Monday Musings - March 11, 2024

 

1.  The second Monday of March has arrived. The Ides of March are lurking for on Friday. I hope you survived the transition to Daylight Saving Time! There are 42 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Chris, Sue, George, and Me
Big Cork Vineyards, Rohersville, MD
March 10, 2024

2. A visit to Big Cork Vineyards is enjoyable event. We attended our Case Club pick-up event yesterday with friends and enjoyed a beautiful, but cold and windy, afternoon of food and wine. We enjoyed great wines and were some of the first to taste a new wine which is based on an Italian grape. It was the initial harvest of this limited production wine. Vermentino is a bright white wine with almost no color.

3. Fact of the Day. The Washington Post Fact Checker found that in the four years of his presidency, Trump offered a total of 30,573 untruths — an average of roughly 21 erroneous claims a day. (The Washington Post)

4. The cold Maryland pre-Spring has not deterred Chris and me from seeing friends and family. We return to the expected 80-degree days of Florida tomorrow. 

5. Spring begins in 8 short days!

6. Why does a former president believe that he can meet with a head-of-state, in the U.S. who does not visit the President? The former president met with Viktor Orban on Friday and laid out a plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war. (Reuters) He will starve Ukraine for weapons allowing Russia to overrun the country.  This would likely create a situation in Ukraine akin to the 1932-1933 starvation by Stalin that killed between 3.5 and 7 million Ukrainians. If the U.S. does not get aid to Ukraine now, we will have the blood of democracy seeking patriots on our hands.

7. Today in History. On March 11, 2011, the largest earthquake ever recorded in Japan causes massive devastation, and the ensuing tsunami decimates the Tōhoku region of northeastern Honshu. On top of the already-horrific destruction and loss of life, the natural disaster also gives rise to a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The Fukushima disaster is considered the second-worst nuclear disaster in history, forcing the relocation of over 100,000 people.

During the emergency, each of the three operational nuclear reactors at the Fukushima plant shut down successfully, but the backup power and cooling systems failed. As a result, residual heat caused fuel rods in all three reactors to partially melt down. As crews searched the rubble for survivors and the nation reeled from the earthquake and ensuing tsunami, the nuclear disaster unfolded over the course of several days. The facilities where Reactors 1 and 3 were located exploded on March 12 and 14, respectively, prompting the government to evacuate everyone within a 20km radius. Another explosion in the building housing Reactor 2 on March 15 released even more radiation, and thousands of people left their homes as workers used helicopters, water cannons and seawater pumps to try to cool the overheating facility.

Russia's war machine is out-producing US and Europe for Ukraine - CNN

Former advisers sound the alarm that Trump praises despots in private and on the campaign trail - CNN

Russian student jailed after naming Wi-Fi router with pro-Ukraine slogan - CNN

Next Autopilot trial to test Tesla's blame-the-driver defense - Reuters

Israel checking reports that Hamas' military No 2 killed in Gaza strike - Reuters

Why Is My Electric Vehicle Dead? Check the 12-Volt Battery - The Wall Street Journal

How Big Pharma is fighting Biden’s program to lower seniors’ drug costs - The Washington Post

Trump’s freewheeling speeches offer a dark vision of a second term - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

The Path

 

Our Walking Path
Odenton, MD
March 6, 2024

Walking the dogs allows me the opportunity to view the changing Maryland seasons, get some exercise and converse with Chris. The dogs become almost a secondary aspect of the entire event. 

When we visit Odenton, we walk an old roadway which is closed to traffic, but has become almost as we were passing through a forest with the exception of the new roadway on one side and townhomes on the other. 

November Path
Odenton, MD
November 18, 2023

I would like to say that it is a relaxing walk, but the dogs provide some continual level of excitement, especially when we pass other dogs. It can get very exciting and sometimes a bit physical. Finnegan is well behaved and just wants to meet and greet the other members of his species, Lily, our daughter's dog, takes a more offensive view and sees the others dogs as a potential threat and gets into defensive mode. She is a very strong dog as well as she also has a mind of her own. I sometimes have to fight for control. We have found it easier to terminate the walk early or to slow our walk so as not limit contact between the dogs.

One of the things I enjoy noticing during the walks is the passing of the seasons. For instance, four days ago the trees along the path were fairly barren and from the winter. But, back in November, the path was filled with late-autumn color and leaves were everywhere. Visiting every few months helps me better identify the changes caused by the seasons. I believe I see the changes better than when I lived here and was exposed to the gradual change every day. 

The walk. And yes, I was reminded of the Robert Frost poem, The Road Not Taken. Although there are not two diverging roads here, there are two very different, yet the same roads.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Connecting

 Yesterday was filled with highlights of meeting people and enjoying a few adult beverages and food. 

Dave and Me
Arbutus, MD
March 8, 2024

The afternoon began by meeting another retired work buddy for lunch at Guinness. Dave and I worked together for 26 years. He recently retired, while I am just over the two-years retired. We had an enjoyable lunch at reconnected. It was fun to talk of old times and catch up on the people we collectively know. But it was great just to see a person who I used to see every day. I would usually start my day sitting in his office talking to him about work, life, and the events of the day. I have to admit--I miss that.

BTW, I take a terrible selfie, I know that. Ugh! 

Not too long after I arrived back at Nicole's, the four of us: Nicole, Mike, Chris, and I; headed off to Crooked Crab for an early Happy Hour. It was Friday after all. We had no sooner obtained our first drinks and got seated when Patrick and Jen arrived. It was a total surprise for all of us. Something great happened with no prior planning. It was just one of those times when good things happen despite our best efforts. We enjoyed conversation and also were able to see the new vehicles, yes plural, that Patrick and Jen have acquired. They are really nice with all of the latest safety features and Chris and I are seriously considering looking into purchasing the Mustang Mach-E to replace her Highlander.

Returning back to Nicole's we decided to watch a dog movie, Togo. I am a sucker for dog movies even though they almost always bring tears to my eyes. The historical significance of this film and its accuracy make it a must watch.

What a great day! And I realized the importance of connection with friends and family.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Dinner and a Splash of Color

Tete-a-tete Daffodils
Odenton, Md
March 7, 2024

 Well, the whirlwind visit to Maryland continued today with a dinner at The Hideaway in Odenton. Chris and I enjoyed the company of Jeremy and Lucas as we ate our way through the great food. Our dinner was highlighted by a highly entertaining and attentive waiter, Christian, who provided top-notch service.

The dinner and conversation was great and we spent time discussing their upcoming Florida trip and beginning to plan events associated with that visit. It is hard to believe that Spring Break is upon us and much travel is about to begin. 

The weather cleared during the afternoon and the oppressive gray skies lifted. I paused by a patch of tete-a-tete daffodils that just screamed Spring to me! Against the still brown grasses of Winter, they provided a much needed splash of color. 

Sadly, although the weather warmed to the low 60s yesterday, today promises to be colder, but brighter before rain returns tomorrow!

New adventures await us daily. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Lunch with Friends

Daffodils in the Brambles
Odenton, MD
March 6, 2024

Continuing our visit to Maryland to reconnect with family and friends, Chris and I had a wonderful lunch with friends, Ralph and Todd, from our former street in Elkridge. 

We went to a small and very nice Italian restaurant in Waugh Chapel for an afternoon of good food, wine, and great conversation. It was so very good to catch up with them. 

Earlier in the day, we took the dogs for a walk with a light mist falling from the sky. The dogs were excited, me? Not so much! But we headed out. Along the path I spied a clump of daffodils blooming amidst thorns and brambles. I could not resist taking an image of the beauty among the desolate colors of the early Spring. The scene brought meaning to the phrase, "A rose among thorns."

We have a lot of catching up to do with family and will be focusing upon them for the next few days. It is amazing how the short distance from Maryland to Florida can create such an abyss in the mind. 

Is it Friday Eve already? 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Dueling 16ths

Excited for the Present Inside
Odenton, MD
March 5, 2024

 During the past week we have attended three birthday celebrations for people turning 16! Weird. Well it was only for two different people and one of them was a 16 year old trapped in a 64 year old body due the calendar complication associated with Leap Year. 

Jax with Cake 
Odenton, MD
March 5, 2024

Last evening we enjoyed a small family celebration for the newest 16 year old, Jackson, a/k/a Jax. We were honored to be able to attend and are currently batting 1.000 for 16-year old family celebrations this year.

It was a small family celebration which happened after baseball practice. There was exciting news on Monday as Jax also made his high school JV baseball team. The image I took of him at the table is interesting because looking into the mirror I am seen taking the picture and his brother, Ethan, is also seen. Kinda cool. Intentional? I think not!

At least there are warm celebrations even if the weather is cold and rainy!

Oh yes, and he blew out all of the candles in one breath!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Happy Tuesday Travel Day

Finn Sitting on Chris's Backpack
Tequesta, FL
March 4, 2024

 I remember before I retired I always had a problem with Tuesdays. They just didn't seem to fit well into the week. 

Monday was, well,  the back to work day after the weekend.

Wednesday was Hump Day

Thursday was Friday Eve

Friday was Fantastic Friday!

But Tuesday just always seemed to be a sore thumb in the week.

Now that I have retired I have figured out what Tuesdays are good for: travel.

Last week I traveled to Houston on Tuesday, but returned home on Sunday. Today I traveled to Baltimore and next Tuesday I return to Tequesta. So I will have traveled on three successive Tuesdays.

We left Finnegan home last week in the care of friends, but he made it clear yesterday that he was not to be forgotten this time. He was a trooper and we had another great flight with him today. I do have to remember that the 7:10 AM flights are hard on the body. I am gonna need a nap!

But, we have arrived in cold, rainy Baltimore. I miss the sun of South Florida already. This is continuing a string of travel where we suffer with cold, rain, and constantly overcast skies. Last time I was here I attended the final Ravens game of the regular season in, you guessed it, a cold rain! 

But here we are for the next week. Missing the expected 80s of Tequesta.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

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