Finn-dog the Traveler

Finnegan on my Backpack
PBI 
October 29, 2025

Finnegan, Chris's faithful service dog, accompanied us on our flight to the Baltimore region yesterday. While we were relaxing in a Palm Beach International Airport lounge, he found a safe spot to rest on my backpack, keeping a watchful eye on Chris.

He was adorable sitting there as we waited about 30 minutes after clearing security to board our flight. However, he became intensely focused on Chris when she decided to use the restroom. He refused to move until she returned keeping a watchful eye on the doorway into which she disappeared.

We embarked on a trip to Baltimore to celebrate Beck’s, our youngest grandson’s inaugural Halloween. Surprisingly, the journey was remarkably smooth and devoid of any disruptions. The TSA officers, who had not been compensated during the partial government shutdown, demonstrated exceptional efficiency, friendliness, and unwavering dedication. I recall a similar situation during the government shutdowns when I was employed as a Federal Civilian employee. Both Chris and I expressed our sincere gratitude for their unwavering commitment and service as we successfully cleared security screening for our flight.

Hopefully, the flight home next week will be as smooth.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Street or Canal?

 

Street or Canal?
Turtle Creek, Tequesta, FL
October 28, 2025

Yesterday, during my 17.5-mile ride, I encountered flooded streets. A torrential rainstorm had hit the area the night before, accompanied by thunder and lightning.

However, I didn’t fully realize the extent of the rainfall because my condo community had recently had its rain gutters cleaned and leaf guards installed. As a result, we didn’t witness the equivalent of Niagara Falls rushing off the roof during the storm. Instead, the water was efficiently directed into the underground drainage system that had been installed a few years ago.  

Blowing Rocks Marina/Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
October 28, 2025

By the time I arrived home, my shirt was drenched from the spray coming from my rear tire.

For the evening, Chris and I headed to Tiki52 for our weekly Tuesday Happy Hour. The weather was windy and cool. Yes, I said cool! It’s incredible how a gentle breeze off the water can feel refreshing even when the temperature is 80 degrees. I didn’t mind the cool, but Chris needed to sit in the sun to stay warm.

We had a great time and returned home to finish packing for our trip today. I received an update from the airline that our flight is already delayed. According to Alexa this morning, the expected temperature of 54 degrees in the Baltimore area upon our arrival should feel like stepping into a walk-in freezer compared to our usual Florida weather. 

Brrrr.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Return of the Dark Season

 The end of October marks the transition to the dark season, with the return to Standard Time this weekend. As a result, sunset moves from the 6 PM hour to the 5 PM hour. This change means that Sunday, November 2, will be a 25-hour day, with the 1 AM hour repeating. While it may seem like we’re getting an extra hour of sleep, the reality is quite different.

I refer to this period as the Dark Season because the early sunsets leave us living our entire evenings in darkness. Before I retired, I recall days when I would go to work and return home in complete darkness, never seeing the Sun.

I remember one Sunday when I was a kid that our entire family was up and out as usual on Sunday morning for church. We arrived to find the facility deserted. It took a bit, but Mom and Dad finally figured out that we had forgotten to set our clocks back for the return to Standard Time. We drove back home, relaxed for a bit and then piled into the car to head back to church at the appropriate hour. I wonder how many other families have similar stories?

In response to the problem of springing forward and falling back, legislation called the Sunshine Protection Act was introduced in Congress. The goal of this act is to keep the U.S. on permanent daylight saving time. Unfortunately, this legislation has yet to be enacted.

As a result, we are destined to endure darkness during the late-Autumn and Winter months. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - October 27, 2025

 

1. The final Monday of October has arrived, marking the end of an enjoyable season. With only nine Mondays remaining, the year is drawing to a close.

2. Family NFL Report: The NFL season continues to be a challenging time for the family teams, who have a combined record of 18 wins, 25 losses, and 1 tie. The Ravens and Dolphins managed to secure their second wins of the season. However, the Steelers squandered their opportunity to lead the AFC North by losing to the Packers.

Ravens (2-5) Overcame the Bears (4-3), 30-16

Cowboys (3-4-1) were stampeded by Broncos (6-2), 24-44  

Dolphins (2-6) swam past Falcons (3-4), 34-10

Steelers (4-3) came up short against Packers (5-1-1), 25-35

Commanders (3-4) visit Chiefs (4-3), tonight

Atlantic Ocean 
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
Hobe Sound, FL
October 26, 2025

Yesterday, I decided to deviate from my usual route around Tequesta and embarked on a 23-mile bike ride to the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. The journey was quite enjoyable, except for the stretch along the busy U.S. 1. After reaching the beach at Hobe Sound, I was captivated by the powerful waves crashing onto the shore due to the strong East wind.

4. How would you feel if a guy living in your house rent free decided to destroy half of it and remodel without your consultation? As on writer relates: Last week Donald Trump demolished the East Wing, forever scarring The People’s House. We didn’t just lose history. We lost the future. Because the East Wing was also the main visitor entrance to the White House, the location people from all over the world entered for public tours of the White House. (Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance)

5. I’ve lost track of the number of days the Republicans have kept the House of Representatives out of session, which means there’s no negotiation about ending the partial government shutdown. Despite the rhetoric, the President now effectively controls the House of Representatives because the Speaker of the House will apparently do nothing without express instructions from the White House. Someone explain to me what happened to Article 1 of the Constitution.

6. Today in History. At 2:35 on the afternoon of October 27, 1904, New York City Mayor George McClellan takes the controls on the inaugural run of the city’s innovative new rapid transit system: the subway.

While London boasts the world’s oldest underground train network (opened in 1863) and Boston built the first subway in the United States in 1897, the New York City subway soon became the largest American system. The first line, operated by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT), traveled 9.1 miles through 28 stations. Running from City Hall in lower Manhattan to Grand Central Terminalin midtown, and then heading west along 42nd Street to Times Square, the line finished by zipping north, all the way to 145th Street and Broadway in Harlem. On opening day, Mayor McClellan so enjoyed his stint as engineer that he stayed at the controls all the way from City Hall to 103rd Street.

Venezuela condemns 'military provocation' by CIA and Trinidad and Tobago - Reuters

Argentina's midterm election hands decisive win to Milei's libertarian overhaul - Reuters

How China could use DeepSeek and AI for an era of war - Reuters

Fed poised to cut rates this week, with more easing likely on tap - Reuters

Trump said he is open to extending his Asia trip to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but there are no known plans for talks - CNN

Air traffic control staffing problems spiked over the weekend, raising concerns about growing disruption - CNN

Trump keeps making himself the punch line - MSNBC

Iranian women flout law on mandatory veiling as police curtail arrests - The Washington Post

 -- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sunday used to be

 I was sitting here reflecting upon Sundays past. Like decades past. 

From thefarside.com for October 26, 2025

I recall when Chris and I were first married, I was thrilled about receiving two Sunday newspapers. We would lie in bed, engrossed in the Sunday comics, and then I would devour the business and sports sections. By the end of our reading session, my hands were blackened with newsprint ink.

One of my favorites was The Far Side. Who can resist laughing at the humorous scene of a boy attempting to enter the School for the Gifted by pushing on the pull door?

As our family grew, we would prepare a pancake or French toast breakfast before heading to church. Sunday mornings were always a blur as we rushed to complete our tasks and make it to church on time. Chris and I would often sing in the choir, while the kids attended Sunday studies, leaving us with little time to rest before our 9 AM church service.

Beautiful Florida Morning on my Bike
Tequesta, FL
October 24, 2025

It was a race against time, and we were always out of breath by the time we got home.

As a child, my Sunday mornings were quite similar, except during the summer months, after church, I had to mow the lawn. It was a grueling task that took me five hours to complete with a push mower.

Sundays have become more relaxed. I write my daily blog while listening to the news on TV, as Chris prepares breakfast and also watches the news. We usually sit together for a while to discuss the day’s events or the upcoming week, and we make plans for the week ahead.

The upcoming week is filled with exciting plans. We’re traveling to Maryland to celebrate Beck’s first Halloween and reconnect with family and friends. This will be the first of three trips to Maryland during the holidays. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Holiday Season Collision

Sunset
Harborplace, Jupiter, FL
October 23, 2025

 Multiple holidays and seasons coexist.

Yesterday, Chris and I were shopping, and I was astounded by how some stores were already decked out for Christmas. Halloween was on clearance, and Thanksgiving was nowhere to be seen!

Home Goods
Stuart, FL
October 24, 2025

The turkeys are being forgotten during the holiday shopping frenzy.

I firmly believe that the excessive Christmas decorations are a result of the tariffs, prompting large businesses to place orders early, which has led to an influx of decorations. Yesterday, the stores we visited were so packed with Christmas decorations that maneuvering a cart became a challenge.  

We survived the shopping expedition, mostly because holiday decorations were not what we were "in search of." Had there been a turkey or two, I might have bought one to add to my collection. The turkey season is upon us. 

I wonder if the stores are like this across the country?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Decoy Tasting at Jupiter Grill

Jupiter Grill
Jupiter, FL
October 23, 2025

  Chris and I attended a Decoy Wine Tasting at the Jupiter Grill last evening. Decoy is part of the Duckhorn portfolio. We’re thrilled to explore wine tasting in South Florida. The Jupiter Grill hosts monthly tasting events, not all of which are wine-related, but they’re always enjoyable. The restaurant organizes these events exceptionally well, and like last evening, we usually stay and enjoy dinner either during or after the tasting.  

Decoy Chardonnay
Jupiter Grill, Jupiter, FL
October 23, 2025

Decoy Wines were featured on the tasting menu last evening. The two wines we sampled were the 2023 California Chardonnay and the 2022 California Red Blend.

The 2023 California Chardonnay was a delightful wine. It had a light oak flavor with a bright and refreshing taste. I usually steer clear of straight Chardonnays, but this one was exceptional and complemented the bruschetta perfectly, which was chosen to enhance the wine’s flavors. Considering its price range of $16 to $20, it’s a great value for this wine.

The 2022 California Red Blend, the second and final wine of the tasting, paired well with a wagyu beef plate. However, it was quite ordinary and, despite being a blend of seven varietals, it lacked any special qualities. Admittedly, it was poured straight from the bottle into my glass, and it opened significantly as it sat. The wine had a pleasant mouthfeel and light tannins, but it still wasn’t exceptional, even considering the tasting notes that included flavors of olive tapenade. The $25 price point is a bit steep for this wine. I found it online for $15. 

We enjoyed the tasting and the interaction with the Jupiter Grill staff and the other oenophiles. We look forward to next month's tasting opportunity.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

I snagged one

iPhone 17 Pro Max

 I have been on a quest for a new iPhone 17 Pro Max. It had been quite a search over the past two weeks. Trying to search at the right time to snag one as it became available had me checking three times per day. 

First image with new iPhone 17 Pro Max
Finnegan
Tequesta, FL
October 22, 2025

I was successful yesterday. I actually was online at just the right time to order the phone on Tuesday evening for pick-up yesterday. Earlier Tuesday, I could have snagged one at a store 74 miles away, but I was not that desperate. A short time later my local store, 6 miles away, offered the phone, although not in the color I wanted, for Wednesday delivery and that was where I ultimately went. Staying local saved about 4 hours of driving in Miami rush-hour traffic.

I am retiring my iPhone 14 Pro Max, which has served me well--well, actually, it failed me during our trip to South Africa earlier this year, and Apple replaced it under Apple Care. But overall, the iPhone 14 was a great tool for the years that I had it.

I know it has only been 3 years since I got my iPhone 14 Pro Max, but Apple made enough changes in the camera system and the inclusion of Apple Intelligence to make me renew my phone earlier than normal. I really think I am going to like it--I enjoy it so far. 

My first real test of the camera/video system will be the 

Stuart Airshow Opening Night on November 7. I fought with my phone last year to get videos of the flying, and I am hoping that the new 17 Pro Max will work a lot better this year. Time will tell. I have about two weeks to figure it all out. 

Here is the video from last year's Stuart Airshow Opening Night. I have also secured reserved seats in the second row which should help with the video exercise. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Pillage and Plunder

White House East Wing Demolition Image
From NYTimes Video

 Conquerers and authoritarians have a things in common. One is pillaging and plundering the conquered lands with little concern for the populace. 

Our president's true colors are on display more now than ever before. 

The White House is being plundered, despite assurances before construction of the big, beautiful, new ballroom that the existing structure would not be changed. 

The president had pledged that construction wouldn’t “interfere with the current building,” a promise that always seemed unrealistic given the grand scale of the plans. (NYTimes)

And yesterday the pillaging of the treasury began with the request for $230 million from the DOJ.

I never believed it would happen in America!

But it is! 

I wonder, can we sue file a class action suit against Trump for say, $3 trillion, for broken/ignored campaign promises?

I am still waiting for an end to Ukraine/Russia War.

And lower food prices.

No inflation. Inflation is actually higher now than when he took office. 

Where are the lower energy prices.

Oh yeah, and importing Argentinian beef to lower prices sure helps out U.S. farmers. 

And why is he afraid to help ensure medical coverage for millions of Americans at the expense that he has closed the government down and is not negotiating? Is that really the Art of the Deal? 

No--he wants to break the American people while robbing the treasury. 

Is this really his vision for the "Golden Age of America?" Or did he misspeak and really mean to say the "Gilded Age of America?"

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) took the floor of the Senate to hold it through the night “to protest Trump’s grave threats to democracy.” He said: “We cannot pretend this is normal.” (Letters from an American)

Sources:

Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases

White House's East Wing Partially Demolished to Build Trump's Ballroom ...

Trump Hopes Argentina Can Help Bring Down Meat Prices

Letters from an American, October 21, 2025

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Happy Tuesday to All!

North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
October 20, 2025

 We have arrived back at another Tuesday. 

The World Series competitors are set: The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays will face off to determine the best team in baseball for the 2025 season. 

I had hoped Seattle would finally make a World Series--they got close, losing the lead in the deciding Game 7 in the 7th inning. 

My prediction: LA wins in 5. 

I was able to enjoy the continuing good weather with an 18-mile ride yesterday. The humidity has returned, but the temperatures are remaining enjoyable. 

Chris and I received a shock yesterday afternoon as we went to our favorite grocery store in Hobe Sound. It is closing! Well, it is almost closed. The shelves were mostly empty. This Winn Dixie store was sold to Aldi's and is being converted. That is sad, because I have always found Aldi's to be inferior to almost any other grocery store. Yea, people say the prices are good, but the selection is poor as they do not routinely carry most of the food items for which Chris and I shop. And their checkout plan is confusing as best. 

Well, it is Tuesday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL