I leave for Boston soon. Return Sunday.
My grandaughter Samantha is to be confirmed tomorrow. A big deal for Catholics.
Samantha just turned 16. She is child no longer. A lovely woman!
Studies hard. Also plays hard. She skates. Ice skates. Has been doing so all her life. Does it extreemely well also. She competes. And has won her share of competitions!
Last night was fun!
Too many drinks and dinner at the bar at Latrattoria. Then to the Pier House to hear Larry Smith.
Tuesday is Ladies Night. Larry featured Christine Naughton. I enjoyed her singing.
Extra special however was Mary Deasey who sang a few songs. Especially good was her rendition of John Lennon's Grow Old With Me. Mary is a first class show person!
And of course there was the lovely Donna the barmaid! Oops! Bartender. Sorry!
I also consumed 3 espresso martini's. A bad night!
Time to run to the airport. I write from Boston tomorrow!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Beautiful morning!
Sun bright! No breeze! Water glass! And I can even taste the ocean this morning!
Yesterday was my annual physical. 1 1/2 hours. Everything good. First time in a long time all tests ok. Nothing in the middle column. Has me worried!
Last night had a couple of drinks at the outside bar at La Te Da. Bobby Nesbitt was singing inside. The french doors were open and I could clearly hear him. What a pleasure!
Dinner at the bar at Antonia's. I was celebrating my good medical report. I intentionally opted to drink too much and eat too much. And did I! I still feel it this morning.
This Reverend Wright thing blows my mind! It has to have an impact on the race. How will Obama handle it? The next few days will be most interesting.
Enjoy the day!
Sun bright! No breeze! Water glass! And I can even taste the ocean this morning!
Yesterday was my annual physical. 1 1/2 hours. Everything good. First time in a long time all tests ok. Nothing in the middle column. Has me worried!
Last night had a couple of drinks at the outside bar at La Te Da. Bobby Nesbitt was singing inside. The french doors were open and I could clearly hear him. What a pleasure!
Dinner at the bar at Antonia's. I was celebrating my good medical report. I intentionally opted to drink too much and eat too much. And did I! I still feel it this morning.
This Reverend Wright thing blows my mind! It has to have an impact on the race. How will Obama handle it? The next few days will be most interesting.
Enjoy the day!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Breakfast with the grandchildren yesterday morning.
Robert is just a couple of weeks short of 4. Batman is his hero! Spiderman a close second!
He has all kinds of toys and other Batman paraphanelia. Including Batman costumes and pajamas. Even Batman sheets!
Yesterday at breakfast he was talking about Ironman. Who is Ironman? I had never heard of him. Neither had my daughter Lisa. Apparently Robert had. He talked on and on about him. A new good guy/hero figure.
After breakfast I walked over to the coffee house to read the papers. One of them is the New York Times. While wandering throughthe entertainmment section, lo and behold, there was a page long advertisement for the new movie Ironman!
Where Robert picked up on Ironman I do not know. But he was into him and knew all about him. A wonder!
I am having the carpets in 2 of the bedrooms cleaned this week. The walk in closet in the master bedroom is carpeted. So it was time to clean out the closet. The first time in 12 years! What a mess! The things we accumulate! The things we save! Twelve huge black garbage bags were packed and left curbside last night for the garbage people to pick up.
Afterwards when I walked into the closet, it was like walking into a whole new room!
Last night was drinks first at Alice's. And some interesting bar conversation with other customers. Politics of course! Everyone agrees this primary is no good for the Democratic Party, the country or Obama. Sad!
Dinner later at Martin's. Good German food in a pleasant outdoor dining setting shadowed by flaming torches stuck in the ground. Cool!
This morning I see from the TV that the Reverend Wright saga is ongoing. Apparently Wright made a major speech somewhere last night and is doing a breakfast speech later this morning. The commentators are all suggesting last night's speech was not helpful to Obama. Maybe someone should tell Wright he is not running for
President, but that Obama is. Some people just crave the spot light and don't care who or what they hurt. Other people are just plain crazy. I do not know what Wright is or for how long he has been so. But whatever he may be, he is screwing up Obama's candidacy.
My annual physical today. I have already taken all the preliminary tests. I always have a concern when I do one of these physicals. You never know...
Robert is just a couple of weeks short of 4. Batman is his hero! Spiderman a close second!
He has all kinds of toys and other Batman paraphanelia. Including Batman costumes and pajamas. Even Batman sheets!
Yesterday at breakfast he was talking about Ironman. Who is Ironman? I had never heard of him. Neither had my daughter Lisa. Apparently Robert had. He talked on and on about him. A new good guy/hero figure.
After breakfast I walked over to the coffee house to read the papers. One of them is the New York Times. While wandering throughthe entertainmment section, lo and behold, there was a page long advertisement for the new movie Ironman!
Where Robert picked up on Ironman I do not know. But he was into him and knew all about him. A wonder!
I am having the carpets in 2 of the bedrooms cleaned this week. The walk in closet in the master bedroom is carpeted. So it was time to clean out the closet. The first time in 12 years! What a mess! The things we accumulate! The things we save! Twelve huge black garbage bags were packed and left curbside last night for the garbage people to pick up.
Afterwards when I walked into the closet, it was like walking into a whole new room!
Last night was drinks first at Alice's. And some interesting bar conversation with other customers. Politics of course! Everyone agrees this primary is no good for the Democratic Party, the country or Obama. Sad!
Dinner later at Martin's. Good German food in a pleasant outdoor dining setting shadowed by flaming torches stuck in the ground. Cool!
This morning I see from the TV that the Reverend Wright saga is ongoing. Apparently Wright made a major speech somewhere last night and is doing a breakfast speech later this morning. The commentators are all suggesting last night's speech was not helpful to Obama. Maybe someone should tell Wright he is not running for
President, but that Obama is. Some people just crave the spot light and don't care who or what they hurt. Other people are just plain crazy. I do not know what Wright is or for how long he has been so. But whatever he may be, he is screwing up Obama's candidacy.
My annual physical today. I have already taken all the preliminary tests. I always have a concern when I do one of these physicals. You never know...
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sunday! Sunday!
Black and overcast this morning. Looks like it will pass over however. The rainy season is not upon us yet.
Party time last night!
Linda and Bill Schrufer threw a pool party. The first one in a long time. A pool party in Key West means everyone goes in the pool. Except no one did! We all settled in comfortable chairs under the palm trees and started drinking and socializing. And there we stayed!
As usual, the company and food were good. Linda is a fantastic hostess! Party planning her forte! Always a successful event!
I heard from Chen Wei in China. She wants to know why I no longer write about rats.
This is the Year of the Rat in China.
The rat is a revered species there. It is both a household pet and a foodstuff. Amazing how different cultures view things!
Rats are extremely clean animals. Like cats, they clean themselves. They are easily trained and make great household pets.
In China, that is.
Also rats are part of the food chain. Actually foodwise, nothing is wasted in China. Rats, snakes, even cats, are dinner time chices.
Not for me! Probably not for my American readers. However as the saying goes, different strokes for different folks. So be it!
Thank you Chen Wei for writing.
Sunday means breakfast with the grandkids. I am off to Camille's!
Black and overcast this morning. Looks like it will pass over however. The rainy season is not upon us yet.
Party time last night!
Linda and Bill Schrufer threw a pool party. The first one in a long time. A pool party in Key West means everyone goes in the pool. Except no one did! We all settled in comfortable chairs under the palm trees and started drinking and socializing. And there we stayed!
As usual, the company and food were good. Linda is a fantastic hostess! Party planning her forte! Always a successful event!
I heard from Chen Wei in China. She wants to know why I no longer write about rats.
This is the Year of the Rat in China.
The rat is a revered species there. It is both a household pet and a foodstuff. Amazing how different cultures view things!
Rats are extremely clean animals. Like cats, they clean themselves. They are easily trained and make great household pets.
In China, that is.
Also rats are part of the food chain. Actually foodwise, nothing is wasted in China. Rats, snakes, even cats, are dinner time chices.
Not for me! Probably not for my American readers. However as the saying goes, different strokes for different folks. So be it!
Thank you Chen Wei for writing.
Sunday means breakfast with the grandkids. I am off to Camille's!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Lady in black!
Yesterday morning I was at the coffee house on Duval reading the papers when I heard a sultry voice entone "...hello Louis!"
I knew immediately who it was. The lovely Jackie Grimm.
Jackie always dresses in black. A devistating woman! Tall. Actually stately is a better word to describe her. And that long platinum hair! And lest I forget, always a capturing smile!
Yes, I love Jackie Grimm!
We have not seen each other in many a month. So soon it will be dinner. Her good husband Roland will join us of course. My good friend also and my economic guru.
The day started with a long walk along the waterfront. Then lunch at Paradise Cafe. Can't beat that toasted cuban bread!
Then a haircut.
My barber is Lauri. She is actually a beautician. I go to a woman's salon to get my hair done.
Lauri is a real knockout! Short and thin. Long straight blond hair. She looks good! She smells good! Getting a haircut is a wonderful experience. One I look forward to. Not like going to the dentist.
My health kick continues. Though I am back to eating and drinking a bit, I am still working out more than normal. I swam laps in the pool in the afternoon for about an hour.
Last night was the reenactmanet of the Battle for the Conch Republic!
I went down to the docks to watch.
About 25 years ago in the late 1980s there was a drug problem in the keys. The U.S. government in an attempt to control the drug inflow blockaded the keys at their entrance around Florida City. A for real blockade was established at the entrance to U.S. 1. In order to enter the keys, identification had to be shown.
Key Westers are a proud tough group. They did not take to this barricading/ID thing.
So they formed the Conch Republic! Declared independence from the United States! And seceeded from the Union!
A water battle took place off Key West as the first act of rebellion.
Water hoses, cabbage, tomatoes and eggs were the weapons of choice.
Of course, the U.S. Coast Guard soon put the rebellion down.
The Conchs sued for peace. And demanded the barricade come down and $1 billion dollars in reparations.
The point had been made. The barricade came down. But the United States did not treat the rebellious citizens of Key West as it had the many nations world wide it had previously militarily defeated. No money changed hands!
Out of that brief moment some 25 years ago has grown an annual celebration. While the actual rebellion probably lasted all of 10 minutes, its present celebration is a week long affair! Parties, races and all sorts of special events.
Last night was the culmination of the week long celebration.
There was a sleek long Coast Guard cruiser and several smaller Coast Guard boats. The good guys (rebels) were out in all sort of water craft from large pirate frigates to small dinghys. And all proudly flying the blue Conch Republic flag!
The battle was momentous!
The vessels on both sides were filled, actually in some instances overloaded, with people. Boats attacked each other with large fire hoses emitting huge streams of drowning water. The rebels buried the U.S. vessels with cabbage, lettuce, fruit and eggs.
The Conch Air Force flew overhead. Helicopters, bi-planes and all sorts of private air craft. Bombs of toilet paper dropped on the Coast Guard vessels. The U.S. government retailiated with a squadron of aircraft from Bocca Chica naval base. Cannons were fired from the larger vessels.
In the end, it was the same. The United States won! To the thundrous approval of the crowd!
As it should be.
Too bad other wars cannot be so easily resloved.
Yesterday morning I was at the coffee house on Duval reading the papers when I heard a sultry voice entone "...hello Louis!"
I knew immediately who it was. The lovely Jackie Grimm.
Jackie always dresses in black. A devistating woman! Tall. Actually stately is a better word to describe her. And that long platinum hair! And lest I forget, always a capturing smile!
Yes, I love Jackie Grimm!
We have not seen each other in many a month. So soon it will be dinner. Her good husband Roland will join us of course. My good friend also and my economic guru.
The day started with a long walk along the waterfront. Then lunch at Paradise Cafe. Can't beat that toasted cuban bread!
Then a haircut.
My barber is Lauri. She is actually a beautician. I go to a woman's salon to get my hair done.
Lauri is a real knockout! Short and thin. Long straight blond hair. She looks good! She smells good! Getting a haircut is a wonderful experience. One I look forward to. Not like going to the dentist.
My health kick continues. Though I am back to eating and drinking a bit, I am still working out more than normal. I swam laps in the pool in the afternoon for about an hour.
Last night was the reenactmanet of the Battle for the Conch Republic!
I went down to the docks to watch.
About 25 years ago in the late 1980s there was a drug problem in the keys. The U.S. government in an attempt to control the drug inflow blockaded the keys at their entrance around Florida City. A for real blockade was established at the entrance to U.S. 1. In order to enter the keys, identification had to be shown.
Key Westers are a proud tough group. They did not take to this barricading/ID thing.
So they formed the Conch Republic! Declared independence from the United States! And seceeded from the Union!
A water battle took place off Key West as the first act of rebellion.
Water hoses, cabbage, tomatoes and eggs were the weapons of choice.
Of course, the U.S. Coast Guard soon put the rebellion down.
The Conchs sued for peace. And demanded the barricade come down and $1 billion dollars in reparations.
The point had been made. The barricade came down. But the United States did not treat the rebellious citizens of Key West as it had the many nations world wide it had previously militarily defeated. No money changed hands!
Out of that brief moment some 25 years ago has grown an annual celebration. While the actual rebellion probably lasted all of 10 minutes, its present celebration is a week long affair! Parties, races and all sorts of special events.
Last night was the culmination of the week long celebration.
There was a sleek long Coast Guard cruiser and several smaller Coast Guard boats. The good guys (rebels) were out in all sort of water craft from large pirate frigates to small dinghys. And all proudly flying the blue Conch Republic flag!
The battle was momentous!
The vessels on both sides were filled, actually in some instances overloaded, with people. Boats attacked each other with large fire hoses emitting huge streams of drowning water. The rebels buried the U.S. vessels with cabbage, lettuce, fruit and eggs.
The Conch Air Force flew overhead. Helicopters, bi-planes and all sorts of private air craft. Bombs of toilet paper dropped on the Coast Guard vessels. The U.S. government retailiated with a squadron of aircraft from Bocca Chica naval base. Cannons were fired from the larger vessels.
In the end, it was the same. The United States won! To the thundrous approval of the crowd!
As it should be.
Too bad other wars cannot be so easily resloved.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Bocci last night!
We finally won again! One game! But a win is a win!
We were matched against the third place team. Made the win and our overall playing even sweeter!
The first game was relatively close, but we lost.
Then came the second game. We killed them! 16-5. It was like days of old. We could do no wrong! From our cheering and jumping at the end of the game, you would have thought we won the world series!
It was great to be back!
The third and last game was close, but not to be. We played very well again. However we lost 16-14.
My bocci career is over for awhile. Next week is the final week of the season. I shall be in Boston. It has been a fun season with obviously many highs and lows!
If you rise early enough, you can see dolphins in front of my home. About 6 am. Yesterday I was out on the dock reading the papers around noon when three dolphins swam by. So beautiful! So graceful! So close! Only 25 feet away!
I started yesterday with a bike ride. Something I have not done for quite awhile. The wind was strong so I should not have ridden. The resistance is fantastic when you are riding against the wind. A real workout!
Discovered a new lunch place! The Shrimp Shack on Stock Island!
It is on the same road as Hogfish. About 300 yrds beyond Hogfish. Another downtown Stock Island establishment.
It is in the back of a building that houses a fresh fish market. You eat on the dock. And right next to you 10 feet away are the shrimp boats. What a sight!
I had fish and chips. A big time WOW! Large chunks of fresh fish deep fried. Tender and juicy. And the fries! Large cuts from real potatoes! Lightly salted to perfection.
I highly recommend the Shrimp Shack!
The price of gasoline is holding steady here in Key West. Just $.15 under $4.00 a gallon. When will we reach the magic number? It is a certainty!
When Bush started his Presidency in 2000 oil was $10 a barrel. Today it is pushing $120. What can be done? How? When?
No one seems to be doing anything.
In the meantime we continue getting reamed at the pumps! No one seems to care. I take that back. Someone does care. The oil companies!
We finally won again! One game! But a win is a win!
We were matched against the third place team. Made the win and our overall playing even sweeter!
The first game was relatively close, but we lost.
Then came the second game. We killed them! 16-5. It was like days of old. We could do no wrong! From our cheering and jumping at the end of the game, you would have thought we won the world series!
It was great to be back!
The third and last game was close, but not to be. We played very well again. However we lost 16-14.
My bocci career is over for awhile. Next week is the final week of the season. I shall be in Boston. It has been a fun season with obviously many highs and lows!
If you rise early enough, you can see dolphins in front of my home. About 6 am. Yesterday I was out on the dock reading the papers around noon when three dolphins swam by. So beautiful! So graceful! So close! Only 25 feet away!
I started yesterday with a bike ride. Something I have not done for quite awhile. The wind was strong so I should not have ridden. The resistance is fantastic when you are riding against the wind. A real workout!
Discovered a new lunch place! The Shrimp Shack on Stock Island!
It is on the same road as Hogfish. About 300 yrds beyond Hogfish. Another downtown Stock Island establishment.
It is in the back of a building that houses a fresh fish market. You eat on the dock. And right next to you 10 feet away are the shrimp boats. What a sight!
I had fish and chips. A big time WOW! Large chunks of fresh fish deep fried. Tender and juicy. And the fries! Large cuts from real potatoes! Lightly salted to perfection.
I highly recommend the Shrimp Shack!
The price of gasoline is holding steady here in Key West. Just $.15 under $4.00 a gallon. When will we reach the magic number? It is a certainty!
When Bush started his Presidency in 2000 oil was $10 a barrel. Today it is pushing $120. What can be done? How? When?
No one seems to be doing anything.
In the meantime we continue getting reamed at the pumps! No one seems to care. I take that back. Someone does care. The oil companies!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
A nice day yesterday! Great weather! Good golf! Wonderful company!
Actually fantastic weather! Sunny. Warm. Only a slight breeze. No humidity. A bit chilly in the evening. Just right!
My golf game seems to be improving! A wonder in itself!
I attribute it to these new clubs. New to me. Old to most other players.
My golf clubs are old. About 10 years old. My friends have been telling me for a long time to buy new clubs. But sometimes I do not hear!
So a month ago I bought this new hybrid. Saw it advertised late at night on the golf channel. What a club! Has improved my fareway game immensely!
About a week ago I had difficulty sleeping again. So back to the golf channel. This time Mark O'Meara was talkimng about how to get off the tee long and straight. A significant problem for me has been just that. I cannot get off the tee straight and I cannot get distance off the tee!
Visual demonstrations are the best. He held 2 drivers in his hands at the same time. One was the old type with a smaller head. The other was one of the ones with the newer monstrous club head.
O'Meara claimed the difference in the player's drive was in the head of the club. All based on technology. The big headed driver was simply more forgiving. A poor golfer like me needs all the forgiveness he can get!
So I tried it yesterday.
Yankee Jack let me use his driver most of the way. What a difference! I was playing with the big boys!
Then Aaron suggested I try his driver. Another WOW!
The decision has been made! I am going to buy a new driver!
Tiger Woods watch out!
Last night I stopped at Kwest to hear Bobby Nesbitt. Always good!
I ran into Donna and a friend of hers. The three of us ended up having dinner at Antonia's. A fun time!
Yes, I am off the diet. Nine days and 7 pounds. Not quite what I wanted, but it will do.
I savoured 2 gins and a lovely piece of salmon last night. I did not go crazy.
Yesterday I reported on an e mail I received from a now mature Italian woman reminisicing with me her experiences as a 4 year old during World War II. Her story of receiving chocolate and tasting it for the first time from the hands of American soldiers on the streets of Venice was touching.
She wrote again after reading yesterday's blog: "...thanks for remembering little Anna...a small story of Italian children during World War II."
Thank you Anna for sharing with us!
Tonight bocci! Will we ever win again?
Actually fantastic weather! Sunny. Warm. Only a slight breeze. No humidity. A bit chilly in the evening. Just right!
My golf game seems to be improving! A wonder in itself!
I attribute it to these new clubs. New to me. Old to most other players.
My golf clubs are old. About 10 years old. My friends have been telling me for a long time to buy new clubs. But sometimes I do not hear!
So a month ago I bought this new hybrid. Saw it advertised late at night on the golf channel. What a club! Has improved my fareway game immensely!
About a week ago I had difficulty sleeping again. So back to the golf channel. This time Mark O'Meara was talkimng about how to get off the tee long and straight. A significant problem for me has been just that. I cannot get off the tee straight and I cannot get distance off the tee!
Visual demonstrations are the best. He held 2 drivers in his hands at the same time. One was the old type with a smaller head. The other was one of the ones with the newer monstrous club head.
O'Meara claimed the difference in the player's drive was in the head of the club. All based on technology. The big headed driver was simply more forgiving. A poor golfer like me needs all the forgiveness he can get!
So I tried it yesterday.
Yankee Jack let me use his driver most of the way. What a difference! I was playing with the big boys!
Then Aaron suggested I try his driver. Another WOW!
The decision has been made! I am going to buy a new driver!
Tiger Woods watch out!
Last night I stopped at Kwest to hear Bobby Nesbitt. Always good!
I ran into Donna and a friend of hers. The three of us ended up having dinner at Antonia's. A fun time!
Yes, I am off the diet. Nine days and 7 pounds. Not quite what I wanted, but it will do.
I savoured 2 gins and a lovely piece of salmon last night. I did not go crazy.
Yesterday I reported on an e mail I received from a now mature Italian woman reminisicing with me her experiences as a 4 year old during World War II. Her story of receiving chocolate and tasting it for the first time from the hands of American soldiers on the streets of Venice was touching.
She wrote again after reading yesterday's blog: "...thanks for remembering little Anna...a small story of Italian children during World War II."
Thank you Anna for sharing with us!
Tonight bocci! Will we ever win again?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The weather has been outstanding!
Mid to low 80s by day. Only a touch of humidity. And cool by evening. The low 70s.
Sleeping has been a pleasure! No air conditioning required. The windows open. The sound of the ocean lulling me to sleep.
This Obama/Clinton race is becoming a pain! Will it ever end? It must!
Obama just can't seem to win. Clinton just can't seem to lose.
I watched the Pennsylvania returns sitting at the bar at Hogfish last night. Drinking diet coke, of course! Still dieting. 6 pounds in 8 days. 2 less than the goal I set. Do not know if I will continue. Very tiring and no fun!
There are several TV sets at Hogfish. All had on sports. Baseball, basketball and hockey. Shows the level of interest in one of the most important political races of our times! I requested one the sets be turned to the primary results and sat alone at a corner of the bar watching them.
It is amazing the number of people reading this blog. Even more interesting is that geographically they are from all over the world!
This morning I received an e mail from a Venice, Italy reader. She advised that today is Liberation Day in Italy. The Italian people are celebrating their freedom from Nazi occupation during World War II.
She was 4 years old at the time. She remembers American soldiers walking along the street giving the children chocolate. She was one of the children. It was the first time she had ever tasted chocolate. She even remebers the color of the paper.
We are a lucky people. May we never have soldiers walking down our streets giving chocolate to our 4 year olds!
Golf this morning! I need it!
Mid to low 80s by day. Only a touch of humidity. And cool by evening. The low 70s.
Sleeping has been a pleasure! No air conditioning required. The windows open. The sound of the ocean lulling me to sleep.
This Obama/Clinton race is becoming a pain! Will it ever end? It must!
Obama just can't seem to win. Clinton just can't seem to lose.
I watched the Pennsylvania returns sitting at the bar at Hogfish last night. Drinking diet coke, of course! Still dieting. 6 pounds in 8 days. 2 less than the goal I set. Do not know if I will continue. Very tiring and no fun!
There are several TV sets at Hogfish. All had on sports. Baseball, basketball and hockey. Shows the level of interest in one of the most important political races of our times! I requested one the sets be turned to the primary results and sat alone at a corner of the bar watching them.
It is amazing the number of people reading this blog. Even more interesting is that geographically they are from all over the world!
This morning I received an e mail from a Venice, Italy reader. She advised that today is Liberation Day in Italy. The Italian people are celebrating their freedom from Nazi occupation during World War II.
She was 4 years old at the time. She remembers American soldiers walking along the street giving the children chocolate. She was one of the children. It was the first time she had ever tasted chocolate. She even remebers the color of the paper.
We are a lucky people. May we never have soldiers walking down our streets giving chocolate to our 4 year olds!
Golf this morning! I need it!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Yesterday was another quiet day.
I did paper work most of the day. Otherwise walked and layed in the sun a bit.
Last night I continued my couch potato activity and watched the political talk shows.
It is the diet. It has now been one week. I cheated not. However I have fallen far short of my goal.
So it is decision time. Do I continue?
We shall see.
I did paper work most of the day. Otherwise walked and layed in the sun a bit.
Last night I continued my couch potato activity and watched the political talk shows.
It is the diet. It has now been one week. I cheated not. However I have fallen far short of my goal.
So it is decision time. Do I continue?
We shall see.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Good morning!
Another great Key West day ahead!
Yesterday was Sunday. My Sundays are falling into a routine.
Breakfast at Camille's with the grandkids.
I did not eat. Still dieting. Only had a cup of coffee.
It was Lisa, me and the kids! My son in law Corey was off in Louisville giving a lecture.
It was a very difficult time for me! All that food! So close! And the smells! So good! When dieting, one must avoid the near occasions of sin! Otherwise it is sooooo painful!
Then to the coffee house to sit on the front porch and read the Sunday New York Times. For free, of course!
Yesterday afternoon I did something different. Something I have not done for 20 years!
I went jet skiing!
Gregg showed up at my dock. He has a new masterful jet ski. He said hop on! So I did! And away we went!
Scarry at times! We got up to 60 miles an hour! The curves made me hold on for dear life!
Exhilerating! A real WOW!
The rest of the day was quiet. I hung out around the house doing nothing, watching television and sleeping off and on. This diet drains me of energy and desire. I am happy to be a couch potato!
s
Another great Key West day ahead!
Yesterday was Sunday. My Sundays are falling into a routine.
Breakfast at Camille's with the grandkids.
I did not eat. Still dieting. Only had a cup of coffee.
It was Lisa, me and the kids! My son in law Corey was off in Louisville giving a lecture.
It was a very difficult time for me! All that food! So close! And the smells! So good! When dieting, one must avoid the near occasions of sin! Otherwise it is sooooo painful!
Then to the coffee house to sit on the front porch and read the Sunday New York Times. For free, of course!
Yesterday afternoon I did something different. Something I have not done for 20 years!
I went jet skiing!
Gregg showed up at my dock. He has a new masterful jet ski. He said hop on! So I did! And away we went!
Scarry at times! We got up to 60 miles an hour! The curves made me hold on for dear life!
Exhilerating! A real WOW!
The rest of the day was quiet. I hung out around the house doing nothing, watching television and sleeping off and on. This diet drains me of energy and desire. I am happy to be a couch potato!
s
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Gasoline!
Yesterday I filled my tank at the Shell station at Key Haven and US 1. AT 10 am.
I have to use high test/premium. I paid $3.85 a gallon.
2 1/2 hours later I returned home. So I had to drive past the Shell station. The price was now $4.10 a gallon.
A $.25 increase in 2 1/2 hours!
And regular had gone up $.25 a gallon also to $3.85.
A disgrace! A national disgrace!
We are pouring American livs and American money into Iraq. Iraq is one of the largest producers of oil in the world! They are banking oil profits daily. One of the reasons for their "civil war" is that they are fighting over how to divide up the oil profits.
While we are doing for them, what are they doing for us? Nothing!
Saudi Arabia continues to exist because of the United States. The war mongering Arab countries do not attempt to topple the Saudis because they know we would step in and protect them.
So what do the Saudis do to help us with the gasoline problem?
I would to say nothing. However I am not sure.
Remember Cheny has more than once visited Saudi Arabia. But we are never told why.
The oil companies continue to prosper. They make billions in profits and yet our gas prices go up. Throwing our economy into a dizzy!
Bush and Cheney are former/maybe presently oil men and big corporate people.
Not all Americans are suffering. While regular people are pinching pennies to fill their gas tanks, American oil companies are pocketing huge profits.
I could say it does not make sense. But it does make sense. We are geting reamed!
I missed yesterday afternoon's party. I laid down for a half hour and woke up 4 hours later! This diet knocks me out. Yes, I am still on it.
I made Jim's going away party last night. His wife Jules threw it. Jim is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force. He leaves for the middle east this week.
The party was at the outside bar at Don's Place. A perfect venue!
Don is one of the smartest businessmen I know. A story for another day however.
About a 100 people attended.
When I arrived, Jim was seated on a huge chair with a shawl over his shoulders and a crown on his head. He was being roasted!
The food and booze were plentiful. Especially the food! So much!
I neither drank nor ate.
One of the deserts was a mud pie. First time I ever saw one. A large ceramic pot was used to bake a chocolate cake. Then a flowered plant was placed in the middle of the cake. It looked like a potted plant, plain and simple!
It must have been awfully delicious! People were eating around the plant like there was no tomorrow! I was jealous!
I have to shower and hurry into town. It is Sunday morning and Sunday morning is breakfast with the grandkids at Camille's!
Yesterday I filled my tank at the Shell station at Key Haven and US 1. AT 10 am.
I have to use high test/premium. I paid $3.85 a gallon.
2 1/2 hours later I returned home. So I had to drive past the Shell station. The price was now $4.10 a gallon.
A $.25 increase in 2 1/2 hours!
And regular had gone up $.25 a gallon also to $3.85.
A disgrace! A national disgrace!
We are pouring American livs and American money into Iraq. Iraq is one of the largest producers of oil in the world! They are banking oil profits daily. One of the reasons for their "civil war" is that they are fighting over how to divide up the oil profits.
While we are doing for them, what are they doing for us? Nothing!
Saudi Arabia continues to exist because of the United States. The war mongering Arab countries do not attempt to topple the Saudis because they know we would step in and protect them.
So what do the Saudis do to help us with the gasoline problem?
I would to say nothing. However I am not sure.
Remember Cheny has more than once visited Saudi Arabia. But we are never told why.
The oil companies continue to prosper. They make billions in profits and yet our gas prices go up. Throwing our economy into a dizzy!
Bush and Cheney are former/maybe presently oil men and big corporate people.
Not all Americans are suffering. While regular people are pinching pennies to fill their gas tanks, American oil companies are pocketing huge profits.
I could say it does not make sense. But it does make sense. We are geting reamed!
I missed yesterday afternoon's party. I laid down for a half hour and woke up 4 hours later! This diet knocks me out. Yes, I am still on it.
I made Jim's going away party last night. His wife Jules threw it. Jim is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force. He leaves for the middle east this week.
The party was at the outside bar at Don's Place. A perfect venue!
Don is one of the smartest businessmen I know. A story for another day however.
About a 100 people attended.
When I arrived, Jim was seated on a huge chair with a shawl over his shoulders and a crown on his head. He was being roasted!
The food and booze were plentiful. Especially the food! So much!
I neither drank nor ate.
One of the deserts was a mud pie. First time I ever saw one. A large ceramic pot was used to bake a chocolate cake. Then a flowered plant was placed in the middle of the cake. It looked like a potted plant, plain and simple!
It must have been awfully delicious! People were eating around the plant like there was no tomorrow! I was jealous!
I have to shower and hurry into town. It is Sunday morning and Sunday morning is breakfast with the grandkids at Camille's!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
I am very late doing the blog today. Sorry! Busy morning!
I slept late. Always good!
Walked far. Very good!
Then to the coffee house to sit on the porch and read the papers.
Following which I enjoyed a first time event! I went grocery shopping at Publix with the grandkids!
My daughter had her own shopping to do. And I mine. Ally was afraid to go with me. But Robert was a man! He escorted Poppa!
He sat in the cart as I did my thing. He kept my groceries organized in his fashion. And of course I got nailed for a few extra things I would not normally buy. Like a gummi (that is how it is spelled) candy crocodile and ice cream!
I have 2 parties today. A 50th anniversary this afternoon and a going away party this evening. The going away is to the middle east.
Both should be fun.
I recently read the biography of Katie Couric which came out several months ago. I mention it because the first 12-13 pages are replete with the name Jean Carper.
Jean is a Key West friend. A successful authoress. She has made millions! She writes books on what foods to eat to maintain a healthy body, cure ills, etc. I remember several years ago I had a very bad head cold. Nose kept running, could not stop sneezing. I went to one of Jean's books. It said eat a whole clove of garlic every 2 hours. I did. The symptoms disappeared. So did everyone else! I was a walking garlic chimney!
The Couric book identified Jean as NBC's medical director in 1980 when Couric was getting started.
I ran into Jean at breakfast recently. Yes, she is the one described in the book. The book suggests Jean and Couric were good friends. And they were! This is when Couric was a wannabe in the broadcasting business.
For my friends up north, Jean has a brother who is a retired GE engineer who lives in Saquoit. For my Key West pals, Saquoit is like 2 miles from Utica. So Jean is very familiar with the Utica area.
Yestereday was a quiet day. I did paper work and paid bills all day. Such is life...
I slept late. Always good!
Walked far. Very good!
Then to the coffee house to sit on the porch and read the papers.
Following which I enjoyed a first time event! I went grocery shopping at Publix with the grandkids!
My daughter had her own shopping to do. And I mine. Ally was afraid to go with me. But Robert was a man! He escorted Poppa!
He sat in the cart as I did my thing. He kept my groceries organized in his fashion. And of course I got nailed for a few extra things I would not normally buy. Like a gummi (that is how it is spelled) candy crocodile and ice cream!
I have 2 parties today. A 50th anniversary this afternoon and a going away party this evening. The going away is to the middle east.
Both should be fun.
I recently read the biography of Katie Couric which came out several months ago. I mention it because the first 12-13 pages are replete with the name Jean Carper.
Jean is a Key West friend. A successful authoress. She has made millions! She writes books on what foods to eat to maintain a healthy body, cure ills, etc. I remember several years ago I had a very bad head cold. Nose kept running, could not stop sneezing. I went to one of Jean's books. It said eat a whole clove of garlic every 2 hours. I did. The symptoms disappeared. So did everyone else! I was a walking garlic chimney!
The Couric book identified Jean as NBC's medical director in 1980 when Couric was getting started.
I ran into Jean at breakfast recently. Yes, she is the one described in the book. The book suggests Jean and Couric were good friends. And they were! This is when Couric was a wannabe in the broadcasting business.
For my friends up north, Jean has a brother who is a retired GE engineer who lives in Saquoit. For my Key West pals, Saquoit is like 2 miles from Utica. So Jean is very familiar with the Utica area.
Yestereday was a quiet day. I did paper work and paid bills all day. Such is life...
Friday, April 18, 2008
Bocci last night! We got killed! We lost all 3 games!
I do not understand how a team that was 15-4 at mid-season and tied for first place can be in such a downward spiral. We have only won 2 games in the second half of the season thus far. And the season itself ends soon!
This is the slump of slumps!
I am still on the diet. Day 4. No other comment at this time.
Have a good day!
I do not understand how a team that was 15-4 at mid-season and tied for first place can be in such a downward spiral. We have only won 2 games in the second half of the season thus far. And the season itself ends soon!
This is the slump of slumps!
I am still on the diet. Day 4. No other comment at this time.
Have a good day!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Good morning!
Still on the chilly side here in Key West. Temperature at 8 am 66 degrees. That is cold in Key West! Projection is for 78 today so I guess the cold spell is finally passing over us.
Played golf yesterday. Again, it was chilly! I wore long pants and a sweatshirt and still was cold on some holes! It depends on the wind.
Yesterday was Wednesday and Wednesday is Bobby Nesbitt time at Kwest. Another great evening. Bruce Moore joined in for many of the tunes.
Then home. I was in bed at 7:45. Waiting for the Obama/Clinton debate to start at 8.
The debate sucked. Obama looked terrible. Clinton better, but not by much.
This country is in deep shit trouble! The economy is going down the toilet rapidly. Gas prices are sky rocketing. People are without medical care. An ill begotten war continues. And it goes on!
ABC sponsored the debate. Gibson and Stephanopolus moderated/questioned. A poor performance by all involved. And I am not referring to the candidates! ABC, Gibson and Stephanopolus did the lousy job! The unprofessional one!
Instead on dwelling on our economy, war and other problems, it bombarded the candidates with questions about people they knew way back when years ago. It was tabloid jouranlism at its best! Not worst! Becaused that is what tabloid journalism is about. Gutter focus.
Obama got hit ruthlessly with such questions the first 45 minutes of the show. Clinton had her share also. Such garbage! I want to know how to end the war, fill my gas tank cheaper, pay the mortgage and get the price of groceries down! ABC failed to focus on these important issues!
This is sewer politics at its worst!
Negativism seems to have always permeated our political discussions. However that is not true. It really became a focal thrust the first time Clinton ran in 1992. He introduced finding the minute and blowing it up into a major issue in the media. All the while the major and obviously importnat issues were pushed to the side.
It has over the past 16 years developed into an art form with the political parties and the media. And it is bad that the media has been sucked up into this vortex. Someone has to keep the campaigns on the straight and narrow.
If not the media, who?
A vacuum.
Still on the chilly side here in Key West. Temperature at 8 am 66 degrees. That is cold in Key West! Projection is for 78 today so I guess the cold spell is finally passing over us.
Played golf yesterday. Again, it was chilly! I wore long pants and a sweatshirt and still was cold on some holes! It depends on the wind.
Yesterday was Wednesday and Wednesday is Bobby Nesbitt time at Kwest. Another great evening. Bruce Moore joined in for many of the tunes.
Then home. I was in bed at 7:45. Waiting for the Obama/Clinton debate to start at 8.
The debate sucked. Obama looked terrible. Clinton better, but not by much.
This country is in deep shit trouble! The economy is going down the toilet rapidly. Gas prices are sky rocketing. People are without medical care. An ill begotten war continues. And it goes on!
ABC sponsored the debate. Gibson and Stephanopolus moderated/questioned. A poor performance by all involved. And I am not referring to the candidates! ABC, Gibson and Stephanopolus did the lousy job! The unprofessional one!
Instead on dwelling on our economy, war and other problems, it bombarded the candidates with questions about people they knew way back when years ago. It was tabloid jouranlism at its best! Not worst! Becaused that is what tabloid journalism is about. Gutter focus.
Obama got hit ruthlessly with such questions the first 45 minutes of the show. Clinton had her share also. Such garbage! I want to know how to end the war, fill my gas tank cheaper, pay the mortgage and get the price of groceries down! ABC failed to focus on these important issues!
This is sewer politics at its worst!
Negativism seems to have always permeated our political discussions. However that is not true. It really became a focal thrust the first time Clinton ran in 1992. He introduced finding the minute and blowing it up into a major issue in the media. All the while the major and obviously importnat issues were pushed to the side.
It has over the past 16 years developed into an art form with the political parties and the media. And it is bad that the media has been sucked up into this vortex. Someone has to keep the campaigns on the straight and narrow.
If not the media, who?
A vacuum.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Busy day yesterday!
It was my first day back.
The morning started early with cuban toast and coffee and the papers at Paradise Cafe. It was cold. All day and night! But that did not stop me from sitting outside. Old habits, especially good ones, never die!
Then a long brisk walk along the waterfront. The cold made it easy. And made me move my ass to complete it!
Since I had been away, the cupboard was bare. So it was off to Publix to grocery shop.
I started a one week diet yesterday. So I purchased all kinds of diet goodies. Hope I use them all! The road to hell is paved with good intentions!
Then a manicure! Always easy on a Monday morning.
Could not miss the grandkids! When I got there they were both in time out. And proud of it! They were excited to tell me what they did wrong. Love them!
A stop at the drug store to fill a prescription.
Then home. It was only 11:30. I had accomplished a lot in a short period of time!
I spent the afternoon on the phone, doing business and paying bills.
Last night I had dinner at the bar at La Tratattoria. Only ate caprese: 2 slices of mozzerella and 3 slices of tomato. No booze. Three diet Pepsis, 2 waters and a cup of decaf coffee. Thought you had me, huh?
Interesting people sharing the bar with me for dinner. The owners of three separate reastaurants, Antonia's, Alice's and Michael's, were there. Speaks well for the food and ambviance.
Stopped in the Pier House to see Larry Smith. His featured vocalist was a lovely blonde lady from Portland, Oregon. A real beauty! And she could sing also! She performs professionally in the Far East. In fact, she leaves for Thailand in 2 weeks.
Donna the barmaid, oops, the bartender, was kind enough to get me 2 cups of decaf from the kitchen. I continued to be a good boy!
Then home to bed before 10.
This mroning is golf! Still cold outside. Will stay that way till tomorrow. High will be around 70. I know that sounds warm to those up north. However it is not in Key West. The wind coming off the Gulf is cutting!
Till tomorrow...
It was my first day back.
The morning started early with cuban toast and coffee and the papers at Paradise Cafe. It was cold. All day and night! But that did not stop me from sitting outside. Old habits, especially good ones, never die!
Then a long brisk walk along the waterfront. The cold made it easy. And made me move my ass to complete it!
Since I had been away, the cupboard was bare. So it was off to Publix to grocery shop.
I started a one week diet yesterday. So I purchased all kinds of diet goodies. Hope I use them all! The road to hell is paved with good intentions!
Then a manicure! Always easy on a Monday morning.
Could not miss the grandkids! When I got there they were both in time out. And proud of it! They were excited to tell me what they did wrong. Love them!
A stop at the drug store to fill a prescription.
Then home. It was only 11:30. I had accomplished a lot in a short period of time!
I spent the afternoon on the phone, doing business and paying bills.
Last night I had dinner at the bar at La Tratattoria. Only ate caprese: 2 slices of mozzerella and 3 slices of tomato. No booze. Three diet Pepsis, 2 waters and a cup of decaf coffee. Thought you had me, huh?
Interesting people sharing the bar with me for dinner. The owners of three separate reastaurants, Antonia's, Alice's and Michael's, were there. Speaks well for the food and ambviance.
Stopped in the Pier House to see Larry Smith. His featured vocalist was a lovely blonde lady from Portland, Oregon. A real beauty! And she could sing also! She performs professionally in the Far East. In fact, she leaves for Thailand in 2 weeks.
Donna the barmaid, oops, the bartender, was kind enough to get me 2 cups of decaf from the kitchen. I continued to be a good boy!
Then home to bed before 10.
This mroning is golf! Still cold outside. Will stay that way till tomorrow. High will be around 70. I know that sounds warm to those up north. However it is not in Key West. The wind coming off the Gulf is cutting!
Till tomorrow...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Kathleen Peace! Kathleen Peace! Kathleen Peace!
Last night was her night! At the Tenessee Williams cabaret. A spectacular presentation!
Her singing brought the audience to its feet several times!
She is Ethel Merman and Barbara Streisand combined! Only better!
Thank you Kathleen for a wonderful evening!
She was backed by Larry Smith, Skipper and a few other musicians unknown to me. Larry produced the show. All professional! All good!
I traveled back from Utica yesterday. Arrived just in time for the show. Took 10.5 hours.
The planes are packed. Only because the airlines have fewer flights. Probably to conserve on gasoline.
When I checked in in Syracuse, the counter person asked if I wanted to fly first class. What did I have to do? Give up my seat on the first flight. They would get me out later and I would arrive in Key West at 10 in the evening. I said no. I had a date with a lady named Kathleen Peace at 8. The pie was sweetened. In addition to the first class upgrade, there would be $500 also. My position remained the same. The counter person at that point advised they were 7 people overbooked and would have to bump. She promised I would not be bumped as obviously it was important for me to keep my 8 pm date with Kathleen!
I am back to normal. I am happy to be back in Key West. As soon as I finish this blog, I am off to Paradise Cafe for breakfast and the papers. Then a walk along the waterfront.
Nothing good ever changes! Especially in Key West!
Last night was her night! At the Tenessee Williams cabaret. A spectacular presentation!
Her singing brought the audience to its feet several times!
She is Ethel Merman and Barbara Streisand combined! Only better!
Thank you Kathleen for a wonderful evening!
She was backed by Larry Smith, Skipper and a few other musicians unknown to me. Larry produced the show. All professional! All good!
I traveled back from Utica yesterday. Arrived just in time for the show. Took 10.5 hours.
The planes are packed. Only because the airlines have fewer flights. Probably to conserve on gasoline.
When I checked in in Syracuse, the counter person asked if I wanted to fly first class. What did I have to do? Give up my seat on the first flight. They would get me out later and I would arrive in Key West at 10 in the evening. I said no. I had a date with a lady named Kathleen Peace at 8. The pie was sweetened. In addition to the first class upgrade, there would be $500 also. My position remained the same. The counter person at that point advised they were 7 people overbooked and would have to bump. She promised I would not be bumped as obviously it was important for me to keep my 8 pm date with Kathleen!
I am back to normal. I am happy to be back in Key West. As soon as I finish this blog, I am off to Paradise Cafe for breakfast and the papers. Then a walk along the waterfront.
Nothing good ever changes! Especially in Key West!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Yesterday Sunday. So a relatively quiet day as usual.
I spent the morning in bed watching the news shows. Then off to watch my grandson Andrew play T ball. No T ball. Called off for some reason. But Andrew and his Dad were there doing batting practice. For a 5 year old, Andrew was making good contact with the ball. His father is a die hard tennis player. Quite good. He has had Andrew playing tennis for a couple of years. It showed. The eye to ball to bat contact was fantastic!
Then to my father's to watch the Masters with him.
The past few days have proven tiring for him. Too much partying celebrating his 94th birthday! So he slept on the couch while I watched the Masters!
I leave in 2 hours to return to Key West. Hooray!
Assuming my planes are on time, tonight I shall be in the lobby cabaret of the Tenessee Williams Theater listening to Kathleen Peace singing!
She is the best! I am excited!
I spent the morning in bed watching the news shows. Then off to watch my grandson Andrew play T ball. No T ball. Called off for some reason. But Andrew and his Dad were there doing batting practice. For a 5 year old, Andrew was making good contact with the ball. His father is a die hard tennis player. Quite good. He has had Andrew playing tennis for a couple of years. It showed. The eye to ball to bat contact was fantastic!
Then to my father's to watch the Masters with him.
The past few days have proven tiring for him. Too much partying celebrating his 94th birthday! So he slept on the couch while I watched the Masters!
I leave in 2 hours to return to Key West. Hooray!
Assuming my planes are on time, tonight I shall be in the lobby cabaret of the Tenessee Williams Theater listening to Kathleen Peace singing!
She is the best! I am excited!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Cold in the house this morning! The furnace went off!
I awoke early. Cold. 35 degrees outside. 60 degrees inside. However felt like 30!
Repair people came promptly. The result of doing business with them for over 40 years!
The problem is the thermostat. They are working on it as I write.
Yesterday I had a fun lunch with Gus. Gus is a fellow attorney, about 13 years younger than me. We have been buddies for years.
We ate at Joe's. An experience! One I have not had in several years.
Joe's is a corner bar located in what is East Utica, once the home of Italian immigrants. Time changes everything. It is now an oasis in the middle of empty lots, deserted buildings and an otherwise run down neighborhood.
There was a bit of personal sadness involved in the visit also. I grew up two doors from Joe's. The building is gone. It is now part of Joe's parking lot.
I mentioned to Gus that where he parked his car in the lot was my bedroom--3 floors up!
Joe's has a history!
It probably opened sometime during or after World War I. A long time ago!
There was a time when ladies of the night frequented the place. Again a long time ago!
Joe's was open during Prohibition. They bootlegged out of the place. A tunnel was constructed under Joe's which ran several hundred feet under the ground to a house on a side street. I am not sure where the alcohol was manufactured. But it was all tied in.
My parents would never go to Joe's when they lived nearby. They considered it disreputable. And of course I was not permitted.
I did sneak in once when I was about 4 years old. Early in the morning with another neighborhood friend. We broke in! Tipped over paint cans and did some other minor vandalism.
We got caught. We must have told others. Word got back to the owners. And the police showed up at my home!
I still remeber these 2 big cops climbing the stairs to our third floor apartment. They explained to my parents what I had done.
My father gave me a beating I will never forget!
That was the family court of those days! And the punishment cured me of ever doing something similar again!
Today however my father would probably be arrested for abusing me. Today's system of justice leaves something to be desired in certain respects. The punishmnet my father rendered unto me punished and cured me at the same time. It was clear to me, and my butt, that what I did was wrong and never to be done again! Top it with the embarassment to me and the family of the police coming to the door!
Spare the rod and spoil the child! It still has application contrary to present popular opinion.
Back to Joe's.
The food is absoultely delightful! You cannot eat anywhere like you can eat at Joe's!
We had antipasto, roasted peppers, ziti covered with mushroom stew (which never contains any mushrooms)and sweet sausage. Delicious!
I can never get Beefeater or a name brand gin. I drank Mayberrys yesterday. Several of them. No affect! About 20 proof.
The atmosphere is derilect. The place has not been painted nor updated since it was opened. About 80 years. Rarely cleaned, if ever. The bathroom is a hole in the floor. I never go. I hold it.
But it has character!
To my Key West friends, it makes Schooner's Wharf look good!
The same family still runs the place. Children of the the children of the children, etc. A few Phds, masters and bachelor degrees have been earned by family members along the way. Most have other careers. However they all put in some time working at the restaurant. Especially on weekends.
It is Sunday. I return to Key West tomorrow. I cannot wait. It is now my home! And I miss it!
Today my father and I will go to watch his great grandson and my grandson Andrew play T ball. Exciting!
I awoke early. Cold. 35 degrees outside. 60 degrees inside. However felt like 30!
Repair people came promptly. The result of doing business with them for over 40 years!
The problem is the thermostat. They are working on it as I write.
Yesterday I had a fun lunch with Gus. Gus is a fellow attorney, about 13 years younger than me. We have been buddies for years.
We ate at Joe's. An experience! One I have not had in several years.
Joe's is a corner bar located in what is East Utica, once the home of Italian immigrants. Time changes everything. It is now an oasis in the middle of empty lots, deserted buildings and an otherwise run down neighborhood.
There was a bit of personal sadness involved in the visit also. I grew up two doors from Joe's. The building is gone. It is now part of Joe's parking lot.
I mentioned to Gus that where he parked his car in the lot was my bedroom--3 floors up!
Joe's has a history!
It probably opened sometime during or after World War I. A long time ago!
There was a time when ladies of the night frequented the place. Again a long time ago!
Joe's was open during Prohibition. They bootlegged out of the place. A tunnel was constructed under Joe's which ran several hundred feet under the ground to a house on a side street. I am not sure where the alcohol was manufactured. But it was all tied in.
My parents would never go to Joe's when they lived nearby. They considered it disreputable. And of course I was not permitted.
I did sneak in once when I was about 4 years old. Early in the morning with another neighborhood friend. We broke in! Tipped over paint cans and did some other minor vandalism.
We got caught. We must have told others. Word got back to the owners. And the police showed up at my home!
I still remeber these 2 big cops climbing the stairs to our third floor apartment. They explained to my parents what I had done.
My father gave me a beating I will never forget!
That was the family court of those days! And the punishment cured me of ever doing something similar again!
Today however my father would probably be arrested for abusing me. Today's system of justice leaves something to be desired in certain respects. The punishmnet my father rendered unto me punished and cured me at the same time. It was clear to me, and my butt, that what I did was wrong and never to be done again! Top it with the embarassment to me and the family of the police coming to the door!
Spare the rod and spoil the child! It still has application contrary to present popular opinion.
Back to Joe's.
The food is absoultely delightful! You cannot eat anywhere like you can eat at Joe's!
We had antipasto, roasted peppers, ziti covered with mushroom stew (which never contains any mushrooms)and sweet sausage. Delicious!
I can never get Beefeater or a name brand gin. I drank Mayberrys yesterday. Several of them. No affect! About 20 proof.
The atmosphere is derilect. The place has not been painted nor updated since it was opened. About 80 years. Rarely cleaned, if ever. The bathroom is a hole in the floor. I never go. I hold it.
But it has character!
To my Key West friends, it makes Schooner's Wharf look good!
The same family still runs the place. Children of the the children of the children, etc. A few Phds, masters and bachelor degrees have been earned by family members along the way. Most have other careers. However they all put in some time working at the restaurant. Especially on weekends.
It is Sunday. I return to Key West tomorrow. I cannot wait. It is now my home! And I miss it!
Today my father and I will go to watch his great grandson and my grandson Andrew play T ball. Exciting!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Yesterday was a family day!
My sister and her grandson still here. So we continued celebrating my father's 94th birthday.
Played Wii in the morning. Getting better at golf. Everyone having fun. Including and most importantly my father! A great gift for a senior!
Last night we continued to party together. Dinner at my home.
All this Italian food is getting to me! Heavy! Hard not to eat. It is there and it is good!
Diet time without question when I return to Key West monday.
I have a half of case of Nutrisystem meals left from my 50 pound loss last year. I am taking it back to Key West with me. Must nip the problem in the bud! Hopefully...
My sister and her grandson still here. So we continued celebrating my father's 94th birthday.
Played Wii in the morning. Getting better at golf. Everyone having fun. Including and most importantly my father! A great gift for a senior!
Last night we continued to party together. Dinner at my home.
All this Italian food is getting to me! Heavy! Hard not to eat. It is there and it is good!
Diet time without question when I return to Key West monday.
I have a half of case of Nutrisystem meals left from my 50 pound loss last year. I am taking it back to Key West with me. Must nip the problem in the bud! Hopefully...
Friday, April 11, 2008
Yesterday was my father's 94th birthday! A big day! Long in coming! So will be his 100th which we are hoping to celebrate!
I mentioned yesterday I bought him a Wii game for his birthday. A winner! If any of you have a sort of home confined relative, buy him/her a Wii!
By the time I got to my father's yesterday afternoon, he and his great grandson Johnny from Texas had already been playing for 3 hours! Golf, bowling and tennis.
My father was all enthused! Excited! The game obviously contributes to both mental and physical alertness. But all from a seated position. A real winner! I can see my Dad using it every day from this point forward. It provides something for him to do. Even at those times when he might be alone.
I played 9 holes of golf and bowled 5 frames. My golf game was worse than on a real course! If it could be! It was!
Tough game! Everything comes into consideration! Wind, water, elevation, rough, etc. And your stroke! All in the wrist! Something which must be mastered.
I have bowled 3 times in my life. I am as good as Obama! However I was better at the bowling than the golf. Nothing worse than a spare! Left no pins standing! Good for me!
Then I quit. I was tired. I went home to take a nap!
Johnny is probably my great grand nephew. These things get confusing after awhile. Whatever, he did a terrific job in putting the Wii game together! Took all of 5 minutes I understand. It is a generational thing!
Last night was the birthday dinner! My father's choice as to location. He picked a neighborhood Italian restaurant known as Chesterfields. Most of the family is out of state vacationing. However my daughter Lori, her husband Allen and my grandson Andrew were in Utica. So they obviously joined us.
Andrew is 6. He is my father's great grandson. Dad is now 94. So they are 88 years apart. Yet they communicate very effectively with each other! Interesting!
Andrew is starting organized baseball. The first level is T ball. He has already played once. Sunday he plays again. My father and I will be there to watch him. So too my daughter Lori.
Four generations in all!
God is good!
I mentioned yesterday I bought him a Wii game for his birthday. A winner! If any of you have a sort of home confined relative, buy him/her a Wii!
By the time I got to my father's yesterday afternoon, he and his great grandson Johnny from Texas had already been playing for 3 hours! Golf, bowling and tennis.
My father was all enthused! Excited! The game obviously contributes to both mental and physical alertness. But all from a seated position. A real winner! I can see my Dad using it every day from this point forward. It provides something for him to do. Even at those times when he might be alone.
I played 9 holes of golf and bowled 5 frames. My golf game was worse than on a real course! If it could be! It was!
Tough game! Everything comes into consideration! Wind, water, elevation, rough, etc. And your stroke! All in the wrist! Something which must be mastered.
I have bowled 3 times in my life. I am as good as Obama! However I was better at the bowling than the golf. Nothing worse than a spare! Left no pins standing! Good for me!
Then I quit. I was tired. I went home to take a nap!
Johnny is probably my great grand nephew. These things get confusing after awhile. Whatever, he did a terrific job in putting the Wii game together! Took all of 5 minutes I understand. It is a generational thing!
Last night was the birthday dinner! My father's choice as to location. He picked a neighborhood Italian restaurant known as Chesterfields. Most of the family is out of state vacationing. However my daughter Lori, her husband Allen and my grandson Andrew were in Utica. So they obviously joined us.
Andrew is 6. He is my father's great grandson. Dad is now 94. So they are 88 years apart. Yet they communicate very effectively with each other! Interesting!
Andrew is starting organized baseball. The first level is T ball. He has already played once. Sunday he plays again. My father and I will be there to watch him. So too my daughter Lori.
Four generations in all!
God is good!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
An interesting day yesterday!
Started with visit to the dentist. A joy!
Then I picked up my father's birthday gift. A Wii. That is the way it is spelled!
One can play sport games on a TV with it. Like bowling, golf, tennis and baseball. Can be played sitting or standing. However it does require players to move their arms and legs a bit. In a limited fashion however.
The game is utilized big time in nursing homes and rehab facilities. Also mucho expensive. Cost me over $400.
Since my 94 year old Dad is somewhat physically limited these days, I figured it would be a good gift for him. Plus we could bowl and play golf together.
I delivered the gift to my father in 4 separate packages, all beautifully wrapped. Understand that I never saw this game in operation prior to purchasing it. I had heard about it. So I ordered it. It came sealed and gift wrapped! Terrific from my perspective!
My father excitedly unwrapped all 4 boxes. I watched with equal excitement. Then there was nothing! It was a series of machinery with all kinds of convoluted instructions. A disaster! We stared with blank expressions!
My father is not mechanically inclined! Nor am I! As I explained to him, it is a generational thing. Not to worry. We would find someone to put it together.
We sat there looking at this mess of I don't know what. Our enthusiasm for the gift was waning! Actually gone! Absolutely gone!
Again we agreed we needed help. Who? I made some phone calls. No one at the inn!
Last night my sister and nephew, her grandson, came in from Florida and Texas respectively.
We had a small family dinner at a local restaurant.
My nephew John is 15. A big kid! 6'2". And smart! Going to be an engineer.
Table talk got around to the Wii gift. John knew all about it! Said he could put it together! Impressive!
He was going to do it when they got home last night. It is still too early to call. However I am sure he got it done.
These kids are all smarter than us! And obviously it is not in the blood line!
The sun is up and I am now anxious to get over to my father's house to play! What a life! Think I can beat him?
Started with visit to the dentist. A joy!
Then I picked up my father's birthday gift. A Wii. That is the way it is spelled!
One can play sport games on a TV with it. Like bowling, golf, tennis and baseball. Can be played sitting or standing. However it does require players to move their arms and legs a bit. In a limited fashion however.
The game is utilized big time in nursing homes and rehab facilities. Also mucho expensive. Cost me over $400.
Since my 94 year old Dad is somewhat physically limited these days, I figured it would be a good gift for him. Plus we could bowl and play golf together.
I delivered the gift to my father in 4 separate packages, all beautifully wrapped. Understand that I never saw this game in operation prior to purchasing it. I had heard about it. So I ordered it. It came sealed and gift wrapped! Terrific from my perspective!
My father excitedly unwrapped all 4 boxes. I watched with equal excitement. Then there was nothing! It was a series of machinery with all kinds of convoluted instructions. A disaster! We stared with blank expressions!
My father is not mechanically inclined! Nor am I! As I explained to him, it is a generational thing. Not to worry. We would find someone to put it together.
We sat there looking at this mess of I don't know what. Our enthusiasm for the gift was waning! Actually gone! Absolutely gone!
Again we agreed we needed help. Who? I made some phone calls. No one at the inn!
Last night my sister and nephew, her grandson, came in from Florida and Texas respectively.
We had a small family dinner at a local restaurant.
My nephew John is 15. A big kid! 6'2". And smart! Going to be an engineer.
Table talk got around to the Wii gift. John knew all about it! Said he could put it together! Impressive!
He was going to do it when they got home last night. It is still too early to call. However I am sure he got it done.
These kids are all smarter than us! And obviously it is not in the blood line!
The sun is up and I am now anxious to get over to my father's house to play! What a life! Think I can beat him?
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
I apparently brought good weather with me. It was 71 in Utica yesterday!
A quiet day overall.
My father and I lunched together. At our favorite place. "99." This is Utica!
Then to Barnes and Noble. For coffee and reading. And girl watching of course!
My father got hooked on Conseca's latest book on purported steroid use in major league baseball. I started reading a book on problems in Germany immediately following the end of World War II.
My reading got a bit boring. I noticed a small book on how to buy and care for a dog. I have been toying with the idea for awhile. So I read it. It was short. And interesting!
Then home to bed for a nap. I guess I was still tired from the long trip from Key West yesterday.
Last night I met my friend Gus for drinks at the Hotel Utica. Good to see him again!
We had dinner at a new place later on. Called Alee's. I had pierogis! Covered in hot melted butter! Fantastic! And disgustinmg at the same time!
I payed for the indulgence all night and am still uncomfortable!
Today the mundane.
A dentist appointment at noon. My sister and her son arrive later in the day. Tonight a family dinner.
A quiet day overall.
My father and I lunched together. At our favorite place. "99." This is Utica!
Then to Barnes and Noble. For coffee and reading. And girl watching of course!
My father got hooked on Conseca's latest book on purported steroid use in major league baseball. I started reading a book on problems in Germany immediately following the end of World War II.
My reading got a bit boring. I noticed a small book on how to buy and care for a dog. I have been toying with the idea for awhile. So I read it. It was short. And interesting!
Then home to bed for a nap. I guess I was still tired from the long trip from Key West yesterday.
Last night I met my friend Gus for drinks at the Hotel Utica. Good to see him again!
We had dinner at a new place later on. Called Alee's. I had pierogis! Covered in hot melted butter! Fantastic! And disgustinmg at the same time!
I payed for the indulgence all night and am still uncomfortable!
Today the mundane.
A dentist appointment at noon. My sister and her son arrive later in the day. Tonight a family dinner.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
I awake this morning in Utica!
Not bad. The sun is shining. The snow is gone. Time to do yardwork. Not me, but someone.
The temperature last night when I landed was 50 degrees. Not bad!
A week ago there were tons of snow and it was freezing!
What a difference a week makes!
The plane trip back was uneventful. Except that my first flight out of Key West was an hour late.That hour caused me to miss my Tampa cponnection to Cleveland. So I had a 4 hour layover in Tampa and arrived in Syracuse 3 hours later than planned.
The airports were not crowded. More of a sign that the vacationing season in South Florida is over. The recession might be impacting, but it was hard to tell.
The planes of course were jam packed. The airlines know how to operate in that regard. Fewer flights fill the seats!
The price was higher! A reflection of gasoline prices! I had to pay $1,000 for a round trip ticket and I made my reservation 3 weeks ago. A disgrace!
I am pleased the sun is shining here. It makes me feel alive! The gray of the winter here in the north country can be very depressing!
Not bad. The sun is shining. The snow is gone. Time to do yardwork. Not me, but someone.
The temperature last night when I landed was 50 degrees. Not bad!
A week ago there were tons of snow and it was freezing!
What a difference a week makes!
The plane trip back was uneventful. Except that my first flight out of Key West was an hour late.That hour caused me to miss my Tampa cponnection to Cleveland. So I had a 4 hour layover in Tampa and arrived in Syracuse 3 hours later than planned.
The airports were not crowded. More of a sign that the vacationing season in South Florida is over. The recession might be impacting, but it was hard to tell.
The planes of course were jam packed. The airlines know how to operate in that regard. Fewer flights fill the seats!
The price was higher! A reflection of gasoline prices! I had to pay $1,000 for a round trip ticket and I made my reservation 3 weeks ago. A disgrace!
I am pleased the sun is shining here. It makes me feel alive! The gray of the winter here in the north country can be very depressing!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Yesterday was a quiet day. As it should be. It was Sunday.
My usual Sunday morning breakfast with the family. At Camille's. My grandchildren were terrific! As usual!
Then to the coffee house across from the former Scrub Club. Not to watch the ladies sitting on the porch of the house across the street! Rather to read the Sunday New York Times. A restful two hours!
Hung out at home the rest of the day, except for a light dinner last night at Kelly's.
Today I fly to Utica for a week. My father will be 94 on Thursday so I am going up to help him celebrate.
Tomorrow's blog will be from the north coutry.
There is a heat wave up there! I understand the temperature will be in the 50s all week!
My usual Sunday morning breakfast with the family. At Camille's. My grandchildren were terrific! As usual!
Then to the coffee house across from the former Scrub Club. Not to watch the ladies sitting on the porch of the house across the street! Rather to read the Sunday New York Times. A restful two hours!
Hung out at home the rest of the day, except for a light dinner last night at Kelly's.
Today I fly to Utica for a week. My father will be 94 on Thursday so I am going up to help him celebrate.
Tomorrow's blog will be from the north coutry.
There is a heat wave up there! I understand the temperature will be in the 50s all week!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Ask and you shall receive! So sayeth the good book!
I asked yesterday why the water was blue for a portion of my drive back from Miami. Thirty seven people responded. And all with the same answer!
It has to do with the gulf stream.
Ocean water is naturally blue appearing. Blue reflects the purity of the water. It is not dirty.
The reef comes into play also. There is a reef in the Atlantic lying about 7-10 miles off the Key West shore. The reef runs closer to the land as it runs north. It is very close off Key Largo.
The gulf stream is like a river in the ocean. It cuts its own path. And it is not one straight flow. It has eddys which shoot out from the main flow. Much like a hurricane's swirls.
The gulf stream butts up against the reef. The reef generally prevents the gulf stream from coming to shore. But when the gulf stream overrides the reef, the water by shore changes from green to blue.
The water 120 miles to the north is much clearer and better for diving because divers can go on the other side of the reef where the water is gulf stream blue. However here in Key West the water is green because the reef is so far out and prevents the gulf blue waters from reaching our beaches.
The 20 mile stretch from Islamaroda to Marathon that was blue on my drive back was the result of one of those gulf stream eddys making it to shore.
It is amazing how smart I am becoming! My thanks to all of you who responded and educated me!
Another interesting thing occurred on my drive back from Miami thursday. As I entered Key West, I saw an old plane circling to land at the Key West airport. A very old plane! A two engine job. Looked like a World War II DC 3. The kind John Wayne would be flying!
Yesterday's Key West Citizen newspaper had a large front page picture of the plane sitting on the runway at the Key West Airport. The headline was something to the effect that the plane landed without permission.
It was a DC 3! It was of World War II vintage! John Wayne was not flying it!
Turns out, or so the story is told, that 3 individuals making a James Bond movie in Chile were flying the plane back to the United States. For whatever reason, they preferred to do U.S. Customs in Key West rather than at a larger airport. And so they landed here. Apparently made quite a furor. First, no permission to land. Apparently they just landed. Second, the wing span of the plane was too large for our airport.
Interesting.
The whole story sounds fishy to me!
Last night I went out with Utica friends Rit and Nancy Lennon.
We started at Kwest. A great introduction into a Key West evening for them.
Bobby Nesbitt. And last night Bruce Moore also. Plus it was Larry Harvey's 87th birthday! The place was packed! The music terrific! Both Rit and Nancy got into it and sang their hearts out! Even to the the end with It's A Grand Old Flag, Yankee Doodle and God Bless America!
Then to Antonia's for dinner. Christgopher, one of the owners, is originally from Turin. Turin is about 15 miles north of Utica. And Christopher and Rit knew many of the same people from back home!
I wanted Rit and Nancy to hear Larry Smith. So we were off to the Pier House after dinner!
I am glad we went! Larry's wife Christine Cardone was singing. A talent in her own right, separate and distinct from Larry!
However there was an extra treat! Larry's daughter was in town! And singing with Larry and Christine!
Journey is a professional musician. A vocalist. She sings every where. Every where meaning all over the country. And last night she was in the Wine Galley in Key West with her father singing her heart out! She was good! Even Rit and Nancy commented on her singing.
And my heart did a jump of joy when Journey came up to me and gave me a hug and kiss as I entered! A nice girl from a nice family!
Sometimes my age causes me to stub my toe! Or put my foot in my mouth!
Donna the barmaid is no longer the barmaid. She asked me to please refer to her as Donna the bartender. She said barmaid "...was so 1960s."
Upon reflection, it probably is! But I am 72 and my words of expression are rooted sometimes in the past. Political correctness can be a pain! Difficult is another way of describing it. This male/female stuff I sometimes do not understand! If I were a woman, as charming and lovely as Donna, I would rather be described with a femine term as opposed to a male or even worse neuter one!
However Donna you are a bartender from this day forward! And probalby lose some feminity in my eye as a result thereof!
I asked yesterday why the water was blue for a portion of my drive back from Miami. Thirty seven people responded. And all with the same answer!
It has to do with the gulf stream.
Ocean water is naturally blue appearing. Blue reflects the purity of the water. It is not dirty.
The reef comes into play also. There is a reef in the Atlantic lying about 7-10 miles off the Key West shore. The reef runs closer to the land as it runs north. It is very close off Key Largo.
The gulf stream is like a river in the ocean. It cuts its own path. And it is not one straight flow. It has eddys which shoot out from the main flow. Much like a hurricane's swirls.
The gulf stream butts up against the reef. The reef generally prevents the gulf stream from coming to shore. But when the gulf stream overrides the reef, the water by shore changes from green to blue.
The water 120 miles to the north is much clearer and better for diving because divers can go on the other side of the reef where the water is gulf stream blue. However here in Key West the water is green because the reef is so far out and prevents the gulf blue waters from reaching our beaches.
The 20 mile stretch from Islamaroda to Marathon that was blue on my drive back was the result of one of those gulf stream eddys making it to shore.
It is amazing how smart I am becoming! My thanks to all of you who responded and educated me!
Another interesting thing occurred on my drive back from Miami thursday. As I entered Key West, I saw an old plane circling to land at the Key West airport. A very old plane! A two engine job. Looked like a World War II DC 3. The kind John Wayne would be flying!
Yesterday's Key West Citizen newspaper had a large front page picture of the plane sitting on the runway at the Key West Airport. The headline was something to the effect that the plane landed without permission.
It was a DC 3! It was of World War II vintage! John Wayne was not flying it!
Turns out, or so the story is told, that 3 individuals making a James Bond movie in Chile were flying the plane back to the United States. For whatever reason, they preferred to do U.S. Customs in Key West rather than at a larger airport. And so they landed here. Apparently made quite a furor. First, no permission to land. Apparently they just landed. Second, the wing span of the plane was too large for our airport.
Interesting.
The whole story sounds fishy to me!
Last night I went out with Utica friends Rit and Nancy Lennon.
We started at Kwest. A great introduction into a Key West evening for them.
Bobby Nesbitt. And last night Bruce Moore also. Plus it was Larry Harvey's 87th birthday! The place was packed! The music terrific! Both Rit and Nancy got into it and sang their hearts out! Even to the the end with It's A Grand Old Flag, Yankee Doodle and God Bless America!
Then to Antonia's for dinner. Christgopher, one of the owners, is originally from Turin. Turin is about 15 miles north of Utica. And Christopher and Rit knew many of the same people from back home!
I wanted Rit and Nancy to hear Larry Smith. So we were off to the Pier House after dinner!
I am glad we went! Larry's wife Christine Cardone was singing. A talent in her own right, separate and distinct from Larry!
However there was an extra treat! Larry's daughter was in town! And singing with Larry and Christine!
Journey is a professional musician. A vocalist. She sings every where. Every where meaning all over the country. And last night she was in the Wine Galley in Key West with her father singing her heart out! She was good! Even Rit and Nancy commented on her singing.
And my heart did a jump of joy when Journey came up to me and gave me a hug and kiss as I entered! A nice girl from a nice family!
Sometimes my age causes me to stub my toe! Or put my foot in my mouth!
Donna the barmaid is no longer the barmaid. She asked me to please refer to her as Donna the bartender. She said barmaid "...was so 1960s."
Upon reflection, it probably is! But I am 72 and my words of expression are rooted sometimes in the past. Political correctness can be a pain! Difficult is another way of describing it. This male/female stuff I sometimes do not understand! If I were a woman, as charming and lovely as Donna, I would rather be described with a femine term as opposed to a male or even worse neuter one!
However Donna you are a bartender from this day forward! And probalby lose some feminity in my eye as a result thereof!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
I had one of the most pleasurable days of my life yesterday!
It started with the drive back from Miami to Key West!
The weather was perfect. Sun bright. Temperature high 80s. And of course the top down on the convertible!
It is only 155 miles. However it takes 4 hours. All the time!
The road is 2 lanes, one each way. Basically, no passing! If you attempt to pass, you take your life in your hands!
Speed limits vary from a low of 30 to a high of 55. Generally around 45. And policia all over the place!
So my habit is to put on the cruise control at each speed and just enjoy the trip!
Yesterday for some reason was more enjoyable than normal. An added bonus type trip!
One strange thing occurred. The ocean water is generally green. Yesterday for a 20 mile stretch from Islamorada to Marathon it was blue. Virgin Mary blue.
Why? I have never seen blue water in the keys before. The only thing I noticed was the tide was out. Appreciably. There were sand bars all over the place where previously there were none.
If anyone can tell me why the water was blue, please write and do so.
Last night was the 10th anniversary of the Key West Symphony! A very big deal!
For the anniversary performance, maestro conductor Sebrina Alfonso out did herself!
The evening srated with a pianist and Beethoven and Strauss. Not bad!
However what only can be described as magnifique were the performances after intermission.
Sebrina arranged for guest vocalists to sing excerpts from Madam Butterfly! A soprano, a tenor and a mezzo soprano. Bravo performances!
When Butterfly took the dagger to her throat, the tears were running down my cheeks!
It was a best of the best type performance!
So far my day had been great! A relaxing beautiful drive! And Puccini's Butterfly which touched me!
However the night was not yet over!
When I got home from the drive back from Miami, one of my messages was from Rit Lennon. Rit is an old friend from Utica. I have not seen him in several years. He is a retired jeweler.
The last time Rit and I had been together for any length of time was 10 years ago for Super Bowl 25 in Miami. What a time that was! But for another time!
Rit's message was that he and wife Nancy were in Key West for the weekend. We finally hooked up at La Te Da after the symphony.
It was good to see Rit and Nancy. Nice people! Good people! They just married 2 years ago after prior marriages which had failed. They are beautiful together. In love!
They were already in the La Te Da state of mind when I arrived. Drinking and dancing and all that kind of stuff! And cavorting with the other bar patrons! Rit always was a quick learner!
The road trip, Madam Butterfly and Rit and Nancy! What a day!
I am taking Rit and Nancy out for a Key Wester tonight! Bobby Nesbitt at Kwest, dinner at Antonia's and Larry Smith at the Pier House. What an evening it will be!
It started with the drive back from Miami to Key West!
The weather was perfect. Sun bright. Temperature high 80s. And of course the top down on the convertible!
It is only 155 miles. However it takes 4 hours. All the time!
The road is 2 lanes, one each way. Basically, no passing! If you attempt to pass, you take your life in your hands!
Speed limits vary from a low of 30 to a high of 55. Generally around 45. And policia all over the place!
So my habit is to put on the cruise control at each speed and just enjoy the trip!
Yesterday for some reason was more enjoyable than normal. An added bonus type trip!
One strange thing occurred. The ocean water is generally green. Yesterday for a 20 mile stretch from Islamorada to Marathon it was blue. Virgin Mary blue.
Why? I have never seen blue water in the keys before. The only thing I noticed was the tide was out. Appreciably. There were sand bars all over the place where previously there were none.
If anyone can tell me why the water was blue, please write and do so.
Last night was the 10th anniversary of the Key West Symphony! A very big deal!
For the anniversary performance, maestro conductor Sebrina Alfonso out did herself!
The evening srated with a pianist and Beethoven and Strauss. Not bad!
However what only can be described as magnifique were the performances after intermission.
Sebrina arranged for guest vocalists to sing excerpts from Madam Butterfly! A soprano, a tenor and a mezzo soprano. Bravo performances!
When Butterfly took the dagger to her throat, the tears were running down my cheeks!
It was a best of the best type performance!
So far my day had been great! A relaxing beautiful drive! And Puccini's Butterfly which touched me!
However the night was not yet over!
When I got home from the drive back from Miami, one of my messages was from Rit Lennon. Rit is an old friend from Utica. I have not seen him in several years. He is a retired jeweler.
The last time Rit and I had been together for any length of time was 10 years ago for Super Bowl 25 in Miami. What a time that was! But for another time!
Rit's message was that he and wife Nancy were in Key West for the weekend. We finally hooked up at La Te Da after the symphony.
It was good to see Rit and Nancy. Nice people! Good people! They just married 2 years ago after prior marriages which had failed. They are beautiful together. In love!
They were already in the La Te Da state of mind when I arrived. Drinking and dancing and all that kind of stuff! And cavorting with the other bar patrons! Rit always was a quick learner!
The road trip, Madam Butterfly and Rit and Nancy! What a day!
I am taking Rit and Nancy out for a Key Wester tonight! Bobby Nesbitt at Kwest, dinner at Antonia's and Larry Smith at the Pier House. What an evening it will be!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Nice South Beach day yesterday!
The afternoon was spent at the beach. Where else after what I reported yesterday!
There were four middle aged women from France 20 feet in front of me. We chatted. They were apologetic in a non-apologetic way. "We are from France!" Thus they explained their four sets of magnificent oil glistening bare bosoms lying proudly erect in the afternoon sun!
No apology was needed! I was thrilled they were French!
Actually on closer observation it was evident that a large percentage of the beach must have been of French heritage! A magnificent sight!
All things quickly become boring! Must be! Because I soon fell asleep. For three hours! And paid for it last night twisiting and turning in bed from the burn!
Speaking of last night also, I decided to return to Joe's Stone Crabs for dinner. Who knows the next time I might be in this area again! Another specatular meal!
I return to Key West later in the morning. I am actually looking forward to it. I enjoy the drive and I enjoy Key West. What could be better than living in a place where you are on vacation all the time!
The afternoon was spent at the beach. Where else after what I reported yesterday!
There were four middle aged women from France 20 feet in front of me. We chatted. They were apologetic in a non-apologetic way. "We are from France!" Thus they explained their four sets of magnificent oil glistening bare bosoms lying proudly erect in the afternoon sun!
No apology was needed! I was thrilled they were French!
Actually on closer observation it was evident that a large percentage of the beach must have been of French heritage! A magnificent sight!
All things quickly become boring! Must be! Because I soon fell asleep. For three hours! And paid for it last night twisiting and turning in bed from the burn!
Speaking of last night also, I decided to return to Joe's Stone Crabs for dinner. Who knows the next time I might be in this area again! Another specatular meal!
I return to Key West later in the morning. I am actually looking forward to it. I enjoy the drive and I enjoy Key West. What could be better than living in a place where you are on vacation all the time!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
South Beach!
But first my apologies for no blog yeasterday. The internet connection at my hotel was down. These recent computer problems I am experiencing are getting me down!
However we are up and ready! Here we go!
I have not been to Miami/South Beach in about 33 years, with two exceptions. I was here for a Super Bowl about 12 years ago and a Syracuse/Miami football game about 10 years ago. Both short trips. So it has been a very long time I have been away.
South Beach is blocks longer! Increased construction and rehab of old hotels. The street scene is the same. Except fewer people!
The recession is here! The street is not jammed packed. Tables are easy to get at restaurants. No wait!
The best example I can give is Joe's Stone Crabs.
I was last there over 30 years ago. Always a roughly 1 1/2 hour wait for a table. I walked in tuesday night at 8:15 and was immediately seated! And so was everyone else!
The meal was outstanding! Just as I remembered! Jumbo stone crabs, hash browns and key lime pie! What can I say! To die for! All of you should have been with me to enjoy it!
I spoke to the waiter about the season and business. He said the season was slow and business died last week. Always expected to some degree in South Florida after Easter Sunday. But not to the extent as this year!
I have spoken with other waiters, bartenders and business people. All say the same. Business is dramatically down! Things are bad!
One waiter who appeared to be 40 told me he was in advertising in Miami till last year. Business got bad so he became a waiter. Things have gotten worse so he is leaving town tomorrow. Going to North Carolina which is one of the few places in our country experiencing some sort of a boom. He has to have work to support himself and his family!
Reminds me of John Steinback's Grapes of Wrath!
I had an interesting experience at Joe's.
Back in the 1960s and 1970s I was a frequent customer. Note again it is over 30 years since my last meal there. One of the more mature captains, regal in his black tuxedo, came over to my table and asked if I was Mr. Petrone from Utica. Though I did not remember him, he remembered me! What a great feeling!
I spent many a memorable evening at Joe's. One especially with my friend Louis B. from Utica. Good memories!
However it is today! Life continues to move on! Life continues to change, to be different!
I worked yesterday. All day. From 7:30 to 5 non-stop! No breakfast, lunch or dinner! My mind and body actually welcomed the food withdrawl! I needed a day off from eating, even though it was unplanned.
Last night was uneventful. I walked along South Beach, had a mozzerella appetizer and one gin and was in bed early! Tired from the day! I am obviously not as young as I used to be!
The drive to Miami was fantastic! Drove the whole way with the top down! A beautiful and restful drive! Water all around me!
I was supposed to work today also. However we were all driven yesterday and completed our tasks. So I am going to spend a screw off day here in South Beach!
The first thing I am going to do is go out and have a breakfast breakfast! I am hungry!
Then to the beach. My hotel is right on the beach so it is easy.
I have a very selfish reason for wanting to lie on the beach. Everyone I have talked to down here tells me the beaches in this area are generally topless. Both sexes! Ho ho! I am going to have a very visual breast afternoon!
I find this topless sunbathing by women interesting. For more than the usual and normal reasons! Such activity is rare on Key West beaches! Extremely rare! Yet here on South Beach apparently commonplace.
Key West has the reputation adult debauchery, but obviously the game is played elsewhere!
I shall report in detail tomorrow re my beach experience!
But first my apologies for no blog yeasterday. The internet connection at my hotel was down. These recent computer problems I am experiencing are getting me down!
However we are up and ready! Here we go!
I have not been to Miami/South Beach in about 33 years, with two exceptions. I was here for a Super Bowl about 12 years ago and a Syracuse/Miami football game about 10 years ago. Both short trips. So it has been a very long time I have been away.
South Beach is blocks longer! Increased construction and rehab of old hotels. The street scene is the same. Except fewer people!
The recession is here! The street is not jammed packed. Tables are easy to get at restaurants. No wait!
The best example I can give is Joe's Stone Crabs.
I was last there over 30 years ago. Always a roughly 1 1/2 hour wait for a table. I walked in tuesday night at 8:15 and was immediately seated! And so was everyone else!
The meal was outstanding! Just as I remembered! Jumbo stone crabs, hash browns and key lime pie! What can I say! To die for! All of you should have been with me to enjoy it!
I spoke to the waiter about the season and business. He said the season was slow and business died last week. Always expected to some degree in South Florida after Easter Sunday. But not to the extent as this year!
I have spoken with other waiters, bartenders and business people. All say the same. Business is dramatically down! Things are bad!
One waiter who appeared to be 40 told me he was in advertising in Miami till last year. Business got bad so he became a waiter. Things have gotten worse so he is leaving town tomorrow. Going to North Carolina which is one of the few places in our country experiencing some sort of a boom. He has to have work to support himself and his family!
Reminds me of John Steinback's Grapes of Wrath!
I had an interesting experience at Joe's.
Back in the 1960s and 1970s I was a frequent customer. Note again it is over 30 years since my last meal there. One of the more mature captains, regal in his black tuxedo, came over to my table and asked if I was Mr. Petrone from Utica. Though I did not remember him, he remembered me! What a great feeling!
I spent many a memorable evening at Joe's. One especially with my friend Louis B. from Utica. Good memories!
However it is today! Life continues to move on! Life continues to change, to be different!
I worked yesterday. All day. From 7:30 to 5 non-stop! No breakfast, lunch or dinner! My mind and body actually welcomed the food withdrawl! I needed a day off from eating, even though it was unplanned.
Last night was uneventful. I walked along South Beach, had a mozzerella appetizer and one gin and was in bed early! Tired from the day! I am obviously not as young as I used to be!
The drive to Miami was fantastic! Drove the whole way with the top down! A beautiful and restful drive! Water all around me!
I was supposed to work today also. However we were all driven yesterday and completed our tasks. So I am going to spend a screw off day here in South Beach!
The first thing I am going to do is go out and have a breakfast breakfast! I am hungry!
Then to the beach. My hotel is right on the beach so it is easy.
I have a very selfish reason for wanting to lie on the beach. Everyone I have talked to down here tells me the beaches in this area are generally topless. Both sexes! Ho ho! I am going to have a very visual breast afternoon!
I find this topless sunbathing by women interesting. For more than the usual and normal reasons! Such activity is rare on Key West beaches! Extremely rare! Yet here on South Beach apparently commonplace.
Key West has the reputation adult debauchery, but obviously the game is played elsewhere!
I shall report in detail tomorrow re my beach experience!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
It rained again during the night! Poured!
I guess the guy who turns the faucet on and off does not know it never rains this time of the year in Key West!
Headed for Square One last night for a drink before dinner. Ran into Bob and Becky sitting there outside having a drink. So I joined them.
Bob and Becky have been snowbirds for years. They come from Pennsylvania. They run a major printing business there. Big time!
Bob told me he just started doing some printing for Turning Stone. Turning Stone is an Indian casino and resort about 15 miles from my home town of Utica. A small world it is!
Of course we talked politics! Pennsylvania is the next battleground in the Obama/Clinton fracas!
My friends are neither Obama nor Clinton supporters. They are for McCain. We had an in depth and wild discussion! Our talk gave me the opportunity to explore motivations. If Bob and Becky are typical Pennsylvania voters, and I see no reason why not, Obama is going to have a hard time there!
Then to dinner at La Trattoria at the bar. Cathy was bartender last night. Originally from Albany, NY. We northerners are taking over Key West!
Spaghetti with oil, garlic and red pepper! Thank God I was not with a woman!
This morning I leave for Miami on business. A 4 hour drive through the keys. I look forward to it!
I shall be in Miami till friday. Staying in South Beach, a stone's throw from Joe's Stone Crabs. I cannot wait to indulge in the meal!
Yes, I am bringing my lap top with me! Tomorrow's blog will be from South Beach!
I guess the guy who turns the faucet on and off does not know it never rains this time of the year in Key West!
Headed for Square One last night for a drink before dinner. Ran into Bob and Becky sitting there outside having a drink. So I joined them.
Bob and Becky have been snowbirds for years. They come from Pennsylvania. They run a major printing business there. Big time!
Bob told me he just started doing some printing for Turning Stone. Turning Stone is an Indian casino and resort about 15 miles from my home town of Utica. A small world it is!
Of course we talked politics! Pennsylvania is the next battleground in the Obama/Clinton fracas!
My friends are neither Obama nor Clinton supporters. They are for McCain. We had an in depth and wild discussion! Our talk gave me the opportunity to explore motivations. If Bob and Becky are typical Pennsylvania voters, and I see no reason why not, Obama is going to have a hard time there!
Then to dinner at La Trattoria at the bar. Cathy was bartender last night. Originally from Albany, NY. We northerners are taking over Key West!
Spaghetti with oil, garlic and red pepper! Thank God I was not with a woman!
This morning I leave for Miami on business. A 4 hour drive through the keys. I look forward to it!
I shall be in Miami till friday. Staying in South Beach, a stone's throw from Joe's Stone Crabs. I cannot wait to indulge in the meal!
Yes, I am bringing my lap top with me! Tomorrow's blog will be from South Beach!
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