Monday Musings - February 14, 2022

 

1. Happy Valentines Day! Did you forget? I hope not.

2. It is the second Monday of February 2022. There are 2 Mondays remaining in February and 45 remaining in the year. Who knew a year could slip by so quickly.

3. Super Bowl 56 was a solid game. The officials stayed out of the contest until the very end, but yet there will some egregious calls that may have changed the outcome of the game. I agree that Cooper Kupp was the Super Bowl MVP. Although my prediction of the score and eventual victor of the game was wrong, it was a solid Super Bowl. I like defensive football and the idea of a dramatic drive to win the game when the chips were down is always exciting. 

Sailboat on the Atlantic
Jupiter Island, Florida
February 12, 2022

4. Saturday, when the temperature eased over the 80 degree mark, Chris and I had a beach afternoon. The ocean was relatively calm and there were many boats out enjoying the afternoon. This one sailboat caught my attention against the blue ocean and sky. It was very picturesque and I enjoyed watching it pass across my field of view.

5. Last evening, Chris and I watched the Super Bowl outside on a lanai. It is February and we had a party outside, around a pool--which was open and potentially ready for swimming. It was a great experience, but we missed our family in Maryland. 

6. Today in History. On February 14, around the year 270 A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, is said to have been executed.

Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.

To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.

Key U.S.-Canada border crossing reopens, protests continue in Ottawa - The Washington Post

European, U.S. leaders race to defuse Ukraine crisis amid warnings of imminent Russia attack - The Washington Post

Vaccine mandate protests reach Europe and beyond - The Washington Post

Stock Futures, Bond Yields Drop on Fear of War in Ukraine - The Wall Street Journal

Soaring Inflation Means Britons Face Biggest Fall in Real Incomes in 30 Years - The Wall Street Journal

Wild Horses Are Removed From Government Land as Drought Shrinks Food Supply - The Wall Street Journal

Ukraine hints at concessions to Russia as Scholz heads to region, article with gallery - Reuters

Hong Kong "overwhelmed" as COVID infections hit record - Reuters

Iran foreign ministry spokesman says prisoner swap with U.S. on agenda, article with image - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Super Sunday

The day has finally arrived. It is Super Bowl Sunday and the stage is set for another day of partying and even the promise of some football thrown in between the commercials. 

Who to cheer for? The Rams, or the Bengals? 

The Bengals are the underdogs, currently by about 4 points. BUT, the Bengals hail from the AFC North Division--home to the Steelers and my favorite team the Ravens. Therefore, I will be cheering on the Bengals--a team which beat both the Ravens and Steelers in each of their meetings this year--home and away. 

I am truly hoping for good football to close out the season. The ending was very disappointing for the Ravens as Lamar was injured and the team lost its final six games to finish outside of the playoffs. 

The day will be filled with anticipation and maybe a bit too much food and drink. 

I know that here in Florida the police have promised extra patrols looking for impaired drivers starting about the time the game ends. They will be looking for party revelers who over indulged--and I don't think they will be helping them to get home.

Be save and don't over do it if you are planning on watching the game and partying. 

I am a terrible sports predictor--however, here it goes.

My prediction Bengals 31 - Rams 27.

May the best team win and the referees stay out of the headlines.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friends at the Door

 

Finnegan, Makayla, Riordin at the Door
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022

Chris and I enjoyed a quiet Happy Hour on the patio last evening. We talked and sipped wine, but at some point I looked over and noticed that we had excluded the rest of the family from our end of the day celebration. All three of our faithful family members were at the door looking at us as if to say, "Did you forget to invite us?"

Of course we had not forgotten them, we had intentionally excluded them. Sometimes it is nice to sit alone and talk without worrying about one of them wandering off and of course the dogs like to enjoy our Happy Hour munchies. 

We decided that we would end our alone time and go inside rather than. inviting the entire family outside. It was a beautiful evening, however. It was also the end of another great day which included a walk, bike ride, and brunch with friends. 

While our friends at the door were cute to look at, we did not make them wait long before we joined them inside for an evening together. It was a very different Friday evening and one of the few that we spent at home alone with just our family.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back to the Beach

Kitesurfing on the Atlantic
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 10, 2022

The weather turned warmer and Chris and I were able to return to the beach for Happy Hour yesterday. It was still a bit cool, as in the low 70s, but sitting on the beach watching the ocean and the activity was an enjoyable way to get out of the condo for a bit and enjoy life outdoors.

We have been watching way too much of the Olympics and shows on Netflix and it was nice to get back to the beach and then off to dinner with friends at a Greek fusion restaurant. Watching a kitesurfer on the ocean provided some entertainment as did the multiple probable spinner sharks which were jumping from time to time. 

We have become experts at packing what we need for the beach in about 15 minutes. The beach chairs permanently reside in the car and are ready for any spur-of-the-moment expedition to the beach. 

The morning activity included a dog walk and a bike ride. We are thoroughly enjoying the outdoors activity and seem to enjoy it more after a stormy day which keeps us inside. I have to admit, we have mostly lost pale look of snowbirds wintering from the north. 

I wonder what adventure will find its way to me today.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It was a Cool and Rainy Day

Egret on the Hedge
Tequesta, FL
February 9, 2022

After more than a week of blue skies and warm sun we suffered through a cool, overcast, and rainy day yesterday. It reminded me of the weather back in Maryland where it just would not end so that outdoors life could continue. It worked out, however, because I had scheduled Comcast to come and figure out what was wrong with the connection to one of my TVs and it also turned into a good time to go to Costco for supplies. So Chris and I turned a gloomy day into a productive one. 

Because of the rain we only walked a limited distance, until Finnegan did his business and I did not ride my bike and as the gloomy day became a day-off from exercise. 

But what did I learn?

Well, first off I learned that newer TVs with real HD require more bandwidth than older less capable ones. All that was wrong with my cable connection was the actual cable jumper. The tech replaced the jumper and everything worked. He wondered why Comcast even gives the jumper that I had out because it is so bad. Oh well, no wonder all of my troubleshooting was for naught.

I also learned that the cable outlet in one of the bedrooms that has a transformer attached to it is running a splitter somewhere in the house and to add a television I need a power pass through splitter--who knew? Well, I do now and at least I asked the question before I  bought the wrong connector.

And then there was the afternoon trip to Costco. Note to self--Wednesday afternoon is not a good day to attempt Costco! The place was packed. Chris and I made a successful run, but it really was difficult to check-out. It is amazing how differently Costco lays out their stores. 

To make it all better, however, an egret was standing on our bushes when we returned form shopping. I guess hunting was not good in the normal areas and it decided that since we could not go to the beach, it would bring the beach to us. 

BTW, Happy Friday-eve!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Price Gouging

It is a jungle our in marketplace America right now. 

For those who haven't yet figured it out, the COVID-19 pandemic is raging and it is affecting everything--and I mean everything. 

2022 Hyundai Tuscon

One article in this mornings Wall Street Journal really brought that home. The article was about GM and FORD warning dealers to stop overcharging for vehicles. The article confirmed that there are people, even in a pandemic when everyone is suffering, who want to take an unreasonable advantage and try to make a profit. 

I believe the problem is more widespread than the auto industry. It is possible that the inflation problem we are seeing across the board in all areas of consumer products from food, to durable goods, to automobiles. Unscrupulous businesses are preying on consumers in the middle of a pandemic where everyone is hurting in one way or another. 

I am being very wary of purchasing big items right now in the hopes that as we either defeat COVID or learn to live with it, life and pricing will return to normal and the price gouging will cease.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Biking in February

Saturday's Bike Trip
Tequesta, Jupiter, FL
February 4, 2022

I bought a bike last week. It is a Cannondale Quick CX4. This is the first time that I have actually owned a bicycle since I was in college. I did have the use of a bike a few years ago, but it was not mine. One of the things that I was determined to do upon moving to Florida was begin cycling regularly. I like cycling a lot more than walking, but even so Chris and I continue walking about 1.5 miles every day with Finnegan.

Since owing the bike, now exactly one week, I have cycled on six occasions and have logged a few miles while increasing my fitness level. I started slowly and am increasing the distance biked each day--well, with the exception of Saturday when I went out on a 16 mile, over 1-hour tour with a friend. I had a lot of fun and fortunately, I had been riding every day prior and I remember to wear my padded bike shorts.

I do like that my watch records the route traveled on my phone so that I can review it and possibly use portions of it in other adventures. In fact, I have been using some of this trip to ride with Chris as she, likewise, increases her distance and biking fitness. I was surprised when I returned home that I had actually ridden over 16 miles. Although I was tired, I has stayed hydrated and I did not feel as exhausted as I felt that I should. The only thing I forgot was to apply sunscreen and my arms got a bit, very lightly, burned. Well, at least that is helping me to lose the Northern paleness. 

Who would have thought that biking in February could be so enjoyable?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - February 7, 2022

 

1. Greetings. It is the first Monday of February! There are 3 Mondays remaining in the month and 46 remaining in the year. 

Finnegan Protesting
Tequesta, FL
February 4, 2022

Riordin in a Box
Tequesta, FL
February 4, 2022

2. How do we keep our cat, Riordin, happy? We put a box on the floor and he makes it his own personal space. He has been using the box now for three days. I would like to recycle it, but I believe it has been somewhat permanently repurposed. He is laying in the box as I write this morning.

3. Chris and I took Finnegan for a morning walk the other day. Since we were going biking we decided to stop short and return home. Finnegan had other ideas. He protested the truncated walk by doing the downward dog and stopping. He would not be moved--well, he only weighs six pounds and so he was moved and like a petulant puppy did return home with us in the end. But it was a funny moment where it was clear that Finnegan realized his morning walk was being shortened.

4. The Olympics are a bit of a disappointment. The U.S. is without a gold medal so far and has garnered only three silver medals. The Russian Olympic Committee has six total medals--twice the U.S. count. Don't get me wrong, I am happy that the U.S. team has won medals, but I think everyone expected more.

5. I am continually amazed at the impatience of drivers in South Florida. I do not understand why some people think it is OK to travel excessively fast on residential streets. Here in our small community we have had to erect a speed limit sign to slow drivers down. It is for 12 MPH. Hoping to see results soon.

6. Today in History. On February 7, 1964, Pan Am Yankee Clipper flight 101 from London Heathrow lands at New York’s Kennedy Airport—and “Beatlemania” arrives. It was the first visit to the United States by the Beatles, a British rock-and-roll quartet that had just scored its first No. 1 U.S. hit six days before with “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” At Kennedy, the “Fab Four”—dressed in mod suits and sporting their trademark pudding bowl haircuts—were greeted by 3,000 screaming fans who caused a near riot when the boys stepped off their plane and onto American soil.

Two days later, Paul McCartney, age 21, Ringo Starr, 23, John Lennon, 23, and George Harrison, 20, made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, a popular television variety show. Although it was difficult to hear the performance over the screams of teenage girls in the studio audience, an estimated 73 million U.S. television viewers, or about 40 percent of the U.S. population, tuned in to watch. Sullivan immediately booked the Beatles for two more appearances that month. The group made their first public concert appearance in the United States on February 11 at the Coliseum in Washington, D.C., and 20,000 fans attended. The next day, they gave two back-to-back performances at New York’s Carnegie Hall, and police were forced to close off the streets around the venerable music hall because of fan hysteria. On February 22, the Beatles returned to England.

Frontier Group, Spirit Airlines Merge in $6.6 Billion Deal - The Wall Street Journal

Climate-Change Concerns Revive Interest in Carbon Capture Despite Checkered History - The Wall Street Journal

Tens of Thousands Still in Dark in Tennessee After Winter Storm - The Wall Street Journal

National Archives had to retrieve White House records from Mar-a-Lago - The Washington Post

In Ukraine’s capital, residents grapple with the threat of war - The Washington Post

Covid isn’t gone. Americans are moving on anyway. - The Washington Post

CDC study shows N95, KN95 masks give best protection against covid - The Washington Post

Exclusive: U.S. calls for 'concrete action' from China on trade deal, article with gallery - Reuters

China locks down city on Vietnam border as COVID cases rise - Reuters

After two years of closed borders, Australia welcomes the world back - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday Night Lights

 It was a very different Friday Happy Hour. We went to the Tequesta Trucks N' Tunes which is held on the first Friday of the month.. 

Tequesta Trucks N' Tunes
Tequesta, FL
February 4, 2022

Live music, food trucks, kids, activity, and outdoors fun on February 4th!

It was a beautiful afternoon. Chris and I spent some time at the beach getting "rays" trying to cast off the pale Northern look. For cruising into the weekend, it could not have been a better start. The music and food continued into the evening, well after sunset as the community gathered to celebrate a new month.

Chris and I enjoyed the evening. It was warm and we were wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts. I was very nice to be celebrating the arrival of February in a warm and inviting setting. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Birds of the Beach

Seagull
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 3, 2022

Chris and I enjoyed another great Happy Hour on the beach the other night. The waves were crashing on the beach, the ocean has been very rough this week.

The warm sun and temperatures have made enjoying the beach a great February pastime. Chris and I are attempting to get there everyday and especially when the temperatures are in the high 70s and low 80s as they have been most of this week. 

The birds have been very active as well. I managed this image of a seagull which was hoping for hand-outs from our evening Happy Hour munchies. Frankly, I don't know how I managed this shot as the seagull was moving so quickly and he was so close. 

Osprey with Catch
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 3, 2022

We have also enjoyed watching the osprey hunt. We also saw this osprey after having made a successful catch. I missed seeing the actual catch, but this bird was headed for its nest with dinner. 

Along with being mesmerized by the waves and enjoying the breeze the birds provide something to watch, enjoy, and marvel about. Not to be outdone, the fish sometimes take center stage by jumping from the water. I saw a huge splash which was reportedly a spinner shark, but I did not see the shark in the air as my eyes were focused elsewhere. 

I am beginning to settle into retirement. Walking the dog and biking in the morning. Taking care of projects and business during the mid-part of the day. And then to the beach during the mid- to late-afternoon. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Retirement Gift to Me

Cannondale Quick CX
In the Garage
Tequesta, FL
February 2, 2022

I finally decided to buy a bicycle to ride around the relatively flat lands of South Florida. I have always wanted bike and with the addition of the NordickTrac S22i studio workout cycle to my inventory last year, I have been building up to actual riding. I admit I have enjoyed biking through different countries and terrains, but the past two days of actually riding a bike have been very enjoyable. 

Chris and I have not ventured too far as we adjust to riding in different conditions and learn how to not die in traffic. 

Yes, I have appropriate safety equipment. I even have a helmet, which in my life I had never before used when riding a bike. 

I have not yet put too many miles on the bike as I am working up to longer rides, but the bike is awesome. It rides very nice and I feel very comfortable riding on it. I spent a lot of time deciding between a medium and large frame, but in the end I just felt better on the medium and so that is what I bought. It works better with my short legs.

I wonder where I will go today?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As the Week Wears On

 Temperatures are returning to more normal in South Florida--the reason that I am wintering here. The average high temperature is around 76 degrees. Yesterday it reached, officially, 72 but it was a bit warmer in reality. 

Jupiter Island Beach
Jupiter, FL
February 2, 2022

Chris and I went to the beach during the afternoon when it was warmer. This was after walking and then biking. We enjoyed having there entire beach to ourselves. I took a panorama to document our "alone-ness" on the stretch of beach. And remember er, it is high season here--all of the other "snow birds" are in town. Sadly, the wind coming off the ocean was a bit cool and so we departed after about an hour; retreating to the intracoastal side of Jupiter Island to enjoy the warm afternoon sun and water.

Today the temperature is expected to reach 76 degrees, or higher. I am watching the ice and snow storm sweeping through the country which is reaffirming my decision to winter in South Florida. 

And to think, it is Friday-eve! An absolute bonus. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Groundhog Day 2022

 

Punxsutawney Phil this Morning
Making the Prediction 
 at Gobblers Knob
Punxsutawney, PA

Happy Groundhog Day!

Yup, it is back again for another year.

I have been watching the livestream from Gobbler's Knob awaiting the prediction from Punxsutawney Phil. Part of me wishes that I could be there to see it in person--but the sane part of me knows that it is just too cold. That written, there was a huge crowd on hand to witness the event in person. 

Ground Hog Day is truly a uniquely American event and that makes it even more interesting and exciting. 

This morning they declared the largest mid-week crowd attending in person in the history of Groundhog Day.

And the prediction was-- Six more weeks of Winter. 

I am happy to be in Florida!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

From Cold to Warm

Chris and Finnegan Afternoon Beach Walk
Jupiter Island, FL
January 31, 2022

Despite the cold temperatures during the morning, yesterday turned into a very enjoyable afternoon which included a beach walk to stretch our legs after hunkering down against the cold temperatures of the weekend. I admit, it was not as cold here over the weekend as farther north, but it was in the 30s to start the days and that meant walking the dogs was an unappealing chore. 

One of the big differences between living in Maryland on our very private lot and here in modified condo living is taking care of the dogs. Unlike Maryland where I can let the dogs run the yard when they have needs, here they must be walked on a leash every time they go outside. That means either Chris or I need to be on the other end of the leash. 

Egret on the Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
January 31, 2022

Being on the other end of the leash is not all bad. For instance, yesterday we went for an afternoon beach walk once the temperatures achieved the mid-60s. It was windy, but the sun was warm and the time on the beach was enjoyable. Truth be told, Finnegan actually gets some off the leash time if the beach is devoid of people, which is usually the case. Yesterday he attempted to herd birds. That did not work too well as the birds simply took flight when they got tired of being chased. That frustrated Finnegan because of course he doesn't to have wings--he is a dog.

One of the birds that Finnegan attempted to "herd" got the better of him. This particular bird was wading the water on the rocks and Finnegan does not like to get his feet wet--that is a problem when it rains as well. The bird craftily placed a pool of water between himself and Finnegan which the dog did not notice. After racing full speed into the pool, Finnegan came to a full stop with his back feet going up in the air much like a bicycle back wheel rises up when the only the front brake is applied. It was pretty funny, although Finegan did not think so. The bird looked at the dog, appeared to laugh, and then calmly flew off to another spot in deeper water. 

And that is how we spent part of the last day of January 2022!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - January 31, 2022

 

1. Welcome to the last Monday of January 2022. There are 47 Mondays remaining in the year and today is also the last day of January. February begins tomorrow. The New Year is no longer new. 

2. The Super Bowl competitors are set. The game between the LA Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals will occur on February 13th. The Bengals have never won a Super Bowl, but have appeared in two, the last being 1989. The Rams, as St Louis or Los Angeles, have appeared in four Super Bowls, losing three and winning in 2000 as St Louis with Kurt Warner as quarterback. The current LA version of the Rams lost to Tom Brady and the Patriots in 2018--which was their most recent appearance.

3. Driving in Florida is much like being involved in a road race. Drivers speed and swerve everywhere without regard for speed limits and traffic. I have seen some really crazy things happening at high speeds on the Turnpike and Interstate. Wow! No wonder the insurance rates are so high.

4. War and rumors of war. The situation between Russia and the West over Ukraine is dangerous and I do not understand what Putin's goal is in moving to the brink of war.

5. Even though the temperature here was in the 30's on Saturday, the high for this coming Friday is expected to be 80! 

6. I bought a new TV yesterday to replace a decades old one. I was amazed at how easy set-up has become. I remember the old days when it took hours to get a new TV set-up and ready for action. This happened in minutes. The hardest part was inputting the WiFi password. 

7. Today in History. On January 31, 1950, U.S. President Harry S. Truman publicly announces his decision to support the development of the hydrogen bomb, a weapon theorized to be hundreds of times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Japan during World War II.

Five months earlier, the United States had lost its nuclear supremacy when the Soviet Union successfully detonated an atomic bomb at their test site in Kazakhstan. Then, several weeks after that, British and U.S. intelligence came to the staggering conclusion that German-born Klaus Fuchs, a top-ranking scientist in the U.S. nuclear program, was a spy for the Soviet Union. These two events, and the fact that the Soviets now knew everything that the Americans did about how to build a hydrogen bomb, led Truman to approve massive funding for the superpower race to complete the world’s first “superbomb,” as he described it in his public announcement on January 31.

Rents are up 40 percent in some cities, forcing millions to move - The Washington Post

Ukraine leader’s message is don’t panic. That’s making the West antsy. - The Washington Post

Fed grapples with how to raise interest rates without hurting the economy - The Washington Post

Hillsong pastor steps down to fight charge of concealing his father’s alleged child sexual abuse - The Washington Post

Stock Futures Waver on Final Day of Tumultuous Month - The Wall Street Journal

Russia to Face U.S. in Rare U.N. Security Council Debate - The Wall Street Journal

Omicron Pushes World Toward Accepting Covid as Fact of Life - The Wall Street Journal

Britain warns Russia of sanctions on oligarchs if Ukraine is invaded - Reuters

Rising geopolitical tension and demand send oil price outlook soaring - Reuters

North Korea fires longest range missile since 2017 - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Reflection on a Month

Sign at the Flamingo Gardens
Ft Lauderdale, FL

One month ago today I walked out of my former place of employment for the last time and began my journey into the land of retirement. I miss all of my former coworkers and friends and hope they are well.

Since my retirement, it has been a wild month. Flying to Florida on my last work day, time in Houston, and then back to Maryland just long enough to close the house and return to Florida before the Blizzard of 2022. 

I have visited with a lot of my family and said good-byes to friends. Amazingly, Chris and I have enjoyed multiple days around fire pits even during January and in Maryland--before the storms. And I have been to a flamingo center to enjoy my favorite birds. 

It was at the Flamingo Gardens Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary that I came across perhaps the most the most important piece of advice for dealing with retirement. I took an image of the sign. What does the sign mean to me? Don't sit around waiting for life to come to me because the only thing that comes without asking is poop, and I really don't want to clean that up.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

A Top 10 Happy Hour

Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
January 28, 2022

Happy Hour at the beach last night was one of the most unique adventures that I have lately enjoyed.

The evening almost did not happen because the temperature was cool and the winds were blowing. Both Chris and I believed that it would be too windy and cold to enjoy time on the beach watching the waves.

We were wrong. 

At almost the last minute we decided to meet friends at the beach for Happy Hour--an early one about 3:30 PM. Why early? Because I'm retired and I can!

It turned into an incredibly enjoyable event. 

The weather was milder on the beach than anticipated because the bright sun kept us warm despite the constant breeze. But that was not the best part. First off, the waves were magnificent. They were curling and breaking just offshore like waves we have seen in California and Hawaii. And there were surfers enjoying the rough seas despite the red flag warnings posted on the lifeguard stands. 

As a reminder of how rough the water was, one of the surfers was smashed onto the shore by a wave. He shook the collision with the beach off, but his surfboard was not so lucky as it was broken in half.

Friday Evening Beach Wedding
Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
January 28, 2022

But wait, there's more!

As if the activity of the waves and surfers were not enough, a wedding occurred behind us complete with music, vows, attendants, and witnesses. It was an intimate affair and we were fortunate to be able to enjoy the activity. 

I thought the wedding set-up was well done and thought out. We had met the three-year old ring-bearer in the parking lot as he was throwing a fit because he had to wear a bowtie. He later departed, mid-ceremony, to chase a seagull and had to be shepherded back by his mother.

We enjoyed watching the activity and celebrated with the invited guests when the couple was pronounced married. 

This Happy Hour was high up there on the list of top 10 Happy Hours!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Different Every Day

Walking Along the Beach at Ocean's Edge
Jupiter Island, Florida
January 27, 2022

Yesterday had a perfect beginning and ending to a day. Temperatures were in the high 60's during the morning and high 70's at sunset--and the beach is where the daylight portion of the day began and ended.

The sunset was not spectacular over the intracoastal waterway, but it was fun to watch the developing colors--muted though they were by the clouds. 

The morning beach walk was especially interesting. I was surprised at how the color of the ocean changed during the morning walk. It was gray and uninviting when we began, but resolved into beautiful blue as the clouds cleared and Chris and I walked along Jupiter Island Beach. 

Ending the Morning Beach Walk
Jupiter Island, Florida
January 27, 2022

That is what makes walking along the beach so interesting and exciting--it is different every day. There are new things to find, scenes to enjoy, and even the heights of the waves and their sounds crashing onto the beach are different. Yesterday was classic in that sense. The beginning of the walk saw gray clouds and green and gray water, but the conclusion of the walk was under a bright sky with blue water. All of the transformation happened while we were walking. It made the walk unique--not like walking the same path through the neighborhood day after day.

The day marked my first visit to the beach since returning to Florida on Sunday. The days have been either too cold or rainy to make a beach walk enjoyable--but yesterday's walk was truly special watching the ocean transform before my eyes. 

Today? Who knows, but one thing I do know is that it will be different.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday Eve Again

Sign Along I-95
Fayetteville, NC
January 23, 2022

Happy Friday-eve. I am approaching the end of my first month of retirement. Chris and I still have not hit our retirement stride yet--but that is to be expected since we started the new year planning to be on a cruise and then spending a week in Houston before returning to Maryland to close the house there and relocate to Florida becoming "snow birds." We had a very busy first three weeks of retirement planned and it felt like a vacation. I confess, it still feels like a vacation.

I like the thought of being away from the freezing temperatures that I experienced during the week I was in Maryland. It will be cold here this weekend, in the 30s as a reminder of what I'm missing, but today will see temperatures in the high 70's. 

Even with the cold expected here this weekend, I am happy that I do not expect to see signs along the highway indicating that there are icy spots as I saw on Sunday while driving past Fayetteville, North Carolina. And the cold will be temporary for two days and then back to shirt-sleeve weather.

I have to confess, I have not yet been to the beach. We have been busy in the condo and the weather has not been either warm or dry enough for a morning beach walk. Hopefully, today that will change. 

The whole concept of Friday-eve has certainly changed during the past four weeks of retirement. I don't see it as a means to get through Friday and then to the weekend. Someone told me that everyday is a weekend when retired--and that is mostly true. I have noticed that. I do not like shopping on the weekend because it is better early on a weekday. We sojourned to Costco the other day and it was not nearly as bad as trying to shop there in a weened.

For those who still need the greeting Happy Friday-eve to smile and think on the impending work break--I wish you the best.  

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Settling In

Flamingo Room w/Riordin on the Bed
Tequesta, FL
January 24, 2022

The process of converting our condo into a full-time residence from a vacation home is more extensive than I had believed possible. It turns out that the small things that we lived with have now become important issues since I am retired and have nothing else to do but work on projects. 

There is also the fear of over-stuffing the condo--which has less storage space than our Maryland home--even though we are not nearly close to maxing out the capacity. But, Chris and I are cognizant of the "collection syndrome" and working hard avoiding gathering "things" just because. One way we are doing this is by evaluating the function of each item being considered for inclusion in the home--be it decoration, furniture, kitchen ware or whatever.  

One thing we have done is to theme each of the bedrooms. Using a theme helps in deciding whether a particular item has a place in the house. Currently the three bedrooms are the Flamingo, Turtle, and Pelican rooms. As one might suspect, my favorite room is the Flamingo room and the recent additions to this room are the large freestanding Flamingo statue in the corner of the room (which we brought with us from Maryland) and the three-piece art over the bed. The stairs at the foot of the bed? They are for Finnegan, our Yorkie. 

It is all part of the process of settling into the condo and living here for more than one or two weeks at a time. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Cold Followed Me

 

Christmas Gift Wine Glass

Two weeks ago, when I was last in Florida, the daily highs were in the high 70s and low 80s. It was idyllic. Yesterday the high managed chilly 62 degrees with a cold 40 degree start to the day. Who turned off the heat? At least it was not 16 degrees as it had been when I departed Maryland on Sunday.

But, the temperatures were OK because by the afternoon I was outside in just a shirt enjoying the day. I confess, I did not make it to the beach as Chris and I were busy transitioning the condo from a vacation home to one more suited for long-term living. Today I get to tackle the garage.

During the evening we enjoyed a quiet Happy Hour and Chris was able to use one of her Christmas gifts--a Beach Life wine glass. While we were not actually on a beach, but sitting on our patio, it was a time to relax and enjoy the sun leaving the sky and reflecting on a productive day. 

I might be getting used to retirement, although I still have this nagging concern in the back of my mind that the vacation is going to end.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Arrival - Not Monday Musings

We arrived in Tequesta last evening after a 14 hour 27 minute uneventful trip. We departed Elkridge about 3 AM and had the roads almost entirely to ourselves until about 11 AM when traffic began to build. I used a new weather forecasting trip tool called Drive Weather and it perfectly predicted the conditions except at the very end when the expected overcast conditions turned into a light misting situation. I was mostly concerned about snow and ice in the Carolinas and the roads there were dry and clear!

I definitely recommend Drive Weather for long-distance travel. I paid for the yearly subscription which enabled me to look at the weather more than two-days ahead and find the best window to make the drive from Maryland to Florida between the expected storms. The app is pretty simple to use, but it gives a wealth of information. The screen at the left shows generally overcast for the projected trip leaving at 2AM Tuesday the 25th. No precipitation until Georgia when the rains begin and get heavy around Jacksonville. For my actual trip, for which I failed to take an image, we had blue/clear skies for the trip except the last hour when the skies became overcast as predicted. There are many other features including temperature, wind conditions, and a radar projection. The screen also zooms in and out and has a pretty good map when zoomed in. 

It is good to be here for the long-haul. We have been planning this for so long and even the 42 degree temperatures that greeted me this morning when I let the dogs out did not dampen my spirits. It is January, after all and the high temperature will be in the 60's. 

The truck was emptied as we watched Tampa lost its playoff game and I have to admit we were too tired to see the Bills-Chiefs game to the end. 

Where is Monday Musings? Taking the week off. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Escape to the Land of the Palms

North Carolina
January 23, 2022

 We escaped Maryland under the cover of darkness this morning and are at this moment preparing to cross into South Carolina.  Chris and I, accompanied by two dogs and a very unhappy cat are making good time. 

There has been snow along the highway, but no ice.  It was very eerie driving through DC with no cars on the road in many places except us.  Driving through Virginia I was often using high beams to find the road which in places was not well marked. Even now, on this Sunday morning, the roads are pleasantly empty of traffic.

We are almost 6 hours into a 14 hour trip. Well, with the animals along it will likely be a bit longer with the required bio-breaks. 

There was some concern that the high in Jupiter today was supposed to be only 66, but that is 50 degrees warmer than when we left and even now at almost 9 AM just leaving North Carolina it is only 24 degrees outside of the car. Sixty-six sounds balmy.

Hey, there is South of the Border.

Goodbye North Carolina.  

And the exodus continues.

— Bob Doan, writing from I-95 in South Carolina

How Do You Spell Relief?

 

I thought it was one of the more creative commercials when I was a kid, the voice from the television was asking asking the viewing audience how to spell relief and then substituting the spelling for the product.

It is similar to the phrase we use today: in the dictionary with the definition of "pick a word" is a picture of ___. 

Well this morning when, for the fifth day in a row, I let the dog out and was slapped in the face by the arctic blast of frozen air I realized that I spell relief: F-L-O-R-I-D-A.

Yesterday, I also came to the understanding, as I was laying under Chris's car putting air in the spare so that the check tire light would go out, that when I finally do escape to the south that I probably will have enjoyed the coldest stretch of the Maryland 2021-2022 Winter season--it can't be worse than this period has been, right?

Yesterday the high never reached above freezing. It is hard to believe that three days ago we were sitting around the fire pit in the evening during as brief respite. The lawn even thawed, briefly.

Relief. That is what we need.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 

Oysters, Beer, and Cold

 A surprise phone call last evening from Patrick had Chris and me rushing out of the house to meet at a local watering hole for some great conversation and food.

I like surprises like that.

When we arrived there was a beer on the table for me and a glass of wine ready for Chris along with six oysters to get the evening started. 

I love oysters I the half-shell. I do not get to enjoy them often and over the course of the evening the six grew into another dozen oysters while Chris enjoyed some wings and fries. 

The weather, however, is another story. Temperatures bottomed out this morning around 15 degrees. I think converting the temperature to Celsius more aptly represents how it feels: -9C,  or in a word, COLD! I really do not need this weather. At least we are not getting the ice that is plaguing the Carolinas and delaying my departure for Florida. On the upside, the departure delay gives me more time to enjoy family and friends before enjoying my new found retirement and heading south. My golf clubs are ready to see some Florida action!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

January Fire Pit Evening

 

Fire Starting in the Pit
Elkridge, MD
January 19, 2022

Amazingly, after a week of freezing temperatures, it rose to 52 degrees yesterday.

That meant an evening around the fire pit with neighbors to celebrate a mid-Winter break from the cold. It was a gathering to connect after being isolated by COVID and the weather for almost the past month.

The conversation never lagged as the sun set and darkness fell. We enjoyed wine and light munchies connecting and updating the activities of the past few weeks. The respite from the frigid weather was  much needed as we prepare for another winter's blast today. 

I am closely watching the travel weather and I even found a travel weather application to help me plan my escape from Maryland after or in-between the storms that are ravaging the country. 

But the idea of sitting around a roaring fire in Maryland on a January evening with friends, while it may seem strange, was truly great. We need to be aware of the  possibilities that present themselves to us. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD