Celebrating Together

 

Celebrating 49 Years
Tequesta, FL
August 9, 2024

Yesterday, Chris and I celebrated 49 years of marriage. 

No, it has not always been easy or smooth. But, we continue to respect and love each other and have even survived being together 24/7 since I retired. That may be the biggest accomplishment of all!

We took some time last evening to recount the events of our wedding day. August 9, 1975, was a stifling hot day in Ithaca, NY. Our ceremony was not until 7 PM in a church which was not air conditioned. But the sun coming through the windows was as beautiful as Chris had imagined it would be.

The fun of the day, however, began early. In the wee hours of the morning I dropped a window on my head letting my cat into my room from outdoors. Yes, I scratched my face in the process. In those days, living on the outskirts of Danby, NY, my cat would go out for the evening and sometime during the night she would appear on the porch roof at my second story window meowing to be allowed inside. There was a storm window behind the wooden frame window which had to be removed to open the screen and allow the cat inside. I guess, in my somewhat less than sober state after my bachelor party, I didn't manage the window well; it slipped and I tried to use my head to catch it. Not a good move. 

But wait, there is more. Our car, a 1970 Ford LTD, needed a new muffler and tail pipe. No problem. I bought the parts and completed the installation in the yard. Well, turns out there was a problem because the tailpipe was about two inches too short and the hot exhaust went into the trunk when the car was not moving. When my best man took the car to fill it with gas for us, the contents of the trunk caught fire. So after the reception when I went looking for the car to go to our hotel, my Dad told me that I was taking his car on our honeymoon and not to ask questions. I learned the details upon our return. 

But wait there is even more. We got to our hotel, which because of the late ceremony was just outside of Ithaca where the ceremony and reception were held, and nicely settled for our first night as a married couple when what happened? The entire wedding party crashed our door with pizza and we had an after party in our room. Someone squealed about where we were saying. To this day I do not know who it was as we had tried to keep it a secret.

The next morning, very tired, we did get on the road to where else other than Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, for our honeymoon. That all worked out well, the only exciting thing I remember from the honeymoon was watching a buffalo be born at the zoo. OK, there might have been some other things not suitable for mentioning here.

And so, from that less than smooth start, we have continued to overcome obstacles and celebrate successes for 49 years! We especially enjoy our three children, their spouses and their children. We are excited that our merry band of 11 is expected to grow to 12 come January. A dozen Doans, maybe the world is not ready for us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Closet Upgrade

Left Side View of the Closet
Tequesta, FL
August 8, 2024

 We did something different for our anniversary this year. We had our closet upgraded. 

Yes, Happy 49th Anniversary to my beautiful wife Chris and I hope you enjoy our newly remodeled closet. 

Right Side View of the Closet
Tequesta, FL
August 8, 2024

Closets seem to be the place in our house where stuff is stuffed, literally. Our closet was overflowing because we still had not completely downsized from moving out of our house and into the condo. We had the classic wire system and it just was not getting the job done anymore. So, kinda on the spur of the moment as we were walking out of Costco one afternoon I stopped and talked to the Closet Factory rep. We had a designer visit and we put together a closet plan. Three weeks later--it was installed--that was yesterday.

I remembered to take some pictures of the new installation just after we began the process of repatriating the displaced belongings. 

Why not Ikea? I prefer solid wood and this is a custom installation which uses all of the space. 

OK, was the closet upgrade better than a cruise? I don't know, but they cost the same. I guess the closet will last longer.

As a follow-up to the Yeedi vacuum battery issue, I located a new battery. It arrived a month earlier than promised and I installed it into the vacuum and with a little modification, it works great. And so for a $40 battery and a little troubleshooting, the robot vacuum is fully alive!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sunset in the Evening

Luke, Chris and Finnegan
ICW Tequesta, FL
August 7, 2024

Being in the water as the sun set last evening was an experience that I wish could happen every day, but it doesn't. 

Chris, Luke, and I made the effort last evening to be in the water on the ICW at sunset and we were not disappointed. Although I thought the sunset was going to be a dud because of the clouds, I was very wrong. The end of the day provided a spectacular light show complete with colors and highlighted clouds.

Luke, Finnegan, and Me
ICW Tequesta, FL
August 7, 2024

As we approached the beach it became obvious that we were going to see a very special sunset. After the two weeks of rain and storms, the sunset was a welcome sight. The earlier storms had cleared out and the skies were finally clearing. 

It was a fitting end to the day. It was a somewhat sober day as I remembered that it would have been my parents' 70th wedding anniversary, but with Mom's passing almost three years ago, their time together had been put on pause. Maybe Mom had a hand in the beautiful sunset last evening. 

Sunset Over Tequesta
Tequesta, FL
August 7, 2-24

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Teams are Set

 Well, apparently the teams are finally set for the November election. With the selection of Governor Walz to join the Harris ticket. 

I have to admit, I was not a huge favorite of Governor Walz, but that was because I was not familiar with his leadership in Minnesota. A quick summary of his career highlights:

Walz, 60, a former high school teacher and National Guard veteran, served as a representative for Minnesota from 2007 to 2019 and as the state’s governor since 2019. He is known for policies such as removing abortion restrictions, legalizing recreational marijuana, and providing universal free school meals. Walz has also faced criticism for the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and for the handling of the George Floyd protests in 2020. See an overview here. (1440 News)

And now we have the candidate for President and Vice-President. Yay. The real campaigning can begin. 

I am amazed by the campaign strategies. One campaign focuses upon labels, slander and name calling, while the other focuses on working to secure freedoms and opportunity for Americans while also securing America's place in the world.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Looking out the Window

Out the New Home Window
Port St Lucie, FL
August 5, 2024

 Chris and I had the opportunity to help neighbors begin moving from their rented condo into their first home. The home is situated about 30 minutes north in Port St Lucie. They settled on the home yesterday and began the move-in process. My truck is assisting them and Chris and I took some stuff in the Mach-e with us as we went to visit their new and exciting home. 

Wow! It is beautiful. 12-foot ceilings really make a difference. The doors are 9-feet tall. Together the doors and ceiling height gives the impression of an expansive open space. It all seems larger than life.

I looked out the window from the owner's suite and took this image. The scene is something to look at and enjoy. It is also the view from the covered patio. I have to admit, there is something exciting about a newly constructed home and being the first ones to own and decorate. It is a beautiful blank slate. I do not want to give too much about the house away because it is their joy to share.

We are so very happy for them, but will miss having them right next door and enjoying impromptu happy hours and dinners.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - August 5, 2024

 

1. And the year continues to move along. Today is the first Monday of August. There are but 21 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Looking out loanDepot Park
Miami, FL
July 25, 2024

2. While we attended the Orioles and Marlins baseball game two weeks ago, I took an image of the skyline of Miami from the windows at one end of loanDepot Park. It is quite a sight. Overall, we had a great time. Looking closely at the image the lights from the inside of the stadium can be seen in the reflection. 

3. It has been a relatively quiet week. The storm and preparations have kept us busy, but we are glad to have been missed. 

4. I was reminded yesterday of where not to shop on a Sunday, Costco. What a mess. Wait, and I wound up making two trips there. I won't complain about crowding during mid-week shopping again. 

5. Chris and I are looking forward to the visit of our grandson Luke this week. He always gives us the opportunity to have some fun that we might otherwise overlook. I'm feeling a waterpark coming on!

6. Today in History. On August 5, 1962, movie actress Marilyn Monroe is found dead in her home in Los Angeles. She was discovered lying nude on her bed, face down, with a telephone in one hand. Empty bottles of pills, prescribed to treat her depression, were littered around the room. After a brief investigation, Los Angeles police concluded that her death was “caused by a self-administered overdose of sedative drugs and that the mode of death is probable suicide.”

Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926. Her mother was emotionally unstable and frequently confined to an asylum, so Norma Jeane was reared by a succession of foster parents and in an orphanage. At the age of 16, she married a fellow worker in an aircraft factory, but they divorced a few years later. She took up modeling in 1944 and in 1946 signed a short-term contract with 20th Century Fox, taking as her screen name Marilyn Monroe. She had a few bit parts and then returned to modeling, famously posing nude for a calendar in 1949.

Oil tumbles as global economic fears take hold - CNN

Taiwan is making a TV show about a Chinese invasion. And it’s hitting close to home - CNN

Musk-backed PAC under investigation for potential violations of Michigan laws - Reuters

Ukraine finally deploying US-made F-16 fighter jets, Zelenskiy says - Reuters

Mount Etna erupts - Reuters

Stock Futures Fall as Global Selloff Intensifies - The Wall Street Journal

Burgers, Botox and Birkins: Consumer Pullback in China, U.S. Hits Broadly - The Wall Street Journal

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns, army chief says - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday Evening Chillin'

Under the Tiki52 Canopy
Tequesta, FL
August 3, 2024

 It was a spur of the moment decision. 

Chris and I, along with Finn, went to Tiki52 for an early evening happy hour. We had been out shopping and it appeared that the rain would take a two-hour break, so instead of heading home we went off to one of our favorite watering holes.

The place was empty--especially for a Saturday night, but with more rain expected in a couple hours, that was to be expected. 

The sun even peaked out for a short time while we were there. We enjoyed some live music and just relaxed before heading home to shelter-in-place for the evening. Thunderstorms were expected. They were not as severe as some areas around us experienced, but the thunder did boom a bit. 

And that was Saturday night. At least TS Debby decided to head up the Gulf Coast of Florida and avoid our area. We are getting some much needed rain, but nothing severe. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Storm Churns

 I wrote earlier in the week about the storm churning in the Atlantic. Fortunately, for those living in our area we are going to miss the worst part of it. The storm did what I kind of expected it to do and is making a pass at Florida's west coast and through northern Florida to saunter up the East Coast. 

The good news is that the storm is projected to remain a. tropical storm and not develop into a full-blown (haha play on words?) hurricane. But even so, the rains and flooding will be a huge problem for some areas. 

But, southern Florida will mostly be spared. We are expecting much needed rain, but no severe or extensive flooding. Yay. 

It is important to follow the storms as they develop. And to also be relieved when they pass by. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Unconscious Bias?

 I had an interesting thing pointed out to me the other evening. 

We, collectively but not absolutely, seem to differentiate between men and women presidential candidates in a very important and potentially misogynistic manner. 

More often than not, we call the male candidates by their last name: Biden, Trump, Obama. 

On the other hand there appears to be a tendency to address women by their first names: Kamala or Hillary come to mind. 

Why don't we call men by their first name? How does Joe or Don sound? 

There are exceptions. I understand that the pool of women who are/were presidential nominees is small, two. And yes, the vice president candidate, Sara Paulin, was not called Sara. But even so, JD Vance is addressed by his last name.

I wonder if there is an unconscious bias at work? Or is it something more sinister and misogynistic?

Food for thought.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

updated to clarify a confusing sentences, 3 Aug

And July is gone

Finnegan
Tequesta, FL
July 3, 2024

 The month of July 2024 passed into history during the night. Welcome to August. I wish I was happy about the passing of July, but I am not. 

July was a different month for Chris and me. We were at home in Tequesta for the entire month. We did not travel anywhere and were able to just enjoy the month and living. Of course, we bought a new refrigerator and a closet system. The closet system is being installed next week. 

Palm Beach Zoo
West Palm Beach, FL
July 13, 2024

My image of the month is one I took of Finnegan sitting by the patio door. He posed so nicely for me, but, unfortunately, I could not get the light properly balanced to see his eyes.  

My second favorite image is one I took at the Palm Beach Zoo. The lush green on mid-summer just screamed at me. The murky South Florida water also figures into the scene. There were no animals prominent in the scene, which is not what I'd expect at the zoo. The amount and diversity of the foliage is what draws me to this image. 

And so July is a wrap!

August will be significantly different as we are planning a trip north for the annual memorial golf tournament in memory of our nephew Troy. We will likely be there over Labor Day. And of course there is that "not quite yet a tropical depression" heading our way to dump lots of rain on us this weekend. 

Fun times. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Storm Watching

 South Florida has been, thankfully, the storms and heat that have been raging much of the country. 

But, there is a storm on the horizon that we are keenly watching. The entire region watches as new tropical depressions form and potentially transition into a tropical storm and then a hurricane. This one is no different with the exception that it is not formed and the daily projections continue to have it sliding further north and away from a direct strike on our region. 

Late last week the cone of probability was centered on South Florida and now, over the past days, it has moved northward towards Georgia and the Carolinas. The even better news is that the disturbance, as it is called, has not yet developed in to a tropical depression and may only provide some much needed rain to the region where it makes landfall. 

We continue to watch the advance and I am hitting the National Hurricane Center's graphics multiple times per day. I think they publish a new graphic every six hours. 

We are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Touring the Area on my Bike

Limestone Creek
Jupiter, FL
July 29, 2024

 The past two days I have enjoyed outstanding bike rides. All totaled, I have ridden 38 miles around the area and enjoyed both some great weather and re-exploring some places where I have not ridden in a while. 

Yesterday I rode almost 22 miles. I managed some off-road riding on a trail near Limestone Creek. It is a short trail, but provides a welcome change from street riding. The trail is less developed than the GAP, which makes it different in a good way. There are a couple of nice places to stop for pictures and to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. I miss my smart glasses for the ease of capturing images along my treks. 

It was good to be back on my bike. I also managed to spent 82 percent of the ride in training Zones 3, 4, or 5. Yes, I did manage 7 minutes in Zone 5. Maybe some day I will play racquetball again and that will come in handy. 

For now, I just enjoy the riding and maintaining some semblance of being in shape. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL  

Monday Musings - July 29, 2024

 

1. The month is winding down. Today is the final Monday of July. My favorite month of the year is almost over! There are 22 Mondays remaining in the year and August is almost upon us. 

Water Lily's by Monet
Norton Gallery of Art
West Palm Beach, FL
July 27, 2024

2. We returned to the Norton Gallery of Art on Saturday.  Saturdays during the summer months Palm Beach County residents are allowed free admission. We took George and Sue with us, who are visiting. We enjoyed seeing the art and sculptures again and had the opportunity to explore a bit deeper. 

Bird of Paradise
Norton Gallery of Art
West Palm Beach, FL
July 27, 2024

3. My Ray-Ban smart glasses have ceased functioning. I am, of course, crushed. There are about 8 images trapped on them from our Friday boat outing. I went through the published troubleshooting techniques. It seems the battery has ceased holding a charge, ugh! I am getting a new pair under the warranty---but it may take some time. At least I can still wear them as not-smart sunglasses.

4. FRANKFURT/GDANSK, July 29 (Reuters) - European companies focused on clean energy are abandoning expansion plans, bracing for lower sales or see funding of U.S projects in doubt because of fears over what a potential election victory for Donald Trump could mean for their sector. (See Reuters News item below)

5. The impatience of some drivers is making driving dangerous. Saturday, as I pulled out of the parking lot at the Norton Museum of Art a car came speeding right up behind me. It was clear the driver was impatient but could not get around me as quickly as he (I confirmed it was a person exhibiting male characteristics) desired. I was behind another vehicle and there was a slow mover in the lane next to me. As soon as the road was clear he sped by giving me a profane gesture. We both continued up the road and he arrived at the red traffic light a few seconds before I did, although he weaved through traffic and changed lanes about 8 times while I drove steady. George, who was in the car with us, remarked that he must be going to Chick-fil-A. We all laughed. The car turned the corner, as did we, and it sped down the road to turn into McDonalds. We continued on to I-95 Northbound. Total time saved was estimated at 10 seconds. Number of vehicles placed in increased danger was about 12. 

6. Today in History. The U.S. Congress passes legislation establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a civilian agency responsible for coordinating America’s activities in space, on July 29, 1958. NASA has since sponsored space expeditions, both human and mechanical, that have yielded vital information about the solar system and universe. It has also launched numerous earth-orbiting satellites that have been instrumental in everything from weather forecasting to navigation to global communications.

NASA was created in response to the Soviet Union’s October 4, 1957 launch of its first satellite, Sputnik I. The 183-pound, basketball-sized satellite orbited the earth in 98 minutes. The Sputnik launch caught Americans by surprise and sparked fears that the Soviets might also be capable of sending missiles with nuclear weapons from Europe to America. The United States prided itself on being at the forefront of technology, and, embarrassed, immediately began developing a response, signaling the start of the U.S.-Soviet space race.

Harris seizes on new way to attack Trump - CNN

Both Venezuela strongman Nicolas Maduro and opposition claim election win, as US voices ‘serious concerns’ - CNN

The discovery of a possible sign of life in Venus' clouds sparked controversy. Now, scientists say they have more proof - CNN

Biden to propose Supreme Court term limits, binding code of conduct - Reuters

Israeli officials say they seek to avoid all-out war in Lebanon retaliation - Reuters

Trump effect in clean tech sector deepens angst in Europe's boardrooms - Reuters

Russia says oil depot in Kursk region on fire after Ukraine drone attack - Reuters

America’s New Political War Pits Young Men Against Young Women - The Wall Street Journal

Dozens of Russian Mercenaries Killed in Attack in Mali - The Wall Street Journal

Alzheimer’s blood test shows 90% accuracy, outperforming other exams - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#mondaymusings

What do they really mean?

Happy Sunday. Some Sunday food for thought.

Friday night at a rally near here, the Republican candidate for President made the following and very concerning statements:

Trump said: "Christians, get out and vote, just this time. "You won't have to do it anymore. Four more years, you know what, it will be fixed, it will be fine, you won't have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians."

He added: "I love you Christians. I'm a Christian. I love you, get out, you gotta get out and vote. In four years, you don't have to vote again, we'll have it fixed so good you're not going to have to vote," Trump said.  (Reuters)

I have never heard a candidate tell people supporting him that they won't need to vote in the future. And I am very concerned about what he means when he says: "we'll have it fixed so good you're not going to have to vote,"

Does he mean there won't be a vote? 

Our government is built on the fundamental concept that we vote, why would he be telling people they won't need to vote?

I obviously do not have the answer to this question, but based upon many other of his statements, I am concerned about what this may mean. 

And then there is the vice-presidential nominee, Vance who made the following incredible statement:

“When you go to the polls in this country as a parent, you should have more power,” he told the conservative Intercollegiate Studies Institute. “You should have more of an ability to speak your voice in our democratic republic than people who don’t have kids. Let’s face the consequences and the reality. If you don’t have as much of an investment in the future of this country, maybe you shouldn’t get nearly the same voice.” (Election Law Blog)

Does this mean that he does not believe that all people are created equal and that each person over the age of 18 should have one vote? As the 26th Amendment to The Constitution states:

The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of age.

Giving parents additional votes is clearly in violation of the 26th Amendment. 

Why does he discriminate against people who do not have children? 

At what point would a parent lose the ability to garner extra votes? When the child turns 18? Would grandparents get additional votes for their grandchildren?

Whom else does he plan to discriminate against? 

He clearly discriminates against seniors who may no longer have minor children, in addition to persons over 18 who do not have children. 

The Republican candidates provide a lot of fodder for concern and it is not just confined to a couple of specific ideas. They seem to lack a basic understanding of the Constitution and what it means to be an American. 

As an aside, I am coining a new term, it is similar to the RINO term. Trump is a ChINO. (Christian In Name Only)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Turtle and Food

Small Turtle
Stuart City Pier, Stuart, FL
July 26, 2024

 It was a day on the water. 

Well, really it was a day on land but our mode of transportation was boat. We spent the morning on my favorite Jupiter Island ocean beach accessed from Peck Lake in the ICW. We had the beach to ourselves for most of our time there. The ocean waves were gentle and the water was warm. We were quite a sight with six chairs, three umbrellas, and coolers on the deserted beach. 

From the beach we loaded up and motored to Stuart. As we finished mooring the boat we noticed there was a small turtle near the dock. I was able to get this image before we walked away to find some lunch.

Johnny Storm in the Meal
Stuart, FL
July 26, 2024

For lunch we enjoyed a meal at The Boathouse. One of the specialties came with a very interesting form on it. I just had to get an image as it appeared to be a superhero standing in the middle of the rice ball. I guess it looked like Johnny Storm from the Fantastic 4. I'm not sure what it was supposed to be, as it was not my meal, but I was fascinated by how my imagination could make food look like something from a movie. 

The ride back to the marina was uneventful, but enjoyable. I did not realize hot the day had become until we were not either in the moat or on the beach. 

After the great day boating, we settled in for the evening watching the Olympics Opening ceremonies. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Baseball and History

LoanDepot Park
Miami, FL
July 25, 2024

 Chris and I along with friends made the journey to LoanDepot Park in Miami yesterday to see the Orioles defeat the Marlins, which they did in the 10th inning, 7-6, after blowing a 6-run lead. 

Memorial to the Orange Bowl
LoanDepot Park
July 25, 2024

It was not until Chris and I walked around LoanDepot Park that we realized the park was built upon the site of another stadium in which we attended pro and college football games in during the mid-70s. Yes, the park is built on the site of the Orange Bowl. While I attended the University of Miami, both the Miami Dolphins and the U of M Hurricanes called the Orange Bowl home. I remember attending two NFL games: Dolphins vs Jets and Dolphins vs Chiefs.  We saw Joe Namath, Len Dawson, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, and many other great players. We also attended Hurricanes football games there, although I do not remember any of the great players we saw. I remember, however, my first game in the Orange Bowl in September 1973. I saw the Hurricanes defeat then number 6 ranked Texas! The school went crazy because that was one of the biggest wins for Miami in years.

Loans Depot Park
Miami, FL
July 25, 2024

But back to LoanDepot and baseball. The park is beautiful and it is enclosed. The stadium has a moveable roof, which was closed, and we enjoyed a very cool 72 degree atmosphere for the game. That made it very pleasant because the outside temperature was 90 with a bright and hot sun. Parking was great and easy. There are parking garages which is nice because the car was not hot when we left the game. The stadium is among the smallest in MLB, but being enclosed amplifies the noise. There were just shy of 18,000 in attendance yesterday, but I took this image to show that Orioles fans represented the team very well--there was plenty of Orange and I almost believe that a good 40 percent of the attendees were wearing Orioles colors.

Traffic on a Hot Day
Miami, FL
July 25, 2024

The Orioles at made the day interesting. After jumping to a 6-0 lead, a few bad breaks allowed the home team to claw back into the game and saw them tie the score with 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th, fortunately stranding the winning run at 3rd base. The Orioles managed to get runners at 2nd and 3rd before scoring the eventual winning run in the top of the 10th--the Marlins executed a difficult double play throwing out a runner at the plate and then the batter who tried for 2nd to end the top half of the inning. Fortunately, the Marlins had no viable pinch hitters remaining on their bench and the Orioles sent a lefty, Perez, in to pitch and he set the Marlins down in order to secure the victory.

The Orioles faithful breathed a huge sigh of relief as the game ended with win.

It was a long day. First pitch was at 12:10 PM and we departed the house at 9:30 AM to arrive at the stadium at about 11:20 AM. The game lasted until about 3:00 PM and because of traffic we did not get back home until 5:40 PM. That made for a long, but fun, day of baseball. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#orioles #loandepotpark 

Hot Beach Day

From Under the Umbrella
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
July 24, 2025

 The sand burned our feet, thankfully we wore sandals or flip-flops to protect us. The sun shone brightly and the Saharan dust seemed to have dissipated as the sky returned to a bright blue. We trudged through the sand with our chairs and umbrellas to find a nice spot from which to enjoy the late-morning and early-afternoon. 

Boys in the Water
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
July 24, 2025

The gray sand of our Florida beaches seems to soak in the Sun's rays. But, we were headed for an enjoyable day on the beach. To top it off, we had entertainment. A summer camp of kids was just down the beach and their antics kept us amused for most of our time under the umbrellas. I ventured into the water, but the waves were rough and standing waist deep was the deepest I decided to venture, not wanting to become fully immersed.

Even though the temperature soared into the low 90s, the ocean breeze kept us relatively cool and made the entire experience enjoyable. Well, except for the much too hot sand. 

A great beach day with friends!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Rainbow to the Moon

 I walked out the door this morning, headed to the store for breakfast supplies with my head spinning from the wild news of the past week.

As I walked out my door I looked up to the sky and I was greeted by this bright and exciting sight. There, in front of me, was a rainbow to the moon!

What a sight. The rainbow was rising out of the cloud and striving to reach the moon. For a moment it took me on a magical flight of possibilities.

I stood and admired this unusual sight. I pointed out the rainbow to a neighbor walking by who had not looked up to see the rainbow. 

Wow!

I guess I am ready for the day now.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Along the Path

Royal Poinicana
Tequesta, FL
July 21, 2024

Be it a bike path or along the beach, there always seems to be something interesting to enjoy.

The other morning, Chris and I biked through Tequesta and I spied this tree in full mid-summer bloom. Wow, was it impressive! I was biking but able to snap a quick image of the tree. There are many of these trees in the area, but this one has the nicest shape was in the most full bloom.

Juvenile Gray Heron
Stuart, FL
July 17, 2024

On Wednesday last week, as Chris and I were walking along the shore in Stuart, FL, we saw this water bird hunting in the shallows. It was low tide and the bird seemed to be having some success. 

The bird did not mind our presence and I was able to get a great image of it.

We keep our eyes open and our cameras ready for what may come our way in terms of interesting things to image. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Monday Musings - July 22, 2024

 

1. Welcome to the 4th Monday of July 2024. I am pretty sure the week past will be one of the most talked about in the history of the U.S. There are 23 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Wildcats Junior Legion Team Gambrills
Hanover, MD
July 21, 2024

2. In a follow-up to yesterday's post, my grandson's baseball team did face the team from Boonsboro that defeated them in the opening round of the tournament. It was a double elimination situation and so they had to beat the team twice twice to win the championship. The did just that coming from behind in both games to win 13-12 and 11-10. It was a thrilling evening of baseball.

3. As President Biden stepped off the reelection stage, I was filled with many emotions and concerns. As Chris will attest, I felt that it might happen this weekend. I respect his decision although in my heart I do not agree with it. I still believe that he has the best vision for America and its place in the world of any leader. I listened to his press conference after the NATO conference and his detailed, cogent answers to complicated questions were spectacular. No, at times he does not come off well and he pauses and stumbles, but do we want a smooth talking "snake-oil" salesperson as president or one who understands the issues facing the country and has already demonstrated that the ability to put together and effective team to deal with them? 

4. A couple more things about the our president. I keep hearing the republicans complain about immigration, energy, and runaway inflation. They are disingenuous on all three points. 

a. Trump had four years as president to solve the border problem. He didn't! The Obama and Biden administrations each deported more illegals than Trump did. Look it up. And the connection to crime they continue to spout? Immigrants commit crime at a much lower rate than citizens.  

b. In terms of energy production, the U.S. is second only to China AND is the world leader in oil production. I don't understand how the republicans can strive to "make America the dominant energy producer in the world" (Republican Party Platform) when we already are. America throws away energy, China doesn't have enough.

c. And then there is inflation. Biden ascended to the presidency in the middle of a complete disaster that his predecessor left to him and has forged the strongest economy in the world. There is no runaway inflation--it is about 3 percent and has been stable for over a year. Oh wait, and the consumer price index went down 0.1% during June. I do not know what runaway train the Republicans are on.

5. Today in History. On July 22, 2003, U.S. Army Private Jessica Lynch, a prisoner-of-war who was rescued from an Iraqi hospital, receives a hero’s welcome when she returns to her hometown of Palestine, West Virginia. The story of the 19-year-old supply clerk, who was captured by Iraqi forces in March 2003, gripped America; however, it was later revealed that some details of Lynch’s dramatic capture and rescue might have been exaggerated.

Lynch, who was born April 26, 1983, was part of the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company from Fort Bliss, Texas. On March 23, 2003, just days after the U.S. invaded Iraq, Lynch was riding in a supply convoy when her unit took a wrong turn and was ambushed by Iraqi forces near Nasiriya. Eleven American soldiers died and four others besides Lynch were captured.

Analysis If Biden’s gamble pays off, he may be one of the most successful one-term presidents - CNN

Navy aviator scores first air-to-air victory by a US female fighter pilot - CNN

Israel strikes Yemen for the first time following deadly Houthi drone attack. Here’s what we know - CNN

Netanyahu heads to Washington, says Israel will remain key US ally whoever replaces Biden - Reuters

China cuts several major interest rates to support fragile economy - Reuters

Nuclear wildcard reignites Australia's climate wars - Reuters

Ukraine's debt woes during wartime - Reuters

72-year-old fends off grizzly bear with handgun while picking huckleberries - The Washington Post 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Long-distance Baseball

Watching GameChanger
Tequesta, FL
July 19, 2024

 Our grandson Jackson is playing in a Maryland state-wide American Legion baseball tournament this weekend. Chris and I looked hard at flying to Maryland to be there in person, but the crazy pricing for last-minute airline seats made that financially irresponsible and it was too far to just drive up for the weekend.

The miracle of modern technology almost makes it as though we are there at the game, however, using an app called GameChanger. We can access the realtime video of the game on my laptop, or phone, and project it onto a larger TV. It is not the same as a big league game but we can follow the action in realtime almost like we are there. Of course Nicole, our daughter and mother of Jackson, gets peppered with questions about things happening that are not clear. She seems to take it all in stride, however, and I appreciate her timely responses. 

The team seems to be doing well. They are playing again today after two games on Friday and one game yesterday. I think that means they are likely in the semifinals, which is really cool. I hope they get to play the team from Boonsboro again who gave them their only loss so far. 

I wish we were there in person, but watching the game live is a close second.

Gotta love baseball!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL