Good morning!

I did it last night! Had a drink! First one in a long time!

I enjoyed sipping it.

I also ate real food. Another welcome experience! Not a lot. Just enough to satiate me.

All a wonderful experience!

The evening started with Bobby Nesbitt. He has a new venue on Wednesdays. Aqua. The room was full of good people enjoying good singing by Bobby and his friends.

Afterwards I walked over to Antonia's for my first ral meal in 33 days.

Clayton is back from Columbia. You will recall I joked how he was crazy to go and might not get out. Well, it almost happened!

Clayton is a resident/citizen of New Zealand. He has a green card permitting him to be in the United States and work here also.

He took his old green card with him on the trip. By mistake, of course. It was expired.

So when he went to leave Columbia to return to Key West, it was no way Jose! His green card was no good and the authorities would not permit him to leave.

After some serious anguish, the problem was resolved and Clayton was permitted to board the plane.

Enjoy your day!

Shades of JAWS!

The early lobster season started at sun up this morning.

I went out on my bedroom balcony at sunrise to see if anything was going on. Within 500 feet of the shore there were already 12 boats out there with snorklers in the water diving for lobsters.

An hour later I went out again. This time it looked like the Normandy invasion! Boats all over the place! Too many to count!

During the rest of the morning the boats were going out by my house. Most were small. All overloaded. With more people than the vessel could seem to hold. Mostly men. Mostly carrying large bellies.

That is why the reference to Jaws. It reminded me of when all the fisherman went out to catch the big white in order to win the cash award.

The next few days are a big time in the keys. The start of the lobster mini season is like a holiday. People who rarely go out on the water, rush to do so. And everyone has a good time! The beer flows, the company is good and it is not difficult to catch lobsters on the first day of the season. They are in abundance.

I played golf this morning. Too many guys showed up so Brad and I played alone. It was fun! We finished in under 3 hours. I sucked on the front. Played much better on the back. Shot 50 on the back. Good for me! I needed a 6 on the par 5 18th to break 50. I did not have it in me. Shot a 7. I have not broken 50 for 9 in years. Perhaps next week.

The diet is ended! Hooray! I hit 20 pounds this morning. 20 pounds in 33 days. Not bad. I recommend the Nutrisystem diet. It works.

It is close to 5. Have to shave and shower. Then off to hear Bobby Nesbitt. He has a new Wednesday venue. Aqua. I recommend his show to you!

I am not a happy camper this morning.

I was brushing my teeth yesterday afternoon and threw out my back. Would you believe it!

Ergo, I spent the rest of the day/evening in bed trying to find a comfortable position.

Yesterday I only had one more pound to lose. Today, two. I gained a pound!

My back still hurts! The scale sucks!

Not going to be a good day!

The sun is coming up. Looks like it is going to be a good day.

I did not do anything unusual yesterday. Afte leaving the grandkids, I returned home. Did a little sun time. Then watched TV the rest of the day/evening.

I am into Mad Men. Love it! It is set in the early 1960s. A time I was starting to practice law. A great show! I recommend it! Sunday at 10.

I lost another pound! Nineteen total! Whoopie! Only 1 more to go! Hopefully tomorrow!

I started yesterday's blog by telling you how great the weather was. It did not last long. We had big time rain later in the day. So much the streets were flooded!

Today it looks like it is going to rain again. Dark and overcast. However it is mid afternoon and we have had nothing yet except a few sprinkles.

The overcast blocks the sun and makes walking easier. I walked extra long today. I am committed to droppinmg those last 2 pounds as soon as possible.

No luck today. I did not lose even a pound. However I am confident that sometime this week I will reach my goal of 20 pounds.

Vanity is my middle name. I have lost 3 inches in the waist. Perhaps more. Love it!

Lisa and the grandkids came to visit this morning. Destruction! But fun!

Lisa, Corey and I watched Meet the Press while they were running around. Hard to concentrate sometimes with them in the background!

Obama had a great week in the Middlel East and Europe. It is difficult now for any one to honestly question his ability to deal with foreign affairs and serving as commander in chief. True, one week does not make him a master. But judgment is the key. And Obama seems to have good judgment!

This week he will probbably dwell on economics. Very important obviouisly! Lets see what impact he has on us after he shares some of his thoughts on how we must proceed in order to eradicate ourselves from the economic hole we are in.

Gasoline is $.25 a gallon cheaper here in Key West. But still well over $4 a gallon. And groceries seem to get a little more expensive each week.

We need concerted leadership to correct our dollar problems. It took us a long time to get into the hole. We are not going to get out in a day or short time. However we need a plan to move in the correct direction as soon as possible. And then stick to that plan!

I leave you now to hand paint with my granddaughter Ally.

What a beautiful morning!

Nary a cloud in the sky. Sun brightly shining. Water deep blue. A slight wind. Enough to make the palm trees bend a bit.

The iguana problem is receivng increased attention. Legislation is being sought to permit their extermination. Freezing, yes freezing, is the suggested method. Apparently they cannot be euthanized like dogs since iguanas are cold blooded.

Remember the guy who shot at the chickens with a pellet gun. The authorities were undecided whether the use of the pellet gun constituted cruel treatment. It has finally been decided it does and so the individual is being charged.

I finally lost another pound! 18 total to date. Only 2 more to go. I wish it were over!

A quiet day yesterday.

I walked in the morning. From the Atlantic to the Gulf and back again. Hot!

With a stop on the Gulf side of the island to have some water and read the papers at the Pier House Beach Bar.

I spent the rest of the day at home doing paper work. Till around 8 last night. Never got to go out. Early to bed.

The diet is still controlling my ife. I wish it were over!

I have not lost a pound in 4 consecutive days! Very demoralizing!

I only have 3 pounds to go to reach my goal of a 20 pound loss. It's like a woman in her ninth month of pregnncy. I want this to be over.

Soon!

I have not written since Monday. Sorry. Still having computer access problems. My new one is in the process of shipment.

My life has been quiet this week. The diet still controls. I am stuck at 17 pounds. Three days now. My goal is 20. It is becoming a stretch.

Played golf yesterday. As well as I have been playing the last couple of weeks, I played poorly yesterday. Terrible! Lost $14.

I decied it was time to clean up and go out last night. That meant shaving also. It had been several days and was starting to itch. As well as making me look beat up!

I opted for the bar at LaTrattoria. One water, 2 diet Pepsis and 1 decaf.

The bar was jumping last night.

Erin the bartender's mother was celebrating her birthday with some friends. The mother is Sherry. She was in the company of 3 other ladies. I know Caroline and Kerry. I am not sure of the other's name.

They were having a fun time! Loud and clear!

Caroline and Kerry came over to say hello. They descibed themselves as my groupies. Made my night! I should be so lucky!

The iguanas are becoming a problem. They are starting to overpower the island. All over the place!

Legislation is in the works to remediate the problem. Hope it is more successful than the chickens clean up.

The iguanas are basically non bothersome. However they eat up the vegetation like crazy! I have lost 3 feet of foliage in 2 different places. This greenery is expensive in the keys. It must be purchased, planted and cared for. Cared for includes irrigation. So it is a bit costly!

Today is Lori day. Haircut time! Have to run.....

Sunday was OK!

We went to the beach first. Fort Zach. Ally would not play with me. She refused to share her pail and would not help me build a sand castle. Sometimes you just can't make friends!

Ran into Anna my housekeeper and her family. She has 2 beautiful young children. The baby is huge. He weighed over 9 pounds at birth and now is 18 pounds! Anna is relatively tiny. Had to be one hell of a child birth!

Anna and her family are leaving for a one month vacation Wednesday. They are returning to their home country. Poland. Kids and all!

After the beach, we headed over to Dante's. Son in law Corey had a group there he wanted to join.

Corey is the Chief Archeologist at the Mel Fisher Museum. For well over 20 years.

Twenty years ago Mel Fisher discovered a slave ship at the bootom of the sea. This was after he had discovered hundreds of million dollars in gold there also.

Yesterday, the group that discovered the slave ship had a reunion. Families and all! At Dante's.

My grandkids had a wonderful time, as did their father Corey.

I watched the finish of the British Open at Dante's bar. Harrington deserved to win. I was pulling for Norman. Just too old! Hard to win any tournamnet at that age. Especially when he himself admitted he has not been playing/practicing much. Age takes its toll! However he had a great 3 days and a great tournament!

Diet! Diet! Diet!

Lost another pound. 17 in all! Only 3 to go!

Have a good day!

Happy Sunday!

Mama Mia!

I went to see the movie last night. Run, don't walk, to see it!

A musical.

It is a HAPPY movie! Fast moving and warm. I left the theatre with an uplifted feeling!

The proof of the pudding came at the end of the film. The audience burst out into loud applause! When is the last time you experienced that at a movie?

Meryl Streep stars in a singing role. Unusual for her. What a talent!

Bocci is international.

The Key West bocci leagues are in limbo till August. Then we start up again.

Rome, NY is a little city 14 miles from Utica. It is the size of Key West. This week the National Bocci Competition is being held there.

A small world!

The diet moves on. I am now at 16 pounds. Wow! In only 23 days. This Nutrisystem works if you follow it. It is obvious I have been anal in my approach to it.

Lisa called. Sunday is family day. I am not certain whether it will be Camille's, the beach or breakfast at her house. I am waiting to hear from her again with my marching orders.

Missed another day. Sorry I did not blog yesterday. Still waiting for my new computer to arrive.

Diet first! I have lost 15 pounds! In 22 days! Only 5 more pounds to go!

Thursday night there was a fundraiser at Schooner's Wharf. For Aids Help. A bikini contest!

Normally I would not have attended. Too hot and I have seen enough of them in my time. However I am glad I did go and show my support.

The ladies participating were young. All lovely. All clad in bikini bottoms. No tops however! Ho ho!

Their jewels were spray painted to comply with local law.

Again all were magnificent! Absolutely gorgeous!

And interestingly each behaved the same way.

As they were called to the stage to show their wares, each exhibited a touch of embarassment. They were on the stage for a good cause and doing what was expected. However this was not someting any one of them was comfortable with. And so the naive reticient glow was visible on each face.

A healthy thing!

Congratualtions to each lady participating. It was for a good cause and much money was raised!

I supported one of the participants in particular. Jessica. Jessica is a school teacher. My school teachers never looked like Jessica. Of course, I had nuns. Anyhow, she was absolutely beautiful! Would have been so even if she had been totally attired!

Jessica is friend to Larry and Christine Smith. They were promoting her candidacy and asking people to donate to the cause in Jessica's name.

There also was a large contingency of Pier House employees in attendance supporting Jessica.

Last night I had dinner (diet Pepsi, water and decaf coffee) at Antonia's with friends from Stuart. The husband is an economist and the wife a psychologist. Afterward we trotted over to Virgilio's for music and drinks.

Virgilio's is booming! I have not been there in quite a while. Lots of fun!

I had a good time with my friends. Our conversation covered a multitude of sins. What else with a money person and a head doctor?

So much for today. I am at Lisa's. The grandkids are supposed to be napping. But my presence has kept them up. That is the way it is supposed to be! I will further keep them up by playing with them now! Lisa will love me!

No blog ysterday. Sorry. I am still waiting for delivery of my new computer.

Played golf yesterday. With Larry, Roger, Bud and Nick. Fun!

Why fun? Because I finally won!

I was the big dollar winner! All of $24! When someone else wins, it is $50-70. I win and it is only $24! But a win is a win and I am not complaining!

I never win. So it was a treat. And a lesson learned!

The winner buys drinks afterwards. The drinks cost me $16. So I only netted $8 on the deal! But again I was happy to win.

Do not get the impression I am good. I get strokes. I need them!

I get 1 on all holes, except the 3s. And on certain holes I get 2. I need them! No one complains giving them to me. The guys I play with are good golfers!

The diet is ongoing. Another pound today. I am up to 14. 6 more to go. I can't wait to finish. The diet is getting difficult!

Today is my son John's birthday. He is 48.

I remember the night he was born. We were living in Syracuse at the time. I was attending law school.

His mother got pains in the early evening. This was to be her first born. She was not in a hurry to get to the hospital. She wanted to eat first. So we stopped at a take-out and she had a greasy cheeseburger and a chocoalte milk shake. Of course, she lost it all soon after we arrived at the hospital.

Births were not as they are today. It was 1959. Husbands were not allowed to stay in the labor room with the wife. I was on the first floor of the hospital and my wife on the sixth.

I was allowed to visit her for a few minutes on one occasion. The rooms are not as the birthing rooms of today. My poor wife was in a small stark room. Dark. The sides of the bed were pulled up. She was agonizing. No TV or music. The only sounds were from the woman next door who was in labor also. And she was screaming and cussing!

My wife was a trooper. She was biting her bottom lip. Scared as hell! Honestly, I was glad I could not stay. Men were not cut out for these things in those days.

John was born just before midnight. When they let me up to the 6th floor to seem him, I got scared. He was covered with gook. And his head was pointed! I asked the nurse holding him what was wrong with his head. She said nothing. She then took the palm of her hand and pressed his skull downward. He was now normal appearing! She explained he was a forceps delivery and that had caused his head to be elongated.

John has grown up. As I said, he is 48 now. A father of 4. And a lawyer also. He and my daughter Lori now run the law firm I started.

Happy birthday son!

Last night was another quiet one. The diet controls my existence!

I stayed in, except for going over to the college to watch the grandkids take swimming lessons. Always fun! Always enjoyable!

I still have not lost another pound. It has been 5 days. Starting to affect my determination and will power.

I walked Samther's Beach this morning. There is a strong wind off the Atlantic so it was a good place to walk. I keep trying!

My good friend Alex plays the horn occasionally with Larry Smith. I have mentioned Alex before. He did a CD which sold well last year.

Alex has now graduated. He recently did a video which is showing on UTube. I have not seen it. But everyone who has tells me it is terrific.

The reason I have not viewed the video yet is that I am computer illiterate in many respects. I do not know how to get into UTube!

I am told the video also includes iguanas.

Iguanas are all over the keys. There was an invasion a few years ago and then they propogated. Just like the chickens!

However the iguanas are not bothersome. They do not bother humans. They do not bite. They are vegetarians.

I have a family of 3 iguanas that have been living on my property for 2 years. They appear to be papa, moma and baby iguana. The father is close to 3 feet long. the mother about 2 feet. and baby iguana about a foot.

They seem lazy. They set themselves in one place and bask in the sun. Their heads are always raised facing the sun.

And they do not bother me or other humans. I can stand right next to one and it will not move. Makes me wonder sometimes whose property it is!

Anyhow the litany regarding the iguanas is precipitated by Alex's video. I am sure you are all smarter and more adept than I when it comes to the internet. So look up the video on UTube and enjoy it! You will find it under Island Alex.

The weather continues to be rainy. In fact, it is pouring at this moment as I write.

Tonight is Ladies' Night with Larry Smith at the Pier House. Featured is the charming and lovely Kathleen Peace. You must see and hear her! Absolutely outstanding! Showtime is 9 o'clock.

Have a good day!

It is Monday afternoon. Raining all day. Heavy and easy. That makes for 2 consecutive days of rain. Unusual this year. We are in a drought of 2-3 years duration. However the rain is needed and no one is complaining.

Heard from Anna again. She is now off to Camogli. Camogli is on the Italian Riviera. Anna has an apartment there. She is remodeling and so is off to see how the workmen are doing.

Anna travels a lot! What a life!

Antoina bartender Clayton is still in Columbia. I read in yesterday's paper that several innocent people were killed by gunmen in one of Columbia's main towns.

Clayton, get your ass back here!

I was with a friend yesterday whose eyes looked terrible. That heavy tired look. I asked what was wrong. Apparently my friend has a cat. One of those bushy hairy ones. Miniscule cat hairs had gotten into his eyes. A common occurrence I was told.

Anyhow, the cat hair situation reminded me of Charlie Morrison.

Charlie was a black man. Still is assuming he is alive.

My story regarding Charlie goes back to the early 1960's. Around 1963.

I was early into my legal practice and had purchased my first home. Charlie was a client/friend who did odd jobs for me in exchange for bartered fees and/or actual payment.

I was trying to get Charlie into one steady job. In one of our conversations he told me his father had been a barber. So I suggested Charlie become a barber. He responded very emphatically "...Oh no, Mr. Petrone!" I asked why. He said that when his father died they performed an autopsy. When they cut him open, they found his lungs full of little hairs. There was no way Charlie was going to let that happen to him!

The house I bought need a paint job. So I hired Charlie to do it. Two coats I told him. I bought the primer and finish paints to be used.

When I got home the first night after the painting started, I noticed something strange as I approached my home. It was bright! And the windows were painted over!

I asked Charlie why he painted the windows. They were totally covered in white paint! He said it made the job easier. No cutting in. When he was finished with the whole house, he would go back and scrape the windows.

Till the day I sold that house some 15 years later, the windows were never perfectly clean!

The reason the house shown brightly was that Charlie used the finish coat first. He thought it looked better and could not understand why I bought the flat also which was dull appearing.

Charlie did odd jobs for a lot of people.

One of them involved painting a floor over with polyurethane. I do not know if it is still used today. Back then it gave a bright shiny gloss to wood.

Polyurethane was highly inflammable.

Warnings on dangerous products were not as they are today. Today a warning on anything inflammable is printed on the container in big bold letters. Back then the law was not strict in this area. There was a warning on the container. But it was the size of the ingredient/chemical composition print. So Charlie never got to read it.

The warning was that when used it was to be used in a well ventilated area. Windows were to be open.

Charlie painted the floor with the windows closed and the only door to the room closed shut.

There was an explosion!

Charlie was badly burned over half his body.

Charlie became a white man! When he recovered, one of his residuals was a loss of pigmentation. Big time! His brown skin became white. This area included his face and arms.

Although a serious event, Charlie and I used to joke afterward at the extreme he went to to become white!

Charlie also benefitted greatly from the large award I got for him for the failure of the container to carry a proper warning.

I have not seen Charlie in well over 40 years. I hope he is still with us and well and happy!

All that Charlie stuff because someone in Key West got cat hairs in his eyes yesterday!

Sunday afternoon!

Still without a computer. I am working at Lisa's.

Diet seems to be at a standstill. Sixteen days and still only 12 pounds lost. I have not dropped even a pound in several days. Not very encouraging!

I finally cheated last night. Only a bit. Went to La Trattoria to sit at the bar. Ate home first. Ordered a gin on the rocks. Only drank half of it. For some reason, I was not enjoying it.

Body thinner though. I can see it and feel it in my clothes.

One of these mornings soon I will see a 2-3 pound drop on the scale. I hope!

Rained heavy this morning. So no beach visit with the grandkids. We have eliminated Sunday breakfast at Camille's till I am off the diet.

Chickens are getting harassed a bit. The local paper reported 2 animal cruelty incidents regarding the chickens.

The first was someone killing them with a pellet gun. Another name for a bb gun, I assume.

The other was a baseball bat.

The individual who used the bat was charged wth animal brutality. The pellet gun incident is still under investigation to see if it qualifies for a charge.

Anna returned from Berlin.

She says the German people were excited that Obama was going to speak in front of Brandenberg Gate. She further reported the German people were not in agreement with the German President asking Obama not to speak there.

Regarding the snake in her mother's vestibule, the police do not know where it came from. So unless another one shows up, that is the end of that story.

The recent Key West weather has been hot and humid by day and comfortable by evening. I have not needed air conditioning in the evening the last 10 days.

Again, this is a rainy day. First one in a long time. Rain off and on. In fact, it is thundering big time right now.

My life is dull while I am on the diet. I am doing good in abstaining from food and drink. However it puts a serious crink in my social life. I basicall stay home every night. It is the only way I can avoid the near occasion of sin. By sin, of course, I mean food and drink. Any other type sin is generally on the abstention list anyhow.

The Presidential campaign is dull. The primary was more exciting.

I am surprised Obama is not leading by a greater margin in the polls. With all the adverse things affecting us, he should have a 20 point lead instead of 4-8 points.

Could it possibly be discomfort with a person of color running?

Food is getting expensive. I do not have to tell you. Even with the meager amounts I buy on this diet, I can see an increase in prices.

I am a yougurt buff. I shop at Publix. ThePublix brand comes in an 8 ounce container. Publix has stopped selling the 8 ounce container. It has been reduced to 6 ounces. Price wise there has been an alteration also. Depending on the special price on a given day, I find that the 6 ounce container will cost more.

The yogurt is bought in multiples. Generally 8 or 10 at a time. Uner the new system and smaller container, I will be getting 4 ounces less for the same price. Four ounces less for the same money to me and everyone else who purchases yogurt on a regular basis is a lot of money and obviously increased profit to Publix. At consumer expense!

Another rip off! For shame Publix!

I am lost without a computer. I can't wait for the new one to arrive and be set up.

Larry Smith features a female singer every Tuesday night at the Pier House. This Tuesday Kathleen Peace is featured. A fantastic voice! Go listen to her!

Time for my diet snack. Talk with you tomorrow.

I am still waiting for delivery and set up of my new computer. In the meantime, I am without one. That is why I missed writing yesterday's blog. Sorry.

I am at Lisa's doing this one.

The diet is the big thing in my life at this moment. I am true blue. Have not cheated yet. Twelve pounds in 15 days.

However I have not lost in the last 3 days. I am anxiously waiting for a 2-3 pound loss!

The diet is keeping me in evenings. Cannot eat. Cannot drink. So why go out! I am married to the TV set!

I do go out in the morning to walk. I am walking all over the island. Must exercise!

There is a new scam re gasoline. Apparently legal. But typical bullshit!

There was a warning on the internet that some gas stations are charging extra where a credit card is used. This is the way it works. The price per gallon is on a pole at the gas station. It is also on the pump. However if a credit card is used at the pump, the pump is orchestrated to immediatly increase the price per gallon from $.05-.08 per gallon. The pump per gallon cost automatically adjusts itself to show the increase. However many consumers are not aware since who pays attention to these things while pumping.

The cure to the problem is first to be cautious. See if your gas station is playing the game. If so, change gas stations!

It is almost 2 in the afternoon. I am hungry. No lunch yet. So I am off to home and my Nutrisystem treats.

I am starting to go stir crazy. Need to get out. I may do so tonight.

If you missed yesterdy's blog, I wrote it late. Read the blog preceding this one to catch up.

Florida Keys Community College is quite a place! It is the intellectual and cultural center of the lower keys.

Prior to yesterday, I had only been on its grounds for performances at the Tennessee Williams Theatre. A beautiful and functional place.

The grandkids are taking swimming lessons. They are given at the College. Last night I went to watch.

The pool is located outside and in the rear of the College. Off a large lagoon.

Again the word beauty comes into pay. What a setting! The pool, the water and the College. Whoever planned this place knew what he was doing.

I sat and watched a group of 3-4 year olds take their second lesson. All serious minded! None fearful. At least they did not show fear. It was heartwarming, exciting and funny!

Three lessons a week for 3 weeks and then they swim! I believe it!

Big day with the diet. I lost 2 pounds! Wow! I now have lost a total of 12 pounds in 13 days. For real! This Nutrisystem diet is terrific! However I must admit it is not easy. I feel lousy. I am very tired. And my disposition is worse than normal! But the diet is working! Only 8 pounds to go!

So much for today. Enjoy!

I am doing today's blog at close to 9 in the evening. My computer crashed again. I am waiting for a new one to be delivered and set up. So I am at Lisa's tonight doing what should have been done in the morning.

Sorry.

A nice day. Warm and humid. However a strong breeze. So not bad.

Played golf this morning. With Larry, Yankee, Roger and a new guy named Nick.

I played well. Won $10!

Yankee was the big winner. He won around $70! Good going, Yankee!

I played exceptionally well on the front nine. Won 4 holes. And tied on 4 other holes, thereby defeating the person who had to win. That person in each instance was Larry Smith. Sorry Larry! But every once and a while even I excell.

Larry, by the way, was the big loser.

The diet is in its 12th day. I lost another pound. 10 total. I am at the half way point. 10 more to go.

I almost cheated last night. The diet was getting to me. Big time! But I held in there. Today was easier.

Will get back to you at some time tomorrow when I have a computer to access.

It rained heavy off and on yesterday. And during the night, it thundered loudly frequently. The rainy season is upon us!

I walked late morning yesterday. Was the humidity heavy! Real heavy! Found it difficult on occasion to breath. So I cut the walk short. A fool I a not!

As I walked, I diverted my usual course to find air conditioing. I walked 3 blocks off Duval to the public library. Thought I would sit in the cool and read the papers. The library is closed on Mondays! I did not know. So now I had to walk 3 blocks back to Duval. I had inadvertently added 6 blocks onto a walk I was seeking to shorten! And no airconditioning! I felt like the guy in the desert who sees water and hurrys towards it, only to find it was a mirage when he gets there!

My computer crashed again over the weekend. It appears fatal this time. So I was at Lisa's twice yesterday using her computer. With the grandkids harassing me! A joy!

This diet turns me into a semi recluse. Ergo I had to get out last night. Shaved and showered and went to La Trattoria.

No food. Two decaf coffees, 1 diet Pepsi and a glass of water!

Good company, though!

Kathy the bartender is a gem! And Marty and Peter were finishing dinner.

Marty is a court stenographer here in Key West. He generally records depositions and hearings for attorneys. A nice guy! We talked briefly diet. Marty is considering a diet and I was describing the plus and minus' of Nutrisystem.

Peter is Captain Peter Bamberger. I wrote of Peter a couple of weeks ago. I thought he was a "captain" who never actually captained or sailed. Wrong was I! And I apologize Peter! Actually Peter sailed and captained the seven seas for many years. World wide.

Regarding the diet, this is day 11. I have not lost any weight since yesterday. So the loss is still at 9 pounds. 9 in 11 days!

Yesterday was the toughest day on the diet. It really got to me. I was ready to cheat or go off! But I hung in there!

The sun is trying to come up. Having a tough time. Overcast. So everything is gray. A pretty picture however!

This morning is haircut time. I get to visit with my barber Lauri. A joy! Note how the mundane acquires significance when one is retired!

Beautiful day right now. When I woke it was pouring rain. Sun bright. Sparkling colors. Water blue. Palm trees green.

We started my birthdy celebration yesterday at the Fort Zach beach. Lisa, Cory and the grandkids. Hot!

I spent most of the time slouched in a sand chair. Robert played in the water a lotlly preferred building a sand castle.

Then it was to Lisa's for a birthday lunch. I did not eat because of the diet.


Followed by my blue birthday cake which the grandkids had helped make. Crayon candles. Then we sang Happy Birthday! and Robert and Ally helped me blow out the candles.

The rest of the day and evening I spent quietly at home. The diet inhibits my activities.

Still on the diet. Lost another pound. 9 total. 11 to go. This is day 11.

Columbia is not the place to visit at this time. I mentioned the other day that Mike Yutzy spent a long weekend there. Now my friend Clayton is due to leave for a week long vacation in Columbia.

Clayton is the bartender at Antonia's. He has been to Columbia before. Says it is a terrific place to visit. I told him I hope he gets back to Key West!

Enjoy your day!

What famous American was born on July 6, 1935?

I was!

Today is my birthday. I am 73 years old.

For some reason, this birthday is bothering me. A heavy feeling. Like when we turn 30. The last time a birthday impacted me was 50. I sailed through 60 and 70 with no problem.

It will pass.

I started the birthday celebration last night. My good friend Donna Barnett took me to dinner at Antonia's. I had a very good time. She is good company!

Of course, I did not eat. I'm a cheap date! One water, 4 diet pepsi's and two cups of coffee. Decaffeinated after last week's experience!

The lovely and dynamic Kathleen Peace was having dinner there also. A beautiful person, inside and out. I find her exciting.

Kathleen was with a woman I thought I recognized. Turned out I did know her. Her name is Robin. She is a big time music instructor here in Key West.

I know Robin from the Paradise Cafe. Her love was her dog. Old, infirmed and blind. Sad. She walked the dog every day. And every day she would stop at Paradise Cafe with the dog. It had become somewhat of a tradition over the years for the Paradise people to provide Robin's dog with fresh roast beef each morning. As Robin used to say and I am sure the dog felt, a treat!

Unfortunately the dog passed away several months ago. Kathleen and Robin told me that a remembrance/celebration party was recently held in memory of Robin's pet. Only in Key West!

After my liquid dinner, I was off to La Te Da. Only had 1 drink. Another diet Pepsi.

Debra and Michael are still featured. Tonight will be their last night. They return in the fall.

Debra sang happy birthday to me. Embarassing, but nice. Thank you Debra!

I am celebrating my birthday today with Lisa and her family.

We are starting this morning with an excursion to the beach. Fort Zach. For about 2 hours.

The kids are excited. And honestly, so am I.

Then back to Lisa's for a birthday lunch.

Lisa and the grandkids baked me a cake. Ally is into colors. She insisted I was to have a blue birthday. That I am! However she meant colorwise. So my cake is blue! For real! At least the frosting which I saw.

I lost no weight yesterday. Two consecutive days of no weight loss. I am not concerned. Before the week is out, I will experience a 2-3 pound loss at one time.

Talk with you tomorrow.

The weather here in Key West during this time of the year is intertesting. It is hot as hell by day!And comfotable by night! Just a touch of warmth. Night time air conditioning not yet required.

I watched the fireworks last evening from my bedroom balcony. I could see them over White Street Pier. However I was too far away to hear. No problem, however. I had the TV on loud so I could hear it out on the balcony. The Washington Symphony was on the PBS channel with its Independence Day celebration. I combined Washington and Key West for a memorable evening!

Met Jenny yesterday.

I was at Walgreen's to pick up a prescription. The cute young lady waiting on me said "...Where do I know you from?" I told her not from the bars as she was much younger than me and obviously we didn't frequent the same places. This was her first job, so it could not have been a place where she had worked before.

Then it came to her. "Bocci!"

Jenny plays for the Hyatt team. So we laughed and chatted about our bocci experiences. The pharmacist was listening in and laughing along with us. He has never played. After last night, he just might this season.

Remember my friend Mike Yutzy from Scottsdale. He writes that he took a long weekend in Columbia last week to visit a girl friend. He was there when the hostages were released. I told him he was crazy to go to Columbia for any reason--including a woman! It's people like him that end up getting captured and spending 5 years with a chain around the neck and tied to a tree.

Next time Mike, date a woman closer to home!

Heard from Anna again. She is back in Venice visiting her elderly mother.

Rats. Now snakes!

Anna writes a 4 foot snake was discovered in the inside hallway to her mother's condominium. She even sent me 2 pictures of the snake, which the police had taken. Yes, the police.

Apparently the snake is not common to Venice or even Italy for that matter. The police are investigating.

Ah, the dramas of life!

Today is the completion of 8 days on my diet. I did not lose 1 pound in the last 24 hours. However I expected this to happen. After 7 consecutive days of losing at least 1 pound a day and based on last year's experience with the same diet, I knew the streak had to end. So there is no panic.

Still 12 pounds to go.

I thought I might cheat yesterday. I did not. I am proud of my myself.

Till tomorrow.....

Happy Fourth of July!

It is going to be a lovely day here in Key West. The sun is already up. It is overcast however. The water this morning is gray, not blue. Probably because of the overcast.

It will be another warm and humid day.

Tonight there will be fireworks on the White Street Pier. That's where Woody's ashes were strewn from last week. Woody will have the best seat in the house!

There is also a huge party planned at the Casa Marina from 5-9. I will be attending with the grandkids.

This is day 7 of my diet. The end of the first week. I lost a total of 8 pounds! Wild! Love it!

This Nutrisystem diet is terrific! However I must admit it is getting to me. This weekend is going to be a crisis point. I have to hang in there. Only 12 pounds to go!

You will recall I projected when I started the diet that I would lose 8 pounds the first week. That projection was based on my experience with the Nutrisystem diet last year when I lost 50 pounds in 4 months. There also I lost 8 pounds the first week.

However if experience runs true, the diet will now fall back to an average 3 pounds a week. Which means I have 4 weeks to go! Again this weekend will be defining! It's tough right now!

Yesterday I fast walked a mile. In all that humidity! I stopped again at the Pier House and read the papers and drank diet Pepsi at the beach bar.

The rest of the day was nothing. I was tired. From the diet! So I slept most of the afternoon.

I did not go out last night because I wanted to avoid food and alcohol. The near occasions of sin for me!

Enjoy the holiday! I am! I am going to go out tonight!

Golfing was pure torture yesterday!

The humidity was overwhelming. At the end of 18 holes my tee shirt was soaking wet and criss- crossed with salt lines. My eyes were irritated from the salty sweat running into them. In fact, they are still red this morning. Just as if I had been drinking last night. Which I was not!

Plus the diet makes me tired.

It was hell!

And it showed in my play!

We were a five some. Larry, Yankee, Roger, Bud and me. So we played wolf.

Roger won all the money. $60. I lost $21.

The benefit was the exercise. Big time out there yesterday! Good for the diet!

This morning is the end of day 6. I have lost 7 pounds. Not bad! 13 more to go.

The recession continues to be felt in Key West. Just as in the rest of the country.

Alice's Restaurant closed its doors this weekend. For good!

How sad!

One of Alice's owners was Alice. A notable Key West person! An icon!

She has been around with her restaurnat for many years. A popular place. In fact, I just ate there last week. Crispy duck! Not only did she run a great restauant for a very long time, she also was very community minded. Always there with a helping hand and smile.

And now Alice's is no more! It could not survive this horrendous economic turndown we are experiencing.

Bluntly stated, it pisses me off that no one can seem to do anything to stop this downward economic plunge. Gas prices keep goiong up, people keep losing their homes and jobs, food is so much more expensive and on and on and on. Where are our leaders? What are they doing?

Rosemary Torchia died.

Rosemary and I went to high school together. A pretty bubbly girl! We costarred in the senior play in high school. Yes, I was an actor even then!

I have only seen Rosemary one time since graduation. Sad.

Too many of my class mates are departing this earth lately. Makes you sort of wonder.

The water is moving beautifully outside my window. I think I am going to take extra time today to enjoy it.

No blog yesterday. Sorry. My computer crashed!

It took 3 hours to get it back up running. By that time I was too aggravated and tired to write the blog.

Then I went to the State offices on the boulevard to renew my car registration. The State's computer crashed! Just as it was my turn! So no car renewal.

It was time to beat myself up. So I walked a mile along the beach. In the humidity and heat of the the mid day sun. I was soaking wet when I finished.

I then drove over to the Pier House. Sat at the beach bar, in the shade and under a fan, drinking a bottle of water and reading the papers.

Last night stayed in. Couch potato time. This diet tires me out.

Speaking of the diet, it has now been 5 days. And I have lost 6 ounds!

That is why I am tired! No fuel to burn!

Today is Wednesday. Golf day! I hope I survive.....