Vet Day

Out the Windshield
Palm Beach Lakes, FL
January 23, 2024

Yesterday was tooth cleaning day for Finnegan. Our vet is about a 30-45 minute drive away, depending upon traffic, trains, and the draconian traffic lights which often seem as if they are doing everything possible to impede the flow of traffic.

The bridge in the image is one of my favorites along our route of travel. I like that it is lined with palms and had that classic Florida "look" to it.

We took Finn to the vet at 9AM and were scheduled to retrieve him between 2:30 and 3:30 PM. Along the route is our only Costco--and we planned to stop there three different times during the day. We never actually made to Costco and that stop is on tap for today's activity. We missed Costco because, first it wasn't open yet on our return trip from the Vet. Then we left too late to do Costco and pick Finn up. Finally, Finn was still pretty drugged when we passed by on our afternoon trip home from the vet and we chose not to subject him to the excitement and chaos of Costco in the afternoon. 

Finn recovered through the evening and by this morning was back to his old annoying self. Ge was funny to watch walk while still under the influence of the anesthesia, his back paws and front paws had a difficult time coordinating the direction he wanted to walk. It was almost like a halloween horse costume with two people inside trying to coordinate from and back. 

I laughed. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta. FL

Onto the Championship

One of my Ravens Hats
Tequesta, FL
January 22, 2024

 The end of the NFL season is upon us. There are just three games remaining--the Conference Championships and then the Super Bowl on February 11th. 

I am excited that the Ravens have made it to the Conference Championship game for the fifth time in their history. They have two Super Bowl victories to go with their two Conference Championships. 

While there was a rumor that I had changed allegiances this year and become a Dolphins fan--that is just not true. I do enjoy watching the Dolphins--but when the Dolphins played the Ravens there was no doubt for which team I was rooting!

Sunday will be a wild time in Baltimore with the AFC Championship game being hosted at M&T Bank Stadium. I was there for the last regular season game in the cold rain! The Ravens lost, but did not play many of the starters choosing to rest them for the playoffs!

And so, on Sunday I will be in from of my television cheering on the Ravens as the Chiefs come to town to do battle. 

Go Ravens!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - January 22, 2024

 

1. 2024 is chugging along. We are experiencing cold January weather and it is the 4th Monday of the month. There are 49 Mondays remaining in the new year. 

Flowers on the Patio
Tequesta, FL
January 21, 2024

2. The NFL playoffs are down to four teams. Two family teams remain in the Super Bowl hunt and one of them will represent the AFC in the big game on February 11th. They are the Ravens and the Chiefs who play next Sunday at 3 PM EST in Baltimore. 

3. A bit of Springtime color is gracing our patio in the form of daffodils and hyacinths! The hyacinths smell very nice.

4. The cold here is nothing like the cold elsewhere in the country--but, it still seems cold here. 

5. On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court handed down the Roe v. Wade decision. By a 7–2 vote, the Supreme Court found that the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution guaranteed the right of privacy under its “concept of personal liberty and restrictions upon state action.” This right to privacy, the court said, guarantees a pregnant woman the right to obtain an abortion without restriction in the first trimester of a pregnancy. After that point, the state can regulate abortion, it said, “except when it is necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.”

On June 24, 2022, by a vote of 6 to 3, in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organizationdecision, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Five of the justices said: “The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion.” 

For the first time in American history, rather than expanding the nation’s recognition of constitutional rights, the Supreme Court took away the recognition of a constitutional right that had been honored for almost 50 years. Republican-dominated states immediately either passed antiabortion legislation or let stand the antiabortion measures already on the books that had been overruled by Roe v. Wade.  (Letters from an American)

6. Today in History. In a Sacramento, California, courtroom on January 22, 1998, Theodore J. Kaczynski pleads guilty to all federal charges against him, acknowledging his responsibility for a 17-year campaign of package bombings attributed to the “Unabomber.” 

Born in 1942, Kaczynski attended Harvard University and received a PhD in mathematics from the University of Michigan. He worked as an assistant mathematics professor at the University of California at Berkeley, but abruptly quit in 1969. In the early 1970s, Kaczynski began living as a recluse in western Montana, in a 10-by-12 foot cabin without heat, electricity or running water. From this isolated location, he began the bombing campaign that would kill three people and injure more than 20 others.

Iowa revealed how ineffective DeSantis' campaign had been all along - CNN

Boeing faces new safety alert over earlier generation of 737s - CNN

Relatives of Gaza hostages storm Israeli parliament panel as protests mount - Reuters

Ukraine war drives shift in Russian nuclear thinking - study - Reuters

US Navy declares two SEALs missing in Gulf of Aden as deceased - Reuters

Eight dead and dozens missing in China landslide - BBC

Ukraine’s $30 Billion Problem: How to Keep Fighting Without Foreign Aid - The Wall Street Journal

What the IRS Knows About Your Online Sales This Year - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Day Evolved

 

Chris and Fin Coming Home
Tequesta, FL
January 20, 2024

It was NFL Playoff Saturday and so I knew where I would be from about 4 PM until I retired for the evening--in front of the TV watching the games.

Ibis in a Yard
Tequesta, FL
January 20, 2024

Fortunately, the outcome was to my liking as the Ravens dismantled the Texans to move onto the Conference Championship, one win away from the Super Bowl.

It was cold yesterday, not as cold as the 54 degrees this morning, but it hovered around the 60 degree mark when I rolled out my bike and started a 16-mile ride. I was lucky in that after attending the Ravens game a couple weeks ago in the cold and rain that I bought heated vests for both Chris and myself. Yup, heated vests in Florida! Mine came in very handy during my ride yesterday. There are cold days during January and February. So I was toasty warm during my ride. 

The real great part of the day is how the it evolved and the sky cleared during the afternoon. I have two images from the day, the first from my ride as I spied a flock of Ibis in a yard and the second as Chris and Finnegan were coming home from a walk. Note the sky! The change from overcast to crystal blue was dramatic. I wanted to be outside, although the 64 degree temperature put a damper on my enthusiasm. 

I love the blue sky! Sadly, we are back to clouds this morning, but hopefully the skies will clear as the day progresses.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Bringing it Home

Heading Home Along Old Dixie Highway
Tequesta, FL
January 19, 2024

 I headed out on my bike yesterday for a ride. Sadly, the weather had other ideas and about 3 miles into the ride, I was greeted by rain. I don't mind a mist, or a light rain, but when I can see my shirt getting wet, or in this case a fleece since it was cold, and drops forming on my glasses it is time to head home.

That is what I did. 

I knew when I departed that the skies looks threatening, but often here in South Florida they look mean but there is no rain. Well, I got fooled yesterday. It was very cool and apparently the rain needed to fall from the sky onto my ride. 

I was trying to get a ride in before the activity of the day got happening, but I only made a total of 6.7 miles and 33 minutes. At least I got a ride in, it was just too short. 

In other news, the 3D printer is still not functional. I was able to level the table, finally, but then upon further inspection I noticed that extruder had a broken lever. So I ordered a new extruder which should be here today. It was made from plastic anyway and so I am a bit excited about installing the metal extruder that will be arriving as it should be more durable. 

Today is colder than yesterday, but for the first day in a row there is not rain in the forecast. Yay. I even witnessed a beautiful sunrise to celebrate the start of the day although the skies remain mostly overcast.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Dreary Day Project

 Some days are just, dreary. 

Ender-3 V2 3D Printer
Tequesta, FL
January 18, 2024

That was yesterday--well, until the end of the day. As evening fell the skies cleared and the stars came out. Sadly, it cleared too late for us to see the space launch. That would have been exciting. 

I didn't ride my bike yesterday because it always looked as if it were going to rain. 

I spent most of the day trying to resurrect a 3D printer I was given. I made a lot of progress, but the inability to level to level the table was a show-stopper. I will be going to Ace Hardware today to get a couple items that will enable me to level the table and then, hopefully, fire up the printer and make things. I spent a lot of time cleaning and adjusting the printer. At one point I thought I had leveled the table, but with one of the adjusting wheels missing I was only deluding myself.

By the end of today, however, I hopefully will have a fully functional battle station, err printer. 

Chris is not amused that the printer is on the kitchen counter. I probably can only keep it there through today and then I need to find a more permanent place to set it up. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Riding the Tequesta Circuit

 

Chris in the Lead
Turtle Creek, Tequesta, FL
January 17, 2024

Despite the afternoon rain and early morning cold, I have managed 30 miles on my bike during the past two days. On Tuesday, I completed my standard 16 mile circuit around Tequesta. Yesterday, even though it was cold, Chris and I rode the reverse routs and made it over 14 miles. I took a few miles off because of the high winds and cold. 

Chris and I were appropriately dressed for yesterday's cold, 60 degree temperatures. It would like to say it was refreshing, but no, it was just cold!

We have solved the communication problem by riding with our cells connected on a call. It means that we are in constant communication and can tell each other abut safety issues--such as a vehicle passing or whether it is clear around a blind corner. When I ride alone, I listen to music. My new Smart Glasses mean that I do not have to have AirPods in my ear--which is good because with AirPods only one can be in place leaving the other ear open for traffic sounds. 

I managed to put together a short video from my Tuesday ride. I finally was able to successfully employ my Smart Glasses and get the videos. They are very easy to use. The first part of the video is a fun intersection in the Country Club road area. There might be a Stop Sign--oops! But I cleared the traffic. The second part of the video is crossing the SE County Line Road Bridge. It came out really cool! I was amazed at how smooth everything appears. I guess my head works as a good gyroscope to stabilize the camera in the glasses. 

I have been enjoying the rides. Today may be a washout. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Weather and the Beach

Jupiter Island Beach
Jupiter island, FL
January 16, 2024

With afternoon storms forecast, yesterday was a day for morning outdoors activity--and I took advantage of the opportunity by completing a 16+ mile ride around Tequesta. It felt good to be getting my legs under me again, although I could tell they are still getting back into riding shape after the over one month hiatus. 

Along the Dune
Jupiter Island, FL
January 16, 2024

Chris and I later headed off to the beach for a walk and to enjoy some time together in our favorite environment. As we crossed the top of the stairs over the dune, we were greeted with a beautiful blue sky and multicolored ocean scene across a wide beach. I confess, it has been some time since we visited this beach, we have been going to Carlin Park--but, I was unprepared for what we saw. While everything looks idyllic, in truth an incredible amount of sand (beach) has been washed into the ocean. I took an image from the base of the dune--as near as I can estimate about 10 feet of sand has been carried off and the beach which last year went from halfway up the dune and sloped to the ocean is now gone and has a slight slope from the base of the dune to the ocean.

Further down the beach, where the new Seaglass condo building has been constructed, the stairs from the building to the beach no longer actually make it to the beach. They end about 5 feet above the beach. The beach erosion is significant. To make it worse, I am pretty sure all of the sand has ended up just off shore and destroyed the fragile ecosystem. It is a lot of sand!

The beach was, however, very enjoyable in the wind  80 degree temperatures. I highly recommend it for everyone fighting snow and cold!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Over the Bridge with the Smart Glasses

View from Bridge over SE County Line Road
Martin County
January 15, 2024

 Chris and I made it out for our second ride of the year yesterday. We increased our mileage to over 15 miles now that we are getting back into the groove. I received Ray Ban Smart Glasses for Christmas and have been experimenting with them while on the rides. 

There is one bridge that I cross on nearly every ride. It is on SE County Line Road in Martin County. Chris and I ride this bridge and depending upon the particular route we choose we can cross it in either direction, but usually it is on the homeward leg of a long ride. There is a significant hill across the bridge which is the biggest hill on our rides. I like crossing this bridge because it is in a wild area and very open. I have not, until yesterday, taken an image off the bridge because it has a narrow wood sidewalk and is not a good place to stop and sightsee. 

Apple Map of the SE Country Line Road Bridge
Martin County
January 15, 2024

I decided to use my Smart Glasses yesterday to get an image as I was riding across the span. It worked. I took an image while riding on my bike all without crashing. On the satellite image to the left, I took the image from just before the middle of the bridge while riding from left to right.

I had tried taking a couple videos yesterday as well, but due to operator error they did not complete. I held the button too long. 

I am hopeful of getting becoming proficient at the Smart Glasses. I did maintain communication with Chris throughout the ride yesterday using the feature that connects to my phone!

The joys of technology. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - January 15, 2024

 

1. Welcome to the third Monday of January 2024! There are just 50 Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. The football playoffs are underway. Four family teams made the playoffs: Ravens, Cowboys, Chiefs, and Steelers. Through today two teams have played and one will play today. The Ravens, with the best record in the NFL this year, drew a first week bye. Through this morning the family teams are 1-1 and the Steelers play tonight.

Finnegan
Tequesta, FL
January 14, 2024

3. Finnegan was sick earlier this week. I think he got some "people" food which did not agree with him. But yesterday he was fully recovered and posed in a chair for me. What a great image!

4. Well, the Dallas Cowboys failed to win a playoff game again this season. There is something critically wrong with the team and I believe it may be the head coach. I am guessing there will be a major shake-up in the Cowboys organization very soon. The owner did not look very happy sitting in his box at the game. Congrats to the Green Bay Packers who actually played a solid football game. The packers even added some drama by allowing the Cowboys to have the slimmest possibility of making it a game, until there wasn't.

5. The first test of the election season is upon us. Iowa has been in the news far too long and I will be happy to have the caucuses behind us beginning tomorrow. I'm not sure it matters too much; one candidate has been getting unreasonable press coverage due to his multiple indictments and court appearances. His presence is stifling on the national stage. 

Today in History. On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of a Baptist minister. King received a doctorate degree in theology and in 1955 helped organize the first major protest of the African American civil rights movement: the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott. Influenced by Mohandas Gandhi, he advocated civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance to segregation in the South. The peaceful protests he led throughout the American South were often met with violence, but King and his followers persisted, and the movement gained momentum.

A powerful orator, King appealed to Christian and American ideals and won growing support from the federal government and Northern whites. In 1963, Bayard Rustin and A. Philip Randolph led the massive March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; the event’s grand finale was King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Two hundred and fifty thousand people gathered outside the Lincoln Memorial to hear the stirring speech. 

Trump attacks Haley, begs supporters to brave Iowa weather Show all - CNN

Brutal winter storm to bring below freezing temperatures to 79% of US - CNN

US jet shoots down missile fired at Navy destroyer from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen - CNN

Israel pounds targets across Gaza, awaits Hamas word on three hostages-- ReutersChina's military and government acquire Nvidia chips despite US ban - Reuters'Don't forget Ukraine,' UN urges in aid funding appeal - Reuters

‘Peacock Game’: The NFL’s Digital Buttfumble - The Wall Street Journal

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL