Chillin' at the End of the Day

Me, Makayla, Riordin

The chaos in the room was everywhere as children played and adults interacted. After a long day, I needed a break and in the middle of it all I took a time out. It seems as though Makayla and Riordin also needed a time out and found it in my lap or sitting very near to me. 

It is not often that Makayla actually sits with me and then to have Riordin crawl up next to us was an added benefit. 

Funny, I didn't even have a glass of wine in my possession at this point in the afternoon, but with three grandsons were playing loudly not six feet away from the apparent serenity of this scene is deceiving.

I guess that amid the noise and chaos I had carved out a small island of tranquility. Anyway, Nicole thought it worthy of an image and so here it is. 

Me and my best buds. Funny, there wasn't even a baseball game on TV yet.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Vint Hill Winery - A Review

Vint Hill Tasting Room

I ran across a new and exciting winery on Sunday while passing through Northern Virginia with Mom and Dad. The winery is Vint Hill and the site that it is on has a WW2 history that appeals to me.

And, they make some really rockin' wines.  Although it appears that they have a web site, the URL was not working for me when I went back.

The winery specializes in craft style, small vintage wines. It is located in an old farm which was used as a signals relay station during WW2. I was amazed by the history of the site and I was also pleased by the variety of wines and their complexity.

Vint Hill makes a wide variety of wines using grapes from throughout Virginia, Washington State and California. The key is that they buy grapes from many sources and make some very tasty wines.

Vint Hill is located in Northern Virginia just over an hours drive from Baltimore. The tasting room is located in the upstairs loft of a barn--we did not see an elevator and so this winery is not suitable for disabled vinophiles. They have a nice variety of wines from whites to reds and including a few dessert wines. Many of the labels hearken back to the site's WW2 history and provide a setting for history and a bit of learning while enjoying wines.

The winery offers two levels of tastings--$10 and $15. I recommend a couple take one of each and swap the wines while tasting.

RECOMMENDATION: Visit this winery and enjoy not only the wines, but a piece of American history. CAUTION: The tasting room is on the second floor and not easily accessible by the handicapped. I did not find an elevator.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 12, 2013

1. It is amazing how quickly and entire day can change just based on one significant event.

2. Wine tasting in Northern Virginia on a beautiful afternoon, meeting many similarly disposed people. What could be better, especially when discovering previously unvisited wineries?

3. Orioles? August? Pennant push? It is happening!

4. I was sad to see NFL football on TV this weekend, it means that summer is drawing to a close and the dark days are plotting their return.

5. I read that more than 100,000 people signed up for the opportunity to take a one way trip to Mars. 

6. It is tough to write a blog when the dog needs to go out. Ugh!

7. I've been playing with using a larger font for my blogs and have received no comments. Like or not like?

8. MY cat Riordin, the cat that came back, is crazy fro a golf ball in a cat toy. I guess he doesn't get that it just travels in a circle.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Spectacular Ending to the Day

Driving home from a community concert last evening, I was treated to a day ending, sunset performance in the clouds that I haven't enjoyed in quite a while.

The sky was bright and colorful as the sun slipped out of view beyond the horizon. It was the exclamation point ending to a day that had begun gloomy and overcast, but finished on a high note with typically hot August temperatures and clear skies.

I even made it into the pool for a while during the afternoon to take a quick nap on a floatie and enjoy the warm sun. It was idyllic.

In the sky, the ending to the day was magnificent. The sliver of the moon was visible--although I couldn't get a very good image of it from the moving car. Thankfully, I wasn't driving.

I know that power lines do not make for a very pleasant image, but the color and texture of the clouds was captured as I remember it.

Maybe August isn't going to be a total washout.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bees and Time Magazine

I subscribe to Time magazine. Yes, I know that in the world of electronic media that seems a bit archaic and legacy, but I enjoy opening the postbox every Friday and seeing the magazine laying there to enlighten me about some topic that I hadn't though about lately, or at all. 

Imagine my surprise this week when one of my not too distant cousins, Jim Doan, was featured in an article about the plight of bees and the dire consequences for the world. My Dad let me know that I had met Jim at a family reunion some years ago and he had recently toured the bee keeping and honey producing operation in Upstate NY.

I have been reading for sometime about the decline of the honeybee and the consequences if the losses are not mitigated. 

It seems that the time has arrived for action. 

There are a lot of articles on line about the importance of honey bees and the problems caused by new pesticides--which are decimating the honeybee populations. I recommend this one about the plight of the honeybees. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rain, Cool and Pool

Chris and I in the Magic Kingdom

This August seems more like September, I am longing for some heat and humidity.

That written, the mosquitoes do not seem to mind the cool, damp season we are having. They feast on me every time I head outside to try to enjoy the times when rain is not falling from the sky.

Fortunately, I enjoy playing a sport which is an indoor sport and so I can at least enjoy racquetball--even if the month off I took during July is making it hard to regain my questionable form.  I still enjoy crawling onto the court at 5:30 AM and working out the kinks in preparation for the day.

Every day is a new adventure it seems.

I wish it were warmer so that I could enjoy my pool a bit more. I spend a lot of time and money every season on the pool and it is a shame not to be able to use it to its fullest. It is hard to get excited about the pool when the skies are gray and the water cool. I suppose I just need to take the plunge and get onto a floatie.

Despite the prevalent gloom of overcast skies, I still find ways to appreciate each day. There are great things that happen--and of course there can be some sadness too.

Today is a special day. Chris and I celebrate our anniversary--more years than I care to count or ever would have believed when it started so long ago as two kids looked into each other's eyes and said, "I do" to each other.

It was a hot August day back then. Times were tough, I was in college and we really didn't have a clue about what was ahead. But, taking each day as it came and making the best of every situation has helped us through.

Some day I hope we will get it right.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Gathering the Family to Celebrate and to Mourn

I love seeing and spending time with my extended family. I don't enjoy, though, the reasons that sometimes I get to see my family--like yesterday.

Growing up together, which of us ever thought we would have to gather like we did yesterday to mourn the passing of a spouse who was a father, a grandfather, a great man. A man whose life was cut short before his time. It was hard.

And then when someone remarked that he was "in a better place," I was reminded of a song I know--which so deeply expresses the conflict of being left behind as we are,while holding onto the memories of someone who has crossed over as we all look forward to doing. Even though I know about being in a better place, I don't find those words especially comforting, because I'm here and they're not. It is just too ephemeral to be real when we are standing in middle of shock and grief. This song, I  have found, helps me understand my emotions about losing loved ones.

The song was performed by Mercyme, and is called Homesick.

The words of the song go as follow:

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now


It is hard to be the one left behind even though we know and are convinced of the promise because it doesn't take away the pain of being apart.

Sometimes life just doesn't make any sense.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Under the Stars

Last evening I took the opportunity to lay on the damp, dew covered cool ground for a while and reacquaint myself with the stars and the constellations. Heading out shortly after dark was a treat because I spied about ten satellites, saw five meteors, and just looked into space at the Milky Way and the constellations that I have always considered to be my nightime friends.

I don't get to do that so much at home in Elkridge because of the ground light from the urban area in which I live and the trees which surround the small piece of earth that I came mine. I enjoy returning to the area where I grew up and being reassured that all of the stars are still there.

I remember growing up becoming familiar with the stars and dreaming of being an astronaut. While that never happened, my love of space has never waned. I have grown to comprehend more about orbits and satellites and things in space, but as I gain more knowledge my awe and wonder at how it all works has remained. It is so much more an physics and science, it is a wonderfully constructed canvas upon which creation is painted.

Staring into space is looking back into history. The light from the stars that I saw last evening began the journey to my eye long ago in the past. Even the light from our sun takes 8 or more minutes to get to Earth.

And so, for a for a few minutes I was transported back into my childhood looking at the stars while standing on the shore of Cayuga Lake at Boy Scout camp being taught the constellations, many of which I still remember.

It was peaceful, lying in the cool damp grass hearing the peepers and frogs while being transported into my memories.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Ithaca, NY

From the Evening Air into the Dawning Day

Last evening, as the sun set over the house and I had completed installing a replacement sink in the basement, I was pleased to see a record number of bats flying over the yard scarfing up those pesky mosquitoes. I was sitting there thinking and relaxing after an extra long day--who knew that sinks could get holes in them and my mind wandered to the scene form the baseball game last week with the setting sun reflecting off the clouds in the golden hues of the evening.

I am still amazed that the temperatures seem so autumn like--and despite being a summer person I do enjoy the cool evenings and low humidity. Yet, this is a hard time. as the realization that summer may be ending too soon is setting in. Being the crazy that I am, I long for the dog days of summer and wish it were hot so that we would be counting the days until relief arrived. It is here.

Today is dawning anew, with the hope and promise of the morning, yet, I am off on a very hard trip today to upstate NY today. The cool temperatures will not moderate the grief and pain that that my family is experiencing. There are no good answers, only hope and faith in God's plan. And so we are gathering--to mourn and to remember.

The drive today will provide some time for reflection. It has been crazy busy since I returned from Florida. I have to pay for my transgressions of being away. Tomorrow will be harder.

And then it is back to be immersed in the joys, and pains, and activities that make up my life and remind me of how blessed I am.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 5, 2013

1. What is the real magic of Disney? Every kid knows that it is Daddy's (or granddad's) American Express!

2. I have  been enjoying the nice, cool summer evenings. Oh, wait, it is still early August--it is supposed to be hot and sultry!

3. I made it into my pool yesterday for the first time since returning from Florida. It was good to be in the water again even if it was only my pool.

4. It is amazing what a creature of habit I am--I had a small issue with my tractor yesterday when my right foot thought it was on the brake instead of the gas. Fortunately, nothing was severely damaged.

5. The Orioles have been losing more than they have been winning lately--I hope they break out of the funk soon!

6. We spelt with the windows open for the first time in a long time last night--the heavy vegetation growth successfully deadened the noise from I-95 and me allergy medicine allowed me to breathe. It was nice.

7. Sometimes tragic things happen which cause me to reassess how fortunate and blessed that I am.

8. Sitting outside last evening, enjoying the end of a busy day with Chris was the best way to end a day. It it almost as god as a late happy hour on the beach--at least the company is the same.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Clouds Over Baltimore

Baltimore, August 1, 2013

The other evening, as I was enjoying attending an Orioles game, I happened to notice the clouds over Baltimore being illuminated by the setting sun.

The sun reflecting off the colds made me pause to consider them for a moment during the game.

I noticed the silver lining as well as the reflection off the building.

And this was not a passing situation. The cloud and the sun remained in their stunning configuration for many minutes. I just had to snap an image. And I'm glad that I did.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Hotel Window - Charlottesville, VA, during August

Charlottesville, VA Hotel Window

I was in Charlottesville, VA, the other night. I stayed in a different hotel than my normal Charlottesville stomping grounds.

It was a rainy afternoon ending to the day and the month of July as I looked out on the uninspiring scene out my hotel window.

I had driven much of the way in my convertible with the top down--but then I saw a ferocious rainstorm ahead. Fortunately, I stopped before the rain met me and raised the top.

I enjoyed the drive to Charlottesville as I discovered two previously unvisited wineries and many others that I need to stop and experience. There always seems to be something to see and do along the side of US 29 on the way to Charlottesville. ALthough the driving time is about two and a half hours--the drive always takes me longer.  And that is a good thing!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

August? Already?

Fireworks over the Castle in the Magic Kingdom during July

Even though it is now the 2nd of August, I am still reeling with the realization that July is over.

When I went to bed the other night it was July, but when I woke up is was August!

I think I missed something somewhere--what happened to July?  Could it be so quickly over? I was really enjoying July. Hot temperatures, Florida beaches--what's not to like?

It seems like just yesterday we were enjoying the 4th of July with barbecue and fireworks. It is almost like being a kid at an amusement park who is so fully engaged in the rides and the fun that it is a total shock when things begin to close down at the end of the day. Oh, yeah, I did that at the Magic Kingdom, too--during July.

I actually enjoyed two spectacular fireworks displays during the month!

Despite the month passing with nothing more than a whimper, I'd really like a July do over!

I wonder what August has in store? 

I am already complaining about the cool overnight temperatures--more like late-August than the beginning. And there is September--lurking on the horizon!

--  Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Virginia Wine Trail - Pearmund Cellars

Pearmund Cellars

Traveling through Northern Virginia yesterday on my way to Charlottesville, I had the opportunity to visit two wineries and vineyards that I had driven by but not stopped at during my previous travels through the area.

The first was Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run, Virginia. They say of themselves: "Pearmund Cellars is located in the beautiful foothills of eastern Fauquier County, VA, conveniently close to Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Our 7500-square-foot geothermal winery and 25-acre vineyard produces Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Late Harvest Vidal, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Ameritage, and other award-winning Virginia wines."

I did note that they were recently recognized by Virginia Wine Lover magazine as the best winery in Virginia for 2013 as reported on their web site.

The tasting room is located a short drive off Highway 29 and is well marked. Follow the signs! There are a couple turns where without the excellent signage it would be easy to end up in the driveway of a private residence. The tasting room is large and offers good access to the pouring bar for larger groups. They also offer an assortment of light sandwich fare and cheese plates for those who just want to buy a glass or a bottle and stop to enjoy themselves for a while.

I found the wines to be very representative of Virginia wines. Most of the juice for their wines is sourced from vineyards throughout the central Virginia region, with only the Chardonnay being estate grown. They have an arrangement with a growers in Washington State to produce some wines sourced from there. Of special note, I enjoyed the 2012 Petit Manseng and the 2010 Merlot. The merlot is very light, as compared to most merlots, but has some very nice characteristics. The Collaboration, a wine made entirely using juice form Washington State is also very drinkable and I enjoyed it. The selection of wines offered should find something to appeal to nearly every wine drinker.

RECOMMENDATION: The tasting fee is $10, but it is well worth the time and money to experience the very nice quality wines offered at Pearmund Cellars.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Charlottesville, VA

Winning, Losing, or Playing

General George S. Patton

It is reported that General George S. Patton, a flamboyant and effective World War II U.S. general,  once said, "Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn't give a hoot and hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost nor ever lose a war."

Vince Lombardi, the legendary NFL football coach for whom the Super Bowl Trophy in named, remarked that “Winning is not everything – but making the effort to win is.”

I've considered these thoughts in my racquetball exploits and in other areas of my life. I keep the Vince Lombardi speech about winning in a frame on the wall of my office--why? Because I need to know that making the effort is the important thing. 

Vince Lombardi on Time Magazine

More and more though, I have come to realize that I need to be smart and pick my battles. Some battles are not important enough to expend a lot of emotional energy "tilting at windmills." I have found that playing cards translates well into life by providing experience in trying to make the best of a bad situation and knowing how to translate a losing hand into a draw or even a win.It is the part of winning that makes me smart enough to know when I have a losing position and determining how to get the best possible outcome for the cards which have been dealt. 

Winning is great, losing sucks--but being on the field with the opportunity to play the game is even best. Before I can either win or lose, I need to be on the field to play the game. Remembering that playing is primary and winning or losing is an outcome helps me keep things in perspective.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Out the Condo Window - Jupiter, Florida

From our Bella Vista on the Park Condo

OK, this entry may be a bit late, given that I am already home and vacation is ended. But, I wanted to continue my look at life out of the window. The condo in Florida provided many more windows to choose from than a hotel room does--and so I chose this view because it contains water! A water view!

The water is a large pond (or is it a small lake) at the complex in which we stay while in Florida. Over the years I have watched the life surging around the pond, but this year I was disappointed to find the the friendly (or not so friendly) ducks and geese that used to live along the banks have been relocated. I like the thought of relocation better than the other option.

From this vantage point, which is really on the balcony, which if it were on the other side of the building would have an "ocean" view, I can see the heavy concrete tiles which form the hurricane resistant roof and I can remember looking down into the parking lot at our vehicle Cleo that in previous years would have been parked under a now removed palm tree.

Life goes on, I guess. Storms move through and it has been three years since we last stayed at this condo. I found many things have not changed--although I wish they would have changed. The condo internet connection is still DSL and it retains it charming Japanese decor including a kimono on the framed on the wall in one bedroom as well as a sign urging people to remove their shoes when the enter. Removing shoes is not a problem for me--I dislike wearing shoes anyway, preferring bare feet even during the winter season.

Most importantly in this image though are the palm trees. I love palm trees and want to plant one in Maryland. I noticed, during my last visit to Ocean City, MD, that one hotel had significantly large palm trees outside their beach entrance and I have surmised that the trees can survive if planted and not retained in pots. I think it would be awesome to line my drive with palms so I can have a perpetual Florida state of mind.

Through my pictures, and the as yet work in progress photo book, my vacation will live on. Soon though, it will be just a memory rather than something I did last week.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 29, 2013

1. Get over it! Just because vacation is over doesn't mean that summer has ended. There is still al to of time to do a lot of fun, outdoors activities and enjoy the best season of the year.

2. It takes a lot of work to get things back in order around a house after a three week absence.

3. Being greeted by a mountain of mail is not the best way to end a vacation.

4. There is something unsettling about returning to work after a lengthy absence. It should be fun and interesting today.

5. I cannot believe that July is almost complete. Wow, time passes quickly when I'm having fun.

6. Interesting piece of trivia: on this date in 1981, Prince Charles married Lady Diana. And now, their son has a son.

7. Even better than the previous entry--on this date in 1958 NASA was created.

8. Is it good to be home? That is a tough one. Is it better to be on vacation in someplace that I love knowing that I have a home to return to, or is it better to be at home with the memories of a great vacation?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Vacation Reflections 2013

Lobster Hiding at Carlin Park the Day After Lobster Mini-Season

Arriving home last evening about 7PM was thankfully uneventful. The house was in great shape, thanks to our family watching it and Makayla was there to greet us, having been returned from spending three weeks with her cousin Chewbacca a few hours earlier. I missed my dog and it was good to see her.

The trip from Florida, nominally a 15 hour drive too 17 hour due to heavy traffic between Richmond, VA, and home. My traffic alert in the car was going off every few minutes to advise me of a new accident or traffic jam. It was torturous to see our arrival time slip from 5PM, to 5:30PM and so on until we finally arrived home when we did. I have got to figure a better way to drive from Richmond to avoid all of the continual traffic nonsense--or plan to drive through during the wee hours or late hours of the day as we do when departing.

Snook

As they say, it is over, but at least the memories remain (and almost 900 pictures that Chris and I took). I love digital imagery--shoot until you get it right!

Sand Castle 

The new vehicle performed perfectly on the highway. I especially appreciated the internet connection for traffic updates and the detour/rerouting that the navigation system offers. We used that on a couple of occasions yesterday--but then at one point we needed a detour while on the detour. We finally decided to just slog it out on I-95.

One of the most memorable things I did during the vacation was build a sand castle with Ethan, Jax, and Chris. I have not engaged in sand castle building in a number of years, and I have grown a bit rusty. But our creation was significant. I was sad that I did not return to that beach the next day to see how the wind and waves had returned it to sandy beach.

We have already mostly decided that we will likely not return to Jupiter next year. but will instead venture off to some other location--maybe not even a beach.

But, that is for another day to decide.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

On the Road Home

Somewhere on I-95 in North Carolina

We departed promptly at 0200 this morning and had exited Florida before dawn. Coming up on noon we are slogging through North Carolina in moderate to heavy traffic.

The rain yesterday morning and evening did not dampen our final beach visit, but I did liken the drops to the tears of the Seminole's as they were pursued and subsequently lost their lands.

We dined with our friends at the Juno Beach Fish House, our last supper in Florida.

We are hoping to be home for a late happy hour.



--Bob Doan, writing from I-95 somewhere in North Carolina

Bird of the Day -- Juvenile Reddish Egret Finding Breakfast

Juvenile Reddish Egret

There is something fascinating about watching animals hunt--especially when they are successful and I have a camera there to record it. I tracked this bird for quite a few minutes as it moved from tidal pool to tidal pool as it stalked dinner. And then, success! It came quickly, but probably not quickly enough for the small fish which was invited to be breakfast.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL

Endings turing into Beginnings

The Flattest Atlantic Ocean of the Vacation

IT is here. My three plus week vacation is at an end. This morning will be my last sojourn to my favorite Florida beach for quite some time. There is some sadness when vacations draw to a close--but it isn't over yet!

Right. I still have a fifteen hour drive ahead of me to return to Maryland. That drive will begin during the wee hours of the morning and culminate, hopefully, with a triumphant return into the my driveway sometime during the late afternoon tomorrow. 

I have not missed much about being away, except for my dog, Makayla. Someday, I would like to bring her on vacation with me--but I will need to find a dog friendly place to rent. I have appreciated all of the help back home that those who could not join us here in Florida have done to keep things running, especially the struggles with the hot weather and the pool! Thanks guys for staying on top of that. I hope the cats got fed.

Sand Castle Creation

Today will be filled with beach followed by packing and car loading in preparation for departure. I fear we have accumulated more stuff than there is room for in the vehicle.

Yesterday's snorkeling was fabulous, as was the day before. Unfortunately it was the lobster mini season and there were a lot of other people in the water which drove many of the fish away, I think. I did run across two large barracuda and finally found one of the nurse sharks that I had been seeking. Actually, Nicole found it as we were cruising along the outer edges of the rocks. It was very well hidden. Why no pictures? I forgot to charge the battery on my underwater camera.

We even enjoyed a group effort sand castle building experience. With the help of Chris and I, Ethan and Jax created a fabulous sand castle on the beach. It was even reinforced with shells to repel attacking ghost crabs. We will look for the remains of the castle when we visit the beach today. 

 Last Happy Hour on the Beach with Nicole

Even so, during the late evening, we enjoyed our final Happy Hour together with Nicole, Mike, Ethan, and Jax on the beach. It was an idyllic evening with light winds, the flattest ocean of the entire vacation, and relaxed fun. The only reason we left the beach was because the parking lot closes promptly at sunset. 

The memories are fantastic. The sights have been grand. What more could I ask for, really? If I was on vacation every day it would not be a vacation, right?  OK--it might be called retirement!  Mmmmm, there is a thought.

Nah. It will be here soon enough and I need to do more preparation to make retirement as much fun as possible.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL

Bird of the Day -- Yellow Crowned Night Heron

Yellow Crowned Night Heron

We had the opportunity to watch this bird hunt for quite a while. It was clearly hunting ghost crabs in the dry sandy part of the beach--well away from the water. I am not sure how successful it was given that I never saw it actually get anything to eat.

This image shows the bird ruffling its plumage while wandering down the beach.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL

Climbing into History at the Jupiter Lighthouse

Jupiter Lighthouse

I am fascinated by lighthouses. What a great concept to assist sailors in safely navigating along the coastlines.

Chris and I atop the Jupiter Lighthouse

Yesterday, after visiting this area nearly every year for at least the past ten years, I finally took some time to climb to the top of the Jupiter Lighthouse. It is, after all, the structure that defines Jupiter for me. I probably have taken dozens of pictures of it during my many visits here--and yet, for some reason, never took the time to visit the museum and climb the lighthouse.

I was very happy to have taken the time to visit. Not only was the view fabulous, but the insight into local history regarding the Seminoles was revealing. I continue to be amazed at the ruthlessness displayed by the Federal government in dealing with the native peoples to include the treachery involved in the capture of the war chief Osceola. I have begun to understand why so many streets are named Osceola. There is even an Osceola County.

Looking Down in the Square Grouper and the Blue Heron Dock

But, back to the lighthouse--I was fascinated to find that it was a military construction project built by George G. Meade in consultation with Robert E. Lee. The lighthouse was first lit on July 10, 1860 and less than three years later the two military men would be commanding opposing armies at Gettysburg.

The lighthouse sits on an active Coast Guard installation. There site has a lot of history and artifacts to offer and so it is much more than just a lighthouse tour.

I enjoyed sitting under a huge, 77 year old banyan tree at the base of the lighthouse. I wish banyan trees would grow in Maryland--I'd put one in my backyard.

The lighthouse is remains active. Every night its light helps identify the location of the Jupiter Inlet for sailors. I'm sure that if I was on the ocean at night the light from the lighthouse would be a welcome sight--even though I was probably using a gps to navigate.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL

Bird of the Day -- Sand Cranes

Sand Cranes in Tequesta

A trio of sand cranes announced their presence the other evening while we were dining with friends. Of course, we did not arrive at dinner with our best camera, so the images are from my phone. I am never without a camera of some kind it seems.

They are good sized birds and are really beautiful in flight. These birds cruise the neighborhood looking for scraps and seeds. They were not disappointed.

The boys were fascinated by their size.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL

A Disney Success Story in July

Add caption

As part of the vacation we ventured to the Magic Kingdom to spend quality time together and with Mickey Mouse and his friends.  

A day at Disney in July? Yup. Crazy. But, as it turned out it was a good decision. 

The day was mostly overcast with  about an hourlong rainstorm in the middle of the day. Why was this good?  It meant we did not bake in the sun! The temperatures were more than moderate. No sunburn, no stifling July heat. Sweet. 

We also had a good plan. Four rides during the first hour and smart use of the fast pass system for the rest of the day. No hurry.  We opened the park and left after the fireworks. 

Ready for Thunder Mountain Railroad

Was it a long day? You bet!

Was it fun? Yup!

Hear are some random thoughts:

Get there early and plan to stay late

Sit down for dinner

Don't wear a watch, that way what time it is or how long something took doesn't matter. I got on Disney time and the day flew by. 

Thunder Mountain railroad has been slowed down and is no longer a thrill ride. 

It's a Small World is as bad as I remember. 

Beating the Rain

Don't let a little rain dampen your spirits. 

The new Be Our Guest lunch and the Beast's Castle are must do's. 

Don't do souvenir shopping at the end of the day when everyone else is doing it. 

Don't do souvenir shopping during the day so that you have to carry stuff around. 

There is no good time for souvenir shopping.  

The transportation to and from the parking lots needs work. Especially when everyone is leaving. 

There were a lot more cast members yelling at me to move along than i remember, especially in some of the attractions. 

You Will Get Wet

You will get wet on Splash Mountain, get over it. 

The  Magic Kingdom is a lot more fun with my grandsons than i remember it being with my kids. 

Crowds are a fact of life. 

The Dole pineapple ice cream float is a must do!

Ibuprofen saved the day when my back started hurting. 

Thanks Nicole and Mike for letting us tag along.

- Bob Doan, Writing from Florida's Turnpike (no, I am not driving)

Best Day so Far

Pork Fish off the Beach

I finally got a great day of snorkeling yesterday--which resulted in my being in the water for over 1.5 hours snorkeling and snapping images of the marine life. I write marine life because the animals that I saw included a loggerhead turtle, a green turtle, a barracuda, and an assortment of other fish and crabs.

It was the day that I had been waiting for for over two weeks. The day was complete with sun, blue skies, mild waves and clear water--something that I have not been able to get all together since I have been in Florida.

Green Turtle off Jupiter Island

Chasing down the green turtle was exciting. It was swimming fairly quickly and allowed me only a few moments of access before turning sharply and heading off into the deeper water. The barracuda was significant, but far enough away on the edge of visibility that the picture did not come out. I knew it was a stretch at the time.

The real excitement of the day though was Ethan's first ocean snorkeling adventure. He performed fabulously and had a great time--even in the deeper water. We were able to finally fit him with a mask that kept the water out and he snorkeled for almost an hour. It was a huge accomplishment and it was great to have him along to begin to see and appreciate the life in and under the water.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trusty underwater camera.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL

Bird of the Day - Osprey Finds Dinner

Osprey with Dinner

It happened so quickly as we arrived at the beach Sunday afternoon for some enjoyment and Happy Hour. We saw the osprey soaring low over head, right above us and were awed by its appearance. Quickly, as the camera was being taken out of its bag and set to snap some great shots of the bird overhead, it dove to the water and surfaced with a fish--a good sized fish.

It was awesome!

Osprey in the Water after Dive

-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL

Monday Musings - July 22, 2013

1. During this week in 1969, two men from the United States became the first humans to set foot on the moon. Sadly, that is a feat we cannot replicate today. The U.S. is no longer capable of putting men into space, let alone sending them to the moon and returning them safely. How far we have fallen!

2. When you take a new car to the beach, the beach always remains in the new car afterwards. Your should see out new Highlander--and we have vacuumed it religiously.

3. Sunny afternoons and happy hour on the sandy beaches--what could be better?

4. When vacations end, they become fond memories of what could have been.

5. I continue to be amazed at the reaction to the Zimmerman verdict--it seems that some people in America would prefer vigilante justice to the rule of law and juries. Just because we may not agree with the verdict does not mean that the finding was wrong.

6. I saw the movie Red 2 -- Liked it a lot. Review coming later in the week.

7. What if you survived the crash of an airplane, but were subsequently killed by a first responder fire truck? That is just tragic.

8. Where is the happiest place on Earth? Some say Disney. I'll let you know, later in the week.

-- Bob Doan, writing form Jupiter, FL

Bird of the Day - Egret View 2

What are you looking at?

I know I have already offered an image of an egret as the bird of the day, but I just love the way this one was captured, looking at me as I snapped its image almost as if to say "What are you looking at?"

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the egret hunt the tidal pools at low tide and occasionally find some morsel as a meal.

-- Bob Doan, Writing from Jupiter, FL

From Beach to Turtle Center

Ethan and Jax Scouring the Shore for Treasure

What can I say about another day on vacation in Florida with the sun, the clouds, the passing rain storms and the excitement of life along the Atlantic Ocean? I love it!

Yesterday began with another beach experience. We rescued our second loggerhead turtle hatchling in two days, making four distressed hatchlings for the trip. This one required the assistance of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center as it was on the beach, exhausted and not able to swim strongly enough to overcome the waves crashing onto the beach.

Loggerhead Turtle Hatchling on the Beach

The good news is that we took it to the center where it will be allowed to recover and then released. The bad news is that it abruptly ended the beach experience for the day. But the entire family got into the idea of rescuing the small turtle which clearly was not going to make it on its own.

Nearly Full Grown Loggerhead Turtle at the Turtle Center

Although initially we just dropped the young turtle off to the welcoming staff, we did return to the Center later in the day to get more educated about turtles and their rescue efforts. We got to see nearly full grown loggerhead turtles recovering from injuries and many juvenile green turtles also recovering from illness. It seems that power station water exhaust channels are especially dangerous for turtles as that is where many of the ones recovering in the center were found.

Jax and Ethan received certificates for rescuing the small, helpless loggerhead hatchling. Upon examination, the turtle appeared to have suffered injuries during a probable scuffle with a predator. Hopefully, the small turtle they rescued will be one of the lucky ones who did not become a meal or escape only to die on the beach and will grow to become an adult turtle.

Just another great day in Florida!!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL

Bird of the Day -- Black Backed Gull

Gull Along the Beach

This image was taken by Chris of a gull flying along the shore the other day. It is fun to try to catch birds in flight.

I still wish that I could fly--like a bird or a bat.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL

Turning it up a Notch

Ethan and Jackson Discovering a Nine-Legged Starfish

The arrival of grandsons to coincide with the start of my last week of vacation has been like adding spice to a recipe. Days on the beach have taken on added dimensions as the discoveries of turtles, yes we found another loggerhead turtle hatchling yesterday, shells, ghost crabs, and even a nine armed starfish have sparked questions and generated enthusiasm.

Ethan Getting Air

Watching Ethan try to get as much air a possible while jumping off a sand dune into the ocean kept my attention much longer than watching a ghost crab try to determine whether I was watching it or not--I was, by the way watching it. It was fun to see them having fun. Much like the missing ingredient in a recipe.

The day was beautiful--for the first day in over a week there was no rain and the temperatures remained mild. There were two separate trips to the beach--while visiting three beaches provided hours of enjoyment and discovery.

There was also a snorkeling expedition into the calm waters of the inter-coastal  to familiarize everyone with their gear in non-swimming pool conditions.

Jax and Ethan Heading out to Boogie

But there was also a boogie boarding for some fun in the not so huge afternoon waves.

But the best part of all of it? It was Friday and I wasn't at work! On top of that, it was a great transition into my last week of vacation.

Whoo hoo!

Did I mention Happy Hour on the beach? It's always five o'clock somewhere, right?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL