Monday Musings - July 14, 2025

 Happy Bastille Day!

Vive la France

Bastille Day Celebrations
Paris, France

1. Welcome to the second Monday of July. Today is also my second favorite foreign holiday: Bastille Day. There are 24 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. It has been an exciting and busy week in the rearview and Chris and I are anticipating a continuation this week. The weather may even be conducive for a boating adventure!

3. Fumbling the Ball. On July 5, the day after the Texas floods hit, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) received 3,027 calls from survivors and answered 3,018 of them, about 99.7%, according to Maxine Joselow of the New York Times. But that day, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem did not renew the contracts for four call center companies that answered those calls. The staff at the centers were fired. The next day, July 6, FEMA received 2,363 calls and answered 846, or about 35.8%. On Monday, July 7, FEMA received 16,419 calls and answered 2,613, around 15.9%. (Letters from an American)

4. The Orioles stumbled into the All Star break by losing their last two games and managing only 1 run. They have improved to 9 games under .500, but the other day they were a competitive 7 games under. Hopefully the break will allow the team to rest and heal. The second half push is about to get underway and it's serious. 

5. There is a lot of swirl in Washington right now over the Epstein files and tape. Maybe there isn't a Deep State? You know, if they are alleging it, they're doing it. Notice how when things get too close for comfort, there is a massive redirection in the churn? Last week we were into immigration and the 4th amendment. Now it is Epstein! Keep the swirl going. Oh yes, and blame Democrats for everything. If Democrats were as nefarious as they allege, then how did Trump get elected? 

6. Tom Homan, the Border Czar, demonstrated a total unfamiliarity with the law when he said: "People need to understand ICE officers and Border Patrol don't need probable cause to walk up to somebody, briefly detain them, and question them ... based on their physical appearance." (MSNBC) If the leaders don't understand the Constitution and the law, how can their agents be expected to abide by the law? If you think ICE is not being developed as a secret police, look again.

7. Today in History. July 14, 1789. The French Revolution lasted from 1789 to 1799, during which revolutionaries overthrew the monarchy of the Ancien Régime, ruled by King Louis XVI. Government efforts at reform had failed. When Louis XVI convened the Estates‑General in 1789, the Third Estate (or class of common people) broke away to form the National Assembly and called for a new constitution. 

The full-scale revolt began in July 1789 with a surge of popular unrest when Parisians stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority. This event led to the abolition of feudal privileges and sparked uprisings across the country. The newly formed National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, enshrining the principles of liberty, equality, and legal protection under the law.

Initial moderate attempts at governance gave way to fragile tensions and violence, setting the stage for a period known as the Reign of Terror. Led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, tens of thousands were executed as suspected enemies of the revolution.

After Robespierre's fall in 1794, political infighting, corruption, and continued warfare eroded the new government’s authority. In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte seized control in a coup, ending the revolutionary era.

Two-thirds of the DOJ unit defending Trump policies in court have quit - Reuters

Tariffs latest: EU trade ministers meeting to discuss new US 30% rate - Reuters

Trump to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, US envoy visits Kyiv - Reuters

Israeli missile hits Gaza children collecting water, IDF blames malfunction - Reuters

The White House's latest partisan accusation is inflammatory nonsense - MSNBC

White House border czar suggests ICE can detain people based on ‘physical appearance’ - MSNBC

Trump gets mixed reception at soccer final, a test run for the World Cup - The Washington Post

EU warns that its trade with the US could be effectively wiped out if Trump follows through on his threat - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Footprints in the Sand

Footprints in the Sand
Jupiter Island, Tequesta, FL
July 13, 2025

 Chris, Finn, and I headed out for a beach walk this morning. The day had dawned beautiful with blue clear skies and a light, I think it is Saharan Dust, haze. 

We decided to head back over to the beach and enjoy a walk along the shore. As I stood at the base of the stairs which cross the dune, I was amazed by the numbers of footprints I saw in the sand. Beyond the beach the ocean was flat and inviting with the recently risen sun reflecting off the water. 

Blue Heron Fishing Vessel Heading Out
Tequesta, FL
July 13, 2025

I knew we were in for an enjoyable beach walk.

In the distance, on the flat ocean motoring out of the Jupiter Inlet, I spied the Blue Heron drift fishing vessel heading out with its passengers for a morning of ocean fishing. It has been more than a few years since I paid for a spot on the Heron and headed out to fish. I have only once actually caught anything that was edible--but I always had fun.

Chris, Finn, and I added our footprints to the sand along the stretch of beach, although many of them washed away in the rising tide. We noted that we had been preceded not only by people, but birds, dogs, and a number of sea turtles. It was fun to read the signs of those who had gone before the wind and waves washed them away. 

Footprints in the sand are, after all, only a temporary record of those who have come before us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Changing up the Day

Jupiter Island Beach
Tequesta, FL
July 11, 2025

Chris and I changed our usual activities yesterday. 

We did something that we had not done in a very long time, we began the day with a walk on the beach. It was a beach that we used to frequent often, but had not visited in more than a few months.

The walk was fun and we saw many turtle nests. I was actually surprised at how many nests were on this lightly used beach. We walked well over a mile along the beach enjoying the breeze, the sun, and finding treasures along the way. There had been an eruption of turtles during the night that was being examined by a staff member from the turtle center, but we did not see any baby turtles. 

For our afternoon excitement we went to the movies and watched Superman. Both Chris and I enjoyed it and it was refreshing because it was not an origin movie, but an action movie that spared us Mose of Superman's history. The dog, Krypto, stole the show!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Changing up the Routes

Juno Beach Pier
Juno Beach, FL
July 9, 2025

 I have been riding a new route using the US-1 bridge over the Loxahatchee River. I have only ridden it twice, but I do enjoy biking along the ocean, even though the breeze can be annoying when it is in my face.

One of the highlights of this route is the Juno Beach Pier. There is, it seems, always traffic and activity around the entrance to the pier. I took a moment to stop and take an image of it the other day. Funny, I have never walked onto the pier although I have boated around the pier. I guess I need to take time and actually visit the pier. 

Other highlights along the route include Carlin Park and DuBois Park. They each provide a nice biking diversion off the main streets. The only issues I have with this ride is that it is along busy streets, although there is a very nice and wide bike lane where beachgoers often leave their car doors open for me to avoid, and the natural route is a bit shorter than I would like and is not a circuit but more of an out and back. 

I am having a good biking month. I have biked 6 times in the first 10 days and am over 100 miles ridden. It has been good to get out in the saddle even when the morning temperature is 80 degrees with high humidity. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Center

 

Nurse Shark
Florida Oceanographic Society - Coastal Center
Stuart, FL
July, 9, 2025

Wow--what a long name. 

I have wanted to visit the Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Center for a long time. Yesterday, it became a reality. The Center is about a 40 minute drive away on Hutchinson Island. It is close to the Elliot Museum, which has an awesome antique car collection. 

Nurse sharks
Florida Oceanographic Society - Coastal Center
Stuart, FL
July, 9, 2025

The Coastal Center is mostly outdoors and the highlight is a 750,000 gallon saltwater lagoon which has an impressive collection of fish including nurse sharks, a remora, tarpon, and many more fish. The sharks, of course, are the show stealers. They are big and impressive. Chris and I have snorkeled with nurse sharks. While their presence in the water makes us very aware of the surroundings, nurse sharks are generally not a problem unless provoked.

The Center also has a ray petting tank and other hands-on tanks to enjoy a close relationship with other marine creatures. There are also walking trails which allow close-up and personal observation of the other animals, not all marine, which inhabit the Florida coastal ecosystem. 

We had a great time exploring the center. We were advised not to attempt the walking trails which cross the 57 acre facility due to the mosquitos. And so we did not!

It was a great visit followed by lunch at a nearby beachside resort.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tiki Tuesday

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
July 8. 2025

 Tuesday is Tiki Tuesday! 

Enjoying Tiki52 on a Tuesday evening is becoming addicting. Even though the day was hot, the late-afternoon was delightful at Tiki with a nice breeze blowing off the ICW. We enjoyed conversation with friends along with adult beverages and dinner under the huge tiki hut. After dining, we moved to chairs along the marina to watch the boats arrive and disgorge their passengers, crew and fish.

Lights in the Garden
Tequesta, FL
July 8, 2025

Later, after sunset, Chris and I sat on the veranda and enjoyed the new green lights we deployed in the garden. It was decided that we need two more for the full effect and I immediately ordered additional lights from Amazon. We also lit the fire pit, even though it was a hot and humid evening. The ambiance was exceptional.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Texas Tragedy

Chris and I spent most of the day watching the TV coverage of the Texas flooding. The destruction is unimaginable.

 

I was a appalled that all Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House, could offer were prayers and platitudes. He is 3rd in line for the Presidency and he is not willing to promise to engage the federal government to assist and to also correct the situation that contributed to the destruction and loss of life.

Wow. What has our Congress become?

Our family tubed the Guadalupe River many years ago, while I was stationed in San Angelo, Texas. We met Pennie and her family along with Mom and Dad for a day of tubing on the river. I don't know where in relationship to the disaster we were, but I believe were just outside of New Braunfels, Texas. Place the date in the late-80s. We had our own near death experience there as members of the family got un-tubed in rapids and required some heroic measures to recover them. Fortunately, no 911 calls were made. Wait--we didn't have cell phones then. 

It was a dangerous river even on a good day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - July 7, 2025

1. It is the first Monday of July! We are in the second half of 2025. There are 25 Mondays remaining in the year!

Sand Hill Cranes
Turtle Creek, Tequesta, FL
July 6, 2025

2. I managed an 18-mile ride yesterday under mostly blue skies! I was happy for the sunshine. I saw a family of sand hill cranes wandering through one of the the golf course communities.

3. Trump said Democrats had opposed the measure [One Big Beautiful Bill] only “because they hate Trump. But I hate them, too. You know that? I really do, I hate them. I cannot stand them, because I really believe they hate our country.” Trump has never been more wrong about anything in his life. Democrats do not hate him they do not believe he has the stability, character, integrity, or leadership abilities to be president. Democrats actually love this country more than he does. By making this personal, he continues to demonstrate why he is not suitable to be president. He is not the right person for the job and so far the results justify that assessment. 

4. The Orioles have crawled up to be 9 games under .500 with the three-game sweep of the Braves. They are doing everything they need to do right now to be in playoff contention!

5. Prayers and support for the Texas flood victims are needed.

6. The U.S. is leaving Ukraine high and dry without the weapons necessary to defend their country. By doing this it is clear that we are supporting the aggressor--Russia.

7. Today in History. On July 7, 1930, building begins on the future site of the Hoover Dam. Over the next five years, a total of 21,000 men would work ceaselessly to produce what would be the largest dam of its time, as well as one of the largest manmade structures in the world.

Although the dam would take only five years to build, its construction was nearly 30 years in the making. Arthur Powell Davis, an engineer from the Bureau of Reclamation, originally had his vision for the Hoover Dam back in 1902, and his engineering report on the topic became the guiding document when plans were finally made to begin the dam in 1922.

Search teams scour Texas flood zone for dozens missing; 78 confirmed dead - Reuters

Trump threatens extra 10% tariffs on BRICS as leaders meet in Brazil - Reuters

Facing battlefield setbacks, Ukraine withdraws from mine ban treaty - Reuters

China's rare earth export controls are good for Beijing, bad for business - Reuters

How ICE’s massive cash infusion is poised to transform America - MSNBC

Israel launches military operation against Yemen ports after vessel attack - FoxNews

U.S. measles cases reach 33-year record high as outbreaks spread - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Surprise Blue Sky

Along Island Way
Jupiter, FL
July 4, 2025

 Taking Finn outside for his morning relief, I looked upwards and was rewarded with a blue clear sky! No clouds. 

It is the first time in about two weeks that the sky was blue and clear. It changed my mood.

I am looking forward to a bike ride in a few minutes and Chris and I will definitely plan some outdoors activities today. Maybe a visit to the beach!

My most recent biking adventure was along Island Way and into Jupiter on Indiantown Road--the busiest road in Jupiter. It is the main East-West road from both I-95 and the Turnpike. I use Indiantown Road so I can make a circuit and not just an out and back. I enjoy the ride along Island Wyoming because there is a lot of open area that has not been developed, yet. I am sure there are plans to cover the natural Florida growth with a sea of houses at some point in the future. 

Well, it is Sunday. The sky is blue and the streets are calling to me. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And Now, the 5th

Fireworks over the ICW
Tequesta, FL
July 4, 2025

 It was a bang-up 4th. 

The expected multitude of thunderstorms never fully materialized, thankfully. 

We enjoyed a great party with friends and new acquaintances.

After the party, Chris and I returned home and I walked out to watch the fireworks in the neighborhood. We get some sophisticated displays. 

And so now, it is the 5th. It is also the second day of a three-day weekend, although I know a lot of people who made it a four-day affair. 

We do not have any plans at this point, which allows for multiple opportunities, thunderstorms notwithstanding. 

Enjoy the weekend. 

I was reminded that today marks the first day of the 250th year of our country! We are going to celebrate the formation of these United States for the entire coming year!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL