Turtle Fest 2022

Turtle Fest 2022
Juno Beach, FL
April 2, 2022

The opportunities to get out and enjoy some sun and good weather as well as fun activities abound during this time in South Florida. 

Yesterday it was Turtle Fest! A great way to begin the month and stay in tune with nature. One of fun facts that I came away with is that there have already been 52 loggerhead turtle nests identified along the local coastline. Leatherbacks lead in nesting as neither the loggerheads or green turtles have nested yet--but they are coming during the next weeks. 

Florida works to provide a good environment for sea turtles to nest. There are announcements about sea turtle nesting season and Florida State Parks provide additional information. In the past, I have been fortunate to watch sea turtles laying eggs and also witnessed nests erupting with small sea turtles racing for the sea. It is truly magnificent to watch, but not interfere with these events.

We need to think about the consequences of the products we use and there impact they may have on marine life. The use of plastic bags and plastic straws must be minimized and replaced with products made out of materials that decompose--such as paper and bamboo.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Biking and Enjoying

 Tequesta Bike Route
Tequesta, FL
April 1, 2022

I am amazed at how I have enjoyed biking since I bought my bike now exactly two months ago. I admit, as I began it was hard to regain my balance and feel fully comfortable riding. Looking back on where I was two months ago, I was wobbly on turns and definitely uncomfortable riding sidewalks on bridges with rails on both sides. I no longer fear tight spots and narrow sidewalks.

Yesterday Chris and I added a new roadway to our basic Tequesta route. It allows us to bike longer along the Loxahatchee River and enjoy the homes there. It only adds about a half mile to our overall trip, but it is a nice change from the usual. I am working on a longer loop since 9 miles is quickly becoming the easy and short ride.

The weather will turn wet this afternoon and it is unclear whether I will get to ride today. 

But it is the weekend and there are a lot of things to do. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Welcome April 2022

 Yup, it is April. The year is 25 percent complete! That is a scary thought. 

It is also Friday and that means the weekend is upon us. I still, even though I've been retired for three months now, find excitement in Fridays. 

But for now, it is Springtime and flowers are blooming, even here in Florida. Yesterday Chris and I made a trip on the Turnpike to Ikea, it is over an hour away, to get a nightstand that was sold out by the time we got there and we noticed the Springtime flowers along the roadway. They were beautiful and reminded us that soon we will be actually experiencing Spring back in Maryland. 

We have been enjoying the great weather, but more wind and some rain are in the forecast for the day. The wind was too strong yesterday and I decided not to ride my bike. I only needed a 9 mile ride to complete 200 miles for the month--but as it is I completed just over 191 miles for March. Hopefully, I can get out today before the rain.

Well, April showers . . . 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

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