Monday Musings - January 22, 2024

 

1. 2024 is chugging along. We are experiencing cold January weather and it is the 4th Monday of the month. There are 49 Mondays remaining in the new year. 

Flowers on the Patio
Tequesta, FL
January 21, 2024

2. The NFL playoffs are down to four teams. Two family teams remain in the Super Bowl hunt and one of them will represent the AFC in the big game on February 11th. They are the Ravens and the Chiefs who play next Sunday at 3 PM EST in Baltimore. 

3. A bit of Springtime color is gracing our patio in the form of daffodils and hyacinths! The hyacinths smell very nice.

4. The cold here is nothing like the cold elsewhere in the country--but, it still seems cold here. 

5. On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court handed down the Roe v. Wade decision. By a 7–2 vote, the Supreme Court found that the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution guaranteed the right of privacy under its “concept of personal liberty and restrictions upon state action.” This right to privacy, the court said, guarantees a pregnant woman the right to obtain an abortion without restriction in the first trimester of a pregnancy. After that point, the state can regulate abortion, it said, “except when it is necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.”

On June 24, 2022, by a vote of 6 to 3, in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organizationdecision, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Five of the justices said: “The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion.” 

For the first time in American history, rather than expanding the nation’s recognition of constitutional rights, the Supreme Court took away the recognition of a constitutional right that had been honored for almost 50 years. Republican-dominated states immediately either passed antiabortion legislation or let stand the antiabortion measures already on the books that had been overruled by Roe v. Wade.  (Letters from an American)

6. Today in History. In a Sacramento, California, courtroom on January 22, 1998, Theodore J. Kaczynski pleads guilty to all federal charges against him, acknowledging his responsibility for a 17-year campaign of package bombings attributed to the “Unabomber.” 

Born in 1942, Kaczynski attended Harvard University and received a PhD in mathematics from the University of Michigan. He worked as an assistant mathematics professor at the University of California at Berkeley, but abruptly quit in 1969. In the early 1970s, Kaczynski began living as a recluse in western Montana, in a 10-by-12 foot cabin without heat, electricity or running water. From this isolated location, he began the bombing campaign that would kill three people and injure more than 20 others.

Iowa revealed how ineffective DeSantis' campaign had been all along - CNN

Boeing faces new safety alert over earlier generation of 737s - CNN

Relatives of Gaza hostages storm Israeli parliament panel as protests mount - Reuters

Ukraine war drives shift in Russian nuclear thinking - study - Reuters

US Navy declares two SEALs missing in Gulf of Aden as deceased - Reuters

Eight dead and dozens missing in China landslide - BBC

Ukraine’s $30 Billion Problem: How to Keep Fighting Without Foreign Aid - The Wall Street Journal

What the IRS Knows About Your Online Sales This Year - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Day Evolved

 

Chris and Fin Coming Home
Tequesta, FL
January 20, 2024

It was NFL Playoff Saturday and so I knew where I would be from about 4 PM until I retired for the evening--in front of the TV watching the games.

Ibis in a Yard
Tequesta, FL
January 20, 2024

Fortunately, the outcome was to my liking as the Ravens dismantled the Texans to move onto the Conference Championship, one win away from the Super Bowl.

It was cold yesterday, not as cold as the 54 degrees this morning, but it hovered around the 60 degree mark when I rolled out my bike and started a 16-mile ride. I was lucky in that after attending the Ravens game a couple weeks ago in the cold and rain that I bought heated vests for both Chris and myself. Yup, heated vests in Florida! Mine came in very handy during my ride yesterday. There are cold days during January and February. So I was toasty warm during my ride. 

The real great part of the day is how the it evolved and the sky cleared during the afternoon. I have two images from the day, the first from my ride as I spied a flock of Ibis in a yard and the second as Chris and Finnegan were coming home from a walk. Note the sky! The change from overcast to crystal blue was dramatic. I wanted to be outside, although the 64 degree temperature put a damper on my enthusiasm. 

I love the blue sky! Sadly, we are back to clouds this morning, but hopefully the skies will clear as the day progresses.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Bringing it Home

Heading Home Along Old Dixie Highway
Tequesta, FL
January 19, 2024

 I headed out on my bike yesterday for a ride. Sadly, the weather had other ideas and about 3 miles into the ride, I was greeted by rain. I don't mind a mist, or a light rain, but when I can see my shirt getting wet, or in this case a fleece since it was cold, and drops forming on my glasses it is time to head home.

That is what I did. 

I knew when I departed that the skies looks threatening, but often here in South Florida they look mean but there is no rain. Well, I got fooled yesterday. It was very cool and apparently the rain needed to fall from the sky onto my ride. 

I was trying to get a ride in before the activity of the day got happening, but I only made a total of 6.7 miles and 33 minutes. At least I got a ride in, it was just too short. 

In other news, the 3D printer is still not functional. I was able to level the table, finally, but then upon further inspection I noticed that extruder had a broken lever. So I ordered a new extruder which should be here today. It was made from plastic anyway and so I am a bit excited about installing the metal extruder that will be arriving as it should be more durable. 

Today is colder than yesterday, but for the first day in a row there is not rain in the forecast. Yay. I even witnessed a beautiful sunrise to celebrate the start of the day although the skies remain mostly overcast.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Dreary Day Project

 Some days are just, dreary. 

Ender-3 V2 3D Printer
Tequesta, FL
January 18, 2024

That was yesterday--well, until the end of the day. As evening fell the skies cleared and the stars came out. Sadly, it cleared too late for us to see the space launch. That would have been exciting. 

I didn't ride my bike yesterday because it always looked as if it were going to rain. 

I spent most of the day trying to resurrect a 3D printer I was given. I made a lot of progress, but the inability to level to level the table was a show-stopper. I will be going to Ace Hardware today to get a couple items that will enable me to level the table and then, hopefully, fire up the printer and make things. I spent a lot of time cleaning and adjusting the printer. At one point I thought I had leveled the table, but with one of the adjusting wheels missing I was only deluding myself.

By the end of today, however, I hopefully will have a fully functional battle station, err printer. 

Chris is not amused that the printer is on the kitchen counter. I probably can only keep it there through today and then I need to find a more permanent place to set it up. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Riding the Tequesta Circuit

 

Chris in the Lead
Turtle Creek, Tequesta, FL
January 17, 2024

Despite the afternoon rain and early morning cold, I have managed 30 miles on my bike during the past two days. On Tuesday, I completed my standard 16 mile circuit around Tequesta. Yesterday, even though it was cold, Chris and I rode the reverse routs and made it over 14 miles. I took a few miles off because of the high winds and cold. 

Chris and I were appropriately dressed for yesterday's cold, 60 degree temperatures. It would like to say it was refreshing, but no, it was just cold!

We have solved the communication problem by riding with our cells connected on a call. It means that we are in constant communication and can tell each other abut safety issues--such as a vehicle passing or whether it is clear around a blind corner. When I ride alone, I listen to music. My new Smart Glasses mean that I do not have to have AirPods in my ear--which is good because with AirPods only one can be in place leaving the other ear open for traffic sounds. 

I managed to put together a short video from my Tuesday ride. I finally was able to successfully employ my Smart Glasses and get the videos. They are very easy to use. The first part of the video is a fun intersection in the Country Club road area. There might be a Stop Sign--oops! But I cleared the traffic. The second part of the video is crossing the SE County Line Road Bridge. It came out really cool! I was amazed at how smooth everything appears. I guess my head works as a good gyroscope to stabilize the camera in the glasses. 

I have been enjoying the rides. Today may be a washout. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Weather and the Beach

Jupiter Island Beach
Jupiter island, FL
January 16, 2024

With afternoon storms forecast, yesterday was a day for morning outdoors activity--and I took advantage of the opportunity by completing a 16+ mile ride around Tequesta. It felt good to be getting my legs under me again, although I could tell they are still getting back into riding shape after the over one month hiatus. 

Along the Dune
Jupiter Island, FL
January 16, 2024

Chris and I later headed off to the beach for a walk and to enjoy some time together in our favorite environment. As we crossed the top of the stairs over the dune, we were greeted with a beautiful blue sky and multicolored ocean scene across a wide beach. I confess, it has been some time since we visited this beach, we have been going to Carlin Park--but, I was unprepared for what we saw. While everything looks idyllic, in truth an incredible amount of sand (beach) has been washed into the ocean. I took an image from the base of the dune--as near as I can estimate about 10 feet of sand has been carried off and the beach which last year went from halfway up the dune and sloped to the ocean is now gone and has a slight slope from the base of the dune to the ocean.

Further down the beach, where the new Seaglass condo building has been constructed, the stairs from the building to the beach no longer actually make it to the beach. They end about 5 feet above the beach. The beach erosion is significant. To make it worse, I am pretty sure all of the sand has ended up just off shore and destroyed the fragile ecosystem. It is a lot of sand!

The beach was, however, very enjoyable in the wind  80 degree temperatures. I highly recommend it for everyone fighting snow and cold!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Over the Bridge with the Smart Glasses

View from Bridge over SE County Line Road
Martin County
January 15, 2024

 Chris and I made it out for our second ride of the year yesterday. We increased our mileage to over 15 miles now that we are getting back into the groove. I received Ray Ban Smart Glasses for Christmas and have been experimenting with them while on the rides. 

There is one bridge that I cross on nearly every ride. It is on SE County Line Road in Martin County. Chris and I ride this bridge and depending upon the particular route we choose we can cross it in either direction, but usually it is on the homeward leg of a long ride. There is a significant hill across the bridge which is the biggest hill on our rides. I like crossing this bridge because it is in a wild area and very open. I have not, until yesterday, taken an image off the bridge because it has a narrow wood sidewalk and is not a good place to stop and sightsee. 

Apple Map of the SE Country Line Road Bridge
Martin County
January 15, 2024

I decided to use my Smart Glasses yesterday to get an image as I was riding across the span. It worked. I took an image while riding on my bike all without crashing. On the satellite image to the left, I took the image from just before the middle of the bridge while riding from left to right.

I had tried taking a couple videos yesterday as well, but due to operator error they did not complete. I held the button too long. 

I am hopeful of getting becoming proficient at the Smart Glasses. I did maintain communication with Chris throughout the ride yesterday using the feature that connects to my phone!

The joys of technology. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - January 15, 2024

 

1. Welcome to the third Monday of January 2024! There are just 50 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. The football playoffs are underway. Four family teams made the playoffs: Ravens, Cowboys, Chiefs, and Steelers. Through today two teams have played and one will play today. The Ravens, with the best record in the NFL this year, drew a first week bye. Through this morning the family teams are 1-1 and the Steelers play tonight.

Finnegan
Tequesta, FL
January 14, 2024

3. Finnegan was sick earlier this week. I think he got some "people" food which did not agree with him. But yesterday he was fully recovered and posed in a chair for me. What a great image!

4. Well, the Dallas Cowboys failed to win a playoff game again this season. There is something critically wrong with the team and I believe it may be the head coach. I am guessing there will be a major shake-up in the Cowboys organization very soon. The owner did not look very happy sitting in his box at the game. Congrats to the Green Bay Packers who actually played a solid football game. The packers even added some drama by allowing the Cowboys to have the slimmest possibility of making it a game, until there wasn't.

5. The first test of the election season is upon us. Iowa has been in the news far too long and I will be happy to have the caucuses behind us beginning tomorrow. I'm not sure it matters too much; one candidate has been getting unreasonable press coverage due to his multiple indictments and court appearances. His presence is stifling on the national stage. 

Today in History. On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of a Baptist minister. King received a doctorate degree in theology and in 1955 helped organize the first major protest of the African American civil rights movement: the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott. Influenced by Mohandas Gandhi, he advocated civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance to segregation in the South. The peaceful protests he led throughout the American South were often met with violence, but King and his followers persisted, and the movement gained momentum.

A powerful orator, King appealed to Christian and American ideals and won growing support from the federal government and Northern whites. In 1963, Bayard Rustin and A. Philip Randolph led the massive March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; the event’s grand finale was King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Two hundred and fifty thousand people gathered outside the Lincoln Memorial to hear the stirring speech. 

Trump attacks Haley, begs supporters to brave Iowa weather Show all - CNN

Brutal winter storm to bring below freezing temperatures to 79% of US - CNN

US jet shoots down missile fired at Navy destroyer from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen - CNN

Israel pounds targets across Gaza, awaits Hamas word on three hostages-- ReutersChina's military and government acquire Nvidia chips despite US ban - Reuters'Don't forget Ukraine,' UN urges in aid funding appeal - Reuters

‘Peacock Game’: The NFL’s Digital Buttfumble - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

First of the Year

 

North Fork Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
January 13, 2024

Chris and I managed our first bike rides of the year yesterday. I was good to get the bikes out of the garage, top off the tires, and hit the pavement. There was more wind than we had expected and so we shortened our ride to about 10 miles--that was wise especially considering that it had been almost 4 weeks since we were last in the saddle. 

It was a beautiful morning for a ride, despite the wind. We knew from the weather report that rain was moving into the area for the afternoon and we needed to get out earlier than later. 

We also knew that we expected to become couch potatoes during the afternoon and evening while watching the NFL Wildcard Playoff Games. Our shortened ride worked out great as we toured around Tequesta and updated ourselves on the status of activities in our community. It looked to be a good morning for boating--but, well, we did not reserve a boat and we had other activities to accomplish. 

We are still trying to bet back into our groove after being gone. 

Hopefully, the weather will allow me a ride today before I fall onto the sofa for more football magic. I am 2-0 so far in predicting winners, although secretly I was hoping that Miami would win over Kansas City just to shock the Chiefs back into reality. But alas, the Dolphins frosted over and never made much of a game out of the contest. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Beach Afternoon

Carlin Park
Jupiter, Florida
January 12, 2024

 If this is January in South Florida, then we might be on the beach for Happy Hour.

Yesterday, after a morning of rain, the temperatures soared into the 80s and the skies cleared for the sun to peak out. That was all of the encouragement that we needed to head to the beach for Happy Hour. 

Chris and the Balloon

Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida

January 12, 2024

The beach was only sparsely populated with other beach goers and there were even a few surfers trying to catch the gentle waves. It made for a perfect afternoon, sitting and waiting for sunset while listening to the waves lapping at the sand and watching the surfers try to catch a wave.

Chris did her good deed for the day by capturing a wayward balloon which could have been dangerous to the turtles or other sea creatures. We popped the balloon and ensured that all of the pieces were transported off the beach and into a trash receptacle. And as for sea creatures, we spied a manatee heading south along the coast right in front of us.

It was the colors of the sky and ocean that made the day special. After weeks of not being on the beach, our return was dramatic as we enjoyed the sunset behind us which cast colors into the eastern sky. With sunset occurring so early, we are able to stay and enjoy the show and still head home for dinner.

Looking West Across the Sand from the Atlantic Ocean

Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida

January 12, 2024

But it was the sunset, after all, which reminded me of why I love coming to the beach. It was a beautiful display and provided the perfect exclamation point for the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back in the Storage Facility

Headed to the Storage Room
Tequesta, FL
January 10, 2024

 One of the problems we discovered with downsizing and moving into a condo is storage or, more correctly, lack of storage. 

We rent a storage room because we cannot not fit all of our treasures into the condo. Included in those treasures are 12 containers, plus one artificial tree, of Christmas decorations. With some creative packing, I can get Christmas into the truck for a single trip. But, I have to be a bit careful that none of the containers have loose covers.

Train Infused Traffic Snarl on a Rainy Day
Jupiter, FL
January 11, 2024

Chris and I successfully returned all of the Christmas decorations to the storage facility and we were lucky that we chose to do it on a day when the weather was good, because the next day it was rainy and cold. The increase in train traffic in the area, because of the Brightline, snarls traffic throughout the day making the short trip even tougher at times. But, we missed the rain and most of the traffic snarl by getting right on the project of taking down Christmas and not waiting. 

Yesterday was rainy and cold. Today will be warmer, but just as rainy as yesterday. Fortunately, our projects are complete and we can enjoy the day. I still have not had the opportunity to ride my bike this year--and it does not look as if today will be the day due to the less than optimal weather. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Happy Hour--Outside

Chris at Happy Hour
Lenora's, Tequesta, FL
January 10, 2024

 I wore shorts, sandals, and a short-sleeve shirt to Happy Hour at a local restaurant last evening. We sat outside on the veranda and I was very comfortable.

It felt great to be back in the warm humidity of South Florida and enjoying a cool January day outside. I had spent most of the day packing Christmas decorations and transporting them to our storage room. It did not help that I forgot the key on one trip and had to go back for it. Notice the bottle is empty. 

I received a great new toy for Christmas upon returning home: Smart Glasses! I am learning them and enjoying playing with them. I took a video of the Brightline train yesterday while we were sitting at the light. It came out really nice, but trains can be boring to look at and so I won't add it here. 

We enjoyed Happy Hour; then headed back to the house for one more glass of wine with friends and then some food. What a great evening. 

Today will be filled with more packing and then onto the garage for some serious reorganization. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thrice Christmas

 The Christmas season, it seems, is ending later this year. 

Chris Opening the Final Gifts
Tequesta, FL
January 9, 2024

We arrived safely home early yesterday afternoon. The two-day trip was completed and we managed, somehow, to travel around, but not through the severe storm that smashed the mid-west and east coast. We had some rain and a lot of wind yesterday, but we avoided the worst of the storm. 

Tabletop Fire Pit and Chris
Tequesta, FL
January 9, 2024

When we arrived home, we were greeted by our still decorated for Christmas house. But that was a good thing since we had some presents under the tree that needed to be opened to complete the season. We had decided not to take all of the gifts we were exchanging with each other on the journey to Maryland. We celebrated our third Christmas of the season while opening the last gifts. 

Last evening we put into service one of Chris's gifts--the tabletop fire pit. This one replaces our much smaller cement pit that we were using. 

It was nice to be back in the warmer and more humid South Florida. I had to immediately shed the jeans and long-sleeved shirt that I was wearing while driving and get into shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. 

Today will be devoted to removing the Christmas decorations and returning the home to its more normal configuration. 

In other news:

Today we celebrate my Dad's 96th birthday!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Out the Hotel Window - Pooler, GA

Out the Hotel Window, Embassy Suites
Pooler, GA
January 8, 2024

 The trip home to Florida comes with an overnight stop in Pooler, GA, near Savannah, at the Embassy Suites. 

I love the Embassy Suites for two reasons: the Managers Reception and the breakfast. And I continue to enjoy the ambiance. 

We arrived early, hours before check-in, but they were able to get our room cleaned and ready while we ate lunch and did some shopping at the nearby outlet mall. 

Me and Chris at the Managers Reception
Embassy Suites, Pooler, GA
January 8, 2024

The view out the window was not much to enjoy and the windows were dirty. As a significant storm was expected, many people were scurrying about trying to get things buttoned down.

We discovered that the area is extremely dog friendly. Finnegan accompanied us to lunch and dinner and no one even asked about his Service Dog status. The area seems very welcoming to traveling dogs!

We expect to be home about 1:30 PM today! After three weeks away we will enjoy being home, but we are already missing our family and friends in Maryland.

-- Bob Doan, Pooler, GA

On the Road Again

I-95 in North Carolina
January 8, 2024

There is something about southern North Carolina which makes driving a royal pain. It might be the construction. The southern portion of I95 is under construction.  There are barriers on both sides of the lanes.  

We departed just after 4 AM and have been on the road for 5 hours. We are stopping for the night near Savannah and we should be there in about 4 hours.  We leave early to avoid morning  traffic around DC. And we did. 

Finn is being good.  He is happy not to have been left behind. 

Chris is spelling me now so that I can nap. 

— Bob Doan, North Carolina, MM 46

The Ravens Game

Me and Jeremy at M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, MD
January 6, 2024

It was a cold and rainy afternoon when I departed for the Ravens game dressed like I was expecting the worst weather ever faced by Nanook of the North. I did not know what to expect, really, as the cold misting rain confronted the warm reality of my face. I felt like Ralphie from "A Christmas Story", not able to move my arms once I was fully prepared for the cold and rain.

A Play During the 4th Quarter
M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, MD
January 6, 2024

Jeremy and I made our way into Baltimore for the game. It was a very important game for the Steelers--they needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. For the Ravens it was an opportunity to rest starters and give the back-ups a chance to play. The outcome was, then, predictable--Steelers 17 to Baltimore 10. In the rain and cold.

Walking to the Stadium
Baltimore, MD
January 6, 2024

I think the NFL hates both teams because they managed to schedule this game at the height of the storm that had been predicted for over a week. The league also officiated the game with their recently demoted refereeing team. The league certainly did not consider the fans in setting the time of the game. It was miserable! I think, and you will laugh when you read this, snow would have been better. At least I would not have been so wet. Actually, it was just my hands that got cold and soaked because my heated gloves got saturated. 

The rain continued throughout the game and only began to stop as I arrived back at Nicole's house in Odenton after the game.

Ravens Field Goal
M&T Bank Stadium 
Baltimore, MD
January 6, 2024

The game was predictably a low scoring affair. I cursed each time there was a stoppage of play--and especially the incredibly long TV time-outs. We were all standing, yes, no one in the stadium that I could see sat during the game, watching the rain pummel the fans and teams while waiting for the action to begin again. If you look closely in the picture of the field goal try, just above the lights near the center of the image the football is visible after being kicked.

I have to say a big thank-you to Jeremy for inviting me to the game and for making it a great father-son experience despite the rain. I had, wait for it, fun! And I was reminded that I can still overcome the elements!

I need to say thank you to Mike, George, and Patrick for the cold and wet weather gear you loaned me. I would not have been able to even consider attending the game without your help.

I hope the Steelers make the playoffs and come to South Florida to play the Dolphins next week even if it rains, because the rain in South Florida is not as cold. 

Programming note:

There will be no Monday Musings tomorrow because I expect to be in the truck headed home to Tequesta.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Football Saturday

 

Baltimore Forecast

It is Football Saturday.

I am lucky in that I will be attending the final Ravens game of the season today. 

Did I come prepared to be cold and wet in a stadium full of rabid fans?

Nope!

But, my family and friends have been extremely generous in supplying me with a heated vest and gloves, a heavy coat, a rain coat, rain poncho, and wool socks. And a hat, did I mention a hat!

The weather is going to be the fun part! I looked at the precipitation forecast and rain begins about 9 AM and ends about 9 PM. The game begins at 4:30 PM. It will be wet and cold. 

I continue to wonder why the stadium in Baltimore is not equipped with a dome! 

But I will get to see the Ravens.

Fun fact: Both the Orioles and the Ravens ended their regular seasons with the best record in their league/conference. 

Even though many Ravens's starters have the week off to heal, I remain hopeful of beating the Steelers!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Liars, Crooks, and Thieves

 I remember an amusing joke we used to tell every so often. 

It is simply, How do you know that a politician is lying?

Answer: Their lips are moving. 

Our Republic has reached a new level of political thievery and lying and, sadly, it seems that one of the political parties has perfected the means to make grand theft and Constitutional crimes seem common place and acceptable. 

For instance:

The Democrats on the House Oversight Committee today [December 4, 2024] released a 156-page report showing that when he was in the presidency, Trump received at least $7.8 million from 20 different governments, including those of China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Malaysia, through businesses he owned. (Letters from an American)

The first article of the U.S. Constitution reads: “[N]o Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under [the United States], shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument [that is, salary, fee, or profit], Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” (Letters from an American)

Yet, the Republican-controlled House has both stopped investigation into Trump's wrong-doings and launched an impeachment inquiry into President Biden's alleged wrong-doing of the same nature when there is, so far, zero evidence of any Constitutionally prohibited activity.

There is more behind the attack on Biden than simply trying to even the score between him and Trump—who remains angry at his impeachments and has demanded Republicans retaliate—or to smear Biden through an “investigation,” which has been a standard technique of the Republicans since the mid-1990s.

Claiming that Biden is as corrupt as Trump undermines faith in our democracy. After all, if everyone is a crook, why does it matter which one is in office? And what makes American democracy any different from the authoritarian systems of Russia or Hungary or Venezuela, where leaders grab what they can for themselves and their followers?

Democracies are different from authoritarian governments because they have laws to prevent the corruption in which it appears Trump engaged. The fact that Republicans refuse to hold their own party members accountable to those laws while smearing their opponents says far more about them than it does about the nature of democracy. (Letters from an American)

Dealing with another issue, these same republicans are demanding action on immigration, yet thwarting every attempt by the administration and even the Senate to close a deal and get the government moving again.

Now House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) says the House conference does not want and will not accept a compromise, such as the one senators are working on; they want a complete change of policy. That is, the Republicans in the House, who have a majority of two, are bowing to their far-right members and insisting that until that faction’s policies are put in place over those of the Senate and the president, they will refuse to fund Ukraine, whose defense from Russian aggression is key to our own national security. (Letters form an American)

The Republicans in the House are disingenuous and are lying to the American people about their true intentions. And what are their true intentions? To ensure that a particular former president is reelected which will seriously test the ability of democracy to survive.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

To the Dogs

Chris and the Dogs
Odenton, MD
January 3, 2024

 No matter how hard we try to train our family dogs, they remain very interested in meal time. 

Yesterday, Chris was having lunch and she had the company of not only Finnegan, but Nicole's two dogs Lily and Arthur. They were very attentive and watched her every move. 

The presence of dogs within here interpersonal space can be annoying. Despite Chris's best efforts to make us believe that she does not provide the dogs with an occasional morsel, I believe that she must be giving in to their long puppy-like looks. 

She is a softie.

She was able to complete her meal and the dogs were respectful of her space, well mostly.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Good-bye Christmas

Chris Taking the Lights Off
Odenton, MD
January 2, 2024

 And it is gone!

Christmas has departed. The decorations are back in the boxes and returned to the storage facility waiting to be unboxed just after Thanksgiving in eleven months. 

It is sad when Christmas with its magic is returned to the storage facility. 

I noted yesterday that in some respects, unless the date is known, it is hard to determine if the decorations are being unboxed for the holiday or re-boxed for storage. I considered the tree as we were nearly complete removing the lights--were they going on or coming off? 

But then, I saw the bare branches from where the needles of the now dry and dead tree had fallen. It was time. We had a carpet of dry needles beneath the tree and out the door after we got the tree out of the house. 

And so it is finished. The decorations are gone, but the memories remain. As the cold rays of the winter sun caress my face, I look forward into the year ahead and wonder, when will be back in Florida to return our decorations to the storage facility? I know out tree still stands and that Santa has left a few presents tucked underneath its branches. Thankfully, we have an artificial tree and so the needles do not fall in great numbers like a formerly living tree. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Day 2

Dawn in Columbia
Columbia, MD
January 2, 2024

 It is Day 2 of the new year. 

Schools are open, businesses are open and there is activity everywhere. 

I had a couple medical tests this morning and was out before the dawn. I know, right? I could have slept in and gone later in the day, but I love the dawn. I had the opportunity to drive past my former place of employment twice--once in the dark at about 6 AM and then on my way back at about 7:30 AM. I recalled my many years of arriving for work usually before dawn during the winter and often going home after dark had returned. 

As I exited the medical testing facility in Columbia, MD, near the hospital, I was treated to a colorful sunrise, which I captured for a memory. 

It is a great way to get the new year started. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD