Preparing for the Big Ride

Rear Bag on my Bile
Tequesta, FL
March 14, 2024

Preparing for the upcoming three-night, 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage bike ride is no small undertaking.

It turns out there is a lot more to it than just hopping on my bike and heading off. I am outfitting my bike to carry clothes and water for the trip as well as learning to ride with additional weight aboard. 

I discovered during my ride the other day that water is something that I need to push. I did 26 miles and was dehydrated at the end of the ride. That distance is less than our daily plan and so I purchased a camelback to help ensure that I drink sufficiently during long rides. 

The bag over my back wheels has panniers which unfold to allow me to carry more stuff, but that comes with a price--weight! I am also putting back on my front wheel. 

Fortunately, the ride is not until mid-June. By then, hopefully, I will be in better shape and fully familiar with the handling characteristics of my fully loaded bike. One thing I have already learned is that I need to lift my leg higher to mount my bile to clear the bag on the back. That gets tougher when I get tired. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Garage Work and Dinner

 Monday sure seemed to arrive quickly. 

Blackened Ahi Tuna
Cooper's Hawk, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
March 18, 2024

I decided to take a day off from riding after the 26-mile ride on Sunday. I also had an electrician arriving to survey putting an outlet in my garage to support charging our new car. I actually spent most of the day receiving bids to install the outlet. The bids were wide ranging and the high and low bids were separated by $1,000. Amazing. 

I am also trying to reconfigure my garage to get the new car inside when we head out on trips. That will be difficult since the garage is just wide enough and long enough for the car to fit. Ugh! But, I used to get a car in the garage in the old days. 

Last evening we headed off to dinner at Cooper's Hawk. I had a reward to redeem and wine to retrieve. I ordered the Blackened Ahi Tuna and it arrived to my table with some of the nicest presentation that I have enjoyed in a long time. I very much enjoyed the entree. It was as good as it looks!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - March 18, 2024

 

1. We survived another week! We are now at the third Monday of March! The remain 41 Mondays in the year. 

2. We enjoyed a wild St Patrick's Day celebration at the local, within walking distance, Irish restaurant. It was fun to see everyone wearing green and enjoying the Irish music. A good time was had by all. I have to admit, we were asleep by the time the party was scheduled to end at 10 PM.

Carola and Chris at the St Patricks Day Party
Tequesta, FL
March 17, 2024

3. I set a new personal record for a single session bike ride yesterday of 25.96 miles! It took over two hours, but it was extremely valuable for me to assess my level of readiness for the June planned three-day, 150 mile ride from Pittsburgh to Cumberland. I also realized that I need to consume more water during long rides and have purchased a camelback to assist with that endeavor. 

4. Today in History. On March 18, 1852, in New York City, Henry Wells and William G. Fargo join with several other investors to launch their namesake business, today one of the world's largest banks. 

The discovery of gold in California in 1849 prompted a huge spike in the demand for cross-country shipping. Wells and Fargo decided to take advantage of these great opportunities. In July 1852, their company shipped its first loads of freight from the East Coast to mining camps scattered around northern California. The company contracted with independent stagecoach companies to provide the fastest possible transportation and delivery of gold dust, important documents and other valuable freight. It also served as a bank—buying gold dust, selling paper bank drafts and providing loans to help fuel California’s growing economy.

Intense diplomacy as US-Israel relations take an extraordinary turn - CNN

Machete-wielding militias battle gangs in Port-au-Prince as Haiti’s elites vie for power - CNN

China's military, state media slam U.S. after Reuters report on SpaceX spy satellites - Reuters

Putin wins Russia election in landslide with no serious competition - Reuters

No one should 'go to jail for smoking weed,' says VP Harris - Reuters

China Turns On the Charm for Foreigners but Its Allure Has Faded - The Wall Street Journal

Pakistan Carries Out Airstrikes Inside Afghanistan - The Wall Street Journal

As Electric-Vehicle Shoppers Hesitate, Hybrid Sales Surge - The Wall Street Journal

Border security deadlock heightens risk of government shutdown - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Another Great Saturday

Last Quarter Mile
Village Blvd, Tequesta, FL
March 16, 2024

Happy St Patrick's Day

 I began yesterday with a 15.5 mile bike ride. But, this ride was different from all the others. I am beginning training for riding the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) from Downtown Pittsburgh, PA, to Cumberland, MD, a 149 mile ride. Yesterday I rode for the first time with a bag on the newly installed rack on the back of my bike with 8 pounds of additional weight. It really changed my ride. I rode the 1h 12m ride without stopping. Usually I stop once or twice, but yesterday I forced myself to drink water without stopping. 

Map of the GAP

I could not believe how adding 8 pounds affected everything from my breathing and heart rate to my mental state. I'm really not looking forward to lugging about 40 pounds of clothes and water along the trail. But I know that I need to train to be ready for the three day ride. Patrick and Jen have a good plan and I am encouraged because this will be Patrick's fifth time to ride the GAP. Jeremy and I will be the newbies on the trail.

Upon returning home, the remainder of the day was devoted to getting our new Mustang Mach-E set-up. There is a lot to new cars. Although, fundamentally it is a car and the basics apply: get in car, foot on brake, start car, put in gear and drive. There are a lot of things to assist us as drivers. This car even has Alexa and is a WiFi hot spot!

So much to do and so little time.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Motoring the Intracoastal (ICW)

On the ICW Near Hobe Sound
March 15, 2024

 Taking advantage of the incredibly great weather, yesterday was a day for motoring the ICW with friends. 

During the morning hours the water was calm, but by afternoon there was a moderate chop on the St Lucie River which made the ride back to the marina a bit sporty. Fortunately, I was able to get in behind a much larger boat and enjoy the relatively calm waters in its wake. 

Chris and Carola
Jupiter Island, Stuart, FL
March 15, 2024

I took our friends on a tour of the ICW from the St Lucie River Inlet down to Jupiter Sound to look at both the natural beauty and the expensive homesteads along the waterway. After motoring for about an hour or so, we headed to my formerly favorite beach, anchoring our trusty boat along the eastern shore of Peck Lake and walking about 100 yards to the ocean on the Atlantic side of Jupiter Island. I say formerly because the beach is usually deserted, but yesterday it was actually crowded. The beach is best accessed by boat and while we were one of three boats anchored on the ICW side of the island when we arrived, by the time we departed a few hours later there must have been easily 12 boats anchored on the beach--and the ones next to me were closer than cars in a parking lot. It was a mess and I was fortunate to have some experienced help to get away from the island without incident.

Michael Preparing the Lines
Manatee Pocket, FL
March 15, 2024

As it was a beautiful day, I decided to head up the St Lucie River with a tour to the north. The wind came up as we motored north and the water developed a moderate chop, which with the wind caused some spray occasionally across the boa. The situation became worse as I headed south into the wind. This is where I was lucky to fall in behind the larger boat as we headed back to the marina.

The waters smoothed as we entered Manatee Pocket where the marina is located. About 6 hours after we set out, we returned to the dock and unloaded after a really great day on the water. Michael and Carola were a great help. 

I had been excited about taking out one of the newest boats in the fleet, Capt Crunch. I had been looking forward to motoring about in the boat since it arrived, but was a bit disappointed. The boat did not have the electronic throttle to which I have become accustomed and the throttle assembly was loose, meaning I had to keep a hand on the throttle while we were on plane and cruising. That can be really hard when crossing a wake and in the moderate chop we experienced on the St Lucie River. It is possible that we were the first members to take the boat out, which was cool. 

All-in-all, another great day on the water. Warm temperatures moderated by a pleasantly cool breeze made for a very enjoyable day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It's Red and New

Beware the Ides of March! 

Chris and Rosie
Tequesta, FL
March 14, 2024

Buying a new car was not something we envisioned until about a week ago. Actually, it was exactly a week ago and we had our wonderfully change meeting with Patrick and Jen while beginning to enjoy Happy Hour at the Crooked Crab with Mike and Nicole. It was there we were introduced to the Mustang Mach-E. And it was not exactly love at first sight, but pretty darn close.

Mustang Mach-E
On the Road
March 14, 2024

I have been enamored with the idea of an EV for a while now and after seeing the Mach-E and doing some time. I was in love with the idea of the Tesla when they burst onto the scene. But, the time now seemed right with the incentives being offered. We do a lot of short trips, driving around the area and we think an EV will be perfect. 

It was sad to part with the Highlander, which we have had for 11 years and almost 160,000 miles. We have had some great times and traveled the East Coast extensively. It was nice to part on a high note.

Chris has named the new car Rosie, after the bomber Rosie the Riveter portrayed on Masters of the Air. 

We had an OK shopping experience. It got off to a rough start with our sales person because the first and second cars he wanted to show us were not in the correct place. Another one was dead. But, we finally fond one that worked and took a short test drive. We had already driven Jen's Mach-E and so I was able to show the salesman some of the features he could not find. 

The really only downside to thew buying experience was that we drove off the lot with only a 20 percent charge on the batteries. That is not a lot, but we are doing a very slow Level 1 charge right now at home. We tried going to a charging station, but it did not work. Ugh!

New cars--they all provide opportunities to discover new things. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Beach Calls

Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
March 13, 2024

With relatively blue skies and temperatures touching on 80 degrees, yesterday was a definite beach Happy Hour day!

And we did. 

It was good to reconnect with friends while enjoying the afternoon listening to the waves hit the beach. It is nice now with Daylight Saving Time that we have more time on the beach in the evening. And the ocean was relatively calm yesterday. It was even too calm for the surfers. There was one brave soul trying to catch a wave and he had a few nice short runs, but in the end the ocean kept getting calmer and he stopped trying. 

As it had been a couple weeks since we last enjoyed Happy Hour on the beach, due to weather and travel, yesterday's visit was even better. We chatted with a nice beach walker and even shared some wine with him. We enjoyed our time and departed before sunset. 

I'd like to do it all over again tonight--but, alas we likely will not be able to make it happen.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And We're Home

 

It has been a wild two weeks with travel on three successive Tuesdays. We arrived home yesterday afternoon happy to be under blue skies and upper 70 degree temperatures. It was a beautiful evening and I changed out of my jeans and into shorts almost as soon as we arrived home. 

Snow Shower
Middletown, MD
March 10, 2024

During our visit north Chris and I were treated to a snow shower while visiting a meadery in Middletown, MD. That checks the "must see snow" box for 2024. So at least that is out of the way. 

The trip home yesterday was pleasantly uneventful and I played with the flight tracker app that Southwest provides. It is kinda cool, but not as interactive as the one that United provides. 

It is good to be home and I'm hoping to get out for a bike ride today and later Happy Hour on the beach. We have some appointments tomorrow and then cruise into Friday with some time on the water in a boat. I have reserved the newest boat in the fleet and am pretty excited about heading out on a warm and sunny day.

Thanks to everyone who made our trips to Houston and then Maryland a great adventure despite the weather. It was good to see you all.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And the Truth is . . . Out There

We are seeing and hearing much disinformation and outright lies being foisted on the American people. It is hard to separate fact from fiction. What is the worse, however, is when fiction is intentionally presented to foster fear and anger thereby affecting policies and elections. Worse yet is when the disinformation is provided by someone who is selling themselves as an upstanding, mother-next-door woman. Shame on her!

Below is the case in point from Senator Katie Britt's (R-AL) Republican rebuttal to the State of the Union address. 

The Republicans’ rebuttal to the State of the Union on Thursday stayed in the news throughout the weekend. On Friday, independent journalist Jonathan Katz figured out that a key story in it was false. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) described a twelve-year-old child sex trafficked by Mexican cartel members, implying that the young girl was trafficked because of President Joe Biden’s border policies.

Katz tracked down the facts. Britt was describing the life of Karla Jacinto, who was indeed trafficked as a child, but not in the present and not in the U.S. and not by cartels. She was trafficked from 2004 to 2008—during the George W. Bush administration—in Mexico, at the hands of a pimp who entrapped vulnerable girls. Jacinto has become an advocate for child victims and has told her story before Congress, and she met Britt at an event for government officials and anti-trafficking advocates.  (Letters from an American)

It is hard to separate truth from fiction anymore. Especially what is coming from the mouths of Republicans. Alternatively, the fact check of the President's address was favorable. There were rounding of numbers and small exaggerations, but nothing of the magnitude of creating a totally fictitious story that bears l only a passing resemblance to reality. 

And then I ask myself, why are Republicans afraid that Americans will vote? The party is trying to limit voter access.

Don't look now, the freedoms you may be losing are your own!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - March 11, 2024

 

1.  The second Monday of March has arrived. The Ides of March are lurking for on Friday. I hope you survived the transition to Daylight Saving Time! There are 42 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Chris, Sue, George, and Me
Big Cork Vineyards, Rohersville, MD
March 10, 2024

2. A visit to Big Cork Vineyards is enjoyable event. We attended our Case Club pick-up event yesterday with friends and enjoyed a beautiful, but cold and windy, afternoon of food and wine. We enjoyed great wines and were some of the first to taste a new wine which is based on an Italian grape. It was the initial harvest of this limited production wine. Vermentino is a bright white wine with almost no color.

3. Fact of the Day. The Washington Post Fact Checker found that in the four years of his presidency, Trump offered a total of 30,573 untruths — an average of roughly 21 erroneous claims a day. (The Washington Post)

4. The cold Maryland pre-Spring has not deterred Chris and me from seeing friends and family. We return to the expected 80-degree days of Florida tomorrow. 

5. Spring begins in 8 short days!

6. Why does a former president believe that he can meet with a head-of-state, in the U.S. who does not visit the President? The former president met with Viktor Orban on Friday and laid out a plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war. (Reuters) He will starve Ukraine for weapons allowing Russia to overrun the country.  This would likely create a situation in Ukraine akin to the 1932-1933 starvation by Stalin that killed between 3.5 and 7 million Ukrainians. If the U.S. does not get aid to Ukraine now, we will have the blood of democracy seeking patriots on our hands.

7. Today in History. On March 11, 2011, the largest earthquake ever recorded in Japan causes massive devastation, and the ensuing tsunami decimates the Tōhoku region of northeastern Honshu. On top of the already-horrific destruction and loss of life, the natural disaster also gives rise to a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The Fukushima disaster is considered the second-worst nuclear disaster in history, forcing the relocation of over 100,000 people.

During the emergency, each of the three operational nuclear reactors at the Fukushima plant shut down successfully, but the backup power and cooling systems failed. As a result, residual heat caused fuel rods in all three reactors to partially melt down. As crews searched the rubble for survivors and the nation reeled from the earthquake and ensuing tsunami, the nuclear disaster unfolded over the course of several days. The facilities where Reactors 1 and 3 were located exploded on March 12 and 14, respectively, prompting the government to evacuate everyone within a 20km radius. Another explosion in the building housing Reactor 2 on March 15 released even more radiation, and thousands of people left their homes as workers used helicopters, water cannons and seawater pumps to try to cool the overheating facility.

Russia's war machine is out-producing US and Europe for Ukraine - CNN

Former advisers sound the alarm that Trump praises despots in private and on the campaign trail - CNN

Russian student jailed after naming Wi-Fi router with pro-Ukraine slogan - CNN

Next Autopilot trial to test Tesla's blame-the-driver defense - Reuters

Israel checking reports that Hamas' military No 2 killed in Gaza strike - Reuters

Why Is My Electric Vehicle Dead? Check the 12-Volt Battery - The Wall Street Journal

How Big Pharma is fighting Biden’s program to lower seniors’ drug costs - The Washington Post

Trump’s freewheeling speeches offer a dark vision of a second term - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

The Path

 

Our Walking Path
Odenton, MD
March 6, 2024

Walking the dogs allows me the opportunity to view the changing Maryland seasons, get some exercise and converse with Chris. The dogs become almost a secondary aspect of the entire event. 

When we visit Odenton, we walk an old roadway which is closed to traffic, but has become almost as we were passing through a forest with the exception of the new roadway on one side and townhomes on the other. 

November Path
Odenton, MD
November 18, 2023

I would like to say that it is a relaxing walk, but the dogs provide some continual level of excitement, especially when we pass other dogs. It can get very exciting and sometimes a bit physical. Finnegan is well behaved and just wants to meet and greet the other members of his species, Lily, our daughter's dog, takes a more offensive view and sees the others dogs as a potential threat and gets into defensive mode. She is a very strong dog as well as she also has a mind of her own. I sometimes have to fight for control. We have found it easier to terminate the walk early or to slow our walk so as not limit contact between the dogs.

One of the things I enjoy noticing during the walks is the passing of the seasons. For instance, four days ago the trees along the path were fairly barren and from the winter. But, back in November, the path was filled with late-autumn color and leaves were everywhere. Visiting every few months helps me better identify the changes caused by the seasons. I believe I see the changes better than when I lived here and was exposed to the gradual change every day. 

The walk. And yes, I was reminded of the Robert Frost poem, The Road Not Taken. Although there are not two diverging roads here, there are two very different, yet the same roads.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Connecting

 Yesterday was filled with highlights of meeting people and enjoying a few adult beverages and food. 

Dave and Me
Arbutus, MD
March 8, 2024

The afternoon began by meeting another retired work buddy for lunch at Guinness. Dave and I worked together for 26 years. He recently retired, while I am just over the two-years retired. We had an enjoyable lunch at reconnected. It was fun to talk of old times and catch up on the people we collectively know. But it was great just to see a person who I used to see every day. I would usually start my day sitting in his office talking to him about work, life, and the events of the day. I have to admit--I miss that.

BTW, I take a terrible selfie, I know that. Ugh! 

Not too long after I arrived back at Nicole's, the four of us: Nicole, Mike, Chris, and I; headed off to Crooked Crab for an early Happy Hour. It was Friday after all. We had no sooner obtained our first drinks and got seated when Patrick and Jen arrived. It was a total surprise for all of us. Something great happened with no prior planning. It was just one of those times when good things happen despite our best efforts. We enjoyed conversation and also were able to see the new vehicles, yes plural, that Patrick and Jen have acquired. They are really nice with all of the latest safety features and Chris and I are seriously considering looking into purchasing the Mustang Mach-E to replace her Highlander.

Returning back to Nicole's we decided to watch a dog movie, Togo. I am a sucker for dog movies even though they almost always bring tears to my eyes. The historical significance of this film and its accuracy make it a must watch.

What a great day! And I realized the importance of connection with friends and family.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Dinner and a Splash of Color

Tete-a-tete Daffodils
Odenton, Md
March 7, 2024

 Well, the whirlwind visit to Maryland continued today with a dinner at The Hideaway in Odenton. Chris and I enjoyed the company of Jeremy and Lucas as we ate our way through the great food. Our dinner was highlighted by a highly entertaining and attentive waiter, Christian, who provided top-notch service.

The dinner and conversation was great and we spent time discussing their upcoming Florida trip and beginning to plan events associated with that visit. It is hard to believe that Spring Break is upon us and much travel is about to begin. 

The weather cleared during the afternoon and the oppressive gray skies lifted. I paused by a patch of tete-a-tete daffodils that just screamed Spring to me! Against the still brown grasses of Winter, they provided a much needed splash of color. 

Sadly, although the weather warmed to the low 60s yesterday, today promises to be colder, but brighter before rain returns tomorrow!

New adventures await us daily. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Lunch with Friends

Daffodils in the Brambles
Odenton, MD
March 6, 2024

Continuing our visit to Maryland to reconnect with family and friends, Chris and I had a wonderful lunch with friends, Ralph and Todd, from our former street in Elkridge. 

We went to a small and very nice Italian restaurant in Waugh Chapel for an afternoon of good food, wine, and great conversation. It was so very good to catch up with them. 

Earlier in the day, we took the dogs for a walk with a light mist falling from the sky. The dogs were excited, me? Not so much! But we headed out. Along the path I spied a clump of daffodils blooming amidst thorns and brambles. I could not resist taking an image of the beauty among the desolate colors of the early Spring. The scene brought meaning to the phrase, "A rose among thorns."

We have a lot of catching up to do with family and will be focusing upon them for the next few days. It is amazing how the short distance from Maryland to Florida can create such an abyss in the mind. 

Is it Friday Eve already? 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Dueling 16ths

Excited for the Present Inside
Odenton, MD
March 5, 2024

 During the past week we have attended three birthday celebrations for people turning 16! Weird. Well it was only for two different people and one of them was a 16 year old trapped in a 64 year old body due the calendar complication associated with Leap Year. 

Jax with Cake 
Odenton, MD
March 5, 2024

Last evening we enjoyed a small family celebration for the newest 16 year old, Jackson, a/k/a Jax. We were honored to be able to attend and are currently batting 1.000 for 16-year old family celebrations this year.

It was a small family celebration which happened after baseball practice. There was exciting news on Monday as Jax also made his high school JV baseball team. The image I took of him at the table is interesting because looking into the mirror I am seen taking the picture and his brother, Ethan, is also seen. Kinda cool. Intentional? I think not!

At least there are warm celebrations even if the weather is cold and rainy!

Oh yes, and he blew out all of the candles in one breath!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Happy Tuesday Travel Day

Finn Sitting on Chris's Backpack
Tequesta, FL
March 4, 2024

 I remember before I retired I always had a problem with Tuesdays. They just didn't seem to fit well into the week. 

Monday was, well,  the back to work day after the weekend.

Wednesday was Hump Day

Thursday was Friday Eve

Friday was Fantastic Friday!

But Tuesday just always seemed to be a sore thumb in the week.

Now that I have retired I have figured out what Tuesdays are good for: travel.

Last week I traveled to Houston on Tuesday, but returned home on Sunday. Today I traveled to Baltimore and next Tuesday I return to Tequesta. So I will have traveled on three successive Tuesdays.

We left Finnegan home last week in the care of friends, but he made it clear yesterday that he was not to be forgotten this time. He was a trooper and we had another great flight with him today. I do have to remember that the 7:10 AM flights are hard on the body. I am gonna need a nap!

But, we have arrived in cold, rainy Baltimore. I miss the sun of South Florida already. This is continuing a string of travel where we suffer with cold, rain, and constantly overcast skies. Last time I was here I attended the final Ravens game of the regular season in, you guessed it, a cold rain! 

But here we are for the next week. Missing the expected 80s of Tequesta.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - March 4, 2024

 

1. Welcome to the month of March. This is the first Monday and there are 43 Mondays remaining in the year.

Looking out the Window
Houston Hobby Airport, TX
March 3, 2024

2. Sitting yesterday at Houston Hobby for almost four hours waiting for our flight home, Chris and I found some awesome chairs to enjoy with a great view. The airport was a huge hustle and bustle. Sunday is definitely a popular day to travel. Even so, we were not prepared for the crowds that jammed Fort Lauderdale when we landed. Fortunately, despite the storms, our over one-hour trip home from the airport was uneventful.

Shrimp Trawlers
Seabrook, TX
March 2, 2024

3. During our three-hour cruise on Saturday, we had the opportunity to enjoy the sights along the shores. In one place there were two shrimp boats tied up which I thought was a sight that I do not see in my region of Florida. We have many fishing boats, but not shrimp trawlers. These were tied up near the entrance to Galveston Bay.

4. How about them Orioles? Finding a way to win and showcasing the incredible talent that the team has amasses. I am hopeful that this will be a truly fun season. 

5. Well, at least it will not be a clean sweep for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee--he lost Washington, DC. Hmmm, Cooler heads prevailing?

6. Today in History. On March 4, 1933, at the height of the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt is inaugurated as the 32nd president of the United States. In his famous inaugural address, delivered outside the east wing of the U.S. Capitol, Roosevelt outlined his “New Deal”—an expansion of the federal government as an instrument of employment opportunity and welfare—and told Americans that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Although it was a rainy day in Washington, and gusts of rain blew over Roosevelt as he spoke, he delivered a speech that radiated optimism and competence, and a broad majority of Americans united behind their new president and his radical economic proposals to lead the nation out of the Great Depression.

Rage brews in Haiti - CNN

Red Sea cables have been damaged, disrupting global internet traffic - CNN

Supreme Court may deliver key ruling as early as today - CNN

Kremlin says German recording shows intent to strike Russia, asks whether Scholz in charge - Reuters

Apple hit with over 1.8 bln euro EU antitrust fine in Spotify case - Reuters

The Skyrocketing Costs Driving Cheeseburger Prices Up—and Restaurant Owners Out - The Wall Street Journal

Kamala Harris Calls for Immediate Gaza Cease-Fire - The Wall Street Journal

Nikki Haley wins D.C. primary, her first victory in GOP nominating race - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Party Day

Houston Party Boats
South Shore Harbor, TX
March 2, 2024

 As I wrote, the day arrived cooler than expected, but that did not dampen the spirits of those gathered aboard one of the Houston Party Boats to celebrate Scott's Birthday. 

Unlike Gilligan, our three-hour tour was just that. We enjoyed a pleasant cruise from South Shore Harbor onto Clear Lake and then to the mouth of Galveston Bay before returning to our starting point. The boat captain kept our journey safe and smooth.

The Family
Clear Lake, TX
March 2, 2024

Our group was promoted to the largest boat, although there were but 30 of us. We had plenty of space to move around and also had more than enough food and beverage. 

There were sights to see along the way, but most importantly we were able to enjoy each other's company while celebrating. I also got to play with the kids a bit. They were wild at times, but enjoyable. 

The Passengers on the Party Boat
Clear Lake, TX
March 2, 2024

We did well with the cool temperatures that never made it out of the very low 70s, but the boat had a very nice industrial heater that took the chill off. That was important because the breeze off the water was very cool.

As can be seen from the image, we had a lot of space and it made for a very nice cruise. 

I had hoped to cruise on Galveston Bay, but the captain told me that the Coast Guard did not allow the vessel to actually enter the bay. I am guessing that conditions on the bay can change very quickly and the party boat could become unstable. But, nonetheless, it was a very enjoyable cruise and as I wrote before, I enjoyed it more because I was not at the helm.

Thanks to Pennie and Scott for hosting us on the party boat for the celebration. I am pretty sure that a good time was had by all--well except for maybe the one person that didn't bring a coat.

-- Bob Doan, League City, TX

#birthdaycelebration #houstonpartyboats #clearlake #southshoreharbor

Out the Hotel Window - League City, TX

From my Room, South Shore Harbour 
League City, TX
March 1, 2024

 Still in Texas!

Chris and I have relocated along with most of the family to South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center in beautiful League City, Texas. The center is in Galveston County and we next to a marina close to Galveston Bay. 

Did I reserve a boat? No and I felt bad since my boat club has a site located right outside of the hotel. We walked down and talked to the Freedom Boat Club (FBC) crew member last evening and they are fully booked for today. I don't have a weekend plan anyway--but yesterday might have been fun for a late day cruise.

Today the big event is, in fact, a birthday cruise as the Leap Day birthday celebration continues. We are cruising aboard the Houston Party Boats this early afternoon. It should be a lot of fun, although the temperatures are not forecast to reach the 80s as we expected yesterday. That means coats and jackets. But, I love being on the water and since I will not be at the helm, I can enjoy myself with the food and adult beverages. 

The scene out my hotel window is one of the best I have recorded since I have been taking images out the hotel windows to remember my travels. We have a small balcony and I took the image last evening after we had arrived shortly before sunset. In the right center of the image are two buildings at the end of the dock. The one on the left is the FBC facility.

Looking forward to a day of celebration.

-- Bob Doan, League City, TX

The Birthday

 Leap Year Birthdays are such a rarity that they inevitably enjoy multiple parties to celebrate when the actual day arrives every four years.

Last evening was the family affair marking the date and celebrating the big 16th birthday. I loved the shirt that Scott received, it says: "I'm just a 16 year old trapped in a 64 year old body."

It is a perfect representation of how I often feel. Maybe not 16 years old, but younger. I sometimes think about how different it  would be if I was in my teens with the experience that I now possess.

Ah, to dream!

Well, we had a lot of fun celebrating the birthday--and we get to do it again with a bigger crowd tomorrow!

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Leaping

 Happy Leap Day!

It is that day which appears once every four years and seems to cause nothing but trouble. OK, I don't know about the trouble part. 

I am in Texas to visit my Dad and to celebrate the Leap Year birthday of my brother-in-law. It seemed a good time to be here and it seems that my family who reside in the frozen areas of New York are also going to be here for the same reasons! So we will be enjoying a family reunion! 

Well, we needed to do something different for mid-Winter! Although, Spring is officially just 19 days away occurring on March 19th at 11:06 PM EDT. And the way things are headed, Punxsutawney Phil may have been correct with his prediction of an early Spring.

Although 2024 is only 2 months old, it sure seems like we are on a rocket sled heading from one month to another. 

Enjoy the day as it will not return for four-more years. That almost sounds like a campaign slogan!

Ugh, campaigns! 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

#spring #leapyear #earlyspring #punxsutawneyphil

Two Paths to the World

 

Path off Beach Road
Jupiter Island, FL
February 24, 2024

Yesterday was a travel day. I am looking at a few travel days during the next two weeks as Chris and I visit family in Weston Lakes, near Houston, and then, after a brief stop back in Tequesta head off to Maryland. 

Leading to The Concourse
Houston Hobby Airport, TX
February 27, 2024

But it was yesterday as we were leaving Hobby Airport that I turned around and snapped an image of the main hallway leading to the concourse. It reminded me of a path that I had seen during our last bike ride along Beach Road.

And so I thought about the two paths. One leading to concourses which provide a means to access the sky to travel the world and the other leading to the beach and the ocean which also allows access to the world. So very different, yet similar.

I much prefer the beach path lined with grape mangroves on either side of it to the cold and lifeless windows of the airport. 

But as travel days go, it was a great day. The Southwest flight departed the gate on-time, arrived 20 minutes early and was able to pull right into a gate at our destination. That does not happen often. There is nothing worse than arriving early and waiting on the tarmac for a gate to open. Well, maybe pulling away from the gate and waiting an hour to take-off is worse because the flight really hasn't even gotten underway and the passengers are trapped inside the plane. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

#travel #houstonhobby #southwest #flying #beach

Competitive Dog Pooping

 It is amazing, but sometimes the simple things in life can become the funniest. Take for example a dog pooping. Now, Everybody Poops, there is a children's book about that. 

Finn Pooping
Tequesta, FL
February 26 ,2024

Finnegan has taken the act of pooping to a new level, one worthy of a competition complete with required moves and style points. When Finn prepares to poop, first he has to find just the right spot and then comes the act of pooping where he balances on his front paws with his back paws off the ground. Once he is done, there is the obligatory territory marking which often throws grass into my eyes as I stoop to pick up the poop. I have to admit, I have never seen a dog do that before. 

Finn is a true artist when it comes to pooping. 

I put together a short, about 1 minute, video of the process putting together three events just to illustrate the artistry of his complicated pooping process. 

In terms of a competition with points, I gave him a 10 for style and points for the required movements as follows:

Search - 8

Poop - 9

Mark site - 10

It is OK to laugh, I do. And yes, I also feel sorry for him.

Oh yes, and finally, size does not matter as Chris and I always pick-up his poop and dispose of it in an appropriate receptacle.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#yorkie #poop #smalldog