Happy Hump Day

Blowing Rocks Marina near Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
September 9, 2025

 Well it is Hump Day again! 

I remember the commercial with the camel yelling for Mike and asking if he knew what day it was. 

Makes me smile. 

It used to bring some levity at work when someone would say, "Mike, Mike do you know what day it is?"

Sandhill Cranes
Port St Lucie, FL
September 9, 2025

Guys named Mike hated that, although they always played along.

Chris, Finn, and I sheltered during a ferocious storm yesterday and then headed out to our Tuesday watering hole for some enjoyment and dinner. Tiki52 was nearly empty! The storm kept people away. Even the paid musician seemed less than interested in playing. 

Earlier during the day, I drove to Port St Lucie to visit with Tigger. He was being visited by a pair of sandhill cranes. I felt bad that I couldn't let him out to play with the birds, but the birds probably would have just walked away leaving him no better off. 

Plans for Hump Day are not nearly as exciting as yesterday turned out to be. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Moon and Palms

Moon and Palms
Tequesta, FL
September 8, 2025

 Yesterday morning, while taking Finn out for his morning  relief, I noted the Moon in the clear sky amidst the palms. I enjoyed the view and took an image of it to remind myself of the simple beauty of the scene. 

Shortly after the image was taken, the storms settled in for the day. It was damp, humid and rainy. I was not able to bike the streets and so I hopped on my recently repaired NordicTrack S22i and biked around Moorea in French Polynesia. I enjoyed the ride and the heat and humidity in my garage probably approximated the heat and humidity in Moorea where the ride I followed was videoed. 

I find that riding the S22i and following a video is tougher than actually biking because there is no coasting along allowed. The feet have to be pedaling all the time. As such, it makes the workout more efficient. But I miss seeing all of the activity around the my community. 

I am planning to ride this morning.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - September 8, 2025

 

1. And as the month races by, it is already the second Monday of September. Wow! The opening weekend of the NFL continues tonight. Just so we remember, there are 16 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Democracy is under siege. Changing the name of the Department of Defense to Department of War is scary and demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding about the concept of defense. And then likening an operation against Chicago to the movie Apocalypse Now further demonstrates that senior leadership is unhinged in a frightening manner. The following represents not only an immature, but dangerous view of fellow Americans and is something that never should be uttered by an American president. 

Trump is quoted as follows in USA Today:

“I love the smell of deportations in the morning,” Trump said, converting a line about napalm in the Vietnam War to refer to deportations. “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.” 

Tigger
Port St Lucie, FL
September 7, 2025

3. Sunday's excitement was driving to Port St Lucie to visit Tigger. Tigger's family is on vacation and while they have someone feeding him daily, Chris and I are familiar with Tigger and we actually can play with him a bit and just be with him. I love the way Tigger greets me when we show up at the door. He lets me hold him for a few minutes before he decides to play rough. I miss having a cat, but not enough to actually get a cat. Tigger and Finn actually get along really well. 

4. Family NFL Results. Yes, the NFL season is underway and the family teams were in action this weekend. Family teams went 2-3, not a good start. It seems that the Ravens are continuing their embarrassing 4th quarter collapses again this year by blowing a 15-point lead to the Bills to open the season. This marks the 10th time since 2022 that the Ravens have lost after blowing a 4th quarter lead. Not good!

Ravens (0-1) snatched defeat from the jaws of victory to Bills (1-0), 40-41

Cowboys (0-1) lost to Eagles (1-0), 20-24

Commanders (1-0) defeated Giants (0-1), 21-6

Dolphins (0-1) were stampeded by Colts (1-0), 8-33

Steelers (1-0) outlasted Jets (0-1), 34-32

5. Is the Trump administration targeting Baby Boomers? The vaccine policies of HHS coupled with reductions in Medicare and Medicaid are targeting the Boomers possibly with the intent to reduce expenditures for Social Security and medical expenses as well as federal pensions. How come no one is talking about this?

6. Given the weather this morning, I think I am going to ride the NordicTrack S22i for my workout. I don't want to get caught in a downpour on some busy street.

7. OK, while I'm on it and still fuming, I asked ChatGPT to review the Ravens 4th quarter blown lead losses since 2022 and it reported the following 10 disasters:

Total since 2022: 10 games

2022 season (4)

Week 2 vs Dolphins (L 38–42) — led 35–14 early in the 4th. PressBox

Week 6 at Giants (L 20–24) — 10-point 4th-quarter lead evaporated late. ESPN.com+1

Week 12 at Jaguars (L 27–28) — late lead lost on TD + 2-pt with :14 left. Baltimore Ravens+1

Week 17 vs Steelers (L 13–16) — led in 4th, allowed TD with :56 left. ESPN.com

2023 season (3)

Week 3 vs Colts (OT L 19–22) — led 19–16 in the 4th; tied on late FG, lost in OT.

Week 5 at Steelers (L 10–17) — led 10–8 late 4th; allowed go-ahead TD. ESPN.com

Week 10 vs Browns (L 31–33) — led 31–17 in 4th; Browns rallied to win. ESPN.comCBS News

2024 season (2)

Week 2 vs Raiders (L 23–26) — up 23–13 with ~12:00 left; gave up three straight scoring drives. ESPN.com+1Baltimore Ravens

Week 8 at Browns (L 24–29) — lost on TD with :59 left after holding a late lead. ESPN.com+1

2025 season (1)

Week 1 at Bills (L 40–41) — blew late 4th-quarter lead; walk-off FG beat them. ESPN.com

8. Today in History. September 8, 1974. In a controversial executive action, President Gerald Ford pardons his disgraced predecessor Richard M. Nixon for any crimes he may have committed or participated in while in office. Ford later defended this action before the House Judiciary Committee, explaining that he wanted to end the national divisions created by the Watergate scandal.

The Watergate scandal erupted after it was revealed that Nixon and his aides had engaged in illegal activities during his reelection campaign–and then attempted to cover up evidence of wrongdoing. With impeachment proceedings underway against him in Congress, Nixon bowed to public pressure and became the first American president to resign. At noon on August 9, Nixon officially ended his term, departing with his family in a helicopter from the White House lawn. Minutes later, Vice President Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as the 38th president of the United States in the East Room of the White House. After taking the oath of office, President Ford spoke to the nation in a television address, declaring, “My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.”

Trump threatens 'WAR' in Chicago; Pritzker hits back at potential National Guard deployment - USA Today

South Korea to fly detained workers back as US vows more raids on employers - Reuters

UN says time is short to stop famine spreading as Israel bombards Gaza City - Reuters

Trump's 'Department of War' wants to bring back some of the worst aspects of American history - MSNBC

Military-related work absences at a 19-year high amid National Guard deployments - The Washington Post

 US considers banning Iranian diplomats from shopping at Costco during UN meeting - CNN

 Russia strikes Ukrainian government building for first time, in largest air attack of war - CNN

Trump fires back at reporter over Chicago question: 'That's why you're second-rate' - FoxNews

US treasury secretary denies Trump tariffs are tax on Americans - The Guardian

Republican condemns Vance for ‘despicable’ comments on Venezuelan boat strike - The Guardian

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#mondaymusings

Football Induced Haze

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Hobe Sound, FL
September 6, 2025

 I have been in a football induced haze since Thursday which is not expected to end until tomorrow night. The NFL season kicked off and I watched the Thursday and Friday editions of the NFL, then yesterday's storm-lengthened Georgia Bulldogs game, and I expect to watch three NFL games today and one tomorrow night. 

I am going to need a rest before beginning it all over again on Thursday.

I am not sure that I am ready for football season. The Ravens are the late game tonight.

It should be noted that the Orioles are still playing baseball and executed a stunning two-out bottom of the ninth walk-off comeback win last night over the Dodgers. They were no-hitter victims until the last out of the game--which, as it turns out, never arrived. Whew. 

Fortunately, I biked 23 miles yesterday and so I am physically fit and ready to tackle the sofa and watch the football games. My ride was one that I only do infrequently and usually on a weekend because there is less traffic. I biked to the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and stood on the edge of the sand to admire the beach. I noted that it was almost exactly 10 miles to the beach and then riding back along Jupiter Island's Beach Road adds about three miles. 

September is such a busy month!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It was like a Ghost Town

Empty Parking Lot
Vero Beach Outlets, Vero Beach, FL
September 5, 2025

 Chris and I went on a shopping excursion yesterday. On a whim, we headed off to an outlet mall in Vero Beach. I felt it was time to expand our shopping area and thought heading off to one of the, what I thought was, premier outlet malls in the area would be fun. 

We drove for about an hour to arrive at the Vero Beach Outlets. The outlet mall is just off I-95 and is both well marked and easy to find. We expected to find a thriving economic area with a full parking lot, many busses and throngs of shoppers.

We found a ghost town. 

The place was nearly empty. We cruised the perimeter to find the shops we wanted to visit and noted many empty storefronts. The economic downturn, as evidenced in yesterday's jobs report, is real. We were part of a handful of shoppers. 

While we enjoyed shopping without crowds, it was a bit eerie. The complex seemed as if it had one foot in the grave on its way to total closure. The sales staffs in the stores were nice and provided individualized attention to us as we shopped. Chris bought a number of items because of the close-out pricing. AS this was a Chris focuses excursion, I did not do much "Bob" shopping.

Despite the desolate nature of the outlet mall, we had an enjoyable trip and we took a late lunch at Cracker Barrel before heading back to Tequesta. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Shortened Boat Day

Heading out of the Marina
Tequesta, FL
September 4, 2024

 Chris and I made it out onto the water in a boat yesterday. We departed the marina about 9:45 AM for a day of motoring on the ICW. I had grandiose plans to motor to Lake Worth and maybe on to Peanut Island, I still want to see President Kennedy's bunker, then back to Season 52 for lunch and a sandbar stop for some relaxation. Low tide was about 2 PM which is why the sandbar stop was in the afternoon. 

The weather and unforeseen circumstances dictated otherwise. 

Chris in the Bow
Jupiter, FL
September 4, 2025

When we arrived at the marina, our chosen water vehicle was not there. We were told it was out being fueled. Granted, we arrived about 10 minutes early. Shortly, the boat motored up the ICW and to the docks. The report was not good. We were being given a boat with only 8.9 gallons of fuel because the fueling station had not been not open. My plan for the day would use about 10 gallons. BUT, since we were heading south, we were encouraged to stop at another marina to fuel-up.

So we motored off and headed south on the ICW for the marina to add fuel. It was an adventure! But, it also took precious time out of our day. We arrived at the marina and we had to wait over 15 minutes for the fuel person to arrive. And then the boat only took 32 gallons. Yes, despite the fuel gauge reading, the tank was actually over half full when we arrived at the fuel stop. I was told this boat should have taken about 100 gallons. Even after fueling, the gauge never registered the additional fuel. Now, granted, this is a new boat. I mean really new! I don't know how many hours it had on it, but it is likely that this was the first fill up since being placed into service. 

Jupiter Lighthouse from the ICW
Heading Back
Jupiter, FL
September 4, 2025

Although the fueling stop was pleasant and we were on our way, in addition to the loss of time it gave time for the clouds and storms to begin to form. That actually was a good thing as I decided not to head further south to Peanut Island where the storms were forming. My thought about small boats and storms is that even though I am a competent small boat captain, the best way to ride out a storm is to not get into a storm in the first place. So we truncated the day.

Heading under the US-1 Drawbridge
Jupiter, FL
September 4, 2025

It was 11:15 AM by this point and although we were near Season 52, they did not open until 11:30. We decided to cancel lunch and motor our way back to Tequesta from where we were in Palm Beach Gardens. While the distance was not all that great, the ICW is mostly restricted to minimum wake speeds--which in our boat is about 6 mph. We were 7 or 8 miles from the marina--so about an hour. There is one fun stretch where the speed limit is 30 mph--but it is far too short.

Seeing the developing storms, we headed back. I subsequently canceled the sandbar stop as well, sadly. We had brought chairs and an umbrella to enjoy time on the sandbar. We made it to the marina before the rains came. 

We had an enjoyable, but short boat day. Better safe than sorry. I do enjoy boating on weekdays. Look at the images--there are no other boats in the pictures. We did pass a few other boats along the way, but it is very different on a weekend. On a weekend, sometimes it is possible to walk across the ICW on boats, not literally, it only just seems that way. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday is just another day

Morning Weather Radar
September 4, 2025

 I took a day off from biking yesterday and walked nearly 1.5 miles with Chris and Finn. 

It is good to mix things up a bit. 

Today is a boat day, if the weather holds. Chris, Finn, and I are headed out on the water to explore and enjoy. Hopefully, we will tie up somewhere for lunch and then early afternoon back at the house before Happy Hour. 

I am taking out a different boat than I have before.  

Checking the weather, all of the storm systems are over the ocean and tracking eastward, but the afternoon storms start building about 3 PM.

Anchors aweigh!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It went by that Fast

Brightline
Tequesta, FL
September 2, 2025

 I had to stop and wait for a Brightline train to pass through the crossing yesterday as I was starting my ride. 

It has been a while since I stood right at the crossing bar to watch a moderately high speed train pass. 

Wow! It was fast. 

I think from start to finish, even waiting for the crossing arms, I waited only about a minute. 

I would up riding 22 miles and the Brightline was not even a good water stop. It was fun to watch, however. 

Watching the train cruise past, however, was a highlight of the day. Well, until Chris and I went to dinner with friends for the evening. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Has it really been 50 years?

 Chris and I celebrated Labor Day by going to the movies. 

We chose the 50th Anniversary Jaws as our movie to watch. 

Yes, we have watched Jaws on streaming multiple times and have the entire script fairly well memorized, but that did not deter us from heading off to the theater to see the movie on the big screen. 

We were excited by the opening monologue from Steven Spielberg which explained that the movie had been reprocessed into 4K or better viewing. I had hoped that they might include some scenes cut from the original, but apparently they did not.

It was great to see Jaws on the big screen again and with the full vibrant sound. We both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it for any others out there who enjoy watching Jaws on the small screen. Think of all the people who have only ever been exposed to Jaws on a TV-size screen--they will be in awe as they watch Bruce (the shark) terrorize the island community of Amity.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - Labor Day 2025

1. Welcome September--it is the first Monday of there ninth month of the year. Whew! We made it this far. There are 17 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States. Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. "Labor Day" was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. Wikipedia

House under construction
Tequesta, FL
August 31, 2025

3. I find it very interesting to monitor the progress of houses being constructed along my bike routes. There are multiple houses being constructed. All of them are being constructed on lots where existing homes were razed. Watching the process from demolition to completion is fascinating and I am also amazed at how long it takes to get to completion and occupancy. This is not a quick process.

4. I managed a 19-mile ride yesterday. It got a bit warm towards the end, but despite my ride, I still closed out August with less than 100 miles ridden. It was one of my worst months since I've been keeping records. The most significant thing about the ride, however, was that I passed 6,000 miles ridden since buying my bike during February 2022.

5. The biggest threat to our Republic may be residing in the White House. International ineptitude coupled with domestic ineffectiveness all he has to show for his efforts. The president is more concerned about retribution than he is actually accomplishing something positive for the American people. His disdain for renewable energy sources is one area where his actions are increasing costs for American families. Tariffs are another. The downward spiral may be happening too fast to correct.

6. Today in History. On September 1, 1972, in what’s billed as the “Match of the Century,” American chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer defeats Russian Boris Spassky during the World Chess Championship in Reykjavik, Iceland.

In the world’s most publicized title match ever played, Fischer, a 29-year-old Brooklynite, became the first American to win the competition since its inception in 1866. The victory also marked the first time a non-Russian had won the event in 24 years.

Fischer, who started playing chess professionally at age 8, won the U.S. Open Championship when he was 14 (he would go on to win it seven more times) and became the world’s youngest international grandmaster at age 15.

Fischer’s skills and age—and demanding, arrogant attitude—made him a pop culture phenomenon. He became the subject of books and movies and even inspired a song, “The Ballad of Bobby Fischer.”

Earthquake in Afghanistan kills 800, injures 2,800 - Reuters

China's Xi pushes a new global order, flanked by leaders of Russia and India - Reuters

Israel sends tanks deeper into Gaza City, more families flee - Reuters

In Mexican border town, thousands of jobs lost due to Trump tariffs - Reuters

Tracking Trump’s retaliation against a wide swath of critics and perceived political enemies - CNN

Trump's Cabinet meeting profanity highlighted a harsh truth about his Putin failures - MSNBC

Trump administration threatens states with odd demands for sex ed censorship - MSNBC

One meal a day, no bathing for days: Inside the 'humanitarian crisis' at an ICE field office - MSNBC

Trump makes bold declaration about DC amid his federal policing intervention - FoxNews

Trump wraps up week announcing that billions in foreign aid is canceled - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL