Being Watched

 

Happy Thanksgiving Eve

Thanksgiving is primarily recognized as a uniquely American holiday, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This holiday has its roots in early 17th-century harvest festivals, particularly the 1621 feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in Plymouth, Massachusetts. (Chat GPT)

From Atop the Fridge
Odenton, MD
November 26, 2025

Animals can become the spotlight during holidays as they make themselves either scarce or become a nuisance during the holidays. We are presently dealing with three dogs and two tuxedo cats. And I have to say, the cats have become the stars of the season for their antics. 

The cats like high places. I caught this one, named Merlin, observing the activity in the kitchen from atop the refrigerator. Merlin had staked out the vantage point to keep track of the people and the dogs that were active. 

For tomorrow the cats and dogs will be confined to rooms so as not to interfere with the holiday activities. I will miss being watched from above. 

Tomorrow also signifies the end of the season of the turkey and I’ll have to store away my sole remaining reminder of the season when we return home to Florida. Chris allowed one turkey to remain as a reminder that Christmas can only officially begin when Santa arrives during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. That’s when the real Christmas rush begins, as we indulge in a festive feast and become utterly engrossed in the football games. 

My wish is that we can remind ourselves of our blessings and give thanks for them and to also give thanks for the friends, family, and acquaintances that make our lives meaningful. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Colder and Colder

 

Apparently there is a cold Polar Vortex preparing to visit the United States compliments of our northern neighbors. 

I found a forecast map for the next 8-14 Days and it looks cold, well except for South Florida. But I am not going to be in South Florida. Maryland does not seem to be too much below normal, but it will still be cold. 

Out the Windshield--Perfect Driving Day
Somewhere in Virginia
November 24, 2025

I reflected upon the drive north that concluded yesterday. Chris and I were blessed with perfect weather. Mostly blue skies with the exception of some light fog in northern Florida as dawn was breaking.

We passed a few accidents during the two-day drive. Two of them, however, we found very disturbing. Both involved  trucks that had managed to overturn and end up pointing opposite of the direction of travel. One was a box truck that was in the median and had spilled its fully loaded contents all over the highway as it overturned and skidded to a stop. The more disturbing one was a cement mixer that had, for an unknown reason, apparently dropped a tire off the road surface, I saw the town up grass and mud, and the driver overcorrected causing the front to slow quickly while the back continued around and spilled wet concrete onto the highway. That was going to be a difficult clean-up.

Well, we are here for Thanksgiving! Yay. And to visit with family and friends. Despite the weather, it will be warm in our houses and hearts. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - November 24, 2025

 

1. It is the final Monday of November. Time grows short for the year 2025 as there are but 5 Mondays remaining. Next Monday marks the beginning of December and the short sprint to Christmas and then the New Year!

2. Family NFL Report. Four of the family teams were in action as the Dolphins and Commanders had the week off. It was a winning week, for a change, for the family teams as they went 3-1. The teams are now collectively 30-35-1, .462 for the year. Still overall losers. 

Ravens (6-5) stumbled past Jets (2-9), 23-10 

Dolphins (4-7) and Commanders (3-8), had the week off

Cowboys (5-5-1) stunned Eagles (8-3), 24-21

Steelers (6-5) were gored by Bears (8-3), 28-31

Chiefs (6-5) overcame Colts (8-3), 23-20 

The View from our Window
Dunn, NC
November, 23, 2025

3. Out the Hotel Window is not much of a scene. We have been here before and the view is not that exciting, but we are a short hop off the interstate. The big news here is that they have finally repaired the Burger King sign! Yay. Based upon some housekeeping issues at this hotel, we have decided not to stay here during future trips and so this is likely our last visit to Dunn. The housekeeping issues have been recurring and different each time, but the most recent one was significant enough to cause us to make the decision. Worse, there was no maintenance available and I had to remedy the situation. They offered us a different room, but we had already fully unpacked.

4. In other sports news, Arsenal defeated the Tottenham Spurs 4-1,  to remain atop the Premier League.

5. Today is another travel day. We are up early and preparing to head out onto the ever congested I-95.

6. Today in History. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, a groundbreaking scientific work by British naturalist Charles Darwin, is published in England on November 24, 1859. Darwin’s theory argued that organisms gradually evolve through a process he called “natural selection.” In natural selection, organisms with genetic variations that suit their environment tend to propagate more descendants than organisms of the same species that lack the variation, thus influencing the overall genetic makeup of the species.

Darwin, who was influenced by the work of French naturalist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck and the English economist Thomas Malthus, acquired most of the evidence for his theory during a five-year surveying expedition aboard the HMS Beagle in the 1830s. Visiting such diverse places as the Galapagos Islands and New Zealand, Darwin acquired an intimate knowledge of the flora, fauna, and geology of many lands. This information, along with his studies in variation and interbreeding after returning to England, proved invaluable in the development of his theory of organic evolution.

US, Ukraine work on 'refined' peace plan to end war with Russia - Reuters

Exclusive: DOGE 'doesn't exist' with eight months left on its charter - Reuters

Trump faces same reality as Biden: Americans despise higher prices - Reuters

Record US Black Friday crowds to find fewer bargains amid high prices - Reuters

Trump expected to unveil new health care cost proposal - CNN

G20 summit in South Africa ends with US’ glaring absence after Trump’s boycott - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Dunn, NC

Travel Day - Dunn, NC

Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?
St Johns, FL
November 23, 2025

 Chris, Finn, and I headed out this morning under the cover of darkness to begin our journey to Maryland for Thanksgiving with an overnight in Dunn, NC, where we have been stopping for the past almost two years. It is a long day, but it sets up a much shorter second day to reach our destination. 

Along the way we have to make stops to get out of the truck and move around and handle bio issues, both human and canine. 

At one of the rest stops Finn and I were confronted with the sign in the image. I have never been confronted with a venomous snake sign! It was a bit creepy and I began scanning the grass looking for, of course, the most venomous snake I could think of--the coral snake. Suffice it that Finn and I did not remain in the vicinity very long. 

I would write of that being the highlight of the day, but no. 

The highlight of the day was the traffic, or rather the lack of significant delays--even in South Carolina. I did enjoy the sunrise in Florida over the low lying mist in the fields. I wish I could have taken an image, but I was driving. The red sky silhouetting the low lying trees clothed in the mist was inspiring.

But, we arrived in Dunn, NC, without incident setting up our short second day five-hour drive. 

More road tomorrow and a return to the cold weather. 

-- Bob Doan, Dunn, NC

Flock of Flamingos

Pink Yard Flamingos
Tequesta, FL
November 21. 2025

 I was shocked yesterday, as I rode my usual route around Tequesta. I came across a flock of pink flamingos. No, they were not the living kind, but they were the classic Florida pink yard flamingos. 

I have never seen so many pink flamingos in one yard. They definitely made me smile. Are they Christmas decorations? I am not sure. But it was surely a yard full of pink Florida yard flamingos. A flamboyance, for sure. 

OK, so I had the idea to ask Chat GPT to write a short whimsical five paragraph story about the pink yard flamingos. It turned out better than I thought it might. 

On the seventeenth mile of your bike ride through sunny Tequesta, where the palms swayed like lazy metronomes, you stumbled upon a most peculiar sight: a full-blown flamboyance of pink yard flamingos staging what could only be described as a neighborhood takeover. The house stood still and dignified, but its lawn—oh, its lawn—was alive with a plastic commotion that felt halfway between a parade and a picnic. Their pink bodies gleamed boldly in the morning light, as if they’d been waiting just for you to roll by and witness their moment.

At the head of the flock stood the tallest flamingo, Sir Beaksalot III, renowned leader of the Great Tequesta Migration (or so he believed). He had spent nearly two hours orchestrating the arrangement of his flock into what he claimed would be “a flamingo formation so beautiful the humans shall weep.” Unfortunately, the rest of the flamingos were more interested in arguing about whose turn it was to stand in the shadiest patch of lawn. You could almost hear the tiny bickering in the breeze as they tilted this way and that.

To the left, near the hedges, Lady Featherworth presided over her own project: a plastic-pink ballet recital. Each flamingo was instructed to bend slightly forward—gracefully, theatrically, dramatically. Some pulled it off with flair. Others simply looked like they’d dozed off mid-pose. Still, she was determined to prepare them for the annual Palm Frond Pirouette, a prestigious event in the lawn-ornament arts. If her dancers performed well, she hoped to win back the coveted Sprinkler Trophy.

Meanwhile, two troublemakers—Twirl and Squeak—plotted a grand escape toward the driveway. They had long dreamed of reaching the open road and seeing the world beyond this carefully trimmed yard. As you pedaled by, they seemed to be inching forward, willing you to take them along on your adventure. Alas, their metal legs got stuck in the grass again, ending yet another attempted breakout.

And as you coasted past the scene, wind in your face, the flamingos seemed to freeze proudly in their quirky tableau. Perhaps they knew they’d made your seventeenth mile just a bit more magical. Perhaps they simply enjoyed the applause of a passing cyclist. Either way, the flamingos of Tequesta—plastic though they may be—had succeeded in adding a delightful dash of whimsy to your ride.  (Chat GPT)

The story made me smile!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Dog Tired Dog

Fin Napping on the Veranda
Tequesta, FL
November 20, 2025

 Finnegan had a rough day. It was time for his every six-week grooming and he had to be up and out by 8:45 AM to be at the groomer by 9 AM. 

That is relatively early for Finn. He usually gets up, does his morning business and then sacks-out until at least 9:30 AM. 

He was at the groomer for about 4 hours and when we retrieved him after 1 PM, he was one tired dog. I am sure he didn't nap the entire time he was away from Chris. He rarely does, unless it is at home while she is out shopping. but he looked great and smelled really good. 

Yesterday afternoon, he was especially cute sleeping on the sofa out on the veranda. Although, he was keeping a watchful eye on me. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Perfect November Boat Day

Chris at the Helm
ICW off Jupiter island
November 19, 2025

 Yes, it is November, but here in South Florida it was a fantastic boating day. I had reserved my favorite boat from the Freedom Boat Club at Pirates Cove Marina allowing Chris and I, along with Finn, to head out for a day of fun on land and sea. 

The water was calm, the winds light, and the temperatures were almost hot! Yup, it was a great day to be on the water. It felt as if we were alone as there were few other boats on the water. 

Jupiter Island Beach
Hobe Sound, FL
November 19, 2025

Given the low traffic on the ICW, Chris had the opportunity to pilot our vessel, which allowed her to hone her skills. I believe it’s crucial for her to be able to pilot the boat in case of an emergency. She thoroughly enjoyed the chance to be at the helm, and it gave me the chance to prepare the boat for our planned beach landing. She did an excellent job keeping the boat in the middle of the channel! Her loyal first mate, Finnegan, was always by her side.

Finn Trying on a Shirt
Stuart, FL
November 19, 2025

We beached the boat on the east shore of Peck Lake.  I was able to get the bow and stern anchors readied while Chris was piloting the boat in a wake restricted portion of the ICW. After disembarking, we walked our supplies about 100 yards across Jupiter Island to the Atlantic Ocean beach. 

We spent a delightful and serene morning on the beach. The waves gently crashed in a rhythmic pattern and the sun, while bright, was not too hot to be uncomfortable. As we were the only boat on the beach we relished the solitude. It was a stark contrast to other beach visits where we’ve encountered upwards of 12 boats vying for space to land. The boat I chose for the day had a bow ladder, which was a convenient feature. 

Dolphins in the St Lucie River
Stuart, FL
Novermber 19, 2025

After enjoying the beach, we packed up our supplies and re-boarded our trusty craft for the trip to Stuart. We love docking at the Stuart City Docks and walking into town for shopping and lunch. Arriving in Stuart about 12:20 PM, we were ready for lunch and, after securing the boat, walked to the Osceola Cafe. The cafe has become our favorite lunch stop in Stuart and they provide watering bowls for dogs when seated outdoors. Finn was very happy for the water and enjoyed meeting the other dogs who were also enjoying lunch with their masters.

We did some shopping after lunch and Finn had to suffer trying on both a collar and a plaid shirt. He looked so very cute, but Chris decided the price point of the shirt was too high and even though he was the cutest dog on the planet, we did not come home with either the collar or the shirt. But she had fun at Finn's expense. 

Once we were tired of shopping, we returned to the boat and began the trip back to the Manatee Pocket and Pirates Cove Marina. Along the way, in the St Lucie River, we came upon two pods of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. We slowed to watch them for a while. We were advised, by another boat, that the dolphins calf in this area. It was enjoyable to see the dolphins and I was able to get some usable images while we monitored the them from a safe distance. 

Wow! What a great day on land and sea! And people wonder why I love living in south Florida! Our temperature today was 82 degrees. I checked the Elkridge, MD, weather and the high there was 46 degrees. I'm not boating when it is that cold!!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

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