Football Induced Haze

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Hobe Sound, FL
September 6, 2025

 I have been in a football induced haze since Thursday which is not expected to end until tomorrow night. The NFL season kicked off and I watched the Thursday and Friday editions of the NFL, then yesterday's storm-lengthened Georgia Bulldogs game, and I expect to watch three NFL games today and one tomorrow night. 

I am going to need a rest before beginning it all over again on Thursday.

I am not sure that I am ready for football season. The Ravens are the late game tonight.

It should be noted that the Orioles are still playing baseball and executed a stunning two-out bottom of the ninth walk-off comeback win last night over the Dodgers. They were no-hitter victims until the last out of the game--which, as it turns out, never arrived. Whew. 

Fortunately, I biked 23 miles yesterday and so I am physically fit and ready to tackle the sofa and watch the football games. My ride was one that I only do infrequently and usually on a weekend because there is less traffic. I biked to the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and stood on the edge of the sand to admire the beach. I noted that it was almost exactly 10 miles to the beach and then riding back along Jupiter Island's Beach Road adds about three miles. 

September is such a busy month!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It was like a Ghost Town

Empty Parking Lot
Vero Beach Outlets, Vero Beach, FL
September 5, 2025

 Chris and I went on a shopping excursion yesterday. On a whim, we headed off to an outlet mall in Vero Beach. I felt it was time to expand our shopping area and thought heading off to one of the, what I thought was, premier outlet malls in the area would be fun. 

We drove for about an hour to arrive at the Vero Beach Outlets. The outlet mall is just off I-95 and is both well marked and easy to find. We expected to find a thriving economic area with a full parking lot, many busses and throngs of shoppers.

We found a ghost town. 

The place was nearly empty. We cruised the perimeter to find the shops we wanted to visit and noted many empty storefronts. The economic downturn, as evidenced in yesterday's jobs report, is real. We were part of a handful of shoppers. 

While we enjoyed shopping without crowds, it was a bit eerie. The complex seemed as if it had one foot in the grave on its way to total closure. The sales staffs in the stores were nice and provided individualized attention to us as we shopped. Chris bought a number of items because of the close-out pricing. AS this was a Chris focuses excursion, I did not do much "Bob" shopping.

Despite the desolate nature of the outlet mall, we had an enjoyable trip and we took a late lunch at Cracker Barrel before heading back to Tequesta. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Shortened Boat Day

Heading out of the Marina
Tequesta, FL
September 4, 2024

 Chris and I made it out onto the water in a boat yesterday. We departed the marina about 9:45 AM for a day of motoring on the ICW. I had grandiose plans to motor to Lake Worth and maybe on to Peanut Island, I still want to see President Kennedy's bunker, then back to Season 52 for lunch and a sandbar stop for some relaxation. Low tide was about 2 PM which is why the sandbar stop was in the afternoon. 

The weather and unforeseen circumstances dictated otherwise. 

Chris in the Bow
Jupiter, FL
September 4, 2025

When we arrived at the marina, our chosen water vehicle was not there. We were told it was out being fueled. Granted, we arrived about 10 minutes early. Shortly, the boat motored up the ICW and to the docks. The report was not good. We were being given a boat with only 8.9 gallons of fuel because the fueling station had not been not open. My plan for the day would use about 10 gallons. BUT, since we were heading south, we were encouraged to stop at another marina to fuel-up.

So we motored off and headed south on the ICW for the marina to add fuel. It was an adventure! But, it also took precious time out of our day. We arrived at the marina and we had to wait over 15 minutes for the fuel person to arrive. And then the boat only took 32 gallons. Yes, despite the fuel gauge reading, the tank was actually over half full when we arrived at the fuel stop. I was told this boat should have taken about 100 gallons. Even after fueling, the gauge never registered the additional fuel. Now, granted, this is a new boat. I mean really new! I don't know how many hours it had on it, but it is likely that this was the first fill up since being placed into service. 

Jupiter Lighthouse from the ICW
Heading Back
Jupiter, FL
September 4, 2025

Although the fueling stop was pleasant and we were on our way, in addition to the loss of time it gave time for the clouds and storms to begin to form. That actually was a good thing as I decided not to head further south to Peanut Island where the storms were forming. My thought about small boats and storms is that even though I am a competent small boat captain, the best way to ride out a storm is to not get into a storm in the first place. So we truncated the day.

Heading under the US-1 Drawbridge
Jupiter, FL
September 4, 2025

It was 11:15 AM by this point and although we were near Season 52, they did not open until 11:30. We decided to cancel lunch and motor our way back to Tequesta from where we were in Palm Beach Gardens. While the distance was not all that great, the ICW is mostly restricted to minimum wake speeds--which in our boat is about 6 mph. We were 7 or 8 miles from the marina--so about an hour. There is one fun stretch where the speed limit is 30 mph--but it is far too short.

Seeing the developing storms, we headed back. I subsequently canceled the sandbar stop as well, sadly. We had brought chairs and an umbrella to enjoy time on the sandbar. We made it to the marina before the rains came. 

We had an enjoyable, but short boat day. Better safe than sorry. I do enjoy boating on weekdays. Look at the images--there are no other boats in the pictures. We did pass a few other boats along the way, but it is very different on a weekend. On a weekend, sometimes it is possible to walk across the ICW on boats, not literally, it only just seems that way. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday is just another day

Morning Weather Radar
September 4, 2025

 I took a day off from biking yesterday and walked nearly 1.5 miles with Chris and Finn. 

It is good to mix things up a bit. 

Today is a boat day, if the weather holds. Chris, Finn, and I are headed out on the water to explore and enjoy. Hopefully, we will tie up somewhere for lunch and then early afternoon back at the house before Happy Hour. 

I am taking out a different boat than I have before.  

Checking the weather, all of the storm systems are over the ocean and tracking eastward, but the afternoon storms start building about 3 PM.

Anchors aweigh!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It went by that Fast

Brightline
Tequesta, FL
September 2, 2025

 I had to stop and wait for a Brightline train to pass through the crossing yesterday as I was starting my ride. 

It has been a while since I stood right at the crossing bar to watch a moderately high speed train pass. 

Wow! It was fast. 

I think from start to finish, even waiting for the crossing arms, I waited only about a minute. 

I would up riding 22 miles and the Brightline was not even a good water stop. It was fun to watch, however. 

Watching the train cruise past, however, was a highlight of the day. Well, until Chris and I went to dinner with friends for the evening. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Has it really been 50 years?

 Chris and I celebrated Labor Day by going to the movies. 

We chose the 50th Anniversary Jaws as our movie to watch. 

Yes, we have watched Jaws on streaming multiple times and have the entire script fairly well memorized, but that did not deter us from heading off to the theater to see the movie on the big screen. 

We were excited by the opening monologue from Steven Spielberg which explained that the movie had been reprocessed into 4K or better viewing. I had hoped that they might include some scenes cut from the original, but apparently they did not.

It was great to see Jaws on the big screen again and with the full vibrant sound. We both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it for any others out there who enjoy watching Jaws on the small screen. Think of all the people who have only ever been exposed to Jaws on a TV-size screen--they will be in awe as they watch Bruce (the shark) terrorize the island community of Amity.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - Labor Day 2025

1. Welcome September--it is the first Monday of there ninth month of the year. Whew! We made it this far. There are 17 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States. Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. "Labor Day" was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. Wikipedia

House under construction
Tequesta, FL
August 31, 2025

3. I find it very interesting to monitor the progress of houses being constructed along my bike routes. There are multiple houses being constructed. All of them are being constructed on lots where existing homes were razed. Watching the process from demolition to completion is fascinating and I am also amazed at how long it takes to get to completion and occupancy. This is not a quick process.

4. I managed a 19-mile ride yesterday. It got a bit warm towards the end, but despite my ride, I still closed out August with less than 100 miles ridden. It was one of my worst months since I've been keeping records. The most significant thing about the ride, however, was that I passed 6,000 miles ridden since buying my bike during February 2022.

5. The biggest threat to our Republic may be residing in the White House. International ineptitude coupled with domestic ineffectiveness all he has to show for his efforts. The president is more concerned about retribution than he is actually accomplishing something positive for the American people. His disdain for renewable energy sources is one area where his actions are increasing costs for American families. Tariffs are another. The downward spiral may be happening too fast to correct.

6. Today in History. On September 1, 1972, in what’s billed as the “Match of the Century,” American chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer defeats Russian Boris Spassky during the World Chess Championship in Reykjavik, Iceland.

In the world’s most publicized title match ever played, Fischer, a 29-year-old Brooklynite, became the first American to win the competition since its inception in 1866. The victory also marked the first time a non-Russian had won the event in 24 years.

Fischer, who started playing chess professionally at age 8, won the U.S. Open Championship when he was 14 (he would go on to win it seven more times) and became the world’s youngest international grandmaster at age 15.

Fischer’s skills and age—and demanding, arrogant attitude—made him a pop culture phenomenon. He became the subject of books and movies and even inspired a song, “The Ballad of Bobby Fischer.”

Earthquake in Afghanistan kills 800, injures 2,800 - Reuters

China's Xi pushes a new global order, flanked by leaders of Russia and India - Reuters

Israel sends tanks deeper into Gaza City, more families flee - Reuters

In Mexican border town, thousands of jobs lost due to Trump tariffs - Reuters

Tracking Trump’s retaliation against a wide swath of critics and perceived political enemies - CNN

Trump's Cabinet meeting profanity highlighted a harsh truth about his Putin failures - MSNBC

Trump administration threatens states with odd demands for sex ed censorship - MSNBC

One meal a day, no bathing for days: Inside the 'humanitarian crisis' at an ICE field office - MSNBC

Trump makes bold declaration about DC amid his federal policing intervention - FoxNews

Trump wraps up week announcing that billions in foreign aid is canceled - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Another Repair Completed

Controller Board
Tequesta, FL
August 30, 2025

It is Alive!
Tequesta, FL
August 30, 2025

 One of the reasons that Chris and I drove the truck to Maryland for our recent visit was to retrieve the NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike that we gave to one of our children. As I wrote before, the bike had fallen out of their exercise routine and was not functioning.

I determined that the controller board needed replacing and felt that I could effect the repair and so, we loaded the bike into the bed of the truck and hauled it to Florida where it has sat, mostly disassembled, until yesterday. The controller board arrived Friday and I had been anxious to install it.

The process turned out to be more complicated than expected and I had to overcome a tool problem, but am happy to report the operation was a success and the patient survived. I am in the process of getting my account reestablished. 

I felt good about getting the job done and should be up and running today for exercise during rough weather conditions--like thunderstorms. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It is Finnegan's World

Finnegan on the Bed
Tequesta, FL
August 28, 2025

 Finn is a small-ish, 6 lbs, Yorkie who apparently owns the world. 

I accompanied him on his morning walk today, because I didn't feel like riding my bike. He has two routes: short and long. The short is just under half-a-mile while the long is about a mile-and-a-half. More often than not, when I accompanied Chris and Finn he chooses the long walk. But not today. 

Today we did the shorter walk which includes a stop at the local Ace Hardware. Finn has a lot of friends working at Ace and they always give him a grand greeting. There are usually treats involved and he races around the store off-leash. His antics provide amusement for the day. 

After a while, he is ready to head home and crash on the couch for a well deserved nap. 

Ah, it is a dog's life after all. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back in the Saddle Ride

Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
August 29, 2025

 I was back in my bike saddle this morning for an 18-mile ride around Tequesta. I usually take it easy after a weeklong layoff, but I was feeling good and did my usual ride without the recent 1.4 mile add-on that I have been doing to get over 19 miles. 

I made my usual quick stop on the Loxahatchee River Bridge in Tequesta for a quick image to record the conditions of the day. The temperature was 78 degrees when the ride began and 1h19m later, when my ride was complete, it was 81 degrees. I bested my usual time by 5 minutes--that is how good I felt and I spent 38 percent of the time in my peak cardio zone! 

I did not see my usual tortoises nor frequently sighted Sandhill Cranes. But I did enjoy seeing the changes in the short week since I last rode. 

Soon I will be ready for the remainder of the day and a trip to Costco!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And We Made it Home

Image of the Seat Back Video Taxiing to Depart Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
August 27, 2025

 Chris and I arrived home to a very happy Finnegan this morning just after 1 AM! The people caring for him dropped him off earlier in the evening so that he would be there to greet Chris. I am not sure who was more excited at the reunion, Finn or Chris.

Image from Houston Airport
Houston, TX
Auguat 17, 2025

The flights were, again, fantastic and on-time! Yay, Delta! They were 4 for 4 on this trip. We even dodged a few thunderstorms around Houston. It is always somewhat eerie arriving after midnight into a deserted airport as we did early this morning at PBI. 

We especially appreciated the hospitality of Pennie and Scott. Thank you again. It was good to spend time with you and of course see Dad.

Chris and I are excited that we have a break in our travel schedule, for just over three weeks, until we head out into the Caribbean for a cruise!

As we put an exclamation point on the Houston trip, we are happy that it was both successful and enjoyable. 

And now,  it is back to our regularly scheduled life. I know there is a palm tree around here somewhere. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Out the Airplane Window

Open Pit Mine
Nearing Atlanta, GA
August 22, 2025

 I rarely sit next to the window on an airplane. I did, however, sit next to the window on the flight last week from Palm Beach to Atlanta. Most of the flight the I kept the window shade down, it was a cloudy and there was bright sun above the clouds and I was on the East facing side of the jet. 

I opened the shade after the jet descended under the cloud deck to land in Atlanta and was amazed to see a very large open pit mine. The mine was pretty much in the middle of an industrial area and along side a major highway. I figured it was an active mine since the bottom had not filled with water. 

It is interesting to see some of the features outside the airplane window. 

Today is a travel day. Chris and I are completing our trip and heading home to Finnegan. Hopefully the flights are as smooth today as they were last week. We have had a good visit with Dad and the Houston-area members of the family.

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Fun with Poppers

Lonely Jalapeño Popper
Weston Lakes, TX
August 25, 2025

 Jalapeño poppers were the stars of Happy Hour last evening.

I took an image of the last one sitting alone on the serving dish. 

I was amazed at how long the lonely popper stayed on the plate before being eaten. Funny, none of the adults ate this last popper. It was finally eaten by a passing 10 year old--who did not realize that the jalapeño had some heat to it and he made some interesting facial expressions before heading to the kitchen for relief. 

Food can be fun!

OK, I did feel bad for the child.

Earlier during the day, Chris and I visited with Dad. He was in remarkably good spirits and we had a very enjoyable visit.

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Monday Musings - August 25, 2025

 1. Happy Monday! Today is the final Monday of August. Labor Day is celebrated next Monday which will be the 1st of September. It is later than you think. There are only 18 Mondays remaining in the year.

Around the Pool
Weston Lakes, TX
August 24, 2025

2. Chris and I have been enjoying the hospitality of my sister and her family. We enjoyed a fun afternoon around the pool after visiting Dad in the morning. It was a very enjoyable afternoon and I doubled as the margarita bartended. Frankly, I lost track of the number of margaritas I made, but I do know we had to Door Dash additional mixer!

3. Wow, things are happening in the country. I am concerned, that Lincoln's "government of the people, by the people, and for the people . . . " has become the government of the $, by the $, and for the $. I am very uncomfortable with the U.S. government having control of, getting money other than taxes from, and/or stock in significant companies. At least three, Intel, USSteel, and Nvidia have already succumbed. Government is not a business designed to turn a profit at the expense of the shareholders. Who are the shareholders? We the People!

4. As the administration of President Donald Trump is using loopholes in the nation’s laws to claim the right to use the military against American citizens, Democratic governors are pushing back.

The administration has taken control of the Washington, D.C., police under the 1973 Home Rule Act, which permits that takeover if “special conditions of an emergency nature exist.” Although the Department of Justice itself reported that crime in the city is at a 30-year low, Trump declared a crime emergency in the District of Columbia on August 11 to take control of the police.

The Home Rule Act limits the president’s takeover to 30 days unless the House and Senate pass a joint resolution to extend that time. On Friday, Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) introduced a bill to extend the takeover for about six months and to make that time the default for all future “emergencies.” (Letters from an American)

5. Has anyone else noticed that the current administration does not tolerate dissent or disagreement? Remember back to the Biden administration, just 9 short months ago, how it seemed everything that the administration desired was met with disagreement by the opposition and yet no one went to jail, they were not vilified, nor did they have their houses searched by the FBI.

6. As we head into the Artificial Intelligence (AI) age is anyone else concerned that rewriting history and news will threaten the accuracy of the responses? We really do not need biased AI results. 

7. Today in History. On August 25, 1944, after more than four years of Nazi occupation, Paris is liberated by the French 2nd Armored Division and the U.S. 4th Infantry Division. German resistance was light, and General Dietrich von Choltitz, commander of the German garrison, defied an order by Adolf Hitler to blow up Paris’ landmarks and burn the city to the ground before its liberation. Choltitz signed a formal surrender that afternoon, and on August 26, Free French General Charles de Gaulle led a joyous liberation march down the Champs d’Elysees.

Paris fell to Nazi Germany on June 14, 1940, one month after the German Wehrmachtstormed into France. Eight days later, France signed an armistice with the Germans, and a puppet French state was set up with its capital at Vichy. Elsewhere, however, General Charles de Gaulle and the Free French kept fighting, and the Resistance sprang up in occupied France to resist Nazi and Vichy rule.

Israel hits Gaza hospital, killing at least 15 people, including journalists - Reuters

Trump's redistricting push could bring decades of Republican rule to the US House - Reuters

Exclusive: US confirms first travel-associated human screwworm case connected to Central American outbreak - Reuters

Oil prices edge up as traders weigh supply risks - Reuters

Homes in California wine country and central Oregon are under evacuation orders as crews battle wildfires  - CNN

Retailers are using ‘sneakflation’ to pass along Trump’s tariffs - CNN

Taiwan defeats Nevada to win 2025 Little League World Series - FoxNews

France summons U.S. Ambassador Kushner over ‘unacceptable’ antisemitism letter - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

It was a Party!

Chris and I with Dad
Katy, TX
August 23, 2025

 Chris and I were part of a country-wide celebration yesterday afternoon. 

It was for Dad. 

The family gathered in person and on Zoom to honor Dad and connect with him. For his part, he had a good day. 

6 Great-grandkids Together with Dad
Katy, TX
August 24, 2025

All of 4 of his children participated along with 6 of 10 grandkids and 7 of 10 great-grandkids. Even the youngest great-grand was on screen to send him greetings. (I can only hope I got the numbers correct. Public math is not my forte.)

It was a great afternoon. The dinner convened in Dad's residence and the food was catered from Olive Garden, which made it very convenient. Who doesn't love pasta comfort food

The credit for bringing the entire dinner together goes to my sister Pennie. While Chris and I provided some muscle, Pennie was the brains behind the success. 

Dad looked good and it was good to visit with him in person again as I expect to do for the next few days until we return home. The dinner lasted about an hour and a half, after which Dad was tired and we took him to his room where the staff very shortly arrived to begin the evening bed-down procedure. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Visiting Dad

Dad
August 22, 2025

 Chris and I arrived in Houston. where we were greeted by my sister Pennie and her husband, Scott.

As I wrote yesterday, we enjoyed some good flights. That we enjoyed flying was no small miracle given some of the horror stories we have been hearing from recent travelers. 

The purpose of this visit is to see Dad and we are having a big celebration for him this afternoon. 

He was in good spirits when we surprised him with our arrival yesterday afternoon. It was good so see him. We spend some quality time with him before he was wheeled off to dinner. We are looking forward to seeing him again today and, for that matter, every day during our trip. 

It is 74 degrees this morning in Weston Lakes. I find it very refreshing as the humidity is also low. I have not enjoyed a 74 degree temperature in South Florida since about April. So I will enjoy this bit of summer while preparing for the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Off to Houston

Sunrise over our Jet
Palm Beach International Airport, FL
August 22, 2025

 Chris and I are traveling, again.

Finn is off to spend time with his second family. They love him, especially Cody. 

It has, so far, been a great travel day. I know that there are lots of travel impediments right now, but we have so far been spared. And we have enjoyed the Delta Sky Lounges!

The flights have been easy and on-time. I am actually writing this from my seat on the second flight of the day. Yay! 

It has been a different kind of travel day. Chris and I are flying to Houston from Palm Beach International (PBI) on the same plane. It is one of those weird days when the plane we flew from PBI to Atlanta is the same plane that we flying to Houston from Atlanta. 

The flight deck crew is the same and we enjoyed a great landing in Atlanta, but the cabin crew changed in Atlanta. Weirdly, the new cabin crew is all guys! How often does that happen?

We are looking forward to arriving in Houston about noon and will likely get to see Dad before the sun sets today.

Another positive thing is that I am getting free WIFI on the flight! Wow. Southwest doesn't do that for me!

Well, it is really encouraging that some things work sometimes!

Chris and I were not able to get adjoining seats on today's flights due to the short notice booking, but on this flight we are across the aisle. 

Rock on!

-- Bob Doan, Airborne over the Southeast United States

#deltaairlines #traveldays

Crashing on the Shore

Waves on Jupiter Island
Tequesta, FL
August 21, 2025

 Chris and I went to the beach yesterday and experience the huge waves from Hurricane Erin. 

And they were!

Crashing on the beach and eroding the sand. Turtle nests were being destroyed and it was sad, but it was nature. The ones high up on the dunes were safe and the turtles that dug those nests were champions of evolution. 

I took a video of the waves rolling onto the beach. They were ferocious and I am very happy the storm passed us by.  

The ICW looking at Jupiter Island
Tequesta, FL
August 21, 2025

But, weirdly, on the other side of the Jupiter Island the ICW was calm.

It was such a different scene from the ocean. The protected ICW was available for pleasure boating without restrictions. 

It amazed me how such widely different conditions could be separated by only a hundred yards or so of land. 

Inland, it was a beautiful evening to enjoy dinner at Tiki52 and look out at the ICW where there were boats and people actually waterskiing. The breeze made the evening enjoyable and Chris, I, and Finn had a great time just bing there enjoying the scene, the people, and the waitstaff. 

But to think, only a few thousand feet away the ocean beach was being ravaged by Hurricane Erin's storm-tossed waves.  

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#hurricaneerin #jupiterisland

Getting over Hump Day

Loxahatchee Bridge
Tequesta, FL
August 20, 2025

 Well we I made it to the second half of the week. I did enjoy a nice 19-mile ride yesterday around Tequesta. It was my usual route, but I still enjoy getting out and seeing the changes. 

I snapped a quick image of the day as I traversed the North Fork Loxahatchee Bridge yesterday, just to remind me of the clear beautiful day that we enjoyed. It was cooler in the morning, yes all of 78 degrees, but it made the ride enjoyable. 

Tomorrow is another travel day. Chris and I are headed to Houston, OK, Weston Lakes actually, to visit and spend some time with Dad. Yes, this trip is somewhat sudden as we only returned from Maryland a week ago, but it happens. 

Hopefully, today will be a bright and beautiful as yesterday was although the temperature is expected to top 95 degrees making it the hottest day of the year, so far. With the hurricane stoked surf, it will definitely not be a beach day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cute Baby Wednesday

 

Beck Prepared for an Outing
Somewhere in Maryland
August 19, 2025
Image from Patrick

It is cute baby Wednesday. 

To ward off the mid-week blues, I thought I'd share one of the latest images of our youngest grandson. We received it yesterday and it really brightened my day. 

It made me smile!

He is so cute! And I love his expressive eyes. 

So as this week drones on, I am going to hold onto these bright, expressive and happy eyes for motivation and encouragement.

Happy Wednesday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tuesday has arrived again

Antenna at the Space Force Station
Tequesta, FL
August 18, 2025

 It is good to be home in Florida. 

The weather is a bit uncomfortable because the stress index was 112 degrees yesterday, but the blue sky was awesome. 

I managed a bike ride yesterday and as I was hitting my last two mile, I saw something I rarely see. One antenna at the Space Force Station was being repositioned. The closest one was swinging almost right over me as I rode by on the sidewalk. It was fun to watch the huge antenna swinging. I don't get to see that often. 

Deer near Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Tequesta, FL
August 18, 2025

I also saw a deer during the ride. While I usually see gopher tortoises, I rarely see deer. It was near the boundary to the Jonathan Dickinson State Park. I have to write again, I really love my Meta glasses. Being able to take an image at a moment's notice is really great. 

Aside from the normal pace of life, we are preparing to head-off Friday for Houston to see Dad. That is a sudden trip due to his declining health situation. We don't normally like to travel back-to-back. It reminds me too much of traveling for work which is just exhausting.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - August 18, 2025

 

1. The third Monday of August has arrived! Wow--we are surely slipping through the month in a wild fashion. There are only 19 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Too little too late for the Orioles. They have had a couple of great series, including taking 2 of 3 from the Astros over the weekend. With 38 games remaining in the season the O's must win 24 (.632) just to get to .500 for the season. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games. 

NordicTrack S22i Partially Assembled
Tequesta, FL
August 17, 2025

3. One reason Chris and I drove the truck north on our recent trip was to retrieve our NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike. We had given it to family, but it no longer fit into their exercise plan and so we brought it to Florida to ride on rainy days. It seemed to have arrived in good shape, although I have not fully reassembled it yet. It needs a new control board, which I ordered last evening. I hope to have it up and running by next week. 

4. A commentary on the republican approach to governing as evidenced by the disaster in Alaska is as follows: That’s the kakistocracy part: government by the most incompetent, ill-suited people. If kakistocracy is the shot, then kleptocracy is the chaser (though it might be the other way around; I can’t quite decide). The corruption—the willingness to pursue personal profit and political gain at the expense of principle—that now defines the former Republican Party is just jaw-dropping. (Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance)

5. I hear Putin has a bridge for sale that Trump wants to buy. It is in San Francisco. I also saw a small stand in the background of an image selling Russian Kool-aid.

6. Today in History. On August 18, 1991, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev is placed under house arrest during a coup by high-ranking members of his own government, military and police forces.

Since becoming leader of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1988, Gorbachev had pursued comprehensive reforms of the Soviet system. Combining perestroika(“restructuring”) of the economy—including a greater emphasis on free-market policies—and glasnost (“openness”) in diplomacy, he greatly improved Soviet relations with Western democracies, particularly the United States. Meanwhile, though, within the USSR, Gorbachev faced powerful critics, including conservative, hard-line politicians and military officials who thought he was driving the Soviet Union toward its downfall and making it a second-rate power. On the other side were even more radical reformers—particularly Boris Yeltsin, president of the most powerful socialist republic, Russia—who complained that Gorbachev was just not working fast enough.

Trump tells Ukraine to give up on NATO and Crimea ahead of Zelenskiy meeting - Reuters

Russian oil flows to Hungary and Slovakia halted after Ukrainian attack - Reuters

Israelis stage nationwide protests to demand end to Gaza war and release of hostages - Reuters

 After exploding in strength at a historic rate this weekend, Hurricane Erin will churn up the eastern US coastline After exploding in strength at a historic rate this weekend,  - CNN

Serbia’s populist leader vows tough response to protesters following riots - CNN

Texas Democrats may have finally cracked the best way to fight Trump - MSNBC

Rubio erupts on CBS host over 'stupid media narrative' about Trump-Putin summit - FoxNews

Russia pounds Ukraine as Zelensky, allies prepare to meet with Trump - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Disappointed and Embarrassed

 All bluster, no follow through.

I am appalled that the U.S. is apparently setting the brave Ukrainian patriots adrift. 

internewscast.com

And I believe it is all because of dollars!

In an interview with Fox News Channel personality Sean Hannity after the meeting, Trump said he would not impose further sanctions on Russia because the meeting with Putin had gone “very well.” “Because of what happened today, I think I don’t have to think about that now,” Trump told Hannity. “I may have to think about it in two weeks or three weeks or something, but we don’t have to think about that right now.”

Trump also suggested he was backing away from trying to end the war and instead dumping the burden on Ukraine’s president. He told Hannity that “it’s really up to President Zelensky to get it done.”  (Letters from an American)

I wonder what Putin promised Trump to effectively stop negotiating for the end of the war that he promised to end on day 1 of his new term?

Maybe a Trump Tower Moscow? 

Trump always said that he would get it done, it being the end to the war. 

The President of the U.S. welcomed a war criminal with pomp and circumstance, red carpet and a warm greeting. With that single greeting, the blood of over a million dead Ukrainians and Russians was splashed onto Trump and by extension the U.S. 

It seems that our president is as bad at international affairs as he is at domestic policy. We elected him why?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL