My grandfather Louis was born in Italy. The southern part. Somewhere in the province of Caserta. Just outside of the city of Naples.
He was a bastred. Never knew either parent.
He grew up on the streets of Naples. He made do to survive.
He found work when he was 6 or 7 as a sheepherder in the fields outside of Naples. Eventually and by the age of 8 he became a head sheepherder. That meant he was the boss of a group of other small boys so working.
Louis decided to come to the United States when he was about 12. By whatever means, he got on a boat and ended up at Ellis Island.
Ellis Island was and still is located outside of New York City. It was the entry point for immigrants in those days.
All persons who were to enter the United States had "papers." The papers contained their personal data and was hung around their necks in a packet.
The term wop is one all Italian Americans hate! I heard it used too many times in my early days. Insulting and disparaging! I find it revolting even now though it is rarely spoken.
In any event, by the time the Italians reached Ellis Island, most of them had lost their papers. And thus was the word wop born: with out papers!
My grandfather was with out papers!
My grandfather only spoke Italian. The immigration officer at Ellis Island apparently only spoke English or at the most very little Italian.
My grandfather was asked his name. Remember he had no papers by which to be identified. He did not understand. He thought they were asking him what he did for a living. So he told him he was a patron. Patron is Italian for boss. My grandfather was telling the officer he was a boss of sheepherders!
The officer wrote down Petrone and thus was born our family name!
I share this story with pride.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Where do I begin?
My recent political blog re Obama and Clinton brought a hell of a response! Some good, some bad.
We all know there are some people who dislike the Clintons. What I did not know, or better stated had forgotten, is that there a lot of Kennedy haters out there also.
Wow!
I was raised never to discuss politics or religion. People are sensitive. Toes may be stepped upon.
However I enjoy a good exchange of thoughts and ideas! So I especially welcomed the responses which did not agree with me. Though I was surprised at their forcefulness!
Exchanges of this nature are healthy. The key is for more people to express themselves, rather than harbor their feelings internally. We all learn from discourse. Even heated. As long as an open mind is maintained. Sometimes some of us do change our minds.
However I have not in the case of Obama. I am still rock solid in support of him! So climb on the band wagon! A new day awaits!
My recent political blog re Obama and Clinton brought a hell of a response! Some good, some bad.
We all know there are some people who dislike the Clintons. What I did not know, or better stated had forgotten, is that there a lot of Kennedy haters out there also.
Wow!
I was raised never to discuss politics or religion. People are sensitive. Toes may be stepped upon.
However I enjoy a good exchange of thoughts and ideas! So I especially welcomed the responses which did not agree with me. Though I was surprised at their forcefulness!
Exchanges of this nature are healthy. The key is for more people to express themselves, rather than harbor their feelings internally. We all learn from discourse. Even heated. As long as an open mind is maintained. Sometimes some of us do change our minds.
However I have not in the case of Obama. I am still rock solid in support of him! So climb on the band wagon! A new day awaits!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Yesterday was a big day politically! Exciting and memorable!
Ted Kennedy endorsed Barack Obama!
Presidnet Kennedy's daughter Caroline had endorsed him the day before.
Big endorsements! A major boost for Obama!
I watched the endorsement live on TV. It brought tears to my eyes. Seems to be happening a lot lately.
I was part of that '60s generation. And of course a Kennedy supporter! I was a bit active politically in those days.
One of the highlights of my brief but potent political career was a private meeting I had in Rome, New York with Robert Kennedy. I shall never forget his grip, piercing eyes and equally piercing comments. It was a business political meeting. He was an impressive and compelling man. I would have followed him to hell or anywhere else after that meeting!
We lost that special spirit when we lost President Kennedy and Robert Kennedy.
I was hopeful it would return. We need it as a nation! We need it as a people!
I felt it yesterday with Senator Kennedy's endorsement of Obama. I sensed it earlier over the past several months as I listened to Obama speak. I have been telling people he reminded me of John Kennedy.
He does! There is no question about it now!
The race is not over. The February 5th primaries may be the deciding factor. Whatever, Obama is on the run! I hope the country backs him!
I am a political junkie at heart. Most of my readings are political/governmental in nature. I am presently reading Madeline Albright's Memo To a President for example.
So permit an additional comment/observation.
Bill Richardson is the next important political endorsement. The cry seems to be that the Latino vote is large, perhaps larger than the black vote, and needed for victory in this presidential primary and subsequent election. The group interestingly has tended to be Republican. Those that are registered Democrats have indicated early support for Clinton.
They must be brought into the Obama camp! Latino support is crucial to Obama's success.
That is where Richardson comes in. He is Latino by heritage. And by nature. He has dropped out of the Democratic primaries. He has yet to indicate who he supports for the nomination. It is time for him to step up and endorse Obama. The train is leaving the station.
Reflecting on the importance of the Latino vote is the fact that Senator Kennedy has announced he will be campaigning for Obama next week in the southwestern states. Shades of his brother Robert Kennedy who supported supported the Latino grape workers in the 1960s. He actually went to the fields to talk with them and offer help.
All very interesting!
Ted Kennedy endorsed Barack Obama!
Presidnet Kennedy's daughter Caroline had endorsed him the day before.
Big endorsements! A major boost for Obama!
I watched the endorsement live on TV. It brought tears to my eyes. Seems to be happening a lot lately.
I was part of that '60s generation. And of course a Kennedy supporter! I was a bit active politically in those days.
One of the highlights of my brief but potent political career was a private meeting I had in Rome, New York with Robert Kennedy. I shall never forget his grip, piercing eyes and equally piercing comments. It was a business political meeting. He was an impressive and compelling man. I would have followed him to hell or anywhere else after that meeting!
We lost that special spirit when we lost President Kennedy and Robert Kennedy.
I was hopeful it would return. We need it as a nation! We need it as a people!
I felt it yesterday with Senator Kennedy's endorsement of Obama. I sensed it earlier over the past several months as I listened to Obama speak. I have been telling people he reminded me of John Kennedy.
He does! There is no question about it now!
The race is not over. The February 5th primaries may be the deciding factor. Whatever, Obama is on the run! I hope the country backs him!
I am a political junkie at heart. Most of my readings are political/governmental in nature. I am presently reading Madeline Albright's Memo To a President for example.
So permit an additional comment/observation.
Bill Richardson is the next important political endorsement. The cry seems to be that the Latino vote is large, perhaps larger than the black vote, and needed for victory in this presidential primary and subsequent election. The group interestingly has tended to be Republican. Those that are registered Democrats have indicated early support for Clinton.
They must be brought into the Obama camp! Latino support is crucial to Obama's success.
That is where Richardson comes in. He is Latino by heritage. And by nature. He has dropped out of the Democratic primaries. He has yet to indicate who he supports for the nomination. It is time for him to step up and endorse Obama. The train is leaving the station.
Reflecting on the importance of the Latino vote is the fact that Senator Kennedy has announced he will be campaigning for Obama next week in the southwestern states. Shades of his brother Robert Kennedy who supported supported the Latino grape workers in the 1960s. He actually went to the fields to talk with them and offer help.
All very interesting!
Monday, January 28, 2008
My father is 93. Soon to be 94.
When I am in Utica, we have developed routines.
One of them is to visit Barnes and Nobles.
My Dad has lost several inches over the years due to osteoporosis. He is hunched over. Cannot stand straight. A family trait! His brothers and sisters were similarly afflicted. Not bad to handle though if you can live to his age and have most of your faculties!
He keeps falling and breaking bones. So his gait is unsteady. Also he cannot lift his left arm. He has to be helped putting on and taking off his jacket. Seat belts are a problem for him also. He cannot secure or unsecure the belt. I tell him to leave it off. He says no! He does not wish to hurt himself if there is an accident.
Anyhow we go to Barnes and Noble. We sit at a table. We have books which we read. We never buy them. Only pick them up to continue reading each time we go. And we drink coffee.
Actually there is little book reading that takes place. We talk. About everything and anything. And we look. At the younger women!
A very vitalizing experience for him! And me for that matter also!
I will see an attractive young lady and might commnet...great ass! Or...great breasts! He will look and after a while grunt approvingly. It takes time for his eyes to focus.
We do not stay long. My father tires easily. It is all too much for him!
When I am in Utica, we have developed routines.
One of them is to visit Barnes and Nobles.
My Dad has lost several inches over the years due to osteoporosis. He is hunched over. Cannot stand straight. A family trait! His brothers and sisters were similarly afflicted. Not bad to handle though if you can live to his age and have most of your faculties!
He keeps falling and breaking bones. So his gait is unsteady. Also he cannot lift his left arm. He has to be helped putting on and taking off his jacket. Seat belts are a problem for him also. He cannot secure or unsecure the belt. I tell him to leave it off. He says no! He does not wish to hurt himself if there is an accident.
Anyhow we go to Barnes and Noble. We sit at a table. We have books which we read. We never buy them. Only pick them up to continue reading each time we go. And we drink coffee.
Actually there is little book reading that takes place. We talk. About everything and anything. And we look. At the younger women!
A very vitalizing experience for him! And me for that matter also!
I will see an attractive young lady and might commnet...great ass! Or...great breasts! He will look and after a while grunt approvingly. It takes time for his eyes to focus.
We do not stay long. My father tires easily. It is all too much for him!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Recollections of my youth are running rampant in my mind!
Seeing my cousins at the hospital for the first time in years and being "home" in Utica this past week have kindled such thoughts. And good one's they are!
I was born of Italian parents. My mother was born in Italy. My father here of parents that had immigrated from Italy to the United States.
The first six years of my life were spent at 923 Jay Street in Utica. The heart of the Italian ghetto!
In fact, for the first six years of my life I thought all people were Italian and Catholic! I knew no other ethnic nor racial nor religious type. For real!
Home was a three story six family structure. My grandfather Louis, after whom I am proudly named, purchased the building as he was starting his family. Eventually the whole family lived in the building.
The building again was 3 stories. Three apartments in front and 3 in the rear. My grandparents lived in the first floor front apartment. My Aunnt Fannie and Uncle Frank in the second floor front. My parents and I third floor front. In the rear, my Aunt Ange and Uncle Frank lived. Above them my Uncle Maurice and Aunt Mary. And in the third floor rear, my Uncle Gee Gee (aka Louis) and Aunt Rocatella. And, of course, each Aunt and Uncle's brood lived with them!
The building was a ghetto unto itself!
It was a fun family place! As was the neighborhood!
And every building around us was similarly occupied. Whole families in one building.
The apartments were all the same. A large kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a living room.
At first there was no bathroom in the apartment itself. When I was about 2, my grandfather had private bathrooms placed in each apartment. Toilet and sink only. No tub or shower.
The apartments were heated with/by the kerosene stove in the kitchen. In the winter my parents would keep feeding kerosene into that stove or we would freeze. The heat from the stove had to stretch to the bedrooms and living room. I can assure you it was never a bit toasty!
Bathing was an interesting routine! Remember there was no shower or tub.
We bathe once a week. Saturday nights. My parents bought a large rubber folding tub. When opened it stood about a foot high. The tub was opened on the kitchen floor. My parents heated pots of water on the kitchen stove. The water when hot was dumped into the rubber tub. When sufficiently full, the baths began!
First my father. The man of the house! Unquestionably the head honcho in an Italian home! He got the clean water!
When he was done, it was my mother's turn. She got to use the slightly soiled water my father left behind. Then when she was done, it was my turn! I was low man on the totem pole. I truly got everyone's wash water!
Even then I knew something was wrong. I did not enjoy being the last one in!
I still laugh when I think about it! One bath a week and third man in!
When I was six we moved to James Street. A big deal in every way! We even had a bath tub. But still I was only required to bathe once a week on Saturday! It must have been a cultural thing in my family!
Now I am old and have two homes. Each has four bathrooms and more tubs and showers than can be counted. And I shower 2-3 times a day! Not only out of a sense of cleanliness, but probably also to make up for the times in my youth when I went dirty!
Seeing my cousins at the hospital for the first time in years and being "home" in Utica this past week have kindled such thoughts. And good one's they are!
I was born of Italian parents. My mother was born in Italy. My father here of parents that had immigrated from Italy to the United States.
The first six years of my life were spent at 923 Jay Street in Utica. The heart of the Italian ghetto!
In fact, for the first six years of my life I thought all people were Italian and Catholic! I knew no other ethnic nor racial nor religious type. For real!
Home was a three story six family structure. My grandfather Louis, after whom I am proudly named, purchased the building as he was starting his family. Eventually the whole family lived in the building.
The building again was 3 stories. Three apartments in front and 3 in the rear. My grandparents lived in the first floor front apartment. My Aunnt Fannie and Uncle Frank in the second floor front. My parents and I third floor front. In the rear, my Aunt Ange and Uncle Frank lived. Above them my Uncle Maurice and Aunt Mary. And in the third floor rear, my Uncle Gee Gee (aka Louis) and Aunt Rocatella. And, of course, each Aunt and Uncle's brood lived with them!
The building was a ghetto unto itself!
It was a fun family place! As was the neighborhood!
And every building around us was similarly occupied. Whole families in one building.
The apartments were all the same. A large kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a living room.
At first there was no bathroom in the apartment itself. When I was about 2, my grandfather had private bathrooms placed in each apartment. Toilet and sink only. No tub or shower.
The apartments were heated with/by the kerosene stove in the kitchen. In the winter my parents would keep feeding kerosene into that stove or we would freeze. The heat from the stove had to stretch to the bedrooms and living room. I can assure you it was never a bit toasty!
Bathing was an interesting routine! Remember there was no shower or tub.
We bathe once a week. Saturday nights. My parents bought a large rubber folding tub. When opened it stood about a foot high. The tub was opened on the kitchen floor. My parents heated pots of water on the kitchen stove. The water when hot was dumped into the rubber tub. When sufficiently full, the baths began!
First my father. The man of the house! Unquestionably the head honcho in an Italian home! He got the clean water!
When he was done, it was my mother's turn. She got to use the slightly soiled water my father left behind. Then when she was done, it was my turn! I was low man on the totem pole. I truly got everyone's wash water!
Even then I knew something was wrong. I did not enjoy being the last one in!
I still laugh when I think about it! One bath a week and third man in!
When I was six we moved to James Street. A big deal in every way! We even had a bath tub. But still I was only required to bathe once a week on Saturday! It must have been a cultural thing in my family!
Now I am old and have two homes. Each has four bathrooms and more tubs and showers than can be counted. And I shower 2-3 times a day! Not only out of a sense of cleanliness, but probably also to make up for the times in my youth when I went dirty!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
I write this morning's blog with mixed emotions.
No. No one is dead. The ill are recovering.
I write of rats and pythons once again.
You will recall a few days ago I pointed out that this blog is read far and wide world wide. I apologize for the redundancy, but it sounds good. I also have stated on more than one occasion that the blogs that received the most attention by way of responsive e mails to me were the ones concerning the rat situation at my Key West home.
The interest in rats continues! And with pythons also! Perverse in a way as will soon be evident.
The emails came in from far and wide regarding my most recent rat/python blog.
Camerum is in Africa. So I was told. I had never heard of the place so I did an internet search. It must exist as there are thousands of internet sites for Africa's Camerum. However I could read none of those I searched! The sites were all in foreign languages unknown to me.
Someone wrote from Milan, Italy. She said she was at a dinner party at a friend's home in Milan. He had just returned from Camerum in Africa. Beautiful fillets covered with a sauce were served. The host advised the entre was python! A favorite dish in Camerum!
She refused to eat it! She claims that as far as she was concerned it was rat flesh!
You will recall that I wrote a few days ago a python's favorite food were rats. And that a 10 foot python ingested 75-80 rats a day!
Ugh!
It gets even worse.
One e mail claimed that in parts of China rats are still eaten as a main part of the diet.
Another said that in old Yugoslavia a popular medicine of the time was the ingestion of rats. It was believed to be helpful in healing.
A disgusting topic I agree! However I continue to be overwhelmed by the interest rats seem to hold for the world's peoples.
Perhaps there is a good side to the rodent we all despise. I doubt it, but the interest factor speaks perhaps to the contrary.
Remember there is a Mickey Mouse! And we all love him!
No. No one is dead. The ill are recovering.
I write of rats and pythons once again.
You will recall a few days ago I pointed out that this blog is read far and wide world wide. I apologize for the redundancy, but it sounds good. I also have stated on more than one occasion that the blogs that received the most attention by way of responsive e mails to me were the ones concerning the rat situation at my Key West home.
The interest in rats continues! And with pythons also! Perverse in a way as will soon be evident.
The emails came in from far and wide regarding my most recent rat/python blog.
Camerum is in Africa. So I was told. I had never heard of the place so I did an internet search. It must exist as there are thousands of internet sites for Africa's Camerum. However I could read none of those I searched! The sites were all in foreign languages unknown to me.
Someone wrote from Milan, Italy. She said she was at a dinner party at a friend's home in Milan. He had just returned from Camerum in Africa. Beautiful fillets covered with a sauce were served. The host advised the entre was python! A favorite dish in Camerum!
She refused to eat it! She claims that as far as she was concerned it was rat flesh!
You will recall that I wrote a few days ago a python's favorite food were rats. And that a 10 foot python ingested 75-80 rats a day!
Ugh!
It gets even worse.
One e mail claimed that in parts of China rats are still eaten as a main part of the diet.
Another said that in old Yugoslavia a popular medicine of the time was the ingestion of rats. It was believed to be helpful in healing.
A disgusting topic I agree! However I continue to be overwhelmed by the interest rats seem to hold for the world's peoples.
Perhaps there is a good side to the rodent we all despise. I doubt it, but the interest factor speaks perhaps to the contrary.
Remember there is a Mickey Mouse! And we all love him!
Friday, January 25, 2008
It is snowing heavy and 5 degrees here in Utica. The sun has risen. I can tell because it is grey and not black outside. No actual sun to see.
The sun actually rarely shines here for 5 months during the winter. Utica sits in historic Mohawk Valley and clouds cover the valley in the winter. To see and feel the sun, you hop in your car and drive in any direction fifteen minutes to a mountaintop.
My days are uneventful. I spend them in an intensive care unit at a local hospital.
There is an old saying that you meet the strangest people in the strangest places. Yesterday I did.
In the intensive care unit.
In 1941 my father bought a two family house on James Street here in Utica. My Aunt Ange and Uncle Frank moved in upstairs with their three daughters, my cousins, Theresa, Albina and Francine.
Italian families clustered like that back then.
My aunt and uncle are long gone. I have not seen my cousins in years.
And there they were in the intensive care unit! All three. Except two were standing and one was in bed. Theresa had a kidney stone. Was killing her! I could see pain all over her face and body. Within minutes she was wheeled to surgery.
I was there after surgery when she awoke. I am happy to report all is well. She even smiled. A beautiful woman. I had not seen that smile in years!
The point of the story is it was good to see my cousins after all this time. I grew up with them. They were part of my every day life. Families tend to drift. Such is life. But again, our meeting though under severe circumstances brought back many fond memories.
I was happy to be with them again. I was sad one of them was in pain.
My eyes welled with tears at seeing them. I thought how sad our paths take us separate ways and the joys and relationships of our youth drift away.
My cousins brought back memories of good family days long gone by.
I am not ashamed to say that my eyes are filling with tears again as I write this.
The sun actually rarely shines here for 5 months during the winter. Utica sits in historic Mohawk Valley and clouds cover the valley in the winter. To see and feel the sun, you hop in your car and drive in any direction fifteen minutes to a mountaintop.
My days are uneventful. I spend them in an intensive care unit at a local hospital.
There is an old saying that you meet the strangest people in the strangest places. Yesterday I did.
In the intensive care unit.
In 1941 my father bought a two family house on James Street here in Utica. My Aunt Ange and Uncle Frank moved in upstairs with their three daughters, my cousins, Theresa, Albina and Francine.
Italian families clustered like that back then.
My aunt and uncle are long gone. I have not seen my cousins in years.
And there they were in the intensive care unit! All three. Except two were standing and one was in bed. Theresa had a kidney stone. Was killing her! I could see pain all over her face and body. Within minutes she was wheeled to surgery.
I was there after surgery when she awoke. I am happy to report all is well. She even smiled. A beautiful woman. I had not seen that smile in years!
The point of the story is it was good to see my cousins after all this time. I grew up with them. They were part of my every day life. Families tend to drift. Such is life. But again, our meeting though under severe circumstances brought back many fond memories.
I was happy to be with them again. I was sad one of them was in pain.
My eyes welled with tears at seeing them. I thought how sad our paths take us separate ways and the joys and relationships of our youth drift away.
My cousins brought back memories of good family days long gone by.
I am not ashamed to say that my eyes are filling with tears again as I write this.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Rats have garnered my attention since the invasion to my Key West home several weeks ago. You will recall my home was invaded by a nest of rats. We caught 14 on our own in 8 days before the professional exterminator did its job.
Fortunately man prevailed and my home has been rat free since. Or at least I think so!
Anyhow I have become sensitive/conscious to anything having to do with rats.
I reported soon after the demise of the rat intrusion that wood rats were in danger. Wood rats are prevelant in the upper keys. An endangered/protected species. Would you believe it!
I further reported that pythons, yes, pythons!, were creeping into the northern keys from the everglades. And as would be expected and known by all enviromentally concerned keys' residents, the pythons were a danger to the wood rats. So what I thought at the time! After all the problems I experienced with the rat invasion to my home, I could have cared less if rats of any nature were exterminated!
Well, the rat/python story is back in the news!
A seventh python was recently caught in the Key Largo area. About 100 miles north of Key West.
A 10 footer! The biggest caught yet! They can grow to 20 feet.
There is a fear that a male and a female will emmegrate from the everglades to the keys and mate. That would be terrible! It would! There then would be a brood of pythons and the keys would really be in trouble. We do not need any more critters residing here.
Let's distinuish the rat population.
Apparently wood rats are vegetarians. Considered good rats by the scientific community.
Black rats are the bad guys! They are abundant in the keys and are described as exotic garbage eaters.
Exotic is an interesting term. Perhaps we should mate the black rats with the pythons! Ho ho! But oh how disgusting! Forgive me!
I suspect the black rats were the one's who invaded my home.
Black rats are abundant. They are also expendable. I would agree with that statement. So some black rats have been caught and are being used to trap/test the threatened python invasion.
A 10 foot python devours 75-80 rats a day. I should have had one in my house! What is that called? From the frying pan to the fryer?
The bottom line is that nature is taking over. It is telling us humans to move over! Or get out!
This whole rat/python thing is another war we humans have to wage in order to survive.
You may wonder why I take the time to write about this subject matter. The answer is simple. Readers comment on my blogs. They e mail me in droves. The greatest response I have received to any blogs were those concerning the rat invasion to my home. From as far away as China!
Need I say more.
Fortunately man prevailed and my home has been rat free since. Or at least I think so!
Anyhow I have become sensitive/conscious to anything having to do with rats.
I reported soon after the demise of the rat intrusion that wood rats were in danger. Wood rats are prevelant in the upper keys. An endangered/protected species. Would you believe it!
I further reported that pythons, yes, pythons!, were creeping into the northern keys from the everglades. And as would be expected and known by all enviromentally concerned keys' residents, the pythons were a danger to the wood rats. So what I thought at the time! After all the problems I experienced with the rat invasion to my home, I could have cared less if rats of any nature were exterminated!
Well, the rat/python story is back in the news!
A seventh python was recently caught in the Key Largo area. About 100 miles north of Key West.
A 10 footer! The biggest caught yet! They can grow to 20 feet.
There is a fear that a male and a female will emmegrate from the everglades to the keys and mate. That would be terrible! It would! There then would be a brood of pythons and the keys would really be in trouble. We do not need any more critters residing here.
Let's distinuish the rat population.
Apparently wood rats are vegetarians. Considered good rats by the scientific community.
Black rats are the bad guys! They are abundant in the keys and are described as exotic garbage eaters.
Exotic is an interesting term. Perhaps we should mate the black rats with the pythons! Ho ho! But oh how disgusting! Forgive me!
I suspect the black rats were the one's who invaded my home.
Black rats are abundant. They are also expendable. I would agree with that statement. So some black rats have been caught and are being used to trap/test the threatened python invasion.
A 10 foot python devours 75-80 rats a day. I should have had one in my house! What is that called? From the frying pan to the fryer?
The bottom line is that nature is taking over. It is telling us humans to move over! Or get out!
This whole rat/python thing is another war we humans have to wage in order to survive.
You may wonder why I take the time to write about this subject matter. The answer is simple. Readers comment on my blogs. They e mail me in droves. The greatest response I have received to any blogs were those concerning the rat invasion to my home. From as far away as China!
Need I say more.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Good morning world!
I come to you this morning from the North Pole!
I have returned to Utica, N.Y.
Think it was cold the past few days in Key West! No way! It is brutal here!
21 degrees with a cold chill of around 0 when I arrived last night. Do not know what it is this morning, but I can tell you it is cold cold! I am bundled up in a big thick robe trying to keep warm as I write this. My fingers may crack in the process!
Flying these days is just wonderful! Not really!
I left my home in Key West at 8:30 yesterday morning. I arrived at my Utica home at 10 last night. 3 planes. All delayed for hours.
The plane from Key West to West Palm left 2 hours late. The West Palm to Newark flight left 3 hours late. The Newark to Syracuse plane left almost 2 hours late.
And no one cares! Neither the airline personnel nor the travelers.
The traveling public has become immune to the airlines screwing up. These delays are now accepted. No one complains any more. What good would it do!
Sad!
Everything is falling apart in this country and we just take it. The cost of gasoline is out of sight! But the rantings of the consuming public have subsided. We spend $50 or more to fill our gas tanks and do nothing to change the situation.
We better get our respective asses in gear and start complaining a bit. Yell! Our cry should be we won't take it any more!
We are becoming as sheep lead to the slaughter.
Our lives, our future are in our hands! What are we going to do about it? Will we do anything about it?
I come to you this morning from the North Pole!
I have returned to Utica, N.Y.
Think it was cold the past few days in Key West! No way! It is brutal here!
21 degrees with a cold chill of around 0 when I arrived last night. Do not know what it is this morning, but I can tell you it is cold cold! I am bundled up in a big thick robe trying to keep warm as I write this. My fingers may crack in the process!
Flying these days is just wonderful! Not really!
I left my home in Key West at 8:30 yesterday morning. I arrived at my Utica home at 10 last night. 3 planes. All delayed for hours.
The plane from Key West to West Palm left 2 hours late. The West Palm to Newark flight left 3 hours late. The Newark to Syracuse plane left almost 2 hours late.
And no one cares! Neither the airline personnel nor the travelers.
The traveling public has become immune to the airlines screwing up. These delays are now accepted. No one complains any more. What good would it do!
Sad!
Everything is falling apart in this country and we just take it. The cost of gasoline is out of sight! But the rantings of the consuming public have subsided. We spend $50 or more to fill our gas tanks and do nothing to change the situation.
We better get our respective asses in gear and start complaining a bit. Yell! Our cry should be we won't take it any more!
We are becoming as sheep lead to the slaughter.
Our lives, our future are in our hands! What are we going to do about it? Will we do anything about it?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Yesterday the weather was better! Significantly! Still a bit cool in the morning. By evening, it was in the low 70s.
I stayed in all day doing household chores. Yes, even I must deal with the mundane.
Last night I had a quiet dinner again at the bar at La Trattatoria. Then home to bed to catch the tail end of the Democratic debate from South Carolina.
I stayed in all day doing household chores. Yes, even I must deal with the mundane.
Last night I had a quiet dinner again at the bar at La Trattatoria. Then home to bed to catch the tail end of the Democratic debate from South Carolina.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Still cold this morning! Not as bad as yesterday though. The weather is turning. The cold wave is supposed to leave Key West today. The projected temperature is 75.
Yesterday was a quiet Sunday! As I have said before, that is the way Sundays are supposed to be. Biblically and otherwise.
I went to Lisa's and played with the grand kids for a couple of hours! They are so beautiful! And innocent and loving and everything else that is good and wholesome!
Then I went to the coffee house on Duval across from the old Scrub Club. Sipped coffee and read the New York Times! What a perfect thing to do on a Sunday!
Yesterday was big time football! So home I went to watch the games. Huddled under a blanket of course! Remember this is the Florida keys and home heating systgems are not that common. Both games great! Both a 10!
I got bored near the end of the first game, so I snuck out to the Gardens Hotel. I had heard htere is a jazz group that plays there outside on Sundays at 5. And they were reported to be terrific!
I lasted all of 5 minutes!
It was freezing cold!
So home I went. Crawled in bed and watched the Giants/Packers game. Glad Tyne finally kicked one in the over time!
And then to sleep.
Yesterday was a quiet Sunday! As I have said before, that is the way Sundays are supposed to be. Biblically and otherwise.
I went to Lisa's and played with the grand kids for a couple of hours! They are so beautiful! And innocent and loving and everything else that is good and wholesome!
Then I went to the coffee house on Duval across from the old Scrub Club. Sipped coffee and read the New York Times! What a perfect thing to do on a Sunday!
Yesterday was big time football! So home I went to watch the games. Huddled under a blanket of course! Remember this is the Florida keys and home heating systgems are not that common. Both games great! Both a 10!
I got bored near the end of the first game, so I snuck out to the Gardens Hotel. I had heard htere is a jazz group that plays there outside on Sundays at 5. And they were reported to be terrific!
I lasted all of 5 minutes!
It was freezing cold!
So home I went. Crawled in bed and watched the Giants/Packers game. Glad Tyne finally kicked one in the over time!
And then to sleep.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
I told you a cold wave was coming in!
It is still early Sunday morning and dark outside. And the wind is howling! About 30 miles per hour. Coming in from the north.
The temperature is 67. The high today will only be 68.
A one day thing! The weather will be back to normal tomorrow.
Strange, though. Yesterday it was 86 and humid. You will recall I predicted this change in weather a few days ago. The key to Key West weather (a bit of redundancy here) is the weather up north. When there is a cold spell there, it is cold here. TV reports upper New York State is having a big snow storm and low temperatures. Today and tomorrow. Ergo the cold spell here! It is all cause and effect.
I think I will get a job on TV as a weather forecaster! Ho ho!
Syracuse was playing basketball against Villanova at noon yesterday. Had to watch the game! I went to Hogfish for the event.
Hogfish is one of the last remnants of the very old keys. It is a run down ramshackle open air bar/restaurant on Stock Island. Fishing boats all around. Relatively poor housing. It is frequented by locals, including those who daily make their living on the waters off the keys and those who live in the backwoods in the mangroves. The long beard type. Sort of rough and tumble.
The atmosphere is good! The food solid and cheap! And the company enjoyable! This is a no bullshit place!
So there I was at Hogfish for lunch and to watch the Syracuse basketball game! I enjoyed fish and chips and watched Syracuse lose. A good game though, till the end. A building year for Syracuse and Coach Boheim. The Syracuse story this year is well known. We lost 2 starters early for the whole year due to knee injuries. A third player who then would have started opted not to take his exams. So there are 3-4 freshman starting every game for Syracuse. As Coach Boheim said, "...you coach the team you have." And he is and they are doing a great job under the circumstances!
Then home for what I thought was going to be a nap. Instead I watched 2 hours of a Nevada caucus on Fox. An interesting experience watching it! Democracy at the grass roots level! The show captured my attention!
Last night I stopped first at Kwest to hear Bobby Nesbitt. And sing a bit myself! Ran into June and Bill Hudson from Delaware again. Her daughter is in for a few days. All good company. I enjoyed my time with them.
Then I was off to dinner at the bar at La Trattatoria. Good food and good companionship!
I continue to be tired. So I was home in bad and asleep well before 10.
It is still early Sunday morning and dark outside. And the wind is howling! About 30 miles per hour. Coming in from the north.
The temperature is 67. The high today will only be 68.
A one day thing! The weather will be back to normal tomorrow.
Strange, though. Yesterday it was 86 and humid. You will recall I predicted this change in weather a few days ago. The key to Key West weather (a bit of redundancy here) is the weather up north. When there is a cold spell there, it is cold here. TV reports upper New York State is having a big snow storm and low temperatures. Today and tomorrow. Ergo the cold spell here! It is all cause and effect.
I think I will get a job on TV as a weather forecaster! Ho ho!
Syracuse was playing basketball against Villanova at noon yesterday. Had to watch the game! I went to Hogfish for the event.
Hogfish is one of the last remnants of the very old keys. It is a run down ramshackle open air bar/restaurant on Stock Island. Fishing boats all around. Relatively poor housing. It is frequented by locals, including those who daily make their living on the waters off the keys and those who live in the backwoods in the mangroves. The long beard type. Sort of rough and tumble.
The atmosphere is good! The food solid and cheap! And the company enjoyable! This is a no bullshit place!
So there I was at Hogfish for lunch and to watch the Syracuse basketball game! I enjoyed fish and chips and watched Syracuse lose. A good game though, till the end. A building year for Syracuse and Coach Boheim. The Syracuse story this year is well known. We lost 2 starters early for the whole year due to knee injuries. A third player who then would have started opted not to take his exams. So there are 3-4 freshman starting every game for Syracuse. As Coach Boheim said, "...you coach the team you have." And he is and they are doing a great job under the circumstances!
Then home for what I thought was going to be a nap. Instead I watched 2 hours of a Nevada caucus on Fox. An interesting experience watching it! Democracy at the grass roots level! The show captured my attention!
Last night I stopped first at Kwest to hear Bobby Nesbitt. And sing a bit myself! Ran into June and Bill Hudson from Delaware again. Her daughter is in for a few days. All good company. I enjoyed my time with them.
Then I was off to dinner at the bar at La Trattatoria. Good food and good companionship!
I continue to be tired. So I was home in bad and asleep well before 10.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
What a great day!
I was up early again this morning. So I drove to Paradise Cafe for breakfast and to read the morning papers. The sun was not yet up. And when I finished breakfast, it was still dark.
As I drove back home I saw the sun rise over the ocean! At first a bright orange ball. Then it changed to gold. What a magnificent sight! Again I thought how lucky I am to live here in Key West!
Yesterday was a 10 weatherise. The high was 83. The sky blue. And humid!
I decided to go to the beach. I have not done any beach time in quite awhile. I layed there a couple of hours and brought color back to my body. I also sipped a pina colada. All great for the soul!
Last night I had dinner with my dear friends Jackie and Roland Grimm at the Yacht Club. I love these two. Just wonderful people. We had a good dinner and an even better evening of conversation.
Back to the chicks.
While I was at Paradise Cafe this morning I spoke with the owner about what I had seen the day before with the hawks swooping down and carrying off two baby chicks. As it turns out, this is not an uncommon occurrence. He has observed it frequently. At least two times earlier this week. In fact he pointed out that there are only 3 chicks left. How sad!
Another problem for the chicks are other roosters. Apparently roosters are territorial. One of the chicks went out into the parking lot and was pecked to death by a rooster who claims the lot as his domain.
Nature can be cruel.
While I am at it, lets return to the cock fight I told you I saw the other day while stopped in my car at a street corner. Turns out it might not have been a cock fight! The Paradise Cafe owner told me he saw a hawk attack a rooster on another street corner!
Me thinks the hawks may be becoming a problem! From chicks to roosters and, who knows, perhaps humans next.You read it here first!
Have a good day! Beware of the hawks!
I was up early again this morning. So I drove to Paradise Cafe for breakfast and to read the morning papers. The sun was not yet up. And when I finished breakfast, it was still dark.
As I drove back home I saw the sun rise over the ocean! At first a bright orange ball. Then it changed to gold. What a magnificent sight! Again I thought how lucky I am to live here in Key West!
Yesterday was a 10 weatherise. The high was 83. The sky blue. And humid!
I decided to go to the beach. I have not done any beach time in quite awhile. I layed there a couple of hours and brought color back to my body. I also sipped a pina colada. All great for the soul!
Last night I had dinner with my dear friends Jackie and Roland Grimm at the Yacht Club. I love these two. Just wonderful people. We had a good dinner and an even better evening of conversation.
Back to the chicks.
While I was at Paradise Cafe this morning I spoke with the owner about what I had seen the day before with the hawks swooping down and carrying off two baby chicks. As it turns out, this is not an uncommon occurrence. He has observed it frequently. At least two times earlier this week. In fact he pointed out that there are only 3 chicks left. How sad!
Another problem for the chicks are other roosters. Apparently roosters are territorial. One of the chicks went out into the parking lot and was pecked to death by a rooster who claims the lot as his domain.
Nature can be cruel.
While I am at it, lets return to the cock fight I told you I saw the other day while stopped in my car at a street corner. Turns out it might not have been a cock fight! The Paradise Cafe owner told me he saw a hawk attack a rooster on another street corner!
Me thinks the hawks may be becoming a problem! From chicks to roosters and, who knows, perhaps humans next.You read it here first!
Have a good day! Beware of the hawks!
Friday, January 18, 2008
My day started yesterday by playing grandfather!
I took my 3 and 2 year old grandchildren to Paradise Cafe for breakfast. Cuban toast for all of us. Orange juice for them and coffee for me.
The true purpose of the trip was so they could see the new family of chickies. As you will recall, a rooster and hen live around or under the Paradise Cafe. They breed. And baby chicks arrive!
Beautiful to behold! So small! Two would fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.
The kids were excited! Ally chased them a bit. She also spilled her orange juice which then provided a bit of breakfast for the chicks. I hope they did not get sick!
I spent the rest of the day doing paper work again.
It was humid during the day. Living in Key West, one becomes familiar with the whys regarding the weather.
Let me tell you about the present humidity.
Warm weather comes up to the keys from the south over Cuba. It generally passes over the keys into the rest of Florida. However there is a cold spell coming down on the keys from the north. The cold from the north and the warm from the south are pushing against each other. This holds the warm weather in a static position over the keys for a bit. The warm air contains moisture. The moisture sitting in the warm air over the keys is reflected in the humidity we are feeling.
By late Saturday, the cold will be strong enough to push the warm air aside and the warmth and humidity will be gone. In fact, the temperature will drop at that time 20 plus degrees and we will experience a cold spell for a day or two somewhere in the mid to high 60s.
Aren't you proud of me that I have learned so much by living here?
Last night I had dinner with my new found friend Lou Hernandez. Lou spent the holidays in Prague. I got a travelogue of Prague. We also discussed Amsterdam. Lou has visited Amsterdam many times. I never, though my deviate self has always wanted to go. Perhaps yet.
This morning I was up early so I went into town for breakfast and to read the morning papers at Paradise Cafe.
The chicks were all over the place. Like young children early in the morning. Full of vim and vigor!
All of a sudden there was this commotion! Screaming and screeching!
Two hawks had swooped down! They came abruptly and left swiftly!
And there were two chicks less.
Nature can be brutal!
This family of chickens reacted just as humans would in a similar situation. The chicks all scattered. Each to its own newly found nook and cranny for protection. After the hawks left, none of them moved. In fact, they were all so quiet and silent that I thought they were all dead. But, no.
Mother hen appeared. She went to each and every chick. And each in turn came out of its hiding place and lined up behind its mother. And they proceeded to walk ahead in single file, one behind the other.
The trustful protection and comfort of mother.
Life goes on!
Nature again.
I took my 3 and 2 year old grandchildren to Paradise Cafe for breakfast. Cuban toast for all of us. Orange juice for them and coffee for me.
The true purpose of the trip was so they could see the new family of chickies. As you will recall, a rooster and hen live around or under the Paradise Cafe. They breed. And baby chicks arrive!
Beautiful to behold! So small! Two would fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.
The kids were excited! Ally chased them a bit. She also spilled her orange juice which then provided a bit of breakfast for the chicks. I hope they did not get sick!
I spent the rest of the day doing paper work again.
It was humid during the day. Living in Key West, one becomes familiar with the whys regarding the weather.
Let me tell you about the present humidity.
Warm weather comes up to the keys from the south over Cuba. It generally passes over the keys into the rest of Florida. However there is a cold spell coming down on the keys from the north. The cold from the north and the warm from the south are pushing against each other. This holds the warm weather in a static position over the keys for a bit. The warm air contains moisture. The moisture sitting in the warm air over the keys is reflected in the humidity we are feeling.
By late Saturday, the cold will be strong enough to push the warm air aside and the warmth and humidity will be gone. In fact, the temperature will drop at that time 20 plus degrees and we will experience a cold spell for a day or two somewhere in the mid to high 60s.
Aren't you proud of me that I have learned so much by living here?
Last night I had dinner with my new found friend Lou Hernandez. Lou spent the holidays in Prague. I got a travelogue of Prague. We also discussed Amsterdam. Lou has visited Amsterdam many times. I never, though my deviate self has always wanted to go. Perhaps yet.
This morning I was up early so I went into town for breakfast and to read the morning papers at Paradise Cafe.
The chicks were all over the place. Like young children early in the morning. Full of vim and vigor!
All of a sudden there was this commotion! Screaming and screeching!
Two hawks had swooped down! They came abruptly and left swiftly!
And there were two chicks less.
Nature can be brutal!
This family of chickens reacted just as humans would in a similar situation. The chicks all scattered. Each to its own newly found nook and cranny for protection. After the hawks left, none of them moved. In fact, they were all so quiet and silent that I thought they were all dead. But, no.
Mother hen appeared. She went to each and every chick. And each in turn came out of its hiding place and lined up behind its mother. And they proceeded to walk ahead in single file, one behind the other.
The trustful protection and comfort of mother.
Life goes on!
Nature again.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Yesterday was golf day!
I played terrible!
As good as I played Sunday, I played that bad yesterday. Such is golf life!
I spent the afternoon doing paper work.
Last night I stopped at Kwest to hear Bobby Nesbitt sing. Such a talent!
Everyone sings with Bobby. Even me! I did some Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, Over There, Yankee Doodle and whatever else he sang. The place was packed with loyal Nesbitt followers.
When I was not yodeling, I spoke with Bill and June Hudson. I have known the Hudson's for the better part of 10 years. Great people! Solid type.
Bill and June are from Dover, Delaware. They have a home here in Sugarloaf. Bill is a premier matrimonial attorney in Delaware. June is his charming wife. A delightful woman! I always enjoy their company.
Then it was off to Antonia's for dinner with Aaron and Karen. Old friends! Good fun!
Aaron is my golf partner. He had to put up with me earlier in the day as I hacked my way around the course.
Karen is multi-talented. Last year she did a documentary film of the making of the Nutcracker while Key West was experiencing 3 hurricanes. The documentary recently won the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival award. Karen's documentary was one out of more than 60 entries. Bravo, Karen!
The film seems to have a life of its own! I would not be surprised if it were nominated for an Oscar and then won!
The beauty of it all is that Karen never did anything of this magnitude before. A major accomplishment! My recollection is she put over 1,200 hours into the making of the documentary. She and the film deserve every recognition!
I played terrible!
As good as I played Sunday, I played that bad yesterday. Such is golf life!
I spent the afternoon doing paper work.
Last night I stopped at Kwest to hear Bobby Nesbitt sing. Such a talent!
Everyone sings with Bobby. Even me! I did some Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, Over There, Yankee Doodle and whatever else he sang. The place was packed with loyal Nesbitt followers.
When I was not yodeling, I spoke with Bill and June Hudson. I have known the Hudson's for the better part of 10 years. Great people! Solid type.
Bill and June are from Dover, Delaware. They have a home here in Sugarloaf. Bill is a premier matrimonial attorney in Delaware. June is his charming wife. A delightful woman! I always enjoy their company.
Then it was off to Antonia's for dinner with Aaron and Karen. Old friends! Good fun!
Aaron is my golf partner. He had to put up with me earlier in the day as I hacked my way around the course.
Karen is multi-talented. Last year she did a documentary film of the making of the Nutcracker while Key West was experiencing 3 hurricanes. The documentary recently won the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival award. Karen's documentary was one out of more than 60 entries. Bravo, Karen!
The film seems to have a life of its own! I would not be surprised if it were nominated for an Oscar and then won!
The beauty of it all is that Karen never did anything of this magnitude before. A major accomplishment! My recollection is she put over 1,200 hours into the making of the documentary. She and the film deserve every recognition!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Yesterday was a quiet day.
It started cold and windy. Stayed that way all day.
Key West is a small island. Only 1.5 x 4.0 miles. The wind generally either blows from the west/ gulf side or east/ocean side. When it blows from one side, you walk on the other side of the island. The trees and buildings cut the wind dramatically.
The wind appeared to be blowing off the gulf side. So I walked along the Atlantic. The Atlantic side is basically the beach side. Nothing but water as far as the eye can see.
Except for a solitary shrimp boat sitting out there.
I remember the song from many years ago. Words like...shrimp boats are acoming, their sails are in sight! Let me tell you something I learned here in Key West about shrimp boats. Those are not sails you see running down the masts on the sides of the boats. They are shrimp nets!
Just sharing some incidental unimportant information.
Something else also came to mind regarding the wind. Wind is fickle! I learned that in my sailing experiences. Everything I told you earlier about the gulf side and ocean side re wind and the trees and buildings breaking it, proved false yesterday. It was windy and cold on the ocean side also! So much for the theory!
I spent the day at home doing paperwork.
Last evening I had an early dinner alone at the bar at La Trattatoria. I was anxious to get home by 9 to watch the Democratic debate from Nevada. I am a political junkie at heart!
I ate spaghetti with gralic and oil. A good thing I was alone!
I rushed home. Arrived a few minutes before 9. Turned on the TV and jumped in bed. And fell asleep! I never saw even one minute of the debate!
It started cold and windy. Stayed that way all day.
Key West is a small island. Only 1.5 x 4.0 miles. The wind generally either blows from the west/ gulf side or east/ocean side. When it blows from one side, you walk on the other side of the island. The trees and buildings cut the wind dramatically.
The wind appeared to be blowing off the gulf side. So I walked along the Atlantic. The Atlantic side is basically the beach side. Nothing but water as far as the eye can see.
Except for a solitary shrimp boat sitting out there.
I remember the song from many years ago. Words like...shrimp boats are acoming, their sails are in sight! Let me tell you something I learned here in Key West about shrimp boats. Those are not sails you see running down the masts on the sides of the boats. They are shrimp nets!
Just sharing some incidental unimportant information.
Something else also came to mind regarding the wind. Wind is fickle! I learned that in my sailing experiences. Everything I told you earlier about the gulf side and ocean side re wind and the trees and buildings breaking it, proved false yesterday. It was windy and cold on the ocean side also! So much for the theory!
I spent the day at home doing paperwork.
Last evening I had an early dinner alone at the bar at La Trattatoria. I was anxious to get home by 9 to watch the Democratic debate from Nevada. I am a political junkie at heart!
I ate spaghetti with gralic and oil. A good thing I was alone!
I rushed home. Arrived a few minutes before 9. Turned on the TV and jumped in bed. And fell asleep! I never saw even one minute of the debate!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tuesday morning! Another good day in the making in Key West! Can't tell yet though. Still dark outside.
I was under the weather yesterday. So all I can report is that I lolled around in bed all day watching TV and snoozing off and on.
However good sometimes comes from bad! You will recall I lost yesterday's blog somewhere in Internet sub space. I now have the opportunity to redo the message. So what follows are my Sunday exploits!
Sunday was a great day! One of the best I have experienced!
Started the day with the usual cuban toast and coffeee at Paradise Cafe. Reading the Sunday papers of course! There is nothing better than sitting around sipping coffee and browsing the Sunday papers!
Then a long walk around the waterfront. Sun shining! A brilliant morning!
On the way home, I stopped at Lisa's to play with the grand kids. Also helped them eat their breakfasts. Bad for me!
I then hurried home to catch Meet the Press at 10. For the Russert/Clinton confrontation!
Hillary was interesting! During the first half of the show she appeared, tired, disheveled and pale. Her responses came from the body and mind of a tired person. We have all been there!
Then came intermission. All of 2 minutes. When the show returned, Hillary's hair was neat and tidy. Make up had obviously been applied. Her cheeks were rosey, her eyeliner redone and darker eyebrows. And her responses oh so improved! In delivery. Sharp and precise. No haggardness or tiredness reflected.
What 2 minutes will do! I can visualize her make up staff and consultants working her over. Just like a fighter's handlers in the corner between rounds!
And why not! This presidential race is a prize fight!
Then to the golf course! I played 18 holes with Aaron and Tino.
The weather was great! In the low 80s. Nary a cloud in the sky. Brilliant sunshine. And humid, though not oppressively. Just enough to raise a good sweat.
And I played well! The best I have played in 5 years!
What a day so far! And it was not yet 5 o'clock. There was more to come!
I rushed home to watch the Dallas/New York football game. And what a game! Right down to the end. The last 20 seconds could have changed the result!
I had dinner at the Grand Cafe. First time I ate there under present ownership. Last time!
The Grand is located in the middle of Duval Street. Across from Hardrock Cafe. Next door to the python and cackling bird show. In the middle of the the hustle and bustle and NOISE of Duval Street. All the bars and all their loud music hitting at one time.
Dining was on the porch.
The food was great! Actually outstanding! The service bad! Very bad!
So so much for the Grand Cafe!
However permit a little local color.
Remember Kelly McGillis? She was a big time movie star in the l980s. She was that knock out blond playing opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun. She starred also with Harrison Ford in a movie whose name escapes me. She was a Mennonite and Ford a detective. He hid on her family farm in Pennsylvania from the bad guys. She is still around. Appears in a movie on occasion and on TV.
McGillis and her husband Fred Tillman originally owned what is now the Grand Cafe. They moved here in the early 1990s and opened first Kelly's Restaurant, which is still in business on Whitehead Street. After that success, they opened a restaurant on Duval where the Grand now operates.
Around 2000, Kelly and Fred divorced. Sold the Duval Street restaurant. Fred kept Kelly's on Whitehead.
Kelly now lives on a farm in Pennsylvania. Fred is still in Key West.
Sunday night is Larry Smith Showcase time in Key West! So after dinner I walked over to the Pier House to catch the show.
Larry is a man of many musical talents! One is his ability to draw the best out of other performers.
Larry's Sunday showcase generally features one performer for a 2 hour show. Usually a singer. Not necessarily a professional.
This Sunday was Mary Deasey time! I have never heard her sing better! It was a special time!
Donna is the bartender at the Pier House where Larry performs. She is lovely, charming and gracious! It is always a pleasure to see her. And she makes a great espresso martini!
Of course, I had one to finish the evening.
My good friend Yankee Jack was at the showcase also. Yankee is one of the nicest guys on the island. Very friendly. Very warm. Never a cross or negative word escapes his lips. An entertainer also, he sings during the day at the Bull.
Yankee was impressed by my 50 pound loss on the Nutrisystem diet last year. So He has started on the same diet. He has lost 36 pounds in 5 weeks! Good for you Yankee! Keep it up!
That was Sunday! Not a bad day!
I was under the weather yesterday. So all I can report is that I lolled around in bed all day watching TV and snoozing off and on.
However good sometimes comes from bad! You will recall I lost yesterday's blog somewhere in Internet sub space. I now have the opportunity to redo the message. So what follows are my Sunday exploits!
Sunday was a great day! One of the best I have experienced!
Started the day with the usual cuban toast and coffeee at Paradise Cafe. Reading the Sunday papers of course! There is nothing better than sitting around sipping coffee and browsing the Sunday papers!
Then a long walk around the waterfront. Sun shining! A brilliant morning!
On the way home, I stopped at Lisa's to play with the grand kids. Also helped them eat their breakfasts. Bad for me!
I then hurried home to catch Meet the Press at 10. For the Russert/Clinton confrontation!
Hillary was interesting! During the first half of the show she appeared, tired, disheveled and pale. Her responses came from the body and mind of a tired person. We have all been there!
Then came intermission. All of 2 minutes. When the show returned, Hillary's hair was neat and tidy. Make up had obviously been applied. Her cheeks were rosey, her eyeliner redone and darker eyebrows. And her responses oh so improved! In delivery. Sharp and precise. No haggardness or tiredness reflected.
What 2 minutes will do! I can visualize her make up staff and consultants working her over. Just like a fighter's handlers in the corner between rounds!
And why not! This presidential race is a prize fight!
Then to the golf course! I played 18 holes with Aaron and Tino.
The weather was great! In the low 80s. Nary a cloud in the sky. Brilliant sunshine. And humid, though not oppressively. Just enough to raise a good sweat.
And I played well! The best I have played in 5 years!
What a day so far! And it was not yet 5 o'clock. There was more to come!
I rushed home to watch the Dallas/New York football game. And what a game! Right down to the end. The last 20 seconds could have changed the result!
I had dinner at the Grand Cafe. First time I ate there under present ownership. Last time!
The Grand is located in the middle of Duval Street. Across from Hardrock Cafe. Next door to the python and cackling bird show. In the middle of the the hustle and bustle and NOISE of Duval Street. All the bars and all their loud music hitting at one time.
Dining was on the porch.
The food was great! Actually outstanding! The service bad! Very bad!
So so much for the Grand Cafe!
However permit a little local color.
Remember Kelly McGillis? She was a big time movie star in the l980s. She was that knock out blond playing opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun. She starred also with Harrison Ford in a movie whose name escapes me. She was a Mennonite and Ford a detective. He hid on her family farm in Pennsylvania from the bad guys. She is still around. Appears in a movie on occasion and on TV.
McGillis and her husband Fred Tillman originally owned what is now the Grand Cafe. They moved here in the early 1990s and opened first Kelly's Restaurant, which is still in business on Whitehead Street. After that success, they opened a restaurant on Duval where the Grand now operates.
Around 2000, Kelly and Fred divorced. Sold the Duval Street restaurant. Fred kept Kelly's on Whitehead.
Kelly now lives on a farm in Pennsylvania. Fred is still in Key West.
Sunday night is Larry Smith Showcase time in Key West! So after dinner I walked over to the Pier House to catch the show.
Larry is a man of many musical talents! One is his ability to draw the best out of other performers.
Larry's Sunday showcase generally features one performer for a 2 hour show. Usually a singer. Not necessarily a professional.
This Sunday was Mary Deasey time! I have never heard her sing better! It was a special time!
Donna is the bartender at the Pier House where Larry performs. She is lovely, charming and gracious! It is always a pleasure to see her. And she makes a great espresso martini!
Of course, I had one to finish the evening.
My good friend Yankee Jack was at the showcase also. Yankee is one of the nicest guys on the island. Very friendly. Very warm. Never a cross or negative word escapes his lips. An entertainer also, he sings during the day at the Bull.
Yankee was impressed by my 50 pound loss on the Nutrisystem diet last year. So He has started on the same diet. He has lost 36 pounds in 5 weeks! Good for you Yankee! Keep it up!
That was Sunday! Not a bad day!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Yesterday around noon I was sitting outside at the Paradise Cafe reading the papers and waiting for my lunch order. Aaron came by on his scooter. So he joined me for lunch.
Scooter/moped, I do not know the difference. But there is a difference. People who live in that portion of Key West known as Old town do not generally need cars. They can get around on scooters, mopeds and bicycles. Although Aaron has a car also, he prefers to drive his scooter around town.
So he joined me for lunch. Good company!
Aaron and I met about 12 years ago at the bar at Louie's Backyard. We started talking. I thought he was gay and trying to pick me up. He thought I was gay and trying to pick him up. We were both wrong! Out of that tryst has developed a genuine friendship!
The rest of the afternoon turned into a kiddies day! Some good, some bad.
I went to Borders, the book store. I love to pick up a novel and sit in a quiet corner and read for awhile.
Saturday is children's day at Borders! Great to introduce the young ones to the joys of reading. However they are kids and kids are loud!
Nevertheless I found an interesting book and a chair hidden in a corner of the store that was relatively quiet. I lasted all of 5 minutes. One of the employees came by and told me my corner was being requisitioned in 10 minutes for a special children's program. I know when not to fight it! So I left and went home.
I decided it was a good afternoon for a nap. Just as my eyes were closing, my daughter Lisa telephoned. She was coming over with my grandchildren to swim.
I spent the next 2 hours in the pool plaything with Robert who is 3 and Ally who is 2. A workout!
When they left, I DID sleep! I needed it!
Last night I stopped at Square One for drinks. I am glad I did. I ran into another Jack Baron admirer. A fellow from Fort Lauderdale who had come in to see Jack's exhibit at Gingerbread Gallery. He was having dinner with Jack's partner Bob.
Then to the Commodore for dinner with friends. As you will recall, the Commodore sits on the waterfront where I generally walk in the morning. It is situated on the second floor. An encompassing view of the marina!
We sat outside on a small private balcony for dinner. It was a moonlight night. The view of the boats was spectacular! The company and food good!
I am still watching my diet. Had a small Maine lobster tail for appetizer and a piece of broiled local snapper for dinner.
It was worth it! When I got on the scale this morning, I had lost another pound! Good boy Louis!
Scooter/moped, I do not know the difference. But there is a difference. People who live in that portion of Key West known as Old town do not generally need cars. They can get around on scooters, mopeds and bicycles. Although Aaron has a car also, he prefers to drive his scooter around town.
So he joined me for lunch. Good company!
Aaron and I met about 12 years ago at the bar at Louie's Backyard. We started talking. I thought he was gay and trying to pick me up. He thought I was gay and trying to pick him up. We were both wrong! Out of that tryst has developed a genuine friendship!
The rest of the afternoon turned into a kiddies day! Some good, some bad.
I went to Borders, the book store. I love to pick up a novel and sit in a quiet corner and read for awhile.
Saturday is children's day at Borders! Great to introduce the young ones to the joys of reading. However they are kids and kids are loud!
Nevertheless I found an interesting book and a chair hidden in a corner of the store that was relatively quiet. I lasted all of 5 minutes. One of the employees came by and told me my corner was being requisitioned in 10 minutes for a special children's program. I know when not to fight it! So I left and went home.
I decided it was a good afternoon for a nap. Just as my eyes were closing, my daughter Lisa telephoned. She was coming over with my grandchildren to swim.
I spent the next 2 hours in the pool plaything with Robert who is 3 and Ally who is 2. A workout!
When they left, I DID sleep! I needed it!
Last night I stopped at Square One for drinks. I am glad I did. I ran into another Jack Baron admirer. A fellow from Fort Lauderdale who had come in to see Jack's exhibit at Gingerbread Gallery. He was having dinner with Jack's partner Bob.
Then to the Commodore for dinner with friends. As you will recall, the Commodore sits on the waterfront where I generally walk in the morning. It is situated on the second floor. An encompassing view of the marina!
We sat outside on a small private balcony for dinner. It was a moonlight night. The view of the boats was spectacular! The company and food good!
I am still watching my diet. Had a small Maine lobster tail for appetizer and a piece of broiled local snapper for dinner.
It was worth it! When I got on the scale this morning, I had lost another pound! Good boy Louis!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
I just woke up after a good night's sleep. Walked outside to see what kind of a day it would be. It is going to be a good one!
The sun has just risen. There is a mixture of clouds. No breeze. Absolutely none.
Across the water from my home is the MTV Real World house of 2 years ago. It is a large majestic home. Soft yellow with an orangish red roof.
All of it was reflected in the water before me! Muted. Beautiful and striking.
Something I rarely see.
I started yesterday with a bike ride around the island. Good for the soul as well as the body!
After breakfast I took a walk in town. I am on a health kick! Remember those 10 pounds I gained up north over the holidays. Well, I have lost 6 of them in a week. Exercise and prudent eating. The other 4 pounds better drop off soon as this good living is starting to get to me.
I had two unusual experiences yesterday.
I was being good to Louis and getting a pedicure and manicure. When I arrived for my appointment, I had to wait a bit. Seated near me was an attractive young lady. She had her baby with her. The baby was in one of those miniature car seat carry around things.
I looked over and commented what a beautiful baby! She smiled and quietly said thank you. Upon closer observation I noted the pretty little baby was a doll!
The drama continued. When the young lady went to the table for her manicure, she carried the doll in her arms. The baby lay in her lap as she had her nails done. During the course of the procedure, she would occasionally look down and talk to "her child." She also caressed the "child" with her free hand.
Weird.
Sad.
While driving around later, I had to stop at an intersection for a stop sign. On the corner next to me were 2 cocks (chickens so there will be no error) fighting like all get out! I had never seen a cock fight before. It was brutal! They were trying to kill each other! Ripping and tearing at each other's bodies!
Last night was a return to normalcy. I attended the opening concert of the Key West Symphony.
A spectacular event! Bravo in every respect!
The director of the Key West Symphony is Sebrina Alfonso. A Key Wester by birth, she returned home after her education and training and started the symphony here 10 years ago. She is most talented! A musical genius in the area of classical music! The community owes her much for what she has accomplished.
The guest soprano was a Monica Abrego. A lovely young lady from Mexico. A resounding voice!
I enjoy and do not enjoy the symphony. Sometimes the music is a little too hairy for me. Last night there were no hairy portions however. Only great stimulating ones! The kind that keep you awake and on the edge of your seat!
I also enjoy the symphony here because it is a change of pace from other social events. People tend to dress more. I wore long pants and a sport jacket last night! A rarity here! However the occasion called for it. It would be disrespectful to attend a symphony in shorts!
So much for yesterday. Lets see what today holds. It is always a mystery unfolding here in Key West!
The sun has just risen. There is a mixture of clouds. No breeze. Absolutely none.
Across the water from my home is the MTV Real World house of 2 years ago. It is a large majestic home. Soft yellow with an orangish red roof.
All of it was reflected in the water before me! Muted. Beautiful and striking.
Something I rarely see.
I started yesterday with a bike ride around the island. Good for the soul as well as the body!
After breakfast I took a walk in town. I am on a health kick! Remember those 10 pounds I gained up north over the holidays. Well, I have lost 6 of them in a week. Exercise and prudent eating. The other 4 pounds better drop off soon as this good living is starting to get to me.
I had two unusual experiences yesterday.
I was being good to Louis and getting a pedicure and manicure. When I arrived for my appointment, I had to wait a bit. Seated near me was an attractive young lady. She had her baby with her. The baby was in one of those miniature car seat carry around things.
I looked over and commented what a beautiful baby! She smiled and quietly said thank you. Upon closer observation I noted the pretty little baby was a doll!
The drama continued. When the young lady went to the table for her manicure, she carried the doll in her arms. The baby lay in her lap as she had her nails done. During the course of the procedure, she would occasionally look down and talk to "her child." She also caressed the "child" with her free hand.
Weird.
Sad.
While driving around later, I had to stop at an intersection for a stop sign. On the corner next to me were 2 cocks (chickens so there will be no error) fighting like all get out! I had never seen a cock fight before. It was brutal! They were trying to kill each other! Ripping and tearing at each other's bodies!
Last night was a return to normalcy. I attended the opening concert of the Key West Symphony.
A spectacular event! Bravo in every respect!
The director of the Key West Symphony is Sebrina Alfonso. A Key Wester by birth, she returned home after her education and training and started the symphony here 10 years ago. She is most talented! A musical genius in the area of classical music! The community owes her much for what she has accomplished.
The guest soprano was a Monica Abrego. A lovely young lady from Mexico. A resounding voice!
I enjoy and do not enjoy the symphony. Sometimes the music is a little too hairy for me. Last night there were no hairy portions however. Only great stimulating ones! The kind that keep you awake and on the edge of your seat!
I also enjoy the symphony here because it is a change of pace from other social events. People tend to dress more. I wore long pants and a sport jacket last night! A rarity here! However the occasion called for it. It would be disrespectful to attend a symphony in shorts!
So much for yesterday. Lets see what today holds. It is always a mystery unfolding here in Key West!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Last night was a special evening!
It was Mary Jo's birthday!
Normally it is in poor taste to mention a woman's age. But in Mary Jo's case it is ok! Mary Jo is terminally ill. She was not expected to make her 70th birthday yesterday. In fact, she was not supposed to be with us for the Christmas holidays!
So last night was an unusually special birthday occasion for Mary Jo and her many friends!
Mary Jo is special. She suddenly appeared in Key West 10 years ago. I have no idea where she came from. But she was here and immediately every one knew her. And more importantly, liked her!
A bit tough appearing. However there is no one more gentle! Always a hug! Always a smile! And always a kiss with those big red lipstick lips which were her trademark!
She was a lip smacker indeed! I always worried I would walk away with lipstick all over my face. But no, Mary Jo used the non smear kind. A thoughtful woman she was and still is!
She has experienced two great love affairs while in Key West. Good for her! Some of us do not even know one! And last night she enjoyed her third great love affair. The people of Key West and Mary Jo!
The party was at La Te Da. Planned by Donna, one of her former partners, and La Te Da's owner Mark.
Scheduled for 7, La Te Da was already filling at 6:30 when I arrived. By 7:30 when Mary Jo arrived, it was jam packed! The whole place! The inside bar, the dining area and the outside bar. And La Te Da was ready for her! The place was decorated as never before. And the food spread was fit for a King! No, A Queen! Queen Mary Jo!
Mary Jo knew about the party.
She arrived in elegance! A black pants tuxedo, that small thing women wear under a jacket (a camisole I think) and a bright red bow tie surrounding her naked neck. Delightfully offsetting her trademark red lips. A beautiful woman magnificently attired for the occasion!
The party again was a well planned event. The credit for the special touches belonging to Donna!
Prior to Mary Jo's arrival, white T shirts saying Happy 70th Birthday Mary Jo were handed out. A pair of huge red lips also adorned the T shirts! What else! Great thinking!
Everyone put them on over whatever else they were wearing. And also large plastic bright red lips! The kind kids stick in their mouths to goof around. We all stuck the red lips in our lips! For Mary Jo! So that when she came through the door, she saw the wave of T shirts and red lips all accompanied by shouts of happy birthday Mary Jo!
All of Key West was there.
A loving tribute to a loving caring woman! One of Key West's finest!
Mary Jo will not be with us next year at this time. Perhaps we can have another party. And remember Mary Jo!
I am sure we will!
It was Mary Jo's birthday!
Normally it is in poor taste to mention a woman's age. But in Mary Jo's case it is ok! Mary Jo is terminally ill. She was not expected to make her 70th birthday yesterday. In fact, she was not supposed to be with us for the Christmas holidays!
So last night was an unusually special birthday occasion for Mary Jo and her many friends!
Mary Jo is special. She suddenly appeared in Key West 10 years ago. I have no idea where she came from. But she was here and immediately every one knew her. And more importantly, liked her!
A bit tough appearing. However there is no one more gentle! Always a hug! Always a smile! And always a kiss with those big red lipstick lips which were her trademark!
She was a lip smacker indeed! I always worried I would walk away with lipstick all over my face. But no, Mary Jo used the non smear kind. A thoughtful woman she was and still is!
She has experienced two great love affairs while in Key West. Good for her! Some of us do not even know one! And last night she enjoyed her third great love affair. The people of Key West and Mary Jo!
The party was at La Te Da. Planned by Donna, one of her former partners, and La Te Da's owner Mark.
Scheduled for 7, La Te Da was already filling at 6:30 when I arrived. By 7:30 when Mary Jo arrived, it was jam packed! The whole place! The inside bar, the dining area and the outside bar. And La Te Da was ready for her! The place was decorated as never before. And the food spread was fit for a King! No, A Queen! Queen Mary Jo!
Mary Jo knew about the party.
She arrived in elegance! A black pants tuxedo, that small thing women wear under a jacket (a camisole I think) and a bright red bow tie surrounding her naked neck. Delightfully offsetting her trademark red lips. A beautiful woman magnificently attired for the occasion!
The party again was a well planned event. The credit for the special touches belonging to Donna!
Prior to Mary Jo's arrival, white T shirts saying Happy 70th Birthday Mary Jo were handed out. A pair of huge red lips also adorned the T shirts! What else! Great thinking!
Everyone put them on over whatever else they were wearing. And also large plastic bright red lips! The kind kids stick in their mouths to goof around. We all stuck the red lips in our lips! For Mary Jo! So that when she came through the door, she saw the wave of T shirts and red lips all accompanied by shouts of happy birthday Mary Jo!
All of Key West was there.
A loving tribute to a loving caring woman! One of Key West's finest!
Mary Jo will not be with us next year at this time. Perhaps we can have another party. And remember Mary Jo!
I am sure we will!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
A beautiful morning! A God's in His Heaven, all's right with the world type!
The sun is shining! Not a cloud in the sky! The water is blue and moving with the breeze! The palm tress are green green in the reflected sun light!
I could just sit here looking out my open window all day. It is called contemplating one's navel!
Yesterday was a good day also! But not because of the weather so much.
I played golf in the morning. With Aaron the marrying man, Bill the former Mack dealer and our newest addition Harry. Harry retired the first of the year. A now former practising doctor from Pennsylvania.
Harry is having a problem with retirement! He asked me how long it took me to adjust. I told him 2 weeks. He has only been retired one week. Told him to be patient. Another week is not too long to wait for the adjustment to set in.
He wanted to know what I did. Nothing I said. But I seem to be busy all the time. The best analogy I could give was that retirement has to be accepted like good sex. Don't fight it! Just lie back and enjoy it!
And last night was the Key West Symphony's Tenth Anniversary Gala! A black tie event. I must say I looked beautiful in my tux! Ho ho! Such vanity!
My daughter Lisa was my date. She looked magnificent in her little black dress and flowing hair! I was proud to have her on my arm!
A wonderful affair! The event started with cocktails on the Westin dock. Then dinner inside.
The Westin by the way picked up the whole tab for the evening. Food, booze, etc. So the entire evening was pure profit to the Symphony. The Westin are obviously good people and care for the Key West community. Diane Schmidt is general manager at the Westin. She did a wonderful job for the Symphony in the preparation and presentation for the event! And Diane you were a knockout personally last night! The dress and shoes were right there!
There were all kinds of surprises during the dinner.
The first was Marilyn Monroe jumping out of a cake! A drag queen of course! Bobby Nesbitt sang a special song. Little Switzerland donated a 1.75 carat diamond which some lovely lady won. And so on!
I had not worn my tuxedo shoes in years. Probably because I have not worn my tux in years. So I needed the shoes shined. Where does one get shoes shined in Key West? No where. Males do not wear shoes per se in Key West!
I went to Publix and bought black wax and a brush. I took the shoes, wax and brush down to the dock. I also needed a couple of rags. That old T shirt with the many holes that I loved so much finally found its demise. There I sat by the water with the sun shining on me. Polishing my shoes! It was fun! Brought back memories of many days past!
Harry: This is what I do in retirement. Shine shoes!
Enjoy the day! It is a glorious one!
The sun is shining! Not a cloud in the sky! The water is blue and moving with the breeze! The palm tress are green green in the reflected sun light!
I could just sit here looking out my open window all day. It is called contemplating one's navel!
Yesterday was a good day also! But not because of the weather so much.
I played golf in the morning. With Aaron the marrying man, Bill the former Mack dealer and our newest addition Harry. Harry retired the first of the year. A now former practising doctor from Pennsylvania.
Harry is having a problem with retirement! He asked me how long it took me to adjust. I told him 2 weeks. He has only been retired one week. Told him to be patient. Another week is not too long to wait for the adjustment to set in.
He wanted to know what I did. Nothing I said. But I seem to be busy all the time. The best analogy I could give was that retirement has to be accepted like good sex. Don't fight it! Just lie back and enjoy it!
And last night was the Key West Symphony's Tenth Anniversary Gala! A black tie event. I must say I looked beautiful in my tux! Ho ho! Such vanity!
My daughter Lisa was my date. She looked magnificent in her little black dress and flowing hair! I was proud to have her on my arm!
A wonderful affair! The event started with cocktails on the Westin dock. Then dinner inside.
The Westin by the way picked up the whole tab for the evening. Food, booze, etc. So the entire evening was pure profit to the Symphony. The Westin are obviously good people and care for the Key West community. Diane Schmidt is general manager at the Westin. She did a wonderful job for the Symphony in the preparation and presentation for the event! And Diane you were a knockout personally last night! The dress and shoes were right there!
There were all kinds of surprises during the dinner.
The first was Marilyn Monroe jumping out of a cake! A drag queen of course! Bobby Nesbitt sang a special song. Little Switzerland donated a 1.75 carat diamond which some lovely lady won. And so on!
I had not worn my tuxedo shoes in years. Probably because I have not worn my tux in years. So I needed the shoes shined. Where does one get shoes shined in Key West? No where. Males do not wear shoes per se in Key West!
I went to Publix and bought black wax and a brush. I took the shoes, wax and brush down to the dock. I also needed a couple of rags. That old T shirt with the many holes that I loved so much finally found its demise. There I sat by the water with the sun shining on me. Polishing my shoes! It was fun! Brought back memories of many days past!
Harry: This is what I do in retirement. Shine shoes!
Enjoy the day! It is a glorious one!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Do you remember Jane from Sarasota? The street artist I happened upon a few days ago. Well I chanced upon her again yesterday morning during my walk.
I was ambling along over the docks themselves. There she was. Sitting on her small chair and painting. We talked again. A nice lady!
I did screw up however. Her name is not Jane. It is Judy. Oh well! Details are sometimes difficult these days! And my hearing is not that good anymore!
Judy from Sarasota it is! A beautiful woman inside and out!
I probably will not see her again. She leaves tomorrow. I play golf today. And never the twain shall meet! Too bad.
Donna invited me to a dinner party at her home last night! A magnificent evening! Good food and good company!
Stone crabs. Need I say more!
Great conversation also!
She had house guests from Michigan. A gyn/ob doctor and his wife. Also a Key West realtor and his wife.
The local newspaper is known as The Key West Citizen. On the second page it has a Voice column where people call in with little gems of wisdom. Generally to complain or express their disdain for something.
Two recent comments caught my attention.
A lady said: "In the 1980s, I spent more on my hair than gasoline." How true!
A person who I assume was a man stated: "If a man is in the middle of the woods and no woman is there to hear him, is he still wrong?" Probably. We can never win!
Tonight the Symphony is having a black tie affair. My daughter Lisa is my date. I look forward to the evening!
I was ambling along over the docks themselves. There she was. Sitting on her small chair and painting. We talked again. A nice lady!
I did screw up however. Her name is not Jane. It is Judy. Oh well! Details are sometimes difficult these days! And my hearing is not that good anymore!
Judy from Sarasota it is! A beautiful woman inside and out!
I probably will not see her again. She leaves tomorrow. I play golf today. And never the twain shall meet! Too bad.
Donna invited me to a dinner party at her home last night! A magnificent evening! Good food and good company!
Stone crabs. Need I say more!
Great conversation also!
She had house guests from Michigan. A gyn/ob doctor and his wife. Also a Key West realtor and his wife.
The local newspaper is known as The Key West Citizen. On the second page it has a Voice column where people call in with little gems of wisdom. Generally to complain or express their disdain for something.
Two recent comments caught my attention.
A lady said: "In the 1980s, I spent more on my hair than gasoline." How true!
A person who I assume was a man stated: "If a man is in the middle of the woods and no woman is there to hear him, is he still wrong?" Probably. We can never win!
Tonight the Symphony is having a black tie affair. My daughter Lisa is my date. I look forward to the evening!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Last evening was Jack Baron night!
Jack was a dear friend who died 3 years ago.
I have thought of him often since his passing, as I am sure many others have also.
He was pixie by nature. Short in stature and always bouncing around! With an effervescent personality!
And he was an artist! What an artist!
I guess an artist paints what he perceives/sees. Jack saw primarily two things. Cats and black people! When an unusual event occurred, he would envision something else and paint for days that new thing. For example, following 9/11 Jack produced a ton of paintings of the American flag. His fingers maneuvered the brush on canvas in response to the motivation of the moment! A talent! A genius!
It is obvious why Jack painted cats. Key West is an island. Islands tend to have a substantial rat population. So a substantial number of cats are required to keep the rats in check. Ergo cats are everywhere!
And the cat paintings were absolutely beautiful!
The black people are another story! They represent Jack's introduction into the art world.
Jack and his partner Bob settled in Key West in the late 1970s. They bought a little house on a street corner across from St. Mary's Catholic Church. Every one has to earn a living, so they opened up an antique shop in the front portion of the house.
The house was located in what was then the black neighborhood.
When business was slow, and it was slow often, Jack would sit on the front porch and sketch what he saw. The house was at a bus stop. So he started sketching the black people who were waiting for buses.Then he started painting them. Acrylics.
Jack had never been a painter/artist in his prior life in New York City. He was a salesman.
One day a gallery owner stopped by and saw his paintings sitting around. She showed them. In one night 30 were sold! Jack's career as an artist was off and running!
Jack and his partner Bob lived together for 52 years. An accomplishment! Last night Bob was offering what remains of Jack's works. Only about 15 pieces out of more than 4,000.
The exhibit was at Gingerbread Square Gallery on upper Duval. I attended.
An emotional experience! It brought back many memories of Jack, time spent with him in his studio and oh the so many conversations. Jack was an oracle of wisdom. Though none of us knew it at the time. He had an opinion about everything. He tended to pontificate. But always in a gentle helping informative fashion.
It was a tough evening! It took me a while to shake the emotion of the moment out of me after I left.
I shall talk more of Jack occasionally in the future. His life was rich. He was wise. There is much to share.
Again last night was Jack Baron's night! I am glad I attended! How could I not go! And it makes me feel good to share him with you this morning.
Jack was a dear friend who died 3 years ago.
I have thought of him often since his passing, as I am sure many others have also.
He was pixie by nature. Short in stature and always bouncing around! With an effervescent personality!
And he was an artist! What an artist!
I guess an artist paints what he perceives/sees. Jack saw primarily two things. Cats and black people! When an unusual event occurred, he would envision something else and paint for days that new thing. For example, following 9/11 Jack produced a ton of paintings of the American flag. His fingers maneuvered the brush on canvas in response to the motivation of the moment! A talent! A genius!
It is obvious why Jack painted cats. Key West is an island. Islands tend to have a substantial rat population. So a substantial number of cats are required to keep the rats in check. Ergo cats are everywhere!
And the cat paintings were absolutely beautiful!
The black people are another story! They represent Jack's introduction into the art world.
Jack and his partner Bob settled in Key West in the late 1970s. They bought a little house on a street corner across from St. Mary's Catholic Church. Every one has to earn a living, so they opened up an antique shop in the front portion of the house.
The house was located in what was then the black neighborhood.
When business was slow, and it was slow often, Jack would sit on the front porch and sketch what he saw. The house was at a bus stop. So he started sketching the black people who were waiting for buses.Then he started painting them. Acrylics.
Jack had never been a painter/artist in his prior life in New York City. He was a salesman.
One day a gallery owner stopped by and saw his paintings sitting around. She showed them. In one night 30 were sold! Jack's career as an artist was off and running!
Jack and his partner Bob lived together for 52 years. An accomplishment! Last night Bob was offering what remains of Jack's works. Only about 15 pieces out of more than 4,000.
The exhibit was at Gingerbread Square Gallery on upper Duval. I attended.
An emotional experience! It brought back many memories of Jack, time spent with him in his studio and oh the so many conversations. Jack was an oracle of wisdom. Though none of us knew it at the time. He had an opinion about everything. He tended to pontificate. But always in a gentle helping informative fashion.
It was a tough evening! It took me a while to shake the emotion of the moment out of me after I left.
I shall talk more of Jack occasionally in the future. His life was rich. He was wise. There is much to share.
Again last night was Jack Baron's night! I am glad I attended! How could I not go! And it makes me feel good to share him with you this morning.
Monday, January 7, 2008
I watched the sun set last night!
From my bedroom terrace.
A bright orange ball!
What could be more exciting!
However that does not mean it is warm here! Still cold from a southern perspective. This morning is especially cold. Brisk is a better word for it. And yet the forecast is for a 78 degree day. We shall see!
Sunday is generally a quiet day for me. I subscribe to the biblical admonition that it should be a day of rest!
I did my usual breakfast and morning walk. Then visited my grandchildren. Spent the afternoon in bed. Alone of course! And unfortunately!
Dinner last night was at Alice's Restaurant. A total Key West environment. Open windows. Old town street views. Good solid Caribbean food. The type that sticks to your ribs! Even serves meatloaf!
Trying to be a good boy and lose those newly found 10 pounds, I limited my intake to a boiled artichoke and a piece of broiled yellowtail snapper. I cannot tell a lie. I consumed 2 gins also!
Tonight is Jack Baron night!
Jack was a close artist friend who died 3 years ago. A gallery is having the first show of his works since his passing.
It will be a sad, but exciting time.
I miss Jack terribly. He was a good person and a good friend.
From my bedroom terrace.
A bright orange ball!
What could be more exciting!
However that does not mean it is warm here! Still cold from a southern perspective. This morning is especially cold. Brisk is a better word for it. And yet the forecast is for a 78 degree day. We shall see!
Sunday is generally a quiet day for me. I subscribe to the biblical admonition that it should be a day of rest!
I did my usual breakfast and morning walk. Then visited my grandchildren. Spent the afternoon in bed. Alone of course! And unfortunately!
Dinner last night was at Alice's Restaurant. A total Key West environment. Open windows. Old town street views. Good solid Caribbean food. The type that sticks to your ribs! Even serves meatloaf!
Trying to be a good boy and lose those newly found 10 pounds, I limited my intake to a boiled artichoke and a piece of broiled yellowtail snapper. I cannot tell a lie. I consumed 2 gins also!
Tonight is Jack Baron night!
Jack was a close artist friend who died 3 years ago. A gallery is having the first show of his works since his passing.
It will be a sad, but exciting time.
I miss Jack terribly. He was a good person and a good friend.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
A return to normalcy!
That is how I feel.
I am home! Back in Key West!
After a casual breakfast of cuban toast and coffee, as well as the the morning paper, I was off on my walk along the waterfront. The view was spectacular! The boats all gleaming white under the morning sun.
Along the way, I ran into Tino. Tino is a former federal agent from Chicago. In retirement he works part time as a harbor master at the A&B Marina. He is the guy with the blue shorts, crispy white T shirt and baseball cap. He welcomes your vessel to the marina and helps you dock. All with a smile!
It was good seeing him again! I missed Tino and all my Key West friends while I was up north for 3 weeks for the holidays.
Tino needed a shave! It dawned on me I had never seen him with a beard. I should not talk as I go 4-5 days in Key West without shaving. It is the lifestyle here! How do you think Hemingway got his beard!
I mentioned the growth to Tino. We are friends. He was a bit embarrassed. Said he got up late and did not have time to shave. However he had his shaving gear in the office and was waiting for a few free minutes so he could shave.
Tino is a meticulous detailed individual. I would not be wrong to describe him as a bit on the anal side. Part of his federal bureaucratic background probably! I had caught him out of sorts. First time. Good for Tino! He should go unshaven for several days! It is good for the soul! And everyone does it!
As I continued my walk, I came upon a woman sitting on a small folding chair on a street corner painting. She was doing a water color of a building. There she was with brush in hand, a huge floppy hat and and a small umbrella attached to her chair over her head.
Being a frustrated painter, I stopped to watch her work. Talented!
We started chatting as she continued her work. We exchanged pleasantries. She offered me a chair. She had another.
She told me her name was Jane and she was a professional artist from Sarasota.
Our conversation became an in depth one concerning Catholicism and birth control in the 1960s. Only in Key West! Yes, only in Key West could such a conversation have taken place under the circumstances described. The time spent together was stimulating and enjoyable.
I would like to visit with her again. However it probably will never be. Chance encounters are that way. She will be on another street corner or in her car back to Sarasota.
Last night was a Key West evening!
I started at Kwest to hear Bobby Nesbitt sing. Ran into friends. Sang Broadway songs along with everyone else and enjoyed the experience once again!
Then I was off to the bar at Square One. As I have stated before, Square One is one of the finest restaurants Key West has to offer! If you enjoy comradeship, the bar is the place to be! It is a friendly locals hangout.
I enjoyed my time there. It was like old home week! Every one happy to see each other. Good company! Good conversation!
And then of course there is Patrick the bartender. A Key West legend! And a fine human being! Always there to help any one with any type problem. We all love Patrick!
I had dinner scheduled with friends at Ambrosia. Ambrosia is a Japanese restaurant. It has been a mainstay in Key West for years.
Until recently it was like in the living room of a small house on a Key West side street. Crowded all the time by space and people! With the finest sushi anywhere!
Well Ambrosia is no longer in the small room of a house on a side street. It has relocated. Into the big time!
It is now a large spectacular restaurant in the new Santa Maria complex. Stunning is the only way to describe it!
High ceilings, long glass windows rising to the sky, and even a tall waterfall cascading in the middle of the dining room! A wow to behold!
And the food is still just as good! If you are into sushi, it is the best!
And the prices were as high as those glass windows and the cascading waterfall! At least double, if not more! I guess the move and new surroundings have to be paid for. However it was a shocker!
They will probably make it. I wish them good luck. However I will be eating my sushi in the future in one of Key West's other two Japanese restaurants where the prices remain constant and the surroundings casual.
Enjoy your day!
That is how I feel.
I am home! Back in Key West!
After a casual breakfast of cuban toast and coffee, as well as the the morning paper, I was off on my walk along the waterfront. The view was spectacular! The boats all gleaming white under the morning sun.
Along the way, I ran into Tino. Tino is a former federal agent from Chicago. In retirement he works part time as a harbor master at the A&B Marina. He is the guy with the blue shorts, crispy white T shirt and baseball cap. He welcomes your vessel to the marina and helps you dock. All with a smile!
It was good seeing him again! I missed Tino and all my Key West friends while I was up north for 3 weeks for the holidays.
Tino needed a shave! It dawned on me I had never seen him with a beard. I should not talk as I go 4-5 days in Key West without shaving. It is the lifestyle here! How do you think Hemingway got his beard!
I mentioned the growth to Tino. We are friends. He was a bit embarrassed. Said he got up late and did not have time to shave. However he had his shaving gear in the office and was waiting for a few free minutes so he could shave.
Tino is a meticulous detailed individual. I would not be wrong to describe him as a bit on the anal side. Part of his federal bureaucratic background probably! I had caught him out of sorts. First time. Good for Tino! He should go unshaven for several days! It is good for the soul! And everyone does it!
As I continued my walk, I came upon a woman sitting on a small folding chair on a street corner painting. She was doing a water color of a building. There she was with brush in hand, a huge floppy hat and and a small umbrella attached to her chair over her head.
Being a frustrated painter, I stopped to watch her work. Talented!
We started chatting as she continued her work. We exchanged pleasantries. She offered me a chair. She had another.
She told me her name was Jane and she was a professional artist from Sarasota.
Our conversation became an in depth one concerning Catholicism and birth control in the 1960s. Only in Key West! Yes, only in Key West could such a conversation have taken place under the circumstances described. The time spent together was stimulating and enjoyable.
I would like to visit with her again. However it probably will never be. Chance encounters are that way. She will be on another street corner or in her car back to Sarasota.
Last night was a Key West evening!
I started at Kwest to hear Bobby Nesbitt sing. Ran into friends. Sang Broadway songs along with everyone else and enjoyed the experience once again!
Then I was off to the bar at Square One. As I have stated before, Square One is one of the finest restaurants Key West has to offer! If you enjoy comradeship, the bar is the place to be! It is a friendly locals hangout.
I enjoyed my time there. It was like old home week! Every one happy to see each other. Good company! Good conversation!
And then of course there is Patrick the bartender. A Key West legend! And a fine human being! Always there to help any one with any type problem. We all love Patrick!
I had dinner scheduled with friends at Ambrosia. Ambrosia is a Japanese restaurant. It has been a mainstay in Key West for years.
Until recently it was like in the living room of a small house on a Key West side street. Crowded all the time by space and people! With the finest sushi anywhere!
Well Ambrosia is no longer in the small room of a house on a side street. It has relocated. Into the big time!
It is now a large spectacular restaurant in the new Santa Maria complex. Stunning is the only way to describe it!
High ceilings, long glass windows rising to the sky, and even a tall waterfall cascading in the middle of the dining room! A wow to behold!
And the food is still just as good! If you are into sushi, it is the best!
And the prices were as high as those glass windows and the cascading waterfall! At least double, if not more! I guess the move and new surroundings have to be paid for. However it was a shocker!
They will probably make it. I wish them good luck. However I will be eating my sushi in the future in one of Key West's other two Japanese restaurants where the prices remain constant and the surroundings casual.
Enjoy your day!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
I have returned!
Good morning Key West!
Glad to be back! No, thrilled to be back!
I went from minus 3 to 62. Not bad! Wore long pants last night though. But no socks!
My trip was uneventful. Three planes and 9 nine hours. Was supposed to take 10 hours. My first plane was an hour late leaving Syracuse and so I had to be rerouted for the next two flights. It worked out well though since I arrived in Key West an hour earlier.
Could not drive with the top down, but did drive with the windows open! My friends up north will appreciate that.
I had a quiet dinner at Pisces and early to bed. Tired from the trip. Getting old.
There is a disaster however. I stepped on the scale. Bad! I gained 10 pounds in 18 days! Don't tell me no way. The scale does not lie. We eat differently up north! And I did over indulge. But never did I realize to such an extent!
To those who may not be aware, about a year ago I lost 50 pounds. And vain I am! I like the way I now look and feel!
So a good boy I must be for a few days! Must get rid of the extra pounds.
We shall see!
Good morning Key West!
Glad to be back! No, thrilled to be back!
I went from minus 3 to 62. Not bad! Wore long pants last night though. But no socks!
My trip was uneventful. Three planes and 9 nine hours. Was supposed to take 10 hours. My first plane was an hour late leaving Syracuse and so I had to be rerouted for the next two flights. It worked out well though since I arrived in Key West an hour earlier.
Could not drive with the top down, but did drive with the windows open! My friends up north will appreciate that.
I had a quiet dinner at Pisces and early to bed. Tired from the trip. Getting old.
There is a disaster however. I stepped on the scale. Bad! I gained 10 pounds in 18 days! Don't tell me no way. The scale does not lie. We eat differently up north! And I did over indulge. But never did I realize to such an extent!
To those who may not be aware, about a year ago I lost 50 pounds. And vain I am! I like the way I now look and feel!
So a good boy I must be for a few days! Must get rid of the extra pounds.
We shall see!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Minus 2 this morning! Gray! Depressing!
I am ready to return to Key West! Over ready! Tomorrow is the day!
TV playing while I am blogging. A frost in Florida! Citrus crop in danger! 19 degrees in some parts of Florida.
It will pass. It always does! But up North here, no way! One must be prepared for a 5-6 month winter.
Pest extermination in the news again! Received a call from Key West's Christine Cardone/Smith. Larry's wife. They suddenly have a rat infestation. Larry told her to call Louis for advice! And she did!
Told her to move out and set the house on fire! No, not really! Gave her the name of my maintenance man who was such a great help during my crisis. And it is a crisis!
Christine's comments and tone were the same as mine had been. Discouraging and disgusting! Ugh! It is hard to believe when a rodent invasion involves you.
The interesting thing is that when I was undergoing my 2 week crisis, Larry kept telling me to get a cat. They have a cat! Christine said the rodents are all over the outside. Around the pool, the patio, porch, etc. Many many droppings. None in the house as yet. She attributes that to the cat who sits inside the patio doors in the house in apparent guard of the premises.
I should have told Christine to get the cat's ass outside! The cat is the in house solution to the problem. And that is the problem! The cat is in house!
Good luck Larry and Christine! I know the feeling. I can assure you however that as swiftly as the problem came upon you, it leaves. And then you can enjoy your home again!
I am ready to return to Key West! Over ready! Tomorrow is the day!
TV playing while I am blogging. A frost in Florida! Citrus crop in danger! 19 degrees in some parts of Florida.
It will pass. It always does! But up North here, no way! One must be prepared for a 5-6 month winter.
Pest extermination in the news again! Received a call from Key West's Christine Cardone/Smith. Larry's wife. They suddenly have a rat infestation. Larry told her to call Louis for advice! And she did!
Told her to move out and set the house on fire! No, not really! Gave her the name of my maintenance man who was such a great help during my crisis. And it is a crisis!
Christine's comments and tone were the same as mine had been. Discouraging and disgusting! Ugh! It is hard to believe when a rodent invasion involves you.
The interesting thing is that when I was undergoing my 2 week crisis, Larry kept telling me to get a cat. They have a cat! Christine said the rodents are all over the outside. Around the pool, the patio, porch, etc. Many many droppings. None in the house as yet. She attributes that to the cat who sits inside the patio doors in the house in apparent guard of the premises.
I should have told Christine to get the cat's ass outside! The cat is the in house solution to the problem. And that is the problem! The cat is in house!
Good luck Larry and Christine! I know the feeling. I can assure you however that as swiftly as the problem came upon you, it leaves. And then you can enjoy your home again!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Fifteen degrees outside. However the chill factor is 3.
I understand Key West is experiencing a cold front. My early morning e mails tell me the temperature was in the high 50s overnight. I hope it improves for when I return Friday evening!
Another quiet day yesterday.
Went to the movies last night. I seem to rarely go lately. It was a pleasant experience! And saw a good movie besides!
Charlie Wilson's War!
I recommend it!
We all know that the primary reason Reagan was able to finally bring down Communist Russia was the military industrial effort which was foisted upon the Russians. My impression has always been that Reagan stood up to Russia militarily and forced them to produce war machinery to the point of bankruptcy.
And correct I am! Charlie Wilson's War gets into the nitty gritty of the situation.
I suggest you see it! I highly recommend it!
Along the way you will also be provided an opportunity to see how our representative congressional government operates. Inept, incompetent, by accident and with sexual and drug overtones. And religion of course! But it works! In spite of everything!
I understand Key West is experiencing a cold front. My early morning e mails tell me the temperature was in the high 50s overnight. I hope it improves for when I return Friday evening!
Another quiet day yesterday.
Went to the movies last night. I seem to rarely go lately. It was a pleasant experience! And saw a good movie besides!
Charlie Wilson's War!
I recommend it!
We all know that the primary reason Reagan was able to finally bring down Communist Russia was the military industrial effort which was foisted upon the Russians. My impression has always been that Reagan stood up to Russia militarily and forced them to produce war machinery to the point of bankruptcy.
And correct I am! Charlie Wilson's War gets into the nitty gritty of the situation.
I suggest you see it! I highly recommend it!
Along the way you will also be provided an opportunity to see how our representative congressional government operates. Inept, incompetent, by accident and with sexual and drug overtones. And religion of course! But it works! In spite of everything!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Good morning!
Happy New Year!
Good health!
Good health is more important than wealth. Without health, one cannot enjoy. So stay healthy this year! And contribute to good health! Drink and eat less. Work out a bit, even if it is a short walk every day. Be happy. Laugh.
I never went out last night. Opted to stay home alone. Strange, but that it is the way it worked out. I watched reruns of the last season of the Sopranos on HBO from 8 last night to 7 this morning, except for a few minutes at midnight watching the ball drop at Times Square on NBC.
Not reruns for me. I never saw the last season of Sopranos since I was out evenings in Key West when it was originally shown.
Wow! Bloody!
I am looking out the window. Still snowing. Heavy stuff. I don't think it ever stopped from yesterday.
I return to Key West friday. None too early for me!
Happy New Year!
Good health!
Good health is more important than wealth. Without health, one cannot enjoy. So stay healthy this year! And contribute to good health! Drink and eat less. Work out a bit, even if it is a short walk every day. Be happy. Laugh.
I never went out last night. Opted to stay home alone. Strange, but that it is the way it worked out. I watched reruns of the last season of the Sopranos on HBO from 8 last night to 7 this morning, except for a few minutes at midnight watching the ball drop at Times Square on NBC.
Not reruns for me. I never saw the last season of Sopranos since I was out evenings in Key West when it was originally shown.
Wow! Bloody!
I am looking out the window. Still snowing. Heavy stuff. I don't think it ever stopped from yesterday.
I return to Key West friday. None too early for me!
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