Monday Musings - March 4, 2024

 

1. Welcome to the month of March. This is the first Monday and there are 43 Mondays remaining in the year.

Looking out the Window
Houston Hobby Airport, TX
March 3, 2024

2. Sitting yesterday at Houston Hobby for almost four hours waiting for our flight home, Chris and I found some awesome chairs to enjoy with a great view. The airport was a huge hustle and bustle. Sunday is definitely a popular day to travel. Even so, we were not prepared for the crowds that jammed Fort Lauderdale when we landed. Fortunately, despite the storms, our over one-hour trip home from the airport was uneventful.

Shrimp Trawlers
Seabrook, TX
March 2, 2024

3. During our three-hour cruise on Saturday, we had the opportunity to enjoy the sights along the shores. In one place there were two shrimp boats tied up which I thought was a sight that I do not see in my region of Florida. We have many fishing boats, but not shrimp trawlers. These were tied up near the entrance to Galveston Bay.

4. How about them Orioles? Finding a way to win and showcasing the incredible talent that the team has amasses. I am hopeful that this will be a truly fun season. 

5. Well, at least it will not be a clean sweep for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee--he lost Washington, DC. Hmmm, Cooler heads prevailing?

6. Today in History. On March 4, 1933, at the height of the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt is inaugurated as the 32nd president of the United States. In his famous inaugural address, delivered outside the east wing of the U.S. Capitol, Roosevelt outlined his “New Deal”—an expansion of the federal government as an instrument of employment opportunity and welfare—and told Americans that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Although it was a rainy day in Washington, and gusts of rain blew over Roosevelt as he spoke, he delivered a speech that radiated optimism and competence, and a broad majority of Americans united behind their new president and his radical economic proposals to lead the nation out of the Great Depression.

Rage brews in Haiti - CNN

Red Sea cables have been damaged, disrupting global internet traffic - CNN

Supreme Court may deliver key ruling as early as today - CNN

Kremlin says German recording shows intent to strike Russia, asks whether Scholz in charge - Reuters

Apple hit with over 1.8 bln euro EU antitrust fine in Spotify case - Reuters

The Skyrocketing Costs Driving Cheeseburger Prices Up—and Restaurant Owners Out - The Wall Street Journal

Kamala Harris Calls for Immediate Gaza Cease-Fire - The Wall Street Journal

Nikki Haley wins D.C. primary, her first victory in GOP nominating race - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Party Day

Houston Party Boats
South Shore Harbor, TX
March 2, 2024

 As I wrote, the day arrived cooler than expected, but that did not dampen the spirits of those gathered aboard one of the Houston Party Boats to celebrate Scott's Birthday. 

Unlike Gilligan, our three-hour tour was just that. We enjoyed a pleasant cruise from South Shore Harbor onto Clear Lake and then to the mouth of Galveston Bay before returning to our starting point. The boat captain kept our journey safe and smooth.

The Family
Clear Lake, TX
March 2, 2024

Our group was promoted to the largest boat, although there were but 30 of us. We had plenty of space to move around and also had more than enough food and beverage. 

There were sights to see along the way, but most importantly we were able to enjoy each other's company while celebrating. I also got to play with the kids a bit. They were wild at times, but enjoyable. 

The Passengers on the Party Boat
Clear Lake, TX
March 2, 2024

We did well with the cool temperatures that never made it out of the very low 70s, but the boat had a very nice industrial heater that took the chill off. That was important because the breeze off the water was very cool.

As can be seen from the image, we had a lot of space and it made for a very nice cruise. 

I had hoped to cruise on Galveston Bay, but the captain told me that the Coast Guard did not allow the vessel to actually enter the bay. I am guessing that conditions on the bay can change very quickly and the party boat could become unstable. But, nonetheless, it was a very enjoyable cruise and as I wrote before, I enjoyed it more because I was not at the helm.

Thanks to Pennie and Scott for hosting us on the party boat for the celebration. I am pretty sure that a good time was had by all--well except for maybe the one person that didn't bring a coat.

-- Bob Doan, League City, TX

#birthdaycelebration #houstonpartyboats #clearlake #southshoreharbor

Out the Hotel Window - League City, TX

From my Room, South Shore Harbour 
League City, TX
March 1, 2024

 Still in Texas!

Chris and I have relocated along with most of the family to South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center in beautiful League City, Texas. The center is in Galveston County and we next to a marina close to Galveston Bay. 

Did I reserve a boat? No and I felt bad since my boat club has a site located right outside of the hotel. We walked down and talked to the Freedom Boat Club (FBC) crew member last evening and they are fully booked for today. I don't have a weekend plan anyway--but yesterday might have been fun for a late day cruise.

Today the big event is, in fact, a birthday cruise as the Leap Day birthday celebration continues. We are cruising aboard the Houston Party Boats this early afternoon. It should be a lot of fun, although the temperatures are not forecast to reach the 80s as we expected yesterday. That means coats and jackets. But, I love being on the water and since I will not be at the helm, I can enjoy myself with the food and adult beverages. 

The scene out my hotel window is one of the best I have recorded since I have been taking images out the hotel windows to remember my travels. We have a small balcony and I took the image last evening after we had arrived shortly before sunset. In the right center of the image are two buildings at the end of the dock. The one on the left is the FBC facility.

Looking forward to a day of celebration.

-- Bob Doan, League City, TX

The Birthday

 Leap Year Birthdays are such a rarity that they inevitably enjoy multiple parties to celebrate when the actual day arrives every four years.

Last evening was the family affair marking the date and celebrating the big 16th birthday. I loved the shirt that Scott received, it says: "I'm just a 16 year old trapped in a 64 year old body."

It is a perfect representation of how I often feel. Maybe not 16 years old, but younger. I sometimes think about how different it  would be if I was in my teens with the experience that I now possess.

Ah, to dream!

Well, we had a lot of fun celebrating the birthday--and we get to do it again with a bigger crowd tomorrow!

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Leaping

 Happy Leap Day!

It is that day which appears once every four years and seems to cause nothing but trouble. OK, I don't know about the trouble part. 

I am in Texas to visit my Dad and to celebrate the Leap Year birthday of my brother-in-law. It seemed a good time to be here and it seems that my family who reside in the frozen areas of New York are also going to be here for the same reasons! So we will be enjoying a family reunion! 

Well, we needed to do something different for mid-Winter! Although, Spring is officially just 19 days away occurring on March 19th at 11:06 PM EDT. And the way things are headed, Punxsutawney Phil may have been correct with his prediction of an early Spring.

Although 2024 is only 2 months old, it sure seems like we are on a rocket sled heading from one month to another. 

Enjoy the day as it will not return for four-more years. That almost sounds like a campaign slogan!

Ugh, campaigns! 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

#spring #leapyear #earlyspring #punxsutawneyphil

Two Paths to the World

 

Path off Beach Road
Jupiter Island, FL
February 24, 2024

Yesterday was a travel day. I am looking at a few travel days during the next two weeks as Chris and I visit family in Weston Lakes, near Houston, and then, after a brief stop back in Tequesta head off to Maryland. 

Leading to The Concourse
Houston Hobby Airport, TX
February 27, 2024

But it was yesterday as we were leaving Hobby Airport that I turned around and snapped an image of the main hallway leading to the concourse. It reminded me of a path that I had seen during our last bike ride along Beach Road.

And so I thought about the two paths. One leading to concourses which provide a means to access the sky to travel the world and the other leading to the beach and the ocean which also allows access to the world. So very different, yet similar.

I much prefer the beach path lined with grape mangroves on either side of it to the cold and lifeless windows of the airport. 

But as travel days go, it was a great day. The Southwest flight departed the gate on-time, arrived 20 minutes early and was able to pull right into a gate at our destination. That does not happen often. There is nothing worse than arriving early and waiting on the tarmac for a gate to open. Well, maybe pulling away from the gate and waiting an hour to take-off is worse because the flight really hasn't even gotten underway and the passengers are trapped inside the plane. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

#travel #houstonhobby #southwest #flying #beach

Competitive Dog Pooping

 It is amazing, but sometimes the simple things in life can become the funniest. Take for example a dog pooping. Now, Everybody Poops, there is a children's book about that. 

Finn Pooping
Tequesta, FL
February 26 ,2024

Finnegan has taken the act of pooping to a new level, one worthy of a competition complete with required moves and style points. When Finn prepares to poop, first he has to find just the right spot and then comes the act of pooping where he balances on his front paws with his back paws off the ground. Once he is done, there is the obligatory territory marking which often throws grass into my eyes as I stoop to pick up the poop. I have to admit, I have never seen a dog do that before. 

Finn is a true artist when it comes to pooping. 

I put together a short, about 1 minute, video of the process putting together three events just to illustrate the artistry of his complicated pooping process. 

In terms of a competition with points, I gave him a 10 for style and points for the required movements as follows:

Search - 8

Poop - 9

Mark site - 10

It is OK to laugh, I do. And yes, I also feel sorry for him.

Oh yes, and finally, size does not matter as Chris and I always pick-up his poop and dispose of it in an appropriate receptacle.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#yorkie #poop #smalldog

Monday Musings - February 26, 2024

 

1. This is the final Monday of February 2024. It is also the ninth Monday of the year leaving 44 Mondays!

2. Major League Baseball is back! Spring Training is in full swing and the Orioles played two games over the weekend. It was good to see them back on the field. While people will say that Spring Training records do not matter, they do. It is nice to see the team return to the field every bit as scrappy as they were last season in posting two wins. 

3. The past few days have been very enjoyable here in South Florida with temperatures in the 70s, mild winds, and beautiful clear blue skies. Wow. Last evening we sat in our driveway enjoying the bright, warm sun and some neighbors showed up and we had a great Happy hour together. We eventually moved to the patio to escape the heat of the sun. 

4. The reluctance of House Republicans to support Ukraine has global implications. Putin is trying to tear up the rules-based international order that has protected international boundaries since World War II, while Trump has threatened to destroy the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that holds back Russian aggression. In the Wall Street Journal on Friday, chief foreign affairs correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov noted that European countries are worried that the U.S. will not defend its allies, while Putin has made “a de facto military alliance with the rogue regimes of North Korea and Iran while growing closer and closer to authoritarian China.” (Letters from an American)

5. The First Amendment [of the Constitution of the United States] prohibits the establishment of a national religion, and that same prohibition applies to the states through the 14th Amendment. What’s heartbreaking in Alabama this week is its Supreme Court Justices’ decision to abandon the Constitution and laws they took an oath to serve, in favor of advancing a religious agenda. (Civil Discourse)

6. Today in History. February 26, 1993. At 12:18 p.m., a terrorist bomb explodes in a parking garage of the World Trade Center in New York City, leaving a massive, multi-story crater and causing the collapse of several steel-reinforced concrete floors in the vicinity of the blast. 

Although the terrorist bomb failed to critically damage the main structure of the skyscrapers, six people were killed and more than 1,000 were injured. The World Trade Center itself suffered more than $500 million in damage. After the attack, authorities evacuated 50,000 people from the buildings, hundreds of whom were suffering from smoke inhalation. The evacuation lasted the whole afternoon.

Zelensky: 'It's unbelievable' that Trump is on Putin's side - CNN

Trump’s plan to use Judge Cannon to block Judge Chutkan and avoid trial - CNN

There are five days until a partial government shutdown, and lawmakers have yet to reach a deal to avert it   - CNN

Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh resigns - Reuters

Navalny was close to being freed in prisoner swap, says ally - Reuters

Exclusive: Satellite images reveal floating barrier at mouth of disputed atoll in South China Sea - Reuters

How AI Is Transforming Air-Traffic-Control Towers - The Wall Street Journal

AT&T to Reimburse Customers Struck by Outage - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#mondaymusings #constitution #oriolesbaseball

Friday Night Happy Hour Week 2

Tiki 52 on a Friday Evening
Tequesta, FL
February 23, 2024

 Although we were unaccompanied, Chris and I celebrated Friday Night Happy Hour for the second straight week by heading out to one of our new favorite watering holes, Tiki 52 Bar & Grill, where we enjoyed the setting sun and life by the water. 

Tiki 52 is not far from our house and we could bike it easily--but biking along US 1 on a Friday evening can be, well in a word, dangerous!

Pelican at Tiki 52
Tequesta, FL
February 23, 2024

Friday evening the colors of the sky, water, and Tiki 52 combined to make a very busy palette. I found it appealing to the eye. Unlike the last time we visited, we did not get to see any large fish be off-loaded from a returning fishing boat, but as evening was drawing near many boats were returning and it was fun to watch them arrive at the nearby marina.

We arrived before the crowds and before the live music. That meant we had relative calm and were able to enjoy  good table service and the Happy Hour pricing. By the time we departed, the parking lot was jammed and people were waiting for tables. It was a beautiful evening, for a change. Relatively warm and the winds were light. 

February in South Florida is the best!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#happyhour #fridaynight #tiki52tequesta #tiki52

The Sofa Story, Continued and Maybe Concluded

The Sofa
Tequesta, FL
February 19,2024

This is a follow-up to the blog from a couple days ago And So It Begins . . .  

In that blog I wrote about our just over one-year sofa, two-months out of warranty upon which which the fabric was failing and my efforts to work with La-Z-Boy to provide some relief.

Amazingly, the saga of the poor wearing fabric on the La-Z-Boy sofa has been apparently resolved. 

Favorably! 

I will not consider the issue closed until the new sofa is received in 6-8 weeks and the old one hauled away, but our replacement sofa is on order and the only cost to me was $171 and that was because we upgraded the fabric over our original purchase.

We managed to get all of the discounts that we originally received--the President's Day Sale really helped with that one as did my Military Discount. And we also retained our free delivery! 

I had provided the adjuster with 23 images and it was agreed that the fabric was defective. The following day adjuster sent credit information to the store where we originally purchased the sofa and later that same day Chris and I picked out an upgraded fabric to have another sofa in the same style prepared as a replacement. 

It was a relatively smooth process, well, except that it was pretty clear that this does not happen often and there was a lot of checking to see how to actually get the order into the system. 

All-in-all, we are so far very satisfied with the process.

Wow! I really did not expect to be writing that. 

I guess it really is true--you cannot get a yes unless you ask the question!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#lazboy #lazboypoorwear #lazboycomesthrough