Sun Kissed Clouds

Silver-lined Clouds and Palm
Tequesta, FL
March 2, 2022

 Morning and evening clouds often reveal their silver lining when the sun hits them just right. 

That was the case yesterday morning looking out towards the east. I saw the silver lining of the clouds illuminated before my eyes. And of course, there was a palm tree perfectly positioned. 

It was a beautiful scene to start the day. And funny, not too much later the clouds took over and we even got some rain. 

I was glad that I had picked yesterday to have my bike serviced since I could not ride due to the wind and weather.

But the clouds in the morning against there bright sky were a great way to start the day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

There are Still Heroes

 

Most all Americans have been watching carefully the unwarranted Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

I found this quote in the Atlantic Daily email:

Meanwhile, Ukrainians on the ground, including President Volodymyr Zelensky and the everyday citizens taking up arms against the Russian military, have reminded the world what heroism looks like.

Heroism--the world needs heroes right now and we have found them in the Ukrainian people. 

The brave Ukrainians are doing what I imagine many Americans would do if out country were invaded. They are standing in the front lines with the weapons they have. I saw a news report and there was a Ukrainian standing on guard with his double barrel shotgun!

This morning, CNN reported this by the youngest member of the Ukrainian Parliament:

Ukraine's youngest MP: 'If we can survive Stalin, we can survive Putin'

I understand the difficult situation that the United States is in by not wanting to escalate the conflict outside of the borders of Ukraine, but I can only imagine what a few A-10 Warthogs could do to the 40 mile long Russian convoy headed towards Kyiv.

Perhaps Russia should be removed from the UN Security Council. I don't even know if that is possible. 

I can only hope that the mostly-unified world sanctions against Putin have a measurable impact soon. I believe using all of the instruments of national power (DIME) against Russia will work--but, will it be too late to save the brave heroes of Ukraine?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Losing Skills

Happy March 1st! I remember an old adage for March: "In like a lion and out like a lamb." 

With the arrival of March, I have been retired for two months and I have to admit that it seems longer with everything happening around the world. 

My handwriting has never been good. In fact, years ago I gave up writing cursive and turned to block printing. Yesterday, I actually needed to write some information down on paper and it became an interesting event. 

First, my pen would not write. I have used a fountain pen for many years because I like the density of the ink on the paper and because I believe they are more ecologically sound than throw-away pens. Apparently the ink dried in the nib, due to lack of use, and I had to clean everything out to get the pen functioning. This likely happened because I have not written anything in almost two months. 

Next, my hand did not seem to be able to write the letters and numbers smoothly and easily. Have I lost the skill of writing? Most likely yes. I could read what I wrote but it seemed like a chore rather than something that I used to enjoy doing. I guess I have been writing too much on my laptop and not enough on paper. 

I do not think that I will often exercise my writing skills, or lack thereof, in the near future, but I need to take better care of my writing instrument so that it is prepared for infrequent use. I have placed my pen in a container with the nib up so that the ink drains out rather than drying and gumming it up. Time will tell if this is a good solution.

And that is how the first day of the third month of both the year and my retirement begins.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

 

Monday Musings - February 28, 2022

 

1. The last Monday of February has arrived. There are 43 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. We live in scary times. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is bringing up a lot of old Cold War fears, especially Russia's nuclear forces alert decision. From the looks of the current situation, Putin did not expect the Ukrainian people to so stoutly defend their homeland. Apparently he thought it would be more like the Syrian operation where the general populace just flees and it is a military force on military force operation. 

3. As a tag along, the news reported that North Korea fired another missile the other morning. 

4. Apparently greed has destroyed the start of the MLB season. Well, the two sides have until today's end to come to an agreement--but it is not looking good for baseball to begin on time. I found it interesting that the article referenced below is from Jupiter, Florida, but the image attached to it is of Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida, where the Baltimore Orioles conduct Spring Training games. Go O's--well, maybe.

The Mess Hanging a TV
Tequesta, FL
February 27, 2022

5. I am working to hang a television on a wall in one of the bedrooms. What a catastrophe. The condo has metal studs which means that just screwing a lag bolt into the the wall is not enough. Ask me, I tried and the TV, which is a heavier 2007 model started pulling the bolt out of the wall and nearly fell. I then did some research and learned about elephant anchors. They work really well. It only took three trips to Ace Hardware and Home Depot to secure everything that I need. Now I am trying to run cable and get the thing working. I did confirm the TV works, but I need to call the cable provider to get the box activated. I think we may just going to hook up a Roku and call it a day. Notice, I put a towel on the bed to protect the comforter! My next task? Taxes!

6. I had the opportunity to drive across Florida from the East to the West Coast for the annual Spring Training golf and baseball trip. Well, as we know, there was no baseball. I was amazed at Florida's flatness and diversity. It has a real beauty. The only problem is that the road I drove for most of the three-and-a-half hour trip is a two lane highway and slow vehicles become effective blockers.

7. I have owned my bicycle for exactly a month tomorrow. Amazingly as I tallied up the miles I discovered that I have ridden 142.3 miles and with today's planned at least 8 mile excursion I will log 150 miles in one month. Wow! During that time I have experienced two flat tires and only one near death experience which left a bald spot on my tire from maximum braking. I have also had not-so-pleasant exchanges with three people: two pedestrians and one driver. I have also crossed one drawbridge, both ways. Not bad for the first month. 

8. Today in History. On February 28, 1953, Cambridge University scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announce that they have determined the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule containing human genes. The molecular biologists were aided significantly by the work of another DNA researcher, Rosalind Franklin, although she is not included in the announcement, nor did she share the subsequent Nobel Prize award for it.

Though DNA—short for deoxyribonucleic acid—was discovered in 1869, its crucial role in determining genetic inheritance wasn’t demonstrated until 1943. In the early 1950s, Watson and Crick were only two of many scientists working on figuring out the structure of DNA. California chemist Linus Pauling suggested an incorrect model at the beginning of 1953, prompting Watson and Crick to try and beat Pauling at his own game.  

North Korea fires 'possible ballistic missile,' Japan says - CNN

AP NewsMLB: It's deadline day to save opening day, 162-game season - AP News

Russian forces facing fierce resistance; talks begin on Belarus border - The Washington Post

Putin puts nuclear forces on alert as Ukrainian civilian deaths mount - The Washington Post

Humanity has a ‘rapidly closing window’ to avoid a deadly future, U.N. climate report says - The Washington Post

Wall Street set to slide as Russia sanctions hit world markets - Reuters

N.Korea says it conducted test for developing reconnaissance satellite, article with video - Reuters

U.S. Shale Producers Sing the Same Tune 3 min read - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Course Birds

Sandhill Crane
Bent Tree Golf Course, Sarasota, FL
February 25, 2022

Florida's golf course fauna is significantly different from the northeast. In addition to the occasional alligator lurking in the water hazards or crossing the fairway, there are birds. In the northeast the largest birds that must be contended with are usually Canadian Geese. Anyone who has had the opportunity to interact with a Canadian Goose knows that they can be very aggressive--sometimes it is best to let them just have the golf ball. In Florida, we often see Sandhill Cranes which are both larger and louder, but more sedate.

Sandhill Cranes
Rosedale Golf & Country Club
Bradenton, FL
February 24, 2022

Sandhill Cranes are large birds that are definitely not afraid of golfers and they are considered a threatened species by the State of Florida. They sometimes block shots and often get between the golfer and the ball. I have not noticed them to be as aggressive as geese, but they are big enough to definitely defend themselves. 

Sandhill Cranes are loud. They do not honk like geese, but that make a sound that reminds me of what a pterodactyl might sound like had I been around during the Jurassic Period to hear them. Fortunately, I was not as I am sure that I would have quickly become a morsel for either a pterodactyl or dinosaur. 

And all of this from a golf course? Who says golf is not an imaginative game. I have linked 21st Century golf to the Jurassic period in just a few paragraphs.  

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Spring Training Trip

Looking Down at the 16th Green
Bent Tree Country Club, Sarasota, FL
February 25, 2022

 As most know, nearly every year for at least the past ten years I have made a trip to Sarasota, Florida, home of the Baltimore Orioles Spring Training, to play golf, watch baseball and enjoy some evening activities. This year, obviously, due to greed, the Spring Training Baseball part of the trip did not happen--but the golf and evening activities did. 

I drove across Florida to Sarasota on Thursday morning to play golf and have some fun with some refugees from Maryland. Funny, it took me longer to drive across Florida form Jupiter to Sarasota than it did for them to fly from Baltimore to Sarasota. 

I was able to play two rounds of awful golf--but I loved it. I had forgotten how tough the second day in a row playing 18 holes on a long course can be. But, I had fun!! And I had even more fun because I was playing with Jeremy both days. 

It was sad that there was no baseball to watch, but playing golf still makes the trip worthwhile. I did not stay for the entire four days due to requirements back in Tequesta--but I enjoyed my two days and one night.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Got them Both

The ending to my bike ride yesterday pointed out how different riding in Florida can be from riding in the North.

It was a great ride with Chris. We talked much of the way and enjoyed being out in the mid-morning sunshine and breezes. It was the end of the ride, however, which taught me a valuable lesson. 

As we ended the ride at our condo entrance, workers were trimming the palms. I did not think much of it and rode my bike through a small collection of debris. A terrible mistake. It turns out that the small thorns on some of the palms can penetrate bike tires.

Both my front and back tire were flattened, although only the front was obvious when I went out to buy tubes.

I bought two tubes, just in case and when I returned home the back tire was flat. 

I managed to get them both.

Two for two!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Golf, Finally

 

Chris Waiting at the 3rd Tee
Jupiter Dunes Golf Course, Jupiter, FL
February 22, 2022

It has been exactly a month since Chris and I made our escape back to Florida. It is hard to believe, but it was Sunday, January 23rd when we motored out of Elkridge along I-95 headed for our current location in Tequesta. 

Wow--believe it or not, it seems like a lot longer ago. It has been a busy month of activity. I have not yet been retired two months and I feel as if I cannot fit another activity into our daily schedule.

Yesterday, for instance, I determined that Chris and I needed to get out onto a golf course. We had not made it out for a round since arriving. There have been a few weather issues, but mostly it has been hard to find the time. Yesterday, I took a different approach--I traded our daily bike ride for golf!

We went to a small local Par 3 golf course to shake the cobwebs off our game. Don't misunderstand--this course is tough and really works the short game strategy. The greens are small and most are elevated so that you have to be precise. Even when putting--too strong a putt and you are off the green due to the rolling nature of the landscape. Since I had not swung a club since October 22nd--the day of my retirement golf tournament, it was a way to get back into the "swing."

View of the 5th Hole from the Tee
Jupiter Dunes Golf Club, Jupiter, FL
February 22, 2022

I sucked. I could hit left or right of my target but not where I was aiming. Once, though, I terribly miss-hit the ball, but it went straight at the pin and hit the flag, instead of flying over the green, dropping about 6 feet from the hole resulting in a good putt and an undeserved par. 

Golf is one of those games. Celebrate the good shots and forget the bad. Don't focus on the last shot--work on the current shot.

The weather yesterday was perfect. Broken skies and 80 degrees. That is what Florida is all about--year round golf.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Pelicans Gathering for Dinner

Pelicans Gathered for Food
Jupiter, FL
February 21, 2022

Pelicans are fun to watch. Chris and I love to watch them fly along the beach either above us or skimming the waves in search of their next meal. We often see them diving into the surf to consume some unsuspecting fish.

Our favorite phrase when a squadron of pelicans fly overhead is "Pelicans on patrol" because they fly in formation.

Last evening as Chris and I enjoyed Happy Hour, also known as Must Drink Monday, at one of our favorite local establishments along the banks of the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, we saw a gathering--a very large gathering of pelicans waiting for dinner near a dock where the day's catch was being cleaned. 

Look closely at the image and the piece of fish that the pelicans are vying to consume is visible just below midway between the back of the watercraft and the upraised pelican beaks. 

The pelicans were entertaining and I was enjoying a heaping pile of nachos at the time so I was eating along with the pelicans--although not, obviously, the same dish. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - February 21, 2022

1. Welcome to the third Monday of February 2022. I don't think I am still fully into the 2022 thing and keep trying at odd times to write 2021. I guess I just cannot get over the mess that was 2021. There are 44 Mondays remaining 2022.

2. Crazy busy/enjoyable weekend. We took advantage of the superior weather and went to ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival--a huge art festival on Saturday and then went to the Jupiter Seafood Festival yesterday. Awesomeness. Both events were extremely managed in terms of parking, exhibitors, and admissions. 

3. Happy Presidents' Day. If you want to have a little mind-bending activity, read the article I highlighted below about Washington having two birthdays. 

4. The Olympics are over. I enjoy the competition and highlighting of sports events that I do not normally view, like curling. Sadly, the US Team which won gold in the previous Winter Games finished 4th this year. Check out the article referenced below about what the extreme cold can do to cross-country skiers. Whoa!

5. Enjoy the Federal Holiday. From what I've been reading, it was a busy weekend on the world stage. 

6. Well, it happened. Major League Baseball officially delayed the start of Spring Training. Opening Day for the regular season is in jeopardy. Greed is a terrible thing.

7. This just in---The Queen of England has COVID. See the article referenced below.

8. Today in History. February 21, 1965: In New York City, Malcolm X, an African American nationalist and religious leader, is assassinated while addressing his Organization of Afro-American Unity at the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights. He was 39. Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1925, Malcolm was the son of James Earl Little, a Baptist preacher who advocated the Black nationalist ideals of Marcus Garvey. Threats from the Ku Klux Klan forced the family to move to Lansing, Michigan, where his father continued to preach his controversial sermons despite continuing threats. In 1931, Malcolm’s father was murdered by the white supremacist Black Legion, and Michigan authorities refused to prosecute those responsible. In 1937, Malcolm was taken from his family by welfare caseworkers. By the time he reached high school age, he had dropped out of school and moved to Boston, where he became increasingly involved in criminal activities. (Click on the link to read the remainder of the article)

Watch: Russia Test-Launches Ballistic and Cruise Missiles - The Wall Street Journal

Biden Agrees to Meet Putin Provided Russia Pulls Back - The Wall Street Journal

Frackers Push Into Once-Dead Shale Patches as Oil Nears $100 a Barrel - The Wall Street Journal

EV Batteries Hinder Efforts to Fight Fire on Ship - The Wall Street Journal

The hate-crimes trial of Ahmaud Arbery’s killers highlights everyday racism — and casual gun culture in Georgia community - The Washington Post

Nearly half of Washingtonians don’t like Commanders name, Post poll finds - The Washington Post

Why George Washington has two birthdays — and neither falls on Presidents’ Day - The Washington Post

Kremlin says no concrete plans for summit with Biden over Ukraine, article with video - Reuters

Cross-country skiing-Finn Remi suffers frozen penis in mass start race, article with image - Reuters

'God Save The Queen': messages pour in after Elizabeth catches COVID, article with gallery - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL