Standing on the Edge of the . . .

 . . . Twilight Zone!

Where has reason and sanity disappeared to?

We are seeing the erosion of independent thought and democratic ideals which are being replaced by a "what's in it for me" mentality where calculated gains for a privileged few outweigh the long-term loss of freedoms and choice for "We the People." 

Many in our country support programs and plans that limit choices and are, frankly, selfish and designed to disenfranchise large groups of our society. Many others do not recognize that we cannot isolate and that we must stand up for democratic and free peoples around the world. 

The Japanese Prime Minister during his visit to the U.S. this week made the following statement: “The world needs the United States to continue playing this pivotal role in the affairs of nations.” He went on to say “the leadership of the United States is indispensable. Without U.S. support, how long before the hopes of Ukraine would collapse under the onslaught from Moscow?” he asked. “Without the presence of the United States, how long before the Indo-Pacific would face even harsher realities?” (Letters from an American)

Ukraine has fallen from the news, but freedom seeking patriots continue dying there because many in the Republican Party support the despot Putin's goals. That has become clear. Our allies are crying for support, but are being shrugged off for the personal gain of a select few. 

And furthermore, the Republicans are also lowering our domestic defenses and opening the U.S. up to potential terror attacks by not renewing FISA. As the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) wrote about the act during November 2023:

If Congress fails to act, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) will expire. Section 702 of FISA is one of the most effective tools used by the Intelligence Community to protect our nation. If it sunsets, so too will our ability to identify, prevent, and mitigate threats to our democracy. We will go “blind” to many critical national security risks that threaten our homeland and our military interests abroad. Our allies around the world, many of whom depend upon information acquired under Section 702 to circumvent threats of their own, will also be compromised. 

The same people who profess a grave threat from the Southern Border, but would not act to approve a bipartisan bill to help solve the problem are now actively dropping Americas defenses even further. It is treason. Make no mistake-- we are under attack from outside and from within. Democracy for us and the entire world is hanging in the balance.

And the man with one foot in the Twilight Zone is a puppet of Putin.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Hitting the Links

Chris Walking to the 3rd Green
Jupiter Dunes, Jupiter, FL
April 10, 2024

 Taking advantage of the extremely nice weather we have been enjoying, Chris and I went out for a round of golf yesterday. 

We used to play golf regularly, but somehow golfing has fallen off the weekly plan and it has been since we played in the Troy Whittemore Memorial Golf Tournament during August last year that we stepped onto a golf course. 

Our games were ragged, as you might expect. We had a good time walking the course and whacking at the little white ball. We both had a few really nice hits and also more than our share of not so nice swings. 

Taking advantage of the great weather is always nice. The summer pricing does not go into effect until May 1st and so we will likely hit the course more after that when the greens fees are reduced. Yes, the fees go down in the summer here. I guess golfers don't want to play in 85 plus degree temperatures and 90 percent humidity. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sometimes

Flower
Everglades Safari Park, Homestead, FL
March 27, 2024

When Chris and I are out enjoying the wilds of Florida, I see things which cause me to stop and snap an image. 

That happened a couple weeks ago when we were in the Everglades at the Safari Park. We were strolling the paths looking at the wildlife and this flower caught my eye. 

I had to take the image through a fence because it was hanging above an alligator pen. But the color and the way it was hanging spoke to me that, there is a picture here. And so I took a picture. I worked the camera to reduce the depth of field a much as I could to blur the background and I got pretty much what I saw with my eyes. 

I have to admit, I have many images of flowers from our numerous outings. I especially enjoy admiring the orchids clinging to the trees and providing the burst of color under the canopy. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Eclipse

 

Eclipse 2024
Tequesta, FL
April 8, 2024 2:57 PM

It is being called a "shared experience." And it was! 

The eclipse was something that we were all talking about as it happened, unfortunately, Chris and I did not properly prepare for the even and so we did not haver the proper eye protection to stare at the event other than when the conjoined sun and moon were passing through a cloud. And even then, it was a quick glance. 

Eclipse 2024
Tequesta, FL
April 8, 2024, 3:01 PM

Fortunately, some other residents or our community shared their eye protection with us and we were able to view the eclipse against a clear sky.

Here in Palm Beach County, we only achieved about a 49 percent totality. We were far off the beaten path, yet at the eclipse's peak in our area, we could tell that the brightness of the sun was significantly reduced. The 49 percent of totality occurred at about 3:03 PM when the sun broke out into a clear sky, here. 

It was an event and I am glad that I was able to record it for posterity, or whatever. 

Except for the darkness just after 3 PM, it was a beautiful day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - April 8, 2024.

 

1. The second Monday of April is upon us. Next Monday is Tax Day--have you fulfilled your annual obligation to the Federal Government? There are just 38 Mondays to deal with remaining in the year. 

Sunset from Sailor's Return Restaurant
Stuart, FL
April 7, 2024

2.  Chris returned safely from her travels yesterday afternoon. I didn't write about it earlier because the visit was a surprise for Jeremy who debuted as the lead singer in a band on Saturday night. I was sorry I couldn't be there, but getting Chris there was more important. She got to fly Spirit Airlines for the very first and, likely, last time.

3. We met friends at the Sailor's Return restaurant in Stuart, Florida, last evening. They were sailing through, literally, headed for the Catskills in New York. We had a most enjoyable evening and were treated to a spectacular sunset with the marina in the foreground. It has been a while since I have enjoyed a sunset like this one as usually I am facing East as the sun is setting. 

4. I have been training for my upcoming 150 mile assault on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). I am becoming very in tune to the noises of my bike. Hopefully, with the training the ride will be tough, but both enjoyable and doable. 

5. The Orioles are off to a positive start with a 5-4 record. They just dropped a series to the Pirates and hopefully will get back onto the winning track soon. They are currently 3rd in the AL East, 2.5 games out of first and behind the Yankees and the Red Sox.

6. Today in History. On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hits his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s legendary record of 714 homers. A crowd of 53,775 people, the largest in the history of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, was with Aaron that night to cheer when he hit a 4th inning pitch off the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Al Downing. However, as Aaron was an African American who had received death threats and racist hate mail during his pursuit of one of baseball’s most distinguished records, the achievement was bittersweet.

Henry Louis Aaron Jr., born in Mobile, Alabama, on February 5, 1934, made his Major League debut in 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves, just seven years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier and became the first African American to play in the majors. Aaron, known as hard working and quiet, was the last Negro league player to also compete in the Major Leagues. In 1957, with characteristically little fanfare, Aaron, who primarily played right field, was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player as the Milwaukee Braves won the pennant. A few weeks later, his three home runs in the World Series helped his team triumph over the heavily favored New York Yankees. Although “Hammerin’ Hank” specialized in home runs, he was also an extremely dependable batter, and by the end of his career he held baseball’s career record for most runs batted in: 2,297.

Live Updates Footage of Khan Younis after Israeli troop withdrawal shows rubble and razed buildings - CNN

Researchers find clue to why cancer is on the rise in younger adults - CNN

Johnson confronts the most significant threat to his speakership to date - CNN

Doubts Creep In About a Fed Rate Cut This Year - The Wall Street Journal

A Fight Between Hamas and Other Palestinians for Power in Gaza Begins to Emerge - The Wall Street Journal

Major food companies offering deals, new sizes as low-income Americans spend less - Reuters

Spirit Airlines to delay Airbus aircraft deliveries to save cash - Reuters

Russia says Ukraine struck nuclear plant, Kyiv denies it was behind the attack - Reuters

Russia launches 24 attack drones, infrastructure hit, Ukraine says - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday Afternoon

 

Walking onto the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
April 6, 2024

It was off to the beach for Happy Hour with friends yesterday afternoon. 

It had been another beautiful day with crystal blue skies, mild temperatures, and low humidity. 

I passed on a bike ride, but did walk Finnegan for almost 1.5 miles. We kept up a solid 20 minute per mile pace--even with his stops for relief. 

Ultralight over the Ocean
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
April 6, 2024

The beach was the highlight of the day which saw me clear some stuff from the garage and make a trip to the storage room. There was a large wedding set-up just on the entrance to the beach and we got to enjoy the wedding music for a while before the ceremony began.

An ultralight provided some entertainment after the wedding departed. It flew over the ocean just off shore and did some circles in the sky. 

The tide was rising and we had to move our chairs back twice as the waves tried to overrun our position. Some of our stuff got wet, but it was just water. Well, and sand!

A great time on the beach and then home. I am very happy the daylight is making it to about 8 PM.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Trucks N' Tunes April 2024

Constitution Park
Tequesta, FL
April 5, 2024

 I enjoyed an evening out at a local park with friends for Happy Hour. It was another in a string of beautiful evenings with moderate temperatures, crystal blue skies, and low humidity. The Village of Tequesta sponsors the event and throngs of people and kids showed up to enjoy the evening. 

The live music and the food trucks are the draw, but the weather provided the exclamation point. I truly enjoy watching the kids, of all ages, race around the park and just enjoy being outside. I wonder if they find it an enjoyable break from computers and smart phones? 

The music was mostly oldies, and I mean old. We recognized songs from the 50s and 60s. Looking around it was clear that most of the people were far too young to appreciate the songs, even though they were not performed very well. The lead singer was having pitch problems and also did not have good command of some of the songs. It was like he learned them yesterday. 

But, it was enjoyable to be out of the house and enjoying a meal with friends. Did I mention Happy Hour? Oh yes ,we also enjoyed Happy Hour before heading out to the food trucks for dinner.

This was the first Trucks N' Tunes since Daylight Saving Time went into effect and it was nice having daylight until almost 8 PM. This was also the last Trucks N' Tunes listed for the year, sadly. I expect the series to resume in November. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday Happy Hour

Tiki52 in the Afternoon
Tequesta, FL
April 4, 2024

 It was off to Tiki52 for Happy Hour last evening. The day was absolutely awesome and the evening was shaping up to be more of the same.

It was good to get out with friends after the day and sit for a while to have some conversation. The place was relatively deserted when we arrived about 5 PM, but by 6 PM it was hopping. All of the tables were full and people were waiting to be seated. I'm glad we like to get to places early to beat the crowd and enjoy a very different ambiance. 

The snowbirds are slowly leaving and soon we will have the venues to ourselves again. I am seeing fewer northern license plates in the parking lots and clogging up the roadways. Traffic can still be horrific in the afternoons. Fortunately, Tiki52 is about a mile from the house and it is right on the water next to a marina. What a perfect spot.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sliding Out of Easter

Easter in a Yard
Tequesta, FL
March 31, 2024

We still have some of our Easter decorations adorning the house. I know, Easter has passed and now it is onto full-fledged Springtime.

The trees in Florida are leafing and the ones that drop their leaves are becoming green. Every year I get people in the community telling me the trees have died and need to be cut down, I have to remind them that these trees are ones that actually lose their leaves during Autumn. 

I am not sure what the next decorating season is going to be? I guess Independence Day. That should be fun, but we have a lot of travel coming before then. The next two months are crazy busy. Maryland at the end of the month, then Italy in May, followed by a return to Maryland in June for the bike trip over the GAP.

Wow! 

I kind of miss Easter already. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Sun Sets

As the Sun Goes Down
Tequesta, FL
March 30, 2024

During the morning as the sun rises and the evening as the sun sets, the colors of the world seem more vibrant. The golden and reddish hues accentuate the landscape and the sky becomes darker with the clouds reflecting the light of the sun to the ground. 

Even standing right outside of my door, looking towards the setting sun the scene is transformed from what I normally experience by the silhouetted and freshly trimmed palm trees which provide their own exclamation point for the scene. Even the reflected sun from the pool house seems more colorful than during the bright portion of the day. 

Last Saturday evening the sky and the sun caught my eye as I stepped outside. It was one of the evenings that I enjoy most about Florida. A late-March relatively cool evening (in the 70s) with low humidity. And the palm trees. It had been a busy and somewhat melancholy day. We had said good-bye to Luke and the dogs after a fun-filled week and the house seemed very empty and quiet. While we were happy that Luke was reunited with his Dad and Julie, there was a sense of emptiness. We have so few visitors that we truly enjoy each of them and miss them when the house returns to normal. Even the dogs were fun to have around, despite their occasional antics and the need to walk them three times a day. 

The end of the day is a time of reflection. Haha, see what I did there?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Dinner Guest

Dinner Guest
Port Salerno, FL
April 1, 2024

Chris and I headed out to Port Salerno last evening for Happy Hour and dinner with friends. It was a beautiful spot right along the water near a marina and the boat traffic kept me entertained for most of the evening. 

We were at a place called Shrimpers Grill and Raw Bar, which was very enjoyable. The weather was fantastic with a nice breeze. 

One of the highlights of the evening for me, however, was a waterbird that just enjoyed hanging out on the concreted deck next to us waiting for scraps--which never came. 

It was a nice evening and a great way to start the second quarter of the year. 

Oh yes, I also did get the taxed done and submitted. Thankfully, it was a bit easier this year than last.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - April 1, 2024

 

1. Welcome to 2CY2024. Today also is the first Monday of April meaning that there are 39 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Tax Day is 15 days away. I am doing my taxes today!

Found on Facebook

3. It has to be an abomination. I saw a commercial with the self-proclaimed smartest man in the world selling bibles with the Constitution in them. I found the image to the right in a friend's post (thanks Dave) on Facebook. It is so true. And yet, he has a new slogan--Make America Pray Again. Trust me, I am!

4. I hope you are enjoying your Easter Monday!

5. There is a news item below from Reuters about how buyers are not purchasing Tesla's because of Musk. That is true. I have been fascinated by the Tesla since it was introduced, but did not consider buying one when we recently purchased our EV because of Musk. People vote with their wallets and their feet!

6. Today in History. On April 1, 1945, after suffering the loss of 116 planes and damage to three aircraft carriers, 50,000 U.S. combat troops, under the command of Lieutenant General Simon B. Buckner Jr., land on the southwest coast of the Japanese island of Okinawa, 350 miles south of Kyushu, the southern main island of Japan. Determined to seize Okinawa as a base of operations for the army ground and air forces for a later assault on mainland Japan, more than 1,300 ships converged on the island, finally putting ashore 50,000 combat troops.

Anti-Kremlin hackers avenge Navalny's death - CNN

Protesters take to the streets of Jerusalem calling for Netanyahu’s removal - CNN

At least 7 children, ages 12 to 17, were wounded in a shooting in downtown Indianapolis, police say - CNN

Would-be Tesla buyers snub company as Musk's reputation dips - Reuters

Exclusive: Iran alerted Russia to security threat before Moscow attack - Reuters

After bridge collapse, Maryland governor urges Congress to pass funding for rebuild - Reuters

The Newest Home-Buying Puzzle: What to Pay Your Real-Estate Agent - The Wall Street Journal

How Gen Z Is Becoming the Toolbelt Generation - The Wall Street Journal

Wait, does America suddenly have a record number of bees? - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Easter 2024

 Happy Easter!

It is hard to believe that today is the last day of March and Easter.

We have been experiencing fabulous weather. Cool and dry. It has made being outside a wonderful experience.

We said good-bye to Luke and the dogs yesterday. The house was eerily quiet last evening. I think Finnegan enjoyed being an "only dog" again. I read that they arrived safely back in Maryland during the wee hours of the morning. I'm glad they made it back safely.  

May you find peace and comfort this holiday. 

He is Risen!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Blow-out

Crossing the Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
March 29, 2024

I had a no kidding bike tire blow-out during my ride yesterday.

It was, as you might expect, very sudden. I was closing in on 15 miles of my planned 16.5 mile ride when suddenly I hear a pop and felt a rush of air on my leg. Not a good situation. I brought my bike to a stop and confirmed what I suspected, my real tire blew out. 

I was concerned that the blow-out was the result of a fully inflated tire combined with the extra weight I have been training with and the heat of the day. Instead of fixing the tire alongside the road and using my expendable supplies, I called Chris to come rescue me with my truck. I took the additional training weight off the bike. The weight consisted of a ten pound weight in the bike bag over the rear tire and, for the first time, I was riding with a camelback water supply. 

Once home, and after cooling down and attending to some other matters, I began the process of determining the cause of the blow-out. I pumped some air into the tire to determine the source of the leak and it immediately became apparent that I had ridden over something that punctured the tire and tube. I never saw it--it had two blade like puncture marks right in the middle of the tread. I noted that the tire was thin from the riding I have been doing and decided to replace the tire while I had everything apart. 

The whole repair process, including going to the bike store, took about an hour and the bike is ready for todays' ride--if I do one. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cyber Truck On the Road

Tesla Cyber-Truck
I-95 South of Ft Lauderdale
March 27, 2024
Photo by Lucas

 I spied my first Tesla cyber-truck.

It was on I-95 south of Ft Lauderdale the other day coming back from our air boating excursion. 

OK--while it may have looked neat during its introduction a few years ago, it is very different on the road and not at all like a DeLorean. 

Tesla Cyber-Truck
I-95 South of Ft Lauderdale
March 27, 2024
Photo by Lucas

In fact, it does not look too much like a truck.

It cannot be comfortable inside. At least it does not look comfortable. 

I feel pretty sure that this vehicle will go the way of the Dodo and DeLorean.

I wonder if it was driving in the hands free mode, I know that I was at the time. Luke had a better view of it out his window and so I asked him to take the pictures. 

Well, now I have seen it in person.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Airboating the Everglades

Gator in the 'Glades
Everglades National Park, FL
March 27, 2024

 It sounds like we are sitting atop a large engine as the airboat fires up in preparation to set off. 

Yesterday, Chris, Luke, and I set off to the Everglades for some fun and an airboat ride. Typically, when Chris and I head off to airboat we do not see any gators in the wild. Yesterday, however, we saw six! And I also found out why. Don't go airboating in the Everglades to look for gators in July--it is too hot and they are not active. March and April, it seems, are when they are active. 

The Gator and Luke
Everglades Safari Park, Miami, FL
March 27, 2024

It was the first long trip for Chris's new car and I computed the distances pretty carefully to determine that we could get there and back without needing a charge. Of course, never having done a trip like this before I was unsure whether the distance estimate for the battery was accurate. Turns out it was close. I did lose a few miles range each way on the highway--but, I subsequently determined that I should have switched the car into a more efficient mode which might have solved that issue. Lesson learned! We drove 220 miles and ended with 42 miles range. We started with about 280 miles of expected range. All-in-all great first trip.

I took a short video of the airboat experience and the noise from the twin engines. Thankfully they issued us ear plugs for some protection. According to the app on my iPhone, the airboat engines were producing 102-109 decibels of deafening sound.

Luke and Chris with the Airboat at Speed
Everglades National Park, FL
March 27, 2024

While at the park, Luke came face-to-snout with a gator. It was pretty funny and I enjoyed taking the picture. This was the first time we visited Everglades Safari Park during Spring Break. The place was packed, but they handled the crowds efficiently. I like this location because the boats actually go into the National Park. I recommend buying the tickets on-line. It smoothed the check-in process and I was able to remember my National Park Pass and save $7 on each ticket. 

After the airboat experience, we wandered around the preserve and looked a gators and crocodiles, yes they have crocs! We enjoyed a beautiful day in the mid-80s with partly cloudy skies and cooling breezes. It was perfect. And there were no mosquitoes or other biting insects to spoil our outing. 

It is a bit of a drive from Tequesta, almost exactly two-hours each way, but definitely worth the experience. 

I noted that the cars in the parking lot were mostly out of state. I think there was only one other car with Florida plates. 

Florida in the Springtime--what could be better?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back to the Water

Setting Out on a Sunny Day
Tequesta, FL
March 26, 2024

 It was a boating day, albeit short.

The winds were stiff and the water a choppy when we departed the dock about 1 PM and so we turned an expected long boating day into a short tour. It did not even make the "three-hour tour" of Gilligan's Island fame.

We had fun showing Luke around and especially passing under the US 1 bridge construction. The project seems to be on time as the first road beams were installed from the south abutment before the end of March which is right on schedule. 

The wind was definitely strong and there was a chop. We decided against some beach time, opting instead to return home and enjoy the remainder afternoon. 

I do note that the post-boating docking went very well in a stiff wind and current. The dockhand indicated that we did the best of anyone all day.

Did I say, I had fun? I almost always enjoy myself when we are on the water. I also enjoy going to beaches that are inaccessible from land. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Driving Miss Daisy

 It was the stuff of movies. 

Chris and Luke on the Paddle Board
Jupiter Island, FL
March 25, 2024

Learning to use a paddle board is not an easy task. It is much like riding a bike, I believe. It takes some time and coordination to learn and then it almost becomes second nature. I, at least, hope that is true. 

Yesterday the task was learn to use a paddle board. 

Luke Standing on a Paddle Board
Jupiter Island, FL
March 25, 2024

We had fun. It took quite a while to get the paddle board inflated and even then, I didn't inflate it quite enough. Close--but an expert told me it needed even more air. I thought my pressure gauge was incorrect, but he said he thought his was incorrect the first time as well, but the boards really need to be very stiff.

We had fun and I have another paddle board that we will inflate and get out in the near future. Yes, I did make it out on the board, I was not brave enough to try standing, but that will come, I think. 

Luke did manage to stand on another paddle board. A really nice paddler boarder stopped and gave us some important tips.  

Chris did not want to try the board on her own and Luke took her for a ride, kind of like Driving Miss Daisy. She enjoyed the experience.

Closing out the day we raced back to the beach after dinner to see the space launch. There were a lot of clouds, but we did get to see it as it climbed out and the second stage ignited over the ocean. It happened as dusk was falling and the sight of the SLV heading off into space was, as always, magnificent. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - March 25, 2024

 

1. This is the fourth and final Monday of March. The year is approaching 1/4 complete and there are just 40 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Paddleboard in the Garage
Tequesta, FL
March 24, 2024

2. We were going to try a paddleboard yesterday, but the weather changed. We were given two paddleboards, some inflation required, and were going to go with Luke to try one out on the intracoastal. Alas, by the time I got it inflated, a storm came through with rain and wind, we even had the beach bag and drink bag loaded in the truck. So the paddle board is inflated in the garage waiting to today! We only inflated one--my compressor is suited for a bike tire but not a large paddle board and so it took a long time to inflate.

3. Yesterday, I spent the morning driving to and from an airport and a cruise port. I started the morning, well before dawn, driving friends to Palm Beach International (PBI) so they could head to Maryland for Spring Break with their granddaughters. A few hours after returning from PBI, I drove to Port Everglades in Ft Lauderdale to deliver Jeremy and Julie for their cruise. I really enjoyed both trips and I am happy to help out because when Chris and I travel we almost never have to pay to leave a vehicle or for an  Uber/Lyft. 

4. I almost missed that yesterday was Palm Sunday and this is Holy Week culminating next Sunday with Easter.

5. It is Spring Break in the north. The Florida kids are back to school tomorrow. Enjoy the sun!

6. Today in History. Four years after the United States won its independence from Great Britain, 55 state delegates, including George Washington, James Madison and Benjamin Franklin, convene in Philadelphia to compose a new U.S. constitution on May 25, 1787.

The Articles of Confederation, ratified several months before the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, provided for a loose confederation of U.S. states, which were sovereign in most of their affairs. On paper, Congress—the central authority—had the power to govern foreign affairs, conduct war, and regulate currency, but in practice these powers were sharply limited because Congress was given no authority to enforce its requests to the states for money or troops. By 1786, it was apparent that the Union would soon break up if the Articles of Confederation were not amended or replaced. Five states met in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss the issue, and all the states were invited to send delegates to a new constitutional convention to be held in Philadelphia.

 Fire extinguished on Carnival Freedom cruise ship after witnesses reported possible lightning strike - CNN

FAA says future United projects ‘may be delayed’ due to increased oversight - CNN

Military draft bill creates rift in Israeli government - Reuters

Google, Apple breakups on the agenda as regulators target tech - Reuters

America's lithium laws fail to keep pace with rapid development - Reuters

Oil rises as heightened geopolitical risks exacerbate supply concerns - Reuters

Repeated Raids in Gaza Raise Prospect of Endless War - The Wall Street Journal

Weakened House GOP majority reckons with Johnson’s leadership - The Washington Post

What’s the best way to put on a duvet cover?  - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Attack of the Biting Midges

 It was likely the worst beach experience that I have ever, and that includes a lot of beach experiences, had. 

It was a sad ending to a great day. 

View of the Atlantic
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
March 23, 2024

We began the day with a trip to the Elliott Museum in Stuart, FL, to see the King Tut replicas, the antique car collection and the baseball memorabilia. We also learned about the Ashley Gang who were early 1900s South Florida moonshiners and, during prohibition, rum-runners.

King Lucas
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
March 23, 2024

Then lunch at a small cafe with a view of the Atlantic.

For the late-afternoon, Chris and I along with Jeremy and Luke, headed off to the beach to enjoy the day which had cleared and was bright and sunny. What we did not consider, as we headed out, was that a significant rainstorm passed through the Jupiter/Tequesta area while we were in Stuart. That meant the area became a breeding ground for biting midges, also known as "no-see-ums." And we started scratching almost as soon as we settled onto the beach. It took us some time to realize that all of us were scratching and then Jeremy actually saw the no-see-ums on his shirt which helped us all understand that we were under attack. 

I thought we had bug spray in the beach bag, but alas it had been removed. After a while longer hoping the assault would cease, we decided to head home. We brushed each other off a well as possible at the car to preclude the bugs from finding a new home. Once we arrived at the house we visited the community pool to help get the bugs off our clothes and out of our hair. Then it was showers for all!

I am hopeful of never experiencing another biting midges attack again.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

They Arrived

 It was a busy evening. 

Jeremy and Teddy
Tequesta, FL
March 22, 2024

Jeremy and Luke along with Teddy and Gloria arrived about 4:45 PM and the electricians arrived about 6 PM to install the circuit for the charger. 

And so the evening began and continued until after 11 PM. 

There was a trip, during a vicious thunderstorm to the airport to retrieve Julie, but I stayed home and helped the electricians finish up with the circuit installation. Fortunately they had departed by the time Chris, Jeremy, and Julie got home from the airport. The installation project was more complex than I imagined, but the electricians worked hard for over four hours and completed the project shortly after 10 PM.

The car charged swiftly overnight and is now at 90 percent--which is, as I have been reading, the optimal charge, unless departing on a long trip. 

It was a fun, busy, and late evening.

Our boating plans for today changed due to expected rain, high winds and rough seas. Now we will likely be headed to the Elliott Museum in Stuart to revisit the King Tut exhibit and enjoy the remainder of the treasures there including the antique vehicles.

Note: I have a Keeshond in the house again! Well, only for a week.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Can You Believe It?

 It is Friday, again!

My Electrical Panel
Tequesta, FL
March 18, 2024

The end of the week just kind of sneaked up on me and suddenly everything I had been putting off is suddenly due. 

I know, what could I possibly have to get done by the weekend? Well, I have to completely reconfigure my garage to support the installation of the car charger, for one. At least there is space in my electrical box and apparently sufficient service to the condo to support the 40 amp car charger. 

And, I am behind in getting reservations for the sights we want to see on our upcoming European cruise and vacation. The cruise is locked in, but I need to get other sights reserved in both Rome and Venice since we are doing additional days there. I hope we can get our clothes cleaned somewhere. 

The electricians will be here about 5:30 pm so I have some time. But, Jeremy, Julie (later arriving at PBI), Luke and two dogs should also be arriving about that time as well. It might be a real circus around here. 

Happy Friday to all and may your end of week Happy Hour be especially enjoyable.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tortoise by the Road

Gopher Tortioise
Tequesta, FL
March 17, 2024

 As I ride my routes on my bike, I look for wildlife. I always see a lot of squirrels and rabbits, but I especially enjoy seeing the tortoises. They are like small armored vehicles sitting by the site of the road and generally they do not get too excited by my presence. 

I enjoy counting the sightings on my rides, but all too often the count is zero. On St Patricks Day, I counted four tortoises during the ride. One might have been counter twice. The one in the image was the most fully exposed and it even earned a turn-around to go back for another look and a picture. 

Watching for the wildlife gives my mind something to do on the rides, actually seeing wildlife makes the rides even more enjoyable. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL