Monday Musings - October 6, 2025

 

1. Happy October. This is the first Monday of October. There are three Mondays remaining in the month and only 12, count 'em 12 Mondays remaining in 2025! That means Christmas is a short 11 weeks away!

2. Family NFL Report. The NFL season has not been good for some of the family teams. The Ravens, for instance, looked like something from a nursery rhyme about 4 and 20 blackbirds being baked in a pie today. So far the family teams are 2-2 this week with one on a bye and the other team playing tonight. The season record thus far is 12-15-1. 

Ravens (1-4) baked into a pie by Texans (2-3), 10-44

Cowboys (2-2-1) hammered Jets (0-5), 37-22

Commanders (3-2) short circuited Chargers (3-2), 27-10

Dolphins (1-4) were eaten by Panthers (2-3), 24-27

Steelers (3-1) were on a BYE

Chiefs (2-2) play tonight at Jaguars (3-1)  

Rolls Royce in Traffic with Montana Tags
Jupiter, FL
October 5, 2025

3. Weirdly, yesterday, Chris and I went out to get some food to eat during the Cowboys game and on our way home we were stalked, for a while, by a very nice and expensive Rolls Royce. Now, that is not too out of the ordinary for our area, we see them regularly, but this one was significantly different--it had Montana plates on it. Was it Bill Gates? He lives in Montana and recently put a house in the local area, (house? no, mansion) for sale at $23.5 million. I don't know if it sold, but is it possible he was here checking on it? Or planning to move in for the snowbird season? Inquiring minds want to know. Anyway, a Rolls with Montana tags in South Florida is strange. 

4. This is now Day 6 of the partial government shutdown and it becomes clearer every day that this is what the President planned. He successfully put the nation into a no win situation where he wins either way. 

5. The craziness continues. The first two items in news are about continued Executive Branch craziness.

6. Is anyone else concerned that the president is trying to incite riots by deploying troops to places where they are not needed? It is entrapment! He is looking for a reason to do something seriously stupid like claim there is an insurrection. He should know what one looks like and how to do it--he started one on on January 6th.

7. Today in History. On October 6, 1866, the brothers John and Simeon Reno stage the first train robbery in American history, making off with $13,000 from an Ohio and Mississippi railroad train in Jackson County, Indiana.

Of course, trains had been robbed before the Reno brothers’ holdup. But these previous crimes had all been burglaries of stationary trains sitting in depots or freight yards. The Reno brothers’ contribution to criminal history was to stop a moving train in a sparsely populated region where they could carry out their crime without risking interference from the law or curious bystanders.

Though created in Indiana, the Reno brother’s new method of robbing trains quickly became very popular in the West. Many bandits, who might otherwise have been robbing banks or stagecoaches, discovered that the newly constructed transcontinental and regional railroads in the West made attractive targets. With the western economy booming, trains often carried large amounts of cash and precious minerals. The wide-open spaces of the West also provided train robbers with plenty of isolated areas ideal for stopping trains, as well as plenty of wild spaces where they could hide from the law. Some criminal gangs, like Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch, found that robbing trains was so easy and lucrative that for a time they made it their criminal specialty.

Head of Eisenhower library forced out after sword spat with Trump - Early Bird Brief

Hegseth fires Navy chief of staff - Early Bird Brief

France in crisis as government quits just hours after being appointed - Reuters

Negotiators gather for Gaza talks under Trump plan, swift deal unlikely - Reuters

Oil rises after OPEC+ hikes output less than expected - Reuters

Judge again blocks Trump from sending National Guard to Oregon - CNN

 Trump’s tariff revenue could help keep the government open. Why isn’t that happening? - CNN

The president is unhinged’: Trump’s online behavior grows increasingly odd - The Guardian

Trump tries, fails to circumvent court ruling on unnecessary Portland troop deployment - MSNBC

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Sun Came Out

Normal Dog Bed
Tequesta, FL
October 4, 2025

The weather changed overnight and the sun arrived this morning to greet us. That was a welcome change from the gray and overcast skies we have been experiencing.

Overturned Dog Bed and toys
Tequesta, FL
October 4, 2025

Finnegan had a moment last evening. He threw a fit over something. We call it urban renewal. He turned his bed over and scattered his toys around the immediate area.

He does this occasionally. We are not sure why, but he just feels the need to impact his local environment.  

Day 5 Partial Government Shutdown

The President remains missing.

I received an email from my Congressman, he was complaining that the shutdown was hurting the military and never made mention of the real reason that the shutdown is in place.

Monday Musings

Is planned to return after a two-week hiatus tomorrow.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday - Day 4 of the Shutdown

Under the Tiki
Puerto Plato, Dominican Republic
September 27, 2025

 We made it to another weekend. It is hard for me to believe, but last Saturday I was enjoying time in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The farthest thing from my mind last Saturday was how our Republic is being destroyed by immoral; greedy leaders.

Now it is October. 

Day 4 Partial Government Shutdown

I find it tragic that the Republicans show no intention of negotiating to end the shutdown. The House is on recess all next week meaning that even if the Senate hammers out a compromise package, the House will be unable to vote on it. (NYPost)

Who is playing games now?

Oh yea, and where is the President? As of this morning there have been no credible reports of sightings since returning to the White House after his disastrous speech at Quantico on Tuesday. 

According to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, “Donald Trump is in the presidential witness protection program. No one can find him,” (MSNBC)

So where is the President? I'm sure he will reappear soon, but a bigger question is, who is running his social media account? Is he? Governing by social media is a real problem because we don't know who has their hands on the keyboard? IT is far worse than autopen.

That written, the government shutdown isn't going to end until the President actually reappears. But if he can't be found then there is no negotiation because the Republican leadership does nothing without the approval of Trump. 

Maybe leaders with integrity who are committed to fulfilling their oath of office will appear to bring the Republic back from the brink of disaster. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Return to the Rain

Fuel Barge next to Celebrity Reflection
St Kitts
September 23, 2025

 I am told that while Chris and I were enjoying hot sunny days, punctuated by brief storms, during our cruise that the rainy weather pattern we had escaped from in South Florida continued. 

It rains still. 

It was rainy yesterday, it is raining today. 

Washout. 

The picture of the day is from St Kitts during our cruise. I watched a fuel barge get tugged into place and offload fuel to our ship, Celebrity Reflection. I had never seen that operation before and it was interesting how it all happened. Unlike today in Tequesta, the day in St Kitts was bright with puffy clouds and blue skies. 

And I can't help myself--

Day 3 of partial government shutdown

Does anyone else notice that when Trump runs into opposition his response is to hurt people? And not just some people but many people across the nation. Firing federal employees not only hurts the Feds, but everyone due to loss of services. What is the plan?

Oh yea--privatize government services so the oligarchs can get richer at the expense of hard-working Americans. 

And the lies/mischaracterizations that continue to come from the White House continue to demonstrate a failing grip on reality. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Another Black Eye for America

Kash Patel in New Zealand

 Yesterday, I was amazed at and wrote about the actions of the President and the Secretary of Defense. Today, amazingly, it is the Director of the FBI who wound up in the sights, literally. 

The story about Kash Patel in New Zealand was reported by PBS on September 30th. Wait, that was the same day the President and Secretary of Defense held their circus act with the senior DoD leaders. 

The Headline:

FBI director gave New Zealand officials 3D-printed guns illegal to possess under local laws

So, apparently, the Director of the FBI, Kash Patel, visited New Zealand and gave gifts, which is fairly common, to some of the people he met with. What was not usual, however, was that apparently our FBI Director brought into New Zealand 3D printed guns that are illegal to possess without a special license, and which he didn't have, and gave the guns as part of a mounted display to senior New Zealand officials.

Excerpts from the story:

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — On a visit to New Zealand, FBI Director Kash Patel gave the country’s police and spy bosses gifts of inoperable pistols that were illegal to possess under local gun laws and had to be destroyed, New Zealand law enforcement agencies told The Associated Press.

The plastic 3D-printed replica pistols formed part of display stands Patel presented to at least three senior New Zealand security officials in July. Patel, the most senior Trump administration official to visit the country so far, was in Wellington to open the FBI’s first standalone office in New Zealand.

. . . 

A spokesperson for the spy agencies described the gift as “a challenge coin display stand” that included the 3D-printed inoperable weapon “as part of the design.” The officials sought advice on the gifts the next day from the regulator that enforces New Zealand’s gun laws, Chambers said.

Oops!

Our leaders need to do better. It sure would have been nice had the FBI Director directed one of his minions to check local laws regarding inoperable weapons. 

Oh well, it is just another black eye in a long series of black eyes.

Hopefully, today is a more boring day in the news cycle. 

Did I mention that the partial government shutdown is in Day 2?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

I Don't Know Where to Begin

 Yesterday was a tumultuous day for our Republic. 

I listened to the Secretary of Defense call himself the Secretary of War and then give a very disturbing speech to about 800 of our nations finest commanders and senior enlisted advisors. That was followed by an embarrassing ramble by the President. 

At the end of the day, the unwillingness of the Republican-controlled Senate to compromise on the terms of the continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government for the good of the American people demonstrated contempt for "We the People." The effects of the Big Ugly Bill are beginning to be felt and that was an opportunity to correct some of the problems.  

Let me begin with Hegseth. 

During his speech me made the following statement:

We just have to be honest. We have to say with our mouths what we see with our eyes, to just tell it like it is in plain English, to point out the obvious things right in front of us. That’s what leaders must do. We cannot go another day without directly addressing the plank in our own eye, without addressing the problems in our own commands and in our own formations.  (Hegseth speech)

But he doesn't even believe what he said. He does not tolerate those who tell it like it is when disagreeing with his short-sighted policies.

Mr. Hegseth has already fired more than a dozen military leaders, many of them people of color and women. He fired the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., who is Black; the first woman to command the Navy, Adm. Lisa Franchetti; and the U.S. military’s representative to the NATO military committee, Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield. He also pushed out Gen. David W. Allvin, the Air Force chief of staff, and Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Kruse, the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency.  (NYTimes)

And then there was the President as the follow-on act of the two-ring circus.

Nearly every "fact" presented by the President was wrong. I fact checked the speech at CNN. There are just some things he brings up continuously which are just plain wrong--but no one can correct him. I was even beginning to believe that 25 million immigrants illegally entered the U.S., during Biden's term. The real number much less, but unknown. I leave it to you, my readers, to click on the CNN link and discover for yourself the fictitious reality in which our President lives. Remember, he has his finger on the nuclear trigger! 

What really caused me a huge moment of pause was the President's discussion of his signature. Wow, really? The following statement came at the end of a meaningless discussion about paper and gold ink used to sign the commissions of Generals.

And I sign it -- actually, I love my signature, I really do. Everyone loves my signature. (Roll Call)

Who says that? 

And at the beginning of his presentation he showed his true colors about disagreement when he spoke:

 

And if you don't like what I'm saying, you can leave the room. Of course, there goes your rank, there goes your future, but you just feel nice and loose, OK, because we're all on the same team.  (Roll Call). [Highlighting mine]

The day ended with a partial government shutdown. Instead of the president negotiating to keep the government open, the Republicans got exactly what they wanted from the beginning--a shutdown. Why do I maintain it was what they wanted? Well, unless the Senate passed the CR exactly as the House sent it to them, there was no way to ratify the bill because the Speaker of the House sent his caucus home. Most were not even in Washington. That is governing in abstentia. 

The President and the congressional leaders should have been working to keep America running, but instead they presented a flawed proposal and said take-it-or-leave-it!

Thankfully, they left it. It is now up to "We the People" to inform them of the error of their ways!

And this was not even the topic I was going to write about today. I did a lot of research yesterday about how the military has been used to engineer change through social engineering--which is what I saw Secretary Hegseth implementing (in a very negative way) yesterday.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

September's End

Reunited: Chris and Finn
Tequesta, FL
September 29, 2025

 Well, apparently, tomorrow when we wake, we will have an even less efficient government than we have had since January as a partial government shutdown ensues. 

Happy Fiscal New Year--the wheels are actually falling off. 

I am glad that I am not traveling until later during October. 

Finnegan was extremely happy, perhaps overjoyed, to see Chris and me. He stayed very close all day as he relaxed and reacquainted himself with our house and routine. He definitely took his place in bed last night and seemed fully reintegrated into the operation of the family. We really appreciate the care that our friends gave him in our absence. 

From the 15th Deck of Celebrity Reflection
Basseterre, St Kitts
September 23, 2025

I am reviewing images from our cruise and will select one over the next few days to highlight some of the things that I missed in my daily blogs.

Today is Basseterre, St Kitts, as seen from the running track on the 15th Deck of Celebrity Reflection. Chris and I attempted to do a daily walk, that lasted for about three days, but it was a good idea. We had ported in Basseterre, St Kitts, on Day 4 of the cruise. Days 2 and 3 were Sea Days devoted to travel. The sun was hot, when not behind clouds. We disembarked and spent some time walking around the port area doing some shopping and enjoying an adult beverage. The image shows the helicopter landing pad on Celebrity Reflections. During our last port call in Dominican Republic, we enjoyed a short arrival party on that very helicopter landing pad!

I think we would like to return to St Kitts at some point in the future to spend time exploring the island. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sea Day and Home - Days 9 and 10

 We have arrived safely home. 

The cruise is over, sadly. We had to depart the boat earlier today and drive home. 

Créme Brûlée Night 9
Celebrity Reflection
North Atlantic
September 28, 2025

I am combining the final two days of the cruise because Day 10 - debarkation is only a few hours in length.

Day 9 I set a personal record for all of my cruises: I had Créme Brûlée for dessert on all 9 nights! I may have in addition, snuck a piece of Key Lime Pie on the last night as well. I call this a true culinary achievement. I think I am going to learn how to make Créme Brûlée. 

Dawn on Day 9
 Celebrity Reflection, Off the Coast of Cuba
September 28, 2025

For the Sea Day (Day 9) the captain was skirting the newly developed hurricane. And he did a masterful job. I was looking at the weather app and I almost always saw that our position was in the middle of the only open area surrounded by storm. I know, however, that during the night as we drew closer to Fort Lauderdale, we had to traverse a rough part of the storm--not hurricane force, but strong enough to wake us as the ship was buffeted by wind and waves. Fortunately, our arrival in Fort Lauderdale was under mostly clear skies as we sailed out of the edges of the storm.

Lights of Fort Lauderdale
Celebrity Reflection
September 29, 2025

Confined to the ship for the Sea Day, we found some things to do, such as attend a lecture on the possibility of life in the universe and watch the Ravens lose.

Our last dinner concluded with sad good-byes to the servers who treated us so well during our voyage. They were all great. 

I took a video of the tugboats escorting us into Port Everglades this morning.

And it is over, but the memories remain. 

Maybe another birthday cruise will be planned for next year! 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Puerto Plata - Day 8

 We had an enjoyable day in the Dominican Republic. 

The port area at Puerto Plata has been significantly improved/completed since our last visit. We enjoyed a few hours in the upgraded port area. 

Sunrise over the Atlantic
September 27, 2025

The day began with a stunning sunrise in the clouds. We were looking behind the ship as the sun was rising to see the light show. 

We sailed for a while before porting at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. It was an interesting arrival at the port as the ship traveled in reverse down the channel because there was not enough room in the turning bay for the ship to rotate around. So, the ship either had to arrive or depart in reverse. I guess they decided arriving was the better option. 

Fort at the Harbor Entrance
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
September 27, 2025

We passed the ancient fort located strategically on a point to provide protection for the harbor. The cruise port is technically named Taíno Bay.

Once tied up and cleared to go ashore, we headed off to explore the port area. We did not have an external excursion planned and so the day was ours to shop and relax at one of the bar/food establishments in the area. 

Taíno Bay
Dominican Republic
September 27, 2025

Chris has some fun at the shops. I was afraid that she wanted to run off with a tall swarthy pirate that she met. But he was a bit stiff and did not acknowledge her overtures.

We enjoyed a lunch off the ship, yes, we had to pay for it even though there was ample food on the ship. But, we were enjoying the activities in the port area and, perhaps, some local beer and margaritas. 

Chris and Me
Celebrity Reflection
September 27, 2025

Evening on the ship was a dress-up night punctuated with the signature lobster meal. I chose beef Wellington instead of eating one of the bug's tails.

It was a great last Port Call Day. We were very fortunate on the cruise in that of the five ports we visited, we were the only ship in port for four of them! That makes the port days very pleasant.  

Today is a sea day as we make our way to Ft Lauderdale while skirting the tropical depression. The captain did advise that we could see wind speeds of 40-45 mph, but so far this morning it has been very pleasant. 

Programming note: As tomorrow is devoted to departing the ship and arriving home, Monday Musings will not be published. 

-- Bob Doan, Celebrity Reflections, somewhere north of Cuba

St Thomas - Day 7

First, a big thank-you to everyone who wished me Happy Birthday. Your notes and comments were greatly appreciated as I crossed over into another decade. 

Sunrise
Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas
September 26, 2025

Turning to our current trip, the cruise is drawing to a close. We have our last port call in the Dominican Republic today. It is another shortened port call, from 11 AM until 5:30 PM. Then tomorrow is a sea day and on Monday back to Ft Lauderdale and home.

Yesterday, Chris and I experienced St Thomas. I have to admit, it was good to see Old Glory flying over the island. We taxied into Charlotte Amalie to do some shopping. I actually got to relax at a pub with Mark while Chris and Peggy hit the shops! The taxi ride, both ways, was an experience. An open air taxi that seated about 20 people. OK, it is a racket. Town center was fun though.

Floating Dry Dock
Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas
September 26, 2025

My real enjoyment was watching one of the floating dry docks that we were berthed next to actually do work. There were two of the floating dry docks in this repair area and when we arrived they both had catamarans in them. During the morning, one of the docks submerged, the catamaran exited and they brought a sinking dive boat in for, presumably, repairs.

The dry docks were just across a small channel from where the ship was berthed for the day. The activity was interesting, if slow. I took a video of the sinking dive boat being brought into and secured in the dock while it was submerged. 

We have been very lucky on this cruise in terms of having the post areas all to ourselves. Yesterday was the first time that Celebrity Reflection was not the only ship in port. We shared the port with a Carnival ship, whose name I could not discern. 

Today should be a lot of fun in Puerto Plata. 

-- Bob Doan, Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the Dominican Republic