I was driving back from Miami yesterday. A 4 hour drive to Key West.
It is only 155 miles. Yet it takes 4 hours to make the trip.
The reasons are two fold.
First, it is mostly a narrow 2 lane road to Key West. Forget passing. Too dangerous. Second, the speed limits. Change constantly. But none fast. Anywhere from 25 to 35 to 45 to 55 miles per hour. Generally, 45 miles per hour.
The drive is absolutely spectacular, however. Ocean on each side of you, as far as the eye can see! And the eye can see to the edge of the horizon! Pure beauty!
I dislike driving US 1 at night. The road is too narrow and poorly lighted. So I left early to return to Key West to be sure of daylight the whole trip.
The best laid plans of mice and men.....
Islamorada is about 2 hours from Key West. As I was driving through, I needed to make a pit stop. I had stayed in Islamorada last year for a couple of nights. Did a fishing trip with a bunch of friends. Islamorada is The Fishing Capital of the World.
I don't know why, but I pulled into the the local Outback Restaurant to relieve myself.
Afterwards, I stopped at the bar. What the hell, might as well have a drink! Not smart since I was driving, but I was in the mood.
I had a Beefeater on the rocks.
They had 3 televsion sets going over the bar. One to my left, one in the middle and one on my right. Basketball, football and golf in that order.
I got into all three! My head was turning like I was at a tennis match! Back and forth, back and forth.
I am surprised my neck does not hurt this morning.
Anyhow, I was into it. Also it was Happy Hour. Two for one drinks! Even top shelf brands. So I had a second Beefeaters.
Now I have a buzz. Can't/don't want to drive in that condition. So I decide to have dinner.
I am not a steak man. So Outback was out. I have become addicted to fish. I remembered the Islamorada Fish Company from my fishing trip last year. A fish company it is not. A restaurant it is. It was just down the road. So I was off to dinner there.
I had forgot what a pretty place it was.
By now it was dark. The entrance way to the restaurant was a finely raked sand area with a palm tree here and there and burning torches lighting the way! Lovely! Mood setting!
It was Friday night so there was a bit more entertainment. A male dancer in a circle of fire! This guy in a loin skin was dancing and jumping around. Swirling fire sticks at the same time. And occasionally swallowing one of them! Just like they do at Mallory Square every evening!
The Islamorada Fish Company is a man created wood island. Open air on the sides. Covered on top with a huge thatched roof. Connected to the land with a narrow 100 foot walk way bridge.
Looked like a fun place! Was a fun place!
I ate at the bar.
I did not have any more to drink. I still had a 2 hour drive, now at night, ahead of me.
My dinner was stone crabs! Big fresh ones! The best!
I enjoyed the stone crabs. Followed them up with key lime pie and coffee.
The key lime pie was one of the best I have had. I have always been of the opinion that key lime pie in the keys sucks. Not good. The best ever was the key lime pie I have eaten at Joe's Stone Crabs in Miami. A crispy graham cracker crust! Last night Joe's met its match at the Islamorada Fish Company.
The key lime pie came in a soup bowl. The crust was ground up graham crackers. All of an inch thick! Covered with oh so good key lime pudding! Cold, just out of the refrigerator. A wow!
I was satiated and content. Buzz long gone.
The 2 hour drive in the dark was not bad. Some one had loaned me a John Grisham CD. I threw it in and became engrossed in the book as I drove.
I was home by 10 and had a contented night's sleep.
All in all, a pleasant drive back to Key West.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
My 94 year old father back in Utica has a small office in his home. On the wall he has a rather large print of a map of the United States. It has hung on that wall for at least 40 years.
The map is a copy of a map made at least 200 years ago. So the names of places are as existed back then.
Florida and the keys are represented.
My home is 2.5 miles outside Key West proper. I live in a place called Key Haven. Key Haven of old was known as Racoon Key. Racoon Key is on my father's map!
Many of the keys were named after animals who habited them.
Racoon Key was so named because it was over run with racoons. In fact, deeds and other legal instruments refer to the island upon which I live as Racoon Key. Not Key Haven.
Then there is Little Deer Key. Yes, little deer run all over the island. To this day! Small creatures, 2-4 feet high.
Cow Key!
Cow Key is the first island as you leave Key West. Very tiny. A bridge rests upon it as part of the beginning of US 1. It is called Cow Key because early on the cows were left there to graze.
Though there still are little deer on Little Deer Key, the racoons and cows are gone from the other two keys.
When Ifirst bought my home about 12 years ago, there were a lot of racoons. But over the years they have disappeared.
As to the cows, I do not think there is a cow within a 100 miles of Key West. Cows are long gone!
We do have other animals however. None native to the area. All sort of immigrants. All interlopers.
Two excellent examples are the chickens and iguanas.
I have spoken of the chickens often. So I will not be addressing them further here. However, the iguanas are a story to be told!
Iguanas are all over the keys. On the streets, on home properties. Even on the golf course.
In large numbers!
Iguanas are not native to the keys area. They are more native to South America. So how did they get here? Remember they existed not in the keys 12 years ago when I purchased my home!
The answer is simple. Much like how a boa constrictor once got into the New York City sewers.
People bought iguanas from pet stores and kept them as pets. However in time they tired of them and freed them into the wild. Or the iguanas merely got away. Escaped!
I am told this problem started in Florida proper and not the keys. Anyhow the iguanas found their way into the keys. They love this place! Apparently the habitat is good for the iguana existence! They eat well off the greenry and shrubery. It is their steak and potatoes. And the weather works for them. They love the sun! Sun bathe all day!
And they propogate! Every one does, whether human or animal. But with no birth control. So their numbers have truly multiplied.
Iguanas have become a problem. Big time!
They are not dangerous to humans per se. They are not flesh eating. They do not bite.
However they love shrubs and flowers. So they eat everything on your property.
Plantings are especially costly in the keys. You purchase your plantings based on whether they can live without water and survive the sun and salt. So when these critters eat through your purchases, it is costly. It stops being humorous!
Also they shit all over the place! Ergo you are constantly hosing down your property, especially around the pool. And it is not uncommon for iguanas to use the pool for relieving themselves! Which creates a timely and costly cleanup process. The pool has to be drained, relplenished, etc.
Iguanas look like prehistoric dinasours. However so much smaller!
I understand they are also a food source. Not here in the United States, but in South America and Cuba. Their meat tastes like chicken. The tail is especially tender.
Let some one else eat them!
I had a family of three on my property last year. The situation lasted about 6 months. At first I thought they were cute. It was like the three bears! The father, or what I perceived to be the father, was about 3 feet long. Mama iguana was about 2 feet long. And baby iguana about a foot long. They lived under my deck by night. By day they lay around the pool, sunning themselves. Faced directly into the sun. Never moved. You could walk right up to them and they would not move. They feared not!
Then I started observing holes in my plantings. And defication all over the place!
The iguanas had to go!
I had to encourage them to move.
For 5 straight days I hosed them down big time. I put the water force on the garden hose on high and directed the stream at them.
They would run! Finally moved out! And have never returned!
Simple and painless. Some however may think what I did cruel! There are other alternatives being discussed openly in Key West. The iguanas have become a matter of public concern and public discourse. They are eating up expensive greenry and shitting all over the place!
There has been discussionin the newspapers to pass legislation permitting them to be shot. It may pass. That is how bad the problem has become.
What will happen? I have a feeling the iguanas are going to go the way of the chickens. Much will be done to eliminate them. However nature will win out over man. Ten years from now the iguanas will still be living here.
Perhaps they will even join with the chickens and take over! Shades of Planet of the Apes!
The map is a copy of a map made at least 200 years ago. So the names of places are as existed back then.
Florida and the keys are represented.
My home is 2.5 miles outside Key West proper. I live in a place called Key Haven. Key Haven of old was known as Racoon Key. Racoon Key is on my father's map!
Many of the keys were named after animals who habited them.
Racoon Key was so named because it was over run with racoons. In fact, deeds and other legal instruments refer to the island upon which I live as Racoon Key. Not Key Haven.
Then there is Little Deer Key. Yes, little deer run all over the island. To this day! Small creatures, 2-4 feet high.
Cow Key!
Cow Key is the first island as you leave Key West. Very tiny. A bridge rests upon it as part of the beginning of US 1. It is called Cow Key because early on the cows were left there to graze.
Though there still are little deer on Little Deer Key, the racoons and cows are gone from the other two keys.
When Ifirst bought my home about 12 years ago, there were a lot of racoons. But over the years they have disappeared.
As to the cows, I do not think there is a cow within a 100 miles of Key West. Cows are long gone!
We do have other animals however. None native to the area. All sort of immigrants. All interlopers.
Two excellent examples are the chickens and iguanas.
I have spoken of the chickens often. So I will not be addressing them further here. However, the iguanas are a story to be told!
Iguanas are all over the keys. On the streets, on home properties. Even on the golf course.
In large numbers!
Iguanas are not native to the keys area. They are more native to South America. So how did they get here? Remember they existed not in the keys 12 years ago when I purchased my home!
The answer is simple. Much like how a boa constrictor once got into the New York City sewers.
People bought iguanas from pet stores and kept them as pets. However in time they tired of them and freed them into the wild. Or the iguanas merely got away. Escaped!
I am told this problem started in Florida proper and not the keys. Anyhow the iguanas found their way into the keys. They love this place! Apparently the habitat is good for the iguana existence! They eat well off the greenry and shrubery. It is their steak and potatoes. And the weather works for them. They love the sun! Sun bathe all day!
And they propogate! Every one does, whether human or animal. But with no birth control. So their numbers have truly multiplied.
Iguanas have become a problem. Big time!
They are not dangerous to humans per se. They are not flesh eating. They do not bite.
However they love shrubs and flowers. So they eat everything on your property.
Plantings are especially costly in the keys. You purchase your plantings based on whether they can live without water and survive the sun and salt. So when these critters eat through your purchases, it is costly. It stops being humorous!
Also they shit all over the place! Ergo you are constantly hosing down your property, especially around the pool. And it is not uncommon for iguanas to use the pool for relieving themselves! Which creates a timely and costly cleanup process. The pool has to be drained, relplenished, etc.
Iguanas look like prehistoric dinasours. However so much smaller!
I understand they are also a food source. Not here in the United States, but in South America and Cuba. Their meat tastes like chicken. The tail is especially tender.
Let some one else eat them!
I had a family of three on my property last year. The situation lasted about 6 months. At first I thought they were cute. It was like the three bears! The father, or what I perceived to be the father, was about 3 feet long. Mama iguana was about 2 feet long. And baby iguana about a foot long. They lived under my deck by night. By day they lay around the pool, sunning themselves. Faced directly into the sun. Never moved. You could walk right up to them and they would not move. They feared not!
Then I started observing holes in my plantings. And defication all over the place!
The iguanas had to go!
I had to encourage them to move.
For 5 straight days I hosed them down big time. I put the water force on the garden hose on high and directed the stream at them.
They would run! Finally moved out! And have never returned!
Simple and painless. Some however may think what I did cruel! There are other alternatives being discussed openly in Key West. The iguanas have become a matter of public concern and public discourse. They are eating up expensive greenry and shitting all over the place!
There has been discussionin the newspapers to pass legislation permitting them to be shot. It may pass. That is how bad the problem has become.
What will happen? I have a feeling the iguanas are going to go the way of the chickens. Much will be done to eliminate them. However nature will win out over man. Ten years from now the iguanas will still be living here.
Perhaps they will even join with the chickens and take over! Shades of Planet of the Apes!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Yesterday was golf. I did not play.
Tonight is bocci. I will not play.
I am having some tests. Nothing serious. So worry not.
Waiting around gives one a lot of time to think.
We have many problems in our country today. Obama is throwing tons of money at them in hopes of correcting the situation. Who am I to argue with the President? All these matters are well beyond me. And I am an intelligent man!
Life has taught me there generally is a root cause to every thing. Yesterday my thought process zeroed in on what I consider a major underlying problem. It may be THE underlying problem!
Our society has no moral conscience!
We have lost our way.
No one seems to understand right from wrong. That simple!
Look at the banks. What they did and presently how they are handling the bailout money.
The car companies and insurance companies are the same.
Athletes and steroids. Need I say more about them!
Guantanamo. A blight on our national conscience!
Our elected Republican politicians. They forget this is not about Republicans or Democrats. Rather it is about us.
One thing President Obama must do is restore our moral conscience. A big job! Even more, a responsibility that never should have been.
Morality should not have to be taught a society. It is inborn and nourished in our youth. It was meant to be practiced in our adult lives.
But we lost our way.
So here we are having to deal with a basic. Maybe not bad, though. We all go back to basics when we have to work a problem out.
We start at the beginning.
Tonight is bocci. I will not play.
I am having some tests. Nothing serious. So worry not.
Waiting around gives one a lot of time to think.
We have many problems in our country today. Obama is throwing tons of money at them in hopes of correcting the situation. Who am I to argue with the President? All these matters are well beyond me. And I am an intelligent man!
Life has taught me there generally is a root cause to every thing. Yesterday my thought process zeroed in on what I consider a major underlying problem. It may be THE underlying problem!
Our society has no moral conscience!
We have lost our way.
No one seems to understand right from wrong. That simple!
Look at the banks. What they did and presently how they are handling the bailout money.
The car companies and insurance companies are the same.
Athletes and steroids. Need I say more about them!
Guantanamo. A blight on our national conscience!
Our elected Republican politicians. They forget this is not about Republicans or Democrats. Rather it is about us.
One thing President Obama must do is restore our moral conscience. A big job! Even more, a responsibility that never should have been.
Morality should not have to be taught a society. It is inborn and nourished in our youth. It was meant to be practiced in our adult lives.
But we lost our way.
So here we are having to deal with a basic. Maybe not bad, though. We all go back to basics when we have to work a problem out.
We start at the beginning.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I have a foot fetish. Always have. It is not a sensuous thing. Important to make that clear up front. Rather I find that having my feet rubbed puts me in such a relaxed mood that I fall asleep within minutes.
Which brings me to Reflexology.
Relexology is some sort of science form that comes down to us from before Christ. Earliest signs are evident from drawings and writings from ancient Egypt, China and Japan.
Basically Reflexology is simple. It is the application of pressure to the feet with thumb and hand techniques. It is thought that certain parts of the feet are directly connected/related to other body parts. For example, a certain part of the left foot may affect the right eye. Or another part of the foot may have a direct link to the liver.
By applying pressure to these foot parts, diseased body parts may be discovered. Also the foot pressure can also aid in correcting sick body parts. Crystals form in the foot which indicate a problem in a body part. The pressure helps to break up the crystals, thereby permitting good energy to flow again to the sick body part.
Is it for real? Or is it poppycock? I don't know.
Why am I telling you about Relexology? Because of Julia.
Last night I was at Hogfish having a late dinner. Hogfish has a new hostess. Her name is Julia. A lovely and charming young lady.
Julia came over and asked if several years ago I frequented a certain beauty salon for pedicures. Absolutely! I have a foot fetish! I absolutely love pedicures! Besides keeping my toe nails neat, the procedure relaxes the hell out of me!
Anyhow.....Julia worked in that beauty salon and remembered me. She was certain it was me once she heard my voice.
And she was the one who brought up reflexology last night.
She recalled me telling some people at the beauty salon about how I visited a reflexologist here in Key West. And that the reflexologist had told me I was sick!
I did not listen. I was sick. And ended up spending 15 days in the hospital!
Several years ago, I opted to visit a reflexologist here in Key West. First time I had ever been to one. Florida reflexologists have to do one or two years of schooling and be licensed. So it is not some witch and brew thing.
I really had no idea what a reflexologist did, except to rub feet. And since I had this foot fetish, I thought this would be a wonderful way to satisfy it.
The reflexologist had me sit in a barker lounge. She tilted it back. Turned down the lights. Put on soft music. Sat at my feet. And started the procedure.
Heaven was to be mine!
Within minutes, I was shouting at her. She was killing me! The pain was fantastic! She was cracking my toes and digging into the soles of my feet!
I was a novice in never never land. I did not know what Reflexology was. Pressure, pressure! Pain, pain! Have to break up those nasty old crystals!
She then explained what was involved. I was not sure I was going to stay. I relented and did. And I was glad I did!
At the end of one hour, I was totally exhausted. But rested. It was like I had a hard body massage.
So I continued seeing the refexologist every week for several months. By the way, the pain diminishes the more one has the procedure. The crystal build up in the feet is broken down, energy flows. Whatever. All I know is that it hurt less. Considerably less!
The reflexologist kept telling me I had some thing wrong in the lower right quadrant of my stomach. She told me to see a doctor. I paid no attention. I still had in the back of my mind that this was sort of a witch doctor thing. But it felt good!
One Sunday night I did not feel well. I went to the emergency room at the hospital. I had a ruptured appendix. There were other complications also. Twenty five per cent of my colon was removed. I spent 15 days in the hospital and a long time thereafter recovering.
The moral of the story. Listen to your reflexologist!
Julia brought it all back.
Which brings me to Reflexology.
Relexology is some sort of science form that comes down to us from before Christ. Earliest signs are evident from drawings and writings from ancient Egypt, China and Japan.
Basically Reflexology is simple. It is the application of pressure to the feet with thumb and hand techniques. It is thought that certain parts of the feet are directly connected/related to other body parts. For example, a certain part of the left foot may affect the right eye. Or another part of the foot may have a direct link to the liver.
By applying pressure to these foot parts, diseased body parts may be discovered. Also the foot pressure can also aid in correcting sick body parts. Crystals form in the foot which indicate a problem in a body part. The pressure helps to break up the crystals, thereby permitting good energy to flow again to the sick body part.
Is it for real? Or is it poppycock? I don't know.
Why am I telling you about Relexology? Because of Julia.
Last night I was at Hogfish having a late dinner. Hogfish has a new hostess. Her name is Julia. A lovely and charming young lady.
Julia came over and asked if several years ago I frequented a certain beauty salon for pedicures. Absolutely! I have a foot fetish! I absolutely love pedicures! Besides keeping my toe nails neat, the procedure relaxes the hell out of me!
Anyhow.....Julia worked in that beauty salon and remembered me. She was certain it was me once she heard my voice.
And she was the one who brought up reflexology last night.
She recalled me telling some people at the beauty salon about how I visited a reflexologist here in Key West. And that the reflexologist had told me I was sick!
I did not listen. I was sick. And ended up spending 15 days in the hospital!
Several years ago, I opted to visit a reflexologist here in Key West. First time I had ever been to one. Florida reflexologists have to do one or two years of schooling and be licensed. So it is not some witch and brew thing.
I really had no idea what a reflexologist did, except to rub feet. And since I had this foot fetish, I thought this would be a wonderful way to satisfy it.
The reflexologist had me sit in a barker lounge. She tilted it back. Turned down the lights. Put on soft music. Sat at my feet. And started the procedure.
Heaven was to be mine!
Within minutes, I was shouting at her. She was killing me! The pain was fantastic! She was cracking my toes and digging into the soles of my feet!
I was a novice in never never land. I did not know what Reflexology was. Pressure, pressure! Pain, pain! Have to break up those nasty old crystals!
She then explained what was involved. I was not sure I was going to stay. I relented and did. And I was glad I did!
At the end of one hour, I was totally exhausted. But rested. It was like I had a hard body massage.
So I continued seeing the refexologist every week for several months. By the way, the pain diminishes the more one has the procedure. The crystal build up in the feet is broken down, energy flows. Whatever. All I know is that it hurt less. Considerably less!
The reflexologist kept telling me I had some thing wrong in the lower right quadrant of my stomach. She told me to see a doctor. I paid no attention. I still had in the back of my mind that this was sort of a witch doctor thing. But it felt good!
One Sunday night I did not feel well. I went to the emergency room at the hospital. I had a ruptured appendix. There were other complications also. Twenty five per cent of my colon was removed. I spent 15 days in the hospital and a long time thereafter recovering.
The moral of the story. Listen to your reflexologist!
Julia brought it all back.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Interesting day yesterday!
I baby sat all day!
Lisa called in the morning. Ally had a cough and temperature. Her usual sitter was sick. Could I help? Of course!
I was thrilled she wanted me. Only the third time! Lisa says my attention span is lacking. So she had to be desperate to ask me.
I was with Ally from 8 to 4.
The first hour went slow. The next 7 flew.
We were together constantly. We played, read books (to each other), drew, played games, talked, went outside a bit, made believe and I don't know what else. Ally was happy! I was happy!
I cooked her lunch. She wanted scrambled eggs. I made them. Cut up a hot dog and mixed it in. A turkey hot dog!
Ally told me she was reluctant to eat the eggs with hot dog in it. Her mother did not make it that way! I saw a problem brewing. So I told her about my Mother and how she made me eggs that way. It worked! We buried every thing in ketchup and Ally ate it all. Not to appear remiss, I also gave her a glass of milk and a slice of unbuttered toasted whole wheat bread. Then we each had one chocolate chip cookie for dessert. We dunked the cookies in the milk.
Ally kept testing me however. Her mother never gave her milk with lunch, she said. Only water. So I had to get into a litany that this was Poppa's lunch for her and I was a milk guy. It worked!
Her health seemed to improve as the day wore on.
I put in an 8 hour day. When I left and sat in my car, I realized I was exhausted! Tired!!!!!!
Hard work watching a child. Constant. But fun! I can't wait to do it again.
I even taught Ally something. She was having trouble hanging the towel on the bar in the bathroom. She is tiny and has to reach up to do it. No sweat! We ran through it a few times and she had it down! She will forever remember me for that experience!
Even though I was tired, I went out last night. Marty called. He is back in town. I met him at the Chart Room. We had a couple of drinks and left for dinner at La Trattoria.
Kathy was bartending. Always a pleasure to see! Beecha hosting. No question, always a pleasure to see! Many locals at the bar. We had a good meal and a good time!
Good news! I mentioned that Terri had gone to New York last week to audition for the Broadway revival of Finian's Rainbow. She received the call yesterday. She got the job! Congrats Terri!
Lisa called. I may have to fill in today also. Depends on the health of her sitter. I am waiting for the next call.
I am ready! I am experienced!
I baby sat all day!
Lisa called in the morning. Ally had a cough and temperature. Her usual sitter was sick. Could I help? Of course!
I was thrilled she wanted me. Only the third time! Lisa says my attention span is lacking. So she had to be desperate to ask me.
I was with Ally from 8 to 4.
The first hour went slow. The next 7 flew.
We were together constantly. We played, read books (to each other), drew, played games, talked, went outside a bit, made believe and I don't know what else. Ally was happy! I was happy!
I cooked her lunch. She wanted scrambled eggs. I made them. Cut up a hot dog and mixed it in. A turkey hot dog!
Ally told me she was reluctant to eat the eggs with hot dog in it. Her mother did not make it that way! I saw a problem brewing. So I told her about my Mother and how she made me eggs that way. It worked! We buried every thing in ketchup and Ally ate it all. Not to appear remiss, I also gave her a glass of milk and a slice of unbuttered toasted whole wheat bread. Then we each had one chocolate chip cookie for dessert. We dunked the cookies in the milk.
Ally kept testing me however. Her mother never gave her milk with lunch, she said. Only water. So I had to get into a litany that this was Poppa's lunch for her and I was a milk guy. It worked!
Her health seemed to improve as the day wore on.
I put in an 8 hour day. When I left and sat in my car, I realized I was exhausted! Tired!!!!!!
Hard work watching a child. Constant. But fun! I can't wait to do it again.
I even taught Ally something. She was having trouble hanging the towel on the bar in the bathroom. She is tiny and has to reach up to do it. No sweat! We ran through it a few times and she had it down! She will forever remember me for that experience!
Even though I was tired, I went out last night. Marty called. He is back in town. I met him at the Chart Room. We had a couple of drinks and left for dinner at La Trattoria.
Kathy was bartending. Always a pleasure to see! Beecha hosting. No question, always a pleasure to see! Many locals at the bar. We had a good meal and a good time!
Good news! I mentioned that Terri had gone to New York last week to audition for the Broadway revival of Finian's Rainbow. She received the call yesterday. She got the job! Congrats Terri!
Lisa called. I may have to fill in today also. Depends on the health of her sitter. I am waiting for the next call.
I am ready! I am experienced!
Monday, February 23, 2009
A good Sunday yesterday.
Syracuse basketball at 1:00! Played Villanova at Syracuse. Villanova is ranked #12. Syracuse #24.
Syracuse lost by 3 points. A good game!
Villanova was actually the better team yesterday. But Syracuse hung in there and kept coming back. With 7.4 seconds left and Syracuse behind by 3 points, Syracuse got 3 good shots at the basket. Missed all 3. Any one of which could have tied the game. Such is life!
The basketball game was on CBS. Immediately following it, was the final round of the Northern Trust Golf tournament in Los Angeles.
Phil Mickelson was 4 up going into the final round. He almost blew it! He was 2 strokes behind with 3 holes to play. He got hot again and won by 1 stroke.
Steve Stricker and Fred Couples were breathing down his neck. Either could have won. Stricker has been hot lately and is due for a win.
It was a pleasure to see Couples in the final group on the final day. A giant who has seen his best days, he played well and almost won again! He might have won had he not hit a hacker's shot on the last hole. I know a hacker shot when I see one since I hit enough of them!
Couples drove over 300 yards. Wow! I am lucky to hit 150! His ball was on the right side of the fairway. A clear shot to the green. He was about 170 yards out.
To the right of the fairway and about 20 feet into the rough and ahead was a large tree. The tree was not in play. No way could it interfere with Couple's shot. But it did! He hit into the tree and his ball dropped straight down. That was it for him! Bad shots happen even to the best!
Last night was dinner at Serge and Karen's. I have not seen them for awhile. Lovely people.
We had steaks which Serge grilled outside. However we ate inside since it was a bit chilly. Good company and good food! Many laughs during dinner.
After dinner, we settled into some comfortable chairs in the living room and watched the Academy Awards. An absolutley fantastic show last night! Probably the best ever!
Hugh Jackman was great as host! The only movie I saw him in was Australia. A great film! I thought he was excellent in it. Of course, Nicole Kidman also starred. Any movie she is in is over the top with me!
Jackman can sing, dance, tell jokes. He does it all! He should have been the new 007!
I am at Lisa's this morning. Babysitting Ally who is sick. I shall be here all day.
Lisa was obviously desperate for a sitter. This is only the third time I have been permitted to sit. The claim is my attention span is not good.
Ally and I have a deal. She is watching me! Not I, her! So she has to stay near me all day, no matter where I am!
We will both survive the day!
Syracuse basketball at 1:00! Played Villanova at Syracuse. Villanova is ranked #12. Syracuse #24.
Syracuse lost by 3 points. A good game!
Villanova was actually the better team yesterday. But Syracuse hung in there and kept coming back. With 7.4 seconds left and Syracuse behind by 3 points, Syracuse got 3 good shots at the basket. Missed all 3. Any one of which could have tied the game. Such is life!
The basketball game was on CBS. Immediately following it, was the final round of the Northern Trust Golf tournament in Los Angeles.
Phil Mickelson was 4 up going into the final round. He almost blew it! He was 2 strokes behind with 3 holes to play. He got hot again and won by 1 stroke.
Steve Stricker and Fred Couples were breathing down his neck. Either could have won. Stricker has been hot lately and is due for a win.
It was a pleasure to see Couples in the final group on the final day. A giant who has seen his best days, he played well and almost won again! He might have won had he not hit a hacker's shot on the last hole. I know a hacker shot when I see one since I hit enough of them!
Couples drove over 300 yards. Wow! I am lucky to hit 150! His ball was on the right side of the fairway. A clear shot to the green. He was about 170 yards out.
To the right of the fairway and about 20 feet into the rough and ahead was a large tree. The tree was not in play. No way could it interfere with Couple's shot. But it did! He hit into the tree and his ball dropped straight down. That was it for him! Bad shots happen even to the best!
Last night was dinner at Serge and Karen's. I have not seen them for awhile. Lovely people.
We had steaks which Serge grilled outside. However we ate inside since it was a bit chilly. Good company and good food! Many laughs during dinner.
After dinner, we settled into some comfortable chairs in the living room and watched the Academy Awards. An absolutley fantastic show last night! Probably the best ever!
Hugh Jackman was great as host! The only movie I saw him in was Australia. A great film! I thought he was excellent in it. Of course, Nicole Kidman also starred. Any movie she is in is over the top with me!
Jackman can sing, dance, tell jokes. He does it all! He should have been the new 007!
I am at Lisa's this morning. Babysitting Ally who is sick. I shall be here all day.
Lisa was obviously desperate for a sitter. This is only the third time I have been permitted to sit. The claim is my attention span is not good.
Ally and I have a deal. She is watching me! Not I, her! So she has to stay near me all day, no matter where I am!
We will both survive the day!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Ah, it is Sunday again!
My favorite day! God's day of rest! My day of rest!
Newspapers galore to read, Meet the Press, visit Lisa and the grandkids. What could be better!
I complained of the cold yesterday morning. When I went to lunch at Hogfish, I wore a sweatshirt. I had to remove it before I even ordered. It was warm!
It all has to do with breaking the wind. My home faces the north and open water. The wind and chill comes from the north. However once I am in town, the buildings and trees break the wind. Ergo, it stays warm The cold is blocked.
Last night friends Donna and Terri took me to dinner. At La Trattoria.
Terri had just returned from a few days in New York. Finian's Rainbow is being revived. She was asked to audition for it. Not a mass audition. A specially scheduled one. Arrive, do your thing and leave. She will know soon if she got the part.
Terri is an awesome singer and performer! She is no stranger to Broadway, having appeared in several musicals. In fact, she received a Tony nomination and Oby award. Impressive! But more impressive is to hear her sing! A wow!
We talked of Finian's Rainbow.
The musical opened on Broadway in 1947. An immediate hit! Why not! Look at some of the songs that came out of it. Look to the Rainbow, How Are Things in Glocca Morra, Old Devil Moon and If This Isn't Love. A movie version was made in 1968 starring Fred Astaire.
Good luck Terri! Hope you get the part!
I visited with grandchildren Robert and Ally yesterday for a couple of hours. They recently acquired the Wizard of Oz CD. It is on contstantly! Whether they are watching or not! It is becoming a little too much. When I leave the tunes keep running through my head. Even now, the next morning, it is so. Every thing is.....I'm off to see the Wizard.....and Yellow Brick Road!
My head hurts!
Have a good day!
My favorite day! God's day of rest! My day of rest!
Newspapers galore to read, Meet the Press, visit Lisa and the grandkids. What could be better!
I complained of the cold yesterday morning. When I went to lunch at Hogfish, I wore a sweatshirt. I had to remove it before I even ordered. It was warm!
It all has to do with breaking the wind. My home faces the north and open water. The wind and chill comes from the north. However once I am in town, the buildings and trees break the wind. Ergo, it stays warm The cold is blocked.
Last night friends Donna and Terri took me to dinner. At La Trattoria.
Terri had just returned from a few days in New York. Finian's Rainbow is being revived. She was asked to audition for it. Not a mass audition. A specially scheduled one. Arrive, do your thing and leave. She will know soon if she got the part.
Terri is an awesome singer and performer! She is no stranger to Broadway, having appeared in several musicals. In fact, she received a Tony nomination and Oby award. Impressive! But more impressive is to hear her sing! A wow!
We talked of Finian's Rainbow.
The musical opened on Broadway in 1947. An immediate hit! Why not! Look at some of the songs that came out of it. Look to the Rainbow, How Are Things in Glocca Morra, Old Devil Moon and If This Isn't Love. A movie version was made in 1968 starring Fred Astaire.
Good luck Terri! Hope you get the part!
I visited with grandchildren Robert and Ally yesterday for a couple of hours. They recently acquired the Wizard of Oz CD. It is on contstantly! Whether they are watching or not! It is becoming a little too much. When I leave the tunes keep running through my head. Even now, the next morning, it is so. Every thing is.....I'm off to see the Wizard.....and Yellow Brick Road!
My head hurts!
Have a good day!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Good morning world!
We had a few days of warm here in Key West. So I assumed the weather had turned. In fact, yesterday I even stated that Spring had arrived.
Well, I was wrong. Nature is like a woman. Unpredictable! It was cold yesterday and last night. Mid to high 60s. Last night was especially crispy.
Key West is hopping with tourists. The streets are crowded. Every one obviously having a good time. Which is good!
I stopped into the Chart Room before dinner last night. Ran in to a nice couple who had just checked into the Pier House. The Chart Room is located in the Pier House.
Louis and Jane.
Our conversation started when the bartender called me Louis. The gentleman next to me said his name was Louis also. Then we got into the why we were so named, our heritages and so forth. I pointed out I was of Italian extraction and was named after my grandfather who had been born in Italy. My new found friend Louis was of German extraction and had a similar story.
Louis and Jane are from New Orleans. I asked why they were in Key West when this was Mardi Gras time. They said that is why they left.
Louis and Jane have lived in New Orleans all their lives and apparently have experienced one Mardi Gras too many. So they leave during Mardi Gras time.
Their first visit to Key West.
We had pleasant conversation. I played tourist guide and suggested several places to them.
Then I was off to La Trattoria and dinner at the bar. Beeca was especially lovely last night. A new hair do. I complimented her on it.
I had this craving for carbs. Unusual. I gave in. Lasagna! Absolutely delicious! Apparently I needed it!
Then I was off to La Te Da. Debra and Patrick time. She has such a terrific voice!
The place was packed. People dancing. Every one was there. I had a very enjoyable evening chatting with friends.
It is still cold this morning. The sun is shinning brightly. There are no clouds. But cold it is! My home is on open water and the wind from the north west is brutal. If it is cold here, it must be colder up north!
Lisa just called. Robert is 4 and attends Montessori. Lisa was excited. Robert can recite the months of the year! Last week it was the days of the week! And before that, counting by 10s to a 100! All exciting!
Enjoy your day!
We had a few days of warm here in Key West. So I assumed the weather had turned. In fact, yesterday I even stated that Spring had arrived.
Well, I was wrong. Nature is like a woman. Unpredictable! It was cold yesterday and last night. Mid to high 60s. Last night was especially crispy.
Key West is hopping with tourists. The streets are crowded. Every one obviously having a good time. Which is good!
I stopped into the Chart Room before dinner last night. Ran in to a nice couple who had just checked into the Pier House. The Chart Room is located in the Pier House.
Louis and Jane.
Our conversation started when the bartender called me Louis. The gentleman next to me said his name was Louis also. Then we got into the why we were so named, our heritages and so forth. I pointed out I was of Italian extraction and was named after my grandfather who had been born in Italy. My new found friend Louis was of German extraction and had a similar story.
Louis and Jane are from New Orleans. I asked why they were in Key West when this was Mardi Gras time. They said that is why they left.
Louis and Jane have lived in New Orleans all their lives and apparently have experienced one Mardi Gras too many. So they leave during Mardi Gras time.
Their first visit to Key West.
We had pleasant conversation. I played tourist guide and suggested several places to them.
Then I was off to La Trattoria and dinner at the bar. Beeca was especially lovely last night. A new hair do. I complimented her on it.
I had this craving for carbs. Unusual. I gave in. Lasagna! Absolutely delicious! Apparently I needed it!
Then I was off to La Te Da. Debra and Patrick time. She has such a terrific voice!
The place was packed. People dancing. Every one was there. I had a very enjoyable evening chatting with friends.
It is still cold this morning. The sun is shinning brightly. There are no clouds. But cold it is! My home is on open water and the wind from the north west is brutal. If it is cold here, it must be colder up north!
Lisa just called. Robert is 4 and attends Montessori. Lisa was excited. Robert can recite the months of the year! Last week it was the days of the week! And before that, counting by 10s to a 100! All exciting!
Enjoy your day!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Bocci last night!
The team did well. I did poorly! It had to happen. I have been playing well and finally hit the inevitable slump last night.
I played the first game. We lost 16-2. Bad!
I benched myself. Did not play the rest of the evening.
The team won the next two games. So, overall we did good. No thanks to me. However I did make an excellent cheerleader during those two games!
Yesterday morning was haircut time with Lori. I am proud of her! She opened her own beauty shop about 4 months ago. Calls it Blown Away. It is on Southard just off Duval.
She started with one chair. Her! Yesterday the place was bustling. Four chairs going and a manicurist besides! People waiting!
Good for Lori!
Afterwards I had lunch outside at Paradise Cafe. Mother hen was walking around followed by her chickies. Very tiny chickies. Apparently the rooster caught up with the hen!
Over the past 10 years, every thought has been given as to how to rid Key West of chickens. There are thousands here! Government provided money. Catchers were hired. Nothing worked. Now there is no talk about how to rid Key West of them. The chickens won!
Dolphins come to mind. Such beautiful creatures. Graceful!
I am fortunate that once or twice a week in the early morning I can see anywhere from 1 to 5 dolphins swimming/leaping past my dock. Always a thrill!
The Key West Yacht club has a series of canals housing boats around its property. A dolphin found his way into a canal and could not find his way out. This apparaently is dangerous for dolphins. They need the companionship of other dolphins and the open sea to survive.
The solitary dolphin was around for 10 days. Not good!
There is a dolphin rescue group up the keys. They were called in.
It took several hours to rescue the dolphin. The dolphin had to be manuevered from one canal to another until it was finally netted.
The dolphin was sick. It was taken to the recue group's property and treated. Fed intraveniously for a time and then taken to the outer sea to join its companions.
Fed intraveniously! Wild! Interesting! More importantly, caring!
The weather has finally turned. It is springtime in the keys!
Low 80s by day. A warm sun. Just a bit cool in the evenings. High 60s.
I noticed the past 2 days that you can actually smell and taste Spring in the air. Just like up north!
Enjoy your day!
The team did well. I did poorly! It had to happen. I have been playing well and finally hit the inevitable slump last night.
I played the first game. We lost 16-2. Bad!
I benched myself. Did not play the rest of the evening.
The team won the next two games. So, overall we did good. No thanks to me. However I did make an excellent cheerleader during those two games!
Yesterday morning was haircut time with Lori. I am proud of her! She opened her own beauty shop about 4 months ago. Calls it Blown Away. It is on Southard just off Duval.
She started with one chair. Her! Yesterday the place was bustling. Four chairs going and a manicurist besides! People waiting!
Good for Lori!
Afterwards I had lunch outside at Paradise Cafe. Mother hen was walking around followed by her chickies. Very tiny chickies. Apparently the rooster caught up with the hen!
Over the past 10 years, every thought has been given as to how to rid Key West of chickens. There are thousands here! Government provided money. Catchers were hired. Nothing worked. Now there is no talk about how to rid Key West of them. The chickens won!
Dolphins come to mind. Such beautiful creatures. Graceful!
I am fortunate that once or twice a week in the early morning I can see anywhere from 1 to 5 dolphins swimming/leaping past my dock. Always a thrill!
The Key West Yacht club has a series of canals housing boats around its property. A dolphin found his way into a canal and could not find his way out. This apparaently is dangerous for dolphins. They need the companionship of other dolphins and the open sea to survive.
The solitary dolphin was around for 10 days. Not good!
There is a dolphin rescue group up the keys. They were called in.
It took several hours to rescue the dolphin. The dolphin had to be manuevered from one canal to another until it was finally netted.
The dolphin was sick. It was taken to the recue group's property and treated. Fed intraveniously for a time and then taken to the outer sea to join its companions.
Fed intraveniously! Wild! Interesting! More importantly, caring!
The weather has finally turned. It is springtime in the keys!
Low 80s by day. A warm sun. Just a bit cool in the evenings. High 60s.
I noticed the past 2 days that you can actually smell and taste Spring in the air. Just like up north!
Enjoy your day!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The morning is gray. Sky overcast. Water still. No breeeze. It is going to be a great day weatherwise! It just needs a little more time to kick in!
The big event for me yesterday was going to the dermatologist. Such is retirement!
A growth developed on my knee about 2 months ago. Big and ugly. He cut it off. Also did a body check. Every thing else OK. The doctor made comment that I had apparently had my body checked out over the years. This I had. Dr. Albert Shaheen in Utica was the man.
Albert was a friend, occasional golf buddy and a half assed relative via marriage. A plastic surgeon by profession. Once a year I would lay on his table and he would go along my body snipping and cutting away. I am glad he insisted that I see him yearly and let him do his thing.
Albert is now retired. He spends his winters in Naples.
I met June and Bill Hudson at Aqua last night. It was preplanned. We were to have dinner afterwards at Antonia's. Bobby Nesbitt was his usual wonderful self at Aqua. What a voice!
Dinner at Antonia's was the best. Good food and good company! June and Bill are top shelf! Solid and sincere. I enjoy them.
The only negative last night was that their friends Kenda and Dick were not with us.
Kenda and Dick had been visiting the Hudsons and left to return home to Delaware the day before. I was fortunate to meet them during the week when we would run into each other.
Kenda and Dick are fun people. Especially Kenda who is very much an outgoing personality!
Interesting backgrounds. A second marriage for both. Each's earlier spouse had died. Sad. But Kenda and Dick found each other and now have wonderful lives going again!
Dick is a retired fighter pilot. Kenda's first husband was military. They have that common trend.
Kenda still works. Keeps Dick in the style to which he has become accustomed. She teaches kindergarten. Her whole life. Just like our Christine Cardone, Larry Smith's wife. Kenda and Christine met last week and had an interesting time talking shop.
June says Kenda and Dick are returning in a couple of months. Good! I look forward to seeing them again!
Afterwards I walked up Duval to the Keys. Sort of dead. Marty was at the bar. I run into him all over town.
Donna and Terri were there also. Terri had sung the cocktail hour till 9. Her bags were packed. Donna and she left to drive to Miami where Terri gets on a plane this morning to New York. Terri has an audition for a Broadway show! A big deal! Terri has performed on Broadway before. She had a Tony nomination and won an Oby award. I wish her well!
I have another exciting day ahead of me. A haircut this morning. Bocci tonight. If it were not for Lori, the haircut would be boring. And nothing beats bocci! Such is retirement. The little things become a big deal!
Talk with you in the morning.
The big event for me yesterday was going to the dermatologist. Such is retirement!
A growth developed on my knee about 2 months ago. Big and ugly. He cut it off. Also did a body check. Every thing else OK. The doctor made comment that I had apparently had my body checked out over the years. This I had. Dr. Albert Shaheen in Utica was the man.
Albert was a friend, occasional golf buddy and a half assed relative via marriage. A plastic surgeon by profession. Once a year I would lay on his table and he would go along my body snipping and cutting away. I am glad he insisted that I see him yearly and let him do his thing.
Albert is now retired. He spends his winters in Naples.
I met June and Bill Hudson at Aqua last night. It was preplanned. We were to have dinner afterwards at Antonia's. Bobby Nesbitt was his usual wonderful self at Aqua. What a voice!
Dinner at Antonia's was the best. Good food and good company! June and Bill are top shelf! Solid and sincere. I enjoy them.
The only negative last night was that their friends Kenda and Dick were not with us.
Kenda and Dick had been visiting the Hudsons and left to return home to Delaware the day before. I was fortunate to meet them during the week when we would run into each other.
Kenda and Dick are fun people. Especially Kenda who is very much an outgoing personality!
Interesting backgrounds. A second marriage for both. Each's earlier spouse had died. Sad. But Kenda and Dick found each other and now have wonderful lives going again!
Dick is a retired fighter pilot. Kenda's first husband was military. They have that common trend.
Kenda still works. Keeps Dick in the style to which he has become accustomed. She teaches kindergarten. Her whole life. Just like our Christine Cardone, Larry Smith's wife. Kenda and Christine met last week and had an interesting time talking shop.
June says Kenda and Dick are returning in a couple of months. Good! I look forward to seeing them again!
Afterwards I walked up Duval to the Keys. Sort of dead. Marty was at the bar. I run into him all over town.
Donna and Terri were there also. Terri had sung the cocktail hour till 9. Her bags were packed. Donna and she left to drive to Miami where Terri gets on a plane this morning to New York. Terri has an audition for a Broadway show! A big deal! Terri has performed on Broadway before. She had a Tony nomination and won an Oby award. I wish her well!
I have another exciting day ahead of me. A haircut this morning. Bocci tonight. If it were not for Lori, the haircut would be boring. And nothing beats bocci! Such is retirement. The little things become a big deal!
Talk with you in the morning.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A long day yesterday.
My day started with an early morning appoinment to visit the dentist. I see Dr. Eaton here in Key West. A nice guy. Competent and knowledgable. Most importantly, concerned.
My cap was to be ready. It was. However it did not look right. Not dark enough. So the metal underside darkened it. The cap is going back to the lab for correction. I am continuing for an additional two weeks with a temporary cap.
Dr. Eaton could have put the cap on and sent me on my way. But he knew the shading was not correct. That is what I mean by concerned.
This is medical week. Today I see a dermatologist. I have this thing growing on my knee which has to come off. It's amazing! The older one gets, the more things that grow out on the body. We become a veritable jungle!
Last night was quiet.
I had dinner alone at the bar at La Trattoria. Then I went over to the Wine Galley to hear Larry. Ran into Marty and Mick. Had a drink with them. Then it was home to bed. All this accomplished before 10!
This dermatologist thing today is screwing up golf. Today is Wednesday. Wednesday is golf day. I have to miss. This was the only appointment available, unless I wanted to wait a couple of months.
I should have been a doctor!
My day started with an early morning appoinment to visit the dentist. I see Dr. Eaton here in Key West. A nice guy. Competent and knowledgable. Most importantly, concerned.
My cap was to be ready. It was. However it did not look right. Not dark enough. So the metal underside darkened it. The cap is going back to the lab for correction. I am continuing for an additional two weeks with a temporary cap.
Dr. Eaton could have put the cap on and sent me on my way. But he knew the shading was not correct. That is what I mean by concerned.
This is medical week. Today I see a dermatologist. I have this thing growing on my knee which has to come off. It's amazing! The older one gets, the more things that grow out on the body. We become a veritable jungle!
Last night was quiet.
I had dinner alone at the bar at La Trattoria. Then I went over to the Wine Galley to hear Larry. Ran into Marty and Mick. Had a drink with them. Then it was home to bed. All this accomplished before 10!
This dermatologist thing today is screwing up golf. Today is Wednesday. Wednesday is golf day. I have to miss. This was the only appointment available, unless I wanted to wait a couple of months.
I should have been a doctor!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wonderful day yesterday!
I baby sat Robert and Ally yesterday afternoon. Only the second time Lisa has permitted it. She was desperate! It was a holiday and Montessori was closed.
I started around noon. Lunch was my responsibility. So I bought a Subway meatball and cheese on whole wheat and brought it with me. The grandkids did not like it.
No problem. I made one a jelly sandwich and the other a turkey one. Cut up an apple, threw in a few pretzels and everything was good!
I thought we should move into this babysitting thing slowly. It was to be an experience for them as well as me. So I put on The Wizard of Oz CD. Within a short time, both Robert and Ally had fallen asleep on the couch. And they stayed sleeping till 4! Three whole hours!
This babysitting thing so far was a snap. Maybe a little boring, also.
When they woke, I read to them a bit. They read to me. Lisa came home. My job was done.
Not very difficult at all!
I had no plans for the evening. I started out at the Chart Room. Was hoping to meet Marty. Marty was there. Captain Peter and Peter's lovely visiting daughter daughter Natsha were there also.
Peter recently had chest pains. Spent several days in the hospital. Good daughter Natasha rushed to his side. She lives in Vermont.
Turns out Peter had acid reflex. Natasha opted to stay several extra days.
Peter lives on a boat. Natasha decided to clean house. Oops, I mean the boat! Natasha just spent a week scrapping and sanding the boat. Today she starts varnishing it.
A good daughter in obviously more ways than one.
Natasha is 40. Looks 30. And is an absolute beauty! Inside and out!
She lives in the Burlington, Vermont area. Has 2 children. Just lost her job. She sold sneakers and trail running shoes. Her company went out of business.
Natasha obviously is a runner. Marathons and the like. Also does 100 mile races and triethilons. Hope I spelled that last word correctly. She runs up mountains and down them. All over the world. Ecuador, Brazil and Europe.
She also was in the first Gulf War. Air Force. A flight fuel operator. She was captured. Only for a week, but in war any time is too long. She was made to wear a collar and rope around her neck during the time.
We ate at the Strip House. A steak restaurant. Nothing else! It's all in the name.
I ran into Bill and June Hudson and their friends. I have been running into them every night lately. Good people!
At the table next to the Hudsons was a young couple. From Utica! So I sat and spent some time with them. Their lawyer back home is Don Murnane. An old acquaitance. My age. I told them to say hello to him for me.
I enjoyed my conversation with Peter, daughter Natasha and Marty during dinner. Also the meal! I rarely eat steak. Marty and I split one. Delicious!
At 8 this morning I return to the dentist. To get my new cap that fell out after 8 months. I am anxious. I have been eating on one side of my mouth for two weeks fearful that the tempoary cap would also fall out and I would walk around looking like a homeless person.
Have a good day! It is going to be a great day in Key West. The weather has kicked in. The tourist season has started. All is good!
I baby sat Robert and Ally yesterday afternoon. Only the second time Lisa has permitted it. She was desperate! It was a holiday and Montessori was closed.
I started around noon. Lunch was my responsibility. So I bought a Subway meatball and cheese on whole wheat and brought it with me. The grandkids did not like it.
No problem. I made one a jelly sandwich and the other a turkey one. Cut up an apple, threw in a few pretzels and everything was good!
I thought we should move into this babysitting thing slowly. It was to be an experience for them as well as me. So I put on The Wizard of Oz CD. Within a short time, both Robert and Ally had fallen asleep on the couch. And they stayed sleeping till 4! Three whole hours!
This babysitting thing so far was a snap. Maybe a little boring, also.
When they woke, I read to them a bit. They read to me. Lisa came home. My job was done.
Not very difficult at all!
I had no plans for the evening. I started out at the Chart Room. Was hoping to meet Marty. Marty was there. Captain Peter and Peter's lovely visiting daughter daughter Natsha were there also.
Peter recently had chest pains. Spent several days in the hospital. Good daughter Natasha rushed to his side. She lives in Vermont.
Turns out Peter had acid reflex. Natasha opted to stay several extra days.
Peter lives on a boat. Natasha decided to clean house. Oops, I mean the boat! Natasha just spent a week scrapping and sanding the boat. Today she starts varnishing it.
A good daughter in obviously more ways than one.
Natasha is 40. Looks 30. And is an absolute beauty! Inside and out!
She lives in the Burlington, Vermont area. Has 2 children. Just lost her job. She sold sneakers and trail running shoes. Her company went out of business.
Natasha obviously is a runner. Marathons and the like. Also does 100 mile races and triethilons. Hope I spelled that last word correctly. She runs up mountains and down them. All over the world. Ecuador, Brazil and Europe.
She also was in the first Gulf War. Air Force. A flight fuel operator. She was captured. Only for a week, but in war any time is too long. She was made to wear a collar and rope around her neck during the time.
We ate at the Strip House. A steak restaurant. Nothing else! It's all in the name.
I ran into Bill and June Hudson and their friends. I have been running into them every night lately. Good people!
At the table next to the Hudsons was a young couple. From Utica! So I sat and spent some time with them. Their lawyer back home is Don Murnane. An old acquaitance. My age. I told them to say hello to him for me.
I enjoyed my conversation with Peter, daughter Natasha and Marty during dinner. Also the meal! I rarely eat steak. Marty and I split one. Delicious!
At 8 this morning I return to the dentist. To get my new cap that fell out after 8 months. I am anxious. I have been eating on one side of my mouth for two weeks fearful that the tempoary cap would also fall out and I would walk around looking like a homeless person.
Have a good day! It is going to be a great day in Key West. The weather has kicked in. The tourist season has started. All is good!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Presidents' Day!
There was a time when Washington and Lincoln's birthdays were celebrated seperately. Two national holidays, two days off within two weeks of each other. Then some Washington persons in their divine wisdom decided the two holidays should be combined into one.
I have always felt since that time that I have been cheated out of a holiday! A paid holiday! A working day off!
The fog came back last night. Big time! Thick and heavy!
My son in law Corey is an archeologist. He has been Chief Archeologist at the Mel Fisher Museum for a quarter of a century. He dives seeking Spanish galleons and sunken slave ships. He is an aknowledged expert on slave ships and slave immigration into the United States and Caribbean areas. He appears occasionally on the History Channel and is an invited speaker all over the country on the topic.
Being a diver, he has to understand weather. Corey says he has never seen anything like this fog. He does not understand it. He finds it strange.
So do I.
Too dark yet this morning to see if the fog is still with us.
Yesterday was a slow day. Sunday always is. It should be.
I spent the day reading the papers, watching TV and snoozing a bit.
Late in the afternoon, I headed out to the Gardens. There was an art show to be followed by the usual musical show starring Skipper on drums and Michael on piano.
The art show featured works by local artists. And since Key West is an artsy town, the sculptures and paintings were magnificent!
The Gardens is a large guest house/hotel. The name Gardens is appropriate. A jungle of greenry surrounds the property. I walked the many cobbled paths thru the gardens for the first time. The art was shown here and there in isolated fashion along the walkways. Nothing crowded. Each piece permitting its own time for silent inspection and thought.
Afterwards I sat with June and Bill Hudson to listen to the music. Nothing like a couple of drinks, good company, great music and a very special setting to enjoy it all!
I left early to go to Lisa's for Sunday night dinner.
The grandkids got a bunk bed yesterday. They were all excited! It was Christmas morning all over again!
Ally wants to sleep on top and Robert on the bottom. That was easy. The hard part is to keep them in the bunk bed at night. Ally is 3 and Robert 4. They end up in their parent's bed generally in the middle of the night. Hopefully the new bed will break them of it. I can't wait to speak with Lisa in about an hour to see how last night went.
I stayed awhile after dinner and played games with the grandkids. Fun!
Still dark outside. Morning Joe just came on.
Have a good day!
There was a time when Washington and Lincoln's birthdays were celebrated seperately. Two national holidays, two days off within two weeks of each other. Then some Washington persons in their divine wisdom decided the two holidays should be combined into one.
I have always felt since that time that I have been cheated out of a holiday! A paid holiday! A working day off!
The fog came back last night. Big time! Thick and heavy!
My son in law Corey is an archeologist. He has been Chief Archeologist at the Mel Fisher Museum for a quarter of a century. He dives seeking Spanish galleons and sunken slave ships. He is an aknowledged expert on slave ships and slave immigration into the United States and Caribbean areas. He appears occasionally on the History Channel and is an invited speaker all over the country on the topic.
Being a diver, he has to understand weather. Corey says he has never seen anything like this fog. He does not understand it. He finds it strange.
So do I.
Too dark yet this morning to see if the fog is still with us.
Yesterday was a slow day. Sunday always is. It should be.
I spent the day reading the papers, watching TV and snoozing a bit.
Late in the afternoon, I headed out to the Gardens. There was an art show to be followed by the usual musical show starring Skipper on drums and Michael on piano.
The art show featured works by local artists. And since Key West is an artsy town, the sculptures and paintings were magnificent!
The Gardens is a large guest house/hotel. The name Gardens is appropriate. A jungle of greenry surrounds the property. I walked the many cobbled paths thru the gardens for the first time. The art was shown here and there in isolated fashion along the walkways. Nothing crowded. Each piece permitting its own time for silent inspection and thought.
Afterwards I sat with June and Bill Hudson to listen to the music. Nothing like a couple of drinks, good company, great music and a very special setting to enjoy it all!
I left early to go to Lisa's for Sunday night dinner.
The grandkids got a bunk bed yesterday. They were all excited! It was Christmas morning all over again!
Ally wants to sleep on top and Robert on the bottom. That was easy. The hard part is to keep them in the bunk bed at night. Ally is 3 and Robert 4. They end up in their parent's bed generally in the middle of the night. Hopefully the new bed will break them of it. I can't wait to speak with Lisa in about an hour to see how last night went.
I stayed awhile after dinner and played games with the grandkids. Fun!
Still dark outside. Morning Joe just came on.
Have a good day!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday morning!
Love Sundays! Meet the Press and the Sunday papers!
The fog is back. Heavier this morning than the past two days. Thick! I can hardly see 500 feet out.
It left us yesterday afternoon. Then got warm warm.
Very little breeze this morning. The palms are not moving. The water is slowly slipping by.
Interesting.
Last night was fun!
I started with dinner at the bar at Antonia's. I like Antonia's. I eat there 2-3 times a week.
Wednesday is my set evening there. I have a fixed reservation for 7:30. I never miss. I missed last Wednesday. And forgot to call to tell them I would not be by. I had dinner at Donna's home instead.
Friday when I was at Publix picking up some groceries, Tiffany came over. She was shopping also. Tiffany is a waitress at Antonia's. She told me they were all concerned when I did not show, called my home to see if I was Ok. She was genuinely concerned about my health and safety, and not the empty seats.
When I walked into Antonia's last night, host Michael Schwartz was all over me with his concern that I had been OK. Then I sat at the bar and TK did the same.
What great people! We truly are family here in Key West!
I was blessed with interesting dinner companions.
On one side were David and Dee from Buffalo and Rochester respectively. They are married. Must live in between both cities. David runs a business in Buffalo. Dee teaches school in Rochester.
We talked about when we first came to Key West, why, etc. These two very conservative appearing and talking peope first came in the 1970s as hippy drop outs and lived here in Key West in a beat up van! For a whole month!
On the other side of me sat Janet. A lovely young lady. Early 20s at the most. Petite, tight. A winning smile.
I sensed she had to be a stripper. I was right! She works at Bare Assets. Her shift last night started at 9 and would end at 4 in the morning. She needed a good meal to get her through the night.
We talked of many things.
She escaped Cuba with her parents several years ago. Made it to shore here, which is important. Cuban feet must touch American soil or these poor people are returned to Cuba under existing law.
Business is good. Tips very good. She now owns her own home in Fort Myers.
Working the pole keeps her in great shape. I told her I should get a pole and work out every day!
A nice girl. I wish Janet well. I hope she stays healthy.
Then I was off to the Pier House. I knew Larry Smith was doing a Valentine's Day show featuring Christine Cardone and Kathleen Peace. Guaranteed good music!
The place was packed, inside and out. Obviously more than Louis were aware of the quality of the evening unfolding!
Many friends in attendance. The Hudsons, Tino and Marie, Yankee Jack and Kathy, Marty and on and on.
None of us were disappointed! The performances were mind blowing! A good time was had by all!
Peppy accompanied on the drums and Alex blew the horn. Two talents!
Larry invited Yankee up to sing. I love Yankee! Every one loves Yankee! He is a 440 pound teddy bear!
His rendition of Georgia brought tears to my eyes. And a few others also.
A very nice evening, indeed!
The fog is starting to life. I can now see out about 1,000 feet. Going to be a beautiful day!
Love Sundays! Meet the Press and the Sunday papers!
The fog is back. Heavier this morning than the past two days. Thick! I can hardly see 500 feet out.
It left us yesterday afternoon. Then got warm warm.
Very little breeze this morning. The palms are not moving. The water is slowly slipping by.
Interesting.
Last night was fun!
I started with dinner at the bar at Antonia's. I like Antonia's. I eat there 2-3 times a week.
Wednesday is my set evening there. I have a fixed reservation for 7:30. I never miss. I missed last Wednesday. And forgot to call to tell them I would not be by. I had dinner at Donna's home instead.
Friday when I was at Publix picking up some groceries, Tiffany came over. She was shopping also. Tiffany is a waitress at Antonia's. She told me they were all concerned when I did not show, called my home to see if I was Ok. She was genuinely concerned about my health and safety, and not the empty seats.
When I walked into Antonia's last night, host Michael Schwartz was all over me with his concern that I had been OK. Then I sat at the bar and TK did the same.
What great people! We truly are family here in Key West!
I was blessed with interesting dinner companions.
On one side were David and Dee from Buffalo and Rochester respectively. They are married. Must live in between both cities. David runs a business in Buffalo. Dee teaches school in Rochester.
We talked about when we first came to Key West, why, etc. These two very conservative appearing and talking peope first came in the 1970s as hippy drop outs and lived here in Key West in a beat up van! For a whole month!
On the other side of me sat Janet. A lovely young lady. Early 20s at the most. Petite, tight. A winning smile.
I sensed she had to be a stripper. I was right! She works at Bare Assets. Her shift last night started at 9 and would end at 4 in the morning. She needed a good meal to get her through the night.
We talked of many things.
She escaped Cuba with her parents several years ago. Made it to shore here, which is important. Cuban feet must touch American soil or these poor people are returned to Cuba under existing law.
Business is good. Tips very good. She now owns her own home in Fort Myers.
Working the pole keeps her in great shape. I told her I should get a pole and work out every day!
A nice girl. I wish Janet well. I hope she stays healthy.
Then I was off to the Pier House. I knew Larry Smith was doing a Valentine's Day show featuring Christine Cardone and Kathleen Peace. Guaranteed good music!
The place was packed, inside and out. Obviously more than Louis were aware of the quality of the evening unfolding!
Many friends in attendance. The Hudsons, Tino and Marie, Yankee Jack and Kathy, Marty and on and on.
None of us were disappointed! The performances were mind blowing! A good time was had by all!
Peppy accompanied on the drums and Alex blew the horn. Two talents!
Larry invited Yankee up to sing. I love Yankee! Every one loves Yankee! He is a 440 pound teddy bear!
His rendition of Georgia brought tears to my eyes. And a few others also.
A very nice evening, indeed!
The fog is starting to life. I can now see out about 1,000 feet. Going to be a beautiful day!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
To those of you who are lovers, enjoy! To those of you who are not, may you discover love today!
Kissing is an all human sport. Interestingly, 90 per cent of the world's peoples do it. I thought it might have been less. I have always thought that certain tribes/races did not kiss. My recollection, perhaps erronious, was that the American Indians rubbed noses.
There is a science to kissing. It is called Philematology. That is what we do!
The study of kissing reveals some interesting things. Kissing releases chemicals between the two persons doing it. Makes sense.
The male saliva releases testosterone to the female. Gets the woman going. Females beware! The men are going to get you!
The testosterone encourages bonding. Obviously! Do it for 15 minutes and the ultimate is going to occur. Wow! So that is how it works! Live and learn! Ho ho!
Anyhow, kissing is also good for your health. It reduces stress in both parties.
So sayeth the Science of Philematology! Makes sense to me. So sayeth my experience factor!
About 10 yesterday morning, a fog came in. Big time! I could see it creeping in over the ocean. Till it covered everything.
A chill accompanied it.
The fog lifted for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Then returned. It was with us last night.
And it is still here this morning.
It is difficult to see very far out onto the water. The gray mist wraps you as you walk outside.
It is erie! As in a Dracula movie of old!
One of the stops in my travels last night took me to La Te Da's bar. World famous Sassy was bartending. Sassy knows everything about the water. For real! He has a Captain's license and operates a tour/fishing boat by day.
I asked Sassy about the fog. He knew the answer! He told me that when the dew point is heavier than the humidity, fog results.
Made sesne to me. I sort of understood. Only sort of, though.
Since the fog is still upon us this morning, I went to the weather channel for possible further explanation. There was none. It did say that the fog would lift some time this afternoon and the temperature would hit 80.
The weather channel makes note of humidity. It listed humidity for today at 100 per cent. I do not know how this all plays in. Quite frankly, I do not understand it. Even with Sassy's explanation.
One thing I do know however. I love the fog, especially along the ocean! Always have!
I started my evening last night at the Keys. Bobby Nesbitt and Terri White were singing. What could be better!
I then crossed the street to hear Debra and Patrick at La Te Da and get my weather analysis from Sassy. Love Debra!
Terri had finished her early gig at Keys. She and Donna showed up. We had dinner together at La Te Da.
I had not eaten there in years. Alice is back cooking. The food was outstanding! I had crispy duck. The first time in over a year. Outstanding! I recommend Alice's cooking to you.
It was late enough for me. After coffee, I was home to bed. Just in time to catch the 11 o'clock news.
In closing, I want to wish you a big 3 H day. Happy, healthy and horny! Especially the last H! This is Valentine's Day! Do some kissing and achieve the final H. And with it love!
And if love is not to be, still enjoy the horny for the hell of it!
To those of you who are lovers, enjoy! To those of you who are not, may you discover love today!
Kissing is an all human sport. Interestingly, 90 per cent of the world's peoples do it. I thought it might have been less. I have always thought that certain tribes/races did not kiss. My recollection, perhaps erronious, was that the American Indians rubbed noses.
There is a science to kissing. It is called Philematology. That is what we do!
The study of kissing reveals some interesting things. Kissing releases chemicals between the two persons doing it. Makes sense.
The male saliva releases testosterone to the female. Gets the woman going. Females beware! The men are going to get you!
The testosterone encourages bonding. Obviously! Do it for 15 minutes and the ultimate is going to occur. Wow! So that is how it works! Live and learn! Ho ho!
Anyhow, kissing is also good for your health. It reduces stress in both parties.
So sayeth the Science of Philematology! Makes sense to me. So sayeth my experience factor!
About 10 yesterday morning, a fog came in. Big time! I could see it creeping in over the ocean. Till it covered everything.
A chill accompanied it.
The fog lifted for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Then returned. It was with us last night.
And it is still here this morning.
It is difficult to see very far out onto the water. The gray mist wraps you as you walk outside.
It is erie! As in a Dracula movie of old!
One of the stops in my travels last night took me to La Te Da's bar. World famous Sassy was bartending. Sassy knows everything about the water. For real! He has a Captain's license and operates a tour/fishing boat by day.
I asked Sassy about the fog. He knew the answer! He told me that when the dew point is heavier than the humidity, fog results.
Made sesne to me. I sort of understood. Only sort of, though.
Since the fog is still upon us this morning, I went to the weather channel for possible further explanation. There was none. It did say that the fog would lift some time this afternoon and the temperature would hit 80.
The weather channel makes note of humidity. It listed humidity for today at 100 per cent. I do not know how this all plays in. Quite frankly, I do not understand it. Even with Sassy's explanation.
One thing I do know however. I love the fog, especially along the ocean! Always have!
I started my evening last night at the Keys. Bobby Nesbitt and Terri White were singing. What could be better!
I then crossed the street to hear Debra and Patrick at La Te Da and get my weather analysis from Sassy. Love Debra!
Terri had finished her early gig at Keys. She and Donna showed up. We had dinner together at La Te Da.
I had not eaten there in years. Alice is back cooking. The food was outstanding! I had crispy duck. The first time in over a year. Outstanding! I recommend Alice's cooking to you.
It was late enough for me. After coffee, I was home to bed. Just in time to catch the 11 o'clock news.
In closing, I want to wish you a big 3 H day. Happy, healthy and horny! Especially the last H! This is Valentine's Day! Do some kissing and achieve the final H. And with it love!
And if love is not to be, still enjoy the horny for the hell of it!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Lunch with Lisa yesterday!
Always a delight! The cheerful one!
Lisa is Sales Manager at the Southernmost Hotel Collection. A beautiful complex at the Atlantic end of Duval.
We had lunch at the Southernmost Beach Club. An open air restaurant sitting right on the beach. Yesterday was warm and beautiful. The breeze was comforting. As Lisa and I ate, I could see the blue ocean directly behind her.
The rest of the afternoon was spent doing the mundane. Like grocery shopping!
Last night the bands played and the canons roared! The bocci season started!
We won the first game. Lost the next two.
We all had fun, however.
One of our problems this season will be that we have a 12 person team. The house rule is that every one plays.
We won the first match 16-5. David, Don, Rob and I played. Probably our best. It was obvious. We killed the opposition!
Then most of us, including me, sat out the second game. Fun comes first in bocci! Every one participates! We have a couple of bocci virgins on the team. First timers. They played.
We lost our sharpness in the second game.
It came back in the third game, but we lost.
I played again in the third game. Teamed up with Maria. Maria is experienced. She is a transfer from another team. Oh, the trading that goes on in the off season!
Afterwards, we went over to Don's Place. Good company all!
Thursday nights are the best!
Always a delight! The cheerful one!
Lisa is Sales Manager at the Southernmost Hotel Collection. A beautiful complex at the Atlantic end of Duval.
We had lunch at the Southernmost Beach Club. An open air restaurant sitting right on the beach. Yesterday was warm and beautiful. The breeze was comforting. As Lisa and I ate, I could see the blue ocean directly behind her.
The rest of the afternoon was spent doing the mundane. Like grocery shopping!
Last night the bands played and the canons roared! The bocci season started!
We won the first game. Lost the next two.
We all had fun, however.
One of our problems this season will be that we have a 12 person team. The house rule is that every one plays.
We won the first match 16-5. David, Don, Rob and I played. Probably our best. It was obvious. We killed the opposition!
Then most of us, including me, sat out the second game. Fun comes first in bocci! Every one participates! We have a couple of bocci virgins on the team. First timers. They played.
We lost our sharpness in the second game.
It came back in the third game, but we lost.
I played again in the third game. Teamed up with Maria. Maria is experienced. She is a transfer from another team. Oh, the trading that goes on in the off season!
Afterwards, we went over to Don's Place. Good company all!
Thursday nights are the best!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Golf yesterday!
Played more poorly than normal. Though I did distinguish myself occasionally with a decent hole or shot. More a decent shot.
I broke even. At least my play did not cost me any money!
Last night Donna and Terri had a dinner party. I was fortunate to be invited. Two Pearl Mestas! Great food! Terrific presentation! Stimulating guests!
In addition to Louis, they invited Barry, Harrell and Michael.
Barry and Harrel are from Nashville, but have a condo in Key West which they visit frequently. Barry is a cardiologist. Good for my heart! Harrell a CPA. Good for my draining fortune!
Michael is an interior decorator. He presently is completing some work at Bagatelle's. Bagatelle's is a restaurant at the tourist end of Duval. I have not eaten there in 15 years. Not because it may not be good. I just do not do that end of town.
I was aware the outside of Bagatelle's had recently been painted. Not from seeing the place, but by talking with Joanie and her husband at Don's Place. They were the contracted team painting the building.
Michael talked about the inside. Sounds exciting! Especially the new second floor floor. I am not being redundant. The floor! Says it is spectacular!
We talked of many things. Especially of Italy, which we all had visited extensively. And the Christmas eve seven fishes meal.
Michael did an exciting stuffed calamari this past Christmas. Stuffed the calamari with lobster and crab. Different!
All in all, a most pleasurable evening! Thank you Barry, Harrell and Michael for your good company! Thank you especially Donna and Terri for making it all possible!
Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! The start of a new bocci season. I am excited!
Yesterday was another warm day. Today will be also. The weather has turned. We are into warm!
May all in Kest West enjoy the weather and the day. Those of you who are not fortunate to live here, come on down for a visit! Like the line in one of Howard Livingston's songs.....Start living in Key West time!
Played more poorly than normal. Though I did distinguish myself occasionally with a decent hole or shot. More a decent shot.
I broke even. At least my play did not cost me any money!
Last night Donna and Terri had a dinner party. I was fortunate to be invited. Two Pearl Mestas! Great food! Terrific presentation! Stimulating guests!
In addition to Louis, they invited Barry, Harrell and Michael.
Barry and Harrel are from Nashville, but have a condo in Key West which they visit frequently. Barry is a cardiologist. Good for my heart! Harrell a CPA. Good for my draining fortune!
Michael is an interior decorator. He presently is completing some work at Bagatelle's. Bagatelle's is a restaurant at the tourist end of Duval. I have not eaten there in 15 years. Not because it may not be good. I just do not do that end of town.
I was aware the outside of Bagatelle's had recently been painted. Not from seeing the place, but by talking with Joanie and her husband at Don's Place. They were the contracted team painting the building.
Michael talked about the inside. Sounds exciting! Especially the new second floor floor. I am not being redundant. The floor! Says it is spectacular!
We talked of many things. Especially of Italy, which we all had visited extensively. And the Christmas eve seven fishes meal.
Michael did an exciting stuffed calamari this past Christmas. Stuffed the calamari with lobster and crab. Different!
All in all, a most pleasurable evening! Thank you Barry, Harrell and Michael for your good company! Thank you especially Donna and Terri for making it all possible!
Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! The start of a new bocci season. I am excited!
Yesterday was another warm day. Today will be also. The weather has turned. We are into warm!
May all in Kest West enjoy the weather and the day. Those of you who are not fortunate to live here, come on down for a visit! Like the line in one of Howard Livingston's songs.....Start living in Key West time!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Good morning!
Very early yet! Black outside.
The weather was magnificent yesterday! Key West weather finally returned! And today will be even better! Which is good because I play golf this morning.
Bocci returns tomorrow night. It has been a long haul between seasons. I am excited! So is everyone else who plays.
Bocci is an interesting game. Actually the correct spelling is bocce. However here in the USA it has acquired the spelling which ends with the i. Bocce is the correst name, bocci the nickname.
Bocci is a precision sport. If you have played the game, you understand. If you have not, trust me that it is so. That little ball can be difficult to get next to!
The correct name of the little ball is pollino. It is called many derivative names such as polina and pollina.
Bocci is an ancient game. It started in the times of the Roman Empire. Ergo it is in form and substance of Italian origin. And my imigrant ancestors brought the game to our shores.
Somethings are so obvious, they escape easy deduction. Bocci means to bowl. Simple. Though it never occured to me. Italian bowling!
Everything is an Olympic sport these days. But not bocci. Sad!
There is a noted champion in every sport. The man in bocci is Umberto Granglia.
Granglia passed away this past December. However not before he was named the Bocce Player of the Twentieth Century. He won 13 World championships, 12 European championships and a big 46 Italian National championships. Shades of Tiger Woods!
Which brings me back to tomorrow night. The bocci season starts again. We could use Granglia on our team. But we will make do with what we have and hopefully have a decent season.
Want to know something. We will! We have been an improving team each season. Almost made the playoffs last year. Perhaps this will be the year!
Very early yet! Black outside.
The weather was magnificent yesterday! Key West weather finally returned! And today will be even better! Which is good because I play golf this morning.
Bocci returns tomorrow night. It has been a long haul between seasons. I am excited! So is everyone else who plays.
Bocci is an interesting game. Actually the correct spelling is bocce. However here in the USA it has acquired the spelling which ends with the i. Bocce is the correst name, bocci the nickname.
Bocci is a precision sport. If you have played the game, you understand. If you have not, trust me that it is so. That little ball can be difficult to get next to!
The correct name of the little ball is pollino. It is called many derivative names such as polina and pollina.
Bocci is an ancient game. It started in the times of the Roman Empire. Ergo it is in form and substance of Italian origin. And my imigrant ancestors brought the game to our shores.
Somethings are so obvious, they escape easy deduction. Bocci means to bowl. Simple. Though it never occured to me. Italian bowling!
Everything is an Olympic sport these days. But not bocci. Sad!
There is a noted champion in every sport. The man in bocci is Umberto Granglia.
Granglia passed away this past December. However not before he was named the Bocce Player of the Twentieth Century. He won 13 World championships, 12 European championships and a big 46 Italian National championships. Shades of Tiger Woods!
Which brings me back to tomorrow night. The bocci season starts again. We could use Granglia on our team. But we will make do with what we have and hopefully have a decent season.
Want to know something. We will! We have been an improving team each season. Almost made the playoffs last year. Perhaps this will be the year!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Lunch yesterday at Paradise Cafe. Cuban toast with hot melted cheese and tomato. So delicious!
It has warmed up so I ate outside. The chickens are back. Or maybe they never left. It has been too cold to eat outside recently so I had no opportunity to see them.
The rooster was chasing the hen. She was having none of him. He wanted it and she did not. Life changes not, regardless of the breed!
My evening started at the Chart Room. Marty is back. I had a couple of drinks with Marty and Captain Peter. Good people!
Then I met Donna and Terri for dinner. They had invited me out. I was to be their guest.
We had dinner at Pepe's. Outside. A wee bit chilly. I was wearing shorts.
Pepe's is reputed to be the oldest restaurant in Key West. The claim is that pirates used to plan their raids from there in the 1700s. The keys and Carribean to the south were a hot bed for pirate activitites back then. The Spanish and English frigates did not stand a chance. That is why there is still a ton of undiscovered gold sitting on the ocean floor off Key West.
Kelly McGillis was back in town this past weekend. Remember her? Tom Cruise's lovely co-star in Top Gun. And then she starred with Harrison Ford in Witness.
Kelly lived in Key West for a number of years. She and her then husband owned three Key West restaurants at one time. Her former husband still owns and operates Kelly's. Kelly now lives on a farm some where in Pennsylvania.
Several years ago, Lisa was Development Director at the Custom House. She put on a black tie fund raiser at the museum.
Seating got screwed up. Howard Livingston and his wife were to have been seated at my table. They got stuck at the table next to mine. Seated next to Howard was Kelly McGillis. Howard was still an industrialist at the time. A then star and a star to be. Who knew!
I never got to play golf yesterday. I could not make it in time. Too bad because the weather was perfect for it. Tomorrow is golf day for me now.
The sun is up. Though it is a bit cloudy and gray. A good day in the making
It has warmed up so I ate outside. The chickens are back. Or maybe they never left. It has been too cold to eat outside recently so I had no opportunity to see them.
The rooster was chasing the hen. She was having none of him. He wanted it and she did not. Life changes not, regardless of the breed!
My evening started at the Chart Room. Marty is back. I had a couple of drinks with Marty and Captain Peter. Good people!
Then I met Donna and Terri for dinner. They had invited me out. I was to be their guest.
We had dinner at Pepe's. Outside. A wee bit chilly. I was wearing shorts.
Pepe's is reputed to be the oldest restaurant in Key West. The claim is that pirates used to plan their raids from there in the 1700s. The keys and Carribean to the south were a hot bed for pirate activitites back then. The Spanish and English frigates did not stand a chance. That is why there is still a ton of undiscovered gold sitting on the ocean floor off Key West.
Kelly McGillis was back in town this past weekend. Remember her? Tom Cruise's lovely co-star in Top Gun. And then she starred with Harrison Ford in Witness.
Kelly lived in Key West for a number of years. She and her then husband owned three Key West restaurants at one time. Her former husband still owns and operates Kelly's. Kelly now lives on a farm some where in Pennsylvania.
Several years ago, Lisa was Development Director at the Custom House. She put on a black tie fund raiser at the museum.
Seating got screwed up. Howard Livingston and his wife were to have been seated at my table. They got stuck at the table next to mine. Seated next to Howard was Kelly McGillis. Howard was still an industrialist at the time. A then star and a star to be. Who knew!
I never got to play golf yesterday. I could not make it in time. Too bad because the weather was perfect for it. Tomorrow is golf day for me now.
The sun is up. Though it is a bit cloudy and gray. A good day in the making
Monday, February 9, 2009
A very nice evening last night!
I decided around 5 to go over to the Gardens to hear Skipper on the drums and who ever else was playing. I am glad I went.
As I entered the Gardens, I spotted June and Bill Hudson at a table up front. And with an empty chair! So I joined them. Good music and good company. What more can a person ask for?
This Sunday night Gardens event amazes me. Kate Miano had a great idea in starting it. There had to be over 300 people there last night.
Afterwards, I had a light dinner at the bar at Antonia's. Busy! Amazing that it was so busy on a Sunday evening.
After coffee and cookies, the decision was home or the Wine Galley. I opted for the Wine Galley and Larry Smith's Sunday Showcase.
Talk about a lot of people! The Wine Galley was packed also!
Larry's featured performer was unique. An octarian. Sylvia Shelley. 88 years young! Celebrating her 88th birthday last night!
What a woman!
A Key Wester for years apparently. She told us she was born in 1921. Was here during World War II when Key West was a huge naval base.
She told stories. Sang many songs of her own composition she had written about the times. With an occasional touch of spice. She knew how to describe things. Her sporadic off color comments were humorous.
A great evening! Honoring a great person! Larry, you did a wonderful job in selecting and featuring Sylvia last night!
I am sitting here this morning weighing whether to move my ass and play golf. Monday is not my usual golf day. However I have an urge to play today. Means I have to move fast though. My buddies tee off earlier on Monday.
We shall see!
I decided around 5 to go over to the Gardens to hear Skipper on the drums and who ever else was playing. I am glad I went.
As I entered the Gardens, I spotted June and Bill Hudson at a table up front. And with an empty chair! So I joined them. Good music and good company. What more can a person ask for?
This Sunday night Gardens event amazes me. Kate Miano had a great idea in starting it. There had to be over 300 people there last night.
Afterwards, I had a light dinner at the bar at Antonia's. Busy! Amazing that it was so busy on a Sunday evening.
After coffee and cookies, the decision was home or the Wine Galley. I opted for the Wine Galley and Larry Smith's Sunday Showcase.
Talk about a lot of people! The Wine Galley was packed also!
Larry's featured performer was unique. An octarian. Sylvia Shelley. 88 years young! Celebrating her 88th birthday last night!
What a woman!
A Key Wester for years apparently. She told us she was born in 1921. Was here during World War II when Key West was a huge naval base.
She told stories. Sang many songs of her own composition she had written about the times. With an occasional touch of spice. She knew how to describe things. Her sporadic off color comments were humorous.
A great evening! Honoring a great person! Larry, you did a wonderful job in selecting and featuring Sylvia last night!
I am sitting here this morning weighing whether to move my ass and play golf. Monday is not my usual golf day. However I have an urge to play today. Means I have to move fast though. My buddies tee off earlier on Monday.
We shall see!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
A good Saturday night!
The Southernmost had a cocktail party and ribbon cutting for its newly constructed section. Hotel units on the beach. All with an ocean view! And all absolutely beautiful!
A great party! Under a chandeliered white tent. Spectacular food! And wonderful people! I saw many old friends and made several new ones.
The owners are to be congratulated on making this major investment in Key West.
After the party, I walked over to Square One for a drink. Chatted with Patrick a bit.
Then it was off to the Keys. It was still early. Only 8 o'clock.
Bobby Nesbitt was playing for the cocktail hour. The place was packed with tourists who had luckily discovered him.
Bruce Moore showed up. Lucky also for the crowd! Bobby and Bruce dueted for the next hour. Outstanding singing! A tourist seated next to me at the bar was flabergasted at the quality of the performances. She asked...You get this all the time? Yes and everywhere else in Key West! We are blessed with great musical talent!
Cocktail time moved into evening. Terri arrived. She was singing last night. Another Wow! What a voice!
Since I started my evening early, I was home early. Before 10. Content with my evening!
Today is Sunday. My Sundays change starting today. No football. No Don's Place. I have to reconfigure my Sunday afternoons. Ah, change. I find it disruptive.
The weather is turning. Yesterday was in the low 70s. However the evening chilly. Not a comfortable chilly. Biting.
Since I was to bed early, I am up early. Still dark outside. Temperature is 62. It will be in the low 70s again today.
One thing that is constant about Sunday are the papers and Meet the Press. I am off to buy the Sunday papers now. And look forward to Meet the Press later in the morning.
Enjoy your day!
The Southernmost had a cocktail party and ribbon cutting for its newly constructed section. Hotel units on the beach. All with an ocean view! And all absolutely beautiful!
A great party! Under a chandeliered white tent. Spectacular food! And wonderful people! I saw many old friends and made several new ones.
The owners are to be congratulated on making this major investment in Key West.
After the party, I walked over to Square One for a drink. Chatted with Patrick a bit.
Then it was off to the Keys. It was still early. Only 8 o'clock.
Bobby Nesbitt was playing for the cocktail hour. The place was packed with tourists who had luckily discovered him.
Bruce Moore showed up. Lucky also for the crowd! Bobby and Bruce dueted for the next hour. Outstanding singing! A tourist seated next to me at the bar was flabergasted at the quality of the performances. She asked...You get this all the time? Yes and everywhere else in Key West! We are blessed with great musical talent!
Cocktail time moved into evening. Terri arrived. She was singing last night. Another Wow! What a voice!
Since I started my evening early, I was home early. Before 10. Content with my evening!
Today is Sunday. My Sundays change starting today. No football. No Don's Place. I have to reconfigure my Sunday afternoons. Ah, change. I find it disruptive.
The weather is turning. Yesterday was in the low 70s. However the evening chilly. Not a comfortable chilly. Biting.
Since I was to bed early, I am up early. Still dark outside. Temperature is 62. It will be in the low 70s again today.
One thing that is constant about Sunday are the papers and Meet the Press. I am off to buy the Sunday papers now. And look forward to Meet the Press later in the morning.
Enjoy your day!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
It's Saturday morning.
I slept a bit late. I needed it.
It appears the weather will take a turn for the better today. It is presently cool, but not cold. The high today is projected in the low to mid 70s. Finally!
Did the Symphony last night.
Key West has a spectacular Symphony. Primarily due to its Conductor and Executive Director Sebrina Alfonso. The Key West Symphony is her life!
Sebrina was born and raised here in Key West. She returned home after obtaining her education. Her dream was for Key West to have its own Symphony. The Key West Symphony is now in its tenth year. Primarily due to Sebrina's efforts!
The Symphony last evening featured Yoko Hagino. Yoko is a talented young Japanese pianist. A delight!
Afterwards I drove into town to the Keys. Terri was singing.
A big crowd to hear a big voice!
I woke up during the night and could not drop off to sleep. So I flipped on the TV set.
Wolfeman Meets Frankenstien! An old black and white.
I remember when I first saw the movie. In the late 1930s. I had to be all of 3 or 4 years old.
In those days in order to induce people to attend the theatre, the movie houses sponsored a make a set night. A theatre would select one night and anyone who went on that night got a free dish. If a person went consistently, after a couple of years he or she had a complete set of new dishes.
Tickets to the movies in those days were all of 3 or 4 cents. And they still gave free dishes away!
Our neighborhood theatre was the Family on Bleecker Street. My Mother went religiously every Wednesday night. So did all the other women in the neighborhood.
After a while, no matter whose home you were in, we all ate off the same dishes. White with maroon edges. My Father still has some of the pieces left more than 70 years later in his kitchen cupboard.
Back to Wolfeman!
On this particular Wednesday, my mother took me with her to the Family. She had to get her dish and continue making the set.
Remember again I was only 3-4 years old. As we walked into the darkened theatre, the screen was full of Wolfeman's face. In all its hairy gore! Scared the shit out of me! I spent the rest of the evening slouched in my seat with my head buried under my Mother's arm.
They were great movies, though. With spectacular actors! Lon Chaney, Jr. as Wolfeman, Bela Lugosi as Dracula and Boris Karloff as Frankenstein.
You would think Wolfeman would have put me to sleep. It did not. I watched the whole thing and really enjoyed it!
A bad night, however. Sleep was not to be mine. Wolfeman was followed by On the Waterfront. Another great black and white film. A Marlon Brando flick.
One of the actors in the film was Tony Galento. He had a small part.
Tony Galento was known in the 1940s as Two Ton Tony Galento. He was short and appeared fat. His body must have been in some sort of decent shape, however. Galento was a prizefighter. A heavyweight. He fought Joe Louis for the heavyweight championship of the world. Though he lost, he distinguished himself!
He gained fame. He eventually did small acting parts. And he also ended up owning a bar in the Bronx.
My Mother's family still lived in New York. When I was young, we were always driving or taking the train to New York to see her family. The family lived in the Bronx.
Occasionally we went to Tony Galento's Bar. It was across the street from the Bronx Zoo. A big place and always busy.
The house specialty, besides booze, was pizza. We used to go for the pizza. Oh, so good!
Pizza is not made the same today. Even thin pizza is a bit thick. And then there is tomato pie. Thick. Galento's pizza was razor thin. Crispy. Overflowing with mozzerella. I can taste it as I write.
And Galento was there also. It was his place! He was the attraction, in addition to the terrific pizza!
May your Saturday be a good one! Have a piece of very thin pizza, if you can find one!
I slept a bit late. I needed it.
It appears the weather will take a turn for the better today. It is presently cool, but not cold. The high today is projected in the low to mid 70s. Finally!
Did the Symphony last night.
Key West has a spectacular Symphony. Primarily due to its Conductor and Executive Director Sebrina Alfonso. The Key West Symphony is her life!
Sebrina was born and raised here in Key West. She returned home after obtaining her education. Her dream was for Key West to have its own Symphony. The Key West Symphony is now in its tenth year. Primarily due to Sebrina's efforts!
The Symphony last evening featured Yoko Hagino. Yoko is a talented young Japanese pianist. A delight!
Afterwards I drove into town to the Keys. Terri was singing.
A big crowd to hear a big voice!
I woke up during the night and could not drop off to sleep. So I flipped on the TV set.
Wolfeman Meets Frankenstien! An old black and white.
I remember when I first saw the movie. In the late 1930s. I had to be all of 3 or 4 years old.
In those days in order to induce people to attend the theatre, the movie houses sponsored a make a set night. A theatre would select one night and anyone who went on that night got a free dish. If a person went consistently, after a couple of years he or she had a complete set of new dishes.
Tickets to the movies in those days were all of 3 or 4 cents. And they still gave free dishes away!
Our neighborhood theatre was the Family on Bleecker Street. My Mother went religiously every Wednesday night. So did all the other women in the neighborhood.
After a while, no matter whose home you were in, we all ate off the same dishes. White with maroon edges. My Father still has some of the pieces left more than 70 years later in his kitchen cupboard.
Back to Wolfeman!
On this particular Wednesday, my mother took me with her to the Family. She had to get her dish and continue making the set.
Remember again I was only 3-4 years old. As we walked into the darkened theatre, the screen was full of Wolfeman's face. In all its hairy gore! Scared the shit out of me! I spent the rest of the evening slouched in my seat with my head buried under my Mother's arm.
They were great movies, though. With spectacular actors! Lon Chaney, Jr. as Wolfeman, Bela Lugosi as Dracula and Boris Karloff as Frankenstein.
You would think Wolfeman would have put me to sleep. It did not. I watched the whole thing and really enjoyed it!
A bad night, however. Sleep was not to be mine. Wolfeman was followed by On the Waterfront. Another great black and white film. A Marlon Brando flick.
One of the actors in the film was Tony Galento. He had a small part.
Tony Galento was known in the 1940s as Two Ton Tony Galento. He was short and appeared fat. His body must have been in some sort of decent shape, however. Galento was a prizefighter. A heavyweight. He fought Joe Louis for the heavyweight championship of the world. Though he lost, he distinguished himself!
He gained fame. He eventually did small acting parts. And he also ended up owning a bar in the Bronx.
My Mother's family still lived in New York. When I was young, we were always driving or taking the train to New York to see her family. The family lived in the Bronx.
Occasionally we went to Tony Galento's Bar. It was across the street from the Bronx Zoo. A big place and always busy.
The house specialty, besides booze, was pizza. We used to go for the pizza. Oh, so good!
Pizza is not made the same today. Even thin pizza is a bit thick. And then there is tomato pie. Thick. Galento's pizza was razor thin. Crispy. Overflowing with mozzerella. I can taste it as I write.
And Galento was there also. It was his place! He was the attraction, in addition to the terrific pizza!
May your Saturday be a good one! Have a piece of very thin pizza, if you can find one!
Friday, February 6, 2009
It is about 5:30 in the morning and cold!!!!!
51 degrees. Better than 48 yesterday at this time! A warm spell in the making. Ho ho!
The high today is projected at 59.
I do not have enough warm clothes for this weather.
I was at the Chart Room watching basketball last night and ran into Cindy. Another local. I told her and every one else chatting with us that my Mother made me wear long johns in the old days. Cindy laughed and raised her pant leg. She was wearing long johns. Silk, however. She pulled her sweater down a bit at the neck. A silk sweatshirt. Toasty, she felt!
I had dinner at the bar at La Trattoria. Cold there also.
Beccha was walking around with some sort of lovely blanket/shawl thrown over her shoulders.
Always the well dressed one, this time she exceeded even herself. She looked magnificent. Impeccable. More importantly, she was warm!
After dinner, I went to La Te Da to hear Debra and Patrick. Wow, was it cold there! You could have hung meat in the bar. No heat and the wind driving in through the open doors!
Staff was appropriately attired. Coats and hats.
There were customers sitting and drinking. But not me. I stayed less than 5 minutes and was out the door!
I went home. At least my bedroom is warm. The heat has been on for several days now.
Enjoy your day! Stay warm!
51 degrees. Better than 48 yesterday at this time! A warm spell in the making. Ho ho!
The high today is projected at 59.
I do not have enough warm clothes for this weather.
I was at the Chart Room watching basketball last night and ran into Cindy. Another local. I told her and every one else chatting with us that my Mother made me wear long johns in the old days. Cindy laughed and raised her pant leg. She was wearing long johns. Silk, however. She pulled her sweater down a bit at the neck. A silk sweatshirt. Toasty, she felt!
I had dinner at the bar at La Trattoria. Cold there also.
Beccha was walking around with some sort of lovely blanket/shawl thrown over her shoulders.
Always the well dressed one, this time she exceeded even herself. She looked magnificent. Impeccable. More importantly, she was warm!
After dinner, I went to La Te Da to hear Debra and Patrick. Wow, was it cold there! You could have hung meat in the bar. No heat and the wind driving in through the open doors!
Staff was appropriately attired. Coats and hats.
There were customers sitting and drinking. But not me. I stayed less than 5 minutes and was out the door!
I went home. At least my bedroom is warm. The heat has been on for several days now.
Enjoy your day! Stay warm!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The topic of conversation all over Key West last night was the weather. And I am sure it still is this morning!
48 degrees here! The low this winter.
The high today is projected at 53.
Cold!!!!!!
I know. It's cold up north! My Father tells me it hit 12 below during the night and the high today will be plus 1. And those numbers do not take into account the chill factor!
The sun is shining here in Key West. But the wind is gusting. 25 mph. Coming at us directly from the north!
Enough of the weather.
No, not yet. I just remembered I met a group of people from England yesterday. Four couples. At the golf course. They were not happy campers.
I thought at first it might be the weather. It was in the low 60s yesterday. But after awhile I just suspect they were miserable snobs.
They spoke of the Brits being the fatherland to we here in the colonies. Perhaps they were of English royalty since they fell back on the German derivative to describe their country.
They were unhappy about the weather. We all are. But we make do.
They were not social and engaging. Our golf group is very sociable and makes every one laugh. They were incapable of laughing. Maybe it had something to do with their facial compositions. Too much glue.
Key West is a fun place. It is rare to find anyone unhappy here, whether visitor or local. So these Brits stood out like a sore thumb.
To my good friend John from Leeds, I apologize if my comments offend you. However I doubt they do.
Golf was golf. Nothing changes. I played fair. Better than poor. Though I would prefer to play well. Lost $9.
Bobby Nesbitt is back. He and Bruce Moore did a two week gig on a cruise ship in the South Pacific. Tahiti, Bora Bora, New Zealand and the like.
Their accomodations on board were in the form of a suite. 24 hour room service. Dinner at any restaurant. All part of their engagement package. They were received so well, they agreed to do 2 extra shows for nothing.
The cruise was a first class operation. It is a 3 month world wide cruise. $140,000 per person. And the ship was full. There are still persons the recesssion has not yet affected! Good for them!
Enjoy! It is Louis' Law of Last Consumption.
This banking thing continues to confound me.
I have a profound dislike for bankers. Always have. Blood suckers. And now their faults are coming to the forefront for all to see.
They already blew $360 billion with no accountability and no loosening of credit constraints. They want more money. And apparently will be getting it. This time with some rules and regulations to cover the use of the money.
Makes sense. For shame, having used public monies to pay $20 million dollar and more bonuses!
Washington is trying to impose a salary limit for bank execs. $500,000 per year. Sounds like a lot of money. But is not if you have been making and living on $20 million a year.
I am basicaslly against salary limits. It goes against the grain of free enterprise. But I guess we are not living in a free enterprise world if tax monies must go to bailout/support banks.
The bank execs should not complain. They blew their businesses and brought all this stuff down on themselves. And us!
If it were you or me, we would be in bankruptcy. However the powers to be have decreed that the banks must not fail. They must be bailed out.
Do you realize what that means? It is poor people bailing out rich people! Think of it. Tax dollars.
And the bankers want no oversight. It's only another $360 billion. I would want receipts for every penny paid! Let the banks be mini managed as they did to so many businesses. I could never understand how bank executives could be doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs. They knew how to run every one's business but their own.
The bank and corporate bailouts are welfare for the rich!
Most Americans are working 2-3 jobs a day. Wives and mothers are working. So the bank and corporate rich can keep their pools.
What a country America!
48 degrees here! The low this winter.
The high today is projected at 53.
Cold!!!!!!
I know. It's cold up north! My Father tells me it hit 12 below during the night and the high today will be plus 1. And those numbers do not take into account the chill factor!
The sun is shining here in Key West. But the wind is gusting. 25 mph. Coming at us directly from the north!
Enough of the weather.
No, not yet. I just remembered I met a group of people from England yesterday. Four couples. At the golf course. They were not happy campers.
I thought at first it might be the weather. It was in the low 60s yesterday. But after awhile I just suspect they were miserable snobs.
They spoke of the Brits being the fatherland to we here in the colonies. Perhaps they were of English royalty since they fell back on the German derivative to describe their country.
They were unhappy about the weather. We all are. But we make do.
They were not social and engaging. Our golf group is very sociable and makes every one laugh. They were incapable of laughing. Maybe it had something to do with their facial compositions. Too much glue.
Key West is a fun place. It is rare to find anyone unhappy here, whether visitor or local. So these Brits stood out like a sore thumb.
To my good friend John from Leeds, I apologize if my comments offend you. However I doubt they do.
Golf was golf. Nothing changes. I played fair. Better than poor. Though I would prefer to play well. Lost $9.
Bobby Nesbitt is back. He and Bruce Moore did a two week gig on a cruise ship in the South Pacific. Tahiti, Bora Bora, New Zealand and the like.
Their accomodations on board were in the form of a suite. 24 hour room service. Dinner at any restaurant. All part of their engagement package. They were received so well, they agreed to do 2 extra shows for nothing.
The cruise was a first class operation. It is a 3 month world wide cruise. $140,000 per person. And the ship was full. There are still persons the recesssion has not yet affected! Good for them!
Enjoy! It is Louis' Law of Last Consumption.
This banking thing continues to confound me.
I have a profound dislike for bankers. Always have. Blood suckers. And now their faults are coming to the forefront for all to see.
They already blew $360 billion with no accountability and no loosening of credit constraints. They want more money. And apparently will be getting it. This time with some rules and regulations to cover the use of the money.
Makes sense. For shame, having used public monies to pay $20 million dollar and more bonuses!
Washington is trying to impose a salary limit for bank execs. $500,000 per year. Sounds like a lot of money. But is not if you have been making and living on $20 million a year.
I am basicaslly against salary limits. It goes against the grain of free enterprise. But I guess we are not living in a free enterprise world if tax monies must go to bailout/support banks.
The bank execs should not complain. They blew their businesses and brought all this stuff down on themselves. And us!
If it were you or me, we would be in bankruptcy. However the powers to be have decreed that the banks must not fail. They must be bailed out.
Do you realize what that means? It is poor people bailing out rich people! Think of it. Tax dollars.
And the bankers want no oversight. It's only another $360 billion. I would want receipts for every penny paid! Let the banks be mini managed as they did to so many businesses. I could never understand how bank executives could be doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs. They knew how to run every one's business but their own.
The bank and corporate bailouts are welfare for the rich!
Most Americans are working 2-3 jobs a day. Wives and mothers are working. So the bank and corporate rich can keep their pools.
What a country America!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Cold here! 60 degrees.
It is 3 am. I could not sleep. So up doing my blog.
A quiet day yesterday.
Lunch at the Yacht Club.
Then to Publix. It was son in law Corey's birthday yesterday. Lisa said to get a cake. So I did.
Came home and placed it in the refrigerator.
Last night was dinner at Lisa's to celebrate Corey's birthday. When I arrived, Lisa asked .....where is the cake? I forgot it.
So we had ice cream for desert instead. Had to sing Happy Birthday quickly as the lone candle was dying atop the melting ice cream.
It was still early when dinner was done.
I went over to the Keys. Terri was singing during cocktail hour. Had a drink and chatted.
Then to the Wine Galley to hear Larry Smith sing.
Larry was good, as usual. He had a fair sized crowd also for so early in the evening.
Today golf! About 5 hours from now, that is. Will be cold, but will be fun!
Back to bed now to try to sleep.
It is 3 am. I could not sleep. So up doing my blog.
A quiet day yesterday.
Lunch at the Yacht Club.
Then to Publix. It was son in law Corey's birthday yesterday. Lisa said to get a cake. So I did.
Came home and placed it in the refrigerator.
Last night was dinner at Lisa's to celebrate Corey's birthday. When I arrived, Lisa asked .....where is the cake? I forgot it.
So we had ice cream for desert instead. Had to sing Happy Birthday quickly as the lone candle was dying atop the melting ice cream.
It was still early when dinner was done.
I went over to the Keys. Terri was singing during cocktail hour. Had a drink and chatted.
Then to the Wine Galley to hear Larry Smith sing.
Larry was good, as usual. He had a fair sized crowd also for so early in the evening.
Today golf! About 5 hours from now, that is. Will be cold, but will be fun!
Back to bed now to try to sleep.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I lost a cap Sunday. So my first stop yesterday morning was to the dentist.
The cap was only 8 months old. I asked half seriously if there was a warranty. My dentist said yes. I am now in the 2 week process of obtaining a new cap. I am walking around with a temporary in the meantime.
Why did the cap break down? My dentist asked a couple of questions in an attempt to prove it was me and not the cap that was defective.
He asked if my teeth touch when I close my mouth. I closed my mouth. My teeth touched. No good, he said. It wears down the cap. Our teeth are not supposed to touch when we close our mouths.
Now all of you try it!
The next thing was swallowing. He asked if I swallowed with the back of my throat. I swallowed. I was swallowing wrong. From the front of my mouth and not the back. I again was applying too much pressure to the cap.
Now everyone try swallowing!
I told him I was 73 years old! I have to learn anew how to close my mouth and swallow?
There was no sympathy forthcoming from him. Yes, you must was his response!
So all day I walked around closing my mouth and remembering not to make my teeth touch. The hardest part was swallowing from the back of my throat!
This, too, I shall survive. Better that a triple by-pass!
Dinner last night with Donna and Terri. It was their anniversary.
We ate at the bar at La Trattoria. The place was packed again. Standing room only. Long waits for a seat or table. Fortunately, I had made a reservation.
My bartender friend Kathy told me they got a call at 6 for a group of 65. They took the reservation. It was Monday, a naturally slow evening. And business is business. However it sort of turned things into an organized chaos. All well handled by the staff.
It rained last night before I went out. It rained on my way to La Trattoria. It was still raining at the start of dinner.
Not just rain. Monsoon rain! Heavy with an equally heavy wind. The rain was blowing sideways from the force of the wind.
I sat in my car for 10 minutes till it slowed down. Then I stepped out of the car. Into 4 inches of water. A good thing I was wearing crocs!
Crossing the street was an adventure.
Key West is built at sea level. The sewer/drainage system cannot handle heavy rain. Some streets were flooded. Not that badly. Only out about 5-6 feet on each side of the street.
Again great to be wearing crocs! I hiked up the jeans and walked undaunted across the streets.
The small things become important when one lives here in Key West. It is haircut time! I get to see Lori this morning!
Every one have a great day!
The cap was only 8 months old. I asked half seriously if there was a warranty. My dentist said yes. I am now in the 2 week process of obtaining a new cap. I am walking around with a temporary in the meantime.
Why did the cap break down? My dentist asked a couple of questions in an attempt to prove it was me and not the cap that was defective.
He asked if my teeth touch when I close my mouth. I closed my mouth. My teeth touched. No good, he said. It wears down the cap. Our teeth are not supposed to touch when we close our mouths.
Now all of you try it!
The next thing was swallowing. He asked if I swallowed with the back of my throat. I swallowed. I was swallowing wrong. From the front of my mouth and not the back. I again was applying too much pressure to the cap.
Now everyone try swallowing!
I told him I was 73 years old! I have to learn anew how to close my mouth and swallow?
There was no sympathy forthcoming from him. Yes, you must was his response!
So all day I walked around closing my mouth and remembering not to make my teeth touch. The hardest part was swallowing from the back of my throat!
This, too, I shall survive. Better that a triple by-pass!
Dinner last night with Donna and Terri. It was their anniversary.
We ate at the bar at La Trattoria. The place was packed again. Standing room only. Long waits for a seat or table. Fortunately, I had made a reservation.
My bartender friend Kathy told me they got a call at 6 for a group of 65. They took the reservation. It was Monday, a naturally slow evening. And business is business. However it sort of turned things into an organized chaos. All well handled by the staff.
It rained last night before I went out. It rained on my way to La Trattoria. It was still raining at the start of dinner.
Not just rain. Monsoon rain! Heavy with an equally heavy wind. The rain was blowing sideways from the force of the wind.
I sat in my car for 10 minutes till it slowed down. Then I stepped out of the car. Into 4 inches of water. A good thing I was wearing crocs!
Crossing the street was an adventure.
Key West is built at sea level. The sewer/drainage system cannot handle heavy rain. Some streets were flooded. Not that badly. Only out about 5-6 feet on each side of the street.
Again great to be wearing crocs! I hiked up the jeans and walked undaunted across the streets.
The small things become important when one lives here in Key West. It is haircut time! I get to see Lori this morning!
Every one have a great day!
Monday, February 2, 2009
What a game!
I thought it was all over when Arizona scored its last touchdown. No way, Jose!
Close! Pitt came back big time!
This had to be one of the best Super Bowls of all time! Such excitement! Such great plays!
I did the game at Don's Place. Got there around 4:30. Watched the golf tournament and socialized. Watched the golf tournament in extra holes and the start of Super Bowl simultaneously. It seemed like Perry did not want to win. His final putt was terrific, however!
I did brunch earlier in the day at Donna's. My Perle Mesta! Actually I have two Perle Mesta's here in Key West. Linda Schrufer is the other. Both are great party givers!
As usual, Donna's combination of food and people was outstanding. I ate well and chatted well.
While biting on a bagel at Donna's food fest, a cap broke. Had nothing to do with the food. The cap is only 6 months old, however. Irritating! Of course, the broken cap is in the front of my mouth. I look like a less fortunate person. I spoke with closed lips at Don's Place last night so no one would notice.
Ergo, today will be a dentist day!
Do they warrant caps?
In between Donna's and Super Bowl, I visited Lisa, Corey and the grandkids. The grandkids had company. Another little one. The house was a racetrack! They were running all over the place, as kids are wont to do.
The weather!
Yesterday was strange. Cold in the morning. I wore a shirt, sweater and leather jacket to go to Donna's at noon. When I left around 2:30, I needed only the shirt. By 3 the temperature had risen to 77. Yet last night I had to get up in the middle of the night to turn the heat on.
Such is Key West weather this time of the year! Or is it my body that is screwed up?
My first stop this morning will be the dentist's office. One good thing about caps, it does not hurt replacing them!
I thought it was all over when Arizona scored its last touchdown. No way, Jose!
Close! Pitt came back big time!
This had to be one of the best Super Bowls of all time! Such excitement! Such great plays!
I did the game at Don's Place. Got there around 4:30. Watched the golf tournament and socialized. Watched the golf tournament in extra holes and the start of Super Bowl simultaneously. It seemed like Perry did not want to win. His final putt was terrific, however!
I did brunch earlier in the day at Donna's. My Perle Mesta! Actually I have two Perle Mesta's here in Key West. Linda Schrufer is the other. Both are great party givers!
As usual, Donna's combination of food and people was outstanding. I ate well and chatted well.
While biting on a bagel at Donna's food fest, a cap broke. Had nothing to do with the food. The cap is only 6 months old, however. Irritating! Of course, the broken cap is in the front of my mouth. I look like a less fortunate person. I spoke with closed lips at Don's Place last night so no one would notice.
Ergo, today will be a dentist day!
Do they warrant caps?
In between Donna's and Super Bowl, I visited Lisa, Corey and the grandkids. The grandkids had company. Another little one. The house was a racetrack! They were running all over the place, as kids are wont to do.
The weather!
Yesterday was strange. Cold in the morning. I wore a shirt, sweater and leather jacket to go to Donna's at noon. When I left around 2:30, I needed only the shirt. By 3 the temperature had risen to 77. Yet last night I had to get up in the middle of the night to turn the heat on.
Such is Key West weather this time of the year! Or is it my body that is screwed up?
My first stop this morning will be the dentist's office. One good thing about caps, it does not hurt replacing them!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Still cold! In the 50s during the night. I turned the heat on.
It is supposed to warm up today. Into the low 70s. And stay that way till Tuesday when another cold front is coming in.
Thank you for the weather report, Louis!
I did lunch at Paradise Cafe yesterday. Inside, of course. Too cold outside. A good Saturday crowd. A lot of tourists.
Then I spent some time with the grandchildren. Always fun. Robert is "Star" of the week next week at Montessori. He is all excited! And I am excited for him!
I had dinner at Antonia's. What a crowd. All tables turned over at least twice. Some 3 times. That's big this time of the year.
The tourist season technically starts February 15. Some vacationers start treking in about this time. However it is still early for the volume described.
I went over to Keys afterwards. Same thing there. Packed to the walls! Cabs were delivering tourists one after the other.
The hotels, motels and guest houses appear full.
The economy is horrendous! The worst in almost a century! Why then are people vacationing as they are?
I have decided to call it The Last Consumption.
Eat, drink and make merry for there will be no money tomorrow!
Big day today! Super Bowl!
But not till 6 tonight.
I am starting my day at a brunch at Donna's home. I look forward to any party at Donna's. She is a good cook and mixes her guests well.
Then to the grandkids a bit.
I am doing the game at Don's Place. His party starts at 4. Eats are out at 5. The game is at 6. Should be a fun time!
Enjoy your day!
It is supposed to warm up today. Into the low 70s. And stay that way till Tuesday when another cold front is coming in.
Thank you for the weather report, Louis!
I did lunch at Paradise Cafe yesterday. Inside, of course. Too cold outside. A good Saturday crowd. A lot of tourists.
Then I spent some time with the grandchildren. Always fun. Robert is "Star" of the week next week at Montessori. He is all excited! And I am excited for him!
I had dinner at Antonia's. What a crowd. All tables turned over at least twice. Some 3 times. That's big this time of the year.
The tourist season technically starts February 15. Some vacationers start treking in about this time. However it is still early for the volume described.
I went over to Keys afterwards. Same thing there. Packed to the walls! Cabs were delivering tourists one after the other.
The hotels, motels and guest houses appear full.
The economy is horrendous! The worst in almost a century! Why then are people vacationing as they are?
I have decided to call it The Last Consumption.
Eat, drink and make merry for there will be no money tomorrow!
Big day today! Super Bowl!
But not till 6 tonight.
I am starting my day at a brunch at Donna's home. I look forward to any party at Donna's. She is a good cook and mixes her guests well.
Then to the grandkids a bit.
I am doing the game at Don's Place. His party starts at 4. Eats are out at 5. The game is at 6. Should be a fun time!
Enjoy your day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
