Clouds

 Although so far this week it has been both too cold and windy to spend time on the beach, that will change beginning today as temperatures approach and move into the 80s for the remainder of the week. 

OK Sign over the Atlantic
Jupiter Island, FL
February 3, 2022

Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about the weather especially since I am not experiencing either sub-freezing temperatures or snow! But, I have been driven from the beach. 

One of the things I do while on the beach is admire the clouds and search for patterns in them. Sometimes I am just fascinated by the complex nature of the clouds. 

The cloud I have pictures looks, to me, like a hand making the OK sign. And that is what that day was--a fantastic OK.

Most days are like that--OK. I have experienced many of them since I retired. I am amazed at both how busy I am and how I still never seem to get everything accomplished. Of course there are some projects, like the taxes and brushing Makayla, that I continue to put off just because they are detest-detestable. Makayla appreciates not being brushed as often as she needs.

But overall, life is OK. I find enjoyment in the clouds and the beach and the projects that continue to arise. I am beginning to move the televisions from cabinet top to wall mounts--that also includes rerouting electric and cords through the walls. It should make for an interesting time. 

I guess I'm settling into the pace of retirement, although I know that when I return to Maryland during April that catching up on the house, grounds, and pool will make life a bit more complicated. For now, I'm enjoying condo life in Florida. 

And looking at the clouds.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Fighting the Wind

 

Chris and I have been trying to bike almost every day after walking Finnegan. It really is quite something, we walk Finnegan on a 1.5 mile route as a warm-up and then hop onto our bicycles for a ride. By the time we are done we have spent about 1.5 hours exercising between the walk and the multiple-mile ride. That is something that I never had time to do before I retired and especially during the winter when the darkness arrives early. 

Crossing the Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022

We are located near a large State Park and on the edge of some natural areas that provide some scenic beauty as we ride. Crossing the Loxahatchee River the other morning provided a stunning scene, which I dutifully recorded. The wide river and cloud-filled sky were a beautiful sight. 

Yesterday, however, was a very different story. We fought high winds--in excess of 20 mph, on our ride. It was excruciating in places. We chose a shorter 6 mile out and back ride to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, rather than a longer circuit. The way out it was all against the wind and mostly uphill--OK, as uphill as it can be in South Florida. Believe me, even in South Florida where the terrain is fairly flat any uphill into a stiff wind is an experience. The ride out I averaged about 9 mph. Riding back with the downhill and the wind at my back I averaged almost 20 mpg and at times my GPS recorded that I was flying in excess of 24 mph. 

At least coming back was fun! Fighting the wind on the way out reminded me that I still need to work harder to get into good riding shape.

Fighting the wind is not fun.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - February 14, 2022

 

1. Happy Valentines Day! Did you forget? I hope not.

2. It is the second Monday of February 2022. There are 2 Mondays remaining in February and 45 remaining in the year. Who knew a year could slip by so quickly.

3. Super Bowl 56 was a solid game. The officials stayed out of the contest until the very end, but yet there will some egregious calls that may have changed the outcome of the game. I agree that Cooper Kupp was the Super Bowl MVP. Although my prediction of the score and eventual victor of the game was wrong, it was a solid Super Bowl. I like defensive football and the idea of a dramatic drive to win the game when the chips were down is always exciting. 

Sailboat on the Atlantic
Jupiter Island, Florida
February 12, 2022

4. Saturday, when the temperature eased over the 80 degree mark, Chris and I had a beach afternoon. The ocean was relatively calm and there were many boats out enjoying the afternoon. This one sailboat caught my attention against the blue ocean and sky. It was very picturesque and I enjoyed watching it pass across my field of view.

5. Last evening, Chris and I watched the Super Bowl outside on a lanai. It is February and we had a party outside, around a pool--which was open and potentially ready for swimming. It was a great experience, but we missed our family in Maryland. 

6. Today in History. On February 14, around the year 270 A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, is said to have been executed.

Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.

To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.

Key U.S.-Canada border crossing reopens, protests continue in Ottawa - The Washington Post

European, U.S. leaders race to defuse Ukraine crisis amid warnings of imminent Russia attack - The Washington Post

Vaccine mandate protests reach Europe and beyond - The Washington Post

Stock Futures, Bond Yields Drop on Fear of War in Ukraine - The Wall Street Journal

Soaring Inflation Means Britons Face Biggest Fall in Real Incomes in 30 Years - The Wall Street Journal

Wild Horses Are Removed From Government Land as Drought Shrinks Food Supply - The Wall Street Journal

Ukraine hints at concessions to Russia as Scholz heads to region, article with gallery - Reuters

Hong Kong "overwhelmed" as COVID infections hit record - Reuters

Iran foreign ministry spokesman says prisoner swap with U.S. on agenda, article with image - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Super Sunday

The day has finally arrived. It is Super Bowl Sunday and the stage is set for another day of partying and even the promise of some football thrown in between the commercials. 

Who to cheer for? The Rams, or the Bengals? 

The Bengals are the underdogs, currently by about 4 points. BUT, the Bengals hail from the AFC North Division--home to the Steelers and my favorite team the Ravens. Therefore, I will be cheering on the Bengals--a team which beat both the Ravens and Steelers in each of their meetings this year--home and away. 

I am truly hoping for good football to close out the season. The ending was very disappointing for the Ravens as Lamar was injured and the team lost its final six games to finish outside of the playoffs. 

The day will be filled with anticipation and maybe a bit too much food and drink. 

I know that here in Florida the police have promised extra patrols looking for impaired drivers starting about the time the game ends. They will be looking for party revelers who over indulged--and I don't think they will be helping them to get home.

Be save and don't over do it if you are planning on watching the game and partying. 

I am a terrible sports predictor--however, here it goes.

My prediction Bengals 31 - Rams 27.

May the best team win and the referees stay out of the headlines.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friends at the Door

 

Finnegan, Makayla, Riordin at the Door
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022

Chris and I enjoyed a quiet Happy Hour on the patio last evening. We talked and sipped wine, but at some point I looked over and noticed that we had excluded the rest of the family from our end of the day celebration. All three of our faithful family members were at the door looking at us as if to say, "Did you forget to invite us?"

Of course we had not forgotten them, we had intentionally excluded them. Sometimes it is nice to sit alone and talk without worrying about one of them wandering off and of course the dogs like to enjoy our Happy Hour munchies. 

We decided that we would end our alone time and go inside rather than. inviting the entire family outside. It was a beautiful evening, however. It was also the end of another great day which included a walk, bike ride, and brunch with friends. 

While our friends at the door were cute to look at, we did not make them wait long before we joined them inside for an evening together. It was a very different Friday evening and one of the few that we spent at home alone with just our family.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back to the Beach

Kitesurfing on the Atlantic
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 10, 2022

The weather turned warmer and Chris and I were able to return to the beach for Happy Hour yesterday. It was still a bit cool, as in the low 70s, but sitting on the beach watching the ocean and the activity was an enjoyable way to get out of the condo for a bit and enjoy life outdoors.

We have been watching way too much of the Olympics and shows on Netflix and it was nice to get back to the beach and then off to dinner with friends at a Greek fusion restaurant. Watching a kitesurfer on the ocean provided some entertainment as did the multiple probable spinner sharks which were jumping from time to time. 

We have become experts at packing what we need for the beach in about 15 minutes. The beach chairs permanently reside in the car and are ready for any spur-of-the-moment expedition to the beach. 

The morning activity included a dog walk and a bike ride. We are thoroughly enjoying the outdoors activity and seem to enjoy it more after a stormy day which keeps us inside. I have to admit, we have mostly lost pale look of snowbirds wintering from the north. 

I wonder what adventure will find its way to me today.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It was a Cool and Rainy Day

Egret on the Hedge
Tequesta, FL
February 9, 2022

After more than a week of blue skies and warm sun we suffered through a cool, overcast, and rainy day yesterday. It reminded me of the weather back in Maryland where it just would not end so that outdoors life could continue. It worked out, however, because I had scheduled Comcast to come and figure out what was wrong with the connection to one of my TVs and it also turned into a good time to go to Costco for supplies. So Chris and I turned a gloomy day into a productive one. 

Because of the rain we only walked a limited distance, until Finnegan did his business and I did not ride my bike and as the gloomy day became a day-off from exercise. 

But what did I learn?

Well, first off I learned that newer TVs with real HD require more bandwidth than older less capable ones. All that was wrong with my cable connection was the actual cable jumper. The tech replaced the jumper and everything worked. He wondered why Comcast even gives the jumper that I had out because it is so bad. Oh well, no wonder all of my troubleshooting was for naught.

I also learned that the cable outlet in one of the bedrooms that has a transformer attached to it is running a splitter somewhere in the house and to add a television I need a power pass through splitter--who knew? Well, I do now and at least I asked the question before I  bought the wrong connector.

And then there was the afternoon trip to Costco. Note to self--Wednesday afternoon is not a good day to attempt Costco! The place was packed. Chris and I made a successful run, but it really was difficult to check-out. It is amazing how differently Costco lays out their stores. 

To make it all better, however, an egret was standing on our bushes when we returned form shopping. I guess hunting was not good in the normal areas and it decided that since we could not go to the beach, it would bring the beach to us. 

BTW, Happy Friday-eve!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Price Gouging

It is a jungle our in marketplace America right now. 

For those who haven't yet figured it out, the COVID-19 pandemic is raging and it is affecting everything--and I mean everything. 

2022 Hyundai Tuscon

One article in this mornings Wall Street Journal really brought that home. The article was about GM and FORD warning dealers to stop overcharging for vehicles. The article confirmed that there are people, even in a pandemic when everyone is suffering, who want to take an unreasonable advantage and try to make a profit. 

I believe the problem is more widespread than the auto industry. It is possible that the inflation problem we are seeing across the board in all areas of consumer products from food, to durable goods, to automobiles. Unscrupulous businesses are preying on consumers in the middle of a pandemic where everyone is hurting in one way or another. 

I am being very wary of purchasing big items right now in the hopes that as we either defeat COVID or learn to live with it, life and pricing will return to normal and the price gouging will cease.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Biking in February

Saturday's Bike Trip
Tequesta, Jupiter, FL
February 4, 2022

I bought a bike last week. It is a Cannondale Quick CX4. This is the first time that I have actually owned a bicycle since I was in college. I did have the use of a bike a few years ago, but it was not mine. One of the things that I was determined to do upon moving to Florida was begin cycling regularly. I like cycling a lot more than walking, but even so Chris and I continue walking about 1.5 miles every day with Finnegan.

Since owing the bike, now exactly one week, I have cycled on six occasions and have logged a few miles while increasing my fitness level. I started slowly and am increasing the distance biked each day--well, with the exception of Saturday when I went out on a 16 mile, over 1-hour tour with a friend. I had a lot of fun and fortunately, I had been riding every day prior and I remember to wear my padded bike shorts.

I do like that my watch records the route traveled on my phone so that I can review it and possibly use portions of it in other adventures. In fact, I have been using some of this trip to ride with Chris as she, likewise, increases her distance and biking fitness. I was surprised when I returned home that I had actually ridden over 16 miles. Although I was tired, I has stayed hydrated and I did not feel as exhausted as I felt that I should. The only thing I forgot was to apply sunscreen and my arms got a bit, very lightly, burned. Well, at least that is helping me to lose the Northern paleness. 

Who would have thought that biking in February could be so enjoyable?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - February 7, 2022

 

1. Greetings. It is the first Monday of February! There are 3 Mondays remaining in the month and 46 remaining in the year. 

Finnegan Protesting
Tequesta, FL
February 4, 2022

Riordin in a Box
Tequesta, FL
February 4, 2022

2. How do we keep our cat, Riordin, happy? We put a box on the floor and he makes it his own personal space. He has been using the box now for three days. I would like to recycle it, but I believe it has been somewhat permanently repurposed. He is laying in the box as I write this morning.

3. Chris and I took Finnegan for a morning walk the other day. Since we were going biking we decided to stop short and return home. Finnegan had other ideas. He protested the truncated walk by doing the downward dog and stopping. He would not be moved--well, he only weighs six pounds and so he was moved and like a petulant puppy did return home with us in the end. But it was a funny moment where it was clear that Finnegan realized his morning walk was being shortened.

4. The Olympics are a bit of a disappointment. The U.S. is without a gold medal so far and has garnered only three silver medals. The Russian Olympic Committee has six total medals--twice the U.S. count. Don't get me wrong, I am happy that the U.S. team has won medals, but I think everyone expected more.

5. I am continually amazed at the impatience of drivers in South Florida. I do not understand why some people think it is OK to travel excessively fast on residential streets. Here in our small community we have had to erect a speed limit sign to slow drivers down. It is for 12 MPH. Hoping to see results soon.

6. Today in History. On February 7, 1964, Pan Am Yankee Clipper flight 101 from London Heathrow lands at New York’s Kennedy Airport—and “Beatlemania” arrives. It was the first visit to the United States by the Beatles, a British rock-and-roll quartet that had just scored its first No. 1 U.S. hit six days before with “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” At Kennedy, the “Fab Four”—dressed in mod suits and sporting their trademark pudding bowl haircuts—were greeted by 3,000 screaming fans who caused a near riot when the boys stepped off their plane and onto American soil.

Two days later, Paul McCartney, age 21, Ringo Starr, 23, John Lennon, 23, and George Harrison, 20, made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, a popular television variety show. Although it was difficult to hear the performance over the screams of teenage girls in the studio audience, an estimated 73 million U.S. television viewers, or about 40 percent of the U.S. population, tuned in to watch. Sullivan immediately booked the Beatles for two more appearances that month. The group made their first public concert appearance in the United States on February 11 at the Coliseum in Washington, D.C., and 20,000 fans attended. The next day, they gave two back-to-back performances at New York’s Carnegie Hall, and police were forced to close off the streets around the venerable music hall because of fan hysteria. On February 22, the Beatles returned to England.

Frontier Group, Spirit Airlines Merge in $6.6 Billion Deal - The Wall Street Journal

Climate-Change Concerns Revive Interest in Carbon Capture Despite Checkered History - The Wall Street Journal

Tens of Thousands Still in Dark in Tennessee After Winter Storm - The Wall Street Journal

National Archives had to retrieve White House records from Mar-a-Lago - The Washington Post

In Ukraine’s capital, residents grapple with the threat of war - The Washington Post

Covid isn’t gone. Americans are moving on anyway. - The Washington Post

CDC study shows N95, KN95 masks give best protection against covid - The Washington Post

Exclusive: U.S. calls for 'concrete action' from China on trade deal, article with gallery - Reuters

China locks down city on Vietnam border as COVID cases rise - Reuters

After two years of closed borders, Australia welcomes the world back - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL