Joining the Celebration

Christmas Decorations
Tequesta, FL
November 18, 2025 

The Christmas season is definitely arriving early this year and Chris and I are contributing to the travesty. We completed, mostly, decorating the house yesterday. Remember I wrote about 12 containers of Christmas decorations? I was wrong! We returned to the storage room yesterday to find the missing 13th container. I had not labeled it as Christmas and we had some significant items missing. The missing container was located and retrieved allowing us to complete Christmasfying (read the Urban Dictionary definition, you will laugh) the condo. 

Christmas Palms
Tequesta, FL
November 18, 2025

Last evening, we arrived at our favorite watering hole as the Christmas decorations were being hung. It was very festive and fun to watch the tiki hut being transformed into a holiday paradise. I don't remember the decorations being so grand last year.

We enjoyed another beautiful evening in an unnumbered string of beautiful South Florida evenings. I know why the Snow Birds return at this time of year; it is because the weather is so enjoyable. The oppressive heat and humidity of the summer has departed; being replaced by the moderate days we have been enjoying.

As the decorations were being completed, the Christmas Palms at the entrance of the marina where Tiki52 is located made me smile. 

I started rewriting a familiar Christmas carol in my mind.

O Christmas Palm, O Christmas Palm,
How lovely are your palm fronds!
O Christmas Palm, O Christmas Palm,
How lovely are your palm fronds!
Not only green in summer’s heat,
But also winter’s rain and heat.
O Christmas palm, O Christmas palm,
How lovely are your palm fronds!

OK, I'm not sure it really works!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Like it or Not

Yard Decorations
Tequesta, FL
November 17, 2025

 The Christmas season is upon us!

During my ride yesterday, I noticed that many yards are displaying Christmas decorations. The transition to the season, while skipping over Thanksgiving, is definitely underway. 

Chris and I are in the midst of our own multi-day decorating transformation. Ugh. During the past two days we have managed to get through 10 of the 12 Christmas containers. We still have not tackled exchanging the daily use dishes for the holiday ones--that will happen today. 

I am miffed that Thanksgiving was effectively shut-out of its rightful holiday place this year. I was unable to secure a new turkey for my collection and with the exception of my large turkey decoration, Christmas has taken over. I understand that it is a necessity given our travel schedule as we will only be home for about two weeks during December before returning north for Christmas. But still, I am missing the fun that Turkeys bring without all of the associated demands of some other holidays.

Regardless, it should be a fun and busy Tuesday. The weather is expected to be fantastic. I am especially looking forward to the high of 83 because the humidity is low. Who knows, maybe Happy Hour on the beach!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - November 17, 2025

 

1. Don't look now, but the end of the year is looming. This is the third Monday of November and there are only six Mondays remaining in the year and only FIVE Mondays until Christmas!

Chris with the Decorations in the Garage
Tequesta, FL
November 16, 2025

2. Well, the Christmas decorations arrived at the house yesterday. There are 12 containers (two are not shown in the image)! Ugh! Fortunately I got them all into the truck for one trip from the storage facility to the house. We put the tree up yesterday and will tackle the remainder of the decorations necessary to Christmasfy the house this week. 

3. Family NFL Report. Five of the six family teams played yesterday with the hapless Cowboys preparing to embarrass themselves on Monday Night Football tonight. The teams that played went 3-2, for a good week, although when it is all done the week will probably wind up 3-3. Overall the combined record stands at 26-34-1, .434. 

Ravens (5-5) snuck past Browns (2-8), 23-16  

Dolphins (4-7) overcame Commanders (3-8), 16-13

Cowboys (3-5-1) were play tonight

Steelers (6-4) hunted the Bengals (3-7), 34-12

Chiefs (5-5) were stampeded by Broncos (9-2), 19-22 

4. Well, the Epstein Files are still in the news. I was surprised that Trump has reversed his position and is not encouraging the House to vote to release the files. I am concerned, however, that by forcing the DOJ to open an investigation into certain individuals potentially associated with the documents that he may be able to veto the bill, should the Senate approve it, and claim that the documents are evidence and can't be released because of an on-going investigation. Nothing like a light of hand to keep the upper hand. 

5. Did anyone notice that even though the president insisted there is no affordability crisis that magically tariffs were reduced or eliminated on many food items? Hmm! 

6. Is anyone other than me tired of having the administration blame Biden for the current economic crisis? I'm not sure how they can continue to do it with a straight face. And to justify it they continue using economic numbers from the COVID crisis which was mostly created by Trump and passed onto Biden. Com-on guys, put on your big boy panties and accept responsibility for ruining what was the best economy in the world when you took office in January!

7. You don't think there is a war brewing with Venezuela in order to mask the failures of the current administration, do you? A query to ChatGPT for the question: "do failing leaders start wars to hide their failures?" responded with the following:

Sometimes yes — but not always.
History shows that leaders facing domestic political, economic, or legitimacy crises may start or escalate conflicts to strengthen their position. This is known as diversionary war theory. But it's important to note that:

• Not all wars are diversionary.

• Not all failing leaders choose war.

• Evidence varies by case, and motives are often mixed.  (ChatGPT)

8. Today in History. November 17, 1553. Queen Mary I, the monarch of England and Ireland since 1553, dies and is succeeded by her 25-year-old half-sister, Elizabeth.

The two half-sisters, both daughters of King Henry VIII, had a stormy relationship during Mary’s five-year reign. Mary, who was brought up as a Catholic, enacted pro-Catholic legislation and made efforts to restore the pope to supremacy in England. A Protestant rebellion ensued, and Queen Mary imprisoned Elizabeth, a Protestant, in the Tower of London on suspicion of complicity. After Mary’s death, Elizabeth survived several Catholic plots against her; though her ascension was greeted with approval by most of England’s lords, who were largely Protestant and hoped for greater religious tolerance under a Protestant queen. Under the early guidance of Secretary of State Sir William Cecil, Elizabeth repealed Mary’s pro-Catholic legislation, established a permanent Protestant Church of England, and encouraged the Calvinist reformers in Scotland.

Trump urges House Republicans to vote for releasing Epstein files - Reuters

US Border Patrol arrests 81 on first day of Charlotte immigration crackdown - Reuters

Electric vehicle sales are booming in South America — without Tesla - Reuters

Zelenskiy says Ukraine will obtain 100 French-made Rafale warplanes - Reuters

Trump’s ‘Department of War’ rebrand could be outrageously expensive - MSNow

Trump is right: He lowered some of your costs. But he also made many prices higher - CNN

US military carried out 21st strike on alleged drug boat, killing three - CNN

China expands desert nuclear test site as Trump revives nuclear tension - The Washington Post

FAA lifts all flight cuts, says normal operations can resume - The Washington Post

Trump’s Bid to Control the Western Hemisphere Is Upending Politics in the Americas - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Late Night Saturday

Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
November 15, 2025

 It was a late night. 

I’m not sure why football games that start around 7:30 PM can somehow last until after 11 PM, but last evening’s Texas v Georgia game did just that. I stayed up until the very last snap of the ball to make sure the Dawgs won.

And they did. 

But it was late. 

Chris and I had experienced a full day. I began by riding 17 miles and then there was a lot of cleaning which culminated in an enjoyable Happy Hour around our ethanol-fueled fire pit. 

My Favorite Turkey Decoration
Tequesta, FL
November 16, 2025

The image taken during my morning ride shows the beauty of the day. I especially enjoyed the reflection of the clouds on the flat river water. It was another fantastic South Florida day with mostly sunny skies and the temperature just touching on 81 degrees around noon. Coupled with the low humidity of 68 percent (OK, low for Florida), it was a perfect day.

Today marks the beginning of the Christmas season as we retrieve some of the 13 containers of decorations from the storage room. Since we won’t be in residence here for most of the next two months, we intend to decorate and relish the season. However, I’ve been promised that my favorite turkey will remain on display until after Thanksgiving. If the Christmas holiday creep persists, it might get so that we’ll start decorating right after Independence Day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

To the Top!

Jupiter Lighthouse
Jupiter, FL
November 14, 2025

 The defining feature of the Jupiter, Florida, skyline is the big, red Jupiter Lighthouse. When we fly into West Palm Beach, very often the flight route takes us past or just south of Jupiter as we begin to head inland to land at PBI. If I am sitting on the correct side of the jet, I look for the lighthouse and know that I am almost home. 

Feeding Time at the Pier
Jupiter, FL
November 14, 2025

It had been years, dare I say decades, since Chris and I last climbed the 105 step circular stairway to the top of Jupiter Lighthouse. Yesterday, we decided to visit the Lighthouse Museum and climb the stairs.

We were successful. 

Along the way, we learned and relearned local history from prehistoric times to the present. The history was fascinating and provided an insight into how hard it was to actually survive in this area before modern conveniences. Fortunately, the Jupiter Inlet and Indian River provided a bounty of food. 

I was reminded that then Lt George G. Meade designed and began construction of the lighthouse. I spent many years working on a military installation that bears his name. 

Toward the Inlet and Out to the Atlantic Ocean
Jupiter, FL
November 14, 2025

The day's weather was perfect. Visibility was almost unlimited and the temperature was moderate. The scene from the top of the lighthouse was spectacular and I spent some time sightseeing the area. Looking down on the Loxahatchee River I could see where the fishing boats were cleaning their catch and many pelicans had gathered to feed on the discards.

I really didn't want to descend the 105 stairs to the base of the lighthouse because I was having such a great time looking out on the area in which we live, but of course we could not stay there forever. Note to self, going down is harder than going up!

But we made it. 

We were awarded our certificates for ascending the lighthouse and then we were off on the short drive home for a delayed lunch.

I highly recommend visiting the lighthouse and museum to not only enjoy the stunning view, but to learn about the history of the area and region. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#jupiterlighthouse #jupiterflorida 

Fantastic Weather and Wine

View of an Idyllic South Florida Day
Tequesta, FL
November 13, 2024

 We have been blessed with fantastic weather since the cold snap. Temperatures have ranged from the high 50s to 80 with clear skies. This is why people come to Florida.

Last evening we went to our favorite watering hole and were shocked! The place was packed. It has been a long while since there were no available tables at Tiki52. That was the situation when we departed after enjoying some adult beverages and a dinner. The Snow Birds have begun to return--right on schedule just like the Swallows of Capistrano. 

We also visited Cooper's Hawk during the day. They have introduced new "light" wines. Less alcohol (9%) and fewer calories per pour (90). They are showcasing a Malbec and a Sauvignon Blanc. I think the idea is definitely good but in my grading scale they get an "A" for effort but a "D-" for execution. The wines are definitely lacking. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tone Deaf

Shifting Sands
Jupiter Island, Tequesta, FL
November 11, 2025

 Although we are now 10 months into Trump's second term, I realized that one of his problems is that he is tone deaf. He routinely does things that make many people think, "Really?"

Take for instance that in the middle of the longest government shutdown in American history he went galavanting across the globe in search of personal fame which might lead to a Nobel Prize instead of staying home and negotiating an end. 

Consider also the Great Gatsby Party he hosted on Halloween while SNAP benefits for over 40 million Americans were expiring. What an optic!

And of course I cannot forget to mention the destruction of the East Wing of the White House, done without coordinating and in fact outright lying to the American people that the structure would not be touched. The White House is not his house, it is, or used to be, the People's House. He is a tenant.

Which brings me to the shutdown itself. His lack of leadership is deafening. As President, it became clear he actually enjoyed the shutdown as it increased his ability to inflict pain on working Americans and attempt to blame it on the Democrats. It is clear that the only reason the shutdown ended was because Democrats saw the pain being inflicted on Americans and determined that the point had been made and that the tone deaf Republicans were not going to get the message over health care. 

There are other examples: 

Failing to fulfill a campaign promise and release the Epstein files. 

Pardons for criminals and cronies. I know every president issues pardons, but then going on 60 Minutes and confessing that he didn't know the guy to whom he issued the pardon? Tone deaf.

Continuing to support the war against immigrants who have not committed any serious crimes. A campaign promise was to get rid of the worst of the worst, not moms and dads trying to make their way. He won the Southern Border but has continued to push beyond the pain point for most Americans. 

Deploying troops into American cities when he could do better by giving the dollars to the local governments for increased police support. 

Denying that affordability is a problem in America. 

Saying that prices are down, when they aren't. Coffee at Costco is still at $7/pound which is up from about $4/pound just a year ago. 

All of these are symptoms of being tone deaf, or just not caring.

Maybe with the Epstein Files release the sands are beginning to shift. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

It was a Gray, Raw Day

 

Sailboat on the ICW
Tequesta, FL
November 11, 2025

Veterans Day 2025 dawned as a gray and raw day. At least, here in South Florida, we did not get any snow, but it was still very unpleasant. OK, it was cold!

It was too cold and windy to attempt a bike ride, so Chris and I stayed around the house. Finn didn't even want to go out for a walk. It was just too cold with the temperatures in the 40s to begin the day. 

Yes, the falling iguana alerts were posted. Iguanas effectively stop moving at somewhere less that 50 degrees and fall from the trees. They can be a serious hazard. 

The wind was so strong and water so rough, even the ICW had whitecaps. I would not have wanted to be boating. It was too cold and rough, But there were intrepid dedicated boaters on the ICW. 

I made a video of the wild Atlantic crashing upon the beaches. Note how the sand has blown to fill the bottom of the stairway across the dunes. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Getting out before the cold

Pelican in the Sunlight
DuBoise Park, Jupiter, FL
November 10, 2025

Veterans Day 2025

 Bathed in bright sunshine, the cold, 43 degree, weather arrived this morning. I felt like I was back in Maryland. At least it will warm to 67 today and we will be enjoying 80s by the end of the week. The joys of South Florida. 

I managed a shortened 14-mile ride yesterday morning. The winds were getting strong and I just wasn't feeling the ride and so I lopped off some of my usual route. 

But for the afternoon, Chris and I decided to walk along the Jupiter Inlet in the sun. The breeze remained strong but the ocean was flat. We enjoyed the birds and the fishes as we strolled along. I was amazed at the speed of the current and we witnessed the Jupiter Marine Police rescuing two kayakers who got caught in the current and were about to be swept out of the inlet and into the ocean. 

It is Veterans Day. To all of my fellow veterans, I wish you all the best and send a thank-you for your service. I am constantly reminded of our oath to "support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic". 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - November 10, 2025

 

Beautiful Day for a Bike Ride
Jupiter, FL
November 9, 2025

1. Welcome to the second Monday of November. The month is effectively half complete and we are staring directly at Veterans Day tomorrow. There are just seven Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Family NFL Report. Only four of the six family teams were in action this week. By going 2-2 it was one of the best weeks yet for the group. Their collective record remains a bit dismal at 23-32-1, .420. 

Ravens (4-5) thumped Vikings (4-5), 27-19  

Dolphins (3-7) swam past Bills (6-3), 30-13

Cowboys (3-5-1) were idle

Steelers (5-4) were shocked by the Chargers (7-3), 25-10

Commanders (3-7) were swallowed by the Lions (6-3), 22-44

Chiefs (5-4) were idle

3. Woke up yesterday to a beautiful clear day. It was awesome. Temperatures were in the in the 70s and the sky was clear. I rode for over 20 miles to enjoy the day. I was a bit put-off because one of the trails through the woods that I enjoy riding was closed for construction. I only ride this trail occasionally and I really missed riding through the trees on a dirt path. It reminds me of riding the Great Allegheny Passage that Patrick, Jeremy, and I did during 2024. 

4. Wintery weather is coming! Tomorrow morning I am expecting to wake to 40 degree temperatures which will climb to a high of mid-60s. Ugh! It will remind me of my recent visit to Maryland. Too cold to ride my bike. 

5. Apparently the government shutdown is on the cusp of ending. The democrats have folded without gaining the health care coverage for 42 million Americans. I am sad, but hopefully getting the government back at work for Americans will work for more people, somehow. 

6. Today in History. On November 10, 1969, “Sesame Street,” a pioneering TV show that would teach generations of young children the alphabet and how to count, makes its broadcast debut. “Sesame Street,” with its memorable theme song (“Can you tell me how to get/How to get to Sesame Street”), went on to become the most widely viewed children’s program in the world. It has aired in more than 120 countries.

The show was the brainchild of Joan Ganz Cooney, a former documentary producer for public television. Cooney’s goal was to create programming for preschoolers that was both entertaining and educational. She also wanted to use TV as a way to help underprivileged 3- to 5- year-olds prepare for kindergarten. “Sesame Street” was set in a fictional New Yorkneighborhood and included ethnically diverse characters and positive social messages.

US Senate advances bill to end federal shutdown - Reuters

US flight delays, cancellations accelerate as air traffic controller shortages surge - Reuters

Trump administration cannot withhold full funding for food aid, US appeals court rules - Reuters

Enough Democrats caved, paving the way for shutdown to end - CNN

‘Did you vote for Trump?’ Americans traveling abroad are under new scrutiny - CNN

Why Trump is holding back on helping people who can't buy food - MSNBC

The obscure federal employees footing the bill during the shutdown - MSNBC

Football fans face backlash for booing Trump during military enlistment ceremony - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL