Bocci!!!
Big night last night! We won all 3 games! Our team is tied for first place!
Not pretty however! All 3 games were brutally fought! Especially the last 2 which were won similarly to a 3 pointer being made in a basketball game at the buzzer!
And I did not get benched!
Captain David partnered Jules and I again last night. She and I have bonded as far as the game is concerned.
I felt sorry for Jules last night. It was her eighteenth wedding anniversary. Her husband is a major in the US Air Force. He is presently in Pensecola receiving special training preparatory to being shipped to the Middle East. A bummer she was seperated from him last night and a bummer he is going over!
Afterwards we all traveled to Don's Place to celebrate. Tino also. Maria did not show. Tino said her feet hurt from the cold.
And cold it was last night! Everyone was layered and bundled. A couple of spectators were under blankets. The temperature was in the low 60s and the breeze off the Atlantic did not help either.
After Don's I went to La Te Da to meet Bob.
La Te Da was jumping again. The season is here! Debra and Patrick were performing. And Randy Roberts was also singing alone and along with Debra.
Randy is the top female impersonator in Key West. I have known him for years. Very personable. Well liked.
He impersonates the greats! Cher, Marilyn Monroe, etc.
He was dressed as he sang in the bar. He provided everyone with some fantastic moments!
Then I did something I have not done in years. I went to Bare Assets! Took Bob along. Sinners love company!
Bare Assests is a strip joint!
The last time I was there was about 4 years ago when my friend Gus was visiting me from Utica. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon. We had nothing to do. What an excuse!
Anyhow nothing has changed in 4 years. The girls are lovely! Lovely lovely! No one over 22 I would project.
All with magnificent bodies! All of which are revealed! Nothing is left to the imagination!
They take turns dancing on a stage with a pole. The pole is verticle and fixed to floor and ceiling. Immovable.
The ladies do gymnastics and arobics around and with the poll. Terrific exercise for them! Terrific exercise for spectator eyes! At least mine!
We had one drink at the bar. None of the lovelies talked to us! How sad! So we left and came home.
I obviously had a full evening. And would you believe it was not even 11 o'clock when I settled into bed! And quickly fell asleep with visions of lovelies dancing in my head! Good, good, good!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
I never made it to golf yesterday!
It was too cold and rainy. Low 60s.
However apparently everyone else did. So I am getting beat up for failing to appear!
Instead I spent a couple of hours in the morning finishing off paying bills. And then I did something I have not done in quite awhile. I spent the rest of the day in bed sleeping and watching TV. Must have needed it! Felt great afterward and even this morning!
Last night was cold!!!Long pants night!
Bob and I had drinks at the Yacht Club. Then dinner at A&B Lobster House. I had not eaten at A&B in a long time! Good food! Noisy though.
Then we went to La Te Da. Always the best! Love that place!
I had a couple of espresso martinis and then was home to bed. Early!
Tonight bocci! I am rested and ready!
It was too cold and rainy. Low 60s.
However apparently everyone else did. So I am getting beat up for failing to appear!
Instead I spent a couple of hours in the morning finishing off paying bills. And then I did something I have not done in quite awhile. I spent the rest of the day in bed sleeping and watching TV. Must have needed it! Felt great afterward and even this morning!
Last night was cold!!!Long pants night!
Bob and I had drinks at the Yacht Club. Then dinner at A&B Lobster House. I had not eaten at A&B in a long time! Good food! Noisy though.
Then we went to La Te Da. Always the best! Love that place!
I had a couple of espresso martinis and then was home to bed. Early!
Tonight bocci! I am rested and ready!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
It is raining like hell! Still dark outside. The wind started blowing and the rain beating on the house. I had to run all over closing windows!
Today is going to be cool. High 60s. Yesterday was high 80s and muggy. My t shirt was sticky and soggy when I finished my walk yesterday morning!
Yesterday afternoon was quiet. I paid bills. I hate the effort and the expenditure!
Last night Bob and I had dinner at La Trattatoria. I ate my usual. Spaghetti and oil. With garlic of course! It was fortunate I had no one to kiss later in the evening!
After dinner we hurried over to the Pier House to hear Larry Smith and Kathleen Peace. Kathleen could not appear! She had a migrane. How sad! Sad she was not there and sad she was under the weather!
Jodi Rae appeared last minute for Kathleen. I have heard her before. She is a talent! Her peformance can only be described as magnifique!
Jodi was once a Penthouse centerfold! A big deal! She is still a beauty!
Jodi's daughter and son in law are presently in the service and stationed in Iraq. During her performance Jodi called her daughter from her cellphone and sang to her! Moving!
Larry likes to engage the audience and Pier House personnel during his performances. You will recall he is always referring to Donna the barmaid as "..hot and sexy!" Last week I commented in one of the blogs that those words were not fitting. Though I will not deny that Donna appears hot and sexy!
I saw Donna as "...charming and lovely!"
Larry asked Donna what the difference amounted to, why the distinction.
Larry drinks Budweiser from the bottle while he performs. I drink espresso martinis from an appropriate glass.
Donna responded "..it is the difference between an espresso martini and a budweiser!"
Good girl, Donna!
The rain has stopped. Overcast. Cool--for Key West!
I play golf this morning. Hope I do better than last week! Anything will be better!
Today is going to be cool. High 60s. Yesterday was high 80s and muggy. My t shirt was sticky and soggy when I finished my walk yesterday morning!
Yesterday afternoon was quiet. I paid bills. I hate the effort and the expenditure!
Last night Bob and I had dinner at La Trattatoria. I ate my usual. Spaghetti and oil. With garlic of course! It was fortunate I had no one to kiss later in the evening!
After dinner we hurried over to the Pier House to hear Larry Smith and Kathleen Peace. Kathleen could not appear! She had a migrane. How sad! Sad she was not there and sad she was under the weather!
Jodi Rae appeared last minute for Kathleen. I have heard her before. She is a talent! Her peformance can only be described as magnifique!
Jodi was once a Penthouse centerfold! A big deal! She is still a beauty!
Jodi's daughter and son in law are presently in the service and stationed in Iraq. During her performance Jodi called her daughter from her cellphone and sang to her! Moving!
Larry likes to engage the audience and Pier House personnel during his performances. You will recall he is always referring to Donna the barmaid as "..hot and sexy!" Last week I commented in one of the blogs that those words were not fitting. Though I will not deny that Donna appears hot and sexy!
I saw Donna as "...charming and lovely!"
Larry asked Donna what the difference amounted to, why the distinction.
Larry drinks Budweiser from the bottle while he performs. I drink espresso martinis from an appropriate glass.
Donna responded "..it is the difference between an espresso martini and a budweiser!"
Good girl, Donna!
The rain has stopped. Overcast. Cool--for Key West!
I play golf this morning. Hope I do better than last week! Anything will be better!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A real warm day yesterday! 87, no wind and heavy humidity.
It is expected to be the same today, with a breeze however.
Tomorrow a cold wave is coming in. The projected high for tomorrow is 67. Yes, 67! The temperature will drop 20 degrees in one day!
I rode my bike yesterday for exercise. I was wiped out when I finished. Bob ran. Down US 1 to Key West and back. About 5 miles. He was dead! Thought he might not be able to complete the return trip!
So the humidity was heavy!
Linda Schrufer continues to be the hostess with the mostest!
You have heard me mention her before. A great party organizer! A wonderful dinner planner! And most importantly, a sweet lady!
Her favorite organization supportwise is the Red Barn Theatre. Last night Linda chaired a fundraiser for the Red Barn. The format was a movable feast. Dinner at four different homes in Truman Annex. Drinks at one, salad and soup at another, the entre at a third and dessert at a fourth. And good exercise in between walking from one home to the other!
The event was a success! Congratualtions Linda!
Before attending the Red Barn function, I went over to the Gingerbread Square Gallery. It was opening night for Jim Salem's annual exhibit.
Jim is a professional artist. I have known him for more than 15 years. He is friend to me and also friend to my daughter Lisa. In fact Lisa and my grandchildren were leaving Gingerbread as I arrived. I asked Lisa why she was leaving so soon. She said too much glass inside for the kids to be wandering around! Bulls in a china shop!
Jim paints. He is not into glass. Just to keep the record straight.
He paints for a whole year and then exhibits and sells them over a two week period at Gingerbread. To tell the truth, Jim once told me he actually screws off for most of the year and then about two months before the exhibit starts painting like crazy!
As usual, his works were excting! It is no wonder he is a success!
Jim's forte is generally the habitat and birds of the keys. Last night I could see he had expanded his area of interest. Fruit and vegetables! I especially love paintings of fruit! And the framing on these items was a gigantic step forward also! Exciting frames! Red, blue or yellow, but muted. And though muted, bright. I know it sounds inconsistent, but that is how the frames hit me! And the fruit and veggies were bright and dynamic and leaped off their frames!
I am looking forward to tonight. Kathleen Peace is singing at Larry Smith's show at the Pier House. The time is 9 o'clock. Do yourself a favor. Go! She is spectacular! The best of the best!
It is expected to be the same today, with a breeze however.
Tomorrow a cold wave is coming in. The projected high for tomorrow is 67. Yes, 67! The temperature will drop 20 degrees in one day!
I rode my bike yesterday for exercise. I was wiped out when I finished. Bob ran. Down US 1 to Key West and back. About 5 miles. He was dead! Thought he might not be able to complete the return trip!
So the humidity was heavy!
Linda Schrufer continues to be the hostess with the mostest!
You have heard me mention her before. A great party organizer! A wonderful dinner planner! And most importantly, a sweet lady!
Her favorite organization supportwise is the Red Barn Theatre. Last night Linda chaired a fundraiser for the Red Barn. The format was a movable feast. Dinner at four different homes in Truman Annex. Drinks at one, salad and soup at another, the entre at a third and dessert at a fourth. And good exercise in between walking from one home to the other!
The event was a success! Congratualtions Linda!
Before attending the Red Barn function, I went over to the Gingerbread Square Gallery. It was opening night for Jim Salem's annual exhibit.
Jim is a professional artist. I have known him for more than 15 years. He is friend to me and also friend to my daughter Lisa. In fact Lisa and my grandchildren were leaving Gingerbread as I arrived. I asked Lisa why she was leaving so soon. She said too much glass inside for the kids to be wandering around! Bulls in a china shop!
Jim paints. He is not into glass. Just to keep the record straight.
He paints for a whole year and then exhibits and sells them over a two week period at Gingerbread. To tell the truth, Jim once told me he actually screws off for most of the year and then about two months before the exhibit starts painting like crazy!
As usual, his works were excting! It is no wonder he is a success!
Jim's forte is generally the habitat and birds of the keys. Last night I could see he had expanded his area of interest. Fruit and vegetables! I especially love paintings of fruit! And the framing on these items was a gigantic step forward also! Exciting frames! Red, blue or yellow, but muted. And though muted, bright. I know it sounds inconsistent, but that is how the frames hit me! And the fruit and veggies were bright and dynamic and leaped off their frames!
I am looking forward to tonight. Kathleen Peace is singing at Larry Smith's show at the Pier House. The time is 9 o'clock. Do yourself a favor. Go! She is spectacular! The best of the best!
Monday, February 25, 2008
A God is in his Heaven! All is right with the world morning!
Sun up and shining! Sky blue! Water quiet! Color everywhere!
Yesterday was a mixed bag. All good!
I started Sunday with breakfast at Camille's with Lisa and the family. Breakfast with my grandchildren is always exciting! They are a joy!
The annual art festival was this weekend. So I suggested we go. And away we went after breakfast! All of us!
I lasted about 5 minutes with the kids. They were good, but too slow for me! So I kissed them all good bye and was off to enjoy the festival on my own.
A good show as usual! However not as many presentors as usual. Why I am not sure. Could it be the economy?
Afterwards I took a long walk.
Then home to rest. Good luck! Guess who showed up? Yes, the grandkids. So we swam for awhile. They are terrific in the pool! Love it! Swim all around, jump off the sides and all those good sort of things. Ally now puts her face in the water and blows bubbles. A big thing! She is always yelling for people to watch her do it. Robert at 3 1/2 is now a big boy! He makes like he is diving! He jumps in feet first off the side of the pool! And we all have to watch!
I was off to bed to rest before they left. Too much too early for me!
Watched Syracuse lose to Notre Dame by about 10 points. Notre Dame is a ranked team. As I have been saying, Syracuse is going to be great next year! And congratulations again to the job coach Boheim is doing!
Bob disappeared at some point in the afternoon. When he returned, he had 3 pounds of stone crabs and all kinds of sides. He had discovered Fausto's.
Fausto's is a third generation grocery store in Key West. A family operation. Has 2 locations now.
Nice people! Smart people! They cater to the more affluent. The sides were all kinds of special pickies.
We ate outside by the water. We sat at the bar and drank. Then we ate the pickies a bit and drank. In between we swam in the pool.
We were able to watch the sun go down. Always a big deal!
Then we devoured the stone crabs! Like animals! Finger looking good!
This was Bob's first time eating stone crabs. Before I could explain the niceties of eating them, he had a whole piece, the one with the solid fiber down the middle, in his mouth and half way down his throat. I saved him however! And we went on to enjoying the rest of the stone crabs. They were mid sized, broken and oh! so good!
By the time we finished, I had had a full day. So it was off to bed and the academy awards!
I did not last long! I fell asleep early. I had to watch the morning news on TV to learn who won.
Sun up and shining! Sky blue! Water quiet! Color everywhere!
Yesterday was a mixed bag. All good!
I started Sunday with breakfast at Camille's with Lisa and the family. Breakfast with my grandchildren is always exciting! They are a joy!
The annual art festival was this weekend. So I suggested we go. And away we went after breakfast! All of us!
I lasted about 5 minutes with the kids. They were good, but too slow for me! So I kissed them all good bye and was off to enjoy the festival on my own.
A good show as usual! However not as many presentors as usual. Why I am not sure. Could it be the economy?
Afterwards I took a long walk.
Then home to rest. Good luck! Guess who showed up? Yes, the grandkids. So we swam for awhile. They are terrific in the pool! Love it! Swim all around, jump off the sides and all those good sort of things. Ally now puts her face in the water and blows bubbles. A big thing! She is always yelling for people to watch her do it. Robert at 3 1/2 is now a big boy! He makes like he is diving! He jumps in feet first off the side of the pool! And we all have to watch!
I was off to bed to rest before they left. Too much too early for me!
Watched Syracuse lose to Notre Dame by about 10 points. Notre Dame is a ranked team. As I have been saying, Syracuse is going to be great next year! And congratulations again to the job coach Boheim is doing!
Bob disappeared at some point in the afternoon. When he returned, he had 3 pounds of stone crabs and all kinds of sides. He had discovered Fausto's.
Fausto's is a third generation grocery store in Key West. A family operation. Has 2 locations now.
Nice people! Smart people! They cater to the more affluent. The sides were all kinds of special pickies.
We ate outside by the water. We sat at the bar and drank. Then we ate the pickies a bit and drank. In between we swam in the pool.
We were able to watch the sun go down. Always a big deal!
Then we devoured the stone crabs! Like animals! Finger looking good!
This was Bob's first time eating stone crabs. Before I could explain the niceties of eating them, he had a whole piece, the one with the solid fiber down the middle, in his mouth and half way down his throat. I saved him however! And we went on to enjoying the rest of the stone crabs. They were mid sized, broken and oh! so good!
By the time we finished, I had had a full day. So it was off to bed and the academy awards!
I did not last long! I fell asleep early. I had to watch the morning news on TV to learn who won.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Happy Sunday!
The sun is up! A touch of humidity in the air already. No breeze. Going to be a hot one!
Hit 89 yesterday!
The annual street art festival is this weekend. Held yearly, it is located on Whitehead bordering Truman Annex and also runs into some Annex streets. Several hundred white tents showing some of the best art from all over the world!
Exciting to see! Many the year I have bought a piece! I have to temper myself. I love art! My collection is significant! However enough is enough. I have works stored in closets here and in Utica. The walls are full!
Anyhow, I was walking over Duval to the art show when Lisa called. She was at the library with the kids and asked me to come over. And so I went!
Saturday morning the library has a children's program of reading and play. My grandchildren are into it. They played with the toys well and interacted with the other kids even better.
The soujourn at the library gave my daughter Lisa and I an opportunity to talk quietly. Where is there more silence than in a library! The perfect atmosphere!
I never made it to the art show. Perhaps later this morning.
Instead I went to Paradise Cafe for a cuban lunch and to read the papers.
There is only one chickie remaining. The hawks have been well fed. Sad! But obviously part of the nature sequence.
The hen and rooster were there also. Every time the rooster got near the hen, she took off like all get out! She was having none of him! Another nature story!
Last night Bob and I went to Martin's for dinner. Martin's is in a new location on Duval. It is a German restaurant owned and operated by twin brothers.
They have a major investment in this new site. It looks it! Not Key West. More New York or Vegas. A welcome new flavor for Key West!
The meal was magnificent! Wienerschnitzel! Best meal I have had in weeks! Go! You will be extremely pleased!
We then walked over to La Te Da to hear Debra and Patrick. Debra sings and Patrick plays. Debra is black and Patrick white. They are husband and wife. For many years. They are also a mainstay in Key West.
I am always amazed how Debra remembers everyone's name. And their favorite song! Within minutes of arriving, she will be singing your favorite tune. And you know it is for you!
A big night at La Te Da! Again the season is here! The town is packed! And everyone loves La Te Da!
This old man was tired however. So I had one espresso martini and left Bob there! I was in bed and asleep by 10:30.
I did not hear Bob come in. But he must have. His bedroom door just opened and he said good morning! He is downstairs making coffee. A good thing about having company. They participate in the chores!
The sun is up! A touch of humidity in the air already. No breeze. Going to be a hot one!
Hit 89 yesterday!
The annual street art festival is this weekend. Held yearly, it is located on Whitehead bordering Truman Annex and also runs into some Annex streets. Several hundred white tents showing some of the best art from all over the world!
Exciting to see! Many the year I have bought a piece! I have to temper myself. I love art! My collection is significant! However enough is enough. I have works stored in closets here and in Utica. The walls are full!
Anyhow, I was walking over Duval to the art show when Lisa called. She was at the library with the kids and asked me to come over. And so I went!
Saturday morning the library has a children's program of reading and play. My grandchildren are into it. They played with the toys well and interacted with the other kids even better.
The soujourn at the library gave my daughter Lisa and I an opportunity to talk quietly. Where is there more silence than in a library! The perfect atmosphere!
I never made it to the art show. Perhaps later this morning.
Instead I went to Paradise Cafe for a cuban lunch and to read the papers.
There is only one chickie remaining. The hawks have been well fed. Sad! But obviously part of the nature sequence.
The hen and rooster were there also. Every time the rooster got near the hen, she took off like all get out! She was having none of him! Another nature story!
Last night Bob and I went to Martin's for dinner. Martin's is in a new location on Duval. It is a German restaurant owned and operated by twin brothers.
They have a major investment in this new site. It looks it! Not Key West. More New York or Vegas. A welcome new flavor for Key West!
The meal was magnificent! Wienerschnitzel! Best meal I have had in weeks! Go! You will be extremely pleased!
We then walked over to La Te Da to hear Debra and Patrick. Debra sings and Patrick plays. Debra is black and Patrick white. They are husband and wife. For many years. They are also a mainstay in Key West.
I am always amazed how Debra remembers everyone's name. And their favorite song! Within minutes of arriving, she will be singing your favorite tune. And you know it is for you!
A big night at La Te Da! Again the season is here! The town is packed! And everyone loves La Te Da!
This old man was tired however. So I had one espresso martini and left Bob there! I was in bed and asleep by 10:30.
I did not hear Bob come in. But he must have. His bedroom door just opened and he said good morning! He is downstairs making coffee. A good thing about having company. They participate in the chores!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Great weather yesterday! Great weather expected today!
About 87 yesterday with a bit of humidity. Today anticipated to be around 90! Another glorious day in Key West!
Did my walking in the Duval tourist area yesterday. The season is tuly upon us! People everywhere!
Got thirsty so I walked over to the beach bar at the Pier House. Had a bottle of water and read the papers.
The Pier House is a lovely facility. Truly outstanding! And the beach dining area restful to the eye! Blue water, blue sky, sparkling sand, greenery everywhere. A great place to lay back!
Last night Bob and I went on a sunset sail. I do these things when I have guests!
A great experience!
We were on Danger, a 60 foot sail boat. You pick your boat by what you want service wise on the boat. We paid more since we wanted more. We enjoyed wine and beer and all kinds of picky foods. The crew are fun people and added to the excitement of the ride.
Since I prefcer gin over other spirits, I brought my own bottle of gin.
I wanted Bob to experience a tourist evening. So my game plan was to have dinner at Sloppy Joe's and then go over to Irish Kevin's for some entertainment.
The best laid plans of mice and men.....Sloppy Joe's was packed! No way were we going to get a table or spot at the bar.
Every thing else around was packed also! Season, season, season! And a good one at that fortunately!
So I made a phone call and got a reservation at the Commodore. We both had good fish meals.
When we finished, it was only a little after 9. Whatever, the water before or the day, we both agreed we were tired. So home to bed.
No plans for today. Maybe K Mart or the beach with the grandchildren. Tonight? The way I like it. Going with the flow.....
About 87 yesterday with a bit of humidity. Today anticipated to be around 90! Another glorious day in Key West!
Did my walking in the Duval tourist area yesterday. The season is tuly upon us! People everywhere!
Got thirsty so I walked over to the beach bar at the Pier House. Had a bottle of water and read the papers.
The Pier House is a lovely facility. Truly outstanding! And the beach dining area restful to the eye! Blue water, blue sky, sparkling sand, greenery everywhere. A great place to lay back!
Last night Bob and I went on a sunset sail. I do these things when I have guests!
A great experience!
We were on Danger, a 60 foot sail boat. You pick your boat by what you want service wise on the boat. We paid more since we wanted more. We enjoyed wine and beer and all kinds of picky foods. The crew are fun people and added to the excitement of the ride.
Since I prefcer gin over other spirits, I brought my own bottle of gin.
I wanted Bob to experience a tourist evening. So my game plan was to have dinner at Sloppy Joe's and then go over to Irish Kevin's for some entertainment.
The best laid plans of mice and men.....Sloppy Joe's was packed! No way were we going to get a table or spot at the bar.
Every thing else around was packed also! Season, season, season! And a good one at that fortunately!
So I made a phone call and got a reservation at the Commodore. We both had good fish meals.
When we finished, it was only a little after 9. Whatever, the water before or the day, we both agreed we were tired. So home to bed.
No plans for today. Maybe K Mart or the beach with the grandchildren. Tonight? The way I like it. Going with the flow.....
Friday, February 22, 2008
Bocci!
Big night!
We won all 3 games! Our team is now 9-3 and tied for first place!
Wow! A far cry from the past 2 years!
Captain David lead us to glory! He looks like Hemingway or Santa Claus. Depends on your perspective. Santa claus physique! And a great white beard!
Then there are Karen, Tino, Maria and Jewels. Jewels genrally is my partner. She has a great right hook. On the court, that is!
We won the first game 16-4, the second 16-9 and the third 16-9. Seem like blowouts, but not really.
The first game though was a blowout! We ground straight ahead in short time to victory!
Modesty overwhelming me, I must say I played exceptionally well in the first game! I was right on the polina! Bocci!
The second game started the same way. We were ahead 15-3 and I lost it! My toss that is! All of a sudden I could not find the polina. I doubt I came clser than 5 feet to it the rest of the game!
And it took us awhile to win! We needed one point to win and it took forever to get it! The opposition went from 3 to 9 in that time.
The primary reason was I lost control! I got a bit drunk! 2 gins during the first game did it.
It was the first time in my life I experienced how subtle alcohol can affect the body. I walked ok. Talked ok. But my throwing coordination was nonexistant!
Catain Dave at one point suggested I have a couple of drinks to get back into the groove. Like the pregnant woman, I laughingly told him that was what had gotten me into trouble!
Needless to say Captain David benched me for the third game. He sacrificed me for victory!
Tina replaced me and she and Jewels did a wonderful job winning in a brief period of time 16-9.
My friend Bob did not come to the bocci matches. He was out on the town. Not home when I returned. Not up as I write this. What stories, if any, will he have tell?
Big night!
We won all 3 games! Our team is now 9-3 and tied for first place!
Wow! A far cry from the past 2 years!
Captain David lead us to glory! He looks like Hemingway or Santa Claus. Depends on your perspective. Santa claus physique! And a great white beard!
Then there are Karen, Tino, Maria and Jewels. Jewels genrally is my partner. She has a great right hook. On the court, that is!
We won the first game 16-4, the second 16-9 and the third 16-9. Seem like blowouts, but not really.
The first game though was a blowout! We ground straight ahead in short time to victory!
Modesty overwhelming me, I must say I played exceptionally well in the first game! I was right on the polina! Bocci!
The second game started the same way. We were ahead 15-3 and I lost it! My toss that is! All of a sudden I could not find the polina. I doubt I came clser than 5 feet to it the rest of the game!
And it took us awhile to win! We needed one point to win and it took forever to get it! The opposition went from 3 to 9 in that time.
The primary reason was I lost control! I got a bit drunk! 2 gins during the first game did it.
It was the first time in my life I experienced how subtle alcohol can affect the body. I walked ok. Talked ok. But my throwing coordination was nonexistant!
Catain Dave at one point suggested I have a couple of drinks to get back into the groove. Like the pregnant woman, I laughingly told him that was what had gotten me into trouble!
Needless to say Captain David benched me for the third game. He sacrificed me for victory!
Tina replaced me and she and Jewels did a wonderful job winning in a brief period of time 16-9.
My friend Bob did not come to the bocci matches. He was out on the town. Not home when I returned. Not up as I write this. What stories, if any, will he have tell?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
My house guest Bob did not make it to golf yesterday!
He came downstairs for coffee limping and with a bump on his head. Besides being hung over, he told me he got out of bed to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and fell. His butt hitting the floor and his head the wall!
I played golf with Aaron, Yankee Jack and Tino. Good guys all!
I had my least spectacular day yesterday on a golf course! I had four 8s and four 7s on the front side alone. For shame!
I have concluded there is no Hell. Golf is my hell!
Last night was Bobby Nesbitt time at Kwest! I was anxious to bring Bob to hear this dynamite singer!
I told him that at some point he would sing along with the all the others. He said no way! Ho ho! You should have seen and heard him singing and waving his arms. He had a great time!
As you know Bob is from Rochester. Bobby is from Rochester also and still has a mother living in Geneseo. I introduced them. Both enjoyed meeting each other.
Then to Antonia's for dinner. Salmon for me and snapper for Bob. A good meal!
Key West is jumping! The season is upon us! It is exciting! There is an electricity everywhere you go. People are spirited and happy!
Tonight bocci!
He came downstairs for coffee limping and with a bump on his head. Besides being hung over, he told me he got out of bed to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and fell. His butt hitting the floor and his head the wall!
I played golf with Aaron, Yankee Jack and Tino. Good guys all!
I had my least spectacular day yesterday on a golf course! I had four 8s and four 7s on the front side alone. For shame!
I have concluded there is no Hell. Golf is my hell!
Last night was Bobby Nesbitt time at Kwest! I was anxious to bring Bob to hear this dynamite singer!
I told him that at some point he would sing along with the all the others. He said no way! Ho ho! You should have seen and heard him singing and waving his arms. He had a great time!
As you know Bob is from Rochester. Bobby is from Rochester also and still has a mother living in Geneseo. I introduced them. Both enjoyed meeting each other.
Then to Antonia's for dinner. Salmon for me and snapper for Bob. A good meal!
Key West is jumping! The season is upon us! It is exciting! There is an electricity everywhere you go. People are spirited and happy!
Tonight bocci!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Up early! Still dark outside! Had to put on the coffee!
I have a house guest. My friend Bob arived last night!
It was 73 and cool. Big wind off the ocean. Nevertheless he wanted to sit outside. It was a lot better than Rochester, N.Y. He left a ton of snow and oh! so cold! earlier in the morning.
We had a couple of drinks and caught up.
Then to Pisces for dinner. Bob is a fanatical vegetarian. So fish it was!
Let me tell you just how adamant he is about not letting animal in any form enter his body. He will not do cuban toast at Paradise Cafe since I told him the bread is made with pig fat! How sad! He does not know what he is missing!
We started dinner with a couple of watermelon martinis. He had never had one before. The experience is terrific! Especially the presentation! The bottle is frozen in a chunk of ice.
After dinner we walked over to La Te Da. Bob loves Debra and Patrick. Sadly they were not performing last night. There was another group however.
We drank espresso martinis and chatted with the natives. Finally I had had it and left. He opted to stay.
I heard him crawling up the stairs later in the evening.
We are playing golf this morning. Hope he is up! And hope he is up for it!
I have a house guest. My friend Bob arived last night!
It was 73 and cool. Big wind off the ocean. Nevertheless he wanted to sit outside. It was a lot better than Rochester, N.Y. He left a ton of snow and oh! so cold! earlier in the morning.
We had a couple of drinks and caught up.
Then to Pisces for dinner. Bob is a fanatical vegetarian. So fish it was!
Let me tell you just how adamant he is about not letting animal in any form enter his body. He will not do cuban toast at Paradise Cafe since I told him the bread is made with pig fat! How sad! He does not know what he is missing!
We started dinner with a couple of watermelon martinis. He had never had one before. The experience is terrific! Especially the presentation! The bottle is frozen in a chunk of ice.
After dinner we walked over to La Te Da. Bob loves Debra and Patrick. Sadly they were not performing last night. There was another group however.
We drank espresso martinis and chatted with the natives. Finally I had had it and left. He opted to stay.
I heard him crawling up the stairs later in the evening.
We are playing golf this morning. Hope he is up! And hope he is up for it!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
It rained during the night. Heavy! I had to run around the house closing windows.
This morning does not look good either. Dark. Overcast. The sun is up, but it is not coming through the clouds.
Wind is really blowing! At least 20 miles an hour! I have whitecaps in my pool!
Yesterday was magnificent weatherwise. Hot! 86. Penetrating heat!
I stayed in most of the day yesterday. I have company coming in today for a few days. So I had to tidy the house. A guy living alone tends to get a bit sloppy.
The big event of my day was not the housecleaning. It was the Syracuse-Louisville basketball game last night. Syracuse lost, but they went down valiantly! Tied at half, they finally lost by 11 points. As with the Brooklyn Dodgers of old, wait till next year!
My house guest is my friend Bob from Rochester. He is a major landscaper up there. His father was before him. He is now. And his son is in the process of taking over the business.
I met Bob about 2 years ago at the private Club 21 at the Turning Stone Casino in upstate New York. We hit it off immediately! He was an occasional Key West snowbird! So we had much in common. Since meeting, we have played here in Key West and in New York. We have become golfing buddies in New York in the summer months also.
I am excited he is coming. Watch out Key West!
Rats are back in the news. Remember those wood rats up in Key Largo that have been deemed an endangered species. The ones that the pythons want to eat. I guess we all take care of our own. Mickey Mouse is interested in them!
Walt Disney World has created a special show for the wood rats. Disney World is running a captive-breeding program for the wood rats in Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park.
Apparently it is estimated there are only about 200 wood rats left on Key Largo.
I saw a picture of a wood rat. Looked like a rat to me! Nothing special! A rat is a rat is a rat!
One of the Disney biologists described them as cute. I see nothing cute in the wood rats. Especially after my experience here in the house several months ago.
By the way, the Disney show is apparently funded by a program run by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. More wasted tax dollars!
Watch out! Pretty soon we will have a government sponsored program to save the pythons. The thought occurs that maybe they are working on breeding more wood rats to feed the pythons. Don't think I'm crazy! Nothing suprises me anymore!
This morning does not look good either. Dark. Overcast. The sun is up, but it is not coming through the clouds.
Wind is really blowing! At least 20 miles an hour! I have whitecaps in my pool!
Yesterday was magnificent weatherwise. Hot! 86. Penetrating heat!
I stayed in most of the day yesterday. I have company coming in today for a few days. So I had to tidy the house. A guy living alone tends to get a bit sloppy.
The big event of my day was not the housecleaning. It was the Syracuse-Louisville basketball game last night. Syracuse lost, but they went down valiantly! Tied at half, they finally lost by 11 points. As with the Brooklyn Dodgers of old, wait till next year!
My house guest is my friend Bob from Rochester. He is a major landscaper up there. His father was before him. He is now. And his son is in the process of taking over the business.
I met Bob about 2 years ago at the private Club 21 at the Turning Stone Casino in upstate New York. We hit it off immediately! He was an occasional Key West snowbird! So we had much in common. Since meeting, we have played here in Key West and in New York. We have become golfing buddies in New York in the summer months also.
I am excited he is coming. Watch out Key West!
Rats are back in the news. Remember those wood rats up in Key Largo that have been deemed an endangered species. The ones that the pythons want to eat. I guess we all take care of our own. Mickey Mouse is interested in them!
Walt Disney World has created a special show for the wood rats. Disney World is running a captive-breeding program for the wood rats in Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park.
Apparently it is estimated there are only about 200 wood rats left on Key Largo.
I saw a picture of a wood rat. Looked like a rat to me! Nothing special! A rat is a rat is a rat!
One of the Disney biologists described them as cute. I see nothing cute in the wood rats. Especially after my experience here in the house several months ago.
By the way, the Disney show is apparently funded by a program run by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. More wasted tax dollars!
Watch out! Pretty soon we will have a government sponsored program to save the pythons. The thought occurs that maybe they are working on breeding more wood rats to feed the pythons. Don't think I'm crazy! Nothing suprises me anymore!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Good morning Larry Smith!
Thank you for another great evening last night at the Pier House! You are a musical organizer extraordinaire! Last night was typical of the high performance level you have brought to the Wine Galley. And the continuing large crowds bear truth to the statement!
It was Walter Friend's star time! And a star he was! He beat those drums every which way! What a joy to see and enjoy an 81 year old man doing at this stage of his life that which he enjoys most: publically playing the drums!
I don't know which was more pleasaurable. Watching or listening to Walter. There he sat. Tall and patrician. Thin. In body and hair. His sparse gray hair bobbing to each beat! His head always moving!
A man in love with what he was doing!
Walter also likes to tell stories. We all do as we get older!
Last night was a bit of a celebration for Walter and his loving wife Cynthia. A 60th anniversary! It was 60 years ago yesterday to the day that they met!
As Walter told the story, he was 21, it was a thursday in february and he was lunching at the Statler. I told you Walter came from money! Anyhow, he was introduced by a friend to a young lovely by the name of Cynthia Churchill! Cynthia was 19.
He liked Cynthia.
The next day was friday. Winter Wonderland Weekend was starting at Dartmouth. Walter asked Cynthia to go with him.
Things were different back then. She had to ask her mother for permission. Mrs. Churchill apparently said yes and off the two of them went.
Walter said that by Sunday the two of them were so wrapped up in each other that even a blow torch could not have separated them!
Walter and Cynthia were married that September!
Interestingly Walter suggested they might have married earlier. However they had to wait till Cynthia was 20. A permission thing?
Those accompanying Walter were great also!
Marilyn Holderfield left Key West for the Villages up north in Florida last year. She is now the reigning Diva of the Villages! Here for a vacation and visiting old friends, she joined in. A spectacular blues singer!
And then there were Christine Cardone and Kathleen Peace. Two of the Key West's best voices! And they blend well when singing in duet. Which is what they basically did last night! Walter at the drums and these two ladies belting the tunes out! Great!
Somewhere along the way Larry let a guy in! Peter Diamond! Soft and easy! His sound gets right into you!
The bar was very professionally handled by Donna again last night!
This is one very fine person. She works five nights a week bartending at the Wine Galley. And works seven days a week at obtaining her doctorate. A very committed person!
Larry periodically introduces people in the room or shares stories about them. He is forever describing Donna to his audience as hot and sexy. Not fitting from my perspective. More charming and lovely! However I will not deny that she has eye appeal! I periodically find my eyes fixated upon her!
The sun is up. Another great day in the making! I think I will go for a walk.
Thank you for another great evening last night at the Pier House! You are a musical organizer extraordinaire! Last night was typical of the high performance level you have brought to the Wine Galley. And the continuing large crowds bear truth to the statement!
It was Walter Friend's star time! And a star he was! He beat those drums every which way! What a joy to see and enjoy an 81 year old man doing at this stage of his life that which he enjoys most: publically playing the drums!
I don't know which was more pleasaurable. Watching or listening to Walter. There he sat. Tall and patrician. Thin. In body and hair. His sparse gray hair bobbing to each beat! His head always moving!
A man in love with what he was doing!
Walter also likes to tell stories. We all do as we get older!
Last night was a bit of a celebration for Walter and his loving wife Cynthia. A 60th anniversary! It was 60 years ago yesterday to the day that they met!
As Walter told the story, he was 21, it was a thursday in february and he was lunching at the Statler. I told you Walter came from money! Anyhow, he was introduced by a friend to a young lovely by the name of Cynthia Churchill! Cynthia was 19.
He liked Cynthia.
The next day was friday. Winter Wonderland Weekend was starting at Dartmouth. Walter asked Cynthia to go with him.
Things were different back then. She had to ask her mother for permission. Mrs. Churchill apparently said yes and off the two of them went.
Walter said that by Sunday the two of them were so wrapped up in each other that even a blow torch could not have separated them!
Walter and Cynthia were married that September!
Interestingly Walter suggested they might have married earlier. However they had to wait till Cynthia was 20. A permission thing?
Those accompanying Walter were great also!
Marilyn Holderfield left Key West for the Villages up north in Florida last year. She is now the reigning Diva of the Villages! Here for a vacation and visiting old friends, she joined in. A spectacular blues singer!
And then there were Christine Cardone and Kathleen Peace. Two of the Key West's best voices! And they blend well when singing in duet. Which is what they basically did last night! Walter at the drums and these two ladies belting the tunes out! Great!
Somewhere along the way Larry let a guy in! Peter Diamond! Soft and easy! His sound gets right into you!
The bar was very professionally handled by Donna again last night!
This is one very fine person. She works five nights a week bartending at the Wine Galley. And works seven days a week at obtaining her doctorate. A very committed person!
Larry periodically introduces people in the room or shares stories about them. He is forever describing Donna to his audience as hot and sexy. Not fitting from my perspective. More charming and lovely! However I will not deny that she has eye appeal! I periodically find my eyes fixated upon her!
The sun is up. Another great day in the making! I think I will go for a walk.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Good morning world! It is Sunday morning in Key West! And a glorious one at that!
Yesterday was a mixed bag of events.
First and foremost was the Syracuse-Georgetown basketball game. Syracuse won! A big deal! Georgetown is ranked 8th in the country. Syracuse is unranked and having a struggling year.
Bad breaks befell Syracuse even before the season began. Our 3 point star injured his knee pre season and is out for the season. Then 3 or 4 games into the season, our starting point guard and star had a similar injury and is out for the season. An experienced point guard decides not to take his final exams and is academically barred. Then a freshman who stepped in and up got into some sort of altercation and he is out. So the team is down to seven scholarship players. All young! All inexperienced!
Boheim is proving the great coach he is this year! As these tragedies befell him and the team, he calmly stated you coach the players you have. And he has!
Syracuse plays Louisville Monday night. Another top 10 ranked team. Lets hope we can hang in there and come up with another upset.
Lunch was with and for Jonathen yesterday.
Jonathen is step son to Aaron and son to Karen. Jonathen is getting married. The ladies threw the bride to be a shower yesterday. So Aaron invited the guys to lunch with the groom.
We ate at a mexican restaurnant on Duval. First time there for me. Am not into mexican. The name of the place is Salsa Loca.
We ate in the back outside. Good food cheap. Aaron was paying!
Walter Friend was with us. Walter is one of the great good people of the world! The nicest guy in the world bar none! He is in his early to mid 80s. Tall and thin. Patrician bearing. Appears to have been born with the silver spoon in his mouth. Probably was. But you would never know it from the way he treats people.
Walter made his fortune with Walter Friend Baked Beans. I never heard of it. However many must have because he long ago sold it and the money does not seem to run out.
Walter is slowing down a bit mentally. Age is probably one factor. The other is that he had some serious brain surgery about 15 years ago which may have impacted on him.
Perhaps those two factors make Walter the good guy he is. I do not know. I never knew him before.
Walter plays golf with us when he is in Key West. He just walks up and hits the ball. Spends no time addressing it. And it goes 150 yards straight down the middle!
Walter is upset he cannot hit it 200-250 yards any longer. His putting leaves a bit to be desired also these days. He knows it so he just walks up and strokes the ball.
Spends no time studying the shot.
In spite of all these whatevers, he still consistently breaks a 100 and sometimes shots in the high 80s. The gods of golf are good to Walter!
Walter plays the drums. He is a percushionist. I hope I spelled that correctly.
He is the featured player this evening at Larry Smith's Sunday Showcase at the Pier House. Show time is 9. Go! Walter is good! The place will be packed with his friends who want to show Walter how much they love him! I will be there!
Back to Jonathen. An interesting fellow! Educated as a chriopractor, he practiced his profession here in Key West for a number of years. Had a huge following! However insurance is a problem and most of his patients could not afford to pay. So he moved over into the real estate world when the market was booming in the keys.
The market is slow now. However Jonathen is hanging in there. He specializes in commercial real estate and there is always someone looking to start a new business. So he does well!
I just wish he would get married! Yesterday was the bride's shower and the groom's luncheon. I thought last year they would be married by now. I asked when the date was, he told me he thought December. Then he was sure it was December. No specific date however. And no place reserved yet for a reception.
No one seems to be in a hurry to get married these days!
Last night I watched Clinton and Obama speak at the Wisconsin Democratic Dinner. There is no comaprison! He is far and away the superior candidate! Lets not miss the boat folks! Good leaders only show up every 50 years or so. And we desperately need a good leader! This is the time and he is the one!
Yesterday was a mixed bag of events.
First and foremost was the Syracuse-Georgetown basketball game. Syracuse won! A big deal! Georgetown is ranked 8th in the country. Syracuse is unranked and having a struggling year.
Bad breaks befell Syracuse even before the season began. Our 3 point star injured his knee pre season and is out for the season. Then 3 or 4 games into the season, our starting point guard and star had a similar injury and is out for the season. An experienced point guard decides not to take his final exams and is academically barred. Then a freshman who stepped in and up got into some sort of altercation and he is out. So the team is down to seven scholarship players. All young! All inexperienced!
Boheim is proving the great coach he is this year! As these tragedies befell him and the team, he calmly stated you coach the players you have. And he has!
Syracuse plays Louisville Monday night. Another top 10 ranked team. Lets hope we can hang in there and come up with another upset.
Lunch was with and for Jonathen yesterday.
Jonathen is step son to Aaron and son to Karen. Jonathen is getting married. The ladies threw the bride to be a shower yesterday. So Aaron invited the guys to lunch with the groom.
We ate at a mexican restaurnant on Duval. First time there for me. Am not into mexican. The name of the place is Salsa Loca.
We ate in the back outside. Good food cheap. Aaron was paying!
Walter Friend was with us. Walter is one of the great good people of the world! The nicest guy in the world bar none! He is in his early to mid 80s. Tall and thin. Patrician bearing. Appears to have been born with the silver spoon in his mouth. Probably was. But you would never know it from the way he treats people.
Walter made his fortune with Walter Friend Baked Beans. I never heard of it. However many must have because he long ago sold it and the money does not seem to run out.
Walter is slowing down a bit mentally. Age is probably one factor. The other is that he had some serious brain surgery about 15 years ago which may have impacted on him.
Perhaps those two factors make Walter the good guy he is. I do not know. I never knew him before.
Walter plays golf with us when he is in Key West. He just walks up and hits the ball. Spends no time addressing it. And it goes 150 yards straight down the middle!
Walter is upset he cannot hit it 200-250 yards any longer. His putting leaves a bit to be desired also these days. He knows it so he just walks up and strokes the ball.
Spends no time studying the shot.
In spite of all these whatevers, he still consistently breaks a 100 and sometimes shots in the high 80s. The gods of golf are good to Walter!
Walter plays the drums. He is a percushionist. I hope I spelled that correctly.
He is the featured player this evening at Larry Smith's Sunday Showcase at the Pier House. Show time is 9. Go! Walter is good! The place will be packed with his friends who want to show Walter how much they love him! I will be there!
Back to Jonathen. An interesting fellow! Educated as a chriopractor, he practiced his profession here in Key West for a number of years. Had a huge following! However insurance is a problem and most of his patients could not afford to pay. So he moved over into the real estate world when the market was booming in the keys.
The market is slow now. However Jonathen is hanging in there. He specializes in commercial real estate and there is always someone looking to start a new business. So he does well!
I just wish he would get married! Yesterday was the bride's shower and the groom's luncheon. I thought last year they would be married by now. I asked when the date was, he told me he thought December. Then he was sure it was December. No specific date however. And no place reserved yet for a reception.
No one seems to be in a hurry to get married these days!
Last night I watched Clinton and Obama speak at the Wisconsin Democratic Dinner. There is no comaprison! He is far and away the superior candidate! Lets not miss the boat folks! Good leaders only show up every 50 years or so. And we desperately need a good leader! This is the time and he is the one!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Late today! Sorry!
Yesterday was a very good day!
Played golf in the morning. The course was packed. The season is here. Took close to 5 hours to play.
I was anxious to play yesterday. I had hit the ball well on wednesday and assumed I would hit it well yesterday. I was wrong! I sucked!
However the weather was fantastic. About 80. And the company good! Aaron, Bill and Lowell. By the way, Aaron's name is spelled with 2 a's, not 3, as I had written it in my disasterous blog of a couple of days ago. Aaron was upset! May that be the worse I do to him in life!
After golf, I swam a bit and then took a 1/2 hour power nap lying in the sun. Good!
I started last night at the Yacht Club and Square One. Had a few drinks and shared good company in both places. Dinner was at the bar at La Tratattoria. Spaghetti and oil with a touch of garlic and red pepper. Actually a lot of garlic! Fortunately I was kissing no one afterward so it did not matter!
Then walked over to La Te Da for a nightcap. Debra and Patrick were performing. Enjoyed them and the company at the bar.
The day and night were finally over. Home to bed where I slept like a baby till 6 this morning.
I was up early. Sun was trying to come up.
I ventured over to Paradise Cafe. Read the paper and enjoyed my cubnan toast and coffee. All of a sudden there was a loud clatter. Schreeching might be a better word!
The chickens!
Sex and the City had returned!
There were 4 roosters, yes 4, chasing one hen in the street! They all wanted her. She was running for her dear life!
The chickens almost caused an accident. Cars were veering all over the place to avoid them.
Now I know why there are so many baby chicks. These chickens, especially the roosters, are very sexual! Horny actually!
Lisa called while I was having breakfast. My 2 1/2 year old granddaughter had been up all night with the flu upchucking. First time experience for the poor kid!
Lisa needed some things at the drug store and market so I did my thing for God and country.
My granddaughter looked so sad. Big eyes, sunken, pale face, listless. Laying on her mother. She likes pink. I saw some left over pink roses from Valentine Day so I bought them for her. She could have cared less! I should have thought more! What is a young lady of 2 1/2 going to do with roses!
That is why I am late with the blog today. Had family duties to perform.
By the way, there was an article in this morning's paper on the subject. More people are being afflicted with the flu bug this year than in recent times. The flu shot is not as effective as normal. The reason is that 40 per cent of the flu strains out there are new and not protected by the flu shot.
-30-
Yesterday was a very good day!
Played golf in the morning. The course was packed. The season is here. Took close to 5 hours to play.
I was anxious to play yesterday. I had hit the ball well on wednesday and assumed I would hit it well yesterday. I was wrong! I sucked!
However the weather was fantastic. About 80. And the company good! Aaron, Bill and Lowell. By the way, Aaron's name is spelled with 2 a's, not 3, as I had written it in my disasterous blog of a couple of days ago. Aaron was upset! May that be the worse I do to him in life!
After golf, I swam a bit and then took a 1/2 hour power nap lying in the sun. Good!
I started last night at the Yacht Club and Square One. Had a few drinks and shared good company in both places. Dinner was at the bar at La Tratattoria. Spaghetti and oil with a touch of garlic and red pepper. Actually a lot of garlic! Fortunately I was kissing no one afterward so it did not matter!
Then walked over to La Te Da for a nightcap. Debra and Patrick were performing. Enjoyed them and the company at the bar.
The day and night were finally over. Home to bed where I slept like a baby till 6 this morning.
I was up early. Sun was trying to come up.
I ventured over to Paradise Cafe. Read the paper and enjoyed my cubnan toast and coffee. All of a sudden there was a loud clatter. Schreeching might be a better word!
The chickens!
Sex and the City had returned!
There were 4 roosters, yes 4, chasing one hen in the street! They all wanted her. She was running for her dear life!
The chickens almost caused an accident. Cars were veering all over the place to avoid them.
Now I know why there are so many baby chicks. These chickens, especially the roosters, are very sexual! Horny actually!
Lisa called while I was having breakfast. My 2 1/2 year old granddaughter had been up all night with the flu upchucking. First time experience for the poor kid!
Lisa needed some things at the drug store and market so I did my thing for God and country.
My granddaughter looked so sad. Big eyes, sunken, pale face, listless. Laying on her mother. She likes pink. I saw some left over pink roses from Valentine Day so I bought them for her. She could have cared less! I should have thought more! What is a young lady of 2 1/2 going to do with roses!
That is why I am late with the blog today. Had family duties to perform.
By the way, there was an article in this morning's paper on the subject. More people are being afflicted with the flu bug this year than in recent times. The flu shot is not as effective as normal. The reason is that 40 per cent of the flu strains out there are new and not protected by the flu shot.
-30-
Friday, February 15, 2008
I APOLOGIZE for yesterday's blog. Mea culpa!
It was full of misspellings, incomplete and otherwise screwed up.
It was not my fault. The blog fouled up. It printed the rough draft and incompletely. I spent 2 hours trying to correct the situation. The term is editing. But no matter what I did you saw the result that published.
So you understand my innocence, a box kept coming up on the screen saying the site had problems, etc. Never the less I persevered hoping to find a way around it. Obviously to no avail.
I received a ton of e mails and telephone calls asking if I was drunk when I wrote it, was in a huury, where did I learn to spell?, etc.
I am still recovering from the trips up north and to Fort Lauderdale. So I decided to have a be nice to Louis day yesterday. Is there any other kind?
I started with a haircut. Lori cuts my hair. A lovely tiny well proportioned blond! With an ever so sweet personality! Getting a haircut is a trip unto itself.
After that delightful event, I opted for a manicure and pedicure. Oh, so good!
I know. By this time you probably think I am cracking up! Not really. I am just a hedonist at heart and some things move me. Or should I say calm/relax me?
Last night was the capping achievement to an otherwise glorious day. I played bocci! First time since Novemeber.
And I played well. So did my whole team. We won 2 out of 3 games.
Then to Don's Place for a couple of victory drinks. And then home to bed.
A great day!
It was full of misspellings, incomplete and otherwise screwed up.
It was not my fault. The blog fouled up. It printed the rough draft and incompletely. I spent 2 hours trying to correct the situation. The term is editing. But no matter what I did you saw the result that published.
So you understand my innocence, a box kept coming up on the screen saying the site had problems, etc. Never the less I persevered hoping to find a way around it. Obviously to no avail.
I received a ton of e mails and telephone calls asking if I was drunk when I wrote it, was in a huury, where did I learn to spell?, etc.
I am still recovering from the trips up north and to Fort Lauderdale. So I decided to have a be nice to Louis day yesterday. Is there any other kind?
I started with a haircut. Lori cuts my hair. A lovely tiny well proportioned blond! With an ever so sweet personality! Getting a haircut is a trip unto itself.
After that delightful event, I opted for a manicure and pedicure. Oh, so good!
I know. By this time you probably think I am cracking up! Not really. I am just a hedonist at heart and some things move me. Or should I say calm/relax me?
Last night was the capping achievement to an otherwise glorious day. I played bocci! First time since Novemeber.
And I played well. So did my whole team. We won 2 out of 3 games.
Then to Don's Place for a couple of victory drinks. And then home to bed.
A great day!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine Day!
A gorgeous day!
The sun is hining! Nary a cloud in the sky! A cool 70 degrees!
I have already been up and out. Had breakfast at Paradise Cafe and read the morning papers.
Sex and the City is here in Key West! The roostrer was chasing the hen all over thge place! she was having none of him! Animals and humans have much in common!
Played good golf yesterday. Good for me! i was striking the ball well.
We played a 3 foursone scramble. I played with Don of Don's Plave, Aaaron the marrying man and Bill the former Mack dealer. We azll played well, but the putts weere not dropping. We were plus 3 at the end of 15 holes. Not good! We were on ouir way to losing $15 apiece.
And then the sky blackened! Just like tghat! And gthe rain came. A monsoon! Heavy! So the match was called because of the rain and we lost no money! the gods were with us!
Last night was Bobby Nesbitt time at Kwest! A wonderful experience as usual!
I had dinner last night with my friend Donna at Antonia's. Great company and great food! And then to La Te Da to finish the evening off with an espresso martini.
The rats are back in the news!
There was an article in the paper the other day that ratgs were crossing over in a line from tghe Atlantic to Gulf side at Shark Key. You have to understand that the only main highway in tghe keys is US 1. It runs streaight down the keys. It is a narrow two lane road, one lane in each direction. And except were there is a key, shoulders are only 4-5 feet. And then miles of ocean!
Why are the rats crossing US 1 at Shark Key?
As Abraham Lincoln once said regarding why the chicken crossed the road, to get to the other side! So too with the rats! To gert to the other side! That simple!
Speaking of Abraham Lincoln, I would be remiss if I did not make the following observation. Obama is cricized because he
A gorgeous day!
The sun is hining! Nary a cloud in the sky! A cool 70 degrees!
I have already been up and out. Had breakfast at Paradise Cafe and read the morning papers.
Sex and the City is here in Key West! The roostrer was chasing the hen all over thge place! she was having none of him! Animals and humans have much in common!
Played good golf yesterday. Good for me! i was striking the ball well.
We played a 3 foursone scramble. I played with Don of Don's Plave, Aaaron the marrying man and Bill the former Mack dealer. We azll played well, but the putts weere not dropping. We were plus 3 at the end of 15 holes. Not good! We were on ouir way to losing $15 apiece.
And then the sky blackened! Just like tghat! And gthe rain came. A monsoon! Heavy! So the match was called because of the rain and we lost no money! the gods were with us!
Last night was Bobby Nesbitt time at Kwest! A wonderful experience as usual!
I had dinner last night with my friend Donna at Antonia's. Great company and great food! And then to La Te Da to finish the evening off with an espresso martini.
The rats are back in the news!
There was an article in the paper the other day that ratgs were crossing over in a line from tghe Atlantic to Gulf side at Shark Key. You have to understand that the only main highway in tghe keys is US 1. It runs streaight down the keys. It is a narrow two lane road, one lane in each direction. And except were there is a key, shoulders are only 4-5 feet. And then miles of ocean!
Why are the rats crossing US 1 at Shark Key?
As Abraham Lincoln once said regarding why the chicken crossed the road, to get to the other side! So too with the rats! To gert to the other side! That simple!
Speaking of Abraham Lincoln, I would be remiss if I did not make the following observation. Obama is cricized because he
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
It never rains in Key West! Or so I was told when I first came down here many years ago.
So I left the top down on the convertible. A monsoon hit! I had 4 inches of water in the car!
Actually it rains every day in the summer. This time of the year it rarely rains. Yesterday was one of those rare days. It rained and rained and rained all day! Sometimes like a monsoon! And all the while the temperature held at 79 degrees.
I walk every day. My basic exercise routine. When it rains I still walk. At Home Depot! Been doing it for years. Even on the heavy humidity days. I know every knook and cranny. I guess I must look like I belong after all this time. People are always asking me directions!
Had an interesting dinner last night!
There is a new eating place at the corner of Fleming and Margaret. As with Paradise Cafe, it is a converted gas station. One part restaurant and the other coin laundry.
Restaurant is too dignified a word to use to describe this place. It is a small hole in the wall with all kinds of odd ball different tables sitting where once the pumps stood.
It is called Bubba's! Only in Key West!
It is known for its southern fried chicken. So I had the southern fried chicken meal. Absolutely outstanding! Can't be beat!
I highly recommend Bubba's! A great change of pace! Something different!
And to make it even better, my bill was $9.99! I can survive the recession by eating at Bubba's more frequently!
And then home early.
It was part of a planned evening. As you are aware, I am a political junkie. I had to watch the primary returns! Especially the Democratic ones!
Hurrah for Obama!
Golf this morning! I have not played in 5 or 6 weeks. I am excited and anxious. Which means I will probably play lousy! Oh, well!
So I left the top down on the convertible. A monsoon hit! I had 4 inches of water in the car!
Actually it rains every day in the summer. This time of the year it rarely rains. Yesterday was one of those rare days. It rained and rained and rained all day! Sometimes like a monsoon! And all the while the temperature held at 79 degrees.
I walk every day. My basic exercise routine. When it rains I still walk. At Home Depot! Been doing it for years. Even on the heavy humidity days. I know every knook and cranny. I guess I must look like I belong after all this time. People are always asking me directions!
Had an interesting dinner last night!
There is a new eating place at the corner of Fleming and Margaret. As with Paradise Cafe, it is a converted gas station. One part restaurant and the other coin laundry.
Restaurant is too dignified a word to use to describe this place. It is a small hole in the wall with all kinds of odd ball different tables sitting where once the pumps stood.
It is called Bubba's! Only in Key West!
It is known for its southern fried chicken. So I had the southern fried chicken meal. Absolutely outstanding! Can't be beat!
I highly recommend Bubba's! A great change of pace! Something different!
And to make it even better, my bill was $9.99! I can survive the recession by eating at Bubba's more frequently!
And then home early.
It was part of a planned evening. As you are aware, I am a political junkie. I had to watch the primary returns! Especially the Democratic ones!
Hurrah for Obama!
Golf this morning! I have not played in 5 or 6 weeks. I am excited and anxious. Which means I will probably play lousy! Oh, well!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Good morning!
It is great to be back in Key West!
I have been on the go for several consecutive weeks. Up north and Fort Lauderdale. Time to rest! This week, all week!
I started my lets be nice to Louis regime last night.
The season is upon us! The town is packed!
I wanted to have dinner at the bar at Antonia's. On the way from the parking lot I ran into Christoper, one of the owners. He also is the chef. He was taking a break and having a cigarette. He said we are full! More customers than anticipated!
His description was correct! When I walked to the front to the entrance, they were lined up outside waiting to get in!
So much for eating at Antonia's!
I walked over to La Trattatoria. Full, but nothing like Antonia's. At least I was able to get into the bar. And when I did, I lucked out. Someone got up to leave at the same moment as I came in so I had a seat!
After dinner, I went to the Wine Galley at the Pier House. Monday night is Larry Smith's jazz night. And the Wine Galley was jammed!
The Wine Galley where Larry performs is a small intimate room. There had to be over a hundred people crowded in there. And they were spilling over onto the outside deck!
The jazz was great! As usual! And every one was into it!
Donna the barmaid was working extra hard. She performed well however and as always with a smile!
I then went to La Te Da for a nightcap. Monday night is Bobby Nesbitt's time there.
And La Te Da was packed! Elbow room only, and little of that!
It was too much for me so I left without even having a drink.
The season is definitely here! It's Key West time!
It is great to be back in Key West!
I have been on the go for several consecutive weeks. Up north and Fort Lauderdale. Time to rest! This week, all week!
I started my lets be nice to Louis regime last night.
The season is upon us! The town is packed!
I wanted to have dinner at the bar at Antonia's. On the way from the parking lot I ran into Christoper, one of the owners. He also is the chef. He was taking a break and having a cigarette. He said we are full! More customers than anticipated!
His description was correct! When I walked to the front to the entrance, they were lined up outside waiting to get in!
So much for eating at Antonia's!
I walked over to La Trattatoria. Full, but nothing like Antonia's. At least I was able to get into the bar. And when I did, I lucked out. Someone got up to leave at the same moment as I came in so I had a seat!
After dinner, I went to the Wine Galley at the Pier House. Monday night is Larry Smith's jazz night. And the Wine Galley was jammed!
The Wine Galley where Larry performs is a small intimate room. There had to be over a hundred people crowded in there. And they were spilling over onto the outside deck!
The jazz was great! As usual! And every one was into it!
Donna the barmaid was working extra hard. She performed well however and as always with a smile!
I then went to La Te Da for a nightcap. Monday night is Bobby Nesbitt's time there.
And La Te Da was packed! Elbow room only, and little of that!
It was too much for me so I left without even having a drink.
The season is definitely here! It's Key West time!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Good morning world!
I am still in Fort Lauderdale. However I leave shortly to catch a plane to Key West.
Walked along Las Olas last night. Interesting! Great boutique type stores. All kinds!
Saw a quaint restaurant with outdoor seating. Lots of people. All seemed happy. So I opted to have dinner e
The name of the reastaurnat is Manciini's. Italian. Great Italian!
Soooo good! I was probably extra hungry since I had not eaten a good meal in a few days because of the flu bug. So I indulged!
The atmosphere is also pleasant. White tableclothes. An older gentleman playing a guitar and singing old Italian favorites and Sinatra tunes. A charming waiter.
All in all a very nice evening!
I have to hustle now to pack and catch my plane!
I am still in Fort Lauderdale. However I leave shortly to catch a plane to Key West.
Walked along Las Olas last night. Interesting! Great boutique type stores. All kinds!
Saw a quaint restaurant with outdoor seating. Lots of people. All seemed happy. So I opted to have dinner e
The name of the reastaurnat is Manciini's. Italian. Great Italian!
Soooo good! I was probably extra hungry since I had not eaten a good meal in a few days because of the flu bug. So I indulged!
The atmosphere is also pleasant. White tableclothes. An older gentleman playing a guitar and singing old Italian favorites and Sinatra tunes. A charming waiter.
All in all a very nice evening!
I have to hustle now to pack and catch my plane!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Still in Fort Lauderdale!
My 24 hour flu bug turned out to be 36 hours. Fortunately it is gone and I survived!
I was starving last night. So I went to Billy's Restaurant in Hollywood. For my favorite meal! Stone crabs!
Jumbo ones! With cole slaw and hash brown
What can I say! An absolutelty spectacular meal! Shades of Miami Joe's!
I have noticed there is a difference in the tourists here as opposed to Key West. The Fort Lauderdale tourist is a step above our boat people, but not as affluent as our overnight tourists. So it would appear Key West is attracting a more upscale clientle.
I know some of my restaurant owner friends might not agree with me. But that is how I see it. And it leads me to the conclusion that perhaps the Spottwoods and Swift are correct!
One more day and I return to Key West!
My 24 hour flu bug turned out to be 36 hours. Fortunately it is gone and I survived!
I was starving last night. So I went to Billy's Restaurant in Hollywood. For my favorite meal! Stone crabs!
Jumbo ones! With cole slaw and hash brown
What can I say! An absolutelty spectacular meal! Shades of Miami Joe's!
I have noticed there is a difference in the tourists here as opposed to Key West. The Fort Lauderdale tourist is a step above our boat people, but not as affluent as our overnight tourists. So it would appear Key West is attracting a more upscale clientle.
I know some of my restaurant owner friends might not agree with me. But that is how I see it. And it leads me to the conclusion that perhaps the Spottwoods and Swift are correct!
One more day and I return to Key West!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
I just got back to my room. I am still in Fort Lauderdale.
I did today's blog at 5 this morning. Too early I guess! I must have pressed the wrong button when I went to publish! Sorry! I will redo it again.
You will recall I spoke with Vesa the other night. An interesting man! In a difficult situation!
One of the things he told me is that he has a friend in Finland who started in the furniture business at the same time as he did. The difference is that Vesa opted to sell in the United States and his friend in Europe.
His friend did $25 million gross last year. Vesa did just under $2 million.
The difference is that the Europeans have money to spend. The euro is worth $1.50 to our dollar. So everything is cheaper in Europe! People have money and are spending it.
We must turn our economy around. And fast! The situation is getting worse every day!I hope Washington knows what it is doing!
The rats. Yes, my friends are back in the news!
Yesterday was the start of the Chinese New Year. In the Chinese zodiac it is the Year of the Rat!
The Chinese believe rats bring good luck duing this new year. They are promiscuous with the intent of having additional children. Any Chinese child born during the Year of the Rat it is believed will be healhty in life and prosperous also! So they screw more! A good excuse! Why not!
Also there is a big pet market in rats now. The Chinese buy live rats and take them home to keep as pets. The rats are supposed to bring good luck and blessings upon the house!
Time for some reverse trade psychology! Someone here should farm the rats and sell them to the Chinese! Maybe we could get some of our money back!
Until tomorrow morning.....
I did today's blog at 5 this morning. Too early I guess! I must have pressed the wrong button when I went to publish! Sorry! I will redo it again.
You will recall I spoke with Vesa the other night. An interesting man! In a difficult situation!
One of the things he told me is that he has a friend in Finland who started in the furniture business at the same time as he did. The difference is that Vesa opted to sell in the United States and his friend in Europe.
His friend did $25 million gross last year. Vesa did just under $2 million.
The difference is that the Europeans have money to spend. The euro is worth $1.50 to our dollar. So everything is cheaper in Europe! People have money and are spending it.
We must turn our economy around. And fast! The situation is getting worse every day!I hope Washington knows what it is doing!
The rats. Yes, my friends are back in the news!
Yesterday was the start of the Chinese New Year. In the Chinese zodiac it is the Year of the Rat!
The Chinese believe rats bring good luck duing this new year. They are promiscuous with the intent of having additional children. Any Chinese child born during the Year of the Rat it is believed will be healhty in life and prosperous also! So they screw more! A good excuse! Why not!
Also there is a big pet market in rats now. The Chinese buy live rats and take them home to keep as pets. The rats are supposed to bring good luck and blessings upon the house!
Time for some reverse trade psychology! Someone here should farm the rats and sell them to the Chinese! Maybe we could get some of our money back!
Until tomorrow morning.....
Friday, February 8, 2008
I am still in Fort Lauderdale. Will be here a few more days.
Met a gentleman named Vesa yesterday. His first name.
Vesa was born and raised in Finland. He has resided in the United States the past 14 years. He has a home in Dallas.
Vesa is probably in his early 40s.
He is in the furniture business. Scandanavian furniture. He sells/distributes to retailers in the United States. He used to manufacure the furniture in Europe. However it became cheaper just to buy it from China. He says that as with everything else, they make an excellent copy. And he can sell it cheaper! And his customers want cheaper!
Vesa was visibly concerned with the economy and its impact on his business. Stronger than concerned would be disturbed. He was! Actually his state might best be decscribed as scared. He was afraid of what was coming regarding the economy. Bad times!
He said he was at the point where he was actually begging customers to buy! And they were not! His voice was shakey. He WAS scared. And I was afraid for him!
He blamed the finanical situation primarily on 3 things.
The first was the image of the United States in the rest of the world. We are the laughing stock, as he described it! The war, Bush and whatever else, have all contributed to this perspective. We have gone straight downward in the past seven years.
Respect has to be reestablished.
He felt leadership was required.
Vesa did not think this country would elect a black man. I disagreed. The discussion then went to whether Hillary could do it. It was felt a republican could not win in November.
The other major problem from Vesa's perspective was the disparity in trade with China. He thought it had to be corrected before this country could come back economically. He had spent considerable time in China. He said the Chinese are an extremely smart people and dangerous. We are going to have our hands full in resolving the disparity problem.
The banks are also a problem. However Vesa saw this as the drain the war was indirectly placing on available bank funds. But it affected him and his business directly. The banks have tightened up. He cannot borrow money. He is becoming desperate.
All interesting. All sad. And of concern to each of us.
Met a gentleman named Vesa yesterday. His first name.
Vesa was born and raised in Finland. He has resided in the United States the past 14 years. He has a home in Dallas.
Vesa is probably in his early 40s.
He is in the furniture business. Scandanavian furniture. He sells/distributes to retailers in the United States. He used to manufacure the furniture in Europe. However it became cheaper just to buy it from China. He says that as with everything else, they make an excellent copy. And he can sell it cheaper! And his customers want cheaper!
Vesa was visibly concerned with the economy and its impact on his business. Stronger than concerned would be disturbed. He was! Actually his state might best be decscribed as scared. He was afraid of what was coming regarding the economy. Bad times!
He said he was at the point where he was actually begging customers to buy! And they were not! His voice was shakey. He WAS scared. And I was afraid for him!
He blamed the finanical situation primarily on 3 things.
The first was the image of the United States in the rest of the world. We are the laughing stock, as he described it! The war, Bush and whatever else, have all contributed to this perspective. We have gone straight downward in the past seven years.
Respect has to be reestablished.
He felt leadership was required.
Vesa did not think this country would elect a black man. I disagreed. The discussion then went to whether Hillary could do it. It was felt a republican could not win in November.
The other major problem from Vesa's perspective was the disparity in trade with China. He thought it had to be corrected before this country could come back economically. He had spent considerable time in China. He said the Chinese are an extremely smart people and dangerous. We are going to have our hands full in resolving the disparity problem.
The banks are also a problem. However Vesa saw this as the drain the war was indirectly placing on available bank funds. But it affected him and his business directly. The banks have tightened up. He cannot borrow money. He is becoming desperate.
All interesting. All sad. And of concern to each of us.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
I am still in Fort Lauderdale.
Had dinner last night at one of those sexy outside places on East Las Olas Boulevard. Indigo. Upscale! Excellent food! Great for people watching!
I am constantly making comparisons between Key West and Fort Lauderdale. It is inevitable!
Both are tourst destinations. Both have their own locals population. So a comparison is fair and appropriate.
Obviously Fort Lauderdale is overwrought with tall large condo and office buildings. Whereas Key West permits nothing higher than 2 1/2 fllors.
I prefer the smallness and quaintness of Key West. Everything much too big in Lauderdale!
The food. I have eaten in two pretty good restaurnats. Last night's was better in presentation. Both however served great food!
Key West wins here in the food category. Just better! Both in preparation and presentation!
However Key West loses when it comes to cost! Fort Lauderdale appears to be half price! Yes, 50 per cent cheaper than the cost of food in Key West!
This is something Key West restauranters must address! You cannot just keep raising the cost of a meal thru the roof! Your justification that costs are going up does not hold water if I can eat cheaper and well for half the price in Fort Lauderdale.
The people. Older and seemingly less affluent on the beach the other night. Street wanders. Something we do not have in Key West.
Last night once again was an upscale evening. I noticed the people last night also tended to be older, though obviously well heeled. There seems to be more of a cross section age wise in Key West.
The afflunt homes here are out of sight! Magnificent! But also less costly than the better Key West homes.
What really impressed me were the boats parked in front of or by these homes! Humongous! In the 70 to 120 foot range. Query: Who needs a boat that largejust to run around in? Much too showy! Much too wasteful!
Well, I am off to another day here. Talk with you tomorrow!
Had dinner last night at one of those sexy outside places on East Las Olas Boulevard. Indigo. Upscale! Excellent food! Great for people watching!
I am constantly making comparisons between Key West and Fort Lauderdale. It is inevitable!
Both are tourst destinations. Both have their own locals population. So a comparison is fair and appropriate.
Obviously Fort Lauderdale is overwrought with tall large condo and office buildings. Whereas Key West permits nothing higher than 2 1/2 fllors.
I prefer the smallness and quaintness of Key West. Everything much too big in Lauderdale!
The food. I have eaten in two pretty good restaurnats. Last night's was better in presentation. Both however served great food!
Key West wins here in the food category. Just better! Both in preparation and presentation!
However Key West loses when it comes to cost! Fort Lauderdale appears to be half price! Yes, 50 per cent cheaper than the cost of food in Key West!
This is something Key West restauranters must address! You cannot just keep raising the cost of a meal thru the roof! Your justification that costs are going up does not hold water if I can eat cheaper and well for half the price in Fort Lauderdale.
The people. Older and seemingly less affluent on the beach the other night. Street wanders. Something we do not have in Key West.
Last night once again was an upscale evening. I noticed the people last night also tended to be older, though obviously well heeled. There seems to be more of a cross section age wise in Key West.
The afflunt homes here are out of sight! Magnificent! But also less costly than the better Key West homes.
What really impressed me were the boats parked in front of or by these homes! Humongous! In the 70 to 120 foot range. Query: Who needs a boat that largejust to run around in? Much too showy! Much too wasteful!
Well, I am off to another day here. Talk with you tomorrow!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
I am in Fort Lauderdale.
A big city!
Lots of traffic!
Big buildings!
Nice, but not Key West.
A different flavor.
I was down on A1A on the ocean last night. Had dineer at one of those quaint outside cafes.
I was wondering why people were walking along wearing beads and sometimes screwy hats. Shades of Fantasy Fest!
Then it dawned on me. Fat Tuesday. The day before the beginnig of Lent.
Cooler here. By at least 10 degrees. I was a bit chilly even wearing a sweater.
It is 6 am. Still dark. I am of to breakfast. I have a busy day ahead.
A big city!
Lots of traffic!
Big buildings!
Nice, but not Key West.
A different flavor.
I was down on A1A on the ocean last night. Had dineer at one of those quaint outside cafes.
I was wondering why people were walking along wearing beads and sometimes screwy hats. Shades of Fantasy Fest!
Then it dawned on me. Fat Tuesday. The day before the beginnig of Lent.
Cooler here. By at least 10 degrees. I was a bit chilly even wearing a sweater.
It is 6 am. Still dark. I am of to breakfast. I have a busy day ahead.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Hello and good morning!
I am up bright and early today! Dark outside. The sun has yet to rise.
Breakfast yesterday morning of course was at Paradise Cafe. Cuban toast, cuban coffee and the morning papers.
The chickens were around. However with a difference.
There were a ton of them!
The last time I spoke of the chickens I reported that the hawk atacks were diminishing the baby chick population. That was 2-3 weeks ago. There were only a handful of chicks left.
Yesterday that were chicks everywhere! I am beginning to wonder about the chicken gestation period. It obviously is not 9 months!
And instead of one hen, there were two. Each with her own brood following her. First time I observed more than one hen/one family.
And yet there was only one rooster! He was marching around, chest out, watching all of them. Strutting proudly is the best way to describe him!
I have come to the conclusion that roosters are polygamists! They are not called cocks for nothing!
Last night was pleasantly spent at Square One. I enjoyed a tasteful meal of rack of lamb! Oh, so good!
And the company of owner Michel Stewart! A great guy! A warm personality!
Today I am off to Fort Lauderdale for a few days. I know, I just got back to Key West! What am I doing leaving so fast?
Long scheduled business to attend to.
Going from Key West to Fort Lauderdale is literally going from a village to a metropolis! I understand the men wear long pants and jackets in the evening! And even shave!
We shall see.
I am up bright and early today! Dark outside. The sun has yet to rise.
Breakfast yesterday morning of course was at Paradise Cafe. Cuban toast, cuban coffee and the morning papers.
The chickens were around. However with a difference.
There were a ton of them!
The last time I spoke of the chickens I reported that the hawk atacks were diminishing the baby chick population. That was 2-3 weeks ago. There were only a handful of chicks left.
Yesterday that were chicks everywhere! I am beginning to wonder about the chicken gestation period. It obviously is not 9 months!
And instead of one hen, there were two. Each with her own brood following her. First time I observed more than one hen/one family.
And yet there was only one rooster! He was marching around, chest out, watching all of them. Strutting proudly is the best way to describe him!
I have come to the conclusion that roosters are polygamists! They are not called cocks for nothing!
Last night was pleasantly spent at Square One. I enjoyed a tasteful meal of rack of lamb! Oh, so good!
And the company of owner Michel Stewart! A great guy! A warm personality!
Today I am off to Fort Lauderdale for a few days. I know, I just got back to Key West! What am I doing leaving so fast?
Long scheduled business to attend to.
Going from Key West to Fort Lauderdale is literally going from a village to a metropolis! I understand the men wear long pants and jackets in the evening! And even shave!
We shall see.
Monday, February 4, 2008
I started my first full day back in Key West with breakfast at Camille's.
Camille's was a hole in the wall reaturant on busy Duval Street for years. Only served breakfast and lunch. Closed at 2. A very popular place! Always packed!
Several years ago it bought a big old resturant facility on Simonton. The place had been home to at least a dozen restaurants in my time.
None of them made it.
Camille's has! It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner now. And is always full!
So breakfast at Camille's is sort of the thing to do, especially on a Sunday!
I had breakfast with daughter Lisa and the family. It was son in law Corey's 45th birthday.
Corey is a good guy! Salt of the earth type! Reminds me of Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda. Tall and good looking. Soft spoken. Determined mentally.
He is originally from Indiana. Grew up there. Went to Indiana University. Never played basketball though. Sad!
Corey tells me he always enjoyed playing with stones and sticks. Walking the woods and finding strange objects.
Corey ended up becoming an archeologist. He searches antiquity.
He has dug and dove all over the world!
In recent years he has been the Chief Archeologist at the Mel Fisher Museum here in Key West. He dives for a living and has discovered much lore of yesterday buried beneath the sea!
Breakfast was terrific! The grandkids were there of course. They bring sunshine and joy where ever they are!
After breakfast, I was off to the local supermarket Publix to shop. Having been away, the cupboard was bare!
I never shopped groceries till a couple of years ago when I retired. It was just something I did not do. Now, I look forward to pushing the cart around, checking prices, greeting friends,etc., all the things that go with supermarket grocery shopping! A new world to me!
Grapes have been a concern for awhile. The prices went up dramatically several weeks ago. To $4.99 a pound! Even in Utica!
So I stopped buying them! I have a cheap streak in me!
Yesterday grapes were on sale. $1.99 a pound! So I bought a bag. They are from Chile. Much smaller. About a third of the size. And a bit tart in taste. Passable. Acceptable. Remember, cheaper! And because of their size, you get more grapes for the money! My mental justification for smaller and tart!
As I was driving home after shopping, I had the top down on the car. I picked up a head cold while in Utica and was trying to burn it out. At high noon it was 88 degrees!
I also took one of those non-drowsy head cold pills earlier in the day to dry out the sinuses. I was exhausted by the time the groceries were kept. Like drugged. I spent the afternoon in bed sleeping. My nose dried up but I was soooo tired! So much for the non-drowsy aspect of the medication!
What a great football game last night! I watched it a a local bar chomping on wings. The Giants deserved it! Their defense was nothing less than spectacular in tying Brady up!
Still, one has to feel sorry for the Patriots. It is hard to say wait till next year. I doubt it is possible to repeat it. There will never be another like the season they just experienced!
Camille's was a hole in the wall reaturant on busy Duval Street for years. Only served breakfast and lunch. Closed at 2. A very popular place! Always packed!
Several years ago it bought a big old resturant facility on Simonton. The place had been home to at least a dozen restaurants in my time.
None of them made it.
Camille's has! It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner now. And is always full!
So breakfast at Camille's is sort of the thing to do, especially on a Sunday!
I had breakfast with daughter Lisa and the family. It was son in law Corey's 45th birthday.
Corey is a good guy! Salt of the earth type! Reminds me of Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda. Tall and good looking. Soft spoken. Determined mentally.
He is originally from Indiana. Grew up there. Went to Indiana University. Never played basketball though. Sad!
Corey tells me he always enjoyed playing with stones and sticks. Walking the woods and finding strange objects.
Corey ended up becoming an archeologist. He searches antiquity.
He has dug and dove all over the world!
In recent years he has been the Chief Archeologist at the Mel Fisher Museum here in Key West. He dives for a living and has discovered much lore of yesterday buried beneath the sea!
Breakfast was terrific! The grandkids were there of course. They bring sunshine and joy where ever they are!
After breakfast, I was off to the local supermarket Publix to shop. Having been away, the cupboard was bare!
I never shopped groceries till a couple of years ago when I retired. It was just something I did not do. Now, I look forward to pushing the cart around, checking prices, greeting friends,etc., all the things that go with supermarket grocery shopping! A new world to me!
Grapes have been a concern for awhile. The prices went up dramatically several weeks ago. To $4.99 a pound! Even in Utica!
So I stopped buying them! I have a cheap streak in me!
Yesterday grapes were on sale. $1.99 a pound! So I bought a bag. They are from Chile. Much smaller. About a third of the size. And a bit tart in taste. Passable. Acceptable. Remember, cheaper! And because of their size, you get more grapes for the money! My mental justification for smaller and tart!
As I was driving home after shopping, I had the top down on the car. I picked up a head cold while in Utica and was trying to burn it out. At high noon it was 88 degrees!
I also took one of those non-drowsy head cold pills earlier in the day to dry out the sinuses. I was exhausted by the time the groceries were kept. Like drugged. I spent the afternoon in bed sleeping. My nose dried up but I was soooo tired! So much for the non-drowsy aspect of the medication!
What a great football game last night! I watched it a a local bar chomping on wings. The Giants deserved it! Their defense was nothing less than spectacular in tying Brady up!
Still, one has to feel sorry for the Patriots. It is hard to say wait till next year. I doubt it is possible to repeat it. There will never be another like the season they just experienced!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
I am back in Key West!
Returned last night. The plane landed as the sun was setting. What could be more beautiful!
The temperature was 77 degrees. What a relief! I had to immediately shed my leather jacket and sweater.
My daughter and her family greeted me. I earlier stated what could be more beautiful than the setting sun. The faces of my grandchildren!
Robert and Ally were waiting for me.
Robert was dressed as Batman. Mask and all! So he was a bit serious!
Ally was her usual without abandon self. She threw herself into my arms!
It was good to see them and my lovely daughter Lisa and her great husband Corey.
The planes were on time! Unusual during the winter. I was pleased with that. Had I left one day earlier, that gigantic storm in the northeast would have grounded me overnight somewhere.
After a quick shower, I was off to Square One. Patrick the bartender had some kind of furry piece on his head. Turned out to be a groundhog! I had forgotten yeaterday was groundhog day! I never got to read a paper all day. I am still engossed in Madeleine Albright's book which I am close to finishing.
After a drink, I headed off to La Trattatoria where I had dinner at the bar. Fresh local snapper sauted in oil and capers. Oh, so good! And healthy! I have to start losing those extra pounds I gained. An eternal battle!
Then home to bed. Traveling tires me the older I get.
Returned last night. The plane landed as the sun was setting. What could be more beautiful!
The temperature was 77 degrees. What a relief! I had to immediately shed my leather jacket and sweater.
My daughter and her family greeted me. I earlier stated what could be more beautiful than the setting sun. The faces of my grandchildren!
Robert and Ally were waiting for me.
Robert was dressed as Batman. Mask and all! So he was a bit serious!
Ally was her usual without abandon self. She threw herself into my arms!
It was good to see them and my lovely daughter Lisa and her great husband Corey.
The planes were on time! Unusual during the winter. I was pleased with that. Had I left one day earlier, that gigantic storm in the northeast would have grounded me overnight somewhere.
After a quick shower, I was off to Square One. Patrick the bartender had some kind of furry piece on his head. Turned out to be a groundhog! I had forgotten yeaterday was groundhog day! I never got to read a paper all day. I am still engossed in Madeleine Albright's book which I am close to finishing.
After a drink, I headed off to La Trattatoria where I had dinner at the bar. Fresh local snapper sauted in oil and capers. Oh, so good! And healthy! I have to start losing those extra pounds I gained. An eternal battle!
Then home to bed. Traveling tires me the older I get.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
It is the start of a glorious day!
I return to Key West!
I cannot wait till this evening when I arrive to feel and taste the island again!
I have been up north slightly less than 2 weeks. Cold! Snow and sleet! Sloppy!
From the cold outside and the dry heat inside, my skin is dry and my lip cracked. Those of you who have lived in this climate can understand. Those of you who have been fortunate not to, you have missed nothing!
And my weight! What a problem!
You will recall from my trip here over the holidays, I gained 10 pounds. Fortunately I lost 8 of those pounds soon after returning to Key West. The reason is simple. We eat differently in the keys. Primarily fish. And we exercise more, even though we may not realize it. We walk everywhere. And because we can get out, we are more active otherwise.
To walk at this time of the year in Utica is to take your life in your hands! Always ice. Hidden ice. Black ice you cannot see. A slip. A fall. And a broken arm or leg!
The bottom line is I gained the 8 pounds back. With the remaining 2 I had failed to lose from Christmas, I once again have 10 pounds to lose. Will it ever end!
Lou Hernandez has an interesting theory about weight. He recently wrote that the older we get, the tougher it is to lose weight. The reason is because by that time in life, your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends!
Speaking of friends, I look forward to my return to Key West and seeing all of you soon!
I return to Key West!
I cannot wait till this evening when I arrive to feel and taste the island again!
I have been up north slightly less than 2 weeks. Cold! Snow and sleet! Sloppy!
From the cold outside and the dry heat inside, my skin is dry and my lip cracked. Those of you who have lived in this climate can understand. Those of you who have been fortunate not to, you have missed nothing!
And my weight! What a problem!
You will recall from my trip here over the holidays, I gained 10 pounds. Fortunately I lost 8 of those pounds soon after returning to Key West. The reason is simple. We eat differently in the keys. Primarily fish. And we exercise more, even though we may not realize it. We walk everywhere. And because we can get out, we are more active otherwise.
To walk at this time of the year in Utica is to take your life in your hands! Always ice. Hidden ice. Black ice you cannot see. A slip. A fall. And a broken arm or leg!
The bottom line is I gained the 8 pounds back. With the remaining 2 I had failed to lose from Christmas, I once again have 10 pounds to lose. Will it ever end!
Lou Hernandez has an interesting theory about weight. He recently wrote that the older we get, the tougher it is to lose weight. The reason is because by that time in life, your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends!
Speaking of friends, I look forward to my return to Key West and seeing all of you soon!
Friday, February 1, 2008
I was poor when I was young.
In money only. Not in love. How could anyone be lacking in love who was part of a gigantic Italian family!
The interesting thing about being impoverished when I was young is that I did not know I was poor. At an early age, a person does not know what has not been experienced. Since I had nothing, I missed nothing!
I really did not realize there was a bigger and better world out there till I was older. I sensed some lived better in high school. But the impact really came in college. Were my eyes opened! But that story is for another day.
Today I want to reflect on some childhood poverty experiences, for want of a better description. None really bad. All good.
Winters were brutal here in the north country! They still are. Children going to school had to be warmly dressed. There were no school buses when I went to school. You trudged through snow, sleet and rain to get to school. Many was the day we arrived at school soaking wet and sat thru the day in such condition. It is surprising we survived! Apparently germs were not as prevelant then as they are now!
Anyhow I was in the first grade. During winters in those days parents dressed their children in heavy warm jackets with hoods. And leggins! Leggins are the culptit here!
Leggins were like overalls. I am not sure that last word is spelled correctly. However.....leggins were heavily padded to cover legs and body. And ward off the cold! Which they did. They were so heavy they had to be removed when inside a building or you would literally sweat away!
All this should be placed in proper time perspective. It is still the Depression and pre World War II.
My parents bought me a winter outfit. Jacket and leggins. And so attired I was sent off to school.
When I arrived, I could not remove the leggins. I had no pants on underneath. My parents could only afford leggins. Not leggins and pants!
The school nurse sent me home. I stayed home for 2 weeks until my parents acquired enough money to buy me a pair of pants to wear under the leggins. And then I returned to school!
Sheets! Pillowcases! Those wonderful things we sleep on!
There was a bakery 2 blocks away. Rintrona's. My grandmother would take me with her when she went to the bakery. Not to buy. We never bought. There was never enough money to make a purchase.
The Rintronas who owned the bakery would save certain items for my grandmother.
One was the bags that the flour came in. These sacks carried 50 or 100 pounds of flour. I assume they were made of cotton. They were normally thrown out by the baker after being emptied. However in this instance they were saved for my grandmother. She would take them home, break them apart, wash them and then sew them into sheets and pillowcases! She provided all six families in that 3 story building with sheets and pillowcases so made!
I can still recall their feeling. So soft. I used to enjoy running my fingers over the material. It felt so good!
That wasn't all we received from the Rintronas!
Rintrona obviously made Italian bread. The loafs were machine cut into slices and then wrapped. The ends of the loaf were not wrapped with the rest of the bread for sale. They were discarded. Yes, thrown away!
However the bakery saved the ends for my grandmother. We used to go periodically and pick up huge brown paper bags full of ends.
And all 6 families benefitted! The ends were our daily bread. My grandmother used to also let some of the ends sit for awhile and harden. Those were then used to make bread crumbs. A very important commodity in an Italian hosehold where meatballs were a staple. For the unaware, a proper meatball is made with bread crumbs.
And now comes chicken feet!
Back then was not like now! There were no gigantic super markets where one could buy a whole cooked chicken. Instead there were chicken stores!
I must be perverse in some fashion. I enjoyed going to the chicken store.
I would generally go with my mother. Again what an experience!
Chickens everywhere! In crates! Cackling loud and clear! Sawdust on the floor! The workers in long while coats like doctors!
The game/purchase played out as follows. A chicken was ordered. One selected, after approval by the purchaser of course. The head was cut off. Chopped off is a better description. The chicken was then dunked in hot water to soften the feathers. Then the whole chicken was drawn through some sort of a sleeve on the wall which removed most of the feathers. The feet were cut off. The chicken cut open and the heart and gizzards removed. Then the cleaned chicken was provided to the purchaser.
The legs, heart and gizzards were discarded. That is unless someone wanted them. And that is why my mother was there. She would get a bagful of feet, hearts and gizzards free to take home.
The chicken feet were used to make soup. You have not lived till you have tasted boiled chicken feet! I cannot describe the oh so good taste of sucking the skin and very minimal flesh off the toes and other bones! And there is nothing like boiled chicken hearts! The gizzards I never liked. Too hard and no taste.
I have not seen cooked chicken feet in any fashion in well over 60 years.
Those were the days! And they were OK! In fact, they were grand!
In money only. Not in love. How could anyone be lacking in love who was part of a gigantic Italian family!
The interesting thing about being impoverished when I was young is that I did not know I was poor. At an early age, a person does not know what has not been experienced. Since I had nothing, I missed nothing!
I really did not realize there was a bigger and better world out there till I was older. I sensed some lived better in high school. But the impact really came in college. Were my eyes opened! But that story is for another day.
Today I want to reflect on some childhood poverty experiences, for want of a better description. None really bad. All good.
Winters were brutal here in the north country! They still are. Children going to school had to be warmly dressed. There were no school buses when I went to school. You trudged through snow, sleet and rain to get to school. Many was the day we arrived at school soaking wet and sat thru the day in such condition. It is surprising we survived! Apparently germs were not as prevelant then as they are now!
Anyhow I was in the first grade. During winters in those days parents dressed their children in heavy warm jackets with hoods. And leggins! Leggins are the culptit here!
Leggins were like overalls. I am not sure that last word is spelled correctly. However.....leggins were heavily padded to cover legs and body. And ward off the cold! Which they did. They were so heavy they had to be removed when inside a building or you would literally sweat away!
All this should be placed in proper time perspective. It is still the Depression and pre World War II.
My parents bought me a winter outfit. Jacket and leggins. And so attired I was sent off to school.
When I arrived, I could not remove the leggins. I had no pants on underneath. My parents could only afford leggins. Not leggins and pants!
The school nurse sent me home. I stayed home for 2 weeks until my parents acquired enough money to buy me a pair of pants to wear under the leggins. And then I returned to school!
Sheets! Pillowcases! Those wonderful things we sleep on!
There was a bakery 2 blocks away. Rintrona's. My grandmother would take me with her when she went to the bakery. Not to buy. We never bought. There was never enough money to make a purchase.
The Rintronas who owned the bakery would save certain items for my grandmother.
One was the bags that the flour came in. These sacks carried 50 or 100 pounds of flour. I assume they were made of cotton. They were normally thrown out by the baker after being emptied. However in this instance they were saved for my grandmother. She would take them home, break them apart, wash them and then sew them into sheets and pillowcases! She provided all six families in that 3 story building with sheets and pillowcases so made!
I can still recall their feeling. So soft. I used to enjoy running my fingers over the material. It felt so good!
That wasn't all we received from the Rintronas!
Rintrona obviously made Italian bread. The loafs were machine cut into slices and then wrapped. The ends of the loaf were not wrapped with the rest of the bread for sale. They were discarded. Yes, thrown away!
However the bakery saved the ends for my grandmother. We used to go periodically and pick up huge brown paper bags full of ends.
And all 6 families benefitted! The ends were our daily bread. My grandmother used to also let some of the ends sit for awhile and harden. Those were then used to make bread crumbs. A very important commodity in an Italian hosehold where meatballs were a staple. For the unaware, a proper meatball is made with bread crumbs.
And now comes chicken feet!
Back then was not like now! There were no gigantic super markets where one could buy a whole cooked chicken. Instead there were chicken stores!
I must be perverse in some fashion. I enjoyed going to the chicken store.
I would generally go with my mother. Again what an experience!
Chickens everywhere! In crates! Cackling loud and clear! Sawdust on the floor! The workers in long while coats like doctors!
The game/purchase played out as follows. A chicken was ordered. One selected, after approval by the purchaser of course. The head was cut off. Chopped off is a better description. The chicken was then dunked in hot water to soften the feathers. Then the whole chicken was drawn through some sort of a sleeve on the wall which removed most of the feathers. The feet were cut off. The chicken cut open and the heart and gizzards removed. Then the cleaned chicken was provided to the purchaser.
The legs, heart and gizzards were discarded. That is unless someone wanted them. And that is why my mother was there. She would get a bagful of feet, hearts and gizzards free to take home.
The chicken feet were used to make soup. You have not lived till you have tasted boiled chicken feet! I cannot describe the oh so good taste of sucking the skin and very minimal flesh off the toes and other bones! And there is nothing like boiled chicken hearts! The gizzards I never liked. Too hard and no taste.
I have not seen cooked chicken feet in any fashion in well over 60 years.
Those were the days! And they were OK! In fact, they were grand!
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