Monday Musings - December 19, 2022

 

1. The third Monday of December has arrived. There is only one Monday remaining in the year! Christmas is less than one week away!

2. Family NFL Report. It was a rough weekend for the family teams. Collectively they went 1-3, ugh, with the 3 likely playoff bound teams all losing! It was a good week to be a 5-8 team.

  Ravens (9-5) lose a yawner to Browns (6-8), 3-13

  Cowboys (10-4) lose to Jaguars (6-8), 34-40

  Steelers (6-8) defeat Panthers (5-9), 24-16

  Commanders (7-6-1) lose to Giants (8-5-1), 12 - 20

3. I am really upset at the NFL. I was prepared to watch the Ravens game on Saturday only to find that I had to buy a subscription to NFLHD. I am beginning to believe that Congress needs to treat the NFL as a monopoly. I dod not, thankfully, watch the game. It is likely that my TV would not have survived.

Finn, Makayla, Riordin
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022

Finn and Riordin
Tequesta, FL
December 17, 2022

4. I had a moment Saturday night when Chris and I were sitting on the patio enjoying adult beverages and conversation. Finn and Riordin came to the door reminding me of a scene from earlier in the year except that Makayla had been part of the pack on that occasion. I still miss my best dog.

5. Travel week is upon us. We will be heading off to the frozen northlands to celebrate Christmas. It will be good to see family and friends to celebrate the holiday. 

6. Congratulations to Argentina for winning the World Cup. It was a fantastic game and although I was cheering for the French team to repeat, I am not unhappy with the results. Unlike so many other championship games the two stars, Messi and Mbappe, one from each team, showed up and gave a championship worthy performance scoring 5 of the 6 goals recorded in the game. 

7. Today in History. December 19, 1998. After nearly 14 hours of debate, the House of Representatives approves two articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton, charging him with lying under oath to a federal grand jury and obstructing justice. Clinton, the second president in American history to be impeached, vowed to finish his term.

In November 1995, Clinton began an affair with Monica Lewinsky, a 21-year-old unpaid intern. Over the course of a year and a half, the president and Lewinsky had nearly a dozen sexual encounters in the White House. In April 1996, Lewinsky was transferred to the Pentagon. That summer, she first confided in Pentagon co-worker Linda Tripp about her sexual relationship with the president. In 1997, with the relationship over, Tripp began secretly to record conversations with Lewinsky, in which Lewinsky gave Tripp details about the affair.

U.K. Companies Tested by Fallout From Ukraine War - The Wall Street Journal

Hawaiian Airlines Passengers and Crew Injured During Severe Turbulence - The Wall Street Journal

How Trump jettisoned restraints at Mar-a-Lago and prompted legal peril - The Washington Post

An immortal World Cup final rewards Argentina’s Lionel Messi at last - The Washington Post

What to watch for during the January 6 committee's final session - CNN

Freed Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout visits occupied Ukraine - CNN

5 people killed in a 'horrendous' condo shooting in Canada, police say - CNN

Russian 'kamikaze' drones hit Kyiv as Putin heads for Belarus - Reuters

Vatican dismisses Trump-supporting, anti-abortion leader from priesthood - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Lizards Amongst Us

 

Northern Curly Tailed Lizard
Tequesta, FL
December 16, 2022

One thing that has taken some time to get used to are the lizards which are everywhere. They range from very small to sizable; however, we do not have any (many) of the large iguanas in our area. With cold weather in the 30s expected next week there will be falling lizard warnings issued. When a large iguana gets cold and falls form a tree it is dangerous to those below.

Small lizards routinely dart across the sidewalks and street in front of me as I bike. I have decided that I will let Darwin determine their fate under my wheels. That are just too many to try and avoid.

Most of the lizards are the common curly-tailed lizards. On occasion I do see one with a brightly colored head scurry in front of me, but they are gone from view in the flash of an eye. 

As the weather has turned cooler the lizards are looking for warm places to reside. One enterprising lizard is making its home in the cover for the smoker. The lizard can be quite startling, as when it actually jumped onto my leg on its way to open land just off the porch. I have to admit, it was the first time a lizard had actually jumped onto me in an effort to escape. Later in the day it was back in the folds of the cover where it seems to be taking refuge from the cold. 

I remember when I first started coming to South Florida a couple decades ago that the lizards were quite an attraction. Now they have become part of the environment and we hardly notice them. Riordin does a good job keeping them out of the garage. I think he believes that he is the great lizard hunter! It gives him something to do. What else is there for an indoors cat to fill its time?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Too Weird to be True--But They Are!

 

What a strange couple weeks it has been in the world of what's true but not believable.

Who knew that a former President, one of the richest men in the world, would decide to issue digital "baseball" cards for a fee; the proceeds of which goes directly into his pocket? So, let me get this straight--this rich guy is asking less wealthy people to directly help make him richer and in return they get a digital card which has no worth? Talk about a scam!

Read about it here.

Next up, the Republicans in the House of Representatives are trying to figure out how to install one of their members who has ZERO integrity as Speaker of the House. It is not like Kevin McCarthy has a long history of supporting the great ideals of the United States, like the Constitution. In fact, he still maintains that the 2020 election was stolen from the former President AND despite actually being threatened by the insurrection on January 6, 2021, he does not support the January 6 Commission and will disband it immediately upon becoming Speaker of the House. He also supports what I call "retribution legislation" against Democrats and Republicans who voted to impeach the former President. Can't we do better?

House GOP Investigations Are Just Another Part of Kevin McCarthy’s “Counterproductive and Vindictive Agenda.

And writing about "can't we do better"--how is it possible that a former President who was sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution would suggest suspending parts of it for his own personal good? That sounds like something a third world dictator would do. 

Trump calls for the termination of the Constitution

We have got to do better if, as a nation, we want to endure. There are too many threats across the world that want to destroy us and we are only speeding our demise by continuing to allow ourselves to be led by short-sighted and vindictive persons who seek only to profit from their service.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Escaping the Heat

Chris on the 9th Tee
Jupiter dunes, Jupiter, FL
December 15, 2022

 According to the weather almanac, the high only managed to reach 80 degrees yesterday. That significantly helped in keeping our house, which still has no A/C or heat, from turning into a baker's oven. I am concerned about next week as there is the threat of potential lows in the 30's.

We were promised that the new system will be delivered between 9-10 AM this morning. We are hopeful that it will actually arrive and provide relief not so much from the heat, which is not too bad, but the humidity. And of course, allow us to silence the outdoors noises of life by closing the windows which will make sleeping far easier. I am amazed how much happens during the dead of night and before 6 AM in the morning around here. I wish we had quiet hours to enforce.

In an effort to beat the heat, we went golfing yesterday. It was great to be outside on the course smacking the little ball around on a beautiful mid-December day in South Florida. Chris had a great round; me, not so much. I did finally figure out how to hit the greens near the end of the round and finished exactly with the score I should have as a bogey golfer. I definitely need to play more so that I don't have to relearn my swing with every outing. 

Here's hoping that the promises of a repaired system ring true today.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Day 4 - No A/C

 

The lack of air conditioning in our Florida home has now stretched into day 4. It took until Day 2 (Tuesday) to realize that the system was not functioning which added a day to the entire problem. The weather has been cooperating and it remains comfortable inside. The indoors temperature climbed to 77 degrees yesterday and with the ceiling fans it was not uncomfortable. 

Thankfully, we have ceiling fans in every room except the kitchen. 

I called the HVAC service company twice yesterday. I was advised that they had put out an emergency order for a replacement. Later I was told to expect the new unit on Friday because a the replacement was being shipped from Lennox because they did not have a system compatible with mine in stock. If that is the definition of an emergency, I am sure the patient would have died! When I put the system 2 years ago in and purchased the additional service plan I was promised not to be without air for more than 24 hours! So much for promises.

We will see how today goes. The outdoors temperature is expected to rise to 83 degrees by 3 PM. We are cooling the house with the morning outdoors 70 degree air in preparation for the hot afternoon. Fortunately, we have friends who have offered us a place to stay if the house becomes too uncomfortable. 

Sadly, we have been through this before. Funny, in over 21 years in Maryland we were never without heat or A/C for more than 24 hours. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Broken HVAC

The Offending HVAC
Tequesta, FL
December 14, 2022

 I cannot escape broken HVAC systems, it seems. The system cooling (and very occasionally heating) our Florida home developed a leak in the coils. Turns out it is not a simple fix where it can just be welded. No. The entire coil needs to be replaced!

This is not the first HVAC system I have dealt with this year. Before we sold the house in Maryland we replaced one of the HVAC systems. So it seems that 2022 is the year of the HVAC system.

Turning to my Florida situation, the real rub is that I replaced the entire system during September 2020! Yup, you got that right.  Brand, spanking new inside and outside system and now it has a major freon leak in the coil! Wow! Great construction Lennox!

The good news is that the system is still under warranty and I also have a service plan. That means, hopefully, my out of pocket cost will be $0. The downside is that we do not currently have A/C in the house. For the first night since we have owned the place we slept with the windows open. The temperature went down to 69 degrees and so we are getting by without A/C--as long as it remains cool. Ceiling fans are saving the entire situation.

Hopefully, it will be repaired today!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Along the River

Jupiter Lighthouse
Jupiter, FL
December 12, 2022

 Chris and I enjoyed a mid-December Monday in South Florida. The temperature never rose above the mid-70's and it was in the mid-60s when Chris and I started our morning bike ride. We rode a pleasant 15.47 miles and enjoyed the start to the day. 

As the day progressed and we finished addressing Christmas cards, we decided that rather than go to the beach for Happy Hour, where we knew the wind would be cold, we would head off to one of our favorite watering holes, The Square Grouper. And it was a good decision. 

The evening was very pleasant, even a bit cool, but sitting along the bank of the Loxahatchee River with the scene filled by the Jupiter Lighthouse was a perfect ending to the day. It was perfect because as we rode our bikes we crossed the Loxahatchee River or one of its branches multiple times and here we were relaxing along the banks of the river not far from where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. I could see the rough ocean waves at the mouth of the inlet from where I was sitting. 

With the Winter Solstice just over a week away, on December 21st, the sun set shortly after we arrived at the Square Grouper. I watched the reflection of the lighthouse change as the sun sank lower to the horizon. It made for an early evening as the temperature also cooled with the sunset.

Chris and I were going to play golf this morning, but I woke to a malfunctioning air conditioning system! Ugh. I replaced it two years ago. Fortunately, it is fully covered and should be returned to full operating function later today. 

Always something. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Year has Passed - Remembering Mom

 

Mom

It is hard to believe, but a year has passed since Mom moved-on to her new and permanent address in heaven. 

She may be separated from us, but she is certainly not forgotten. 

My Mom was a wonderfully witty, smart, inquisitive person who pushed me and my siblings to achieve our goals and find happiness. She brought love to our family every day. 

I am comforted by knowing that she is free from the cruel disease that robbed her of her life, her relationships, and her independence. 

Chris and I miss her every day and give thanks for the the woman of faith that gave so much to so many. Our entire family misses her and she is never far from our minds and memories.  

Mom and Me

We love you Mom.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - December 12, 2022

 

1. It is Monday again. It is their second Monday of December and there are two Mondays remaining in the year. Important safety tip: There are 13 days until Christmas!

2. Family NFL Report. It was a mixed week for the family teams which went 2-1, with one team on a bye.

   Ravens (9-4) edge Steelers (5-8), 16-14

   Cowboys (10-3) squeak past Texans (1-11-1), 27-23

   Commanders on BYE

3. I set a personal distance record yesterday riding my bike. I managed 24.32 miles in 1h 53m 11s. I have logged over 80 miles for the month on just five rides. 

Sailboats Pass on the Horizon
Jupiter Island, FL
December 11, 2022

4. Not having any interest playing in the 4 PM NFL games yesterday, Chris and I escaped to the beach to enjoy the sunset. I have to admit, it was very cool. Almost cold at 76 degrees. The wind off the ocean was cool. We watched to sailboats pass each other on the horizon until the sunset. 

5. Chris and I took a drive last evening to look at Christmas decorations. Some people really do the lights up in an over-the-top manner. But, I was a bit surprised that there are fewer Christmas decorations that there were Halloween decorations.

6. Another week in the sun and warmth of South Florida and then it is back to the north to enjoy the warmth of family and Christmas!

7. Today in History. On December 12, 1980, American oil tycoon Armand Hammer pays $5,126,000 at auction for a notebook containing writings by the legendary artist Leonardo da Vinci.

The manuscript, written around 1508, was one of some 30 similar books da Vinci produced during his lifetime on a variety of subjects. It contained 72 loose pages featuring some 300 notes and detailed drawings, all relating to the common theme of water and how it moved. Experts have said that da Vinci drew on it to paint the background of his masterwork, the Mona Lisa. The text, written in brown ink and chalk, read from right to left, an example of da Vinci’s favored mirror-writing technique. The painter Giuseppi Ghezzi discovered the notebook in 1690 in a chest of papers belonging to Guglielmo della Porto, a 16th-century Milanese sculptor who had studied Leonardo’s work. In 1717, Thomas Coke, the first earl of Leicester, bought the manuscript and installed it among his impressive collection of art at his family estate in England.

Slowing Growth Edges Out Inflation as Top Concern - The Wall Street Journal

Utility Bills Rise as Americans Pay Off Storm-Recovery Costs - The Wall Street Journal

Ukraine launches missile attack on Russian-occupied Melitopol, explosions reported in Donetsk and Crimea - CNN

China scraps virus tracking app as country braces for Covid impact - CNN

The Fed will raise rates again. But it's playing with fire - CNN

Nigerian Army massacred children in war against Islamist insurgents, witnesses say - Reuters

U.S. opioid crackdown hampers some patients' access to psychiatric drugs - Reuters

Queues form at fever clinics as China wrestles with COVID surge - Reuters

South Korea urges China to support dialogue with North Korea - S.Korea ministry - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back on the Streets

 

Looking North from the Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2022

One good thing about being back in Florida is that I am again out on the streets on my bike. I have ridden the past four days and logged over 55 miles. Yesterday was a light day in that I only rode just over 12 miles. But, it was still a great ride and the weather was perfect. 

Friday's Ride
Tequesta, FL
December 9, 2022

I miss my truck, though. We left it in Maryland when we flew back to Florida for a couple weeks. We will fly back to Maryland for Christmas. The plan is to drive back to Florida after Christmas. The flying saved over 30 hours of driving! Not having the truck, however,  limits my biking to the local area and Chris and I cannot load up and head off to other places for biking. I have a number of routes and variations that I can ride starting from my house, but with the weather so nice heading off to some distant places is fun as well. 

Chris has become very good on her bike and rides with me almost every day. We are routinely riding 14-16 miles, with the obvious exception of yesterday. 

There are many more miles ahead of me and I am hoping to do a longer overnight ride this summer in Maryland.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Decorating for Christmas in South Florida

 

Poinsettias in the Garden
Tequesta, FL
December 9, 2022

It has been since I went to college at the University of Miami during the mid-1970s that I have lived in South Florida during the Christmas season. 

I have always enjoyed the Christmas light-wrapped palm trees, but this year I have noticed a different outdoor decorating aspect: poinsettias!

The poinsettias are everywhere in gardens. They are primarily used as border color, like impatiens and pansies are used during other seasons. They are stunning because of the bright red color.

And because I grew up in the north I always thought poinsettias were strictly indoors plants--of course I did; freezing temperatures kill them.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friends

Finnegan and Riordin Together
Tequesta, FL
December 6, 2022

 

I love the line from Ghostbusters where the end of time is being described and the character played by Bill Murray says: "Dogs and cats living together."

Actually, dogs and cats can live together and even thrive and like each other. 

Case in point, shortly after our new sofa arrived Finnegan and Riordin napped together. They were trying out the new sofa for sleep-ability. It passed the test. 

Finnegan has been growing into his new role as the primary dog in the house. With Makayla's passing he went from auxiliary dog to primary dog and I have noticed that is behavior has changed. He is more affectionate towards me. 

I can't believe that it is Friday again already. Christmas is creeping up on us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

New Furniture - Unveiled

The New Living Room
Tequesta, FL
December 8, 2022

It arrived the other day--our new furniture.

The gray sectional sofa that I dubbed the Great Wall of China is gone! When fully together, the three pieces were exactly 10 feet long! I sold it in one day on Facebook Marketplace. I was happy to see it go to a nice young couple because it was in very good condition and only lightly used.

Accent Chair
Tequesta, FL
December 8, 2022

The new furniture opens the room, displaces the former darkness, and the sofa is a reclining sofa that took over two months to receive. We also bought a new carpet and an accent chair. 

I believe that we are finally achieving the Coastal look that we desire for the house. 

It guess the delivery was an early Christmas gift. It was the reason we returned from Baltimore after Thanksgiving. And it was worth it. We get a chance to get the arrangement just right.

I wonder what we will do today?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back to the Beach

Arriving on Jupiter Island Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
December 6, 2022

 We felt we just had to go to the beach last evening to enjoy Happy Hour. And we were not disappointed. 

It was a beautiful evening with the sun setting and the moon rising over the ocean amidst the reverse sunset. 

Moon over the Atlantic
Jupiter Island, FL
December 6, 2022

The temperature was a moderate 79 degrees and the winds were light. There were a couple drones flying over the beach, reminding me that I have not flown Radio Flyer in a few months. I guess I will have to charge the batteries and get it out for a flight.

The moonrise was beautiful to watch as it cleared the clouds and the colors of the reverse sunset deepened. 

Chris and I along with a friend enjoyed talking, watching the osprey, and listening to the crashing of the waves on the beach. It is, after all, why we moved to Florida. 

The sunsets here are beginning before 5:30 PM and continue for about 30 minutes. In some respects the reverse sunset is almost as fun to enjoy as looking west into the setting sun. The color palette is more subdued.

Here's hoping for another great sunset tonight!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

50 Degrees

Frost on the Grass, Ice on the Pond
Odenton, MD
December 5, 2022

 

It was a successful travel day. 

The temperature in Odenton was 26 degrees when we woke. A heavy frost covered the land and the water in the holding pond had a thin layer of ice. In a word, it was cold. The sky was clear and the day dawned bright.

The hardest part about travel days is the waiting. We waited to go to the airport, we waited at the airport to board our plane, we waited on the plane to depart, we waited for our luggage after arriving, and we waited for our transportation. 

Finnegan at the Window
BWI Airport
December 5, 2022

Finnegan, however, was fantastic. He was very interested in the luggage loading process going on outside of our cabin window as we waited for departure from BWI. The scheduled 2 hour 25 minute flight was reduced to 1 hour and 50 minutes--which was very nice. When I added all of the waiting time and compared it against the actual flying time, we waited longer than we actually flew. But it was still much less than the 15 hours it takes to drive.

It was good to get back home, although we miss our family and friends in Maryland. We are receiving furniture today that we have waited literally months to arrive. And we are going to enjoy 2 weeks of warmth before returning to Maryland for Christmas. 

Polar Express Wreck
Tequesta, FL
December 5, 2022

Upon arriving home we discovered that there had been a train wreck while we were away. The Polar Express under our Christmas tree was on its side and the track was apart. A serious incident occurred and I attributed it to our robot vacuum, which I had started the night before our arrival. I cleaned the wreck and added some protection around the Polar Express. This morning it was fine and the vacuum had completed it appointed cleaning during the night.

When we walked Finnegan last evening the temperature was 76 degrees. Although it was cool, it was not cold and I noted that it was 50 degrees warmed at the end of the day than when we had begun the day. What a difference a few hundred miles makes. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - December 5, 2022

 

1. Welcome to the first Monday of December. There are three Mondays remaining in the year. Important safety tip--Christmas is 20 days away! Ho, Ho, Ho!

2. Family weekend NFL Report. It was a wild weekend in the NFL for family teams which went 3-0-1.

  Ravens (8-4) defeat Broncos (3-9), 10-9

  Commanders (7-5-1) tie Giants (7-4-1), 20-20

  Steelers (5-7) defeat Falcons (5-8), 19-16

  Cowboys (9-3) destroy  Colts (4-8-1), 54-19

Finnegan Sleeping in a Suitcase
Odenton, MD
December 4, 2022

3. Today is a travel day. Chris and I are headed home to Tequesta. Finnegan saw us packing and decided to nap in the suitcase so we would not forget him. If was kinda funny. He is getting to fly with us! Riordin has been alone in the house with neighbors and friends taking care of him, hopefully he forgives us for  being left behind when we get home.

4. I have noticed that allowed speed on highways have seemingly increased. It use to be that 10 MPH was allowed, but recently I have become to believe that 15 MPH is being allowed by most jurisdictions. And in some places there seems to be no speed limit at all.

5. It is nice to have had a respite from political campaigning. I had grown tired of the political advertisements on the television and in my email. The final piece of the 2022 Mid-term election will be decided in Georgia tomorrow.

6. Today in History. At 2:10 p.m. on December 5, 1945, five U.S. Navy Avenger torpedo-bombers comprising Flight 19 take off from the Ft. Lauderdale Naval Air Station in Florida on a routine three-hour training mission. After having completed their objective, Flight 19 was scheduled to take them due east for an additional 67 miles, then turn north for 73 miles, and back to the air station after that, totaling a distance of 120 miles. They never returned.

Two hours after the flight began, the leader of the squadron, who had been flying in the area for more than six months, reported that his compass and backup compass had failed and that his position was unknown. The other planes experienced similar instrument malfunctions. Radio facilities on land were contacted to find the location of the lost squadron, but none were successful. After two more hours of confused messages from the fliers, a distorted radio transmission from the squadron leader was heard at 6:20 p.m., apparently calling for his men to prepare to ditch their aircraft simultaneously because of lack of fuel.

Dow Shines as Rates Squeeze Tech Stocks Elsewhere - The Wall Street Journal

Billions in Covid Aid Went to Hospitals That Didn’t Need It - The Wall Street journal

In Georgia, Midterm Turnout and Blank Ballots Might Reveal Who Has the Edge - The Wall Street Journal

Tampa police chief placed on leave after flashing badge during traffic stop  - CNN

New dinosaur species discovered in Gobi Desert - CNN

Iran says hijab law is under review, as state media dismisses claims feared morality police has been abolished - CNN

Russia will not export oil subject to Western price cap, deputy prime minister says - Reuters

Magnitude 6.7 quake strikes off Hihifo, Tonga - Reuters

Inflation may be peaking, but doubts emerge about its decline - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Annapolis to Rohrersville

Main Street Annapolis on a Christmas Shopping Saturday
Annapolis, MD
December 3, 2022

 

Although the day started with rain, it developed into a very nice December day with clear skies and a high of around 60 degrees. 

Being the Christmas season, shopping was on the agenda for the early afternoon after suffering through the USMNT 1-3 loss to The Netherlands. It was a good run, but we were all hoping for more. 

Heading off to Annapolis, we were able to actually find parking, which was free thanks to the business association, and stroll the streets looking for the perfect gifts. The rain stopped and the skies began to clear while we were in Annapolis. Many businesses were decorating for the season and we enjoyed lunch at a local shop. 

Chris and Sue Walking to Big Cork
Rohrersville, MD
December 3, 2022

We could not remain long in Annapolis because we had an evening engagement at our favorite Maryland winery. Yes, after Annapolis we drove west to Rohrersville for a fun evening at Big Cork Vineyards.

It was the case club night! We had selected our holiday wines and there was a party with the members of the Case Club filled with food and wine to both celebrate the season and the wines. We had great fun with our friends George and Sue along with the staff at the vineyard. It resulted in another late night where we enjoyed the company of friends along with great wines. that is the best kind of evening. 

What a day!

Today? It is football and packing day. We return to Florida tomorrow for a few weeks before returning to celebrate Christmas. I hope the weather is favorable!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Friday in Maryland

Apps at Lures
Crownsville, MD
December 2, 2022

 Friday marks the end of the workweek, except that I am retired and so standard evening Happy Hour celebration is not so exciting as it once was. But, yesterday was a special day in which I enjoyed two events.

I was able to attend a going away luncheon for a former colleague and catch up on the news of the workplace while reacquainting with those still serving to defend the nation. It was good to see everyone still going to work every day and also a number of those of us who have retired.

Following that, Chris and I headed off to Happy Hour at Lures in Crownsville for a great evening with Nicole and Mike who have been graciously hosting us these past two weeks. The time passed quickly while we were there and we had a very enjoyable Happy Hour and dinner.

And now Saturday has arrived and of course I will be watching the USMNT play the Netherlands this morning in the round of 16 at the World Cup! The expectation is that the US team will be out matched, but as they say that is why we play the game. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Frost on the Vehicles

Frost Out the Back Window
Glen Burnie, MD
December 2, 2022

The heavy frost covering the ground and vehicles this morning reminded me that it is December and I am still in Maryland. It is cold this morning not just below freezing, but really below freezing. My watch is showing 27 degrees. 

The sky is clear and that, of course, contributed to the cold. 

We stayed with Patrick and Jen after attending a Bourbon and Beer gathering at their community center last evening. There was an assortment of wines also present and we interacted with community residents. 

Well, it is Friday. The weekend is at hand!

There is another huge soccer match tomorrow at the World Cup and I am hopeful that the USMNT can overcome the Dutch. I am encouraged after Croatia played Belgium to a draw yesterday sending the number 2 ranked team in the world home! Tomorrow's match, however, cannot end in a draw! One team has to win. 

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

Fire in the Sky

 

Sunset in the East
Odenton, MD
November 30, 2022

Last evening, after a dark and dreary day, we were treated to a classic fire in the sky sunset. 

Looking east was where the real scene was built. The sunset to the west was bright and deep, but the east is where the reflection off the clouds was most exciting. 

It was a visually stimulating way to close out the month of November. 

And with that, December has arrived. The dark month is here and daylight is waning daily towards the Winter Solstice. The temperatures are becoming colder as well. But, there is still beauty to be seen and appreciated. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

After the Big Game

Yesterday was devoted to Soccer and Christmas shopping. 

Both were successful.

I was very happy that the United States played a great match against Iran and won, moving on to the Round of 16 at the World Cup. I was very impressed with the generally good sportsmanship shown by the players despite all of the geo-political swirl surrounding the game. 

Sadly, though, the results of the match could have dire consequences for the losers. 

Iranians face retribution after World Cup loss against USA - New York Post

Conversely, one media outlet reported something very different about the mood in Iran after the game:

Celebrations erupt in Iran after world cup loss, people wave - Mint (which I believe is an Indian news reporting organization)

The euphoria of the win is dampened by the injury report. Both the US players in the image of the goal being scored are injured. Pulisic, who scored, and Sargent were removed from the game. Their status for the Saturday match against heavily favored Netherlands is day-to-day.

For the evening, Chris and I went to the nearly deserted mall for some Christmas shopping. I had expected crowds and tight parking, but that was not the case at all. It was wide open parking lots and few holiday shoppers inside of Arundel Mills.  

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Soccer, or is it Football?

 I love the World Cup! I even watch it when the U.S. is not playing, but I do enjoy it more when the U.S. has a team in the mix. 

Today's game is crucial! A must win. Failure to win means elimination from the tournament and another disappointing showing for the U.S. Mens National Team. 

Wait, and the match today is against Iran! The same country that our team upset by defacing their flag the other day resulting in Iran demanding that the U.S. be eliminated form the tournament. The issue was over Women's Rights.

Sadly, this game has almost become more important geo-politically that it is from a World Cup sporting view. The Iranian players have been threatened, of course they did not sing their national anthem prior to their match with England.

CNN reports the activities in the following report: Iran threatened families of national soccer team, according to security source

It could be a very rough and difficult game for many people not just on the athletic field of play. 

It is a must win for both teams. The winner advances to the elimination round and the loser heads home! 

Go USA! The game begins at 2 PM Eastern Time!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD 

Monday Musings - November 28, 2022

 

1. The final Monday of November has arrived. Don't look now, but there remain only four more Mondays in 2022. 

Portion of Patrick and Jen's Snow Village Display
Glen Burnie, MD
November 27, 2022

2. Chris and I have been enjoying visiting and transforming homes for the Christmas season. Yesterday we assisted with setting-up another Snow Village, two Christmas trees, and house decorations.

3. Family NFL Report.

    Ravens (7-4) lost to Jaguars (4-7), 27-28

    Commanders (7-5) defeated Falcons (5-7), 19-13

    Cowboys (8-3) defeated Giants (7-4), 28-20

    Steelers (3-7) at Colts (4-6-1), Tonight!

4. I hope that you were not traveling yesterday as the storm delayed air travel and snarled thousands of flights.

5. The weather for the week ahead is expected to be very enjoyable, yet cold here in Maryland. Thursday will be cold with the high right now projected to be 41 degrees. I am missing the opportunity to enjoy Happy Hour on the beach, but I am definitely enjoying Happy Hours with family.

6. I believe there is Christmas shopping in my immediate future!

7. Today in History. November 28, 1520. After sailing through the dangerous straits below South America that now bear his name, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan enters the Pacific Ocean with three ships, becoming the first European explorer to reach the Pacific from the Atlantic.

On September 20, 1519, Magellan set sail from Spain in an effort to find a western sea route to the rich Spice Islands of Indonesia. In command of five ships and 270 men, Magellan sailed to West Africa and then to Brazil, where he searched the South American coast for a strait that would take him to the Pacific. He searched the Rio de la Plata, a large estuary south of Brazil, for a way through; failing, he continued south along the coast of Patagonia. At the end of March 1520, the expedition set up winter quarters at Port St. Julian. On Easter day at midnight, the Spanish captains mutinied against their Portuguese captain, but Magellan crushed the revolt, executing one of the captains and leaving another ashore when his ship left St. Julian in August.

Iran calls for US to be kicked out of 2022 World Cup - CNN

Thousands of US flights delayed Sunday as major storm system hampers travel - CNN

What to know about the protests sweeping China - CNN

Trump hosted Holocaust denier at Mar-a-Lago a week after announcing 2024 run - CNN

Exclusive: U.S. weighs sending 100-mile strike weapon to Ukraine - Reuters

China tightens security after protests against COVID curbs - Reuters

China poses increasing threat in military space race, top U.S. general says - Reuters 

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

Photo-bombing the Christmas Tree

 

Christmas Tree with Finnegan
Odenton, MD
November 26, 2022

We had the opportunity to transform another room and prepare it for Christmas by helping decorate a tree. We missed the opportunity to go Christmas Tree hunting (Be very very quiet, we are hunting Christmas Trees), but were able to help with the decorating. 

The freshly cut tree arrived in good shape and was quickly installed into the stand and the best side for viewing determined. Then the fun began. Decorating. The decorating was not done to Christmas music, but rather the Ohio State vs Michigan football game. Having the game on the TV was different, but it kept my interest. 

When the decorating was complete, it was time for pictures and without any prompting Finnegan moved in to photo-bomb the image. He sat right on the tree skirt as if to say, "Did someone say pictures?" It was really very funny. And it made for a good picture.

Merry Christmas and the season is in full swing!

Did anyone else notice that the Black Friday sales were not that spectacular?

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD