Escape from Grill Hell

My New Weber Lumin Grill
Tequesta, FL
July 27, 2025

 My time in griller hell has ended. My new electric grill arrived yesterday. 

Since the Condo Association requires me to use an electric grill, I decided to get a very nice and versatile unit and chose the Weber Lumin, in yellow. Since I can't have a full size grill, I decided to go for versatility and add some color to the situation. In addition to the standard red and black, the Lumin comes in four additional colors. I chose the yellow! Orange was not one of the additional colors or I would have chosen that one. 

The Lumin comes with the usual grates, but also a pan for either water for steaming or for wood chips for warming. The instructions provide methods for High-Heat Searing, Steaming, Smoke Infusion, Food Warming, and Grill from Frozen. The size of the inserts and grates appears to facilitate easy clean-up, but I'm not sure as I haven't cooked anything yet. 

So, I have been redeemed from griller hell and am now in a sort of purgatory awaiting today's arrival of a heat insulating pad to arrive to protect the wooden table I have it sitting on. The Lumen's matching stand is not currently available and I will acquire that as soon as I can so that I can return the wooden table to its previous location in the house. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Worse than Animals

Trump at Alligator Alcatraz
Somewhere in Florida
July 1, 2025

 It seems that we have becoming desensitized to the inhumane treatment that undocumented immigrants and citizens are receiving at the hands of law enforcement and ICE. 

I read an article in The Guardian this morning which is more than concerning. In addition to the obvious inhumane treatment by law enforcement, I was concerned about the mention of a bounty and the cavalier suggestion that some of them may be killed in the process of arrest. 

Video footage of the incident captured by Laynez-Ambrosio, an 18-year-old US citizen, appears to show a group of officers in tactical gear working together to violently detain the three men*, two of whom are undocumented. They appear to use a stun gun on one man, put another in a chokehold and can be heard telling Laynez-Ambrosio: “You’ve got no rights here. You’re a migo, brother.” Afterward, agents can be heard bragging and making light of the arrests, calling the stun gun use “funny” and quipping: “You can smell that … $30,000 bonus.”

In the video, Laynez-Ambrosio can be heard repeatedly telling his friend, in Spanish, to not resist. “I wasn’t really worried about myself because I knew I was going to get out of the situation,” he said. “But I was worried about him. I could speak up for him but not fight back, because I would’ve made the situation worse.”

Laynez-Ambrosio can also be heard telling officers: “I was born and raised right here.” Still, he was pushed to the ground and says that an officer aimed a stun gun at him. He was subsequently arrested and held in a cell at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) station for six hours.

Audio in the video catches the unidentified officers debriefing and appearing to make light of the stun gun use. “You’re funny, bro,” one officer can be overheard saying to another, followed by laughter.

Another officer says, “They’re starting to resist more now,” to which an officer replies: “We’re going to end up shooting some of them.”

Later in the footage, the officers move on to general celebration – “Goddamn! Woo! Nice!” – and talk of the potential bonus they’ll be getting: “Just remember, you can smell that [inaudible] $30,000 bonus.”  (The Guardian)

Furthermore, the conditions where people are being detained are abhorrent. The administration has quickly moved to make the U.S. worse than authoritarian regimes. Responsible reporting on the conditions at Alligator Alcatraz continue to mention lack of water, food, protection from mosquitoes, and insufficient access to showers and sanitation facilities.

I believe the Humane Society would file charges against pet owners who did these things to their pets. Yet, we have become complicit with the inhumane treatment of those being prepared for deportation. I hate to remind us all, but everyone on U.S. soil has the rights granted in The Constitution, specifically, their 4th Amendment rights. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Finding Friday

Sidewalk Home
Tequesta, Fl
July 25, 2025

 Being on the cusp of the weekend again is amazing. It has been a busy week, even though I have not ridden since Tuesday. I'm not sure that I needed two days off. 

Watching the Republican Party implode over the Epstein files has been refreshing. It is weird that some try to blame the Democrats for the problem, but it is a self-inflected wound where many of the Cabinet-level leaders made promises to release the files before they wound up in their positions. It is almost funny if it weren't so tragic. 

I enjoyed a just short of 18-mile ride this morning. The wind from the East was tough, but I had a good time and crossed over 200 miles for the month. That is the most miles ridden in a month since I rode over 300 miles for the Cancer Society during October last year. 

And so, since it is Friday, Chris and I will be heading out to get some supplies for the weekend. That will be the big trip of the day, although we are looking forward to dinner tonight. We hope to try a new, as yet undecided, restaurant.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Whispering Angel - Wine Tasting

 Chris and I attended a wine tasting recently of Whispering Angel, a rosé from France. It was held at the Jupiter Grill and we went with friends. 

Whispering Angel is a rosé wine from the Côtes de Provence AOC in Provence, France. It is produced by Chateau d'Esclans, which is majority owned by LVMH. It is credited with reviving interest in rosé wine. It is priced expensively for a rosé to create the perception of a premium product. (Wikipedia)

Dishwasher After and Before
Whispering Angel Plastic Glasses

The venue was nicely prepared, but I believe they underestimated the crowd even though tickets were purchased in advance. Our tasting included two glasses (yes, 5 oz pours) of Whispering Angel and a discussion of the history of the wine and winemaker.

There were a few nice gifts including some plastic wine glasses with the name Whispering Angel on them. Fortunately, we tasted from very nice glasses and not the plastic beach/pool give aways. As it turned out, the plastic glasses were not dishwasher safe. They are for show and not use.

The wine was tasting very nicely and it was paired with a couple of enjoyable munchies. Whispering Angel used to be Chris' favorite rosé, but due to its popularity the price has risen to a premium price point. Despite the price, it remains a very enjoyable wine and is suitable for many meals. It is especially nice here in Florida as it  helps to beat the oppressive heat.

I recommend trying Whispering Angel if you haven to done so. Be careful of the price. I have seen it in stores recently ranging from $18 (Costco) to $25 (Publix). 

I applaud the Jupiter Grill for this inaugural tasting event and am looking forward to future offerings.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Griller Hell!

Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
July 22, 2025

 Tuesday is, of course, Tiki Tuesday and last evening was no exception. We sojourned to Tiki52 for Happy Hour and were greeted by bright sunny skies as Chris and I arrived. What is not evident in the image are the gray skies behind us which cut short our evening as a rainstorm moved in about an hour after we arrived. But, we had a great time until the rain began. We were actually very lucky because we arrived at our car just as the first raindrops started falling. We brought our Happy Hour wings home to enjoy--which we did sitting on our veranda watching the rain.

In disturbing news, I am in griller hell! Yup. My electric grill died. I have owned it for one-year and just over one month. The warranty expired at one year. I will not be purchasing another Char Broil grill. This is the second one that died prematurely. We went to Home Depot to look for a new grill, but they did not have any electric grills on the floor. I found that incredible. 

Always something it seems. Why, you might inquire, do I use an electric grill? Simple--gas or wood grills are not allowed in our Condo community. I have learned how to grill effectively on an electric grill. And we grill three to four times per week!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Crashing into another Week

View on the Ride
Turtle Creek, Tequesta, FL
July 21, 2025

 My trusty and somewhat faithful dog, Finn, is relaxing in his bed near me this morning as I begin to think about the day. 

We had quite an ending to yesterday as we had the vents, all 17 of them, in the house cleaned. That process did not start until almost 6 PM and lasted until just after 8 PM. Coupled with my HOA Board Meeting, we did not have dinner until late--too late! 

The highlight of my morning was a 17-mile plus ride through Tequesta. It was my usual route, but I enjoy heading down the streets and seeing the changes. 

It was a beautiful day for biking and I am headed out early this morning to beat the heat. Yes, we have been having heat stress temperatures in the 105-110 degree range by midday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - July 21, 2025

 

1. It is Monday again! Yup. It is the 3rd Monday of July with only one Monday remaining in the month and 23 remaining in the year. 

2. Where do you stand on the President? Here is a summary of Trump's approval ratings:

Those numbers break down by policy like this: Gallup polls show that only 35% of Americans approve of Trump’s immigration policy with 62% opposed. A new poll out from CBS News/ YouGov today shows that support for Trump’s deportations has dropped ten points from the start of his term, from 59% to 49%. Fifty-eight percent of Americans oppose the administration’s use of detention facilities. The numbers in a CNN/SSRS poll released today are even more negative for the administration: 59% of Americans oppose deporting undocumented immigrants without a criminal record while only 23% support such deportations, and 57% are opposed to building new detention facilities while only 26% support such a plan. (Letters from an American)

Skink
West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2025

3. I have one more image from the Reptile Supershow that I could not publish yesterday. I did consider, briefly, this skink! But only briefly. He almost fits into his allotted space. 

4. According to recent draft budget documents, President Trump appears set to freeze the pay of civilian federal workers in 2026. The news came from a passback, essentially the Office of Management and Budget’s response to individual budget submissions from agencies. A copy of one agency’s passback says the document’s funding levels “reflect a pay freeze for civilian employees in calendar year 2026.” (Trumpfile)

5. Apparently the Orioles have decided to pack in the rest of the season. They opened the post-All Star Game portion of the season by losing 2 of 3 games. They are 5-5 for their last 10 games and that is not good enough to make the post season. The Orioles have returned to 10 games under .500. It is estimated that to have a reasonable chance at a Wild Card Playoff spot requires 84 wins. That means the Orioles must to win 40 of their remaining 64 games (.625).

6. This Day in History. The First Battle of Bull Run (a/k/a Manassas). On July 21, 1861, in the first major land battle of the Civil War, a large Union force under General Irvin McDowell is routed at the First Battle of Bull Run by a Confederate army under General Pierre G.T. Beauregard.

Three months after the Civil War erupted at Fort Sumter, Union military command still believed that the Confederacy could be crushed quickly and with little loss of life. In July, this overconfidence led to a premature offensive into northern Virginia by General McDowell. Searching out the Confederate forces, McDowell led 34,000 troops—mostly inexperienced and poorly trained militiamen—toward the railroad junction of Manassas, located just 30 miles from Washington, D.C. Alerted to the Union advance, General Beauregard massed some 20,000 troops there and was soon joined by General Joseph Johnston, who brought some 9,000 more troops by railroad.

On the trade war frontlines, a US guitar string maker refines its strategy - Reuters

Israel sends tanks into Gaza's Deir Al-Balah, raising concerns among hostages' families - Reuters

At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus - Reuters

Major Ukrainian drone attacks sow chaos at Moscow's airports - Reuters

Trump threatens Washington stadium deal unless NFL team readopts Redskins name - Reuters

Hegseth ousts Naval Academy’s first female superintendent, adding to pattern - MSNBC

Tulsi Gabbard reveals 'historic' intelligence plot allegedly targeting President Trump - FoxNews

Harvard and Trump to face off in court today: Here’s a timeline of how the fight escalated - The Washington Post

Trump’s tariffs could upend U.S. trade with E.U., a global export power - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Exotic Plants and Reptiles

Chris with a Python
West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2025

 We did something very different yesterday. You might have guessed from the banner; Chris and I attended a Reptile & Exotic Plant Supershow. We had no idea! I have never seen so many lizards, snakes, tortoises, and a few other animals in one place even in a zoo.

Eyelash Gecko in Chris' Hands
West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2025

Chris really enjoyed the whole scene. She held a gecko, petter a snake or three, and even met and stroked a skunk!

We had a good time walking arounds and enjoying how the crowds, made up of a lot of boys with their families, were fascinated in the reptiles. The plant part of the show was interesting, but not nearly as fascinating as the replies. And there were a lot of lizards and snakes! And there were snakes of all kinds. 

I did not think the prices were too terrible, if someone really wanted a reptile or snake as a pet. Of course, there are a lot of extras required to keep a snake or reptile alive and writing of alive, that seems to mean live food. 

Chris and the Skunk
West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2025

We wandered around for a while enjoying the displays and the animals. For our amusement there was also a sloth and a joey prepared for a hands-on experience. 

Chameleon
West Palm Beach, FL
July 19, 2025

As for the skunk--he was a sad case but had landed in a good place. His first owners overfed him and kept him in a small enclosure. He developed hip problems and can barely walk. His current life, though, is as a therapy animal and he is very soft! And cuddly, but we could not pick him up. He definitely enjoyed the attention.

Just for completeness, there was a tropical fish section of the show and there was a pig was in attendance as another exotic pet. Also, not all of the animals were constrained. There was one exhibit with chameleons in potted plants. They were colorful. 

OK, so we had fun. It was something we had never done and it was definitely worth the price of admission!

And for those of you wondering, yes, there was a lot of hand sanitizer available. Some of the exhibitors wanted people to sanitize their hands before handling the animals--to protect the animals!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Meditating on the Beach

Blowing Rocks Beach, Jupiter Island
July 18, 2025

 I headed off to the beach yesterday afternoon to enjoy the 105 degree stress index heat and commune with the ocean. 

I would like to say it was a religious experience, but the hot sun beat down on my back while I was trying to enjoy to somewhat cooler ocean breeze and the waves. 

Alone on a popular Florida beach! That in itself was a miracle because just a couple hundred yards away on the other side of the island the ICW beaches were jam-packed with boaters and beach goers. The oceanside of the island provided a solitary experience. All the while I was there only two joggers joined me briefly. 

I would like to have remained longer, but I had forgotten to bring a beach chair. My stay was then, necessarily short because I did not want to take a lot of the beach with me into the car when I departed.

Reconnected, I departed and drove home to enjoy the evening.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

*ICW - Intracoastal Waterway

First 20-miler of the Month

Crossing the Southwest Fork of the Loxahatchee
Jupiter, FL
July 18, 2025

 I just completed a 22-mile ride. It was my first over-20 mile ride of the month. Even in the heat and humidity, it felt good and I checked out some side streets that I have not ever ridden. 

It seems that I am more and more crossing the A1A Bridge linking Tequesta and Jupiter as sell as the new US-1 bridge. But, the Loxahatchee River surrounds almost everywhere I ride, except when I go due south over the US-1 bridge.  

Today's Bike Route
Jupiter and Tequesta, FL
July 18, 2025

Because I toured many smaller streets, it took a bit longer than usual to complete the ride. 

Before the ride was complete, I crossed some portion of the Loxahatchee River six times. That is a personal, although dubious, record for a single ride. 

I don't see the need to complete many 20-plus miler rides as they take me away from Chris and the house for too long. The weather also gets very uncomfortable the closer to noon as I am completing them. Today's ride took just under two hours, and when I write just under I mean by less than a minute. It was the first day in a few weeks where I did not feel that I was trying to beat the rainclouds home. 

Well, I will have to see what else today brings. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL