Florida Redefines Free

 

I suppose the dirty little secret will get lost under the campaigning, but despite the title of Governor Ron DeSantis' new book, Florida is not free for everyone.

The real courage in Florida is to disagree with the narrow vision of the governor and the republicans controlling the legislature. Disagreement will be immediately dealt with and stamped out. 

People have been fired from their positions, laws have been passed disenfranchising categories and classes of people, for instance LGBTQ+, and under the guise of giving parents freedom to control the subjects taught in schools, the modern equivalent of book burnings have been conducted. 

Look at what happened to the Disney Corp for voicing disagreement:

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that takes control of a special tax district surrounding Walt Disney World. State Republicans last year targeted Disney after it publicly clashed with DeSantis over a law that restricts classroom instruction of gender and sexual orientation.

Florida is anti-Woke, anti-LGBTQ+, and anti anything that does not conform to the narrow vision of the governor. The governor is passing laws to limit the discussion of diversity issues in state colleges. Is this all part of a plan to homogenize the state?

And about the claim that Florida did so well during the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida is the third leading state for COVID-19 related deaths based upon data from USA Facts. The touted economic success was achieved at the expense of people's lives. 

True freedom is inclusive of all peoples and beliefs while allowing the discussion and investigation and acceptance of dissenting opinions. DeSantis runs Florida like he is the commander of a naval vessel--it is his way or the highway. That is not what this country needs as a president. 

Florida has redefined free. Floridians instead of being free to choose are becoming free FROM choice. Florida apparently has become subservient to the demands of narrow-minded religious fanatics who believe they have the right to impose their vision of society onto everyone else. That is not what the Constitution says.

That is not the definition of freedom.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Good-bye February

Celebrating the Final Day of February
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 28, 2023

 With 80's, crystal blue skies, and some great beach time we said good-bye to February and overnight ushered in March 2023.

Wow. The year truly is careening along. 

What do we have to look forward to in March?

Well, we go back onto Daylight Saving Time on March 12th. This was supposed to be the last clock adjustment for the United States, but the House could not get this simple bill passed which had been approved by the Senate before the term ended in December and so on the first Sunday in November we will again adjust our clocks by falling backwards.

Beautiful Atlantic Ocean Waves
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 28, 2023

Of course five days later comes St Patrick's Day which is always a good excuse for a celebration.

And then there is the first day of Spring, on March 20th.

We must not forget that today is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day. I know what I'm having for lunch! 

There is so much to do and it seems so little time to get everything done. But, taking it one day at a time is the best approach. 

Welcome to the new month.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Flowers and Birds

Orchid
Flamingo Gardens, Davie, FL
February 27, 2023

 Yesterday we made another trip to Flamingo Gardens. 

It was just as much fun as our first trip. There is something exciting every time we visit. I just enjoy the combination of birds, animals, and botanic gardens. 

The orchids are coming into bloom around the gardens and they add a touch of color to the developing springtime. Photographing the orchids allows me to play with the settings on my iPhone camera to add a touch of artistry to the images. Orchids are good for that because unlike animals, they do not move. 

Anhinga
Flamingo Gardens, Davie, FL
February 27, 2023

Of course, walking through the aviary the are many birds that do not move a lot. For instance, this anhinga provided me with a show yesterday as it was spreading its wings and collecting sunlight and warmth. What was exciting, for me, was that the anhinga was within 3 feet of me and seemingly unconcerned about my presence. Some of the other birds, especially pelicans, are not so comfortable or rather they have a larger interpersonal zone.

Even though it the drive to the Gardens is a bit over an hour, I find the trip more than worth the investment. Getting out with the animals and the plants is exciting and there is still so much of the botanical gardens that we need to explore.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - February 27, 2023

 

1. And it has arrived; the long awaited last Monday of February. March begins in two days and with it the promise of Springtime, flowers, and warmer temperatures. Cue the birds and the insects! Oh yes, and there are 43 Mondays remaining in the year. 

Surf Crashing onto the Beach
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, FL
January 26, 2023

2. Sunday was a perfect beach day. The temperatures climbed into the mid-80s and there was a light breeze coming off the ocean. We went to a great beach at the Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge and were surprised to find so many of our fellow Floridians were also visiting. There was a wait to get into the area due to the parking lot being full. It was one car out and one car in. Even so, the beach was not crowded and we enjoyed watching the surf crash onto the beach. We watched a group of five boys and two dads play in their surf for a long time until the boys were exhausted and the group departed. Although we arrived a bit later than we had planned, our trusty beach umbrellas protected us from the burning rays of the sun.

Sue and Chris at the Bar
Hog Snappers, Tequesta, FL
February 26, 2023

3. For dinner we visited a great local restaurant, Hog Snappers. I have become fond of sushi and the restaurant provides a great variety to choose from. I especially enjoy the canoe, which comes with over 40 selections and is more than enough for two people to enjoy. Chris and Sue got a bit bored waiting for our table. They were sitting at the bar which, as it turned out, was where we ultimately ate dinner once an additional bar stool became available. We had a lot more fun at the bar than we believe we would have had sitting at a table. The wait staff was a lot of fun to interact with during our meal.

4. Today in History. On February 27, 1827, a group of masked and costumed students dance through the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, marking the beginning of the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations.

The celebration of Carnival—or the weeks between Twelfth Night on January 6 and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Christian period of Lent—spread from Rome across Europe and later to the Americas. Nowhere in the United States is Carnival celebrated as grandly as in New Orleans, famous for its over-the-top parades and parties for Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday), the last day of the Carnival season.

Electric Vehicles Need AM Radio, Former Emergency Officials Argue - The Wall Street Journal

'It's all a lie': Russians are trapped in Putin's parallel universe - CNN

He deported thousands. Then investigators showed him his birth certificate - CNN

Nine western states under winter weather alerts today as heavy snowfall is forecast across the region - CNN

Islamist militants have Pakistan's police in their crosshairs - Reuters

Republican war on 'woke' policies creeps into U.S. debt-ceiling debate - Reuters

China urges peace in Ukraine after U.S. warns against aiding Russia - Reuters

Low-elevation snow, blizzard conditions in California amid season’s coldest storm - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Baseball Returns

Roger Dean Stadium
Jupiter, FL
February 25, 2023

 The first Spring Training games of the brand new MLB season were played yesterday.

Chris and I along with our friends visiting from Maryland were in attendance as the Washington Nationals came to town to play the St Louis Cardinals!

Baseball is Back!

Jupiter is a baseball city. Two MLB teams conduct Spring Training here and there are two Minor League teams that play here after the MLB teams head north. 

Yesterday's game was exciting and enjoyable. The only real problem was the two teams playing both wore red and so it was Red on Red. The only visual difference in the uniforms was their pants. The day was blessed with beautiful weather, 80s and clear. The game was close, but I have to admit the crowd seemed somewhat subdued. The game felt more like a late season MLB game with both teams out of contention for the playoffs. 

There were two distinct parts to the game. The Cardinal starters beat the National starters 2-1 during the first 5 innings, but the Nationals Spring Training invitees defeated the Cardinal invitees 2-0 for the final 4 innings, making the final score 3-2 Nationals. I took the image of the scoreboard before the game was complete, but it accurately depicts the final score.

It was baseball and I was there to enjoy it. 

Roger Dean Stadium did have some opening day security issues. The lines were over 20 minutes long to gain entrance to the stadium. We missed the first half inning and the National's first run because of the lines. I am hopeful that the security processing issues will be solved as the season progresses. 

In other Spring Training news, it should be noted that the Orioles defeated the Twins 10-5 in Sarasota. 

Go O's!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Sea to Savanna

Osprey Diving for the Ocean
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 24, 2023

 I promised myself that I was not going to blog about a seashore activity today, but then I witnessed and caught on camera an event that I enjoy seeing. That event? An osprey diving into the ocean to get a meal.

I had been watching the bird hover and attempt to find the right spot and so I had my iPhone camera at the ready. And I got lucky.

Osprey into the Ocean
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 24, 2023

The GIF plays fast and I'm not astute enough to slow it to a better speed, but there is the osprey hitting the ocean.

Lion Country Safari

Loxahatchee, FL

February 24, 2023

That all happened during out morning beach walk. Later in the day, we headed out to Lion Country Safari to enjoy seeing the variety of wild animals which are kept in open areas. It was a fun afternoon and we saw many different animals. I was most impressed with the Scimitar Oryx, which I found out has been declared extinct in the wild. Wild Country Safari has a large breeding herd and is part of the species preservation project. 

Flamingo

Lion Country Safari

Loxahatchee, FL

February 24, 2023

Of course, we spent time driving slowly through the preserve and looking at the variety of land animals which included large groups of rhinoceros and giraffes along with a the largest herd of zebras in the United States. It was definitely worth the time. We stopped after the driving portion of the tour to walk through the area where some animals are kept in pens and cages, pausing to feed fish and of course take pictures of the flamingos. I love flamingos!

I discovered, during the drive through the animal park, that lions do not excite me much. They are regal, yes, but for the most part boring. The varieties of antelope were far more active and interesting. And the rhinos are just massive and impressive. 

And so it was quite a day moving from sea to savanna!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Ending the Day

Very Low Tide Atlantic Ocean
Jupiter island, FL
February 23, 2023

 Was it Thursday? Friday-eve?

I suppose that it was. 

Friends arrived from the frozen northlands, which are actually experiencing an early Spring, it seems. Chris and I are excited to have them and it seems we will be enjoying idyllic weather for the duration of their visit. 

Seagull Posing for the Camera
Jupiter Island, FL
February 23, 2023

We went to the beach for Happy Hour and were greeted by one of the lowest low tides that I have seen. On the Intracoastal side of the island, the tide was so low that the mud flats were exposed and children were running along rescuing starfish that were exposed as the water receded so rapidly. On the ocean side of the island, where we were enjoying Happy hour, the rocks were exposed which are normally covered with water.

February is coming to a rapid close and the weather is forecast to be fantastic. We have a lot planned as the month closes out and are already looking forward to activities in March.

For now, we are enjoying the great weather we are experiencing.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Flat Water

Flat Atlantic Ocean
Jupiter, FL
February 22, 2023

 Walking the beach in the morning when the weather is nice is like opening a gift. I never know what to expect until I am standing on the stairs atop the sand dunes. 

That is what makes heading to the beach for the morning walk so invigorating and far better than walking around the neighborhood where I am assaulted by the sounds of vehicles and landscape maintenance equipment.

Shore Bird Taking off from the Beach
Jupiter, FL
February 22, 2023

Yesterday was a prime example. The ocean was flat! That almost never happens. Even the waves coming to the beach were some of the smallest that I have seen. The waves have transitioned, in less than a week, from monsters crashing on the beach to become gentle and almost caressing. That is part of the daily enjoyment, discovering what will the ocean be like today?

The birds and wildlife on the beach change daily as well.  I continue working with my camera to capture birds in various stages of flight, as in this image from yesterday of a shore bird taking off as I approached. The flat water provided a nice backdrop.

Yes, it was another day in South Florida.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sea and Sky

Fishing Vessel (FV) Lady Lily
Jupiter, FL
February 21, 2023

 It was a day bookended by sea and sky.

During our morning beach walk we observed a large fishing vessel off the coast. There were actually two vessels sailing in tandem towards the south. They did not appear to be fishing and my Marine App identified them as Lady Lily and Big Ben. I took an image of Lady Lily as she was making her way along the coast. The very interesting aspect was that I cannot find an image on line of the the FV Lady Lily. Weird. As my image was at a great distance, it is not very clear. I found an image of its sister vessel, FV Big Ben and they appear similar, which is what I observed yesterday. 

Jupiter, Venus, Moon
Tequesta, FL
February 21, 2023

Closing out the day, Chris and I decided to enjoy Chinese for dinner and as we walked out our front door we were confronted with an astronomic beauty. There they were, nearly in a line, Jupiter Venus and the Moon filling the western sky just after sunset. The colors of the fading sunset were still visible in the sky. It was a sight to behold and we enjoyed our walk to and from the Chinese restaurant accompanied by the two planets and the Moon. We had been watching Jupiter and Venus for a couple of days and last night the Moon joined in the astronomic dance. I was reminded how difficult it is to get a good image of heavenly objects especially against the fading light of the sunset. Ugh! But I think I did OK. The other problem I had was finding a place where streetlights did not find their way into the image. I had a great image of the three in my viewfinder at one point with a silhouetted palm, but I could not get rid of the streetlight and keep all three objects in view.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A View of the Beach

Shell Bed
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 20, 2023

 Walking the beach yesterday morning, Chris and I imagined a scene in our minds of the shell beds weaving into the waves of the ocean and with the horizon in the distance. 

We tried to capture that vision, but alas, I think we were too late in the day and the sun had risen too high into the sky for the colors to be as vibrant as we saw them in our minds. At some point, I guess I will need to head out sunrise when the tide midway between high and low to attempt capturing the scene in our minds with a camera. 

Shell Bed 2
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 20, 2023

We enjoyed our beach walk, however. The day was beautiful with temperatures moving into the 80s again. The ocean was calm and the surf breaking in the beach was not so violent as it had been.

Finnegan enjoyed walking with us. He does not like the water so much, but enjoys sniffing the seaweed and other items that find their way onto the shoreline. The best part is that it is mid-February and we are enjoying beach time. How awesome is that?

BTW, following the beach walk, Chris and I rode a 16-mile ride, just to get moving for the week. I love sunny and bright weather.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL