course take pictures of the flamingos. I love flamingos!

I discovered, during the drive through the animal park, that lions do not excite me much. They are regal, yes, but for the most part boring. The varieties of antelope were far more active and interesting. And the rhinos are just massive and impressive. 

And so it was quite a day moving from sea to savanna!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL