Wonder of the Seas - Day 7, Labadee, Haiti

Beach 
Labadee, Haiti
January 13, 2023

We made our return to Labadee yesterday. Chris and I had been on another Royal Caribbean cruise which visited Labadee in the days before Coco Cay was completed. Labadee has a very different vibe from Coco Cay. I find it more relaxed with the primary focus being on the ocean and beach time. The water park portion of the site is not nearly as diverse as is Coco Cay.

That written, we had a very enjoyable day lounging in the shade of a large tree just off the beach. We found a strategically located spot near a drink station and a rest room. The day started with beautiful blue skies and calm water. Idyllic. The Royal Caribbean area seems very separated from the rest of Haiti. The area does sport a Straw Market with locals selling their wares, they are very aggressive, but Royal Caribbean security keeps them in check. 

Drones in the Effectors 2 Show
Wonder of the Sea
January 13, 2023

For the late afternoon and evening we retired to the ship. One of the highlights of the trip was the evening show in the Royal Theater, The Effectors 2: Crash and Burn. Like the aqua show we attended earlier in the trip it was top quality, exciting, and supremely interesting. In this show I was amazed at the use of multiple drones and lasers. I wonder if they have ever had a drone fail during the performance?

I didn't realize that it was Friday the 13th until the day was mostly over.

Angry North Atlantic
Wonder of the Seas
January 14, 2023

And finally, the trip back to Port Canaveral is a rough and windy one. The ship is very large and we hardly feel the rough North Atlantic. 

We expect to have a good day on the ocean, but the Captain advised us yesterday that the open upper deck would be closed or access would be severely restricted due to the high winds. I looked at the weather map and it seems we may be sailing into a 30 mph headwind at about 25 mph. Does that equal 55 mph over the deck? I don't know.  

Should be a fun day.

-- Bob Doan, Wonder of the Seas, North Atlantic

Wonder of the Seas - Day 6, Puerto Plata

Sailing into Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Wonder of the Seas
January 12, 2023

 The day began rainy and overcast. It was the first rain we had experienced on the trip. We did not tie-up until 11 AM and could not get off the ship until about 11:30 AM. Chris and I did leave the ship to visit a place we had not before visited. 

There is not much in Puerto Plata, yet. We explored the cruise terminal area and there are a number of shops and it is clear that the locals are trying to turn the cruise port into a shopping Mecca. There is a lot of construction in the terminal area and based upon the portion that has been completed, the end result is going to be very nice. 

Now for conditions outside the terminal area. We were confronted with a Cozumel-like commotion. Lots of taxis trying to drag Chris and me off to unknown locations. We walked along the street to the edge of the town, there was not much to see and we decided to return to the ship, running the gauntlet in the opposite direction. 

Back on the Wonder of the Seas we were treated to a relaxing afternoon in the Solarium hot tubs enjoying multiple conversations with other travelers. The ship provided an afternoon parade which was more of a show. It was one of the finest parades I have experienced and it surpassed Disney in creativity. 

Dinner was at a specialty restaurant called the Mason Jar. It is a southern style restaurant and the country band was playing live music to accompany our meal in the adjoining bar. It was a great meal and a fun time.

Exhausted, we collapsed into our bed at the end of another full day. 

Today we are in Labadee, Haiti! And the cruise is rapidly coming to a conclusion.

-- Bob Doan, Wonder of the Seas, Labadee, Haiti 

Wonder of the Seas - Day 5: Return to the USA

Castillo San Felipe del Morro
from Wonder of the Seas
Sailing into San Juan Harbor
January 11, 2023

Well, we returned to the USA yesterday although not where we began the voyage. We set foot in Puerto Rico and enjoyed a full afternoon in San Juan. 

Chris and I headed off on our own and visited the two forts and spent time walking through Old Town San Juan as we returned to our trusty ship. It was another busy port day as well. The Wonder of the Seas was the 4th ship that entered the Port of San Juan as we arrived, but a 5th ship arrived while we were exploring the town. I do not enjoy having so many ship in port simultaneously. The lines represented were Oceania, Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean, and the late arrival was Norwegian.

Exploring the forts was a lot of fun and reminded me of the Spanish history of the region. We had been to San Juan before and enjoyed the forts, but we took our time yesterday and really immersed ourselves in the historical period to better understand the difficulty that faced the Spanish soldiers assigned to San Juan. 

Upon returning to the ship we enjoyed some time with Patrick and Jen sharing dinner and evening Adult Comedy entertainment. We closed out the day listening to a country music band. Yes, there was a country music band performing live outside of a southern-style specialty restaurant called the Mason Jar. 

Today Chris and I are making our first visit to the Dominican Republic when we land at Puerto Plata. Sadly, I am told it is much like the Mexican port of Costa Maya. Having been to Costa Maya, I understand the possible comparison. 

Tomorrow we head to Haiti! Isn't there unrest there?

-- Bob Doan, Wonder of the Seas nearing Dominican Republic 

Wonder of the Sea - Day 4, Sea Day

Brown Booby
Wonder of the Seas, North Atlantic
January 10, 2023

 Day 4 was an at sea day. 

I enjoy at sea days because there is less stress about what are we going to do or where we are going to go. Such was the truth yesterday.

I spent some time trying to image the brown boobys flying next to the ship. That was fun. They are beautiful seabirds who gracefully navigate the winds and surf. I managed a few good images. They were flying in formation with the ship and they were so close. It's was inspiring to watch them fly, dance, and dive into the ocean to gather breakfast. 

Chris and I managed a 2-mile walk around the ship, just for fun. Later I called my Dad and wished him a happy 95th Birthday. Thank goodness for Wifi calling!

Looking Down on a Brown Booby
North Atlantic Ocean
January 10, 2023

The day was punctuated by spending time in the hot tubs and learning the game Magic - The Gathering. I am truly a novice, but the game is very interesting and as complex as one deems it necessary to be. 

We closed out the night at a Karaoke Bar singing. Or attempting to sing. Adult beverages made the event seem even better than it was. 

-- Bob Doan, Wonder of the Sea, North Atlantic headed for Puerto Rico

Wedding on the Sea

Patrick and Jen
Coco Cay, Bahamas
January 9, 2023

 

It was a total surprise. 

Patrick and Jen told Chris and I, as we were enjoying some adult beverages on the first night of the cruise, that they would be getting married while we were visiting Coco Cay, Day 3.

And it happened! 

The assembly, of seven people, gathered around the happy couple at a preselected spot on the Cay and witnessed the joyous union of two of the greatest and most deserving people on the planet. 

The Newly Married Couple
giving a Shout-out to Jeremy
Coco Cay, Bahamas
January 9, 2023

Both Chris and I were honored to be among the small number of people present at the ceremony. There were many more people who could not be present physically, but who were there in spirit.

Congratulations to the newly united couple!

-- Bob and Chris Doan, Wonder of the Seas, North Atlantic

Wonder of the Seas - Day 3, Coco Cay

 

Wonder of the Seas
Coco Cay, Bahamas
January 9, 2023

They call it a Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Chris and I had never been to the island before even though we had sailed on many Royal Caribbean ships before. Turns out that the saying is true. It was a perfect day. 

We enjoyed ourselves immensely during the roughly eight hour sojourn to the Royal Caribbean playground. Mostly, we enjoyed being with friends and family exploring the island and its offerings. 

The water slides are many and varied. I did the tallest and the fastest. I even did one where the floor drops out beneath me. I also did one the Chris and I could enjoy together. The wave pool was nice and the swim-up bars was better, but the water was a bit cool for the day. 

Chris enjoying a hammock
Coco Cay, Bahamas
January 9, 2023

For the evening we enjoyed a fabulous dinner at 150 Central Park. A speciality restaurant right off the park in the middle of the ship. 

Today is a sea day. I wonder what exciting adventures we will experience. 

Tomorrow we land in Puerto Rico for some enjoyment and fun.

View of Coco Cay Water Slide Tower
January 9, 2023

Bob Doan, Wonder of the Seas, North Atlantic Ocean near 23.75904° N, 73.44760° W

Wonder of the Seas -Day 2, Nassau

Nassau Port from Popcorn II
Nassau, Bahamas
January 8, 2023

 The cruise continues. Chris and I spent a day in Nassau, Bahamas, and actually found something different to explore. 

We visited the Queen’s Staircase.

 

But before we were able to get there we had to navigate the 20,000 or so people who were getting off the 6, yup count them, cruise ships in port. Three of which were Royal Caribbean ships. Patrick was able to fly his drone and obtained this really cool image of the port with all 6 ships. You have to look close because only the very stern of one can be seen. It is a stunning image. 

Patrick, Jen, Chris, Me
Base of the Queens’s Staircase
Nassau, Bahamas
January 8, 2023

 The Queen’s Staircase was built in the late-1830s by freed slaves as a tribute to Queen Victoria. It comes down the hill from the fort and was carved out of solid limestone. It is impressive. We took a short taxi ride to the top of the stairs, walked down the stairs and then, stopping only to fly Patrick’s drone, Popcorn II, walked back into town. Total cost was $5.

After that we enjoyed some time in a local establishment and then returned to the ship to watch the final week of the NFL season. 

For the evening, Chris and I enjoyed the aqua show on the whip which is titled, Intense. And it is. Very enjoyable and worthwhile  it was good to be on a ship with real entertainment.

— Bob Doan, Wonder of the Sea, Coco Cay, Bahamas

Wonder of the Seas Vacation - Day 1

 

Midnight Party 
Wonder of the Seas
January 7-8, 2023

Writing from aboard the largest cruise ship in the world this morning finds me nearing the Bahamas and struggling, as usual, to master the internet service being provided. 

It was quite a process getting about 6,000 passengers on board, but it went smoothly and once on board the immensity of the ship really hits home, especially after traveling on a smaller ship just two months ago. 

Sunrise over the Atlantic
Wonder of the Seas
January 8, 2023

We enjoyed a solid dinner and adult beverages while finding time to actually unpack our suitcases and then head to the Promenade Deck for the midnight balloon drop. I videoed the balloon drop, but it seems streaming video is blocked by the internet service and so I can't load it to YouTube for use on my blog.

Today we get to enjoy Nassau. I believe we will be arriving about 9 AM. And then it is off for fun and adventure.

-- Bob Doan, Wonder of the Seas, at sea

Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree
Tequesta, FL
January 6, 2023

 On one of my biking routes there are a couple of Banyan Trees. 

One, in particular, is very large. Not as large as the banyan tree in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, which covers a whole city block, but large for this area. It takes up a significant area and provides a natural rest stop in the shade. 

The tree, on a corner, is where I usually pause to take a water break and just enjoy the day. Yesterday, although a bit cool when I was riding, it was only in the mid-60s was another perfect South Florida day.

Sadly, the image does not really provide the true sense of just how big this tree has grown until you notice the house next to it on the right.

I enjoy recording sights from my rides. I only did 16 miles yesterday because of the cool weather, but it was another great ride. I have to admit, I actually wore a long-sleeved fleece-lined hoodie to keep warm.

Today--Chris and I are off to Port Canaveral to begin a week long journey on Wonder of the Seas, the biggest, baddest cruise ship in the world. Chris believes that size matters!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday-eve

North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
January 5, 2023

Thursdays remain special days for me. 

I remember when I was working that I had a countdown to the weekend beginning on Wednesday--which is Hump Day. Thursday is Friday-eve, and Friday is simply the last day of the workweek and I was hoping to get out of work on time or a wee bit early to get a start on the weekend with our friends at Happy Hour.

Friday-eve, yesterday, was a very busy day and it needed to be as Chris and I are preparing to sail off on another Caribbean adventure beginning on Saturday. 

We began the day with a 15-mile bike ride which helped ensure that we would appreciate yet another glorious South Florida day. The image posted above, taken while as we paused on the Loxahatchee River Bridge in Tequesta for a water break, says it all. The day was glorious. The ride was gentle and enjoyable. 

Upon arriving home, however, Finnegan made it clear that he needed a walk--right now! And so, we headed out on a 1.5 mile walk to make the dog happy. I made a small tactical error in deciding to break in a new pair of sandals on the walk.

What happened next? A trip to Costco. It is about a 30 minute drive to Costco and so we do not make the trip until we are desperate.

Wait! We had an early lunch before going to Costco because we never go the the store on an empty stomach!

By the time we returned from Costco, it was 2:30 PM and we started packing for the cruise. I watched some of the Republican insanity in the House of Representatives, but we began packing and then enjoyed had an evening full of friends, including some former neighbors from Elkridge who were passing through. 

What a full day! And it was Friday-eve. I wonder what fun we will enjoy today. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Through the Screen

 

Through the Motorized Screen
Tequesta, FL
January 4, 2023

Chris and I made a minor, but significant upgrade to the patio. We had a motorized screen installed. The screen keeps the leaves and debris off the patio, but more importantly, it allows me to sit outside without being covered by bug spray on beautiful evenings. I wrote briefly about it yesterday, but decided to expand on the item a bit. 

Last evening after the sunset, I looked out at the moon rising above the senior citizens living center next door through the screen. It actually reminded me of Elkridge and looking out through the screens on the porch during the nighttime hours. It made me happy.

I actually have an image to post with this item, but Blogger is having problem this morning and will not let me add the image to this blog. Hopefully it will resolve itself later in the day. I added the image to the Facebook and Twitter items. 

The screen added a surreal look to the scene!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And that was Christmas

All evidence of Christmas has been removed from our house. 

The season, while not officially over until January 6th, has ended.

The tree is gone, the Christmas dishes were returned to their storage bin under one of the beds, and the decorations found their way to the storage room that we rent. 

I would say the house has returned to normal, but it has been so far from normal for the past few months that even normal seems unnatural. 

We had a motorized screen installed on the patio so that I can sit out there in the evening without bug spray. Chris and I have been enjoying the freedom it gives us and Riordin, our cat, also likes being able to join us for happy hour on the patio. 

What's next? 

Oh wait--another Caribbean cruise coming soon. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Look What was Next to Me at the Light

 

Next to me at a Light
Jupiter, FL
January 2, 2023

I was headed for the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale yesterday, just beginning my journey waiting at a stop light in Jupiter when this awesome car slid up next to me.

Yes, it is a Lamborghini. 

I was in awe. 

I almost forgot to take a picture. I see a lot of high-end cars around town, but not many like this one. 

There is just something really cool about the morning light and the palm trees with this beautiful machine sitting next to me. I was amazed at how low to the road it sits. I used to sit low in the Jaguar, but this is even lower. 

It was a beautiful sight on the road. I enjoyed looking at it much more than the ostentatious Rolls Royces and Bentleys that I typically see cruising around town. 

Nothing says I've made it more than speed. I looked it up, the Lamborghini gets about 10 mpg and has a top speed of 350 kph. That is about 217 mph. I did a quick scan, all of the used Lamborghini Aventadors and Huracans for sale in my area are well over $200K with some over $400K. 

BTW, once the light turned green, the Lamborghini quickly navigated traffic and then, sadly, was gone from sight. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - January 2, 2023

 

1. Welcome to the first Monday of 2023. It is also New Year's Day Observed, so do not expect mail delivery. 

2. Family NFL Report. It was a mixed week for the family teams which went 2-2. The Commanders were eliminated from playoff contention while the Steelers remain alive for the post season. The Cowboys and Ravens have secured a post-season playoff spot. 

    Cowboys (12-4) defeat Titans (7-9), 27-13

    Commanders (7-8-1) lost to Browns (7-9), 10-24

    Ravens (10-6) lost to  Steelers (8-8), 13-16

Luke with Lego Model
Tequesta, FL
January 1, 2023

3. We say goodbye to our youngest grandson today. He has been enjoying the South Florida warmth and beaches for the past few days. He has also enjoyed walking over to the ice cream store after dinner for a cone and lounging on the beach. While he was here he constructed a Lego model he received for Christmas. 

4. Happy New Year 2023. 

5. Relax, there are 51 Mondays remaining in the year in which to complete your New Year's resolutions!

6. Today in History. On January 2, 1980, in a strong reaction to the December 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, President Jimmy Carter asks the Senate to postpone action on the SALT II nuclear weapons treaty and recalls the U.S. ambassador to Moscow. These actions sent a message that the age of detente and the friendlier diplomatic and economic relations that were established between the United States and Soviet Union during President Richard Nixon’s administration (1969-74) had ended.

Carter feared that the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, in which an estimated 30,000 combat troops entered that nation and established a puppet government, would threaten the stability of strategic neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan and could lead to the USSR gaining control over much of the world’s oil supplies. The Soviet actions were labeled “a serious threat to peace” by the White House. Carter asked the Senate to shelve ratification talks on SALT II, the nuclear arms treaty that he and Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev had already signed, and the president called U.S. ambassador to Moscow Thomas J. Watson back to Washington for “consultation,” in an effort to let the Kremlin know that military intervention in Afghanistan was unacceptable.

Lula takes over in Brazil, slams Bolsonaro's anti-democratic threats - Reuters

Ukrainians cheer the new year as Russian drones are blasted from the skies - Reuters

China December manufacturing contracts sharply as COVID infections soar - Reuters

Twitter Sued Over Rent Payment in San Francisco - The Wall Street Journal

Can Southwest Buy Back Its Customers’ Love? - The Wall Street Journal

California Storm Floods Roads and Cuts Power - The Wall Street Journal

How investigators homed in on Idaho murder suspect - CNN

McCarthy commits to key concession in push to be next House speaker - CNN

Second quake in two weeks sends Northern California back to response mode - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And So It Begins!

Me and Luke Ready for the
New Year's Eve Celebration
Tequesta, FL
December 31, 2022

 Happy New Year!

Here is hoping that your 2023 is better than 2022!

2022 was a great year for me. It was my first year of retirement and with the help of friends and family Chris and I forged ahead into this chapter of our lives. Florida is warm today and we will head to the beach, later.

We were awake to see the year begin. It was the second time in less than a week that I was awake to see a new day begin. It really messes with the sleep cycle. 

Be well and stay well.

Take a moment to remember and thank the first responders, medical personnel, and our courageous military personnel for their faithful and dedicated service.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

New Year's Eve 2022

 

Me, Lucas, Chris, Jeremy
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
December 29, 2022

So here is a conundrum--is it New Year's Eve 2022 or 2023? 

Tomorrow is 2023, but we have not celebrated New Year's Eve 2022. It is New Year's Eve FOR 2023, but being that the day remains 2022, I'm guessing that it is New Year's Eve 2022 and at midnight when the year fades into history, so will New Year's Eve. 

I suppose it really doesn't matter--it is New Year's Eve and tomorrow is 2023. 

Lucas on a Boogie Board
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
December 30, 2022

In more important issues. What do you get when you mix a relatively calm ocean, one boy, and a boogie board?

Answer: FUN!

It was a beautiful afternoon yesterday, and despite the water being a bit too cool for me to venture in beyond my ankles, Luke had fun with an old boogie board that we have. 

And so it was a great day. The weather was perfect and I made a trip to Port Everglades to drop Jeremy and Julie off for their cruise. Chris and I get some alone time with our youngest grandson! Yay!

Tonight, we will ring in the New Year together!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

December at the Beach

Blowing Rocks
Jupiter Island, FL
December 29, 2022

 Yesterday I made two visits to the beach. It was a beautiful day and so, why not?

We went for a morning walk on Jupiter Island and an afternoon visit to Carlin Park where I actually got into the ocean! The water temperature was listed as 78 degrees, a mite cool for my liking, but bearable. I enjoyed being in the water with my grandson, Lucas.  

Osprey on the Hunt
Jupiter Island, FL
December 29, 2022

Yesterday was the first time that I had been advised to get out of the water due to sharks being sighted in the area. It was really cool, but, sadly, I did not see any sharks. They were likely Bull Sharks, which tend to be in the area this time of year and which should be avoided. A short while later we were allowed back into the water.

I was amazed at the number of people on the beach yesterday, but then it was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures approaching 80 degrees and kids are off from school. The snowbirds are also arriving and I have noticed a definite increase in traffic as compared with two weeks ago. 

Today is my one year anniversary of being retired. The last day that I went into work was December 30, 2021, and later that same day Chris and I flew to Florida to begin our lives here. I still remember driving out of the parking lots and realizing that I might never return to the place where I had worked for over 25 years. Wow! What a year it has been. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Traffic and Holiday Palms

Traffic Jam
Stafford, VA
December 27, 2022

I am happy that my travel day is over. I was reflecting upon the trip and found a picture of the traffic jam in Stafford, Virginia, that I had Chris snap. The back-up stretched for miles. 

Jeremy, Julie, and Lucas arrived yesterday. Their driving experience was better, as they departed ay 4 AM and missed the mess in Virginia, but they experienced the same slowdowns in South Carolina that we did just a day earlier. I don't know what the problem is in South Carolina, but perhaps they should focus more on the roads and less on overturning the 2020 election. 

Holiday Palm Trees
Tequesta, FL
December 28, 2022

As a counterpoint, last evening Chris and I were out walking and found a display of Christmas-light wrapped palm trees. It was a parking lot, but the decorations were festive. 

We enjoyed the sight for a few minutes and I snapped this image. It is very good to be back in the land of palm trees and warmth. Although it was cool, in the low 70s, I was in shorts and a short-sleeved shirt wearing my sandals. A significant change from wearing layers of long-sleeved shirts and coats to stay warm that I experienced just a couple days ago. 

Today I am thinking on a beach walk. Just saying.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Trip

Drive Weather App for December 28, 2022
Odenton to Tequesta

 

It was a trip to remember, or rather to forget. 

The trek from Maryland back to Tequesta happened yesterday and into the wee hours of this morning. 

We got a late start and ran into horrific post-holiday traffic throughout the day. In total, we lost about three hours. Our planned 15 hour trip turned into 18 hours and our arrival time moved from just before midnight to just before 3 AM. Ugh!

We picked up an additional passenger/driver. Our friend Fran whose Southwest flight fell victim to the cancellation disaster. Although his flight was scheduled for today, he discovered it was canceled and contacted us just before we departed from the doctor's office to begin the journey. 

The weather was perfect! I use an app called Drive Weather to help pick the best window for driving. I did not take an image of yesterday's forecast, but today's weather is nearly identical. It shows that the planned nearly 15 hour drive will be blessed with clear weather. That is critical because Jeremy, Julie, and Luke are following this very route today, well they did not start in Odenton. 

I was amazed at how traffic would just stop yesterday for no apparent reason. And there were far too many accidents and people traveling, in my estimation, over 100 mph. 

But, we arrived without incident. Well, there was no parking in the our community, something that I will need to address. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

 

It is Tuesday, the day after the day after Christmas.

It is a travel day and I always wake early on travel days, sadly. 

I guess the thrill of the road (or flying) just calls to me. Actually, my head gets filled with tons of things that I have to do and remember. Today is no different. We are leaving later than our usual 3 AM roll-out because Chris has a quick doctor appointment and then it is onto the open road and post-Christmas and Snowbird traffic. We are not Snowbirds! Just saying.

The route is pretty easy. 

Get on I-95 and drive until almost home. We take a couple bypasses--like DC and Jacksonville, sometimes Richmond depending upon the time of day. Traffic always is bad between DC and Richmond unless we roll out at 3 or 4 AM.

It was funny that in Maryland we lived between I-95 and US-1 with our most traveled road being US-1. It is the same in Florida--except that I-95 is a couple miles further west than US-1, unlike it was in our part of Maryland.

Here is to another day on the road! Thank goodness for Audible and Sirius XM.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - December 26, 2022

 

1. It is the last Monday of December and also the last Monday of 2022. Next Monday will be the first Monday of 2023. I hope you had a great Christmas.

2. Family NFL Report. It was a good week for the family teams which went 3-1 in their games. Two teams, Ravens and Cowboys, have secured playoff spots and both of the other teams are remain in playoff contention. 

   Ravens (10-5) defeat Falcons (5-10), 17-9

   Steelers (7-8) defeat Raiders (6-9), 13-10

   Cowboys (11-4) defeat Eagles (13-2), 40-34

   Commanders (7-7-1) lose to 49ers (11-4), 20-37

Christmas Morning Breakfast
Odenton, MD
December 25, 2022

3. What is better than a Christmas morning waffle breakfast before opening presents? Almost nothing. Thanks to Mike and Nicole for a fantastic breakfast and morning. And then thanks to Patrick and Jen for a fabulous Christmas Day and feast.

4. Today is a holiday--to celebrate Christmas! Do not expect mail delivery. Nothing will be arriving except late Christmas gifts sent by express mail.

5. The cold weather has reminded me that I can survive in the north, but I do not desire to do so. I am looking forward to warmer temperatures and bike riding. Yes, it was cold in South Florida this week, but 80 degree temperatures return starting on Saturday.

6. The blog may be late tomorrow as we are hitting the open for Florida, depending upon the weather, of course. The current forecast calls for clear skies all the way. Not even the usual afternoon rain in South Florida. 

7. Today in History. Mobster Bugsy Siegel opens the glitzy Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 26, 1946. Well-known singer and comedian Jimmy Durante headlined the night's entertainment, with music by Cuban band leader Xavier Cugat. Some of infamous gangster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel’s Hollywood friends, including actors George Raft, George Sanders, Sonny Tufts and George Jessel were in attendance.

The grand opening of the Flamingo Hotel, however, was a flop. Bad weather kept many other Hollywood guests from arriving. And because gamblers had no rooms at the hotel, they took their winnings and gambled elsewhere. The casino lost $300,000 in the first week of operation.

Storm Leaves at Least 12 Dead in Buffalo, N.Y., Area - The Wall Street Journal

Housing Slump Set to Give Fed an Inflation-Fighting Assist - The Wall Street Journal

Florida Restarts Push to Feed Manatees - The Wall Street Journal

Transgender or devoutly Christian? An Iowa teen refuses to choose. - The Washington Post

Migrants bused from Texas arrive at VP’s house in D.C. on frigid Christmas Eve - The Washington Post

Vandals destroy 22,000-year-old sacred cave art in Australia - CNN

Three Russian servicemen killed after drone shot down at air base inside Russia - CNN

China's COVID cases overwhelm hosptials - Reuters

Taiwan reports China's largest incursion yet to air defence zone - Reuters

South Korea scrambles jets as North Korea sends drones over border - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Christmas 2022

Sunrise
Elkridge, MD
December 25, 2022

 Merry Christmas! 

I was out early to take care of Jeremy's dogs and witnessed a beautiful Christmas morning sunrise. The day is full of promise and excitement. The roads were empty. 

The weeks of preparation are over and the big event has arrived. 

May the joy of the season fill your heart and give you hope for the entire year ahead. 

Pause for a moment amidst your celebration to remember the servicemen and women stationed far away from their homes as well as the first responders and medical personnel who are all on duty for us. 

God bless you, everyone!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Christmas Eve 2022

Icicles on my Truck
December 23, 2022
Odenton, MD

The cold developed everywhere yesterday. The temperature dropped from 43 degrees in the morning to single digits when I went to bed. This morning the reported temperature is 6 degrees!

I took a picture of icicles hanging off my truck yesterday. I had to drive to an appointment during the morning and I experienced a sleet storm and a hail storm along the way. 

Snow Falling in Odenton
Odenton, MD
December 23, 2022

Later during the day it snowed. 

There was thankfully no accumulation, however I did get in my snow-fix for the season. 

I believe the weather for today is supposed to be clear and cold. We are beginning the day with brunch and probably watch some NFL football. The high today is expected to reach 20 degrees. Yay! It is cold in Florida as well. At home, in Tequesta, it is 41 degrees with an expected high of 58 degrees.

And so this is Christmas Eve! I hope that you are where you wanted to be for this holiday season. 

Enjoy the day and Merry Christmas.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

First Full Day of Winter

The View Outside
Odenton, MD
December 22, 2022

The first full day of Winter was, fittingly, a bleak and dreary day. 

It rained almost all of the day. Which was much better than other parts of the country where snow and blizzard-like conditions were the recipe for the day.

We were expecting the temperature to drop overnight, but apparently it did not and things are not too bad here on the southern part of the storm. The temperature is supposed to fall during the day bottoming out at about 9 degrees overnight. Ugh! Hopefully the roads will dry before the freeze arrives. 

We will see what the day brings.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve! That used to be a thing when I was a kid. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Winter Arrived

Tropic of Capricorn Through Australia

Autumn passed not so quietly into Winter yesterday with the big storm working its way across the nation.

The Sun is dancing along the Tropic of Capricorn providing the southern latitudes with their longest days of sunshine while we in the north work to overcome the darkest days of the year.

Here in Odenton, MD, we are experiencing about 9 hours and 28 minutes between sunrise and sunset. Short time. In Tequesta, FL, the daylight is about an hour longer coming in at 10 hours and 29 minutes. It is amazing what difference a a few hundred miles in latitude can make when considering the length of day. Important note, on the Summer Solstice the length of daylight is longer in Odenton (14h35m) versus Tequesta (13h53m). 

At least, the daylight will start to increase from this point on, although only a few seconds per day for a few days. 

And now, for the massive winter storm!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Dancing Tuba-playing Santa

 

Tuba-playing Dancing Santa
Tequesta, FL
December 20, 2022

When I retired last year, I disposed of most of my collection of toys, many of them were of the singing and dancing variety. I had collected a lot of toys over the years and they adorned my office at work. 

The toys included singing chickens and turkeys and a set composed of a dancing Santa and reindeer. They all made me smile, although I am sure that important guests visiting my office wondered if I had somehow gone off the rails. But, I almost always had fun at work and never thought what I was doing as a job in the negative sense. It was a vocation and an important undertaking. 

Very few of my toys survived my transition to retirement. None were actually tossed into the trash as most were gifted to coworkers, friends, and the children in the neighborhood. 

Chris surprised me yesterday with a new animated toy. Truly a surprise because we had not brought any with us to Florida. It made me smile. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Travel day - Again

 With the monster storm headed through the country, I am glad that Chris and I decided to travel early in the week. The end of the week could be a washout. Although, I believe there is the possibility for the ever dreamed of and seldom seen white Christmas in the Baltimore area. Personally I really don't need snow, ever!

Another relatively smart thing that we did was to travel in the middle of the day rather than one of the "OMG it is so early nothing is open at the airport" flights. The trip from Baltimore to West Palm two weeks ago was actually pleasant and I am hoping the return flight is likewise enjoyable. We are looking forward to celebrating the holiday with family and friends.

It will be a short visit as I am planning to drive back to South Florida early next week. Of course all driving plans are weather dependent and the nice thing about being retired is that I do not have to get back to go to work!

Merry Christmas to all the other travelers and to those who host us travelers.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL