Near Flat Water

 

Flat Water at Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
March 29, 2022

On the final day of the Happy Hour group's Florida escape we were greeted at the beach by near flat water. It is something that has been very rare of late.

While huge waves crashing onto the beach is impressive, I do enjoy it when I walk onto the beach and there are almost no waves because that means that it is a day for playing in the water. And I did. The water temperature was 77 degrees and the air was about 80 degrees. A perfect day for playing in the sand and surf.

It was also a sad day as two members of our group returned to Maryland. The day culminated a great week of fun and activity as well as some rest and an escape from the cold weather. 

Well, at least I remain in Florida! Although my return to Maryland for the remainder of the Spring and early Summer is growing closer. 

For now, the memory of flat water and a great day with friends will remain.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Uneasy Truce

 

Finnegan and Marley at the Table
Tequesta, FL
March 29, 2022

An amazing thing happened last evening.

We were at a friend's house for Happy Hour and dinner. They like it when we bring Finnegan along for the evening and so he has spent many evenings at their house. 

They have a cat named Marley. Marley and Finnegan have developed an uneasy truce. Finnegan avoids Marley and Marley hisses at Finnegan. Finnegan would like to play with Marley, but Marley does not particularly appreciate Finnegan invading her domain.

Last evening they both jumped into empty chairs at the table hoping to gain access to the happy hour apps and then they saw each other. It was a difficult moment for both of them. They each wanted to flee, but they also wanted to be at the table. Finnegan looked away and Marley hissed. But they remained in the chairs. 

It was a funny moment, worth remembering.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

From Flowers to Ocean

Happy Hour Group
Flamingo Gardens, Ft Lauderdale, FL
March 26, 2022

The escapades of the Happy Hour group's Florida escape continue. It was a near perfect weekend which included Flamingo Gardens, beach time, and great dinners. 

My return to Flamingo Gardens with the group made for a great Saturday activity. While it is my third trip to the Gardens in three months, I enjoy every visit as much as the first--and I always learn something new. One of the highlights of this visit was seeing the Florida Panther, we actually saw it this time rather than trying to imagine we saw it, attack and play with an unlucky iguana in its enclosure. I also continue to learn more and more about the diverse plants and trees that are housed at the gardens. Of course the peafowl were one of the highlights as it is mating season and the peacocks are on full display.

Sunday was fabulous as we went to the beach. 

Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge
Hobe Sound, FL
March 27, 2022

We had the beach pretty much to ourselves. It was very windy, but we found refuge in the dunes and enjoyed a few hours in the sun and water. The ocean was rough, but the colors were stunning. The group is having a great time and enjoyed another outstanding dinner at a local restaurant last evening after touring Stuart, FL, and enjoying lunch at the Stuart Boathouse along the banks of the St. Lucie River. For the afternoon it was a quick trip to the beach to enjoy the sounds of the ocean crashing in the afternoon. 

It has been a great visit, but sadly, we say good-bye to two members of the group this afternoon. But, who know what excitement the day will bring.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - March 28, 2022

 1. Welcome to the last Monday of March. The year has 39 Mondays remaining. Federal income tax deadline is next month.

2. Taxes! Don't forget to do your taxes!

Orchid at Flamingo Gardens
Ft Lauderdale, FL
March 26, 2022

3. On a return trip to Flamingo Gardens, the Happy Hour group was able to enjoy an extensive Orchid display. Fun fact that we learned: Orchids comprise about 10 percent of all plant species on the planet. Also, orchids are the world's largest plant family. We also spied many other flowers, trees, plants, and animals. It was another great day and even though it was my third trip to the "gardens," I found many new things to enjoy.

4. I guess I am a foreign relations neophyte because I applaud the President for stating the obvious during his speech Saturday in Poland: “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power.” Those words do not suggest that the U.S. is supporting or actively planning regime change in Russia, but I question the motives of anyone who disagrees with the President's sentiment. I reference an article in my Headlines section which explores the impact of those words, but in my mind they are not too far removed from President Reagan's proclamation: "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall." Those words foretold the end of the Soviet Union and the President's words on Saturday are looking for the end of tyranny and an inhumane war against the peace-loving people of Ukraine. 

5. Apparently a second coronavirus booster will be authorized for those of us over 50 years of age! I will be one of the first in that line. I have been enjoying the relative freedom from masks and COVID-19 fear these past months here in Florida.

6. Today's weather:

    Tequesta, FL - High 80, Low 56

    Hilton Head Island, SC - High 73, Low 51

    Elkridge, MD -  High 37, Low 20

    Ithaca, NY - High 20, Low 15

7. Today in History. At 4 a.m. on March 28, 1979, the worst accident in the history of the U.S. nuclear power industry begins when a pressure valve in the Unit-2 reactor at Three Mile Island fails to close. Cooling water, contaminated with radiation, drained from the open valve into adjoining buildings, and the core began to dangerously overheat.

The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant was built in 1974 on a sandbar on Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River, just 10 miles downstream from the state capitol in Harrisburg. In 1978, a second state-of-the-art reactor began operating on Three Mile Island, which was lauded for generating affordable and reliable energy in a time of energy crises.

Ukraine Seeks to Exploit Shift in Russia’s Military Strategy - The Wall Street Journal

Biden’s Remark on Putin Stirs Anxiety Among Western Allies - The Wall Street Journal

How Russia’s Central Bank Engineered the Ruble’s Rebound - The Wall Street Journal

Russian troops’ tendency to talk on unsecured lines is proving costly in Ukraine - The Washington Post

The factors that could alter Putin’s course in the war - The Washington Post

FDA expected to authorize second coronavirus booster for those 50 and older - The Washington Post

Ukraine insists on territorial integrity as talks to resume - Reuters

China's Shanghai launches two-phase lockdown as COVID surges - Reuters

North Macedonia declares five Russian diplomats personas non grata - Reuters

Analysts investigate possibility of North Korea missile test 'deception' - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Serving at the Pleasure of the President

I read an article yesterday about two Trump appointees who do not understand how government works. Mehmet Oz and Herschel Walker were appointed to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. This week, President Biden asked them to resign because they are candidates for federal office in their home states. 

The referenced article is from CNN. 

Biden requests Mehmet Oz and Herschel Walker resign from presidential council or be terminated

Both refused the President's request.

Wow. Clearly both men do not understand that Presidential appointees serve at the pleasure of the President! They are not elected officials. According to the article, President Biden has a stated policy that individuals running for federal office cannot serve on Presidential committees and councils. 

Both Oz and Walker made statements which misconstrued the truth suggesting that political motives were at work. What is scary is that both are candidates for the Senate and do not understand the basics of being an unelected person on a Presidential commission or council. Just what we need, more senators who do not understand how government works and who are intent on pushing their own narrow definition of what America should be.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Return to the Ball Park

 

Roger Dean Stadium
Nationals vs Cardinals
Jupiter, FL
March 25, 2022

I took the opportunity to celebrate the end of the MLB Lock-out by attending a Spring Training game yesterday. It was a beautiful day for baseball and I went to Roger Dean Stadium right here in Jupiter, Florida. Well, the stadium is really in Abacoa with a Jupiter mailing address. 

Although the thermometer said 73 degrees, sitting in the sun it felt more like 80. It was, therefore, a beautiful baseball day. The interesting thing about the game was that both teams were dressed in red jerseys and that made it a bit difficult to track who was on base and where they were. The players were a sea of red everywhere. The difference was the pants: white for the Cardinals or gray for the Nationals.

The game was close--5-4 with the Cardinals winning, but the real winner was me. I attended the game with three friends and we enjoyed a baseball game in warm temperatures. The stadium was not full and amazingly, the parking was free in a downtown Abacoa parking garage. The parking was even better because the car was out of the sun and not roaring hot when I returned after the game. 

Baseball and sun. Wow!

Another great Florida day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Hour Group Re-joins

Happy Hour Group on the Beach
Intracoastal Waterway, Jupiter Island, FL
March 24, 2022

Yesterday, for the first time in months, our entire seven person Happy Hour group of friends assembled. The Maryland members have escaped the cold early-Spring weather and joined the Florida detachment for a few days of fun in the warm sun. And rain! 

Gathering along the banks of the Intracoastal waterway yesterday, because the wind was too strong coming off the ocean, we enjoyed warm 80 degree temperatures and light breezes, being protected in the mangroves. While we were there the weather cooperated. But, a short half-hour after we departed a strong rainstorm engulfed the area. We were happy to be back at home and out of the rain! That, after all, is Florida. It rains. And the sun comes out. Then, it rains some more.

The water temperature was enjoyable and I even went out and fully immersed myself. It was fun to be in the water. Truth be told, earlier in the month I went out into the waters of the Atlantic on a calm day. 

Nine-armed Sea Star
Intracoastal Waterway, Jupiter Island, FL
March 24, 2022

Yesterday was also the first time in a long that we found life in the waters of the intracoastal. A nine-armed sea star happened through while we were wading knee-deep in the water. We paused for a moment and examined the lonely sea star marveling at its nine arms. They really move fairly quickly and it was gone out of view shortly after being replaced on the silty bottom. 

The the day concluded with a splendid dinner and sharing a special wine, from a jeroboam, that was being saved for a just an occasion like we were enjoying.  

March is truly a great month to enjoy Florida.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Waiting

Scene from the US 1 Drawbridge
Jupiter, FL
March 22, 2022

 One of the things that I have had to get used, living in a coastal community, is drawbridges! They seem to raise at the most inopportune times. 

I got caught at one the other day. The warning lights came on and the gates lowered before I could begin to cross. I, as a result, had the opportunity to enjoy the scene from my truck as the boat requiring the drawbridge opening, which is the one in the river in the image, went from full stop to slow and then through the opening. 

It seemed as if it took an eternity for the drawbridge to finally close and the road reopen.

Unexpected waiting feels like an eternity. Yet the other day while in line to check out of a store, a woman in front of me who had a lot of merchandise told me that if I was in a hurry I could go in front of her. I replied without thinking, "no it's OK, I'm retired and I have no place I need to be." 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Hump Day Again

Jupiter Lighthouse from Square Grouper
Jupiter, FL
March 21, 2022

I realized that it is Hump Day! Some of the day designations that I used to employ have become lost as every day is becoming like the day before. I am having the time of my life enjoying the new schedule and not being tied to a job. 

I am free! I worked over 40 years to get to this point and I want to tell everyone that so far, retirement is everything I dreamed it would be. 

Monday is a designated go out for Happy Hour evening. Our favorite watering hole is the Square Grouper across the Loxahatchee River from the famous Jupiter Lighthouse. We enjoyed another spectacular evening on Monday.

And now its is already mid-week and Hump Day. My how time flies!

Enjoy the day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Image of the Week

 

Sawfish Bay Park Dock
Jupiter, FL
March 20, 2022
(Image by Chris)

Chris and I take a lot of images during the course of a week. Most remain on our phones or computers and are rarely viewed again. Fortunately, with automatic tagging we know where and when the image was taken, but when I review through old images sometimes the reason the image was collected becomes forgotten. 

We are always searching for the best image of something, which is why I may take another image every time I visit--like of the ocean. It is different every day and I appreciate that difference. 

Chris took this image on Sunday, while we were at Sawfish Bay Park, of the dock--but it is so much more. It captures the mood, the day, the waters of the Loxahatchee River and the sky. I like the way the dock brings the viewer into the picture. 

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon complete with memories of pelicans, a turtle, herons, and boating activity in the river. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL