At the Marina

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
June 23, 2025

 It was a typical Tuesday in South Florida. It was hot, but not as hot as north of here where extreme heat warnings were issued for most of the East Coast. We had normal heat and humidity--which can be very enjoyable.

Pelican
Blowing Rocks Marina, Tequesta, FL
June 23, 2025

Chris and I made our usual Tuesday trek to the local watering hole. We enjoy the afternoon breezes coming off the ICW and watching the fishermen return from a day on the water. The sky was blue and punctuated with bright puffy clouds, but there was no rain.

A pelican arrived as we were enjoying the scene and provided some live entertainment before the band began cranking out noise. 

It was relaxing; sitting along the edge of the marina enjoying the scene and the breeze off the water.

I am beginning to really enjoy the idea of Tuesday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL  

Frost Science Museum, Aquarium & Planetarium

Fish in the Aquarium
Frost Science Museum, Miami, FL
June 23, 2025

 Chris and I agreed to take Jeremy and Julie to the Miami Cruise Port yesterday. We decided to make it a day trip and planned a stop at the Frost Science Museum after dropping them off at the port. The museum is located near the cruise port and it was fairly easy to get from the port to the museum. 

The museum has its own parking garage, which I found a bit expensive at a flat rate of $18. But, the museum is right in the downtown area of Miami and the prices are not that high when considering other cities like Baltimore or NYC. 

Moray Eel
Frost Science Museum, Miami, FL
June 23, 2025

While at the museum, I was able to get a nice image of Freedom of the Seas, Jeremy and Julie's home for the next four nights, from the fifth floor observation deck. But that was just the beginning. The museum if full of exciting things to do and the centerpiece is the three-story aquarium with associated exhibits about Florida environs. Fantastic!! I  one of the Florida specific exhibits, I saw a barracuda that would definitely make me leave the water. 

Three Wheel Enigma
Frost Science Museum, Miami, FL
June 23, 2025

But wait! There is more to the five-story museum. Currently, an AI exhibit is being hosted and the museum also has a planetarium and a dinosaur exhibit titled, "The Dig." We did not explore the entire museum, saving some for a return trip. 

I was very excited about the AI exhibit. Inside of it I found a a three-wheel Enigma machine from WW2. There were also 1951 letters to and from Alan Turing discussing the possibility of a chess playing machine. 

There is a lot to see and experience in the museum. And, there is a very nice cafe to obtain beverages and food. 

It was definitely a great way to make the most out of the two-hour each way trip from home to Miami! Maybe next time I will use the train. 

Recommendation. The Frost Science Museum, Aquarium & Planetarium is a must visit when in Miami. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - June 23, 2025

 

1. It is the 4th Monday of June. The Summer Solstice happened Friday. There are 27 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Jer, Chris and Julie on the Sandbar
Jupiter, FL
June 22, 2025

2. Boating day was a huge success. The weather was a bit touch and go, but I determined that the rain and thunderstorms were going to remain inland from us and so we risked the weather and were rewarded with a fantastic afternoon of boating. The highlight was enjoying time on a local sandbar after which we motored to a restaurant and tied up the boat for lunch. Following that we toured the area before returning the boat to the marina.

3. Is anyone else concerned? The president looks as if he is getting us involved in another Middle East War. The same man who promised to end Ukraine-Russia within 24-hour of being elected. His actions by failing to support Ukraine fully have likely extended the conflict and resulted in the deaths many more Russians and Ukrainians. And now, Iran?

Looking at the New US-1 Bridge
Loxahatchee River, FL
June 22, 2025

4. Chris and I watched the 50th Anniversary showing of Jaws the other evening. This movie was one that she started every summer with while watching the grandsons! We will need to keep the tradition going as Beck gets older.

5. How about the O's? They had crawled up to 10 games under .500, but lost 2 of 3 to the Yankees to fall to 11 games under. And now Adley Rutschman is on the DL. Well at least they are only 12 games out of first and 6.5 games out of the Wild Card. Ugh. There remains a lot of baseball to play. 

6. Today in History. Well, it happened. They changed the website format and I cannot find the stories that I used to be able to access for my weekly history. I will keep looking and maybe return this item for next week. 

Iran issues warning to 'gambler' Trump: We will end this war - Reuters

Hague NATO summit aims to focus on Trump's spending goal but Iran looms large - Reuters

Russian attacks on Kyiv kill seven and injure dozens, Ukraine says - Reuters

Senate Democrats now have regrets about Kristi Noem. If only someone warned them. - MSNBC

Analysis Sweeping GOP budget bill illuminates the central fault line in the modern Republican coalition - CNN

‘Jaws’ turns 50. It changed pop culture and our perception of sharks - CNN

Russia says countries may supply nuclear warheads to Iran after US strikes on key facilities - FoxNews

Texas governor signs MAHA bill to add warning labels to food products - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sunday Funday

Crepe Myrtle in Turtle Creek
Tequesta, FL
June 21. 2025

 Chris and I are expecting a very exciting day. Jeremy and Julie are scheduled to board an aircraft soon and fly-in for an overnight visit before heading off on a cruise out of Miami. We have a fun day planned on the water followed by a relaxing at the house for the evening.  

I have a boat reserved and we should have fun exploring the sandbars which appear at low tide with hundreds of our new best friends. 

Yesterday, I enjoyed a 17 mile ride through Tequesta. The crepe myrtle are in full bloom and I saw this one that made be take notice because of the deep color. 

Here's hoping you have a great Sunday!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Caught

Chris and Finn
Tequesta, FL
June 20, 2025

 Priceless. That is the expression on Chris's face as I caught her napping on the sofa with Finn. I wordlessly grabbed my phone to catch the scene as she was sleeping, but for some reason she woke up just as I took the image. 

What else is there to do on the longest daylight of the year? Nap, of course. 

We had had a busy morning and had just completed lunch. It was, after all, siesta time! Finn is a great bed buddy. 

We finished off the day entertaining friends and had an enjoyable Happy Hour  followed by a summertime dinner of hamburgers, potato salad, and cooked squash. Somewhere along the way we forgot to serve dessert!

Welcome weekend.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday Ride

Crossing A1A Bridge
Tequesta, FL
June 20, c2025

Happy Summer Solstice

It happened quite suddenly. I was reviewing email and the news from overnight when suddenly I was invited out on a Friday morning ride which ended up at over 20 miles.

We rode across a bridge over the Loxahatchee River that I had only ridden once before and then down through Jupiter before crossing back into Tequesta. I realized that I had not fully regained my biking stamina from the nearly two weeks I since I was riding regularly. Yea, I was sucking wind by the time I got home. It was a great training session however. I spent 48 minutes exercising in Zone 1!

For a mostly unplanned Friday morning ride, it was great and it felt good to get a some significant mileage accomplished. Yea, I had to drink two bottles of water when I got home because I didn't drink enough while riding. It was about 86 degrees when we finished the ride. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday-eve and Summer

Summer Begins Tomorrow

Remember Juneteenth

 Thursday has come rolling in announcing that tomorrow is Friday! What a calling, announcing that the weekend is near. 

Even though I am retired, I still like to think of Thursday as Friday-eve, especially on a morning like today when it is raining and I probably will not get my mood-altering bike ride accomplished. 

Today, however, Thursday is not just Friday-eve. No, it is also Summer-eve. Yes, for those who have lost track of the seasons, Summer begins tomorrow! Yay!

For the next three months we are set to enjoy long days, hot nights, and hopefully, sunshine. Maybe some boating, travel, and excitement. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Against the Storm Clouds

Palms against the Clouds
Tequesta, FL
June 17, 2025

 There is something about sunlit palms waving in the breeze against gray storm clouds that makes me want to take an image. And so I did, yesterday. 

The rising sun provided just the right illumination for the trees. And these trees are right outside of my front door. 

As the day was drawing to a close, Chris and I enjoyed  Happy Hour along side the ICW which cannot be beat. Even with the heat of the day lingering, we sat comfortably under the expansive thatched rook of Tiki52 and enjoyed the cooling breeze and adult beverages. 

Who knows what today will bring. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Clouds to Cloudless

Clouds in the Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
June 16, 2025

 During my ride yesterday, I crossed the Loxahatchee Bridge in Tequesta and I just had to stop. The scene was almost like a painting. The water was still and the reflection of the clouds; stunning! I stood, holding my bike, and enjoyed the moment for a bit longer than normal.

Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
June 16, 2025

Later, we descended on the beach to enjoy Happy Hour. The sky was cloudless and the beach almost deserted. I love an empty beach. There were a few people about, but we enjoyed Happy hour and watched the osprey's hunt. There were not the usual shore birds, but the scene was very satisfying.

A great Florida day from start to finish.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Monday Musings - June 16, 2025

 

1. It is the third Monday of June. It is later than you think! There are but 28 Mondays remaining in the year. Summer officially begins on Friday at 10:42 EDT! Are you ready?

2. Regarding the protests on Flag Day. I was appalled by the comments of some elected leaders who do not support Americans right to peaceful protests. These leaders are not supporting The Constitution which specifically protects the rights of the people to peaceably protest. Amendment 1:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. (US Constitution)

Birthday Celebration for Julie
Ellicott City, MD
June 12, 2025

3. Before departing Maryland we were honored to celebrate a big birthday. I won't say how many years, but the number did end with a zero. Happy Birthday Julie--and many more. The celebration occurred at a Japanese Steak House and we were treated to the usual excitement surrounding a hibachi meal. I missed my small piece of pork on all three occasions when the chef flipped it to me. 

4. An amazing thing is happening. Last week the inflation rate was reported at 2.4% over May 2024 and everyone was happy. The president promised that he would reduce prices, a 2.4% inflation rate is still an increase. It is counter-intuitive. BTW, the inflation rate for May 2024 over May 2023 was just 3.3% and it was an outrage. Weird. The inflation rate for September 2024 over 2023 was 2.4% and inflation became a huge issue in the campaign.

5. Today in History. On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in America opens at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. Known as a switchback railway, it was the brainchild of LaMarcus Thompson, traveled approximately six miles per hour and cost a nickel to ride. The new entertainment was an instant success and by the turn of the century there were hundreds of roller coasters around the country.

Coney Island, a name believed to have come from the Dutch Konijn Eilandt, or Rabbit Island, is a tract of land along the Atlantic Ocean discovered by explorer Henry Hudson in 1609. The first hotel opened at Coney Island in 1829 and by the post-Civil War years, the area was an established resort with theaters, restaurants and a race track. Between 1897 and 1904, three amusement parks sprang up at Coney Island–Dreamland, Luna Park and Steeplechase. By the 1920s, Coney Island was reachable by subway and summer crowds of a million people a day flocked there for rides, games, sideshows, the beach and the two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk, completed in 1923.

Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel warns of tough response - Reuters

Airbus bags Saudi order as Franco-Israeli dispute rocks air show - Reuters

Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter arrested - Reu tears

Trump rejected Israeli proposal to assassinate Iranian supreme leader: U.S. officials - MSNBC

I’m not just protesting kings — I’m protesting Christians idolizing Trump - MSNBC

Trump orders 'largest mass deportation operation' as unrest erupts in major cities - FoxNews

Congress is coming for your EV — and what’s left of conservatism - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#mondaymusings