Great evening last night! The best! SANTA came to town!
We were at the Yacht Club. The wife and I, our daughter and her husband, and most importantly, our 3 and 2 year old grandchildren.
Lisa says the kids were excited all day! All they talked about was Santa Claus. And both were very brave about talking with him.
We arrived at 6. Santa was due at 7. There was a buffet prior to his arrival. The place was pack packed with children of all ages. From 2 weeks to 85. We are all children when it comes to Santa Claus. However the important age bracket from 2 weeks to 10 was well represented. They were all over the place. In parent or grandparent arms, on the floor, under the tables. All dressed in their Sunday best. The boys in well pressed long pants, the girls in cute frocks.
We ate first. My grandchildren now do that routine well. We sat and talked and ingested. And they did so neatly and tidily. A year ago we did the same thing and it was a disaster. What a difference a year makes!
Then it was 7 and Santa time! Everyone rushed to welcome him! And Mrs. Claus came to!
My 2 year old granddaughter was in her mother's arms beaming. My 3 year old grandson stood by holding his mother's hand with that wow type look in his eyes! Santa Claus!
When their time came to sit on Santa's lap it was as anticipated. My granddaughter wanted nothing to do with him. She stiffed her body and threw her arms in a death grip around my daughter's neck. My grandson initially flung himself face first into his mother skirt. However he is a big boy and finally reluctantly acquiesced and sat in Santa's lap. And even talked with him.
Both received presents. A truck and a doll. That made everything better.
We returned to the table and the children immediately were served dessert. Cookies to paint! Each child was served a large round cookie, 4 small containers with sugar flavored edible paints and a for real tiny paint brush. My grandchildren were in all their glory. They sat quietly for a while and painted their cookies. And when they finished we all shared them. Not bad! Not good! Hard to describe both in appearance and taste so I will not even try. That statement says it all though.
Eventually most of the kids found their way to the floor. The boys were playing with their trucks. My granddaughter preened around ignoring everyone while she clutched her new doll. However eventually the doll had disappeared and she was on the floor with the boys running a misappropriated truck through theirs.
We left with a warm feeling agreeing that this was the way things ought to be. I hope everyone has the opportunity over this holiday season to enjoy a similar evening resulting in that good feeling which accompanies it.
I know I am about 3 weeks early, but the feeling is in me. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Good golf day yesterday!
We played a skins game. Just like Fred couples. I played with Larry of Larry Smith fame and Tino. Larry was the big winner! Tino the loser! And I broke even! Any day I do not have to pay is a good day!
Wednesday night is Bobby Nesbitt time at Kwest. He was his usual great self!
We met Lina and Fred there by prearrangement. They live on Sugarloaf and have a home in Manhattan. Linda has a fabulous voice and loves to sing. Fred is a former financier/investor. Excellent money mind!
I was particularly impressed by a brief discussion we had about Crocs. I was wearing mine. He asked how I liked them and how long I had them. I told him I was absolutely in love with them, wore them every day and had been doing so for over a year. Fred then related how more than a year ago when every one seemed to be wearing Crocs, he started asking people how long they had them. Responses generally were a long time and/or about a year. He concluded that if Crocs lasted so long, resales would be less and the the demand for new Crocs had to diminish. So he shorted the stock. And he was correct. The stock dropped 40 %.
The four of us had dinner at Antonia's. The usual great meal! Spent a few minutes chatting with Clayton the bartender. Such an interesting fellow! If you have a moment, stop in and have a drink and chat with him.
We had a bit of a family tragedy also yesterday. Our 3 year old grandson fell and fractured his little finger. By the time I got to him, he had already been to the emergency room and was splintered and bandaged. A brave little fellow! He was taking the whole thing in stride as he sat there and explained what happened and what the doctor and nurses did to fix him up.
Big night tonight! Santa Claus will be at the Yacht Club. So will I and the grandkids. It never ends! It is the same warm tradition every year and the same warm feelings every year! What is going to happen when I have no more grandchildren who believe in Santa Claus? Wow!
We played a skins game. Just like Fred couples. I played with Larry of Larry Smith fame and Tino. Larry was the big winner! Tino the loser! And I broke even! Any day I do not have to pay is a good day!
Wednesday night is Bobby Nesbitt time at Kwest. He was his usual great self!
We met Lina and Fred there by prearrangement. They live on Sugarloaf and have a home in Manhattan. Linda has a fabulous voice and loves to sing. Fred is a former financier/investor. Excellent money mind!
I was particularly impressed by a brief discussion we had about Crocs. I was wearing mine. He asked how I liked them and how long I had them. I told him I was absolutely in love with them, wore them every day and had been doing so for over a year. Fred then related how more than a year ago when every one seemed to be wearing Crocs, he started asking people how long they had them. Responses generally were a long time and/or about a year. He concluded that if Crocs lasted so long, resales would be less and the the demand for new Crocs had to diminish. So he shorted the stock. And he was correct. The stock dropped 40 %.
The four of us had dinner at Antonia's. The usual great meal! Spent a few minutes chatting with Clayton the bartender. Such an interesting fellow! If you have a moment, stop in and have a drink and chat with him.
We had a bit of a family tragedy also yesterday. Our 3 year old grandson fell and fractured his little finger. By the time I got to him, he had already been to the emergency room and was splintered and bandaged. A brave little fellow! He was taking the whole thing in stride as he sat there and explained what happened and what the doctor and nurses did to fix him up.
Big night tonight! Santa Claus will be at the Yacht Club. So will I and the grandkids. It never ends! It is the same warm tradition every year and the same warm feelings every year! What is going to happen when I have no more grandchildren who believe in Santa Claus? Wow!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
I was sitting on the dock just after the sun rose yesterday morning looking out over the water enjoying those early morning by the sea sensations. All of a sudden, less than a 100 feet in front of me, 2 fins broke the water! Two dolphins! Beautiful and graceful, they did their early morning dance. I instantly knew it was going to be a good day for me!
And it was! The pest exterminators FINALLY showed up! After 9 days of battling the rats on my own and capturing 13 in the process, help arrived!
It was the telephone call I made the previous evening to the company president in Memphis. The whole world first called me yesterday morning from the company and then 3 men showed up and did their thing to rid me of this insidious invasion. And then the company president called to ask if I was pleased. Yes, but oh so late! He agreed it was a screw up and that the whole south Florida operation was being reviewed. In addition, he, his managerial staff in Miami and the 3 guys who appeared all gave me their direct personal telephone numbers if I ever have a problem in the future. I hope I never need them again!
It will take several days to rid the house of these vermin. I was advised that the rats would be fighting to get out of the house. Something about the poison left for them. I was further advised I would start seeing dead rats all over the house.
It was too much for my wife. She finally became a victim of the war! She refused to sleep here last night. Stayed at my daughter's. I slept home alone. When I awoke this morning, I gingerly walked the house with a degree of fear and trepidation. At every turn I expected to see these disgusting things lying around. Nothing! Not one! I hope the poison is working. With my rat luck, it would not surprise me if they are immune to the recommended cure!
Had dinner last night with Aaron and Karen at Square One. Karen just returned from 2 weeks in China. Her exploits were interesting! The best was that she brought 6 rolls of toilet paper with her. Some one did her a kindness so she tipped him with a roll of toilet paper! Ingenious! No way the ugly American! Or maybe.....
It is Wednesday morning. I am off to golf. Wish me well!
And it was! The pest exterminators FINALLY showed up! After 9 days of battling the rats on my own and capturing 13 in the process, help arrived!
It was the telephone call I made the previous evening to the company president in Memphis. The whole world first called me yesterday morning from the company and then 3 men showed up and did their thing to rid me of this insidious invasion. And then the company president called to ask if I was pleased. Yes, but oh so late! He agreed it was a screw up and that the whole south Florida operation was being reviewed. In addition, he, his managerial staff in Miami and the 3 guys who appeared all gave me their direct personal telephone numbers if I ever have a problem in the future. I hope I never need them again!
It will take several days to rid the house of these vermin. I was advised that the rats would be fighting to get out of the house. Something about the poison left for them. I was further advised I would start seeing dead rats all over the house.
It was too much for my wife. She finally became a victim of the war! She refused to sleep here last night. Stayed at my daughter's. I slept home alone. When I awoke this morning, I gingerly walked the house with a degree of fear and trepidation. At every turn I expected to see these disgusting things lying around. Nothing! Not one! I hope the poison is working. With my rat luck, it would not surprise me if they are immune to the recommended cure!
Had dinner last night with Aaron and Karen at Square One. Karen just returned from 2 weeks in China. Her exploits were interesting! The best was that she brought 6 rolls of toilet paper with her. Some one did her a kindness so she tipped him with a roll of toilet paper! Ingenious! No way the ugly American! Or maybe.....
It is Wednesday morning. I am off to golf. Wish me well!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The rat saga continues.
Without solution. Still awaiting the pest exterminator who has failed to appear as scheduled.
We are up to 12 caught as of this time. Can you imagine! I, an inept novice in these things, have been responsible for the capture and extermination of 12 rodents! Nothing to be proud of. I was motivated solely by self survival and the need to protect my wife and I.
As you will recall, the pest exterminator representative was to arrive between 4 and 5 Monday. This he told me last Wednesday. The excuse for the delay was that he needed special equipment and had to await its arrival from Miami. This from a company that advertises "...same day solution...within 24 hours...total satisfaction."
I waited till 5:15 and when he failed to appear, telephoned the company. I had the local reps local number. However I had written it on the back of a magazine which my wife had thrown away. What a comedy!
This time I got a phone rep in Miami rather than Tennessee. He was the best! For real! He had the usual sympathetic banter but seemed to mean it. He even called me back as promised which does not happen with this company. He told me he telephoned all the local Key West people. No one answered. All he could do was report it the next morning to his branch manager and service manager. He was genuinely thoughtful and considerate though. Maybe just better at the game than the other reps I had spoken with over the previous eight days, but I genuinely feel this guy was on my side. He even said there would have to be some compensation for my poor service. I cried out I did not want any money, JUST GET RID OF THE RATS!
Desperation was upon me! The Internet tells us everything. So I looked the company up on the Internet and found the name and telephone number of its President in Memphis. I called!
It was well after 6 by that time and all I got was a telephone recording by his secretary. I left her a long message of my tragedy, her company's malfeasance and my unhappy camper status! I asked for a call back in the morning and resolution at that time also. I insisted I wanted to speak with her boss. We shall see.
This pest exterminating company is a big deal! I have intentionally refrained as yet from naming it. Its president is a big deal also! A university recently named a newly discovered breed of termite after him because of his laudable work in the field of pest extermination.
It is now morning. The sun is up. So are my hopes! We shall see.....
There is a post script. As it turns out, my landscaper did have the local reps home phone number. He made contact with him later in the evening. The rep advised he did not come to my house because the "traps" had not come in from Miami. Note that he failed to telephone and tell me he would not be keeping the appointment! Any how I cannot help but wonder what the big deal is about getting the equipment, which now turns out to be traps, from Miami. Hadn't the local rep or his company ever heard of Home Depot? In less that 15 minutes I had visited Home Depot and purchased 4 large traps and 4 large cages!
Without solution. Still awaiting the pest exterminator who has failed to appear as scheduled.
We are up to 12 caught as of this time. Can you imagine! I, an inept novice in these things, have been responsible for the capture and extermination of 12 rodents! Nothing to be proud of. I was motivated solely by self survival and the need to protect my wife and I.
As you will recall, the pest exterminator representative was to arrive between 4 and 5 Monday. This he told me last Wednesday. The excuse for the delay was that he needed special equipment and had to await its arrival from Miami. This from a company that advertises "...same day solution...within 24 hours...total satisfaction."
I waited till 5:15 and when he failed to appear, telephoned the company. I had the local reps local number. However I had written it on the back of a magazine which my wife had thrown away. What a comedy!
This time I got a phone rep in Miami rather than Tennessee. He was the best! For real! He had the usual sympathetic banter but seemed to mean it. He even called me back as promised which does not happen with this company. He told me he telephoned all the local Key West people. No one answered. All he could do was report it the next morning to his branch manager and service manager. He was genuinely thoughtful and considerate though. Maybe just better at the game than the other reps I had spoken with over the previous eight days, but I genuinely feel this guy was on my side. He even said there would have to be some compensation for my poor service. I cried out I did not want any money, JUST GET RID OF THE RATS!
Desperation was upon me! The Internet tells us everything. So I looked the company up on the Internet and found the name and telephone number of its President in Memphis. I called!
It was well after 6 by that time and all I got was a telephone recording by his secretary. I left her a long message of my tragedy, her company's malfeasance and my unhappy camper status! I asked for a call back in the morning and resolution at that time also. I insisted I wanted to speak with her boss. We shall see.
This pest exterminating company is a big deal! I have intentionally refrained as yet from naming it. Its president is a big deal also! A university recently named a newly discovered breed of termite after him because of his laudable work in the field of pest extermination.
It is now morning. The sun is up. So are my hopes! We shall see.....
There is a post script. As it turns out, my landscaper did have the local reps home phone number. He made contact with him later in the evening. The rep advised he did not come to my house because the "traps" had not come in from Miami. Note that he failed to telephone and tell me he would not be keeping the appointment! Any how I cannot help but wonder what the big deal is about getting the equipment, which now turns out to be traps, from Miami. Hadn't the local rep or his company ever heard of Home Depot? In less that 15 minutes I had visited Home Depot and purchased 4 large traps and 4 large cages!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Last night was Bob's night! Actually Bob and Blake's!
Bob died several weeks ago. He and Blake had lived together in a loving relationship for 42 years. More years than many of today's heterosexual marriages.
A crowning achievement! And one not uncommon in the Florida keys.
I know little about them other than they were good people who I had the pleasure to socialize with on occasion. Few people in the Key West area discuss their backgrounds or how they came to arrive in this area. You arrive and are accepted. It is that simple. And good!
So I cannot tell you much of their background, except that Blake was a Hollywood writer of TV shows at one time and three of them are still in reruns today. A good thing.
It was a gala evening! Bob and Blake loved to party. So it was only natural for Blake to throw a party to celebrate Bob's life. And again what a party! Aprroximately 200 people at their home on Sugarloaf Key. All friends! All good company!
Cocktails and great tidbits to begin. Followed by a sit down dinner. Food outstanding! Catered by Louie and Christine of Great Events. They are absolutely the best! I have utilized their services for 2 weddings and numerous other events.
Dessert was a chocolate piano stuffed with all kinds of tasty fruits and a touch of very light whipped cream. A wow! And a proper desert typlifying Bob's love of music.
And music there was! Bobby Nesbitt played the piano and sang. Plus 12 of the best of the Key West area singers each sang a song in tribute to their friend Bob. Needless to say, tears were shed. Very few eyes were dry.
God love you Bob! And God love you Blake for remembering your dear comapnion in this way! There should be more Bob and Blakes in this world!
Bob died several weeks ago. He and Blake had lived together in a loving relationship for 42 years. More years than many of today's heterosexual marriages.
A crowning achievement! And one not uncommon in the Florida keys.
I know little about them other than they were good people who I had the pleasure to socialize with on occasion. Few people in the Key West area discuss their backgrounds or how they came to arrive in this area. You arrive and are accepted. It is that simple. And good!
So I cannot tell you much of their background, except that Blake was a Hollywood writer of TV shows at one time and three of them are still in reruns today. A good thing.
It was a gala evening! Bob and Blake loved to party. So it was only natural for Blake to throw a party to celebrate Bob's life. And again what a party! Aprroximately 200 people at their home on Sugarloaf Key. All friends! All good company!
Cocktails and great tidbits to begin. Followed by a sit down dinner. Food outstanding! Catered by Louie and Christine of Great Events. They are absolutely the best! I have utilized their services for 2 weddings and numerous other events.
Dessert was a chocolate piano stuffed with all kinds of tasty fruits and a touch of very light whipped cream. A wow! And a proper desert typlifying Bob's love of music.
And music there was! Bobby Nesbitt played the piano and sang. Plus 12 of the best of the Key West area singers each sang a song in tribute to their friend Bob. Needless to say, tears were shed. Very few eyes were dry.
God love you Bob! And God love you Blake for remembering your dear comapnion in this way! There should be more Bob and Blakes in this world!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Good morning! A great day! I am sitting at my desk looking out the window. The sun is cloaking the palm tree outside the window and dancing over the moving water. What could be better!
Yesterday was uneventful. But that is no reason not to read on!
I felt under the weather a bit. A touch of some bug. So I took it easy, except for getting my car washed.
I basically layed on the couch all day. Played couch potato! Watched a bit of several football games and a couple of old movies. By night the same thing, except that I enjoyed also parts of the Miami-Orlando game. Feel much better this morning.
The only thing scheduled for yesterday was getting the car washed. Salt is a major aggravation living in Key West or any island for that matter. It grips everything inside and out, whether car or some other structure.
My car had not had a good scrubbing for several months. I had made an appointment for 9 am for it to be washed, polished and otherwise detailed. Dropped it off on time. Was assured it would be ready no later than noon. Noon turned into 4:30.
Typical Key West. Typical island life. Evryone and everything slows down. I honestly believe it is the heat/climate. And no one, including me, cares! Que sera, sera!
The car came out beautiful!
Tonight we are attending what unquestionably will be a great party! Blake and Bob partnered together for many many years. Two wonderful people! Bob passed away several weeks ago. Blake is throwing a party tonight to celebrate Bob's life. Word is there are 200 people invited and major entertainment. I am sure it will be absolutely outstanding and I look forward to sharing it with you tomorrow.
The rats remain. Up to 11 caught. Fortunately the source has been localized. They are coming in thru the wine closet off the kitchen. Houses in the keys are generally cellarless. The keys are at sea level. Water is just below ground surface.
My home is built up a bit and has a 5 foot crawl space. Wiring, plumbing, etc. all run under the house in the crawl space.
One of the entrances to the crawl space is in the wine closet. It runs under the outside deck and opens again in the floor to my outdoor bar. Whether thru the crawl space or some other hole in the wine closet, that is the source from whence these creatures are entering the house. The wine closet has been secured, all visibile holes plugged and the door to the crawl space encumbered with a full case of wine to hold it down. Traps have been placed in the wine closet. And in spite of all that has been done, we are still catching them in the traps in the wine closet. Tomorrow is the big day for the pest exterminator to come and do his job. This house is going to get one big search down or what ever they call what exterminators do! Sorely needed!
Yesterday was uneventful. But that is no reason not to read on!
I felt under the weather a bit. A touch of some bug. So I took it easy, except for getting my car washed.
I basically layed on the couch all day. Played couch potato! Watched a bit of several football games and a couple of old movies. By night the same thing, except that I enjoyed also parts of the Miami-Orlando game. Feel much better this morning.
The only thing scheduled for yesterday was getting the car washed. Salt is a major aggravation living in Key West or any island for that matter. It grips everything inside and out, whether car or some other structure.
My car had not had a good scrubbing for several months. I had made an appointment for 9 am for it to be washed, polished and otherwise detailed. Dropped it off on time. Was assured it would be ready no later than noon. Noon turned into 4:30.
Typical Key West. Typical island life. Evryone and everything slows down. I honestly believe it is the heat/climate. And no one, including me, cares! Que sera, sera!
The car came out beautiful!
Tonight we are attending what unquestionably will be a great party! Blake and Bob partnered together for many many years. Two wonderful people! Bob passed away several weeks ago. Blake is throwing a party tonight to celebrate Bob's life. Word is there are 200 people invited and major entertainment. I am sure it will be absolutely outstanding and I look forward to sharing it with you tomorrow.
The rats remain. Up to 11 caught. Fortunately the source has been localized. They are coming in thru the wine closet off the kitchen. Houses in the keys are generally cellarless. The keys are at sea level. Water is just below ground surface.
My home is built up a bit and has a 5 foot crawl space. Wiring, plumbing, etc. all run under the house in the crawl space.
One of the entrances to the crawl space is in the wine closet. It runs under the outside deck and opens again in the floor to my outdoor bar. Whether thru the crawl space or some other hole in the wine closet, that is the source from whence these creatures are entering the house. The wine closet has been secured, all visibile holes plugged and the door to the crawl space encumbered with a full case of wine to hold it down. Traps have been placed in the wine closet. And in spite of all that has been done, we are still catching them in the traps in the wine closet. Tomorrow is the big day for the pest exterminator to come and do his job. This house is going to get one big search down or what ever they call what exterminators do! Sorely needed!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Yesterday continued to be a good day!
I had a quiet lunch at Paradise Cafe and took my time reading the papers. Then to Borders to continue reading John Edward's Crossing Over.
And then home for probably the highlight of my day! Syracuse basketball! Obviously I am a Syracuse grad.
The game was at 4:30 so I would be sure to see the entire game. I had fallen asleep earlier in the week while watching Syracuse play in the evening.
Good game! Syracuse beat Washington by 5 or 6 points. Both teams played well and are going to have decent seasons. Just how well remains to be seen for Syracuse. Coach Boeheim is starting 3 freshman, 1 sophmore and 1 junior. Watch out for next year!
We had dinner at the bar at Antonia's. Met some interesting people. Clayton the bartender was his usual jolly self.
Then to La Te Da for music and drinks. Another time I shall tell you of the historical significance of this wonderful place. No time this morning. I had one espresso martini which I made last the evening. Love those things! Again good company! Debra and Patrock were singing and playing respectively. Debra is lovely to look at and to hear. Patrick.....well, he plays well. Good people, they have been married to each other for years.
At halftime of the syracuse game, I went outside on the dock. The sun was just setting! A big orange ball! What a lucky moment!
Then last night we drove home with the top down. Turned a curve and there was the moon!
Big, bright and shiny. And then a wisp of a black clould passed before it. It looked like a witch on her broom! Shades of halloween past!
The count is now up to 11 regarding the univited guests. When will this ever end???????
I had a quiet lunch at Paradise Cafe and took my time reading the papers. Then to Borders to continue reading John Edward's Crossing Over.
And then home for probably the highlight of my day! Syracuse basketball! Obviously I am a Syracuse grad.
The game was at 4:30 so I would be sure to see the entire game. I had fallen asleep earlier in the week while watching Syracuse play in the evening.
Good game! Syracuse beat Washington by 5 or 6 points. Both teams played well and are going to have decent seasons. Just how well remains to be seen for Syracuse. Coach Boeheim is starting 3 freshman, 1 sophmore and 1 junior. Watch out for next year!
We had dinner at the bar at Antonia's. Met some interesting people. Clayton the bartender was his usual jolly self.
Then to La Te Da for music and drinks. Another time I shall tell you of the historical significance of this wonderful place. No time this morning. I had one espresso martini which I made last the evening. Love those things! Again good company! Debra and Patrock were singing and playing respectively. Debra is lovely to look at and to hear. Patrick.....well, he plays well. Good people, they have been married to each other for years.
At halftime of the syracuse game, I went outside on the dock. The sun was just setting! A big orange ball! What a lucky moment!
Then last night we drove home with the top down. Turned a curve and there was the moon!
Big, bright and shiny. And then a wisp of a black clould passed before it. It looked like a witch on her broom! Shades of halloween past!
The count is now up to 11 regarding the univited guests. When will this ever end???????
Friday, November 23, 2007
I awoke today to one of those quiet Ket West mornings. There is little if any wind. The water is still.
So I immediately took a bike ride around the island. Peaceful. Saw only 2 other people. Both bike riding also. And also a small boat going out to early morning fish. A God is in His Heaven and all is right with the world type moment!
Yesterday was a typical and very warm Thanksgiving!
We spent the day at our daughter Lisa's home. I watched the Macy Parade on TV with my 3 and 2 year old grandchildren. More succinctly stated, I watched it and they periodically returned to it. Their attention span is short. They were with me and then without me.
Dinner was fantastic! As usual, ate too much! Fortunately we ate early so there was the rest of the day to get over the bloated feeling. I sat between the grand kids. Helped make their dishes, cut their turkey, etc. And talked their talk! It never ceases to amaze me that when little children are involved, adult talk goes out the window.
Then to the couch to watch a football game and perhaps grab a few winks. No such luck! I was relegated to kid's CDs. One involved somebody the snowman and Santa. The other Godzilla. My grandson is into Godzilla big time! He is afraid of witches and monsters, but Godzilla he likes and considers him his friend!
Regarding our uninvited vermin guests, the catch is up to nine. Monday and the exterminator cannot come too soon!
So I immediately took a bike ride around the island. Peaceful. Saw only 2 other people. Both bike riding also. And also a small boat going out to early morning fish. A God is in His Heaven and all is right with the world type moment!
Yesterday was a typical and very warm Thanksgiving!
We spent the day at our daughter Lisa's home. I watched the Macy Parade on TV with my 3 and 2 year old grandchildren. More succinctly stated, I watched it and they periodically returned to it. Their attention span is short. They were with me and then without me.
Dinner was fantastic! As usual, ate too much! Fortunately we ate early so there was the rest of the day to get over the bloated feeling. I sat between the grand kids. Helped make their dishes, cut their turkey, etc. And talked their talk! It never ceases to amaze me that when little children are involved, adult talk goes out the window.
Then to the couch to watch a football game and perhaps grab a few winks. No such luck! I was relegated to kid's CDs. One involved somebody the snowman and Santa. The other Godzilla. My grandson is into Godzilla big time! He is afraid of witches and monsters, but Godzilla he likes and considers him his friend!
Regarding our uninvited vermin guests, the catch is up to nine. Monday and the exterminator cannot come too soon!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving! May each of you be fortunate enough to spend the day with family and friends!
The vermin saga continues. I have now caught seven. It is obvious that there is a nest of these things. Big! And disgusting! And I still have to wait till Monday for the pest control company to return. I spoke to the individual in charge of my house clean up yesterday via telephone. I said come TODAY! He insisted that the job was of sufficient magnitude that it required equipment from Miami which could not be here till Monday.
The wife and I are surviving. She refuses to go to a motel or our daughter's house to sleep. We have secured the bedroom and master bedroom. She sleeps all night. Takes a sleeping pill! I do not. I sit up in bed wide awake watching television and am lucky to get a total of 2 hours of of and on sleep.
We went out last night. I said enough! There had to be some return to normalcy.
Wednesday night is Bobby Nesbitt time at Kwest. The place had more people than normal. Thanksgiving brings family, friends and visitors to Key West. A typical great time! I had a few extra drinks under the circumstances. Nothing like a little gin to make me forget the guests back at our home.
We ran into Donna and she joined us for dinner later at Antonia's. Good company and good food!
Then home. Reluctantly. I checked the traps and cages. I had caught another culprit. A total of four.
This morning I checked around again. Another three had been captured for a grand total of seven. I am not proud of the record!
Obviously we are not going to have Thanksgiving dinner here. My wife spent the last 2 days at our daughter Lisa's home baking. Shortly she will be leaving for there to put the turkey in the oven.
I have become accustomed to our problem. Monday will arrive, though not soon enough. And then hopefully everything will return to normal!
My friends, ENJOY the day! Eat and drink a bit too much! Enjoy family and friends! It is good for the soul!
The vermin saga continues. I have now caught seven. It is obvious that there is a nest of these things. Big! And disgusting! And I still have to wait till Monday for the pest control company to return. I spoke to the individual in charge of my house clean up yesterday via telephone. I said come TODAY! He insisted that the job was of sufficient magnitude that it required equipment from Miami which could not be here till Monday.
The wife and I are surviving. She refuses to go to a motel or our daughter's house to sleep. We have secured the bedroom and master bedroom. She sleeps all night. Takes a sleeping pill! I do not. I sit up in bed wide awake watching television and am lucky to get a total of 2 hours of of and on sleep.
We went out last night. I said enough! There had to be some return to normalcy.
Wednesday night is Bobby Nesbitt time at Kwest. The place had more people than normal. Thanksgiving brings family, friends and visitors to Key West. A typical great time! I had a few extra drinks under the circumstances. Nothing like a little gin to make me forget the guests back at our home.
We ran into Donna and she joined us for dinner later at Antonia's. Good company and good food!
Then home. Reluctantly. I checked the traps and cages. I had caught another culprit. A total of four.
This morning I checked around again. Another three had been captured for a grand total of seven. I am not proud of the record!
Obviously we are not going to have Thanksgiving dinner here. My wife spent the last 2 days at our daughter Lisa's home baking. Shortly she will be leaving for there to put the turkey in the oven.
I have become accustomed to our problem. Monday will arrive, though not soon enough. And then hopefully everything will return to normal!
My friends, ENJOY the day! Eat and drink a bit too much! Enjoy family and friends! It is good for the soul!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The saga of the rat, now rats, continues......
I went to Home Depot. Great people! I walked out with 4 large rectangular cages and 4 large traps. I was advised to use soft cheese as opposed to peanut butter. Plus poison which I also acquired.
I dutifully laid everything out in what I considered appropriate places. Then I left. It was early afternoon. Actually participating in the execution itself is not part of my mental make up!
When I left, the gardner was here. He later told me the pest company guy showedup. Finally! The pest company rep told him I did a lousy job. Amateurish was the word used and that my traps would not work. He took a look in the attic and concluded I had a nest. Wonderful!
However he could not deal with the problem till Monday at 5. It was Tuesday when this conversation took place. Something about having to go to Miuami to get the necessary equipment. That makes me even more uncomfortable!
Anyhow we returned home last night. I snuck around the house checking out the traps. Quietly for fear of all the unknown! I did not want to disturb anyone or anything. I had trepidation!
Nothing.
So we went to bed. My wife insisted on the same system. Lights on, TV glaring and the door blocked. Needless to say for the third consedcutive night I got basically no sleep. I am a walking zombie! I hate the rats, my house and perhaps soon my wife!
This morning I went on my search of the traps again. Success! One alive in the cage in the wine closet. And one dead in one of the traps. Ugly things! Now I have to do the removal and clean up. I deferred it till after I write this blog. I would like to defer it forever! Perhaps I will leave it to my wife! Good luck!
What do I do with the live one? My plan is to go to the end of my dock and drop the critter in the ocean assuming it will drown. On the other hand the thought has crossed my mind that perhaps this is a protected species and I could be prosecuted! Don't laugh. This country is so screwed up in some instances that it would not surprise me.
I plan on leaving the traps out another day at least.
I also had the opportunity this morning to talk on the telephone with the pest company guy who came by yesterday. I pushed for a today visit and whatever they do. He advised me personally this time that it was a big job and he had to go to Miami for equipment. And therefore Monday was the earliest he could get here. He also said he wanted to be here at dusk when the rats ran along the palm trees to see if they were getting into my house via the roof. I reminded him that the first one intitially came in by biting thru the kitchen door screen by the pool, but my words seemed to fall on deaf ears.
I continue to worry about this rat infestation. But I must admit that I am developing an even deeper concern for my pocketbook! Get rid of them at any cost, but how much is this thing going to cost?
I am off to play golf. Wednesday is golf day. I am so tired I will either play well because I am tired and it will slow down my golf swing, or I will drop dead somewhere on the course! You will have to wait till tomorrow to find out.......
I went to Home Depot. Great people! I walked out with 4 large rectangular cages and 4 large traps. I was advised to use soft cheese as opposed to peanut butter. Plus poison which I also acquired.
I dutifully laid everything out in what I considered appropriate places. Then I left. It was early afternoon. Actually participating in the execution itself is not part of my mental make up!
When I left, the gardner was here. He later told me the pest company guy showedup. Finally! The pest company rep told him I did a lousy job. Amateurish was the word used and that my traps would not work. He took a look in the attic and concluded I had a nest. Wonderful!
However he could not deal with the problem till Monday at 5. It was Tuesday when this conversation took place. Something about having to go to Miuami to get the necessary equipment. That makes me even more uncomfortable!
Anyhow we returned home last night. I snuck around the house checking out the traps. Quietly for fear of all the unknown! I did not want to disturb anyone or anything. I had trepidation!
Nothing.
So we went to bed. My wife insisted on the same system. Lights on, TV glaring and the door blocked. Needless to say for the third consedcutive night I got basically no sleep. I am a walking zombie! I hate the rats, my house and perhaps soon my wife!
This morning I went on my search of the traps again. Success! One alive in the cage in the wine closet. And one dead in one of the traps. Ugly things! Now I have to do the removal and clean up. I deferred it till after I write this blog. I would like to defer it forever! Perhaps I will leave it to my wife! Good luck!
What do I do with the live one? My plan is to go to the end of my dock and drop the critter in the ocean assuming it will drown. On the other hand the thought has crossed my mind that perhaps this is a protected species and I could be prosecuted! Don't laugh. This country is so screwed up in some instances that it would not surprise me.
I plan on leaving the traps out another day at least.
I also had the opportunity this morning to talk on the telephone with the pest company guy who came by yesterday. I pushed for a today visit and whatever they do. He advised me personally this time that it was a big job and he had to go to Miami for equipment. And therefore Monday was the earliest he could get here. He also said he wanted to be here at dusk when the rats ran along the palm trees to see if they were getting into my house via the roof. I reminded him that the first one intitially came in by biting thru the kitchen door screen by the pool, but my words seemed to fall on deaf ears.
I continue to worry about this rat infestation. But I must admit that I am developing an even deeper concern for my pocketbook! Get rid of them at any cost, but how much is this thing going to cost?
I am off to play golf. Wednesday is golf day. I am so tired I will either play well because I am tired and it will slow down my golf swing, or I will drop dead somewhere on the course! You will have to wait till tomorrow to find out.......
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Yesterday the sun shone! The day outside was beautiful! But in our home in Key West there was no joy in Mudville!
You will recall that in yesterday's blog I reported an univited guest in our bedroom as we went to bed. A mouse! Well the mouse is now a rat. When my wife, who is the only person to have actually seen the culprit, described the vemin to me she failed initially to tell me it had a long tail!
And that long tail has created a tale in and of itself!
My wife insisted Sunday night that we take certain precautions while sleeping. That included sleeping with all the bedroom lights on, the TV blaring and the bedroom and closet doors shut tight with towels along the bottom of each to prevent any intruder from entering. So much for a good night's sleep!
Yesterday morning I braved a trip around the house to see if our guest had left. Of course my wife remained in bed buried under the covers. What has happened to gender equality? All of a sudden this was a male problem to solve, MY problem!
He apparently was still in the house. There were additional droppings all over the place. Plus he/she (I cannot be sure) had eaten an additional large hole in the screen door as well as one in the rubber binding under a closet door. Each was about 2 inches in diameter. The rodent apparently also enjoys soap. My wife has small decorative bars in each of our 4 bathrooms. I found them strewn around the house with what appear to be bite marks all over them.
Last night we slept the same way. I awoke this morning to brilliant sun light! My immediate thought was what a great day! It was the lights! It was only 3:30!
We have a pest service. I pay monthly and they come monthly. Bugs are common everywhere. I have a similar service at my upstate New York home, but with a different company. Any how I telephoned the pest service immediately Sunday at 4:30 in the afternoon when the problem was first discovered. I got someone I think in Tennessee. Very smpathetic, very care sounding. I was told no problem. A reminder of my Cub Med days. The service man would be there the next day (Monday) between 3 and 5. I could live with that. My wife could not. But a big game hunter I am not.
Three on Monday came and went. So did 4. So at 4:30, a half hour before the deadline, I called. I had a growing bad sense about the service I was going to receive. Again a voice in a different state. Again great concern. While I held, he tried to reach the service man who was scheduled to make the call. He could not be reached. Was probably in someone's home on a call. I was assured I would receive a return call within the hour.
Of course no one called. I let one and one half hours pass and called at 6. Another voice in a far away state. By this time a bad feeling was developing within me re my pest service company. This represensative was also very concerned and caring. I would hear from a company representative within 2 hours. No, I do not want to hear. I need a visit. I was told there were comany protocols. I had to swallow hard not to tell this nice lady where the company protocols could be shoved!
Two hours came and went and I heard from no one. I called again. Another woman answers. She knows my whole story. It is in their record. Dates, times, the factual descriptions of the problem. She too was very caring and sympathetic. She verified my home and cell phone numbers to be sure someone could reach me last night. Of course, again no one called.
It is now almost 8 am Tuesday morning. I have been in communication with the pest company since 4:30 Sunday afternoon. Approximately 40 hours and my uninvited guest remains and my pest company has not performed to rid us of this intrusion.
All this is bad enough as stated. However to make the rub even worse is the dialogue I am compelled to listen to on the telephone when I first call the pest company and before a human speaks to me. I made note of each. "Problem solve guarantee.....Same day solution.....within 24 hours.....On time total satisfaction!"
What bullshit!
I am giving the pest comany till early morning. If my customer requests continue to be ignorred, I shall have to resort to self help. As stated earlier, a big game hunter I am not! However it will be off to Home Depot to purchase a few large traps and then to Publix for a jar of smoothy peanut butter. I looked this thing up on the internet. Rats love peanut butter. And then assuming I am successful in overcoming the enemy, I shall have to remove the remains. Ughhh!!!
This rat is causing all sorts of incidental problems beside the sleeping ones and the overall unclean feeling which seems to permeate a situation of this nature. By products of the visit.
Thursday is Thanksgiving. We were having a family dinner here. My daughter Lisa, her husband Corey and our 3 and 2 year old grandchildren. My wife was going to start baking today. The cranberry and banana breads and the pumpkin pies. Of course they must be left sitting out on the cupboard to cool. No way! The wife is off this morning to our daughter's house to do the baking there. And I am beginning to conclude that no matter what occurs, Thansgiving dinner will be at my daughter's house also. The rat will hopefully be gone or have met his demise by then. However no matter how well we clean up, I am concerned that my grandchildren may somehow ingest the one missed dropping or somehow be otherwise endangered by this whole situation.
It is after 8 am now. Time to call again! Wish me luck!
I called! Another lady, kind and caring. I was not. She put me on hold. Returned and said the service man was in a house on a call and she could not speak with him. I told her I heard that before. She assured me she would call me back. Good luck! I am off to Home Depot!
You will recall that in yesterday's blog I reported an univited guest in our bedroom as we went to bed. A mouse! Well the mouse is now a rat. When my wife, who is the only person to have actually seen the culprit, described the vemin to me she failed initially to tell me it had a long tail!
And that long tail has created a tale in and of itself!
My wife insisted Sunday night that we take certain precautions while sleeping. That included sleeping with all the bedroom lights on, the TV blaring and the bedroom and closet doors shut tight with towels along the bottom of each to prevent any intruder from entering. So much for a good night's sleep!
Yesterday morning I braved a trip around the house to see if our guest had left. Of course my wife remained in bed buried under the covers. What has happened to gender equality? All of a sudden this was a male problem to solve, MY problem!
He apparently was still in the house. There were additional droppings all over the place. Plus he/she (I cannot be sure) had eaten an additional large hole in the screen door as well as one in the rubber binding under a closet door. Each was about 2 inches in diameter. The rodent apparently also enjoys soap. My wife has small decorative bars in each of our 4 bathrooms. I found them strewn around the house with what appear to be bite marks all over them.
Last night we slept the same way. I awoke this morning to brilliant sun light! My immediate thought was what a great day! It was the lights! It was only 3:30!
We have a pest service. I pay monthly and they come monthly. Bugs are common everywhere. I have a similar service at my upstate New York home, but with a different company. Any how I telephoned the pest service immediately Sunday at 4:30 in the afternoon when the problem was first discovered. I got someone I think in Tennessee. Very smpathetic, very care sounding. I was told no problem. A reminder of my Cub Med days. The service man would be there the next day (Monday) between 3 and 5. I could live with that. My wife could not. But a big game hunter I am not.
Three on Monday came and went. So did 4. So at 4:30, a half hour before the deadline, I called. I had a growing bad sense about the service I was going to receive. Again a voice in a different state. Again great concern. While I held, he tried to reach the service man who was scheduled to make the call. He could not be reached. Was probably in someone's home on a call. I was assured I would receive a return call within the hour.
Of course no one called. I let one and one half hours pass and called at 6. Another voice in a far away state. By this time a bad feeling was developing within me re my pest service company. This represensative was also very concerned and caring. I would hear from a company representative within 2 hours. No, I do not want to hear. I need a visit. I was told there were comany protocols. I had to swallow hard not to tell this nice lady where the company protocols could be shoved!
Two hours came and went and I heard from no one. I called again. Another woman answers. She knows my whole story. It is in their record. Dates, times, the factual descriptions of the problem. She too was very caring and sympathetic. She verified my home and cell phone numbers to be sure someone could reach me last night. Of course, again no one called.
It is now almost 8 am Tuesday morning. I have been in communication with the pest company since 4:30 Sunday afternoon. Approximately 40 hours and my uninvited guest remains and my pest company has not performed to rid us of this intrusion.
All this is bad enough as stated. However to make the rub even worse is the dialogue I am compelled to listen to on the telephone when I first call the pest company and before a human speaks to me. I made note of each. "Problem solve guarantee.....Same day solution.....within 24 hours.....On time total satisfaction!"
What bullshit!
I am giving the pest comany till early morning. If my customer requests continue to be ignorred, I shall have to resort to self help. As stated earlier, a big game hunter I am not! However it will be off to Home Depot to purchase a few large traps and then to Publix for a jar of smoothy peanut butter. I looked this thing up on the internet. Rats love peanut butter. And then assuming I am successful in overcoming the enemy, I shall have to remove the remains. Ughhh!!!
This rat is causing all sorts of incidental problems beside the sleeping ones and the overall unclean feeling which seems to permeate a situation of this nature. By products of the visit.
Thursday is Thanksgiving. We were having a family dinner here. My daughter Lisa, her husband Corey and our 3 and 2 year old grandchildren. My wife was going to start baking today. The cranberry and banana breads and the pumpkin pies. Of course they must be left sitting out on the cupboard to cool. No way! The wife is off this morning to our daughter's house to do the baking there. And I am beginning to conclude that no matter what occurs, Thansgiving dinner will be at my daughter's house also. The rat will hopefully be gone or have met his demise by then. However no matter how well we clean up, I am concerned that my grandchildren may somehow ingest the one missed dropping or somehow be otherwise endangered by this whole situation.
It is after 8 am now. Time to call again! Wish me luck!
I called! Another lady, kind and caring. I was not. She put me on hold. Returned and said the service man was in a house on a call and she could not speak with him. I told her I heard that before. She assured me she would call me back. Good luck! I am off to Home Depot!
Monday, November 19, 2007
What a WOW Sunday! It was a musical extravaganza!
There was a Reef Relief fundraiser at the Southernmost hotel/motel facility beach on the Atlantic side of Key West in the afternoon. Keys people are very much environmentally conscious. The reef is about 12 miles out in the Atlantic. It is a great diving and fishing spot. And it needs protection! And a few hundred people showed up to contribute to its well being.
Howard Livingston and his Mile Marker 24 Group entertained. Howard is the biggest thing to hit the Keys in years! If you have not heard him sing, run out and buy one of his Cd's! He writes most of the music and lyrics played. He sings. His songs are easy to grab onto. Everyone ends up singing along with him! And also dancing barefoot in the sand! He is the new Jimmy Buffet and his music is island music very similar to Buffet's. In the 2 years he has been performing as an entertainer, he has performed all over the Keys, played in Nashville and opened in Las Vegas. A star in the making!
I first met Howard at the bar at Mango's 11 years ago. He was building a home in Summerland Key. I had just purchased my Key West home and was gutting and rebuilding the entire property. From that common interest, our friendship grew.
At the time and until 2 years ago, Howard owned a plant in Chicago employing several hundred people which manufactured parts for diesel railroad engines. He was the typical CEO. Three piece suit, short cropped hair.
Howard sold his company 2 years ago and pocketed a few million.
He always wanted to sing. Many the evening we sat on his dock while he strummed his guitar and had me listen to little ditties he had composed while we consumed Grand Marnier from the bottle. What a life!
So when Howard sold his business, his opportunity had arrived. As he told me at the time, he
was going to set aside x number of dollars, do a business plan as he had with the plant and go for it! And he has! Successfully so!
My friend now has long hair, a beard and a mustache. He wears island type shirts, shorts, a baseball cap and goes barefoot while playing. What a transformation! And everyone loves him!
In the evening we had tickets for a musical event at the Waterhouse Playhouse. It is located on the opposite end of Duval on the Gulf side of Key West.
Another fund raiser! Key West is a very charitable island.
The purpose of the show was to raise money for the Waterfront Playhouse to continue its on going renovations. Twenty nine professional entertainers had donated their time, energy and talent to the performance. And a performance it was! Entitled Sondheim Showstoppers, many of Stephen Sondheim's songs were performed from such Broadway notables as West Side Story, The Frogs, Sweeney Todd, Company, A Little Night Music and Gypsy. Fantastic!
What made it even more exciting was that the songs played were not the popular ones from each show. The entertainers challenged themselves. The unknowns were performed. And with such enthusiasm! These songs were the ones that never achieved popularity. Why I do not understand because last night I heard such great songs and singing that I felt each of the tunes would be a hit if it were released today for the first time.
Then it was on to the Pier House for a night cap. You will recall Larry Smith is the musician extraordinaire there. I wrote last week about the great Sunday Showcase he conducted performing 1980s rock and roll.
Each Sunday Larry features some performer for a 2 hour show. The performers are generally amateurs. They are those people we have all seen in a piano bar who like to pick up the mike and sing a tune or two. They have great voices, work at other jobs and all think they just might have made it big as a singer had they pursued that endeavor earlier in life. Shades of my friend Howard Livingston!
Larry is the consummate professional. He works with his featured entertainer for 2-3 days before the performance. He enhances the best in them. And on Sunday night when they perform, they are the best for that moment! Thanks to Larry.
Last night the featured performer was Karen Weber. Karen is now a Key Wester. Her primary employment is as a marriage consultant. A lovely tiny lady with a big voice! Last night in that small room at the Pier House she was the best!
We returned home to bed to find we had been invaded by a mouse.It ran into the bedroom just as the lights went out. We probably scarred it more than it scared us with our yelling. It ran out the bedroom door. We spent the night sleeping with the lights on, the TV glaring and the bottom of the bed room door blocked by a huge towel. The exterminator is expected this afternoon.
There was a Reef Relief fundraiser at the Southernmost hotel/motel facility beach on the Atlantic side of Key West in the afternoon. Keys people are very much environmentally conscious. The reef is about 12 miles out in the Atlantic. It is a great diving and fishing spot. And it needs protection! And a few hundred people showed up to contribute to its well being.
Howard Livingston and his Mile Marker 24 Group entertained. Howard is the biggest thing to hit the Keys in years! If you have not heard him sing, run out and buy one of his Cd's! He writes most of the music and lyrics played. He sings. His songs are easy to grab onto. Everyone ends up singing along with him! And also dancing barefoot in the sand! He is the new Jimmy Buffet and his music is island music very similar to Buffet's. In the 2 years he has been performing as an entertainer, he has performed all over the Keys, played in Nashville and opened in Las Vegas. A star in the making!
I first met Howard at the bar at Mango's 11 years ago. He was building a home in Summerland Key. I had just purchased my Key West home and was gutting and rebuilding the entire property. From that common interest, our friendship grew.
At the time and until 2 years ago, Howard owned a plant in Chicago employing several hundred people which manufactured parts for diesel railroad engines. He was the typical CEO. Three piece suit, short cropped hair.
Howard sold his company 2 years ago and pocketed a few million.
He always wanted to sing. Many the evening we sat on his dock while he strummed his guitar and had me listen to little ditties he had composed while we consumed Grand Marnier from the bottle. What a life!
So when Howard sold his business, his opportunity had arrived. As he told me at the time, he
was going to set aside x number of dollars, do a business plan as he had with the plant and go for it! And he has! Successfully so!
My friend now has long hair, a beard and a mustache. He wears island type shirts, shorts, a baseball cap and goes barefoot while playing. What a transformation! And everyone loves him!
In the evening we had tickets for a musical event at the Waterhouse Playhouse. It is located on the opposite end of Duval on the Gulf side of Key West.
Another fund raiser! Key West is a very charitable island.
The purpose of the show was to raise money for the Waterfront Playhouse to continue its on going renovations. Twenty nine professional entertainers had donated their time, energy and talent to the performance. And a performance it was! Entitled Sondheim Showstoppers, many of Stephen Sondheim's songs were performed from such Broadway notables as West Side Story, The Frogs, Sweeney Todd, Company, A Little Night Music and Gypsy. Fantastic!
What made it even more exciting was that the songs played were not the popular ones from each show. The entertainers challenged themselves. The unknowns were performed. And with such enthusiasm! These songs were the ones that never achieved popularity. Why I do not understand because last night I heard such great songs and singing that I felt each of the tunes would be a hit if it were released today for the first time.
Then it was on to the Pier House for a night cap. You will recall Larry Smith is the musician extraordinaire there. I wrote last week about the great Sunday Showcase he conducted performing 1980s rock and roll.
Each Sunday Larry features some performer for a 2 hour show. The performers are generally amateurs. They are those people we have all seen in a piano bar who like to pick up the mike and sing a tune or two. They have great voices, work at other jobs and all think they just might have made it big as a singer had they pursued that endeavor earlier in life. Shades of my friend Howard Livingston!
Larry is the consummate professional. He works with his featured entertainer for 2-3 days before the performance. He enhances the best in them. And on Sunday night when they perform, they are the best for that moment! Thanks to Larry.
Last night the featured performer was Karen Weber. Karen is now a Key Wester. Her primary employment is as a marriage consultant. A lovely tiny lady with a big voice! Last night in that small room at the Pier House she was the best!
We returned home to bed to find we had been invaded by a mouse.It ran into the bedroom just as the lights went out. We probably scarred it more than it scared us with our yelling. It ran out the bedroom door. We spent the night sleeping with the lights on, the TV glaring and the bottom of the bed room door blocked by a huge towel. The exterminator is expected this afternoon.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Yesterday was a typical Key West day. A great day! The warmth returned. Barely a cloud in the sky.
Lunch was a big time event. I entertained the family. I took every one to lunch at Paradise Cafe!
Every one includes my daughter Lisa, her husband Corey, and his son Cameron, and my two newest and youngest grandchildren. The boy is 3 and the girl 2.
Every one had a good time! My little grand daughter was especially fascinated by the motor cyclists and trucks. Paradise is located at a busy intersection. Both grand kids were especially intrigued by the chicken family that walked by: rooster, hen and several little chicks.
Key West is a chicken town. Some where some time many years ago chickens started appearing on the streets. The chickens became a part of Key West's lore and ended up in art and literature. The city fathers at some point decided Key West needed more chickens. Good for the tourists! So they appropriated some money and bought and brought more chickens to Key West. The chickens were let free to roam the streets. What no one considered was that chickens apparently enjoy sex also and like to recreate. Soon Key West was overwhelmed by chickens! They were everywhere!
So the government met again on the issue. The solution was that a chicken catcher was hired. The chickens could not be killed. Some law on the issue. So they had to be caught and transported somewhere to northern Florida. A chicken catcher appeared and agreed to do the job at around $20 per chicken. He lasted about 2 weeks. Apparently it was not that easy to catch the chickens nor was the deal financially feasible.
Then some kind woman opened a refugee center for chickens on Duval Street. Only in Key West! People could take the chickens they caught there and the chickens were taken care of. Not to be killed. They were provided a home.
Whatever, things seem to have worked out. There are fewer chickens on the streets. Perhaps birth control additive to the street puddles where the chickens drink. Ho ho!, No, ha ha! And the refugee center is closing. Not because the chicken problem is under control, but because some one bought the building being rented and has other uses for it.
End of the chicken saga.
The bill for the family at Paradise Cafe was $41.09. Not bad for 7 people! I recommend Paradise Cafe for all such dinner parties!
Dinner last night was at La Trattoria. As usual, the food was great. The company even better!
Dined with Roland and Jackie. Love them both dearly!
Started with drinks at their home. Then off to the restaurant.
Roland is a former bank president and fancier. He is one of the smartest money men I have met. Most of his career was in the Boston area where he guided the financial resources of persons and industry for many years. Roland is especially proud of the time he spent on the Notre Dame University Board of Trustees. He likes to refer to himself as its token Wasp!
Jackie is an outstanding woman! Bright and intelligent! Striking! She has a presence about her. When she walks into a room, everyone naturally looks up.
Obviously a part of the table discussion involved the state of the economy. Things do not look good. Roland sees a recession hitting us next year. The market has to fall. Conditions are too erratic. Uncertainty abounds. The war, cost of oil, trade imbalance, mortgage problems, etc. The baby boomers who start retiring this year and next year will not be able to sell their homes at decent prices because of a depressed market via the bank/mortgage scandals. So they will not sell. That also means they will not be able to move to places like Florida and Arizona and buy retirement homes. So no immediate resurrection of house values in the retirement states. A sad state of affairs! We were all agreed that new dynamic leadership at the presidential level was required and then the passage of a period of time for our new President's efforts to set in.
A bit somber, but overall a pleasant and enjoyable evening!
Lunch was a big time event. I entertained the family. I took every one to lunch at Paradise Cafe!
Every one includes my daughter Lisa, her husband Corey, and his son Cameron, and my two newest and youngest grandchildren. The boy is 3 and the girl 2.
Every one had a good time! My little grand daughter was especially fascinated by the motor cyclists and trucks. Paradise is located at a busy intersection. Both grand kids were especially intrigued by the chicken family that walked by: rooster, hen and several little chicks.
Key West is a chicken town. Some where some time many years ago chickens started appearing on the streets. The chickens became a part of Key West's lore and ended up in art and literature. The city fathers at some point decided Key West needed more chickens. Good for the tourists! So they appropriated some money and bought and brought more chickens to Key West. The chickens were let free to roam the streets. What no one considered was that chickens apparently enjoy sex also and like to recreate. Soon Key West was overwhelmed by chickens! They were everywhere!
So the government met again on the issue. The solution was that a chicken catcher was hired. The chickens could not be killed. Some law on the issue. So they had to be caught and transported somewhere to northern Florida. A chicken catcher appeared and agreed to do the job at around $20 per chicken. He lasted about 2 weeks. Apparently it was not that easy to catch the chickens nor was the deal financially feasible.
Then some kind woman opened a refugee center for chickens on Duval Street. Only in Key West! People could take the chickens they caught there and the chickens were taken care of. Not to be killed. They were provided a home.
Whatever, things seem to have worked out. There are fewer chickens on the streets. Perhaps birth control additive to the street puddles where the chickens drink. Ho ho!, No, ha ha! And the refugee center is closing. Not because the chicken problem is under control, but because some one bought the building being rented and has other uses for it.
End of the chicken saga.
The bill for the family at Paradise Cafe was $41.09. Not bad for 7 people! I recommend Paradise Cafe for all such dinner parties!
Dinner last night was at La Trattoria. As usual, the food was great. The company even better!
Dined with Roland and Jackie. Love them both dearly!
Started with drinks at their home. Then off to the restaurant.
Roland is a former bank president and fancier. He is one of the smartest money men I have met. Most of his career was in the Boston area where he guided the financial resources of persons and industry for many years. Roland is especially proud of the time he spent on the Notre Dame University Board of Trustees. He likes to refer to himself as its token Wasp!
Jackie is an outstanding woman! Bright and intelligent! Striking! She has a presence about her. When she walks into a room, everyone naturally looks up.
Obviously a part of the table discussion involved the state of the economy. Things do not look good. Roland sees a recession hitting us next year. The market has to fall. Conditions are too erratic. Uncertainty abounds. The war, cost of oil, trade imbalance, mortgage problems, etc. The baby boomers who start retiring this year and next year will not be able to sell their homes at decent prices because of a depressed market via the bank/mortgage scandals. So they will not sell. That also means they will not be able to move to places like Florida and Arizona and buy retirement homes. So no immediate resurrection of house values in the retirement states. A sad state of affairs! We were all agreed that new dynamic leadership at the presidential level was required and then the passage of a period of time for our new President's efforts to set in.
A bit somber, but overall a pleasant and enjoyable evening!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Yesterday was cold! All day and all night! Sweatshirt/sweater weather. Short pants by day, long pants by night.
Temperature change is strange here and hard to understand if you have never been to Key West. Up to 2 weeks ago the weather was generally in the low 90s by day and high 70s by night. Yesterday the high was 71 and the evening was in the low 60s. A twenty point swing. And the natives feel it!
I am not complaining. Just explaining.
After walking (wearing a sweat shirt) and doing my usual cuban toast and coffee thing, I went to Borders to read. As most of you know, Borders is a national book store chain. Like Barnes & Noble. I enjoy sitting and reading there. I rarely buy books. Only when I am traveling. Too cheap I guess. However I absolutely love sitting in those comfortable chairs and reading. Quiet. Like a library, which these book stores have become.
I am still working through John Edward's Crossing Over. The book has some emotional moments. This talking with the dead thing must be acquiring some respectability and perhaps believability. Larry King's show last night was devoted to the issue and featured several mediums. I caught the rerun of the show at 3 am when again I had difficulty sleeping.
Cleaned up and went out for the evening around 7. Even shaved! Shaving is not a prerequisite in Key West. Only do it every 4-5 days. And wore long pants! My concession to the cold. Long pants are worn only 3-4 times a year. Obviously when it is cold! Even wakes and weddings are attended by the natives in shorts! It is generally too hot for anything else.
Stopped first at the Yacht Club for drinks. Enjoyed the company of those at the bar. The Yacht Club membership consists primarily of locals whose families have been here for generations. Conchs!
Then to Square One Restaurant for dinner.
I have been going to Square One since it opened some 17 years ago. Michael Stewart owns Square One. A nicer individual you will never find! A gracious and caring host! Continental food. Last night was the introduction of a new menu. A winner! I had grouper encrusted with rice krispies in a butter sauce. Wild! Breakfast and dinner at one time! Just plain over the hill delicious.
Square One's bartender is Patrick. Also known as Patti Cakes! Another generous heart! Both he and Michael have become close friends over the years to me and my family.
Then took a short walk to La Te Da's. The place was jamming! Too much for me last night however. I said my hellos and left without having a drink. I was off to home and bed.
By the way, the turkey vultures have left. Probably too cold for them!
Temperature change is strange here and hard to understand if you have never been to Key West. Up to 2 weeks ago the weather was generally in the low 90s by day and high 70s by night. Yesterday the high was 71 and the evening was in the low 60s. A twenty point swing. And the natives feel it!
I am not complaining. Just explaining.
After walking (wearing a sweat shirt) and doing my usual cuban toast and coffee thing, I went to Borders to read. As most of you know, Borders is a national book store chain. Like Barnes & Noble. I enjoy sitting and reading there. I rarely buy books. Only when I am traveling. Too cheap I guess. However I absolutely love sitting in those comfortable chairs and reading. Quiet. Like a library, which these book stores have become.
I am still working through John Edward's Crossing Over. The book has some emotional moments. This talking with the dead thing must be acquiring some respectability and perhaps believability. Larry King's show last night was devoted to the issue and featured several mediums. I caught the rerun of the show at 3 am when again I had difficulty sleeping.
Cleaned up and went out for the evening around 7. Even shaved! Shaving is not a prerequisite in Key West. Only do it every 4-5 days. And wore long pants! My concession to the cold. Long pants are worn only 3-4 times a year. Obviously when it is cold! Even wakes and weddings are attended by the natives in shorts! It is generally too hot for anything else.
Stopped first at the Yacht Club for drinks. Enjoyed the company of those at the bar. The Yacht Club membership consists primarily of locals whose families have been here for generations. Conchs!
Then to Square One Restaurant for dinner.
I have been going to Square One since it opened some 17 years ago. Michael Stewart owns Square One. A nicer individual you will never find! A gracious and caring host! Continental food. Last night was the introduction of a new menu. A winner! I had grouper encrusted with rice krispies in a butter sauce. Wild! Breakfast and dinner at one time! Just plain over the hill delicious.
Square One's bartender is Patrick. Also known as Patti Cakes! Another generous heart! Both he and Michael have become close friends over the years to me and my family.
Then took a short walk to La Te Da's. The place was jamming! Too much for me last night however. I said my hellos and left without having a drink. I was off to home and bed.
By the way, the turkey vultures have left. Probably too cold for them!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Yesterday morning I went out and sat on the dock with my morning cup of coffee. What a lovely day it was! The sun was shining, there was not a cloud in the sky and the wind was almost non-existent. The temperature was around 76 and eventually rose to 82 during the day.
This morning is a different day!
The sun is out. There is not a cloud in the sky. However the temperature is about 63 and the wind is blowing like hell! There are white caps in the ocean. And white caps in my pool! For real!
It is one cold morning. The forecast is for a cold day also. The high is projected at 70. And that is cold in Key West!
The water side of my home faces the northwest. And the wind comes from the northwest. Also I see from TV that the north is experiencing a cold period. It is 40 in upstate New York and snow is expected today. When it is cold up north, we experience a cold spell in Key West. The natives refer to it as a cold front. Well one is definitely upon us!
When I turned on the computer yesterday morning, the main news story on Yahoo was from Australia. There is a move underway there to change Santa Claus' "...ho ho" to "...ha ha" so as not to offend women. If you will excuse the vernacular, what bullshit! Enough is enough! We sometimes get carried too far away as a society.
Last night was bocci night. Fun! but not so successful. We lost another 3 matches. As a face saver I will tell you we played the #3 team. No excuse i know, but you should be aware. They absolutely destroyed us in the first 2 games. The good guys almost won in the third game however. We were down 12-2 and lost 16-15! I cannot take credit for our "almost" upset. I was benched for the last game. But my team mates came through and gave us a degree of pride when we walked off the court. Congrats to David and Karen and Jules and Larry who made us look good in that last game!
After bocci, I rushed home to catch the Democratic debate from Nevada. I caught the second half and was able to watch the reruns of the first half at 3 in the morning when i could not sleep. I was still hurting from the bocci debacle. Ho, ho! No, ha, ha!
Hillary looked good. She came back from the last debate where she left much to be desired. Obama was good, but not as good as I expected. Edwards seems to be bombing. Bill Richardson continues to impress me. He has a wealth of experience, real experience and not the I was married to President Bill for 8 years type, and probably would be the best choice. But he does not seem to have the momentum to win.
What bothers me is that we appear to be selecting our next President by who is the best debater. Realistically speaking, this is not a debate contest! It is the process to pick the person to lead the purportedly strongest nation in the world at a time of extreme peril! We are in trouble internally and externally. I continue to become more distressed that the nitty gritty issues are discussed in generalities and with platitudes. I WANT TO KNOW simply stated what is going to be done about sky rocketing gas prices, gouging oil companies, sky rocketing medical costs (for those who can afford medical insurance), the insurance companies who run the medical industry, getting out of Iraq, low wages, jobs being farmed out to the rest of the world, etc. These are today problems requiring today answers! But nothing seems to change. The candidates all seem to dance around the issues with no specific today solutions being suggested. It is Nero fiddling while Rome burned. By the time our politicians figure out how to correct the gas price problem, we will not be able to afford to buy cars!
This morning is a different day!
The sun is out. There is not a cloud in the sky. However the temperature is about 63 and the wind is blowing like hell! There are white caps in the ocean. And white caps in my pool! For real!
It is one cold morning. The forecast is for a cold day also. The high is projected at 70. And that is cold in Key West!
The water side of my home faces the northwest. And the wind comes from the northwest. Also I see from TV that the north is experiencing a cold period. It is 40 in upstate New York and snow is expected today. When it is cold up north, we experience a cold spell in Key West. The natives refer to it as a cold front. Well one is definitely upon us!
When I turned on the computer yesterday morning, the main news story on Yahoo was from Australia. There is a move underway there to change Santa Claus' "...ho ho" to "...ha ha" so as not to offend women. If you will excuse the vernacular, what bullshit! Enough is enough! We sometimes get carried too far away as a society.
Last night was bocci night. Fun! but not so successful. We lost another 3 matches. As a face saver I will tell you we played the #3 team. No excuse i know, but you should be aware. They absolutely destroyed us in the first 2 games. The good guys almost won in the third game however. We were down 12-2 and lost 16-15! I cannot take credit for our "almost" upset. I was benched for the last game. But my team mates came through and gave us a degree of pride when we walked off the court. Congrats to David and Karen and Jules and Larry who made us look good in that last game!
After bocci, I rushed home to catch the Democratic debate from Nevada. I caught the second half and was able to watch the reruns of the first half at 3 in the morning when i could not sleep. I was still hurting from the bocci debacle. Ho, ho! No, ha, ha!
Hillary looked good. She came back from the last debate where she left much to be desired. Obama was good, but not as good as I expected. Edwards seems to be bombing. Bill Richardson continues to impress me. He has a wealth of experience, real experience and not the I was married to President Bill for 8 years type, and probably would be the best choice. But he does not seem to have the momentum to win.
What bothers me is that we appear to be selecting our next President by who is the best debater. Realistically speaking, this is not a debate contest! It is the process to pick the person to lead the purportedly strongest nation in the world at a time of extreme peril! We are in trouble internally and externally. I continue to become more distressed that the nitty gritty issues are discussed in generalities and with platitudes. I WANT TO KNOW simply stated what is going to be done about sky rocketing gas prices, gouging oil companies, sky rocketing medical costs (for those who can afford medical insurance), the insurance companies who run the medical industry, getting out of Iraq, low wages, jobs being farmed out to the rest of the world, etc. These are today problems requiring today answers! But nothing seems to change. The candidates all seem to dance around the issues with no specific today solutions being suggested. It is Nero fiddling while Rome burned. By the time our politicians figure out how to correct the gas price problem, we will not be able to afford to buy cars!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Played golf yesterday. I must be getting better. I only lost four dollars!
I played with Yankee Jack, Bill, Aaron, and Tino. Yankee is a big man! Well over 300 pounds! As large as he is so is his gentleness and sincerity. A teddy bear! His face is covered in a large black beard.
Yankee earns his living as an entertainer. He sings and plays musical instruments. His primary gig is the Bull on Duval Street. The Bull is an old time open bar (no windows). Yankee sits on a small stage behind one of those piano/organ things and talks with and sings to the patrons several afternoons a week. They come in in droves to hear and banter with him.
Yankee composes. He is wonderful with words. His music and words blend well together. The best example is when Yankee was undergoing a very devastating divorce and he wrote as part of a song "...I can"t get over you till you get out from under him!" Need I say more......
Aaron and Bill you already know. Aaron marries people and Bill is the retired Mack distributor.
Tino is from Chicago Just as a New Yorker is a New Yorker, Tino is a Chicagoan. And he loves his City!
Tino retired to Key West several years ago. He is a short man and sometimes carries that chip on his shoulder that small men seem to do. I say this respectfully and also mention that he is a good guy. Tino took up golf down here. From an inept beginner he has developed into an exceptional golfer. For a little guy, his drives can be exceptionally long right down the middle.
In his former life Tino was a federal agent. After arriving in Key West he decided at a point in time to become a musician. He put together a trio and started working the bars on weekends. Tino sang and played an old time washboard. Yes, I said washboard! And he was being paid to do this! What a country America!
Last night was Wednesday and Wednesday is Bobby Nesbitt night at Kwest. And we were there! So were our dinner hostesses from the night before, Donna and Mary Jo. My Perle Mesta friend Linda arrived. We had made plans to meet there and then go across the street to meet her husband Bill at Mango's for dinner. Bobby generally stops playing at 7:30. Last night he ran a little late. Probably because everyone was having such a good time!
Unspoken words sometimes say a lot. Linda quietly left at 7:30 obviously to go to Bill. She did not want him waiting alone at the table. I do not know if Bill was aware or even appreciated it. What a wonderful marriage they must have!
Mango's Restaurant has an outside deck for dining right in the heart of Key West's busy Duval Street. Although the town is not full of tourists right now, the deck was packed. Dinner and the company were good. I had an excellent piece of salmon.
Tonight is bocci night. It is interfering with the Democratic debate in Nevada. I shall be up half the night after bocci watching the reruns of the debate.
I played with Yankee Jack, Bill, Aaron, and Tino. Yankee is a big man! Well over 300 pounds! As large as he is so is his gentleness and sincerity. A teddy bear! His face is covered in a large black beard.
Yankee earns his living as an entertainer. He sings and plays musical instruments. His primary gig is the Bull on Duval Street. The Bull is an old time open bar (no windows). Yankee sits on a small stage behind one of those piano/organ things and talks with and sings to the patrons several afternoons a week. They come in in droves to hear and banter with him.
Yankee composes. He is wonderful with words. His music and words blend well together. The best example is when Yankee was undergoing a very devastating divorce and he wrote as part of a song "...I can"t get over you till you get out from under him!" Need I say more......
Aaron and Bill you already know. Aaron marries people and Bill is the retired Mack distributor.
Tino is from Chicago Just as a New Yorker is a New Yorker, Tino is a Chicagoan. And he loves his City!
Tino retired to Key West several years ago. He is a short man and sometimes carries that chip on his shoulder that small men seem to do. I say this respectfully and also mention that he is a good guy. Tino took up golf down here. From an inept beginner he has developed into an exceptional golfer. For a little guy, his drives can be exceptionally long right down the middle.
In his former life Tino was a federal agent. After arriving in Key West he decided at a point in time to become a musician. He put together a trio and started working the bars on weekends. Tino sang and played an old time washboard. Yes, I said washboard! And he was being paid to do this! What a country America!
Last night was Wednesday and Wednesday is Bobby Nesbitt night at Kwest. And we were there! So were our dinner hostesses from the night before, Donna and Mary Jo. My Perle Mesta friend Linda arrived. We had made plans to meet there and then go across the street to meet her husband Bill at Mango's for dinner. Bobby generally stops playing at 7:30. Last night he ran a little late. Probably because everyone was having such a good time!
Unspoken words sometimes say a lot. Linda quietly left at 7:30 obviously to go to Bill. She did not want him waiting alone at the table. I do not know if Bill was aware or even appreciated it. What a wonderful marriage they must have!
Mango's Restaurant has an outside deck for dining right in the heart of Key West's busy Duval Street. Although the town is not full of tourists right now, the deck was packed. Dinner and the company were good. I had an excellent piece of salmon.
Tonight is bocci night. It is interfering with the Democratic debate in Nevada. I shall be up half the night after bocci watching the reruns of the debate.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
There have been a multitude of buzzards flying over Key West the last few days. An invasion! Wing spans up to six feet!
Yesterday's paper explained their appearance. The buzzards are actually turkey vultures. They are an annual appearance, though I do not recall ever seeing them before. They come from Ohio and are on their way to the Caribbean islands for the winter. They stop off in Key West waiting for the winds to subside before they leave for the long trek southward over the ocean. They will be gone in a few days.
The article also stated that they return on a specified date each year to a particular town in Ohio. I believe the day is April 15. The Ohio community waits for them and has a major community event to welcome their return.
I find all this amazing! Nature is wonderful! These turkey vultures are like the sun, moon and stars. They have a regular and precise time schedule.
We were invited for dinner last night at Donna's home. I have mentioned Donna before. A wonderful lady! Mary Jo was invited also.
Donna and Mary Jo are lesbians. They were once in a relationship and remain friends. Both were previously married and had children. Donna has grand children also.
Approximately half the population of Key West is gay. After the Navy pulled out in the 1960s, Key West became economically depressed. The gays discovered Key West around 1985 and are responsible for the economic resurgence of the island. Especially with the restaurants where the preparation and presentation are without equal anywhere.
The stone crab season opened last week. I love stone crabs! If ever i was to have a last meal, it would be stone crabs.
Donna is aware of my liking for stone crabs and was kind enough to serve them for dinner. A true friend!
The dinner was simple. Stone crabs and purple potatoes preceded by drinks and some tasty pickies.
As good as the meal was, the company was even better! Beside the usual national political banter, we spent some time discussing the use/prevalence of the word f--k in our every day society.
Donna is of Romanian, Russian and I don't know what extraction. Religiously she is Jewish. Mary Jo is of Portuguese extraction and a Catholic. We are of Italian extraction and Catholic. A significant portion of our dialogue centered on death and how each religious group deals with it. Understandable since one of us at the table is quite ill.
From Hillary to Obama to Rudy to bad language to religion and to death. Not somber. Rather straight from the shoulder open dialogue about real concerns and experiences.
Yesterday's paper explained their appearance. The buzzards are actually turkey vultures. They are an annual appearance, though I do not recall ever seeing them before. They come from Ohio and are on their way to the Caribbean islands for the winter. They stop off in Key West waiting for the winds to subside before they leave for the long trek southward over the ocean. They will be gone in a few days.
The article also stated that they return on a specified date each year to a particular town in Ohio. I believe the day is April 15. The Ohio community waits for them and has a major community event to welcome their return.
I find all this amazing! Nature is wonderful! These turkey vultures are like the sun, moon and stars. They have a regular and precise time schedule.
We were invited for dinner last night at Donna's home. I have mentioned Donna before. A wonderful lady! Mary Jo was invited also.
Donna and Mary Jo are lesbians. They were once in a relationship and remain friends. Both were previously married and had children. Donna has grand children also.
Approximately half the population of Key West is gay. After the Navy pulled out in the 1960s, Key West became economically depressed. The gays discovered Key West around 1985 and are responsible for the economic resurgence of the island. Especially with the restaurants where the preparation and presentation are without equal anywhere.
The stone crab season opened last week. I love stone crabs! If ever i was to have a last meal, it would be stone crabs.
Donna is aware of my liking for stone crabs and was kind enough to serve them for dinner. A true friend!
The dinner was simple. Stone crabs and purple potatoes preceded by drinks and some tasty pickies.
As good as the meal was, the company was even better! Beside the usual national political banter, we spent some time discussing the use/prevalence of the word f--k in our every day society.
Donna is of Romanian, Russian and I don't know what extraction. Religiously she is Jewish. Mary Jo is of Portuguese extraction and a Catholic. We are of Italian extraction and Catholic. A significant portion of our dialogue centered on death and how each religious group deals with it. Understandable since one of us at the table is quite ill.
From Hillary to Obama to Rudy to bad language to religion and to death. Not somber. Rather straight from the shoulder open dialogue about real concerns and experiences.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A quiet day.
An early breakfast of cuban toast and coffee at Paradise Cafe while reading the morning papers. Then a long walk along the waterfront.
Twenty years ago when I first discovered Key West, the boats were small. 16-18 footers were commonplace. Ten years ago 30-40 footers were in vogue. Now 60 foot and larger are not uncommon. And the 100 foot plus ones sprinkle the marinas.
It is one of the indications that the rest of the world is discovering Key West.
Caught 2 small snappers off the dock last night. Cleaned them, rubbed them with a bit of olive oil and then pan fried them over the outside grill. Delicious!
Went to bed early to watch Monday night football. A less than dramatic game so I switched to Dancing With the Stars. Better than the football game but not enough to keep my attention as I fell asleep before it was over.
An early breakfast of cuban toast and coffee at Paradise Cafe while reading the morning papers. Then a long walk along the waterfront.
Twenty years ago when I first discovered Key West, the boats were small. 16-18 footers were commonplace. Ten years ago 30-40 footers were in vogue. Now 60 foot and larger are not uncommon. And the 100 foot plus ones sprinkle the marinas.
It is one of the indications that the rest of the world is discovering Key West.
Caught 2 small snappers off the dock last night. Cleaned them, rubbed them with a bit of olive oil and then pan fried them over the outside grill. Delicious!
Went to bed early to watch Monday night football. A less than dramatic game so I switched to Dancing With the Stars. Better than the football game but not enough to keep my attention as I fell asleep before it was over.
Monday, November 12, 2007
A great Sunday! Began well and closed spectacularly!
It was Bill's 70th birthday. His wife Linda threw him a small surprise birthday brunch at the new Martin's Restaurant. A unique addition to the Key West landscape. Fine German food.
Bill is of German extraction.
Bill and Linda are originally from Reading, Pa. They still maintain a home there. Bill graduated from Penn State and then went to New York City where he spent several years in the advertising business. His father was a Mack truck distributor in Pennsylvania. At some point Bill returned to the family business and built it into 3 Mack distributorships. When the time was ripe, he sold them and retired to Key West.
Linda is the hostess extraordinaire! A party planner, she throws the greatest dinner and and cocktail parties. I love to be invited to her gatherings. She has that special talent that makes everyone feel welcome. I always feel she threw the party just for me. And I am sure every one else there feels the same way. A wonderful person! A great social hostess!
The evening provided a very rare experience that was pure enjoyment!
My friend Larry Smith is a musician extraordinaire! He has an innate ability to take musicians and song and tie them all together so the result is entertainment at its best! Last night was his finest hour!
Larry is married to Christine. Christine is a professional vocalist who performs several nights a week at some of the finest establishments in Key West. She is also a kindergarten teacher by day. Larry spends his days playing golf. That is how he and I became acquainted many years ago.
Larry and Christine met at Woodstock back in the Woodstock days. The music is in their bones!
Larry does a showcase at 9 every Sunday night at the Pier House, one of Key West's premier and largest resorts. He features a different singer/musician each Sunday. Last night was Christine's night and properly so!
The event is held in the old Wine Galley. A just right sized room. The place was jammed to the rafters last night! The crowd expanded the walls! To hear Christine.
The theme was music from the 1980s. A rock and roll night. It was a wow evening! I cannot think of a word sufficient to describe the evening and the quality of the music.
From the very first note it was ENTERTAINMENT! Off the walls! The beat resounded! Christine was magnificnet! I could not hear myself think. The music was loud and clear. Loud loud! So up front and in your face and oh so good! And Christine belted out those 1980 rock tunes with the ultimate in class.
Backing up Christine was Kathleen. Another unique stylist in her own right. The walls move when Kathleen sings!
I noticed during the performance that the lips of those in the audience were moving during the show. They were singing along with Christine. It suddenly dawned on me that although I was moved by the rock, I recognized none of the songs nor knew their words. I had spent the 80s working hard cleaning up landfills and polluted industrial sites as an enviromental attorney. I had no time for music and the like! I had missed a whole genration of music and American culture! How sad!
I sleep poorly. Last night I slept all night without interruption. It had to be the music. Probably beat the hell out of me.....
It was Bill's 70th birthday. His wife Linda threw him a small surprise birthday brunch at the new Martin's Restaurant. A unique addition to the Key West landscape. Fine German food.
Bill is of German extraction.
Bill and Linda are originally from Reading, Pa. They still maintain a home there. Bill graduated from Penn State and then went to New York City where he spent several years in the advertising business. His father was a Mack truck distributor in Pennsylvania. At some point Bill returned to the family business and built it into 3 Mack distributorships. When the time was ripe, he sold them and retired to Key West.
Linda is the hostess extraordinaire! A party planner, she throws the greatest dinner and and cocktail parties. I love to be invited to her gatherings. She has that special talent that makes everyone feel welcome. I always feel she threw the party just for me. And I am sure every one else there feels the same way. A wonderful person! A great social hostess!
The evening provided a very rare experience that was pure enjoyment!
My friend Larry Smith is a musician extraordinaire! He has an innate ability to take musicians and song and tie them all together so the result is entertainment at its best! Last night was his finest hour!
Larry is married to Christine. Christine is a professional vocalist who performs several nights a week at some of the finest establishments in Key West. She is also a kindergarten teacher by day. Larry spends his days playing golf. That is how he and I became acquainted many years ago.
Larry and Christine met at Woodstock back in the Woodstock days. The music is in their bones!
Larry does a showcase at 9 every Sunday night at the Pier House, one of Key West's premier and largest resorts. He features a different singer/musician each Sunday. Last night was Christine's night and properly so!
The event is held in the old Wine Galley. A just right sized room. The place was jammed to the rafters last night! The crowd expanded the walls! To hear Christine.
The theme was music from the 1980s. A rock and roll night. It was a wow evening! I cannot think of a word sufficient to describe the evening and the quality of the music.
From the very first note it was ENTERTAINMENT! Off the walls! The beat resounded! Christine was magnificnet! I could not hear myself think. The music was loud and clear. Loud loud! So up front and in your face and oh so good! And Christine belted out those 1980 rock tunes with the ultimate in class.
Backing up Christine was Kathleen. Another unique stylist in her own right. The walls move when Kathleen sings!
I noticed during the performance that the lips of those in the audience were moving during the show. They were singing along with Christine. It suddenly dawned on me that although I was moved by the rock, I recognized none of the songs nor knew their words. I had spent the 80s working hard cleaning up landfills and polluted industrial sites as an enviromental attorney. I had no time for music and the like! I had missed a whole genration of music and American culture! How sad!
I sleep poorly. Last night I slept all night without interruption. It had to be the music. Probably beat the hell out of me.....
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Yesterday was a Key West day like all days. It was a good day!
I spent a lazy day. Walked a bit and read a bit.
I am presently reading John Edward's new book Crossing Over. He is the fellow who used to have a television show and claims he can communicate with the dead. I am not sure whether he is for real. He makes a convincing case. Questionable but provocative reading. At the very least if there is any validity to his claims it provides us with a comfort factor regarding the hereafter and that we shall be joining again with our passed on parents, families and friends.
Had a great time last night! Made plans to meet Sergio and Karen.
Sergio is the best! I first met him about 10 years ago at his mother in law's wake in Rochester, N.Y. I knew he was from Key West. I assumed he was Cuban and asked how long his family had been here. He looked at me in a bit of bewilderment and said his family was Castilian Spanish and had settled in Key West in 1848. Obviously I was embarrassed! This almost qualified the female gender of the family for DAR membership!
We became close friends. I further found out Serg, as he is also called, was a college graduate, now a seventh grade math teacher in Key west and a Vietnam veteran. He served his country as a lieutenant while serving there. To evidence the type of individual Serg is, he voluntarily signed up for a second tour of duty in Vietnam since he saw it as the right thing to do.
Since Serg was born in Key West, he is regarded as a Conch. This is a big deal in Key West! There is an old fashioned stubborn pride that goes with it. Conch's are generally fearless, God loving and full of community and national pride. These attributes are reflected in everything they do.
We met at Kwest. Bobby Nesbitt was singing. It was also Bobby's birthday. There were well over 100 people in the tiny bar.
Why is Bobby Nesbitt so appealing? The answer is best given by describing his show. He sits at a small piano and plays songs from popular Broadway shows. Every one joins in in the singing. Such shows as My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, Camelot and the like! How can it be bad!
Bobby's last medley was from George M. Cohan's Yankee Doodle Dandy. Patriotic! And then he finished by playing God Bless America! A 100 strong voices stood and sang with pride! And then a crescendo of claps that shook the walls! Key West and America at its best!
We walked over to Antonia's for dinner where we had reservations. The place was packed! Remember the powerboat races are in town. In fact downtown Key West in general was jumping last night.
Antonia's is presently owned by Christopher and Patrick. They bought it about a year ago. Christopher is originally from Turin, N.Y. which is 15 miles from my original home Utica, N.Y. A small world!. We had never met nor knew each other till last year when Christoper and his partner bought Antonia's.
The finest Italian food I have ever eaten is at Antonio's. And i have traveled all over, including Italy.
We shared a great meal and good company and opted to call it a night. No wonder as we had started the evening at around 5 at Kwest!
I spent a lazy day. Walked a bit and read a bit.
I am presently reading John Edward's new book Crossing Over. He is the fellow who used to have a television show and claims he can communicate with the dead. I am not sure whether he is for real. He makes a convincing case. Questionable but provocative reading. At the very least if there is any validity to his claims it provides us with a comfort factor regarding the hereafter and that we shall be joining again with our passed on parents, families and friends.
Had a great time last night! Made plans to meet Sergio and Karen.
Sergio is the best! I first met him about 10 years ago at his mother in law's wake in Rochester, N.Y. I knew he was from Key West. I assumed he was Cuban and asked how long his family had been here. He looked at me in a bit of bewilderment and said his family was Castilian Spanish and had settled in Key West in 1848. Obviously I was embarrassed! This almost qualified the female gender of the family for DAR membership!
We became close friends. I further found out Serg, as he is also called, was a college graduate, now a seventh grade math teacher in Key west and a Vietnam veteran. He served his country as a lieutenant while serving there. To evidence the type of individual Serg is, he voluntarily signed up for a second tour of duty in Vietnam since he saw it as the right thing to do.
Since Serg was born in Key West, he is regarded as a Conch. This is a big deal in Key West! There is an old fashioned stubborn pride that goes with it. Conch's are generally fearless, God loving and full of community and national pride. These attributes are reflected in everything they do.
We met at Kwest. Bobby Nesbitt was singing. It was also Bobby's birthday. There were well over 100 people in the tiny bar.
Why is Bobby Nesbitt so appealing? The answer is best given by describing his show. He sits at a small piano and plays songs from popular Broadway shows. Every one joins in in the singing. Such shows as My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, Camelot and the like! How can it be bad!
Bobby's last medley was from George M. Cohan's Yankee Doodle Dandy. Patriotic! And then he finished by playing God Bless America! A 100 strong voices stood and sang with pride! And then a crescendo of claps that shook the walls! Key West and America at its best!
We walked over to Antonia's for dinner where we had reservations. The place was packed! Remember the powerboat races are in town. In fact downtown Key West in general was jumping last night.
Antonia's is presently owned by Christopher and Patrick. They bought it about a year ago. Christopher is originally from Turin, N.Y. which is 15 miles from my original home Utica, N.Y. A small world!. We had never met nor knew each other till last year when Christoper and his partner bought Antonia's.
The finest Italian food I have ever eaten is at Antonio's. And i have traveled all over, including Italy.
We shared a great meal and good company and opted to call it a night. No wonder as we had started the evening at around 5 at Kwest!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Last night was a disaster! We lost all 3 games at bocci.
I played well. My team mates played well. However we played the number 1 team and could not rise to the occasion. They were just too good for us! They were masterful!
Bocci is a game that came over from Italy with the Italian migration of the late 1800s and early 1900s. A little ball about the size of a bloated ping pong ball called a polina is thrown down a long clay court. There then are 4 much larger balls on each side. They are the size of a grapefruit and hard and heavy. The object of the game is to get the big ball as close to the polina as possible. The closest balls each get a point. The courts are clay and the terrain uneven. Opposing balls get in the way and have to be knocked out. Speed and distance are important. And so it goes.....
Bocci is big time in Key West. We play on six municipal courts just across the street from the Atlantic Ocean. The courts are well lighted and maintained by the City of Key West.
Interestingly there are few Italo-Americans playing the game. There were approximately 70 persons playing last night. It was a cross section of humanity. Just about every national and ethnic group was represented together with gays, straights, males and females. Even one homeless person! The accents come at you from every direction. It is truly One Human Family!
My earlier day was well spent. I did basically nothing!
I lazied in bed till late for me watching Regis and Kelley. Then I took my daily walk. Because it was windy on the gulf side, I walked the Atlantic side of the island. My walk took me a couple of miles along the beaches. Good for the soul! The bright sun on the water, the green palm trees swaying in the wind, the sense of goodness. What more could one ask for!
Afterwards I went to my favorite place for breakfast. Sometimes even for lunch. Paradise Cafe located on the corner of Eaton and Grinnell Streets. Note that I even provided the address. It is because this place is so great that if you are ever in Key West you must go there!
It is a hole in the wall! Nothing special in and off itself! A former corner gas station, it has for the past 17 years been a cuban sandwich shop. I had cuban toast and cuban coffee for breakfast. Sat outside on a green plastic chair and table probably bought from K Mart many years ago and read the morning paper as I enjoyed the toast and coffee.
Cuban toast is a wonder! Thick cuban bread is cut in half and smothered with butter. It is then toasted and pressed tight in the process. The end product is less than 1/4 inch thick and is hard and crispy. And oh so tasty!
They tell me that cuban bread is made from pig lard. If it is, it has had no discernible affect on my body. My weight has remained the same.
The cuban coffee is con leche. Terrific! And an eye opener! It prepares one for the day ahead.
I played well. My team mates played well. However we played the number 1 team and could not rise to the occasion. They were just too good for us! They were masterful!
Bocci is a game that came over from Italy with the Italian migration of the late 1800s and early 1900s. A little ball about the size of a bloated ping pong ball called a polina is thrown down a long clay court. There then are 4 much larger balls on each side. They are the size of a grapefruit and hard and heavy. The object of the game is to get the big ball as close to the polina as possible. The closest balls each get a point. The courts are clay and the terrain uneven. Opposing balls get in the way and have to be knocked out. Speed and distance are important. And so it goes.....
Bocci is big time in Key West. We play on six municipal courts just across the street from the Atlantic Ocean. The courts are well lighted and maintained by the City of Key West.
Interestingly there are few Italo-Americans playing the game. There were approximately 70 persons playing last night. It was a cross section of humanity. Just about every national and ethnic group was represented together with gays, straights, males and females. Even one homeless person! The accents come at you from every direction. It is truly One Human Family!
My earlier day was well spent. I did basically nothing!
I lazied in bed till late for me watching Regis and Kelley. Then I took my daily walk. Because it was windy on the gulf side, I walked the Atlantic side of the island. My walk took me a couple of miles along the beaches. Good for the soul! The bright sun on the water, the green palm trees swaying in the wind, the sense of goodness. What more could one ask for!
Afterwards I went to my favorite place for breakfast. Sometimes even for lunch. Paradise Cafe located on the corner of Eaton and Grinnell Streets. Note that I even provided the address. It is because this place is so great that if you are ever in Key West you must go there!
It is a hole in the wall! Nothing special in and off itself! A former corner gas station, it has for the past 17 years been a cuban sandwich shop. I had cuban toast and cuban coffee for breakfast. Sat outside on a green plastic chair and table probably bought from K Mart many years ago and read the morning paper as I enjoyed the toast and coffee.
Cuban toast is a wonder! Thick cuban bread is cut in half and smothered with butter. It is then toasted and pressed tight in the process. The end product is less than 1/4 inch thick and is hard and crispy. And oh so tasty!
They tell me that cuban bread is made from pig lard. If it is, it has had no discernible affect on my body. My weight has remained the same.
The cuban coffee is con leche. Terrific! And an eye opener! It prepares one for the day ahead.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Good morning WORLD!!!
It is another glorious day in Key West! I woke this morning to the sun rising. What a wondrous sight! My bed is situated so I can see the rising sun over the water through open terrace doors. My eyes opened to the sun breaking over the ocean. God is good!
The weather yesterday and this morning remains the same. A bit cool and crisp, though the high yesterday was 82 and the low 75. Down from the recent some what humid low 90s and joined with the cold air from the north, one can feel the sharpness in the air.
Played golf yesterday. Wednesday is golf day. I play with 8 to 12 guys every week. We break into groups. Yesterday I played with Aaron and Bill. Aaron is a notary public. As such he marries people for a living. Generally on the beach. I have seen him perform. He does a solemn uplifting ceremony with a touch of humor. Bill is a retred Mack truck dealer from Pennsylvania. Both are excellent golfers. But not yesterday.
I am a very poor golfer. In fact so bad I cannot describe. And i have been going from bad to worse lately. For some reason I have not been able to get off the tee. And everything else is bad also. I hate repeatedly using the word bad, but it most aptly describes my present golf game.
The first nine was horrendous. I had 5 8s. Actually 3 8s and 2 9s, but i refuse to count anything over a double par. Change was inevitable! So on the back nine I put the driver in the bag and started teeing off with a 4 iron. Wonder of wonders! Long and straight. And the rest of my game seemed to fall into place. The back nine was bogey and double bogey, except for the very hard par 5 18th which i pared. Wild!
By the time I reached the 18th tee i was using my five wood to drive. Three great shots in a row brought me to 20 yards off the green. An 8 iron chip found me 4 feet from the hole. A tough downhill putt to the left which, of course, I made! There was no question in my mind as I stood over that putt that it was going to go in! What a feeling!
Golf tires me out. Especially when you take as many strokes as i do! Remedmber that a golf club is heavy metal and I swing it at least twice as many times as most golfers. So i went home to bed, yes bed, and slept for three hours.
Last night I went to Kwest to hear Bobby Nesbitt sing. He is one of Key West's premier singers. He plays there every wednesday for 2 hours early in the evening. Bobby was not there. He had gone to Buffalo for a few days to visit his mother. Buffalo had snow yesterday (and I complain of the cool wave down here!) and he was stranded in some airport between Buffalo and Key West.
So after saying hello to a few friends, I left and walked down Key West's main drag Duval Street to Antonia's for a drink. Chatted a while at the bar with Clayton the bartender. Clayton is an interesting fellow. From New Zealand. Very worldly and very intelligent.
Things were quiet at Antonia's so I walked further down Duval to the Trattetoria, a very fine Italian restaurant. The place was packed!
I had dinner at the bar. Spaghetti and oil with a touch of red pepper. Outstanding!
While seated at the bar I ran into Louie's father and mother. Louie and his wife Christine own Great Events, which is one of Key West's leading private caterers. I can attest to the quality of Great Events work as I have had them handle several parties for me.
Louie's father is 77. He still works. He is a butcher at Winn Dixie. THE butcher. People run to him for special cuts all the time. He is the man for good cuts of beef!
I was tired so I was home in bed by 9:30.
Tonight is bocci night! The best time I have in Key West! I can't wait to tell you about it tomorrow..........
It is another glorious day in Key West! I woke this morning to the sun rising. What a wondrous sight! My bed is situated so I can see the rising sun over the water through open terrace doors. My eyes opened to the sun breaking over the ocean. God is good!
The weather yesterday and this morning remains the same. A bit cool and crisp, though the high yesterday was 82 and the low 75. Down from the recent some what humid low 90s and joined with the cold air from the north, one can feel the sharpness in the air.
Played golf yesterday. Wednesday is golf day. I play with 8 to 12 guys every week. We break into groups. Yesterday I played with Aaron and Bill. Aaron is a notary public. As such he marries people for a living. Generally on the beach. I have seen him perform. He does a solemn uplifting ceremony with a touch of humor. Bill is a retred Mack truck dealer from Pennsylvania. Both are excellent golfers. But not yesterday.
I am a very poor golfer. In fact so bad I cannot describe. And i have been going from bad to worse lately. For some reason I have not been able to get off the tee. And everything else is bad also. I hate repeatedly using the word bad, but it most aptly describes my present golf game.
The first nine was horrendous. I had 5 8s. Actually 3 8s and 2 9s, but i refuse to count anything over a double par. Change was inevitable! So on the back nine I put the driver in the bag and started teeing off with a 4 iron. Wonder of wonders! Long and straight. And the rest of my game seemed to fall into place. The back nine was bogey and double bogey, except for the very hard par 5 18th which i pared. Wild!
By the time I reached the 18th tee i was using my five wood to drive. Three great shots in a row brought me to 20 yards off the green. An 8 iron chip found me 4 feet from the hole. A tough downhill putt to the left which, of course, I made! There was no question in my mind as I stood over that putt that it was going to go in! What a feeling!
Golf tires me out. Especially when you take as many strokes as i do! Remedmber that a golf club is heavy metal and I swing it at least twice as many times as most golfers. So i went home to bed, yes bed, and slept for three hours.
Last night I went to Kwest to hear Bobby Nesbitt sing. He is one of Key West's premier singers. He plays there every wednesday for 2 hours early in the evening. Bobby was not there. He had gone to Buffalo for a few days to visit his mother. Buffalo had snow yesterday (and I complain of the cool wave down here!) and he was stranded in some airport between Buffalo and Key West.
So after saying hello to a few friends, I left and walked down Key West's main drag Duval Street to Antonia's for a drink. Chatted a while at the bar with Clayton the bartender. Clayton is an interesting fellow. From New Zealand. Very worldly and very intelligent.
Things were quiet at Antonia's so I walked further down Duval to the Trattetoria, a very fine Italian restaurant. The place was packed!
I had dinner at the bar. Spaghetti and oil with a touch of red pepper. Outstanding!
While seated at the bar I ran into Louie's father and mother. Louie and his wife Christine own Great Events, which is one of Key West's leading private caterers. I can attest to the quality of Great Events work as I have had them handle several parties for me.
Louie's father is 77. He still works. He is a butcher at Winn Dixie. THE butcher. People run to him for special cuts all the time. He is the man for good cuts of beef!
I was tired so I was home in bed by 9:30.
Tonight is bocci night! The best time I have in Key West! I can't wait to tell you about it tomorrow..........
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Tuesday was another great day in Key West!
The sun was shining bright all day. Not a cloud in the sky. But there was a breeze. The past several weeks have been a steady 92 and a bit muggy by day every day. However a cold wave is upon us. A cold front came in about 2 days ago. Yesterday the high was 82.
It is amazing what the 10 degree difference and cool breeze does to us Key West natives. It is chilly!!!Back in New York 82 is a heat wave! Here after 92 degree weather it is like standing in front of an open refrigerator.
Went to the movies last night. Saw American Gangster. A well done film! Very informative!
Outstanding acting by Densel Washington and Richard Crowe. I recommend you see it. I mention the movie to emphasize the cold weather I have been discussing. Key West is a shorts and t shirt town whether male or female. Yesterday I saw jeans and khakis and last night sweaters, sweat shirts and in one instance a man wearing a sport jacket. A sport jacket in Key West is like the line from the old Frank Sinatra tune Chicago "...I saw a guy dance with his wife in Chicago..."It is that unusual.
Spent the day sitting on my dock reading. A t shirt was sufficient for me! A tough guy am I!
I have been reading a recent biography on Eisenhower called IKE. I recommend it. It amazes me how we won World War II with all the aggravations Eisenhower had to deal with Patton, Montgomery and the Allied air officers!
My home is on open water. Across the way is last year's MTV Real World house. My neighbor lucked out and rented it to MTV for 3 months. As I said, that was last year. It has now become a tourist attraction. They come by the boat loads to view the house which is only 300 feet across the water from me.
While I was sitting out there enjoying IKE, several small power boats with young people came by for the viewing. By young I would think early 20s. I got the usual wave which I happily
returned. What I did not like was the "...Hi Pops!" which went along with it!
Talk with you tomorrow. It is golf time..........
The sun was shining bright all day. Not a cloud in the sky. But there was a breeze. The past several weeks have been a steady 92 and a bit muggy by day every day. However a cold wave is upon us. A cold front came in about 2 days ago. Yesterday the high was 82.
It is amazing what the 10 degree difference and cool breeze does to us Key West natives. It is chilly!!!Back in New York 82 is a heat wave! Here after 92 degree weather it is like standing in front of an open refrigerator.
Went to the movies last night. Saw American Gangster. A well done film! Very informative!
Outstanding acting by Densel Washington and Richard Crowe. I recommend you see it. I mention the movie to emphasize the cold weather I have been discussing. Key West is a shorts and t shirt town whether male or female. Yesterday I saw jeans and khakis and last night sweaters, sweat shirts and in one instance a man wearing a sport jacket. A sport jacket in Key West is like the line from the old Frank Sinatra tune Chicago "...I saw a guy dance with his wife in Chicago..."It is that unusual.
Spent the day sitting on my dock reading. A t shirt was sufficient for me! A tough guy am I!
I have been reading a recent biography on Eisenhower called IKE. I recommend it. It amazes me how we won World War II with all the aggravations Eisenhower had to deal with Patton, Montgomery and the Allied air officers!
My home is on open water. Across the way is last year's MTV Real World house. My neighbor lucked out and rented it to MTV for 3 months. As I said, that was last year. It has now become a tourist attraction. They come by the boat loads to view the house which is only 300 feet across the water from me.
While I was sitting out there enjoying IKE, several small power boats with young people came by for the viewing. By young I would think early 20s. I got the usual wave which I happily
returned. What I did not like was the "...Hi Pops!" which went along with it!
Talk with you tomorrow. It is golf time..........
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
I went to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday to view a friend's film in the Fort Lauderdale film festival. Drove up and back.
Film was excellent! A story unto itself for another day.
The drive back to Key West is an adventure all its own. First I drove the Florida Turnpike into Florida City. The speed limit is 70. I was doing 80. Everyone was passing me.
The turnpike ends at Florida City and then I was on US 1 to Key West.
It is approximately 120 miles, most of which is a two lane road. The speed limit varies from a low of 30 to a high of 55. Most of the time it is 45. Traffic is obviously heavy and passing impossible so you just sit back and enjoy the ride.
The view is spectacular! Water on both sides as far as the eye can see. I drive an Audi convertible so i was doubly blessed with sun and wind.
I started the trip back mid morning. The sun was always on my left. So now the left side of my face is burning red and the right white. I had driven to Fort Lauderdale in the evening going up. I guess i will have to take a short trip back up the keys today to balance out my face coloring. Ah vanity!
Took a nap and then met friends for dinner at the Rooftop Cafe. Had a spectacular tuna meal! A wow!
Then we went to the piano Bar at the Pier House. My friend Larry Smith and some of his jazz friends were doing a jazz night. Great music! Another time I shall tell you more about Larry. He is an outstanding musician, an icon and a spectacular fellow!
It was too long a day for me, the drive and all. And so i was off to home and in bed before eleven.
Film was excellent! A story unto itself for another day.
The drive back to Key West is an adventure all its own. First I drove the Florida Turnpike into Florida City. The speed limit is 70. I was doing 80. Everyone was passing me.
The turnpike ends at Florida City and then I was on US 1 to Key West.
It is approximately 120 miles, most of which is a two lane road. The speed limit varies from a low of 30 to a high of 55. Most of the time it is 45. Traffic is obviously heavy and passing impossible so you just sit back and enjoy the ride.
The view is spectacular! Water on both sides as far as the eye can see. I drive an Audi convertible so i was doubly blessed with sun and wind.
I started the trip back mid morning. The sun was always on my left. So now the left side of my face is burning red and the right white. I had driven to Fort Lauderdale in the evening going up. I guess i will have to take a short trip back up the keys today to balance out my face coloring. Ah vanity!
Took a nap and then met friends for dinner at the Rooftop Cafe. Had a spectacular tuna meal! A wow!
Then we went to the piano Bar at the Pier House. My friend Larry Smith and some of his jazz friends were doing a jazz night. Great music! Another time I shall tell you more about Larry. He is an outstanding musician, an icon and a spectacular fellow!
It was too long a day for me, the drive and all. And so i was off to home and in bed before eleven.
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