The last day of the year!
I am glad the year is coming to an end. It was not the best of years. A new year means a new start. And perhaps a better time.
How will I spend this last day of 2008? Playing golf, of course!
I am not sure what I will be doing this evening. I have three options, one of which is staying home and going to bed early.
We shall see.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Good morning America! It is great to be able to sit down this morning and write my blog! I missed it the past two weeks.
The weather is good. Low 80s and no humidity.
Key West is packed. Visitors every where. Good for the visitors and good for the merchants. Every one is happy!
Duval is packed. Bodies going every which way. It is difficult walking. One has to maneuver through the crowds.
I had dinner at the bar at La Trattoria last night. I was lucky to get a seat.
Interesting people all around. The couple to my right were from Seattle. First time in Key West. He is an attorney also. Works as a lobbyist. Good conversation. Tom Hanks type people as in Sleepless in Seattle.
When they left, I started talking to the couple on my left. It was lawyer's night! He was an attorney also. In fact, he graduated from Syracuse, my alma mater.
Then cousins Karen and Sergio showed up. So it was a family night also. Karen's Samantha and boy friend are in town and they arrived also. I had an enjoyable drink with all of them.
When I meet visitors from out of town, I tend to become sort of a travel agent. I share with every one what I consider are the good places to eat and visit. Of course, I always recommend Larry Smith and the Wine Galley. A couple of local matrons sat next to me after the Seattle couple left. They had overheard me recommmending Larry for entertainment. One of them told me she was going to tell Larry how nicely I speak of him. Well, I am telling you first Larry. Don't let it go to your head. You are still a pain on the golf course!
I finished the evening at the Keys piano bar. Packed also. A gold mine!
Terri sang brilliantly. Randy Roberts was there and he entertained a bit.
And guess who I sat with? The couple from Seattle. They took my advice and were happily enjoying Terri when I arrived. They bought me two drinks. That was two too many for me. My temples are pounding this morning.
Enjoy the day.
The weather is good. Low 80s and no humidity.
Key West is packed. Visitors every where. Good for the visitors and good for the merchants. Every one is happy!
Duval is packed. Bodies going every which way. It is difficult walking. One has to maneuver through the crowds.
I had dinner at the bar at La Trattoria last night. I was lucky to get a seat.
Interesting people all around. The couple to my right were from Seattle. First time in Key West. He is an attorney also. Works as a lobbyist. Good conversation. Tom Hanks type people as in Sleepless in Seattle.
When they left, I started talking to the couple on my left. It was lawyer's night! He was an attorney also. In fact, he graduated from Syracuse, my alma mater.
Then cousins Karen and Sergio showed up. So it was a family night also. Karen's Samantha and boy friend are in town and they arrived also. I had an enjoyable drink with all of them.
When I meet visitors from out of town, I tend to become sort of a travel agent. I share with every one what I consider are the good places to eat and visit. Of course, I always recommend Larry Smith and the Wine Galley. A couple of local matrons sat next to me after the Seattle couple left. They had overheard me recommmending Larry for entertainment. One of them told me she was going to tell Larry how nicely I speak of him. Well, I am telling you first Larry. Don't let it go to your head. You are still a pain on the golf course!
I finished the evening at the Keys piano bar. Packed also. A gold mine!
Terri sang brilliantly. Randy Roberts was there and he entertained a bit.
And guess who I sat with? The couple from Seattle. They took my advice and were happily enjoying Terri when I arrived. They bought me two drinks. That was two too many for me. My temples are pounding this morning.
Enjoy the day.
Monday, December 29, 2008
I AM BACK!!!!!
Technical difficulties like you would not believe! I am happy everything is straightened out however. And I will not bore you with my problems, except to say that the domain name and blogging indistries are as screwed up as the banks!
Many parties during the past 2 weeks. One of the best was Larry and Christine's. Fun!
The Jewish holidays are upon us also. I got to have a Hannakua dinner with Donna and her family. Lit a candle, chanted a bit and ate potato pancakes. A good time!
I spent Xmas eve and Xmas day with Lisa and the family. Santa Claus came to visit Xmas eve. Reggie is my Santa Claus. He captivated the kids!
New Year's Eve is around the corner. I am not sure yet what I will be doing. But rest assured, it will be fun!
The weather has been great the past 2 weeks. High 70s to low 80s. No humidity. Cool in the evening. We are lucky. This is when it is supposed to start getting cold.
Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays to all of you! My apologies again for being late in sharing the greeting.
In closing, it took my little disaster to show where my many friends are who daily read this blog. I heard from Milan, Venice, somewhere in Russia, Paris and London, as well as all over the United States, asking what happened to me and/or the blog. Obviously I am alive and well and the blog is back!
As my good friend Tino said, the lack of the blog turned out to be the blog that destroyed Xmas for him! Good man, Tino! Thank you!
Technical difficulties like you would not believe! I am happy everything is straightened out however. And I will not bore you with my problems, except to say that the domain name and blogging indistries are as screwed up as the banks!
Many parties during the past 2 weeks. One of the best was Larry and Christine's. Fun!
The Jewish holidays are upon us also. I got to have a Hannakua dinner with Donna and her family. Lit a candle, chanted a bit and ate potato pancakes. A good time!
I spent Xmas eve and Xmas day with Lisa and the family. Santa Claus came to visit Xmas eve. Reggie is my Santa Claus. He captivated the kids!
New Year's Eve is around the corner. I am not sure yet what I will be doing. But rest assured, it will be fun!
The weather has been great the past 2 weeks. High 70s to low 80s. No humidity. Cool in the evening. We are lucky. This is when it is supposed to start getting cold.
Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays to all of you! My apologies again for being late in sharing the greeting.
In closing, it took my little disaster to show where my many friends are who daily read this blog. I heard from Milan, Venice, somewhere in Russia, Paris and London, as well as all over the United States, asking what happened to me and/or the blog. Obviously I am alive and well and the blog is back!
As my good friend Tino said, the lack of the blog turned out to be the blog that destroyed Xmas for him! Good man, Tino! Thank you!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A good day yesterday!
Played golf in the morning. With Aaron and Tino. Tino and I played a money game.
We started with Tino giving me a stroke a hole and 2 on the 5s. At the end of the first nine, Tino was winning 8 holes to 1! I was playing my usual suck game. I shot a 59 on the front side.
Tino is a gentleman. He saw I was hurting. He volunteered to up the handicap to 1 on the 3s, 2 on the 4s and 3 on the 5s. I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth! I was happy to accept the added strokes!
Then the world changed!
I have not broken 50 for 9 holes in about 8 years. I shot a 46 on the back side! And that is with 3 balls in the water!
After applying the increased handicap to my score, I destroyed Tino!
By the way, Tino played well yesterday. He shot a 99.
I won a whole $1.25. We were playing a quarter a hole. Not much, but it makes the game more fun.
Again Tino, thank you for being a gentleman. I enjoyed playing with you.
I had dinner with Donna and Terri last night. Terri has returned to Key West. She was opening at the Keys after dinner.
I was tired after golf. I was still tired at dinner. So I was straight home to bed by 9 and soon asleep. That is why I am up so early this morning doing the blog. It is not yet 5 am! Pitch black outside.
Larry and Christine are having a Christmas party tonight at their home. I look forward to it. They throw a terrific party! Great hosts!
Enjoy your day!
Played golf in the morning. With Aaron and Tino. Tino and I played a money game.
We started with Tino giving me a stroke a hole and 2 on the 5s. At the end of the first nine, Tino was winning 8 holes to 1! I was playing my usual suck game. I shot a 59 on the front side.
Tino is a gentleman. He saw I was hurting. He volunteered to up the handicap to 1 on the 3s, 2 on the 4s and 3 on the 5s. I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth! I was happy to accept the added strokes!
Then the world changed!
I have not broken 50 for 9 holes in about 8 years. I shot a 46 on the back side! And that is with 3 balls in the water!
After applying the increased handicap to my score, I destroyed Tino!
By the way, Tino played well yesterday. He shot a 99.
I won a whole $1.25. We were playing a quarter a hole. Not much, but it makes the game more fun.
Again Tino, thank you for being a gentleman. I enjoyed playing with you.
I had dinner with Donna and Terri last night. Terri has returned to Key West. She was opening at the Keys after dinner.
I was tired after golf. I was still tired at dinner. So I was straight home to bed by 9 and soon asleep. That is why I am up so early this morning doing the blog. It is not yet 5 am! Pitch black outside.
Larry and Christine are having a Christmas party tonight at their home. I look forward to it. They throw a terrific party! Great hosts!
Enjoy your day!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The weather is great again!
Warm! Day and night! Just right!
At lunch time, I put the top down on the car and drove up to Big Pine. About 30 miles north.
The sun felt great on me! The view spectaculer! Ocean on both sides.
I bought a bunch of papers and had a long solitary lunch at Boondocks. Boondocks is an outside bar with a thatched roof covering it.
Last night, I went to the movies. I love movies. However for some inexplicable reason, I rarely go.
Australia was playing and I wanted to see it.
A spectacular movie! I recommend it! See it!
It is an opus! 2 hours 45 minutes long. Never boring, however. Moves at a good clip. Will keep you on the edge of your seat on occasion and also cause you to shed a tear or two.
Haircut time again! Today. I have an appoinment this morning with Lori. Again I will tell you how strange it is that I require a haircut so frequently. When I had hair and my hair was long, I rarely got a haircut. Now I have next to no hair and I need one every 2-3 weeks. And the hair which I have is short cropped to begin with.
Strange!
If it were not for the opportunity to see Lori, I would not be happy going.
Warm! Day and night! Just right!
At lunch time, I put the top down on the car and drove up to Big Pine. About 30 miles north.
The sun felt great on me! The view spectaculer! Ocean on both sides.
I bought a bunch of papers and had a long solitary lunch at Boondocks. Boondocks is an outside bar with a thatched roof covering it.
Last night, I went to the movies. I love movies. However for some inexplicable reason, I rarely go.
Australia was playing and I wanted to see it.
A spectacular movie! I recommend it! See it!
It is an opus! 2 hours 45 minutes long. Never boring, however. Moves at a good clip. Will keep you on the edge of your seat on occasion and also cause you to shed a tear or two.
Haircut time again! Today. I have an appoinment this morning with Lori. Again I will tell you how strange it is that I require a haircut so frequently. When I had hair and my hair was long, I rarely got a haircut. Now I have next to no hair and I need one every 2-3 weeks. And the hair which I have is short cropped to begin with.
Strange!
If it were not for the opportunity to see Lori, I would not be happy going.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wal-Mart has crossed my path twice in the past few days. First, in some written material. Then on Meet the Press. Wal-Mart's CEO was a guest on Meet the Press yesterday.
As the recession deepens, Wal-Mart becomes more successful. The reason why is quite simple. They sell everything at reduced prices. From food to clothes to what have you cheap!
Wal-Mart has become America's store of choice!
And whatever Wal-Mart seems to do, it does it better than its competitors.
What I have learned about Wal-Mart:
1. Americans spend $36 million every hour of every day at Wal-Mart. Every hour!
2. Wal-Mart's profit on that gross is $20,928 per minute. More than some people earn in a
year!
3. Wal-Mart will sell more from January 1 thru St. Patrick's Day on March 17 than Target
sells all year.
4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot, Kroger, Target, Sears, Costco and K Mart combined.
That's big!
5. Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million people and is the largest private employer. Interestingly,
most of its employees cannot speak English.
6. Wal-Mart is the largest company in the world. Impressive! Like Noah building the ark!
7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than Kroger and Safeway combined. Keep in mind Wal-Mart
did this in only 15 years.
8. During this same 15 year time period, 31 supermarkets sought bankruptcy.
9. Wal-Mart presently sells more food than any other store in the world.
10. Wal-Mart has approximately 3,900 stores in the USA. This is 1,000 more than it had 5 years ago.
11. This year 7.2 billion different purchasing experiences will occur at a Wal-Mart store. Note I said ...a store. Multiply that number times Wal-Mart's 3,900 stores. Then contrast the final figure with the Earth's population which is approximately 6.5 billion. Mind boogling!
12. Ninety per cent of all Americans live within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart. Smart planning! Wal-Mart's top level execs obviously are capable of exercising better judgment than the auto CEOs!
Such is the pertinent data re this shopping giant of today which we know as Wal-Mart.
Wild! Interesting!
The bottom line of the written material I read was that Wal-Mart should bail out the banks and auto companies. David Gregory asked Wal-Mart's CEO the same question. Why doesn't Wal-Mart do the bail outs? The CEO coyly smiled and said that Wal-Mart would stick to the retail business.
To be garnered from all this is that Wal-Mart is doing OK big time! It is providing what the American consumer wants and needs today. Things on the cheap!
What bothers me is that much of what Wal-Mart sells is produced in China and the Far East. And that is one of the things that has got us into trouble today!
The solution to our economic problems I do not know. However what I do know is we cannot have it both ways. We have to become a manufacturing giant again and buy American produced products!
Not complex.
As the recession deepens, Wal-Mart becomes more successful. The reason why is quite simple. They sell everything at reduced prices. From food to clothes to what have you cheap!
Wal-Mart has become America's store of choice!
And whatever Wal-Mart seems to do, it does it better than its competitors.
What I have learned about Wal-Mart:
1. Americans spend $36 million every hour of every day at Wal-Mart. Every hour!
2. Wal-Mart's profit on that gross is $20,928 per minute. More than some people earn in a
year!
3. Wal-Mart will sell more from January 1 thru St. Patrick's Day on March 17 than Target
sells all year.
4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot, Kroger, Target, Sears, Costco and K Mart combined.
That's big!
5. Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million people and is the largest private employer. Interestingly,
most of its employees cannot speak English.
6. Wal-Mart is the largest company in the world. Impressive! Like Noah building the ark!
7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than Kroger and Safeway combined. Keep in mind Wal-Mart
did this in only 15 years.
8. During this same 15 year time period, 31 supermarkets sought bankruptcy.
9. Wal-Mart presently sells more food than any other store in the world.
10. Wal-Mart has approximately 3,900 stores in the USA. This is 1,000 more than it had 5 years ago.
11. This year 7.2 billion different purchasing experiences will occur at a Wal-Mart store. Note I said ...a store. Multiply that number times Wal-Mart's 3,900 stores. Then contrast the final figure with the Earth's population which is approximately 6.5 billion. Mind boogling!
12. Ninety per cent of all Americans live within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart. Smart planning! Wal-Mart's top level execs obviously are capable of exercising better judgment than the auto CEOs!
Such is the pertinent data re this shopping giant of today which we know as Wal-Mart.
Wild! Interesting!
The bottom line of the written material I read was that Wal-Mart should bail out the banks and auto companies. David Gregory asked Wal-Mart's CEO the same question. Why doesn't Wal-Mart do the bail outs? The CEO coyly smiled and said that Wal-Mart would stick to the retail business.
To be garnered from all this is that Wal-Mart is doing OK big time! It is providing what the American consumer wants and needs today. Things on the cheap!
What bothers me is that much of what Wal-Mart sells is produced in China and the Far East. And that is one of the things that has got us into trouble today!
The solution to our economic problems I do not know. However what I do know is we cannot have it both ways. We have to become a manufacturing giant again and buy American produced products!
Not complex.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Babysitting and the Christmas Boat Parade!
Yesterday was the best!
Lisa is reluctant to let me babysit. Says my attention span is limited. So I rarely have the opportunity to play grandfather alone with Robert and Ally.
Lisa must have been desperate yesterday. She let me sit for 3 hours while she and Corey went Christmas shopping for the kids.
I came prepared! I went shopping first and bought each of them something to engage their attention and mine. I found a terrific toy/game. A pillowcase with special crayons to color on it. The pillowcases had pre drawn designs. Robert's had a football, soccer ball, basketball and baseball. Ally's had flowers.
These were for real pillowcases. The kids colored within the lines. I sat with them while they colored. We discussed strategy, like what color to use where. And other things.
These pillowcases are terrific. When finished, they are to be ironed. The heat soldifies the crayon into the material. It cannot thereafter be extracted. The kids can sleep on them and they can be washed.
Only in America!
However it is to be noted that the pillowcases were made in China. And that is our problem!
We had a good time with the coloring. Now we were done. What to do next?
They wanted to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reinder. OK by me.
They gave me the DVD. Lisa and Corey have a new plasma TV. I could not even figure out how to put the DVD in, let alone turn it on! Robert and Ally observed my frustration. They came over. Robert took the DVD and put it in the machine. Ally hit a few buttons and turned the thing on. Voila! We were watching Rudolph!
It's a generational thing! I am 70 years older than the two of them. I could not figure out how to work the xy#&*z thing!
So much for the baby sitting. I survived! The kids survived! And we all had a good time!
Last night was the Christmas Boat Parade. A great event!
I was a guest of the Fury. Terrific food, unlimited booze. A band also. About 150 of us.
The weather was so delightful.....cold!!!!!!! 66 degrees in reality. The chill factor about 50. Big cutting breeze. Choppy water.
I dressed for the occasion. Socks, jeans, sweater and leather jacket. Could have used a scraf, gloves and hat. But I survived. And had a wonderful time in the process!
People go crazy in Key West for this boat parade every year. About 50 boats were entered. All decorated to the hilt with lights and what have you reflecting the holiday.
There was one of a martini glass. At least 10 feet tall. Well done! Even to the green olive! And the red pimento inside the olive!
Another boat had a huge octopus. And its tentacles constantly changed colors and moved!
A peace sign boat, a crocodile boat, xmas trees galore and Santa Claus' galore! What ingenuity and effort went into the decorating process!
And the shoreline was mobbed with people watching as far as the eye could see!
It was a great party and I thank the Fury for inviting me. Of course, I was cold and exhausted by the end. So it was straight off to home and bed. I got 7 solid hours of sleep last night. Had to be the cold air!
I am glad it is Sunday. My day of rest! It is supposed to be warm today. 76. I look forward to it.
Yesterday was the best!
Lisa is reluctant to let me babysit. Says my attention span is limited. So I rarely have the opportunity to play grandfather alone with Robert and Ally.
Lisa must have been desperate yesterday. She let me sit for 3 hours while she and Corey went Christmas shopping for the kids.
I came prepared! I went shopping first and bought each of them something to engage their attention and mine. I found a terrific toy/game. A pillowcase with special crayons to color on it. The pillowcases had pre drawn designs. Robert's had a football, soccer ball, basketball and baseball. Ally's had flowers.
These were for real pillowcases. The kids colored within the lines. I sat with them while they colored. We discussed strategy, like what color to use where. And other things.
These pillowcases are terrific. When finished, they are to be ironed. The heat soldifies the crayon into the material. It cannot thereafter be extracted. The kids can sleep on them and they can be washed.
Only in America!
However it is to be noted that the pillowcases were made in China. And that is our problem!
We had a good time with the coloring. Now we were done. What to do next?
They wanted to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reinder. OK by me.
They gave me the DVD. Lisa and Corey have a new plasma TV. I could not even figure out how to put the DVD in, let alone turn it on! Robert and Ally observed my frustration. They came over. Robert took the DVD and put it in the machine. Ally hit a few buttons and turned the thing on. Voila! We were watching Rudolph!
It's a generational thing! I am 70 years older than the two of them. I could not figure out how to work the xy#&*z thing!
So much for the baby sitting. I survived! The kids survived! And we all had a good time!
Last night was the Christmas Boat Parade. A great event!
I was a guest of the Fury. Terrific food, unlimited booze. A band also. About 150 of us.
The weather was so delightful.....cold!!!!!!! 66 degrees in reality. The chill factor about 50. Big cutting breeze. Choppy water.
I dressed for the occasion. Socks, jeans, sweater and leather jacket. Could have used a scraf, gloves and hat. But I survived. And had a wonderful time in the process!
People go crazy in Key West for this boat parade every year. About 50 boats were entered. All decorated to the hilt with lights and what have you reflecting the holiday.
There was one of a martini glass. At least 10 feet tall. Well done! Even to the green olive! And the red pimento inside the olive!
Another boat had a huge octopus. And its tentacles constantly changed colors and moved!
A peace sign boat, a crocodile boat, xmas trees galore and Santa Claus' galore! What ingenuity and effort went into the decorating process!
And the shoreline was mobbed with people watching as far as the eye could see!
It was a great party and I thank the Fury for inviting me. Of course, I was cold and exhausted by the end. So it was straight off to home and bed. I got 7 solid hours of sleep last night. Had to be the cold air!
I am glad it is Sunday. My day of rest! It is supposed to be warm today. 76. I look forward to it.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
60 degrees this morning!
I am sure my friends up north are smiling. Their weather this past week has been in the minus column. Yet, cold is as cold is! I am cold!
I was fortunate to have lunch yesterday with a very lovely lady. My daughter Lisa.
Lisa took a vacation day so we had some time to sit over lunch at the Yacht Club and chat. Love her dearly!
Last night was dinner at the bar at La Trattoria. Busy. Saw some friends. Exchanged holiday greetings with all.
Then it was off to Keys for a drink. Good music! Excellent singing!
The Keys continues to be packed. Not locals, however. Mostly tourists. A different crowd.
Two big deals ahead today.
First, Lisa is permitting me to baby sit this morning. Only the second time ever. She and Corey need some time to Christmas shop for the kids.
Tonight is the Christmas Boat Parade. I have been invited aboard one of the boats. Last year was so beautiful and such fun. I look forward to this evening.
It will be cold out on the water. Jeans, sweater and leather jacket time!
I am cold sitting here. Enough. Back to bed under the warm covers!
60 degrees this morning!
I am sure my friends up north are smiling. Their weather this past week has been in the minus column. Yet, cold is as cold is! I am cold!
I was fortunate to have lunch yesterday with a very lovely lady. My daughter Lisa.
Lisa took a vacation day so we had some time to sit over lunch at the Yacht Club and chat. Love her dearly!
Last night was dinner at the bar at La Trattoria. Busy. Saw some friends. Exchanged holiday greetings with all.
Then it was off to Keys for a drink. Good music! Excellent singing!
The Keys continues to be packed. Not locals, however. Mostly tourists. A different crowd.
Two big deals ahead today.
First, Lisa is permitting me to baby sit this morning. Only the second time ever. She and Corey need some time to Christmas shop for the kids.
Tonight is the Christmas Boat Parade. I have been invited aboard one of the boats. Last year was so beautiful and such fun. I look forward to this evening.
It will be cold out on the water. Jeans, sweater and leather jacket time!
I am cold sitting here. Enough. Back to bed under the warm covers!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Great bocci party last night! The best!
When I was young, my Father went to his bowling banquet each year. It always excited him.
Last night was my first bocci banquet, so to speak. It excited me.
I am not quite sure of the number of teams in our Thursday night bocci league. I think it is 16. If wrong, I am close.
The party was not for all 16. It was only for 4. Four of the teams made a side bet that whoever won amongst themselves would be feated at a party paid for by the 3 losing teams. We won! Bat Construction! Captained by David!
The party was held at the outside bar at Don's Place. Don played on Bat Construction also.
The losers paid $15 each for the party. Whatever the total, it resulted in a paid bar and food for all! And the food was terrific! David did the cooking, assisted by Michael.
They started getting ready for the evening party at 1 in the afternoon. First, tons of shrimp were cleaned and cooked. Yes, shrimp. No screwing around here! Only the best! Plus other appetizers.
The entre was roast beef. Rare, tender and delicious. Two big roasts. David starterd cooking them on the outside grill at 1 and by 8 they were ready to eat. Michael made a great pasta.
Yankee Jack provided the entertainement. On occasion he was ably assisted by Christine, Larry and bartender Jill. Yankee was his usual terrific self! We even sang Christmas songs together!
There was a feeling of camadreship evident. Fairfield was one of the losing teams. You will recall they mooned us last week. A great bunch, ass wise and other wise. They "created" a trophy which they presented to Captain David in recognition of our winning. A nice touch. Thoughtful. Well appreciated.
It will hang in the inside bar at Don 's Place for all to see. A deserved tribute to our success!
Where else but in Key West!
I see the U.S. Senate has voted down the auto bailout. When I was young, probably back in my high school days in the late 1940s or early 1950s, there was a saying that.....whatever was good for General Motors, was good for the nation!
If General motors goes down, do we as a nation soon follow? These are uncharted waters.
I suspect General Motors will get bailed out by President Bush directly. He has the power to use the TARP funds. Those are the $350 billion left from the initial $700 billion authorization for the banks.
I do not understand. We gave all that money to the banks. But we cannot loan a measley $14 billion to the auto industry. Insanity! Does not make sense to me.
It is grandstanding by certain memebers of the Senate. Sure, most of us are against bailouts. However when it gets to the down and dirty, there is no choice! We must do it! Or we may face our own and a world wide recession that will shame 1929.
I am anxious for this transition period to come to an end. It is almost like having no President while we wait for January 20. No adverse reflection intended upon Bush. It is just that it is a vacuum period and he has little actual power.
Additionally the time frame is also providing some Senate Republicans with the opportunity to make a few final disruptive gasps. We live in dangerous times. Politics must be put aside. All must work together for the greater good. Or there will be no good for any one!
A new day is coming! Difficult though it will be, I believe Obama will get it done! If he does not, we are in real big time trouble! What we are experiencing today will only be kid stuff in comparison!
When I was young, my Father went to his bowling banquet each year. It always excited him.
Last night was my first bocci banquet, so to speak. It excited me.
I am not quite sure of the number of teams in our Thursday night bocci league. I think it is 16. If wrong, I am close.
The party was not for all 16. It was only for 4. Four of the teams made a side bet that whoever won amongst themselves would be feated at a party paid for by the 3 losing teams. We won! Bat Construction! Captained by David!
The party was held at the outside bar at Don's Place. Don played on Bat Construction also.
The losers paid $15 each for the party. Whatever the total, it resulted in a paid bar and food for all! And the food was terrific! David did the cooking, assisted by Michael.
They started getting ready for the evening party at 1 in the afternoon. First, tons of shrimp were cleaned and cooked. Yes, shrimp. No screwing around here! Only the best! Plus other appetizers.
The entre was roast beef. Rare, tender and delicious. Two big roasts. David starterd cooking them on the outside grill at 1 and by 8 they were ready to eat. Michael made a great pasta.
Yankee Jack provided the entertainement. On occasion he was ably assisted by Christine, Larry and bartender Jill. Yankee was his usual terrific self! We even sang Christmas songs together!
There was a feeling of camadreship evident. Fairfield was one of the losing teams. You will recall they mooned us last week. A great bunch, ass wise and other wise. They "created" a trophy which they presented to Captain David in recognition of our winning. A nice touch. Thoughtful. Well appreciated.
It will hang in the inside bar at Don 's Place for all to see. A deserved tribute to our success!
Where else but in Key West!
I see the U.S. Senate has voted down the auto bailout. When I was young, probably back in my high school days in the late 1940s or early 1950s, there was a saying that.....whatever was good for General Motors, was good for the nation!
If General motors goes down, do we as a nation soon follow? These are uncharted waters.
I suspect General Motors will get bailed out by President Bush directly. He has the power to use the TARP funds. Those are the $350 billion left from the initial $700 billion authorization for the banks.
I do not understand. We gave all that money to the banks. But we cannot loan a measley $14 billion to the auto industry. Insanity! Does not make sense to me.
It is grandstanding by certain memebers of the Senate. Sure, most of us are against bailouts. However when it gets to the down and dirty, there is no choice! We must do it! Or we may face our own and a world wide recession that will shame 1929.
I am anxious for this transition period to come to an end. It is almost like having no President while we wait for January 20. No adverse reflection intended upon Bush. It is just that it is a vacuum period and he has little actual power.
Additionally the time frame is also providing some Senate Republicans with the opportunity to make a few final disruptive gasps. We live in dangerous times. Politics must be put aside. All must work together for the greater good. Or there will be no good for any one!
A new day is coming! Difficult though it will be, I believe Obama will get it done! If he does not, we are in real big time trouble! What we are experiencing today will only be kid stuff in comparison!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Good morning world!
A lovely morning. Also one that foretells a return to bad weather. Bad for Key West, that is. But not bad by any one else's standards.
As the sun rose this morning, the sky was splashed with pink. It reminded me of a ditty I learned as a young man...Rainbow at night, sailor's delight. Rainbow in morning, sailor take warning!
I have found over the years that a pink sunrise is the sailor's rainbow.
We have had an unusual cold spell. However 2 days ago, it lifted. The last 2 days have been in the mid 80s. The evenings perfect. Last night I slept with windows and doors open and not even a sheet over me. Pure comfort!
Right now it is a bit humid. I am sticky as I write.
A storm developed a few days ago in northwest United States. It traveled through the midwest. It is headed straight for us in the southeast.
It will not bring ice or snow. Wouldn't that be something! However it will bring rain and cooler temperatures. Rain is projected for later today and tomorrow. And the high tomorrow will be 69! A 15 point plus drop in 24 hours!
And that is why we call high 60s/low 70s temperatures cold here in Key West!
Golf yesterday! I shall not complain.
There were only 5 of us. Don, Aaron, Kurt, Tino and me. So we played what I assume is a local game called Wolf. I will not even attempt to describe it.
I had some good holes and some bad holes. 9s and 10s are bad holes! An 8 is a moral victory for me. But every now and then I shine. I shined enough yesterday to win $6. Better to win than to lose. Kurt and Don were the big winners.
We had a good time!
Afterwards we sat around for awhile on the porch of the club house solving the world's problems.
It was hot out there on the golf course yesterday. Enough to produce blocks of sweat on our T shirts. The heat must have gotten to me. I went home and to bed. I was dead. I stayed there all day and all night. I never got out of bed till this morning!
Tonight is our bocci banquet. At Don's Place. Guaranteed fun! I am anxious to attend.
This political talk involving the Illinois Governor is getting to me. As it relates to Obama. The prosecutor appeared to give Obama a clean bill of health. So what do the political pundits do? They ask who knew what and when! Leave Obama alone! He has enough to worry about with the economy, war and everything else. I sometimes think the press goes too far. There is a balance with every thing in this world. Or, at least, there should be!
Have a good day!
A lovely morning. Also one that foretells a return to bad weather. Bad for Key West, that is. But not bad by any one else's standards.
As the sun rose this morning, the sky was splashed with pink. It reminded me of a ditty I learned as a young man...Rainbow at night, sailor's delight. Rainbow in morning, sailor take warning!
I have found over the years that a pink sunrise is the sailor's rainbow.
We have had an unusual cold spell. However 2 days ago, it lifted. The last 2 days have been in the mid 80s. The evenings perfect. Last night I slept with windows and doors open and not even a sheet over me. Pure comfort!
Right now it is a bit humid. I am sticky as I write.
A storm developed a few days ago in northwest United States. It traveled through the midwest. It is headed straight for us in the southeast.
It will not bring ice or snow. Wouldn't that be something! However it will bring rain and cooler temperatures. Rain is projected for later today and tomorrow. And the high tomorrow will be 69! A 15 point plus drop in 24 hours!
And that is why we call high 60s/low 70s temperatures cold here in Key West!
Golf yesterday! I shall not complain.
There were only 5 of us. Don, Aaron, Kurt, Tino and me. So we played what I assume is a local game called Wolf. I will not even attempt to describe it.
I had some good holes and some bad holes. 9s and 10s are bad holes! An 8 is a moral victory for me. But every now and then I shine. I shined enough yesterday to win $6. Better to win than to lose. Kurt and Don were the big winners.
We had a good time!
Afterwards we sat around for awhile on the porch of the club house solving the world's problems.
It was hot out there on the golf course yesterday. Enough to produce blocks of sweat on our T shirts. The heat must have gotten to me. I went home and to bed. I was dead. I stayed there all day and all night. I never got out of bed till this morning!
Tonight is our bocci banquet. At Don's Place. Guaranteed fun! I am anxious to attend.
This political talk involving the Illinois Governor is getting to me. As it relates to Obama. The prosecutor appeared to give Obama a clean bill of health. So what do the political pundits do? They ask who knew what and when! Leave Obama alone! He has enough to worry about with the economy, war and everything else. I sometimes think the press goes too far. There is a balance with every thing in this world. Or, at least, there should be!
Have a good day!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Great day weatherwise yesterday! Great day otherwise also!
The temperature was in the mid 80s by day. The low last night was 77.
Today will be another great day. And a bit humid also! I shall not complain!
My age hit me in the face yesterday at lunch. I was sitting at the bar at the Yacht Club. The same group generally lunch at the bar each day. A combination of men and women. The conversation across the bar can be interesting.
Yesterday one of the members made comment that her son enjoys Victoria's Secret. He anxiously awaits its mail receipt.
Of course, all the men smiled. They all said Victoria's Secret was their favorite when they were young. I commented that mine was the Montgomery Ward catalogue. There was no Victoria's Secret in my youth. Then it hit me that I was 73 and the others at the bar were in their 40s and 50s.
Oh, age!
The bocci make up leading to a position in the playoffs is not to be. The season is over.
First, the make up game was scheduled for last night. Then it was changed to tonight. Then I received a final telephone call from Don advising there would be no make up match and no chance to make the playoffs. Has something to do with the counting. I really do not understand. However Floridians have difficulty counting. Shades of the chad situation from Bush/Gore in 2000!
I complain not! The bocci season is over!
Last night I had dinner with my friend Donna and her second son Brett Berk. What a great guy!
Brett is 40. In a relationship for 18 years. Lives near Monticello about 2 hours outside New York City.
Brett is gay. His mother is gay. And they are both easy with it.
Brett is a pretty important person in his own right. He understands kids from a professional perspective. A recognized authority.
He has a Master's in the field. Has taught early education, was a pre school director and now serves as a highly paid consultant in all things children in media, food and toys. He also writes magazine articles in the field and is continuously published.
Major accomplishments at age 40!
And on top of it all, he wrote a book which was published this year by Random House: The Gay Uncle's Guide to Parenting. I started reading it yesterday. Recommended reading! Serious, in depth and funny. Brett's sexual preferance actually has nothing to do with the subject matter. I guess it is a publisher's way of selling a book. The book basically is candid counsel from the depths of the daycare trenches in which he toiled for many years.
Per my usual custom, I will probably be commenting on the book as I slog through it.
One passage already has drawn my attention. We have problems in this country education wise with our children. Our kids are not doing well in the math and science fields. And that is where they will be competing in the world of tomorrow.
Brett early on stated....." This is a book for those of you who want to be parents as well as people, who don't want to feel guilty about taking some time for yourself...It's for those folks who might, every once in a while, want to get drunk, and have sloppy sex without worrying that they're going to roll over on their kid because you all sleep in a "family bed" since that's how they do it in Taiwan and they have the highest math scores of any country on earth."
So much for today. I am off to golf. At least one sport survives!
The temperature was in the mid 80s by day. The low last night was 77.
Today will be another great day. And a bit humid also! I shall not complain!
My age hit me in the face yesterday at lunch. I was sitting at the bar at the Yacht Club. The same group generally lunch at the bar each day. A combination of men and women. The conversation across the bar can be interesting.
Yesterday one of the members made comment that her son enjoys Victoria's Secret. He anxiously awaits its mail receipt.
Of course, all the men smiled. They all said Victoria's Secret was their favorite when they were young. I commented that mine was the Montgomery Ward catalogue. There was no Victoria's Secret in my youth. Then it hit me that I was 73 and the others at the bar were in their 40s and 50s.
Oh, age!
The bocci make up leading to a position in the playoffs is not to be. The season is over.
First, the make up game was scheduled for last night. Then it was changed to tonight. Then I received a final telephone call from Don advising there would be no make up match and no chance to make the playoffs. Has something to do with the counting. I really do not understand. However Floridians have difficulty counting. Shades of the chad situation from Bush/Gore in 2000!
I complain not! The bocci season is over!
Last night I had dinner with my friend Donna and her second son Brett Berk. What a great guy!
Brett is 40. In a relationship for 18 years. Lives near Monticello about 2 hours outside New York City.
Brett is gay. His mother is gay. And they are both easy with it.
Brett is a pretty important person in his own right. He understands kids from a professional perspective. A recognized authority.
He has a Master's in the field. Has taught early education, was a pre school director and now serves as a highly paid consultant in all things children in media, food and toys. He also writes magazine articles in the field and is continuously published.
Major accomplishments at age 40!
And on top of it all, he wrote a book which was published this year by Random House: The Gay Uncle's Guide to Parenting. I started reading it yesterday. Recommended reading! Serious, in depth and funny. Brett's sexual preferance actually has nothing to do with the subject matter. I guess it is a publisher's way of selling a book. The book basically is candid counsel from the depths of the daycare trenches in which he toiled for many years.
Per my usual custom, I will probably be commenting on the book as I slog through it.
One passage already has drawn my attention. We have problems in this country education wise with our children. Our kids are not doing well in the math and science fields. And that is where they will be competing in the world of tomorrow.
Brett early on stated....." This is a book for those of you who want to be parents as well as people, who don't want to feel guilty about taking some time for yourself...It's for those folks who might, every once in a while, want to get drunk, and have sloppy sex without worrying that they're going to roll over on their kid because you all sleep in a "family bed" since that's how they do it in Taiwan and they have the highest math scores of any country on earth."
So much for today. I am off to golf. At least one sport survives!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
What a lovely morning! It is going to be a nice day. A warm day.
I complained about how chilly it was yesterday morning. The temperatrure went up to 80 during the day and was 74 last night. Finally!
Living alone has its drawbacks. One, if you are a male, is who does the ironing? Necessity becomes the mother of invention. I learned how to iron in my old age!
However I do my clothes on an as need basis. Whatever I am going to wear at the moment gets ironed.
Although the system works, I have developed a backlog of shirts, shorts and the like that require ironing. Quite a pile!
Anna is from Poland. She has been cleaning the house once a week for years. She noticed the sitting pile of unironed clothes on the bed in the guest room. Anna does not iron. She suggested her mother, who does.
So mother came over yesterday. I apologize for not recalling her name.
Turns out the mature Polish mother is one hell of a person with the iron!
She told me in her broken English that back in Poland she was a seamstress. She worked for an individual that custom made suits and shirts. And everything had to be ironed! And ironed well!
And fast!
So my problem is solved.
Other than solving the ironing problem, yesterday was a relatively quiet day.
I lunched a long time at a table by the water at Hogfish. Read all the local papers.
I dined at the bar at La Trattoria in the evening. Kathy was bartending. She is originally from Albany. We talked about the terrible weather up that way and how lucky we were to be in Key West.
Tonight is bocci! It is also Tuesday. We generally play on Thursday. However the season is over and we still have a make up to play.
The make up match is important to us. It has no meaning to our opponents, other than to beat us. If we win 2 out of 3 games tonight, we are in the play offs. A big deal!
We shall see.
I complained about how chilly it was yesterday morning. The temperatrure went up to 80 during the day and was 74 last night. Finally!
Living alone has its drawbacks. One, if you are a male, is who does the ironing? Necessity becomes the mother of invention. I learned how to iron in my old age!
However I do my clothes on an as need basis. Whatever I am going to wear at the moment gets ironed.
Although the system works, I have developed a backlog of shirts, shorts and the like that require ironing. Quite a pile!
Anna is from Poland. She has been cleaning the house once a week for years. She noticed the sitting pile of unironed clothes on the bed in the guest room. Anna does not iron. She suggested her mother, who does.
So mother came over yesterday. I apologize for not recalling her name.
Turns out the mature Polish mother is one hell of a person with the iron!
She told me in her broken English that back in Poland she was a seamstress. She worked for an individual that custom made suits and shirts. And everything had to be ironed! And ironed well!
And fast!
So my problem is solved.
Other than solving the ironing problem, yesterday was a relatively quiet day.
I lunched a long time at a table by the water at Hogfish. Read all the local papers.
I dined at the bar at La Trattoria in the evening. Kathy was bartending. She is originally from Albany. We talked about the terrible weather up that way and how lucky we were to be in Key West.
Tonight is bocci! It is also Tuesday. We generally play on Thursday. However the season is over and we still have a make up to play.
The make up match is important to us. It has no meaning to our opponents, other than to beat us. If we win 2 out of 3 games tonight, we are in the play offs. A big deal!
We shall see.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Good morning!
Chilly!
This cold wave is never ending! However I should not complain. I understand it is -1 degree in Utica this morning.
Yesterday was a typical Sunday. A good day! I did nothing!
Read some of the Sunday papers with breakfast. Then off to Don's Place for football. Cold outside! So most of us did not last too long.
I drove over to Lisa's. She and the kids had just finished putting up the Christmas tree. The best tree yet! Robert and Ally are right into this holiday season. They helped decorate the tree and knew where every ornament was. I loved it!
I watched the rest of the Philadelphia/Giants football game. Then fell asleep. What else are Sunday afternoons for!
I had dinner with Lisa, Corey and the family. Always an experience with Robert and Ally. Ally really talks now! Non-stop! She is very expressive!
I was home in bed by 6. Fell asleep at 9. And have been up since 2, unable to sleep! It happens every time I do not go out and go to bed early! So much for good living!
The recession is filtering down into Key West.
I mentioned the other night some nurses from the Lower Keys Hospital who were out partying . They had received their pink slips earlier in the day. They were laid off.
Yesterday's paper confirmed the cut back at the hospital. It advised that 20 staff had been let go.
Entertainers are big time in Key West. I know of 2 prominent musicians who are experiencing some sort of cutback. One has gone from 8 gigs a week to 2.
The hotels are cutting back also. A few at a time. Housekeepers, bus persons and the like.
The time between now and Christmas is generally considered a slow time. Then things really pick up Christmas week big time.
The season kicks in in January and reaches full swing in February. The concern is with the season. There is an air of uncertainty. More fear than reality? I am not sure. I think so. However every one is preparing. And that is what the political pundits talk about on TV! People develop negative feelings and stop spending money which further contributes to the downturn in the economy.
Abraham Lincoln once said....."The money powers prey upon the nation in times of peace and conspire against it in times of adversity. The banking powers are more despotic than a monarchy, more insolent than autocracy, more selfish than bureaucracy. The money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in the hands of a few, and the Republic is destroyed."
Government has to realize that every one eats. A people accustomed to prosperity is reluctant to give it up. Otherwise, comes the revolution!
The United States is unique in more ways than one in history! We developed a middle class. No other nation ever did. You were either rich or poor. However we made it possible for most to sit at the table.
Then a sickness entered our society. The rich wanted to get richer. The banks and major corporations became pigs.
We should have seen it coming. There were signs all over the place. Years ago when mothers had to go to work because a second salary was required to maintain a certain way of life. Credit card interest rates. Bank charges for overdrafts. The cost of education. The immensity of corporate bonuses. And on and on and on.
Anyhow.....we will survive! The American grit will do it. But it is going to be a tough road getting there!
Chilly!
This cold wave is never ending! However I should not complain. I understand it is -1 degree in Utica this morning.
Yesterday was a typical Sunday. A good day! I did nothing!
Read some of the Sunday papers with breakfast. Then off to Don's Place for football. Cold outside! So most of us did not last too long.
I drove over to Lisa's. She and the kids had just finished putting up the Christmas tree. The best tree yet! Robert and Ally are right into this holiday season. They helped decorate the tree and knew where every ornament was. I loved it!
I watched the rest of the Philadelphia/Giants football game. Then fell asleep. What else are Sunday afternoons for!
I had dinner with Lisa, Corey and the family. Always an experience with Robert and Ally. Ally really talks now! Non-stop! She is very expressive!
I was home in bed by 6. Fell asleep at 9. And have been up since 2, unable to sleep! It happens every time I do not go out and go to bed early! So much for good living!
The recession is filtering down into Key West.
I mentioned the other night some nurses from the Lower Keys Hospital who were out partying . They had received their pink slips earlier in the day. They were laid off.
Yesterday's paper confirmed the cut back at the hospital. It advised that 20 staff had been let go.
Entertainers are big time in Key West. I know of 2 prominent musicians who are experiencing some sort of cutback. One has gone from 8 gigs a week to 2.
The hotels are cutting back also. A few at a time. Housekeepers, bus persons and the like.
The time between now and Christmas is generally considered a slow time. Then things really pick up Christmas week big time.
The season kicks in in January and reaches full swing in February. The concern is with the season. There is an air of uncertainty. More fear than reality? I am not sure. I think so. However every one is preparing. And that is what the political pundits talk about on TV! People develop negative feelings and stop spending money which further contributes to the downturn in the economy.
Abraham Lincoln once said....."The money powers prey upon the nation in times of peace and conspire against it in times of adversity. The banking powers are more despotic than a monarchy, more insolent than autocracy, more selfish than bureaucracy. The money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in the hands of a few, and the Republic is destroyed."
Government has to realize that every one eats. A people accustomed to prosperity is reluctant to give it up. Otherwise, comes the revolution!
The United States is unique in more ways than one in history! We developed a middle class. No other nation ever did. You were either rich or poor. However we made it possible for most to sit at the table.
Then a sickness entered our society. The rich wanted to get richer. The banks and major corporations became pigs.
We should have seen it coming. There were signs all over the place. Years ago when mothers had to go to work because a second salary was required to maintain a certain way of life. Credit card interest rates. Bank charges for overdrafts. The cost of education. The immensity of corporate bonuses. And on and on and on.
Anyhow.....we will survive! The American grit will do it. But it is going to be a tough road getting there!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
I am up late!
It is Sunday. So I layed around in bed awhile. Then went out and bought the Sunday papers. Read them while I enjoyed breakfast.
It is close to 10 am. Obama on Meet the Press this morning at 10. I am anxious to see and hear him.
Last night was the Christmas Parade. Fun!
Karen and Aaron had a party at their place. Their home is on the second floor of a building right on the parade route. Good food, good booze and good people!
I spent a lot of time chatting with John and Ollie from England, together with Tino, Maria, Yankee Jack and Kate. And, of course, friend Donna.
Lisa and Corey had my grandchildren on the curb across the street watching the parade. I could see them from the balcony.
Lisa wanted to be on the street. The floats toss out candy and gifts to the kids along the route. All the little ones have bags which they fill with the goodies. I could see Robert and Ally darting in and out to pick up the candy.
Typical of Christmas events, the parade had a number of Santa Claus'. I spoke with Robert this morning. He explained to me, as if i did not know, that these were not the real Santa Claus'. Only make believe ones. How smart he is at 4! And accepting!
Absolutely beautiful here this morning! It rained earlier. However it has cleared up. Sun shinning bright. The water blue. And moving slowly. Very few clouds in the sky. A comfortable temprature in the low 70s.
You will recall Dottie moved to Altoona, Pennsylvania recently. She e mailed me this morning. She had been out side smoking. It was snowing. She had to wear gloves. It was 17 degrees!
A boat just went by my home. Three men in shorts and T shirts. What a difference 1,500 miles makes! Better to be here than up north!
I recently learned that I am a pescatarian. A mouthful!
A pescatarian is a fish eater. I rarely eat meat. Maybe 1 or 2 times a year. So I am not a meat eater. I do not just eat vegetables. So I am not a vegetarian. I am a pescatarian! And probably most Key westers are!
Have a good day!
It is Sunday. So I layed around in bed awhile. Then went out and bought the Sunday papers. Read them while I enjoyed breakfast.
It is close to 10 am. Obama on Meet the Press this morning at 10. I am anxious to see and hear him.
Last night was the Christmas Parade. Fun!
Karen and Aaron had a party at their place. Their home is on the second floor of a building right on the parade route. Good food, good booze and good people!
I spent a lot of time chatting with John and Ollie from England, together with Tino, Maria, Yankee Jack and Kate. And, of course, friend Donna.
Lisa and Corey had my grandchildren on the curb across the street watching the parade. I could see them from the balcony.
Lisa wanted to be on the street. The floats toss out candy and gifts to the kids along the route. All the little ones have bags which they fill with the goodies. I could see Robert and Ally darting in and out to pick up the candy.
Typical of Christmas events, the parade had a number of Santa Claus'. I spoke with Robert this morning. He explained to me, as if i did not know, that these were not the real Santa Claus'. Only make believe ones. How smart he is at 4! And accepting!
Absolutely beautiful here this morning! It rained earlier. However it has cleared up. Sun shinning bright. The water blue. And moving slowly. Very few clouds in the sky. A comfortable temprature in the low 70s.
You will recall Dottie moved to Altoona, Pennsylvania recently. She e mailed me this morning. She had been out side smoking. It was snowing. She had to wear gloves. It was 17 degrees!
A boat just went by my home. Three men in shorts and T shirts. What a difference 1,500 miles makes! Better to be here than up north!
I recently learned that I am a pescatarian. A mouthful!
A pescatarian is a fish eater. I rarely eat meat. Maybe 1 or 2 times a year. So I am not a meat eater. I do not just eat vegetables. So I am not a vegetarian. I am a pescatarian! And probably most Key westers are!
Have a good day!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
A relatively low key day yesterday.
Stayed in bed late. Then lunch at the Yacht Club. Followed by a walk.
I walked the Atlantic end of the island. I was in the mood for quiet.
Part of my walk took me onto the grounds of the new part of the Southernmost. Absolutely beautiful! What a setting! Right on the ocean. The new portion of Southermonst is built on the grounds of the former Atlantic Shores. I doubt there will be any nudity at Southernmost however, except in the rooms. Ho ho!
Nothing has replaced the Atlantic Shores concept yet. A clothing optional bar on the beach. Perhaps never.
I was running out of groceries so it was off to Publix. I have come to enjoy pushing the grocery cart around. I see everyone! A great place to meet and chat with friends.
It is funny because I never grocery shopped in my life back in Utica. What I missed!
I had a late dinner alone at the bar at La Trattoria. Beccha was her usual lovely self. She made my evening with a hug and kiss on the cheek.
Then it was La Te Da for Debra and Patrick. Such wonderful people! Such great performers!
La Te Da was jumping! Every one dancing and singing!
There were a bunch of nurses. From the local hospital. All having a good time. Some had been laid off earlier in the day. They were out drowing their sorrows in a celebratory fashion.
This recession is obviously tough. Especially when it gets into the hospitals. People are still sick and need attention. The business is still there. Why then the cutbacks?
I walked across the street to Keys. Marty was at the bar. Had a drink with him. We are becoming friends.
Marty is a court stenographer. 70ish. For my friends up north, in the Sy Turret fashion. We had good humorous conversation.
It was about 11. Marty brought to my attention it was after 10. He wanted to know what I was still doing out!
Such is my life.
Tonight is the Christmas parade. Karen and Aaron are having a party. They live on the parade route on Truman. Their second floor condo has a huge deck facing Truman. We will watch the parade from there.
Stay healthy!
Stayed in bed late. Then lunch at the Yacht Club. Followed by a walk.
I walked the Atlantic end of the island. I was in the mood for quiet.
Part of my walk took me onto the grounds of the new part of the Southernmost. Absolutely beautiful! What a setting! Right on the ocean. The new portion of Southermonst is built on the grounds of the former Atlantic Shores. I doubt there will be any nudity at Southernmost however, except in the rooms. Ho ho!
Nothing has replaced the Atlantic Shores concept yet. A clothing optional bar on the beach. Perhaps never.
I was running out of groceries so it was off to Publix. I have come to enjoy pushing the grocery cart around. I see everyone! A great place to meet and chat with friends.
It is funny because I never grocery shopped in my life back in Utica. What I missed!
I had a late dinner alone at the bar at La Trattoria. Beccha was her usual lovely self. She made my evening with a hug and kiss on the cheek.
Then it was La Te Da for Debra and Patrick. Such wonderful people! Such great performers!
La Te Da was jumping! Every one dancing and singing!
There were a bunch of nurses. From the local hospital. All having a good time. Some had been laid off earlier in the day. They were out drowing their sorrows in a celebratory fashion.
This recession is obviously tough. Especially when it gets into the hospitals. People are still sick and need attention. The business is still there. Why then the cutbacks?
I walked across the street to Keys. Marty was at the bar. Had a drink with him. We are becoming friends.
Marty is a court stenographer. 70ish. For my friends up north, in the Sy Turret fashion. We had good humorous conversation.
It was about 11. Marty brought to my attention it was after 10. He wanted to know what I was still doing out!
Such is my life.
Tonight is the Christmas parade. Karen and Aaron are having a party. They live on the parade route on Truman. Their second floor condo has a huge deck facing Truman. We will watch the parade from there.
Stay healthy!
Friday, December 5, 2008
An absolutely outstanding evening last night!
It started with Santa Claus at the Yacht Club.
My grandchildren Robert and Ally were terrific!
Robert was all excited waiting in line to sit on Santa's lap. This was a big night!
Ally was as expected. Her day long bravado disappeared as soon as she saw Santa. She immediately told Lisa she was not going to sit on his lap.
However it all worked out well. Robert went to one of Santa's legs directly. Ally hesitated, but finally made it. She sat there a bit stiff, but she sat there. Good girl, Ally!
Then we all had a family dinner together. Nice!
I had bocci afterwards. Actually I had bocci while the grandkids were waiting in line to see Santa. I rushed over to bocci as fast as I could. I got there just as the second game was starting.
We had just lost the first game when I arrived. Captain David said I was playing. I hurried to my end of the court to partner Jules. Threw a few practice shots and we were on our way.
Last night was important. We had to win 2 out of 3 to stay in the running for the playoffs. We were playing Fairfield Motels. They are also part of our 4 way bet. We had to beat them to be the free team at the bocci party next week at Don's Place.
We won the last 2 games! Decisively! I played well. I wish I could play this decently at golf. Sorry, Dee.
As usual, Jules made the winning shot in the third game. She got the ball in again where no ball could go! David, Don, Shane and Michael played terrific also. As a team, we made the shots we had to when we had to.
A great victory!
We were exhilerated! You would have thought we won the World Series.
We decided to celebrate as a team. So it was off to Don's Place.
The Fairfield team was also at Don's Place. Sometime during the celebration, someone put on a tape called I am not sure what. Its thrust was "We Are Champions!" Our team sang it! At the top of out lungs! Whooping it up!
The Fairfiled team got off their stools, male and female alike, lined up and in unison mooned us!
Only in Key West!
Key West is a good place! Every one friendly. A live and let live attitude prevails.
All these people around the world who want to kill us and each other should live here for a while. It would change their mental attitudes.
Of course, I am not sure how some from the middle east would take to the mooning episode. Especially by the women!
It started with Santa Claus at the Yacht Club.
My grandchildren Robert and Ally were terrific!
Robert was all excited waiting in line to sit on Santa's lap. This was a big night!
Ally was as expected. Her day long bravado disappeared as soon as she saw Santa. She immediately told Lisa she was not going to sit on his lap.
However it all worked out well. Robert went to one of Santa's legs directly. Ally hesitated, but finally made it. She sat there a bit stiff, but she sat there. Good girl, Ally!
Then we all had a family dinner together. Nice!
I had bocci afterwards. Actually I had bocci while the grandkids were waiting in line to see Santa. I rushed over to bocci as fast as I could. I got there just as the second game was starting.
We had just lost the first game when I arrived. Captain David said I was playing. I hurried to my end of the court to partner Jules. Threw a few practice shots and we were on our way.
Last night was important. We had to win 2 out of 3 to stay in the running for the playoffs. We were playing Fairfield Motels. They are also part of our 4 way bet. We had to beat them to be the free team at the bocci party next week at Don's Place.
We won the last 2 games! Decisively! I played well. I wish I could play this decently at golf. Sorry, Dee.
As usual, Jules made the winning shot in the third game. She got the ball in again where no ball could go! David, Don, Shane and Michael played terrific also. As a team, we made the shots we had to when we had to.
A great victory!
We were exhilerated! You would have thought we won the World Series.
We decided to celebrate as a team. So it was off to Don's Place.
The Fairfield team was also at Don's Place. Sometime during the celebration, someone put on a tape called I am not sure what. Its thrust was "We Are Champions!" Our team sang it! At the top of out lungs! Whooping it up!
The Fairfiled team got off their stools, male and female alike, lined up and in unison mooned us!
Only in Key West!
Key West is a good place! Every one friendly. A live and let live attitude prevails.
All these people around the world who want to kill us and each other should live here for a while. It would change their mental attitudes.
Of course, I am not sure how some from the middle east would take to the mooning episode. Especially by the women!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I have a friend Dee. She has a Doctorate in Psychology and teaches full time at the University of Kentucky.
I have not seen her in years. However she telephones about every 2 years. Yesterday was one of those telephone days.
She reads the blog.
Dee said why do you complain so much about golf! You are in your 70s and still play poorly. You will never play well. So get over it and just enjoy the game! There are other things you have done well in life. Get the mental sustinance we all need from those items.
She's correct. I will complain no more. Well, maybe only a little bit.
By the way, Dee is an excellent golfer. A 3 handicap!
So now let me tell you that I played golf yesterday. And with a smile on my face permit me to also tell you I played poorly. But I was and am happy!
I am happy because Dee told me to be and because I was the big dollar winner. $14!
I played with Aaron, Tino and Yankee Jack. I was the worse golfer yesterday by at least 20 strokes. But because of the convoluted games we play, I had the right partner or made the right shot just enough times to come out ahead.
Ho ho!
I ran into Linda and Karen at Aqua last night. We were all there to hear Bobby Nesbitt sing. Good people.
Then dinner at the bar at Antonia's.
Antonia's is decorated for Christmas. Fantastically beautiful! Warm! Festive! You must have dinner there and enjoy the atmosphere and ambiance.
Home thereafter and early to bed.
My new friend Terri, who opens for Liza Minnelli and has been in 8 Broadway shows, is singing Saturday night at an Aids benefit at Ceasar's Palace in Atlantic City. A busy lady! She returns to Key West and the Keys piano bar December 16.
Tonight is the Christmas party at the Yacht Club. I am taking Lisa, Cory and the grandkids. Robert and Ally will see Santa Claus. I am excited! I hope they are too! Children talk a good game when they are young. However when the time comes to sit on Santa's lap, it's another story. Lasy year Robert ducked behind his mother and Ally buried her head in Lisa's skirt.
Tonight also is bocci. The grandkids and Santa are more important than bocci. So I will be arriving at bocci late. I have so advised Don.
Tonight is an important match. We are close in the rankings and could make the playoffs. We have to win tonight. Also we have a side bet with the team we are playing. It involves 2 other teams additionally. If we win tonight, we win the bet.
Prioities. Everything in life is priorities.
I have not seen her in years. However she telephones about every 2 years. Yesterday was one of those telephone days.
She reads the blog.
Dee said why do you complain so much about golf! You are in your 70s and still play poorly. You will never play well. So get over it and just enjoy the game! There are other things you have done well in life. Get the mental sustinance we all need from those items.
She's correct. I will complain no more. Well, maybe only a little bit.
By the way, Dee is an excellent golfer. A 3 handicap!
So now let me tell you that I played golf yesterday. And with a smile on my face permit me to also tell you I played poorly. But I was and am happy!
I am happy because Dee told me to be and because I was the big dollar winner. $14!
I played with Aaron, Tino and Yankee Jack. I was the worse golfer yesterday by at least 20 strokes. But because of the convoluted games we play, I had the right partner or made the right shot just enough times to come out ahead.
Ho ho!
I ran into Linda and Karen at Aqua last night. We were all there to hear Bobby Nesbitt sing. Good people.
Then dinner at the bar at Antonia's.
Antonia's is decorated for Christmas. Fantastically beautiful! Warm! Festive! You must have dinner there and enjoy the atmosphere and ambiance.
Home thereafter and early to bed.
My new friend Terri, who opens for Liza Minnelli and has been in 8 Broadway shows, is singing Saturday night at an Aids benefit at Ceasar's Palace in Atlantic City. A busy lady! She returns to Key West and the Keys piano bar December 16.
Tonight is the Christmas party at the Yacht Club. I am taking Lisa, Cory and the grandkids. Robert and Ally will see Santa Claus. I am excited! I hope they are too! Children talk a good game when they are young. However when the time comes to sit on Santa's lap, it's another story. Lasy year Robert ducked behind his mother and Ally buried her head in Lisa's skirt.
Tonight also is bocci. The grandkids and Santa are more important than bocci. So I will be arriving at bocci late. I have so advised Don.
Tonight is an important match. We are close in the rankings and could make the playoffs. We have to win tonight. Also we have a side bet with the team we are playing. It involves 2 other teams additionally. If we win tonight, we win the bet.
Prioities. Everything in life is priorities.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Cold last night! I could have used a warm female body next to me in bed! Instead I ended up turning the heat on!
Such is life!
I had a rare experience last night. I had dinner with Yankee Jack!
Luv Yankee! Everyone loves Yankee!
Yankee is one of Key West's premier entertainers. He sings daily in the afternoons at the Bull. Sits at the piano and sings tunes requested by tourists, interspersed with his own original ditties. He can write a tune in a moment!
One of his best lines has to do with his first wife who apparently had a boy friend....."I can't get over you till you get out from under him!"
Yankee is a big man. Well over 400 pounds! With a heart just as large!
He has a sort of long gray beard. Generally wears a black cowboy or straw hat. And entertains the world!
For health reasons, Yankee has to eat early. 5 o'clock! Lunch time for me! But when in Rome, etc.
Yankee picked the restaurant. The New York Pizza Deli in Duval Square. Across from Square One. I had never eaten there. Never wanted to eat there. Not my kind of place.
Yankee knows food. He said I would enjoy it. I trust his judgment.
Guess what? The absolutely finest fish meal I have had in my 20 years in Key West! Grouper francais. Outstanding! So my friends, go to the New York Pizza place! You will love it!
Dinner was over and it was only 6:30. I was lost! Like a fish out of water!
I walked a few steps to Square One and decided to stop in for a drink. Glad I did! The whole world was there at the bar! I enjoyed my drink and the company!
While there I received a text from Terri. You will recall she is in New york packing things to return here and also doing a gig with Liza Minnelli. She told me she was running to a rehearsal with Minnelli for a special Christmas show that opens tomorrow night at the Helmsley Palace. Terri has been opening for Liza Minnelli for 19 years. Impressive!
Then to Lisa's. The grandkids were just getting out of the tub. Dried them off. Read with them. Robert is into Blue Books. Doing well. Ally is a year younger. She cannot read yet. However she sat on my lap and made believe she was reading. Made things up. What an imagination!
I was home in bed, cold and asleep before 9. That is why i was up at 5 this morning!
Golf today! How bad will I play? I love my positive attitude!
Such is life!
I had a rare experience last night. I had dinner with Yankee Jack!
Luv Yankee! Everyone loves Yankee!
Yankee is one of Key West's premier entertainers. He sings daily in the afternoons at the Bull. Sits at the piano and sings tunes requested by tourists, interspersed with his own original ditties. He can write a tune in a moment!
One of his best lines has to do with his first wife who apparently had a boy friend....."I can't get over you till you get out from under him!"
Yankee is a big man. Well over 400 pounds! With a heart just as large!
He has a sort of long gray beard. Generally wears a black cowboy or straw hat. And entertains the world!
For health reasons, Yankee has to eat early. 5 o'clock! Lunch time for me! But when in Rome, etc.
Yankee picked the restaurant. The New York Pizza Deli in Duval Square. Across from Square One. I had never eaten there. Never wanted to eat there. Not my kind of place.
Yankee knows food. He said I would enjoy it. I trust his judgment.
Guess what? The absolutely finest fish meal I have had in my 20 years in Key West! Grouper francais. Outstanding! So my friends, go to the New York Pizza place! You will love it!
Dinner was over and it was only 6:30. I was lost! Like a fish out of water!
I walked a few steps to Square One and decided to stop in for a drink. Glad I did! The whole world was there at the bar! I enjoyed my drink and the company!
While there I received a text from Terri. You will recall she is in New york packing things to return here and also doing a gig with Liza Minnelli. She told me she was running to a rehearsal with Minnelli for a special Christmas show that opens tomorrow night at the Helmsley Palace. Terri has been opening for Liza Minnelli for 19 years. Impressive!
Then to Lisa's. The grandkids were just getting out of the tub. Dried them off. Read with them. Robert is into Blue Books. Doing well. Ally is a year younger. She cannot read yet. However she sat on my lap and made believe she was reading. Made things up. What an imagination!
I was home in bed, cold and asleep before 9. That is why i was up at 5 this morning!
Golf today! How bad will I play? I love my positive attitude!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
A busy day yesterday. I was out and about all day. Did a lot of walking from one place to another, which was good for me.
Last night I had a late dinner at the bar at La Trattoria with Donna. Her new love Terri left for New York for a couple of weeks. So Donna was down!
This Terri is a winner! Besides getting her things together for her move to Key West, she is back in New York doing some things with Liza Minnelli. Turns out Terri has been performing with Liza for 19 years, off and on.
Then to the Keys. Diet pepsi for me.
New performers in town. At piano was Ricky Rizzo. An Irishman if you ever met one! Ho ho!
He is good, funny and talented. Mature and experienced.
Singing was Erin Malloy. Really an Irish person! Young. Late 20s at best. A beauty. And a riveting voice!
Ricky and Erin worked well together.
I was amazed once again. Keys was packed! Very few locals. I recognized only a few people. My sense is that the audience consisted primarily of tourists.
The new Keys is located in the old Alice's Restaurant on Duval. The building looks like a concrete bomb shelter. I always thought it did not fit in with the rest of the architecture surrounding it in the neighborhood.
Turns out it was built in the early 1940s by Jesus Carmona. Carmona started out by selling cigars from a wooden shack nearby the present site of the building. The cigar business expanded into a home made ice cream business. Carmona called it El Anon which translates into The Sugar Apple.
Business flourished, so he built the presnt concrete structure nearby the shack.
Initially the building housed El Anon. Sold ice cream big time. Expanded into sandwiches. The house specialty was a ham sandwich.
In the l960s and 1970s there was an influx of new Cubans who were escaping Castro. By this time in Cuba, the ordinary ham sandwich had become a cuban mix. The sandwich was pressed and heated! And so Carmona became the place to go for a cuban mix sandwich and cup of cuban coffee.
Carmona died in the 1960s and eventually El Anon as well. However the building has housed over the years many different type establishements which have contributed to the Key West scene and ambience. Represented today by the Keys piano bar!
So much for history. Enjoy your day!
Last night I had a late dinner at the bar at La Trattoria with Donna. Her new love Terri left for New York for a couple of weeks. So Donna was down!
This Terri is a winner! Besides getting her things together for her move to Key West, she is back in New York doing some things with Liza Minnelli. Turns out Terri has been performing with Liza for 19 years, off and on.
Then to the Keys. Diet pepsi for me.
New performers in town. At piano was Ricky Rizzo. An Irishman if you ever met one! Ho ho!
He is good, funny and talented. Mature and experienced.
Singing was Erin Malloy. Really an Irish person! Young. Late 20s at best. A beauty. And a riveting voice!
Ricky and Erin worked well together.
I was amazed once again. Keys was packed! Very few locals. I recognized only a few people. My sense is that the audience consisted primarily of tourists.
The new Keys is located in the old Alice's Restaurant on Duval. The building looks like a concrete bomb shelter. I always thought it did not fit in with the rest of the architecture surrounding it in the neighborhood.
Turns out it was built in the early 1940s by Jesus Carmona. Carmona started out by selling cigars from a wooden shack nearby the present site of the building. The cigar business expanded into a home made ice cream business. Carmona called it El Anon which translates into The Sugar Apple.
Business flourished, so he built the presnt concrete structure nearby the shack.
Initially the building housed El Anon. Sold ice cream big time. Expanded into sandwiches. The house specialty was a ham sandwich.
In the l960s and 1970s there was an influx of new Cubans who were escaping Castro. By this time in Cuba, the ordinary ham sandwich had become a cuban mix. The sandwich was pressed and heated! And so Carmona became the place to go for a cuban mix sandwich and cup of cuban coffee.
Carmona died in the 1960s and eventually El Anon as well. However the building has housed over the years many different type establishements which have contributed to the Key West scene and ambience. Represented today by the Keys piano bar!
So much for history. Enjoy your day!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wow, did it rain last night! Hurricane type weather! Monsoon!
Strange because it was not predicted. In fact, rain for the entire month of November here in Key West was .01 inch. I bet we got at least 3 inches last night!
I spent some time at Don's Place yesterday afternoon watching 4 different football games simultaneously. Sometimes it gives me a headache! However it is fun to do. And the company is terrific! The best of Key West is at Don' Place on a Sunday afternoon!
One of yesterday's food speciaties was the good old cheeseburger. Don's friend David does the cooking. Sometimes he is assisted by the love of his life, Karen.
Jimmy Buffet made the cheeseburger and Key West famous as a team with his song Cheeseburger in Paradise. Buffet wrote the song based on his experience of eating cheeseburgers at Dennis' Pharmacy on the corner of Simonton and South Streets.
Dennis' was an old time drug store. A pharmacy with a soda/food counter and a few tables thrown in for good luck. A locals place. Cheeseburger a big selling item! Good and greasy. Cheap. I can picture Buffet sitting at the counter or a table quietly reading the paper and munching away on one.
And so Dennis', the cheeseburger and Key West became famous as a unit! But everything is not forever! Dennis' no longer exists. It closed down a couple of years ago. A Marine Midland Bank replaced it. It saddens me each time I pass the corner.
Which brings us back to David's cheeseburgers. They are the best in town! They have replaced the ones that Buffet devoured at Dennis'. And I am willing to bet that some aspiring musician will discover them and write a tune along the lines of David's Cheeseburgers at Don's Place!
Don 't laugh. Look what Jimmy Buffet did for the cheeseburger and Dennis' Pharmacy!
Strange because it was not predicted. In fact, rain for the entire month of November here in Key West was .01 inch. I bet we got at least 3 inches last night!
I spent some time at Don's Place yesterday afternoon watching 4 different football games simultaneously. Sometimes it gives me a headache! However it is fun to do. And the company is terrific! The best of Key West is at Don' Place on a Sunday afternoon!
One of yesterday's food speciaties was the good old cheeseburger. Don's friend David does the cooking. Sometimes he is assisted by the love of his life, Karen.
Jimmy Buffet made the cheeseburger and Key West famous as a team with his song Cheeseburger in Paradise. Buffet wrote the song based on his experience of eating cheeseburgers at Dennis' Pharmacy on the corner of Simonton and South Streets.
Dennis' was an old time drug store. A pharmacy with a soda/food counter and a few tables thrown in for good luck. A locals place. Cheeseburger a big selling item! Good and greasy. Cheap. I can picture Buffet sitting at the counter or a table quietly reading the paper and munching away on one.
And so Dennis', the cheeseburger and Key West became famous as a unit! But everything is not forever! Dennis' no longer exists. It closed down a couple of years ago. A Marine Midland Bank replaced it. It saddens me each time I pass the corner.
Which brings us back to David's cheeseburgers. They are the best in town! They have replaced the ones that Buffet devoured at Dennis'. And I am willing to bet that some aspiring musician will discover them and write a tune along the lines of David's Cheeseburgers at Don's Place!
Don 't laugh. Look what Jimmy Buffet did for the cheeseburger and Dennis' Pharmacy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
