Monday Musings - July 3, 2023 Independence Weekend Edition

 

1. Welcome to the first Monday of July. July has five Mondays this year and there are 25 Mondays remaining in the year. 

For today, I decided to focus upon Thomas Jefferson, one of the men directly responsible for this Republic and our independence. 

2. "When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation." - U.S. Declaration of Independence

3. The only birthday I ever commemorate is that of our Independence, the Fourth of July." - Thomas Jefferson

4. The kind invitation I recieve from you on the part of the citizens of the city of Washington, to be present with them at their celebration of the 50th anniversary of American independance; as one of the surviving signers of an instrument, pregnant with our own, and the fate of the world, is most flattering to myself, and heightened by the honorable accompaniment proposal for the comfort of such a journey. it adds sensibly to the sufferings of sickness, to be deprived by it of a personal participation in the rejoicings of that day. ... I should indeed, with peculiar delight, have met and exchanged there, congratulations personally, with the small band, the remnant of that host of worthies, who joined with us, on that day, in the bold and doubtful election we were to make, for our country, between submission, or the sword; and to have enjoyed with them the consolatory fact that our fellow citizens, after half a century of experience and prosperity, continue to approve the choice we made. ... for ourselves let the annual return of this day, for ever refresh our recollections of these rights and an undiminished devotion to them." (Jefferson to Roger Weightman

5. "The fourth of July, the epoch of American independence, is a day when the heart of every American must glow with pride and gratitude. No village, however sequestered, no citizen, however obscure, forgets the celebration of the anniversary of his country's liberty! Through all the land, from the shores of the Atlantic to our mountain-tops, the sounds of gratulation are heard; the roar of cannon, and the peal of bells, announce the auspicious morn, and people of every rank hasten with their festive offerings round the altar of liberty." (Thomas Jefferson)

Have a Happy and Healthy 4th

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Middle of the Holiday

 

Final 4th Celebration
Elkridge, MD
July 4, 2022

I am hoping that most of my friends and family are taking the opportunity for a mid-year time out and enjoying a four-day Independence Day holiday weekend!

“We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others.” —Will Rogers

It is a bittersweet holiday weekend this year as I look back on the great image that a neighbor took of our final fireworks display held in Elkridge last year.  Family and friends gathered on the lawn, as we had done for many many years, and enjoyed the sounds of music, compliments of Patrick, to the launching of fireworks. It was a perfect space to enjoy the holiday. 

This year we are not going to be together and there is no backyard from which to launch the fireworks. I wonder what the old neighborhood and our friends will be doing? We miss them all. 

But, we must look forward to the new opportunities. Looking backward is like playing a video that can never change.

But it was fun!

Just a holiday note below to six of the justices on the Supreme Court:

“The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.” —John F. Kennedy

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Chased off the Beach

Chris and Mary in the Ocean
Jupiter Island, FL
June 30, 2023

Yesterday was the last day of the first half of the year! Along with four friends, Chris and I determined to make yesterday a beach day. We have been enjoying the beautiful, but changeable, South Florida weather and wanted to enjoy some beach time.

We arrived with friends at the beach about 11 AM, but already to the south the storms were forming. Usually the storms arrive during the mid-to-late afternoon, but yesterday, sadly, they started forming during the late morning. 

Storm Clouds Forming 
Jupiter Island, FL
June 30, 2023

We set up our camp on the deserted beach. Yes, during the summertime in South Florida their care many beaches which can be considered deserted. There were no other beachgoers within a mile of us on this sandy ocean beach. The tide was low and we were able to access a sand bar and walk a couple hundred yards out into the gentle surf. The water was a very pleasant at roughly 85 degrees and we were planning for a full day beach excursion having brought sufficient food and water to support us. 

It was not to be. 

The storms formed to our south and wrapped around behind us to the west. As we had arrived at the beach via boat, I did not want to get caught on the open water while motoring about an hour back to the marina. So, sadly, we left our private beach and began the journey back to the marina. Towards the end of our trip the open water of the Saint Lucie river began to get very choppy and I was happy that we departed earlier than we had planned. 

Were we actually chased off the beach? In point of fact no. It is not like the rains were beating down upon us with lightening and thunder, but the storms did seem to be closing in and we chose to depart upon our terms rather than letting driving winds and rain force our departure. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Firing up the 4th

 Bring on the 4th!

For those still working it is a perfectly made 4-day weekend possibility. Yay!

But, more importantly, let's celebrate. Safely.

We have a lot to celebrate. We are still America!

I am hoping to find fireworks somewhere around here to enjoy while dodging thunderstorms. 

If traveling--be safe and avoid the airports. I hear that the crush of travelers is going to make air travel a nightmare.

If driving, enjoy sharing the highways with 43 million of your new best friends.

Happy Independence Day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Beating the Heat on the Water

Trusty Boat Sea Bean
Jupiter Island, FL
June 28, 2023

 Chris and I have discovered a sure-fire way to beat the oppressive heat: boating!

And we are not the only South Floridians with that idea! Yesterday was a great boating day. We explored parts of the Saint Lucie River as far north as Stuart. After the exploration we headed south to the narrowest part of Jupiter Island along the shores of Peck Lake and enjoyed some of the afternoon both in the ocean and along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).

Boys Beating the Heat
Peck Lake, FL
June 28, 2023

We reserved a Cobia 220 dual console boat named Sea Bean for our excursion yesterday. Sea Bean is a great boat and I have already made additional reservations to motor in it again. The boat is one of the nicest handling boats that I have enjoyed since joining the boat club.  

While we were lounging along the shores of Peck Lake, a large group of boys arrived in a boat and on jet skis. They were most interested in jumping into the water from the tower that is just a few yards offshore. They were fun to watch. We remarked, how lucky these boys were to live in Florida and have access to a boat and know where to go to have fun.

The skies were mostly clear and the day was just that much more enjoyable being on the water with a constant breeze. 

And that is how to beat the unrelenting heat!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sizzling

 When is hot too hot?

Chris and I discovered too hot yesterday during our shortened 13 mile ride. We started out planning for a 17 mile ride, but as the heat grew more oppressive we shortened it to 13 miles by cutting out a portion of our route. It is not just the thermometer temperature, but the stress index as well that affected us.

We both survived, but decided that we need to begin our rides earlier, like in the 7 AM hour rather than at about 9:40 AM.

Today, we are planning to be smarter. We are headed out onto the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) boating again. Being on the water with a breeze should make the day less oppressive. I still require four boating trips before I can apply to take the open ocean safety course and be allowed out on the Mighty Atlantic. Then I will be truly dangerous.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Jiffy Lube--Get a Second Opinion

Looking North 
North Fork Loxahatchee River, Tequesta, FL
June 26, 2023

 Yesterday was a classic South Florida day. 

Highs in the high 80s with blue skies and puffy clouds. 

I got out for a morning bike ride and took an image of the sky and clouds reflecting on the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River. It was a beautiful scene as I neared the end of my 17-mile ride. 

The day began, however, as I took my truck to the repair shop. Two weeks ago, during its oil change at the local Jiffy Lube establishment, I was informed that the PCV valve needed replacing. They offered to do it for about $400 and seemed quite put-off when I passed on their offer to take my truck to my repair shop.

About mid-day the repair shop called with the news. My PCV valve was operating just as it should. No repair was needed. And furthermore, they did not even charge me for the checking into the possible problem--which blew me away. I am used to paying for at least an hour of labor for things like that. But, my repair shop is very special and it is run by a great guy. Funny, he is so great I almost want to take my vehicles to him more often so I can chat with him. Weird!

So, word to the wise--if Jiffy Lube suggests a repair, get a second opinion!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - June 26, 2023

 

1. Don't look now, but Summer started last week and today is the last Monday of June. The year is half over and there remain only 26 Mondays until New Year! 

Finnegan on the pillows
Tequesta, FL
June 24, 2023

2. Finnegan is a funny little dog. He has assumed the role of Alpha Dog in the house, which is easy since he is the only dog. He is faithful to Chris and when she departs he waits patiently for her return. Lately, he has begun sleeping on the pillows on the sofa. He has dog beds, but, apparently, the sofa pillows are more to his liking. 

3. My truck will make its second trip to the repair shop within two months today. During early April, the truck needed a new radiator and water pump. Today, the expectation is for a new positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve that was recommended by Jiffy Lube during my overly expensive oil two weeks ago. I am taking the truck to my mechanic for the possible repair. Hopefully it all comes out well. 

4. Can you believe Russia? What a mess. Maybe Putin should get out of Ukraine and clean up his own house.

5. The loss of the submersible mission to the Titanic was tragic.

6. Hey, how about those Orioles? They have the second best record in the American League and the third best record in all of baseball. The All Star Break is almost here--here's hoping the second half of the season is as successful as the first.

7. Today in History. On this day in 1948, U.S. and British pilots begin delivering food and supplies by airplane to Berlin after the city is isolated by a Soviet Union blockade.

When World War II ended in 1945, defeated Germany was divided into Soviet, American, British and French zones of occupation. The city of Berlin, though located within the Soviet zone of occupation, was also split into four sectors, with the Allies taking the western part of the city and the Soviets the eastern. In June 1948, Josef Stalin’s government attempted to consolidate control of the city by cutting off all land and sea routes to West Berlin in order to pressure the Allies to evacuate. As a result, beginning on June 24 the western section of Berlin and its 2 million people were deprived of food, heating fuel and other crucial supplies.

Wagner chief remains under investigation for inciting rebellion, state news says - CNN

Airport worker dies after being ‘ingested’ into plane engine in Texas - CNN

Russia’s Vladimir Putin faced the gravest threat to his authority in decades when forces marched toward Moscow - CNN

North Korea holds rallies denouncing US, warns of nuclear war - Reuters

Rouble pares losses after slumping to 15-month low following aborted mutiny - Reuters

Renewables growth did not dent fossil fuel dominance in 2022, report says - Reuters

Traders Bet Bull Market Is Just Getting Started - The Wall Street Journal

Flight Cancellations, Delays Mount as Thunderstorms Hit East Coast - The Wall Street Journal

Wagner Mutiny Revives U.S. Fears Over Control of Russia’s Nuclear Weapons - The Wall Street Journal

Covid isn’t over, but even the most cautious Americans are moving on - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Manatees in the Water

 

Chris in the Intracoastal
Jupiter Island, FL
June 24, 2023

Chris and I managed to escape the heat yesterday. In fact, the day presented some uniqueness that we will remember for quite a while. 

We began the day with a bike ride. Not just our usual bike route around Tequesta, but Chris decided she was ready to tackle the drawbridge and wanted to ride along Beach Road on Jupiter Island. And so we took an easy 12 mile ride across the drawbridge and onto Beach Road riding partway up the island. As we rode by some of our favorite beach locations on the intracoastal waterway (ICW), Chris decided that she wanted to come to the beach. 

The weather has not been suitable for beach activity, but yesterday, during the morning hours, the beach was calling! So we shortened our ride, went home, changed from biking gear to swim gear, grabbed our chairs and headed back to the ICW. It was a beautiful time and even though the area was crowded with other Floridians trying to escape from the oppressive heat and humidity, we found an excellent place to enjoy the water.

The highlight of the day, however, came shortly after we arrived and were out in the water near the boating channel. Two manatees, presumably a mother and her calf, came along feasting on the sea grass growing on the bottom of the ICW. They were close enough to shore that many people, including ourselves, paddled out to the relatively shallow water where they were feasting to marvel at the gentle giants. We were able to just make out their forms while they were underwater, but they often pushed their heads out to get air and we could see them clearly. It was an event and the manatees were unconcerned by our presence. Amazingly, no one actually did anything stupid, like trying to touch or disturb them. Even a dog riding on a paddle board was mesmerized by the giant creatures lurking beneath the water's surface.

Although we live in South Florida, manatee encounters are very rare. Both Chris and I enjoyed watching them. Sadly, the water was too deep for me to get my iPhone out to get an image of them, but I will remember our manatee encounter for a long time.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Costco Frustration

 Sometimes it is very frustrating to shop at Costco.

Take yesterday, for example. 

Costco is a 30 minute drive and so Chris and I wait until we require a significant amount of supplies before sojourning down the interstate into the northern reaches of West Palm Beach, the high traffic area, to visit Costco. The store has to be one of the larger Costco warehouses in the entire network. Friday's are not a particularly good day to visit the store due to the volume of shoppers, but we arrived there early yesterday. 

The problem with the Costco we visit is that they are often out of stock on two of the main reasons we shop there: Kirkland Sparkling Mineral Water and Vitamin Water. We are then forced to buy name brand products for more cost and usually less volume. 

It happened again yesterday. It is hard to understand how a Costco could be out of a Kirkland product--but it happens at this store about 50 percent of the time. Yes, I like Pellegrino, I just don't like to pay for it. And at $1 a bottle, the name brand vitamin water, which I like to drink after biking, is a bit pricey. 

Of course, we save a lot on the other things we buy, but the primary reason we head to Costco is the vitamin water and the sparkling water. So, for the next couple of weeks we will be having name brand items in the house. That is just the way it is. 

While I was frustrated that Costco was out of their own brand of items, I did, however, manage to buy a couple dozen of their golf balls while I was there. I would rather lose a $1 golf ball than a $4 ball.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL