Golfing, Biking, Boating or going to Costco?

I am reminded of a cartoon, Pinky and the Brain,  in which two nefarious characters ask, "What are we going to do tomorrow night?" And the answer, "The same thing we do every night, plan to take over the world."

Storm Clouds over Jupiter Dunes Hole 7
Jupiter, FL
May 12, 2023

That is similar to the situation Chris and I face nearly every day. We ask the question, "What are we going to do today?" But unlike Pinky and the Brain, we are then confronted a multiple choice answer:

"The same thing we do every day, decide between golfing, biking, boating, or going to Costco."

Yesterday was a golf day. It turned out to be a good choice given the early morning weather. Although it did not look like rain when we began the round, we were treated to a passing shower while we were playing the 5th and 6th holes. By the time we moved to the 7th Tee box, the showers had passed and the sun had almost completely dried the course. The greens were a bit slower, but not too bad. 

Chris had a good round and I had one of my better rounds. I even made a rare (for me) birdie on the last hole. It was hot by the time we departed the course at noon. I was very happy we made it out before the heat of the day set in. Of course, passing shower resulted in a significant humidity increase. 

Today the question remains outstanding, but the answer is trending towards biking. 

Time will tell.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Vet Fun

 

Riordin in the Cupboard
Elkridge, MD
August 27, 2022

It is, of course, an oxymoron. There is no way that going to a vet can be fun. In fact, it was almost catastrophe. 

Riordin, our cat, has been coughing and Chris and I were concerned that he might have a respiratory infection. He had been to the vet a month ago and had a non-specific infection, for which he was prescribed antibiotics. He had a cough then and it seemed to get better, but now it had become more annoying.

Riordin in Xray
West Palm Beach, FL
May 11, 2023

During the trip to the vet, Riordin became carsick and puked all over his cat carrier. To make it worse, I had to stop quickly and his carrier rolled off the seat onto the floor and of course the poor cat was now covered in regurgitated ick. Upon arriving at the vet, Chris and I were able to clean him and the carrier. He was not a pretty sight, but cleaned up nicely and dried before we were called into the examination room. We left him out of the carrier and I held him so that he could dry out.

The exam went well, Riordin is a pretty chill cat. Blood was drawn, X-ray taken, and a shot given. Riordin handled it all pretty well. The final verdict? He may have allergies or asthma. There is no infection (blood work) and no mass in his lungs indicating either pneumonia or cancer (X-ray). We were relieved, and also relieved of just over $300, to get that information. When we return from Maryland we are considering having him tested for allergies. We are pretty sure he has allergies since he used to sneeze a lot, but is coughing and we are considering testing and immunotherapy treatment. 

Well, at least we know he is fit to travel. We obtained a mild sedative to take the edge off while he is in his carrier in the car during the upcoming trip. AND, I will secure the carrier so it will not roll off the seat again.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It Was Efficient

 

I guess you can sum up last night's Republican Town Hall as the President did: "Do you want four more years of that?"

Has anyone else noticed the huge difference between the leadership style of the current vs the former president?

The former, as was showcased during last night's Town Hall, enjoyed finger-pointing, blame, distraction, and lies.

I look to the stability of the cabinet and advisors to the President to understand how well things are going. A comparison between Trump and Biden, done by the Brookings Institute reveals the following:

              Cabinet Positions        A-Team Turn Over

Trump              14                            92%

Biden                 1                            47%

Trump Administration Analysis

Biden Administration Analysis

And then, so many supporters of the former President point to the border crisis as being a Biden failure, but yet for placing such emphasis on the border security, Trump did not increase the number of border patrol agents during his term and there was actually a net reduction, although small. (Statista)

Now, he [Trump] is advocating budget reductions which will further reduce border patrol agents. As the President noted: . . . the enormous costs of the cuts the Republicans insist they require before they will permit a raising of the debt ceiling, including, Biden emphasized, 30,000 federal law enforcement officers: “11,000 FBI agents, 2,000 Border agents, DEA agents, and so on.” (Letters from an American)

So much for border security.

The party of Lincoln has become the party of chaos!

Do we really need four more years of that nonsense?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Day on the Water

Heading Out onto the Water
Manatee Pocket, Port Salerno, FL
May 9, 2023

Chris and I began and ended the day on the water.

The morning began boating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). It was our second solo boating adventure since being trained and certified. The ICW is a waterway that runs from near Boston all the way to Brownsville, Texas. And that means it runs around through our area the tip of Florida. It is the major waterway in our area connecting the entire coast. 

Jupiter Lighthouse from the Water
Loxahatchee River, Jupiter, FL
May 9, 2023

The day was bright, the winds calm, and the water was almost smooth as our trusty boat headed out of the marina. We planned a morning of cruising as we departed Port Salerno and headed south to Jupiter and the Loxahatchee River. By car the trip takes about 20 minutes, by boat it took over an hour. We wanted to see the places we drive past from the water. That included the multi-million dollar mansions on Jupiter Island.

There Used to be bridge there
US-1 Drawbridge over the Loxahatchee and ICW
Jupiter, FL
May 9, 2023

We made it to the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter along which we spend a lot of time. I wanted a picture of the lighthouse from the river and I also wanted to get an image of the reconstruction of the recently demolished US-1 drawbridge over the Loxahatchee and the ICW. I was amazed to count 8 cranes in the image. In addition Chris and I were able to find sites for future visits and of course we can continue exploring the Loxahatchee. But, from Port Salerno we are going to begin exploring north to Fort Pierce and more of the area along the ICW that is unfamiliar to us.

Fish Crow
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
May 9, 2023

To close out the day, we joined friends at Carlin Park for Happy Hour. It was an enjoyable ending to the day that began on the water. We had a few fish crows visit us while on the beach. They were competing with sanderlings for our attention. They are very big crows and very intelligent.

Closing out a day with friends on the beach enjoying Happy Hour and conversation; what could be better?

And what a day it was. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Freedom in the Crosshairs

 Why is the news so depressing?

Why does it seem that we are being attacked in our very homes for what we believe, how we live, and how we perceive the country and the world?

Why do a vocal minority want to impose their values on the majority and take away freedom of choice, but yet do nothing about the carnage in America?

And what about mall shootings?

School shootings?

So much blood being spilled. 

I'm in a dark place this morning, I guess. 

I read an email about how democracy is dying.

A portion of that email:

That argument, articulated most clearly by Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán, is that the secular principles of liberal democracy—equality before the law, free speech, freedom to go to church or not, academic inquiry, a free press, immigration, companies that can make decisions based on markets rather than morality—destroy virtue by tearing down the sexual and religious guardrails of traditional society. In order to bring that virtue back, right-wing thinkers argue, the government must defend religion and self-sacrifice (although it’s hard to miss that they’re looking for other people to make those sacrifices, not themselves). 

Last week, on May 4 and 5, the Conservative Political Action Conference met in Budapest for the second time, and once again, Orbán delivered the keynote address. The theme was the uniting of the radical right across national boundaries. “Come back, Mr President,” Orbán said of Trump’s 2024 presidential bid. “Make America great again and bring us peace.” Orbán claimed his suppression of LGBTQ+ rights, academic freedom, and the media is a model for the world. 

Plenty of the people there from the U.S. seemed to agree. “Hungary,” Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) said, “is a beacon.” (Letters from an American) 

Note: Highlighting is mine

Freedom is in the crosshairs and under attack from both without and within. The story of Hungary is not one that America should follow.

Be aware!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - May 8, 2023

 

Remember V-E Day!

1. The second Monday of May is upon us! The month is moving along. There are 33 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. The Orioles had a rough weekend dropping 2 of 3 to the Braves. The two games lost were by one run each, but losing yesterday's game after leading in the 10th inning was very tough. 

Pelican Taking Off
Pirates Cove Marina, Port Salerno, FL
May 5, 2023

3. Chris and I were out the other day watching the pelicans at a dock. I enjoy watching water birds and besides the ospreys, pelicans have become a favorite. I was able to capture an image of this bird as it was taking off to grab a fish being thrown into the water in front of him. The water is a bit murky because we were at a marina.

4. Job numbers came in higher than expected, with the U.S. adding 253,000 nonfarm jobs in April. Unemployment fell yet again, to 3.4%, matching a rate not seen since 1969. Black unemployment is at an all-time low of 4.7%. For Hispanics it’s 4.4%, and for Asian Americans, 2.8%. The rate for adult women is 3.1%. Average hourly wages rose 0.5%. This good economic news didn’t come from nowhere. The Biden administration has focused on building infrastructure, bringing supply chains home, and bolstering new manufacturing. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act have invested in workers. (Letters from an American)

5. Biking this weekend was a fight against the weather. On Saturday I was drenched during a quickly forming storm and yesterday I fought 20-25 mph winds for my ride. Despite the difficult conditions, I managed to log over 34 miles in the saddle. As Chris and I become busier with other outside interests, such a golf, I believe my monthly miles ridden will fall and likely never top 300 again. I only managed 135 last month, but I was in Maryland without my bike for 12 days. 

6. Today in History. On May 8, 1945, both Great Britain and the United States celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Cities in both nations, as well as formerly occupied cities in Western Europe, put out flags and banners, rejoicing in the defeat of the Nazi war machine during World War II.

The eighth of May spelled the day when German troops throughout Europe finally laid down their arms: In Prague, Germans surrendered to their Soviet antagonists, after the latter had lost more than 8,000 soldiers, and the Germans considerably more; in Copenhagen and Oslo; at Karlshorst, near Berlin; in northern Latvia; on the Channel Island of Sark—the German surrender was realized in a final cease-fire. More surrender documents were signed in Berlin and in eastern Germany.

Can a State Flag Be Too ‘Woke’? Some Utahns Say So - The Wall Street Journal

Biden’s New Immigration Policy Cements End of Liberal Asylum Rules - The Wall Street journal

Eight People Fatally Struck by Vehicle Near Texas Shelter Housing Migrants - The Wall Street journal

Russia rains missiles across Ukraine ahead of May 9 Victory Day holiday - Reuters

Biden, McCarthy aim to break US debt-ceiling standoff as default crisis looms - Reuters

China and U.S. see need to stabilise relations - Reuters

New details emerge about Texas outlet mall shooter - CNN

Odesa hit with missiles from long-range bombers, Ukrainian Air Force says - CNN

Why has a state in India’s northeast exploded in ethnic unrest? - CNN

Texas gunman’s white supremacist views eyed as possible motive - The Washington Post

Air travel demand may fuel another record summer. Here’s what will be different. - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Angry Ocean

 

Arriving at the beach near low tide
Jupiter Island, FL
May 6, 2023

In the aftermath of Cinco de Mayo and the coronation, I managed an 18.2 mile bike ride which ended in a driving rainstorm. It was not my first time getting soaked while riding, but I find that I enjoy the experience less and less. It is awful to arrive home with water dripping off. And the breeze makes it feel cold! Yes, even at 82 degrees the movement of the bike with the wind made me cold! Ugh!

Later on the Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
May 6, 2023

As the very localized storms passed through, Chris and I noticed a break and took a walk on the beach. As we arrived, the day was pleasant, but the ocean was rough from all of the passing storms. There was a goodly amount of sargassum on the beach, but still not the mountains of sea grass that had been predicted, although a lot more could be seen heading for the beach in the waves.

We were not on the beach very long before we noticed that the white broken clouds had given way to dark and foreboding ones. The clouds at this time were not just over the ocean, but they were behind us over the land. We were surrounded and some of the clouds seriously looked like rain clouds. In the image to the left, the clouds behind the one at the center top appear to be raining. Fortunately, we did not see lightening or hear thunder. 

Out of an "abundance" of caution, we departed the beach and returned home. We had only been walking on the beach for about 30 minutes, but it was clearly time to leave. 

We headed home and arrived without incident.

All-in-all, another great South Florida day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Coronation Day

King Charles III and Queen Camilla

 Yep, I got up early and watched the coronation of King Charles III.

I love the history, the pomp, and the sub-plots. 

All morning the sub-plot was, would Harry be on the balcony? The answer, it turns out, is no!

But the history and the connection to history. For instance, William the Conqueror was the first monarch coronated at Westminster Abby on Christmas Day 1066!

The one British historian I listened to incorrectly equated the coronation with our inauguration. I do not agree, principally because Charles is already King and the coronation is the formalization of what exists. Conversely, at the inauguration, power does not pass from one president to the next until the oath of office is recited. The inauguration marks the actual change of administrations. Presidents who assume the role because of death of the sitting president do not get an inauguration, they recite the oath and are, at that moment, president. There is not coronation-like event.

Unlike Americans, the British as very connected to their history and traditions--is a good way. It provides them a sense of endurance and grounding. We too often flap in the wind without direction, until it a world crisis reunites us with purpose. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cinco de Mayo 2023

 Another Cinco de Mayo has arrived and with it the celebrations even though most are unaware of the history. 

Although a minor Mexican celebration and very regional, Cinco de Mayo kept the French from entering the U.S. Civil War to assist the South, thereby preserving the Republic. That is the quick, Bob history. 

Important safety tip: Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16th!

History.com has a number of papers about Cinco de Mayo. I have linked one discussing the impact on the U.S. Civil War. Have a read. 

I am planning a more subdued Cinco de Mayo. But, I am going to be celebrating. Cinco de Mayo is one of the few celebrations where I enjoy Mexican-themed adult beverages in place of wine. 

In other news, regarding my Dad--he has moved to a rehab facility after successful surgeries and will be there a couple weeks before returning to my sister's home, outside of Houston, where he lives. Thank you to all who expressed their concern. His continued recovery provides an extra reason to celebrate today.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

May 4th

 It is that day!

May the 4th be with you!

I love this day. It is a fun day to remember all of the thrills and excitement of Star Wars. 

I still remember seeing the movie Star Wars, as it was titled then, for the first time in Denver during 1977. And then seeing it many more times because it struck a chord in me. The words "May the force be with you" has become on of the greatest lines from a movie, ever.  

But even better, today is also the eve of my favorite foreign holiday: Cinco de Mayo!

And tomorrow is also Friday and so the Cinco de Mayo celebrations will continue long into the night, or at least until 8:30 PM, lol.

Seize the day! (You know, I never noted before that the word seize is an exception to the rule. There is not a "c" anywhere in the word!)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL