Golf - In March

 

1st Hole
Jupiter Dunes Golf Course
Jupiter, FL

It is early March and Chris and I enjoyed a round of golf. 

Yes, we actually made it out to a local golf course yesterday. It was a sudden thing. Interestingly, it was not the golf which was so unique, but rather the fact that in the process of changing from preparing for a bike ride to playing golf I managed to forget all of my electronics. 

I played a round of golf without my golf watch and my cell phone! Amazing. I actually had to write my score on the golf course provided score card--with a pencil! I usually use my golf watch which allows me to enter the score and gives me critical information about each hole--I was lost without my electronic cheat to help me determine my strategy for the holes. 

While it was very weird playing without my electronics, I think I was more focused than usual and played a round of solid bogey golf--which is consistent with my average. Maybe a bit better than my average. I had a birdie and a few pars and only a couple double bogeys. Overall, a really good round, for me. 

Chris had a good round. Her driver is beginning to provide some distance and her putting is rapidly improving. If we can play more than once a month, we both might see some improvement.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

It is Us!

 If someone tells you that something is caused by or the fault of "them," run, do not walk, away because in the United States there is no "them", there is only "us"! And that us is "We the People!"

Those pushing the divisions in America are working, knowingly or unknowingly, to destroy the experiment that is the United States.

I heard Ken Burns discuss the current state of leadership in America and he made specific comments about some of the candidates and potential candidates for president. He reiterated, quoting Greg Boyle, that we, Americans, are an "us" and not a "them". 

The message resonated with me because it pains me when our political leaders talk about red states or blue states. Then they break "us" into groups like socialists or ultra-conservatives looking to remold "us" into their own personal narrow vision and excluding those who are outside of their view of "us". 

We, "us", are much too broad and diverse to be compressed into a single narrow vision. I frequently blame the right-wing ultra conservative religious fanatics (definitely a "them") for creating the divisions in the country, but as soon as I identify a specific group, I become part of the problem because I have defined a "them". 

We are us and "us" need to be inclusive. When "us" limits rights and access to freedoms and choice or decide how "us" should thinks or what "us" should learn the crossover to "them" has occurred and we are on the pathway to exclusivity and chipping away at what makes America different from every other country on the planet.

"There is only us."

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Classic Americana - Budweiser Clydesdales

 

Budweiser Clydesdales in the Palms
Abacoa, FL
March 5, 2023

The Budweiser Clydesdales were in town for a visit on Sunday. There was a bit of confusion in social media about the timing of the visit, the item indicated they would be available from 12-2, but in fact they drove around Roger Dean Stadium about 1 PM and then began the loading process. We did not arrive until about 1:30, after driving around for what seemed like an hour looking for parking, which we finally secured. By then the team was by their transportation being unhitched and prepared for departure to their next location. 

Budweiser Clydesdales and Wagon
Abacoa, FL
March 5, 2023

But, we found them! It took some walking and a bit of sleuthing, but we found the team being loaded into their palatial semis. We could not get close, but we could see them and watched as each of the magnificent horses was unhitched and led into the air conditioned trucks. It was a hot afternoon and I am sure that contributed to the confusion about how long they would be available for viewing by the adoring crowds. 

There was a lot of activity in Abacoa around Roger Dean Stadium. There was a Spring Training baseball game along with a concert on the commons; hence, parking was at a premium.

It was fun to see the team that we have watched in so many commercials for a beer that I do not drink. But, it seems like a piece of Americana, almost like a postcard. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - March 6, 2023

 

1. Welcome to the first Monday of March. Spring is close, DST is closer (next Sunday). There are 42 Mondays remaining in the year.

Gopher Tortoise
Seabranch Preserve State Park, FL
March 5, 2023

2. Had an exciting bike ride yesterday around Port Salerno. Saw an incredible number of gopher tortoises and had a coyote run out in front of us. We only did a short 12.5 mile ride, but it was fun and the wildlife were very active. We stopped at the end of Cove Road, Port Salerno, and looked out at the Intracoastal for a while enjoying the beauty of the scene and the day. I do not know why I take so many images of gopher tortoises, but I am fascinated by them and how many of them I see as I bike.

Chris at Cove Road Park
Port Salerno, FL
March 5, 2023

3. I will note that my favorite British Premier League team, Arsenal, had a heart-stopping 3-2 win over the weekend. They went down 0-2 early and came back with the winning goal in the 97th minute! Gotta love stoppage time. Arsenal, at this point in the season, remains atop the Premier League Table!

4. Florida leadership continues to amaze in their quest to restrict freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights all while touting that Florida is more free. The latest, as some of you have pointed out, is the bill introduced in the legislature designed to essentially restrict reporting on the governor and members of the executive branch and legislature. It is sneaky. Brodeur’s proposal, Senate Bill 1316: Information Dissemination, would require any blogger writing about government officials to register with the Florida Office of Legislative Services or the Commission on Ethics. In the bill, Brodeur wrote that those who write “an article, a story, or a series of stories,” about “the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, a Cabinet officer, or any member of the Legislature,” and receives or will receive payment for doing so, must register with state offices within five days after the publication of an article that mentions an elected state official. As I do not, nor do I intend to receive payment for writing articles, I am exempt; however, the reporting process for paid bloggers is definitely designed to restrict First Amendment Rights--specifically freedom of the press. Let's go Florida, land of the formerly free!

5. I am amazed that as the political season gets off to an early start that some candidates continue to spout untruths and outright lies to support their candidacy. Some are like the snake oil salesmen of the old west,  selling a worthless product that can only cause harm in the long run. In this case, they are touting elitism and divisiveness. Is that was we are really hungering for in the country? I think not.

6. Daylight Saving Time returns Sunday morning, March 12th. Be ready.

7. Today in History. The German company Bayer patents aspirin on March 6, 1899. Now the most common drug in household medicine cabinets, acetylsalicylic acid was originally made from a chemical found in the bark of willow trees. In its primitive form, the active ingredient, salicin, was used for centuries in folk medicine, beginning in ancient Greece when Hippocrates used it to relieve pain and fever. Known to doctors since the mid-19th century, it was used sparingly due to its unpleasant taste and tendency to damage the stomach.

Russia is close to taking Bakhmut. But it may come with a cost - CNN

Trump delivers wildly inaccurate speech at CPAC - CNN

4 US citizens missing after being assaulted and kidnapped in Mexico, FBI says - CNN

White House seeks to make abortion access a rallying cry for 2024 election - Reuters

After playing wage catch-up, U.S. firms may have found their footing - Reuters

Landslide kills at least 11 in Indonesia's remote Natuna region - Reuters

Fed’s Rate Moves Put Manufacturing Sector at Risk - The Wall Street Journal

Housing Market Momentum Stalls as Spring Approaches - The Wall Street Journal

Ukrainians Work Through Blackouts, Internet Outages as Russia Targets Power Grid - The Wall Street Journal

IRS braces for the unthinkable: A normal tax season - The Washington Post

In Calif. speech that draws protests, DeSantis stokes fight over pandemic - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Calm Ending to the Day

Walking to Dinner
Stuart, FL
March 3, 2023

 Some evenings remain in my mind long after the day has ended and the calendar rolled over to another and then another day. 

Friday evening was one of those special evenings. Chris and I were walking the streets of Stuart, Florida, headed to dinner and a concert with our friends. We were a bit later than I like to be for a dinner reservation, although we still arrived before our reservation time and had to wait for our table. 

Moon Through Palm
Stuart, FL
March 3, 2023
Taken by Fran

Even though we were hurrying from the parking spot to the restaurant, I still managed a quick image of the stunning sunset behind a lone palm tree. The sky was beautiful and the palm was majestic along the street. Following the shot I had to hurry to catch up with my friends and Chris who were intent on making it to the restaurant. We had only parked about six blocks from the restaurant, but it had taken a bit of time to secure spot along the street.

Later during dinner, which was outside to enjoy the warm evening air, we all marveled at how the Moon was peaking through the palm fonds. Fran took this image and the lighted palm with the Moon and a few clouds helps keep the memory of the evening alive.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Eagles Tribute Band - Hotel California

 

Hotel California - Eagles Tribute Band
Lyric Theater, Stuart, Florida
March 3, 2023

I like the idea of tribute bands. They bring the authentic music of famous groups live to the people at a reasonable price. And they are fun.

Last evening, in Stuart, Florida, at the classic Lyric Theater, Chris and I enjoyed the Eagles Tribute Band called Hotel California. The were excellent and each of the band members demonstrated an incredible amount of musical versatility. The Eagles songs they played were true to my memory of the songs and the band had a "big" sound. 

The Lyric is a small and almost intimate theater and the band played very well to the crowd. We walked to the 8:30 PM performance after enjoying a fantastic dinner on the waterfront at the Stuart Boathouse. The weather was perfect and the table, service, and meal selections were second to none. 

But it was the band which provided the entertainment by filling the evening with familiar songs. The band closed with an encore performance of songs not performed by the Eagles' which further showcased their diverse talents including a religious medley that worked very well and played excellently to the crowd attending the concert. 

I videoed a portion of Peaceful Easy Feeling to capture the tight vocals and musicianship of the band. During the evening the band played the biggest Eagles' hits and the crowd could be heard singing along. 

I highly recommend this tribute band and will definitely see them again sometime. They bring the music of the past to life with energy and excitement. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It Came from Outside

Lizard on the Screen
Tequesta, FL
March 2, 2023

 There it was, a large, although not iguana-large, lizard hanging on the motorized screen we recently had installed to keep vermin away from our patio area. The real question was, was it on the inside or the outside. 

In the image the lizard appears almost like a monster from a "grade b" movie coming up from a dark lagoon somewhere. 

But it was there and it was my job to investigate and determine if the lizard was violating the sanctity of our patio area or safely outside. As lizards go, it was larger than most, but not nearly as large as an iguana or some of the red-headed lizards I have seen recently while biking. 

The invader was, as it turned out, inside of the closed screen near the top. Interestingly, there was no panic on the part of the lizard, I think it had been in the patio for at least 24 hours and was running low on food and it was still cool, making it slower. I was able to open the screen about a foot and gently guide the invader out of the enclosure with a broom. The operation was completed without injuring either myself or the lizard. 

I am not sure how the lizard came to be in the enclosure. We had the screen fully up for a few minutes the day before and that is likely when the visitor may have decided to check out the place--I hope that is the answer because there are no other obvious routes of entry. 

Time will tell. But for now, case closed.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

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