Nighttime Reflection

 We enjoyed a great dinner last evening with friends. It was a festive holiday dinner complete with great conversation in advance of our upcoming travels. Their house was very festively decorated for the seasons. 

I spent time out on the lanai for a while after sunset taking in the scene across the lake. The dark lake was flat and reflected the lights of the houses on the far shore like an impressionist painting. The palms on the near shore provided some depth to the image. 

The South Florida evening was perfect. It was the kind of evening that I need to remember during the Dog Days when the temperatures do not fall below the mid-80s and sunset in after 8 PM. But, for now, I enjoy the evenings and look forward to them through at least February. Next week, we return to the Maryland winter. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Across the Bridge

Looking East from the New US-1 Bridge
Jupiter, FL
December 13, 2025

 Biking across bridges in South Florida often results in seeing some of the most stunning scenes. Of course, driving a car across the bridges provides a similar, only more brief view. And as the driver, I often cannot fully comprehend and enjoy the scene. 

Looking West to the New US-1 Bridge
Jupiter, FL
November 5, 2025

The first year anniversary of the new US-1 bridge across the ICW and Loxahatchee River is upon us. The bridge has returned to a normal part of life since the reopening, but I remember the traffic disaster in Tequesta during the construction.

A couple of days ago, I embarked on a 16-mile bike ride, crossing the newly constructed US-1 Bridge twice. I couldn’t help but marvel at the significant improvement in the bridge’s design compared to the previous span. Gone are the steel grates that posed a risk of losing balance; instead, there’s a dedicated bike lane. The breathtaking views from the bridge are simply stunning. On the day of my ride, the sky was a mesmerizing blend of blue and clouds, and the Intra Coastal Waterway (ICW) was relatively calm. Traffic was light, allowing me to effortlessly ascend to what may be the highest elevation in Jupiter, excluding the lighthouse.   

The view in each direction is stunning. I wanted to stop and linger, but there is a solid divider between the bike lane and the pedestrian walkway where the rest area is located. 

I checked my ride log for 2025, and I expect to complete over 1500 miles this year. That is lower than previous years as I have not to been riding as often lately due to travel. 

The ride across the bridge, however, was memorable and I am adding that circuit into my ride rotation. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Quiet Evening at Home

On the Veranda
Tequesta, FL
December 17, 2025

 With what promises to be a very busy final week before Christmas, Chris and I chose to relax at home last evening. We filled our tabletop fire pit with ethanol and enjoyed some wine and munchies while watching the news of the day on the veranda.

The temperature was perfect, low 70s, and we were out of the wind. Our fire pit was working perfectly and most importantly, Chris was relaxing. It is December evenings like that which remind us how enjoyable life can be in South Florida. While most of the rest of the country is freezing, literally, we are enjoying moderate temperatures. The temperature range yesterday was a low of 71 degrees to a high of 78 degrees. Very enjoyable. 

We completed our Christmas shopping during the day! Yay! Now we are entering the deployment phase. Monday we fly to Maryland for a holiday visit. Christmas is front loaded on the visit. 

By the time we return home, it will be time to celebrate the arrival of 2026. Wow, 2025 is disappearing! I guess I am happy to see it go.

I was given an interesting statement to consider yesterday: 

90 percent of the things I worry about never happen. Worrying Works! (The Big Apple)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

It was COLD

Under the Tiki Hut at Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
December 16, 2025

 I know that it is hard to believe, but it gets cold here in South Florida. Last evening, Chris and I headed off to what was billed as a Country Style Christmas celebration complete with Line Dancing. It was being held at our favorite restaurant, Tiki52. 

The restaurant was festively decorated and a dance area had been raked in the sand to support the line dancing. We were able to get a front row table because we arrived early, which was really at our normal time. 

The wind coming off the ICW made it seem colder than the actual temperature. The temperature started at 71 degrees, by the time we departed it was only 69 and we were cold. I had dressed appropriately in jeans and a sweater, but still, I got cold. It was weird!

We had fun, but although the festivities were supposed to begin at 5:30 PM, there were problems with the sound system and the music was delayed. We waited about an hour before deciding that we were done eating, drinking, and we were cold. So despite that we were having an enjoyable time, we departed. It just got to be too cold. 

So yes, it gets cold here in South Florida, even at 69 degrees!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

I Can't Believe He Said That

"It's all about him," I cannot believe what our president wrote about the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife. 

The comments are criminally insensitive and I wonder how any rational thinking person in America would continue to want to be led such a pompous wannabe. 

Two people were brutally murdered and he wrote the following: 

A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS. He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace! (Truth Social)

This diatribe is from the same person who called a woman, "piggy" just for asking him a question.

Apparently, there is now a disorder called Trump Derangement Syndrome, which shows just how self-centered the president has become.

These, in my opinion, are the statements of a small-minded, bigoted person who has no respect for anyone. 

Civility and respect need to return to the White House. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - December 15, 2025

 

1. And here we are, mired in the middle of the last month of 2025. There are 10 days to go until Christmas and it is the third Monday of the month. There remain only two Mondays of 2025!

2. NFL Family Football Report. Given what happened with the Ravens last Sunday, I boycotted watching the NFL this week. Between both dismal play execution by the team and criminal refereeing, I just couldn't take watching the games yesterday. Three family teams have been eliminated from the playoffs, I put the Cowboys in that category because they must win their three remaining games and the Eagles must lose all of their three remaining games. The teams are 36-45-1, .445. 

Ravens (7-7) exacted revenge on the Bengals (5-9), 28-0 

Dolphins (6-7) play Steelers (7-6), tonight

Commanders (4-10) dispatched Giants (2-12), 29-21

Cowboys (6-7-1) were effectively eliminated from playoffs by Vikings (6-8), 26-34 

Chiefs (6-8) were eliminated from playoffs by Chargers (10-4) 13-16

Christmas Poinsettia
Tequesta, FL
December 14, 2025

3. Chris placed our poinsettia in the garden to add some much needed color. It does. It was especially radiant yesterday still carrying the raindrops from the overnight rainstorm.

Christmas at the Mall
Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
December 14, 2025

4. We ventured to the local mall, the Gardens Mall, yesterday to do some Christmas shopping. We have been going to the mall fairly regularly during the year and it is usually a ghost town. Not so yesterday. The parking lots were full and the mall was bustling with Christmas shoppers. It was fun to be out and enjoying so many other shoppers. And we were successful in our efforts to find some actual physical Christmas gifts in a brick and mortar mall setting. The Christmas Spirit was definitely evident. 

5. The attacks at Brown University in Rhode Island and on Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia, that killed so many people and injured so many others sadly highlight the continuing hostility and lack of civility in the world. I thought Australia had tough gun laws and we know how liberal they are here in the US. I cannot fathom why people believe they need to get weapons and go shoot strangers. 

6. Today in History. In a ceremony held in Baghdad on December 15, 2011, the war that began in 2003 with the American-led invasion of Iraqofficially comes to an end. But violence continued and in fact worsened over the subsequent years. The withdrawal of American troops had been a priority of President Barack Obama, but by the time he left office the United States would again be conducting military operations in Iraq.

Five days after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush announced the “War on Terror,” an umbrella term for a series of preemptive military strikes meant to reduce the threat terrorism posed to the American homeland. The first such strike was the invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, which began a war that continued for two decades.

Australia plans tougher gun laws after police say father and son killed 15 at Bondi Beach - Reuters

Meta tolerates rampant ad fraud from China to safeguard billions in revenue - Reuters

 Canada's farmers are producing record crops despite droughts and floods - Reuters

Morning Bid: Stocks catch a break after bruising AI selloff - Reuters

Authorities seek Brown University gunman after releasing person of interest - The Washington Post

Why Trump won’t stop trying to free Tina Peters — and why Colorado refuses to back down - MS Now

 Last-ditch and likely to fail: The House GOP is finally ready to act on health care - MS Now

NFL officials under fire after Rams edge Lions 41-34 to secure postseason berth - FoxNews

Congress races against the clock to avert skyrocketing health care costs for millions - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Christmas Movies: The Next 9

 Tis the season for Christmas Movies. 

Image from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

There are so many movies out there that Chris and I began watching the movies before Thanksgiving this year so that we would not go into complete Christmas overload. 

I ranked my top 10 all time Christmas movies last year. I reviewed the what I wrote and stand by it. I expect to complete viewing each of the movies in my Top 10 today or tomorrow by watching The Holiday (2006) and then It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

I realized that in reviewing the list that I had forgotten to consider one of my true favorites, a made for TV movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964). No, it doesn't crack my top 10, but I realized that I may need to continue into my next ranked favorite Christmas movies. 

And so, here are my next 9 favorite Christmas movies. Since I had a tie at 10 last year, I'm beginning at 12.

12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

13. Red One (2024)

14. A Christmas Story (1983), Yes I enjoy the movie

15. The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)

16. The Claus Family (2020)

17. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

18. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

19. The Knight Before Christmas (2019)

20. White Christmas (1954)

And there it is. My top twenty Christmas movie list is complete. Obvious absences are Elf and any of the Grinch movies, although I do enjoy the Boris Karloff version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but it was a short TV show and not a full movie. 

Happy Watching!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Decorating the Season

 

Christmas Flamingos
Tequesta, FL
December 12, 2025

Out on my bike, yesterday, I was impressed with the explosion of Christmas decorations since my last trip around the village before Thanksgiving. The day was cool, almost too cool, when I started out, but I soon warmed and began to enjoy the ride. I was happy that I did not feel the effects of two weeks of not riding. 

Repurposed Halloween Decoration
Tequesta, FL
December 12, 2025

Of course, one of my favorite yard decorations was of two flamingos with Santa hats. I have a fondness for flamingo yard decorations.

And then there is the repurposed Halloween decoration that was modified for Thanksgiving and now sports a Christmas decor. They definitely get their use out of it as it has been in the yard since September. 

I think I prefer the less is best policy for Christmas decorations. I don't like the yards where it appears that Christmas puked. There are too many decorations to enjoy and they are placed without a theme in mind. One other observation, I am seeing fewer inflatable decorations here in South Florida than I did in Maryland. I'm not sure why.

The march towards Christmas continues unabated. 12 Days until the Big Day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

All I want for Christmas . . .

Christmas Light Adorned Yacht
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

 Christmas music is everywhere. Chris and I listened to a few hours of Christmas music during our drive south earlier this week. It provided something different than the usual assortment of songs and artists to whom we listen.

We tend to listen to two genres of Christmas music: Country and Christian. The pop Christmas songs and the updated renditions are not that interesting for us. 

My least favorite Christmas song continues to be "I'll be Home for Christmas," which elicits an almost immediate channel change. What a depressing song for such a joyous time of year. 

One song that I very much enjoy, because it is only two years old and not played constantly, is "All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan," by Kenny Chesney. I like the sentiment and it makes me smile. 

One verse expresses my white Christmas sentiment:

Well everybody's praying for a Christmas so white,

come to think about it, that'd be alright,

as long as it's sand and not snow on the ground,

and everyday our skin gets a little more brown,

We'll string some lights in a coconut tree,

I'll rub some oil on you, and you can rub some on me..

Pelican on the Piling
Tiki52, Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

While we were enjoying dinner at Tiki52 the other evening, I saw Christmas lights adorning a yacht. I had to think, that would be a great Christmas gift, a Christmas light adorned yacht! It was good to be dining outside in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. Back in the land of warm!

What I want for Christmas is one of the toughest questions I am forced to answer. Unlike a good politician, I cannot come up with a redirect or a long-winded way of saying nothing and making the questioner feel like they received a response with which they can work. I am happy and content with few needs or wants. 

I have, however, a very specific answer for the question this year, but I am not going to share it. Those who know me probably understand what that might be and it is not something that can be purchased, wrapped and delivered. But that, really, is my only want for Christmas 2025. 

“The Joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing each other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” –W. C. Jones

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Affordability is not a Hoax

Ribeye Steak @ Publix
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

 Affordability is not a hoax! 

Those of us who actually got to stores or online to shop know that prices have climbed and continue climbing. 

I was shocked yesterday when I went to buy some beef at Publix. I was looking at a Ribeye steak. I remember getting those last year for about $8.99/pound. Not today, it was $38.99/pound. Ugh! Did I move to Japan? I hope the meat rots in the case.

And then there is coffee! I used to get a 3 lb can at Costco for $13.00. Last time I bought one there it was $21.00. 

Even wine is bloating in price. I used to buy a Lohr Cab Sav for $11.99/750 ml bottle. Now I am seeing it for $18.99. And Whispering Angel has soared from $18.99/750 ml bottle to over $25/btl the last time I was in the store. 

And that is just food. I'm reading about higher energy costs, except for gas which I got at $2.39/gallon on Monday morning in Brunswick, Georgia. On the health front, Medicare rates for next year will increase more than inflation. 

The problem affordability problem goes right back to energy costs and tariffs. That applies for products grown or made in the US as well as imports. Consider, very little is grown or made in the US without some foreign influence on the raw materials, the machinery, or the technology.

Wait, and then I read about a $12 bn bailout for the farmers. Then, there is talk about a $2,000 payout to consumers to offset the tariff pain. That is way more than the tariffs will collect. Who is doing the math in the White House? Just drop the tariffs and prices will go down, it is fairly simple solution, but apparently someone wants to add even more to the national debt which has already grown by more than $2 trillion since December last year. (Joint Economic Committee)

Forbes in an article titled 20 SIGNS THERE'S AN AFFORDABILITY CRISIS IN AMERICA, listed areas where affordability is indeed the problem. I highly recommend clicking the link and reading their analysis.

In addition to tariffs and energy, the affordability problem is exacerbated by the oligarchs who are out of touch with prices and haven't shopped for their necessities in decades. We have too many uber-rich people running the country and thinking things are great because the stock market is climbing.

And don't forget the President who has made billions since starting his second term. There used to be laws to prevent conflicts of interest. Of course he is a happy camper--he is sucking the U.S. dry and completely oblivious to how his policies are affecting the electorate.

Affordability is not a hoax, it is not fake-news, and it cannot be wished away. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL