So Here We Are

It was surreal watching the State of the Union (SOTU) address last evening. 

The divided nature of our government was obvious. 

The Speaker of the House was clearly more interested in making a statement of her own rather than listening to the President.

CNN has published a piece titled 
5 key takeaways from Donald Trump's State of the Union speech. 

I have to admit that at the beginning of the speech, I was encouraged by the bipartisan call, but by the end of the speech it was clear that any bipartisan action would have to be made on the President's terms.

The President began by saying:

The agenda I will lay out this evening is not a Republican agenda or Democrat agenda, it is the agenda of the American people. Many of us have campaigned on the same core promises, to defend American jobs and demand fair trade for American workers, to rebuild and revitalize our nation’s infrastructure, to reduce the price of health care and prescription drugs, to create an immigration system that is safe, lawful, modern and secure, and to pursue a foreign policy that puts America’s interests first.

It was interesting to read the Fact Checker of the President's address. He takes credit for many things that began before he took office. The good note is that the good trends have continued, the bad is that he is taking whole credit for them and not recognizing that efforts of Presidents who preceded him.

State of the Union fact check: What's true and false in Trump's address - NBC News

One continual Trump claim that the NBC article focuses on is border security. I extracted the beginning of the item here:

CLAIM: TRUMP SAYS THE STATE OF THE SOUTHERN BORDER IS 'LAWLESS,' THREATENING THE SECURITY OF ALL AMERICANS

America's immigration system is broken — that's something experts, advocates and politicians across the spectrum can agree on — but there's little evidence the southern border is experiencing a new state of emergency. Violence isn't spilling over the border, and terrorists aren't being caught in droves trying to cross it. Illegal drugs largely come through legal ports of entry, not unguarded parts of the border, according to border authorities.

In the Democratic response to the SOTU, Stacy Abrams made a statement that really struck a chord with me:

My father has battled prostate cancer for years. To help cover the costs, I found myself sinking deeper into debt -- because while you can defer some payments, you can’t defer cancer treatment. In this great nation, Americans are skipping blood pressure pills, forced to choose between buying medicine or paying rent. Maternal mortality rates show that mothers, especially black mothers, risk death to give birth. And in 14 states, including my home state where a majority want it, our leaders refuse to expand Medicaid, which could save rural hospitals, economies, and lives.

I have read about people dying because they have been forced to choose between insulin injections and eating. This is wrong. This is not my vision for the America that I have served for my entire adult life. 

It was an interesting, if not scary evening as the gulf between the parties was on display. 

As a country and a society we need to do better. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It has been a Week

Jupiter Lighthouse
January 28, 2019

It is hard to comprehend that it has been a week since I returned from South Florida. The weather here has ranged from bitter cold to unseasonably warm. I hope that we are on a warming trend, but I am a realist and know that it is only early February and Winter is just half over.

Chris and Finn on the Beach
January 28, 2019

I am reflecting fondly on the 10 days away from the cold. Although the weather in Florida was not idyllic, it was a very enjoyable trip nonetheless. Chris and I are looking forward to a return trip during the first days of Springtime. And, there should be many more visits to Florida in our future. 

I am, however, amazed at how quickly a week has passed since we departed Florida. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - February 4, 2019

1. It is the first Monday in February, the second month of the year. Where did January go?

2. The Super Bowl wasn't really super. It was a hard fought defensive struggle. As expected the Patriots won. The score was a lot lower than I predicted and set the record for the lowest scoring Super Bowl. People who had 3's and 0's in the office pools did really well!

3. It hit 50 degrees yesterday. Maybe it was an early Spring thaw?

4. Spring is closer with each passing day!

5. Isn't it amazing how myopic we become as a nation when the Super Bowl is being played. Who knows what happened around the world?

6. It was nice to be home this weekend. I was able to go to my favorite store, Lowe's, and get supplies for a small home improvement project, which I was also able to complete. However, that project started another painting project! No good deed goes unpunished!

7. I was amazed at how many drones authorities confiscated during the run-up to the Super Bowl. Drone flyers have got to get smarter and not do dumb things in order to protect our access to the skies. 

8. With the Super Bowl complete it is almost time for baseball season. Pitchers and catchers report for some teams in seven days! Play ball!

9. Pool opening day is tentatively scheduled for May 4, 2019. that is 89 days away!

10. Today in History. On February 4, 1974, Patty Hearst, the 19-year-old daughter of newspaper publisher Randolph Hearst, is kidnapped from her apartment in Berkeley, California, by two black men and a white woman, all three of whom are armed. Her fiance, Stephen Weed, was beaten and tied up along with a neighbor who tried to help. Witnesses reported seeing a struggling Hearst being carried away blindfolded, and she was put in the trunk of a car. Neighbors who came out into the street were forced to take cover after the kidnappers fired their guns to cover their escape.



Headlines

How Boring Was the Super Bowl? The Punts Got Exciting - The New York Times

How a ‘Monster’ Texas Oil Field Made the U.S. a Star in the World Market - The New York Times

Trump embraces a new nuclear arms race - The Washington Post

French fighter jets back Chadian forces after incursion from Libya - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week



“Freedom is the right to question and change the established way of doing things. It is the continuing revolution of the marketplace. It is the understanding that allows us to recognize shortcomings and seek solutions. It is the right to put forth an idea, scoffed at by the experts, and watch it catch fire among the people. It is the right to dream — to follow your dream or stick to your conscience, even if you’re the only one in a sea of doubters. Freedom is the recognition that no single person, no single authority or government has a monopoly on the truth, but that every individual life is infinitely precious, that every one of us put on this world has been put there for a reason and has something to offer.”

-- Bob Doan Elkridge, MD

Super Sunday

I had hoped that the snow would melt with the warmer temperatures yesterday, but sadly that did not happen.

The snow remains covering much of the ground.

But at least we are in the midst of a heat wave! It was 21 degrees this morning as I awoke with the promise of possibly seeing 46 degrees!

Today is the special Sunday that arrives but once per year. Of the 52 Sundays that comprise a year, this day has been designated as Super Sunday because of the Super Bowl! It is the crowning of the NFL Champion after a grueling season the 32 teams have been whittled down to 2 contenders to be crowned Champions! 

Many other American professional sports, for instance basketball, hockey, baseball; play a best of seven series to determine the league champion and so there is not the hype and drama that is associated with football's one game winner-take-all format. We do not have to wait out a grueling series to determine the eventual champion. Tonight the Lombardi Trophy signifying the NFL champion will be awarded to the final survivor.

So, here is my prediction for the big game: Patriots 35 to Rams 31.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Warming Up - Groundhog Day

Driveway
February 2, 2019

Happy Groundhog Day!

Amazingly, it is going to get up to 40 degrees today. 

I am thinking that I will get outside and cut some more wood for the fireplace. We still have a lot of wood laying on the ground to cut up and burn but the wet weather which preceded the cold weather has pretty much kept me from getting it prepared for burning.

Finnegan on the Beach
January 21, 2019

I believe 40 degrees will feel very warm! Hard to believe but after such frigid weather warming up over 30 degrees will be a welcome relief. 

It will not be as warm as it was in Florida two weeks ago, but it will feel much better than the 12 degrees that greeted me as I went to work yesterday. 

AND THIS JUST IN

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and predicted an early Spring! 

Spring cannot arrive soon enough!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

State of the Union

The State of the Union address, mandated by the Constitution, is finally scheduled for next Tuesday. The address will take place during what is apparently going to be a brief reopening of the government.

The Congress and the President are still at odds and there is no forward movement on keeping the government open.

What is the state of our union?

Here's Bob's opinion.

Divided! I have never seen the country so polarized and divided. The invectives being used daily by both parties are divisive and not conducive to a progressive government devoted to protecting civil liberties and providing for the common defense.

The "Wall" is a red herring. Almost everyone wants border security. It is just that the "Wall" has become a rallying cry.

I was encouraged yesterday when Customs and Border Security displayed the biggest drug bust in history. Did it come over where the wall would have been? No! It was at a known border crossing. 

My take? We need to tone down the rhetoric, infighting, and invectives and get to work restoring our country as the shining beacon for the world.  

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

How Cold is it?

Too cold!

I awoke this morning to a thermometer reading 4 degrees. Last least we are on the positive side of the scale.

I am almost afraid to go outside, except that I already had the dogs out to do their business. 

I checked some temperatures around the country this morning via the magic of Alexa and discovered where the heart of the polar vortex is positioned.

Chicago, IL: -17
Fargo, ND: -24
Pittsburgh, PA: -5
Ithaca, NY: -7
Houston, TX: 52
Jupiter, FL: 63

I wonder where I'd rather be? Yes, Florida!

We will survive the cold and the upside is that it should help to reduce the insect population for next summer!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And it is Over

I crawled onto a Southwest flight in West Palm Beach yesterday afternoon with Chris and Finnegan and returned to Maryland.

Blue Skies Over the Condo in Tequesta
January 29, 2019

We boarded the jet under crystal blue skies with temperatures near the 70's and a warm sun invigorating the world and my mood. It was the best weather day of the entire vacation--truly. We are missing really good weather by one week it seems. The rain and cold of the past week is transforming into 70's and 80's and sun for the week ahead in the Palm Beach area or, as it is called by the locals, the Treasure Coast.

I was greeted by snow, ice, and cold upon arrival in Baltimore. Ugh. It is 15 degrees this morning. Back to the cold, hard reality of life.

A View from Tequesta, Florida
Radio Flyer
January 29, 2019

The time away was awesome and Fran and Mary were great hosts. Chris and I played three rounds of golf! That was fantastic. Even though the weather was not beach-worthy, it was golf-worthy. Sadly, my short game still sucks. So does my putting and my driving, lol. I am glad that golf clubs fly free on Southwest.

It was a great trip, all in all, it is always good to get away and now that Chris is retired, we are free to move about the country when school is in session. On the down side, it is only January and I have already consumed six of my precious leave days for the year! Hmmmm. The image I took from above the place where we were staying in Tequesta of Jupiter Island in the distance with the ocean on the horizon  will remind me of the beautiful weather until Chris and I return. Sooner than later, I hope.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Angry Ocean

Atlantic Ocean crashing on Jupiter Island
from Radio Flyer
January 28, 2019

For those of you wondering whether I had moved to Florida on a permanent basis, do not fear. Today is a travel day and Chris, Finnegan, and I are returning to the frozen northland.

Birdseye View of the Ocean Crashing on the Rocks
Jupiter Island
from Radio Flyer
January 29, 2019

And the weather apparently is preparing for our return as well  by providing record setting cold and snow. Thanks! 

Yesterday the weather cleared and I was able to get Radio Flyer, my trusty drone, into the skies to get some images of the angry Atlantic Ocean as it crashed onto the rocks that adorn the beach of Jupiter Island. i made three flights off the beach and attempted to capture the power of the waves as they crashed on the rocks. Given the amount of sea foam, however, the white of the waves in the rocks gets lost, sadly.  

I put together a compilation of the short videos that I shot yesterday of the ocean from Radio Flyer.

In looking at the weather report for the next week in Florida, it is clear that Chris and I chose the wrong week to be here. The weather next week is going to be fantastic! Well, for February!

Well--here's hoping for on-time flights and a good travel day.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Monday Musings - January 28, 2019

1. Amazingly, the last Monday of January is upon us and the first month of the year will soon be in the books. 

Picture of Magazine in a Rack

2. It has been great being in Florida, the weather has not been idyllic, but is warm and not snowing--for which I am grateful. I am not excited about returning to winter in Baltimore.

Flamingo Room
Stuart, Florida

3. There are some weird magazines out there. The one about Gardens and Gun seems really extreme.

4. We went shopping in Stuart, Florida at some boutiques and ran across a very interesting room. I can definitely say, I would consider a toned down version of a Flamingo room for our house.

5. Despite the less than optimal weather, it has been a great time away with friends in Florida.   Hopefully, today we will be able to get outside again and enjoy not being in the middle of winter in the north.

6. The government has reopened! Yay! The Congress and the President should strive to keep it open and functioning.

7. I have witnessed some really crazy driving while I have been enjoying Florida. And I though Maryland drivers were bad.

8. Next Sunday is the Super Bowl! I'm not sure how much of it I will watch,

9. The fate of winter will be decided on Saturday as Punxsutawney Phil provides his Ground Hog day prediction for the arrival of Spring.

Challenger Tragedy
January 28, 1986

10. Today in History. At 11:38 a.m. EST, on January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Christa McAuliffe is on her way to becoming the first ordinary U.S. civilian to travel into space. McAuliffe, a 37-year-old high school social studies teacher from New Hampshire, won a competition that earned her a place among the seven-member crew of the Challenger. She underwent months of shuttle training but then, beginning January 23, was forced to wait six long days as the Challenger‘s launch countdown was repeatedly delayed because of weather and technical problems. Finally, on January 28, the shuttle lifted off.

Seventy-three seconds later, hundreds on the ground, including Christa’s family, stared in disbelief as the shuttle broke up in a forking plume of smoke and fire. Millions more watched the wrenching tragedy unfold on live television. There were no survivors.

Headlines

Your 2019 Tax Refund Might Be Higher, Lower or Later Than Usual - The New York Times

‘It feels like we are still hostages’: Federal contractors who lost health insurance during shutdown remain in limbo - The Washington Post

As West turns on him, Venezuela's Maduro flexes military muscle - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week 

“If you analyze it I believe the very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism. I think conservatism is really a misnomer just as liberalism is a misnomer for the liberals — if we were back in the days of the Revolution, so-called conservatives today would be the Liberals and the liberals would be the Tories. The basis of conservatism is a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom and this is a pretty general description also of what libertarianism is.”


-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Going to the Birds

Snowy Egret on Car
Tequesta Trace, Tequesta, Florida
January 26, 2019

I will refrain from making obvious statements about leadership, but I am extremely happy that the government is reopened. Hopefully, they can figure out how to get back pay to those affected outside of the normal pay period process which would make them wait about two weeks more! 

Little Blue Heron Silhouetted
Intercostal Waterway, Jupiter Island, Florida
January 25, 2019

The rain is falling, or rather it is hitting the Earth in sheets of water much like Noah must have experienced. 

Yesterday, however, before the rain, we were able to get out for a walk and I came across this bird sitting on a car. The bird seemed as if it owned the car. It did not fly away as I tried to get better images of it, but it jumped onto the hood of the car, making it difficult for my attempts to capture the bird on the car. 

On Friday evening, during our brief but cool happy hour, the little blue heron was back again and I was able to get a nice image of the bird silhouetted against the water. 

Despite the less than ideal weather, this January trip to Florida has been great. I am looking forward to spending a lot of time in Florida in the future.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

What do you do on a Friday Evening in Florida?

Friends on the Intercostal Waterway Beach
Jupiter Island, Florida
January 25, 2019

Palm Trees at the Beach
January 25, 2019

What do you do on a Friday evening in Florida when it has been cool all day?

Go the the beach for Happy Hour, of course!

Yes, we had to wear jackets because the temperature was in the low 60s. And there was no thought of going in the water because the water was about 10 degrees warmer than the air and we would have developed hypothermia. But, sitting in the beach with friends enjoying the sun and waning rays of the afternoon sun is the perfect exclamation point to a great day. The beach was definitely not crowded as we were about the only crazies who ventured out--but it was worth the trip. 

Tequesta Trace from Above
Radio Flyer
January 25, 2019

The images were taken with my drone, Radio Flyer. It has become the ultimate selfie machine. 

Earlier in the day, as I was flying around the neighborhood where we are staying, I managed to get a really interesting Birdseye view image of the street. I am barely visible in the image, but I thought the patterns of the homes and the palms made an interesting visual.

I made a movie of the morning flight coming into the neighborhood. 

Friday was a great day and we started the evening with Happy Hour on the beach.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Thursday Sunset

Thursday Sunset
Jupiter River Walk, Jupiter, Florida
January 24, 2019

Although I love sunrises, I also appreciate a good sunset.

Yesterday, after the storms cleared, provide a stunning sunset and I was fortunate to be in a place to enjoy the waning rays of the sun as it slipped below the horizon. 

Someone's Home on the Water?

The reflection from the clouds onto the water made the scene one to remember. The evening was warm and calm. Chris and I, along with Fran and Mary, had just enjoyed happy hour at a local establishment and caught the scene as we walked along the water to the parked car. It was one of those evenings that I return to Florida every chance that I get to enjoy. 

As we walked, we passed a large yacht. I have no thoughts about ever owning one, but yet, I do dream of being on the water enjoying the day. However, I enjoy sleeping on land. It made a nice image against the backdrop of the sunset. 

For those who wonder, Radio Flyer is here in Florida with me, but the winds have been too high to allow me to fly. I am hopeful of getting my drone airborne today for a flight or two as the winds have calmed.

I am ready for another day in Florida and happy that I am still out of the cold in the north.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

The Lighthouse

Jupiter Lighthouse
January 21, 2019

The lighthouse dominates the relatively flat landscape of Jupiter, Florida. It is the iconic symbol of the region and I always take a few images of it whenever I visit. 

I love the the lighthouse especially near sunset as the low, golden rays of the sun illuminate the red structure.

I have also been excited by the sky and the clouds as I have been vacationing this week. 

Chris and I actually got in 9 holes of golf yesterday. It was fun to be on the course, but the 40 mph gusts of wind certainly made the outing an adventure. A true adventure. Some of my best shots wound up getting carried into the bunkers by the wind. But, it was fun that my first golf outing of 2019 was with Chris in Florida!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Wind, surf, and birds

Little Blue Heron
Intercostal Waterway, Jupiter Island, Florida
January 22, 2019

Pelican
Square Grouper, Jupiter, Florida
January 21, 2019

What a boring title for the blog this morning. I couldn't think of a better one, so I am going to go with it, for now.

While the weather has been breezy and cool, Chris and Have been throughly enjoying our mid-January (now possibly late-January) get away from the cold vacation.

I wish I could report that we have been playing golf every day, we haven't. Or that we have been on the beach all day every day, we haven't; but we are enjoying Florida as a place the snow hasn't covered. This morning's temperature was 72 degrees, but yet, because of the strong winds, it felt cool as we walked Finnegan around the neighborhood. 

But, we have been enjoying the birds of the shore along the beaches and waterways. 

Sandpipers
Jupiter Island, Jupiter, Florida
January 20, 2019

Atlantic Ocean from Jupiter Island
January 22, 2019

The ocean has been very rough, it has an awesome beauty about it as the waves crash onto the beach. It is the Atlantic Ocean after all. 

The skies and the surf are beautiful.

They provide a rugged view of the solitary beach.

I am already beginning to feel the stress of the impending end of the vacation, although I am not sure what there is to do that I have not done? I have had my toes in the ocean and felt the warm sun on my face. I have been walking, despite the plantar fasciitis that I am struggling with in my right foot. 

We will see what today will bring to our South Florida adventure.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida 

At the Beach

Finnegan and Chris
Juno Dog Beach
January 21, 2019

Me on Juno Dog Beach
Jupiter, Florida
January 21, 2019

It was a beautiful mid-January day near the ocean. While for much of the country that would mean a frigid experience, it was only a breezy and cool day in south Florida. 

I spent part of January 21st on the beach enjoying the sun and the surf. Granted, we did not spend the entire day on the beach as we often do during the summer, but we were on the beach and it was fantastic. The sun was shining, the sky was blue with broken clouds and the ocean was rough and beautiful. As an added benefit, even though it was a holiday, the beach was not crowded. 

We decided to go to the Juno Dog Beach so that Finnegan could have his first encounter with the ocean. It went very well. He loved the beach and sniffed at all of the piles of sea weed that were drying in the sun. He was timid around the water rolling up onto the sand, but overall it was a positive experience.

More importantly, however, I was on the beach. Granted, I did not have a cold drink in my hand, it was after all a bit too cool for that, but I was not standing in snow or suffering through single digit temperatures. 

It was all-in-all a great day. Today's high in Jupiter is expected to be about 76 degrees. Tomorrow's high is expected to be 79 degrees! Bring on the heat, too soon I will be back in the cold.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Monday Musings - January 21, 2019

1. It is the third Monday of January and the month is really flying by as is the new year.

Palm Trees in Jupiter, Florida
January 20, 201 9

2. I was appalled at the poor refereeing during the NFL Championship games yesterday. There were too many missed or inappropriately made calls which, in my mind, changed the course of both games. It almost seemed as if the fix was in. The NFL must do something to reduce the impact that referees have on the game in critical situations.

Jupiter Sound, Jupiter, Florida
January 20, 2019

3. Today we remember the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was assassinated during 1968.  Despite all of the efforts in our country since then to ensure civil rights for everyone, I have come to believe that America is more divided now than at any time in its past and we still are unwilling to ensure equal rights for everyone.

4.  Arriving in Florida was provided a great respite form the cold of Baltimore. Yesterday's activities included walking outside without a coat, sitting at a restaurant alongside the intercostal having a relaxing drink, and seeing a movie before watching the NFL championship games. It was a great way to start a get-away-from-winter vacation.

Blue Pointe Bar and Grille
Jupiter Sound, Jupiter, Florida
January 20, 2019

5. The cold weather followed us from Baltimore. It was 45 degrees here this morning as I walked Finnegan! But the sun was shining and we are hopeful of getting about 70 degrees today.

6. Flying was not as bad as I expected. The TSA agents were great and we appreciated that they were still on duty even though they are not getting paid, allowing us to head off on our mid-winter vacation.

7. I do enjoy seeing bright sunshine and clear blue skies in the morning. What is that bright orb in the sky?

8. Today in History. On this day in 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter grants an unconditional pardon to hundreds of thousands of men who evaded the draft during the Vietnam War.

Headlines

Moscow Skyscraper Talks Continued Through ‘the Day I Won,’ Trump Is Said to Acknowledge - The New York Times

A tribal elder and a high school junior stood face to face, and the world reacted - The Washington Post

U.S. calls on Russia to destroy new missile system - Reuters

Iran satellite launch fails after U.S. warning - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

Information is the oxygen of the modern age. It seeps through the walls topped by barbed wire, it wafts across the electrified borders. – Ronald Reagan



-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Out of the Cold

Finnegan Saying Good-bye to Baltimore
January 19, 2019

OK, I just have to say it, I love Florida!

There, I got it out of my system. 

Finnegan in his Travel Kennel
January 19, 2019

Chris and I and Finnegan departed the snow-covered and cold Baltimore area yesterday for Florida. Yes, we are getting out of the region just before the next big storm.  

Finnegan was the hit of the day with so many people enjoying his antics as he was waiting to fly wearing his Aloha shirt. He was an extremely good dog in the airport and on the plane. 

We were a bit concerned about lines at the airport and arrived earlier than usual, but there were no lines because we took an afternoon flight. Since we made it through the check-in process so smoothly, we were able to spend some time at my favorite airport wine bar, Vino Volo. Nothing better than relaxing once on the other side of security with a glass of wine and a cheese plate. Perhaps the most impressive thing was that Vino Volo asked us if we wished to make a donation which would got to provide meals to the TSA and other airport federal workers who were not getting paid. We readily agreed. 

Even though our flight was delayed about 40 minutes, it was a good travel day. And I am in Florida. I walked Finnegan this morning without a coat! It was 70 degrees and felt fantastic. 

Good morning from Florida! Yes, it is raining, but it is a warm rain!

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Another Weekend, Another Holiday

Here I am again at the start of another three-day weekend. The string of holidays that began with Veterans Day in November is quickly coming to an end. 

Monday's celebration of  Martin Luther King means that it will be a month until the next holiday--President's Day on February 18th. And then the holiday drought begins and lasts until Memorial Day at the end of May. 

I wonder if we have it wrong and we should have all of these holidays placed during the summer months instead of the late-Autumn and Winter months? It certainly is hard to hit the golf course when the temperatures are in the low teens as they are expected for Monday's holiday. 

But wait! I am, hopefully, not going to be here to enjoy the frigid arctic blast. I am hopeful of being under a palm tree in Florida!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD