Holiday Season Collision

Sunset
Harborplace, Jupiter, FL
October 23, 2025

 Multiple holidays and seasons coexist.

Yesterday, Chris and I were shopping, and I was astounded by how some stores were already decked out for Christmas. Halloween was on clearance, and Thanksgiving was nowhere to be seen!

Home Goods
Stuart, FL
October 24, 2025

The turkeys are being forgotten during the holiday shopping frenzy.

I firmly believe that the excessive Christmas decorations are a result of the tariffs, prompting large businesses to place orders early, which has led to an influx of decorations. Yesterday, the stores we visited were so packed with Christmas decorations that maneuvering a cart became a challenge.  

We survived the shopping expedition, mostly because holiday decorations were not what we were "in search of." Had there been a turkey or two, I might have bought one to add to my collection. The turkey season is upon us. 

I wonder if the stores are like this across the country?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Decoy Tasting at Jupiter Grill

Jupiter Grill
Jupiter, FL
October 23, 2025

  Chris and I attended a Decoy Wine Tasting at the Jupiter Grill last evening. Decoy is part of the Duckhorn portfolio. We’re thrilled to explore wine tasting in South Florida. The Jupiter Grill hosts monthly tasting events, not all of which are wine-related, but they’re always enjoyable. The restaurant organizes these events exceptionally well, and like last evening, we usually stay and enjoy dinner either during or after the tasting.  

Decoy Chardonnay
Jupiter Grill, Jupiter, FL
October 23, 2025

Decoy Wines were featured on the tasting menu last evening. The two wines we sampled were the 2023 California Chardonnay and the 2022 California Red Blend.

The 2023 California Chardonnay was a delightful wine. It had a light oak flavor with a bright and refreshing taste. I usually steer clear of straight Chardonnays, but this one was exceptional and complemented the bruschetta perfectly, which was chosen to enhance the wine’s flavors. Considering its price range of $16 to $20, it’s a great value for this wine.

The 2022 California Red Blend, the second and final wine of the tasting, paired well with a wagyu beef plate. However, it was quite ordinary and, despite being a blend of seven varietals, it lacked any special qualities. Admittedly, it was poured straight from the bottle into my glass, and it opened significantly as it sat. The wine had a pleasant mouthfeel and light tannins, but it still wasn’t exceptional, even considering the tasting notes that included flavors of olive tapenade. The $25 price point is a bit steep for this wine. I found it online for $15. 

We enjoyed the tasting and the interaction with the Jupiter Grill staff and the other oenophiles. We look forward to next month's tasting opportunity.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

I snagged one

iPhone 17 Pro Max

 I have been on a quest for a new iPhone 17 Pro Max. It had been quite a search over the past two weeks. Trying to search at the right time to snag one as it became available had me checking three times per day. 

First image with new iPhone 17 Pro Max
Finnegan
Tequesta, FL
October 22, 2025

I was successful yesterday. I actually was online at just the right time to order the phone on Tuesday evening for pick-up yesterday. Earlier Tuesday, I could have snagged one at a store 74 miles away, but I was not that desperate. A short time later my local store, 6 miles away, offered the phone, although not in the color I wanted, for Wednesday delivery and that was where I ultimately went. Staying local saved about 4 hours of driving in Miami rush-hour traffic.

I am retiring my iPhone 14 Pro Max, which has served me well--well, actually, it failed me during our trip to South Africa earlier this year, and Apple replaced it under Apple Care. But overall, the iPhone 14 was a great tool for the years that I had it.

I know it has only been 3 years since I got my iPhone 14 Pro Max, but Apple made enough changes in the camera system and the inclusion of Apple Intelligence to make me renew my phone earlier than normal. I really think I am going to like it--I enjoy it so far. 

My first real test of the camera/video system will be the 

Stuart Airshow Opening Night on November 7. I fought with my phone last year to get videos of the flying, and I am hoping that the new 17 Pro Max will work a lot better this year. Time will tell. I have about two weeks to figure it all out. 

Here is the video from last year's Stuart Airshow Opening Night. I have also secured reserved seats in the second row which should help with the video exercise. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Pillage and Plunder

White House East Wing Demolition Image
From NYTimes Video

 Conquerers and authoritarians have a things in common. One is pillaging and plundering the conquered lands with little concern for the populace. 

Our president's true colors are on display more now than ever before. 

The White House is being plundered, despite assurances before construction of the big, beautiful, new ballroom that the existing structure would not be changed. 

The president had pledged that construction wouldn’t “interfere with the current building,” a promise that always seemed unrealistic given the grand scale of the plans. (NYTimes)

And yesterday the pillaging of the treasury began with the request for $230 million from the DOJ.

I never believed it would happen in America!

But it is! 

I wonder, can we sue file a class action suit against Trump for say, $3 trillion, for broken/ignored campaign promises?

I am still waiting for an end to Ukraine/Russia War.

And lower food prices.

No inflation. Inflation is actually higher now than when he took office. 

Where are the lower energy prices.

Oh yeah, and importing Argentinian beef to lower prices sure helps out U.S. farmers. 

And why is he afraid to help ensure medical coverage for millions of Americans at the expense that he has closed the government down and is not negotiating? Is that really the Art of the Deal? 

No--he wants to break the American people while robbing the treasury. 

Is this really his vision for the "Golden Age of America?" Or did he misspeak and really mean to say the "Gilded Age of America?"

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) took the floor of the Senate to hold it through the night “to protest Trump’s grave threats to democracy.” He said: “We cannot pretend this is normal.” (Letters from an American)

Sources:

Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases

White House's East Wing Partially Demolished to Build Trump's Ballroom ...

Trump Hopes Argentina Can Help Bring Down Meat Prices

Letters from an American, October 21, 2025

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Happy Tuesday to All!

North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
October 20, 2025

 We have arrived back at another Tuesday. 

The World Series competitors are set: The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays will face off to determine the best team in baseball for the 2025 season. 

I had hoped Seattle would finally make a World Series--they got close, losing the lead in the deciding Game 7 in the 7th inning. 

My prediction: LA wins in 5. 

I was able to enjoy the continuing good weather with an 18-mile ride yesterday. The humidity has returned, but the temperatures are remaining enjoyable. 

Chris and I received a shock yesterday afternoon as we went to our favorite grocery store in Hobe Sound. It is closing! Well, it is almost closed. The shelves were mostly empty. This Winn Dixie store was sold to Aldi's and is being converted. That is sad, because I have always found Aldi's to be inferior to almost any other grocery store. Yea, people say the prices are good, but the selection is poor as they do not routinely carry most of the food items for which Chris and I shop. And their checkout plan is confusing as best. 

Well, it is Tuesday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - October 20, 2025

 

1. Happy 3rd Monday of October. The month continues to move away at seemingly light speed. There is one Monday remaining in October and ten Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. What a year it has been. On Saturday we experienced the largest civil protest in the history of the United States with 7 million people estimated to have participated. If you don't think there is a problem in the country right now, you might be out of touch. 

3. Family NFL Report. The NFL season continues to be a disaster for the family teams which are a combined (16-23-1). The Ravens and Dolphins remain especially dismal. 

Ravens (1-5) were thankfully on a bye.

Cowboys (3-3-1) scalped Commanders (3-4), 44-22 

Dolphins (1-6) drowned by Browns (2-5), 6-31

Steelers (4-2) came up short against Bengals (3-4), 31-33

Chiefs (4-3) blanked Raiders (2-5), 31-0 

4.  Wouldn't it be nice to have a president for all Americans? It appears we have a president who fancies himself as a crown-wearing fighter pilot dropping feces on the American public. I found the video, which was attached to a longer story about No Kings Day, at Sky News. We are truly scraping the bottom of the barrel.

5. Looking for answers. Why are we preparing to go to war with Venezuela? Worse, why is there so little transparency to support the potentially illegal actions that have been taken by blowing up ships in international waters? Would the republicans accept any of that from a democratic president?

6. Today in History. On October 20, 1947, the notorious Red Scare kicks into high gear in Washington, as a Congressional committee begins investigating communist influence in one of the world’s richest and most glamorous communities: Hollywood.

After World War II, the Cold War began to heat up between the world’s two superpowers—the United States and the communist-controlled Soviet Union. In Washington, conservative watchdogs worked to out communists in government before setting their sights on alleged “Reds” in the famously liberal movie industry. In an investigation that began in October 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) grilled a number of prominent witnesses, asking bluntly “Are you or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?” Whether out of patriotism or fear, some witnesses—including director Elia Kazan, actors Gary Cooper and Robert Taylor and studio honchos Walt Disney and Jack Warner—gave the committee names of colleagues they suspected of being communists.

Giant Russian gas plant suspends intake from Kazakhstan after Ukrainian drone strike - Reuters

Trump urged Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make concessions to Russia in tense meeting, sources say - Reuters

Trump's IVF announcement was the final blow to one of his wildest campaign promises - MSNBC

Fall in China's exports of rare earth magnets stokes supply chain fears - Reuters

In Trump's drug war, prisoners may be too much of a legal headache, experts say - Reuters

Trump mocks 'No Kings' marches - CNN

US conducts seventh strike on boat allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean - CNN

Colombia’s Leader Accuses U.S. of Murder, Prompting Trump to Halt Aid - The New York Times

Trump boards AF1 quickly, using small stairs due to 'increased security measures' - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

On a Wing

Pair of Ospreys
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
October 14, 2025

 The other afternoon, as Chris and I along with friends were sitting on the beach enjoying Happy Hour. I watched ospreys fly above the ocean. They are magnificent birds and we are fortunate to see them whenever we are near the ICW or the ocean. 

I marvel at the ospreys' ability to see fish in the water, dive and often enough catch dinner. Watching them struggle back into the air with a fish in their talons is sight to see. They are able to overcome the water, gaining altitude with each pull of their wings. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday in America

 It is No Kings Day, version 2.

I have been very disturbed by the republicans view of the protests, especially those in positions of leadership. 

Let's be clear! To say the protests are anti-American is unconstitutional.

The protests today are uniquely American and they are protected by the Constitution.

Amendment 1 U.S. Constitution

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.

I have witnessed many recent events which weaken this amendment and I need to remind my friends that there is a good reason why this amendment is first in the Bill of Rights. This amendment, arguably, is the most important in the Bill of Rights because it helps preserve democratic functions of government. 

In the past weeks, the assault upon the 1st Amendment have been severe. 

The press has been stifled. We are getting no news about the potentially unlawful attacks on shipping in the Caribbean. The Pentagon created untenable restrictions on the press. 

I found that FoxNews signed the following to be especially insightful:

“The policy is without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections,” the outlets said.

To underscore: This is Hegseth’s own former employer saying he’s undermining freedom of the press. (CNN)

And for the planned rally today:

Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday slammed the No Kings protest march scheduled to take place at the National Mall next week, describing the planned protest as the “hate America rally” that would draw “the pro-Hamas wing” and “the antifa people.” 

Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), another senior House Republican, also criticized the planned demonstration and blamed it for prolonging the shutdown. Telling reporters Democrats had caved to the “terrorist wing of their party,” Emmer alluded to a “hate America rally in D.C. next week.”  (Politico)

If you don't think the 1st Amendment is under attack, look again. 

So what is the purpose of today's rallies? Simple, in my mind it is to demonstrate to the Republican-controlled Congress that they are headed in the wrong direction. They have stopped listening to the constituents in their districts, maybe they will listen to "We the People!"

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Longest Trip Yet

2023 Mustang Mach-e in the Driveway
Tequesta, FL
October 17, 2025

 Chris and I have owned our Ford Mustang Mach-e for a year and a half. It has a paltry 9500 miles on it because we use it exclusively for driving around our local area. I had estimated its total annual mileage to be about 7000 and we are even below that number. 

Until yesterday, the Mach-e, which is an EV, had been charged at a commercial charge station twice. Once when we took delivery of it because it had less that 20 percent charge and we had not yet installed the charger in our garage, and then when Ford delivered the Tesla supercharger converter--just so we knew how to use it. 

Yesterday, was the third time the car was charged commercially. We drove to the Space Force Base near Cocoa Beach to get new ID cards and took the Mach-e. We had to stop on the way back for an energy. A Tesla Supercharger collocated with a gas station/restaurant was recommended by our mapping program. We enjoyed lunch while the car charged. Suffice it to say, we were nervous. Had the charger not worked I believe there was just enough energy to get home (with about 3 percent remaining), but it worked great and the cost was not too bad, 50 cents per KwH versus the 16 cents I pay at home. (BTW, the c/KwH is my total bill in $ with all the add-ins divided by KwH usage, so it is higher than the posted rate)

Wow! 

I guess we will be using the car for longer trips since we are more comfortable with the technology and the mapping program we use incorporates charging locations into its travel calculations. I also liked the self-driving aspect of the car on the open road. 

We may be ready to try a Florida to Maryland trip!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Another Day, Another Decade

Happy Birthday
Tequesta, FL
October 15, 2025

Chris has finally joined the next decade.

She crossed the line yesterday into her 70's and we celebrated in style. I made her favorite birthday cheese cake and we went out for a great dinner at a local Harbourside Place restaurant with friends. 

She chose to get her toes and nails done for the occasion.

Harbourside Place at Night
Jupiter, FL
October 15, 2025

The cheesecake was an all afternoon affair. It cracked! Ugh.

We had a great day together and an even better evening. I was amazed at how deserted the area around the restaurant was last evening. I guess everyone is hoping for the soon return of the snowbirds because most everywhere is devoid of customers. It is really nice for those of us who live here, but I'm not sure the lack of business can sustain the establishments. 

It is amazing how decades change and it feels like just another day. Wait! It is just another day. As she said this morning, "Yesterday was such a great day!"

Well, Happy Birthday to Chris and, God willing, many more!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL