It is cold!!!

63 degrees!!!

I know. It is freezing or low teens up north. But it is that time of the year for you northeners and you are accustomed to it. We are not. It has been low 80s for weeks. We are suffering, yes, suffering, a 20 degree drop in temperature in a matter of days.

However, this too shall pass. Wednesday is projected to be 77.

I spent yesterday morning watching the TV talk shows. Health reform the big issue. Most commentators believe the insurance companies have won. If so, sad. One thing is clear in my mind, however. I am sick of our political leaders. Enough said.

I dressed warmly to go to Don’s place. Or so I thought.

Wore shorts. A sweat shirt on top. Not enough.

Just as I got to Don’s, I ran into Gary and Tecia. They are my friends from Oswego, N.Y. They were leaving Don’s as I arrived. Hope I hook up with them soon this week. Good people. I am glad they are back.

The crowd was sparse at Don’s. I think the cold kept people at home. The smart ones.

I did not stay long. The chill was too much for me.

I was off to Lisa’s.

The grandkids were crazy! Their other grandparents, Corey’s parents, had arrived for the holiday. Gifts galore. Some for now.

The house was in a state of disruption.

I grabbed the Sunday papers and sat in my favorite easy chair. And read them. Ignorring everything that was going on around me.

It worked.

Stayed a couple of hours. Things quieted down. I socialized a while.

Then home.

I decided to stay home. Too cold to go out. The Gardens would be a refrigerator.

I prepared a great diet meal. Three eggs scrambled with 1 cup of mushrooms and 5 green olives thinly sliced. Yes, I am into this diet!

Early to bed. Watched a couple of movies. Enjoyed a good night’s sleep.

It was cold in bed. The wind blasts down on us from the northwest. My home is on open water. The bedroom faces the northwest. The cold comes right through the walls. I was crunched under the quilt all night.

Enjoy your day! Stay warm!

I slept late. The blog is late. Sorry.

It’s Sunday. Maybe that’s why.

Cold. Not bad, though. It was 63 during the night. Threw the thick quilt on the bed. Needed it. A warm body would have been better.

High today projected at 68. Tonight it will be 57. I may need more than the quilt!

This is our cold spell. It will last till Wednesday.

I know I should not complain. People up north are really suffering. Big time snow and cold! Someone e mailed me yesterday that it was so cold up north that they were eating ice cream to keep warm!

I started my day yesterday with a walk. Along the waterfront on the gulf side of Key West. By Dante’s, Turtle Kral, the Turtle Museum, Schooner’s Wharf, Alonzo’s, the Galleon and back. It was only a bit cool. I wore a sweatshirt. There were times when I thought I did not need it.

Then it was over to Lisa’s. Spent a couple of hours there.

I got hooked on the North Carolina basketball game. Watched the first half. Played with the grandkids in between. Chatted with Lisa and Corey. Lisa was baking Christmas cookies. Ally helping.

Afterwards, I headed over to the Coffee House on Duval. Read the New York papers and drank coffee. It was later in the afternoon and quiet. Dead quiet. Only me and another guy. And he was sound asleep. In my wing back chair!

I had intended to wait till Monday to get a manicure. However my nails were beginning to look nasty. So late in the afternoon I headed to Lee Nails.

Lee Nails is now located in the Habana Plaza on Flagler. It used to be located for several years in Duval Square across from Square One Restaurant. Rent was heavy in the Square. So the owner moved to the Flagler location a couple of years ago.

He took all his employees with him.

My manicurist and her husband were two of those employees. Six months ago they bought the business. Good for them! The American way! They are both immigrants from Vietnam.

The new place is beautiful and larger. And they work hard! Harder since they bought the place!

They are adding things to enhance the business. Yesterday when I walked in, all the staff were wearing lime colored collared tee shirts with the name Lee Nails imprinted in yellow over the heart. A nice touch!

I was not in the mood to go out last night. Once I had thrown the quilt on the bed, it looked inviting. So I stayed in and watched TV from my bed.

I am glad I did!

Caught two great movies! Both musicials!

Meet me in St. Louis and West Side Story! To die for! A movie gourmet’s bonanza!

Meet Me in St. Louis is a 1944 romantic musical starring Judy Garland. Great songs! The Trolley Song and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

The movie was directed by Vincent Minnelli. He and Judy Garland met and fell in love during the movie. They subsequently married. A child was born. Lisa Minnelli. That Lisa Minnelli!

West Side Story was a modern day remake of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. 1961. Natalie Wood starred. Jerome Robbins directed. The movie won 10 Academy Awards.

Robbins was running over budget. The studio fired him during the movie. Just after the gang rumbling scene had been completed. The movie ended up being the second biggest grossing musical of all time!

I was glad I stayed in and did not go out! The two movie musicals made for a comforting evening! Especially under the warm quilt!

Sunday is here! Wowie! Love the day! The TV talk shows, Sunday papers, Don’s Place, the Gardens and Larry Smith’s Showcase! Hope I get to do them all!

Enjoy your day!

Crazy weather!

Big snowstorm hitting the northeast.

Key West buried in rain yesterday.

It rained all day. Poured. Buckets. Wind. Sometimes the rain seemed to be blowing side ways. It was!

Parts of Key West flooded. Trees down.

It was like the rain that immediately precedes a hurricane.

Let me put the rain storm in proper perspective. It was a big time snow storm without snow!

I did the smart thing. I stayed home. All day. All night.

Read, watched TV and napped.

An exciting life. The correct thing to do yesterday.

The cold wave hits today. High 72. Going to drop to 63 tonight. And into the 50s tomorrow night. Wind gusts today. 27 miles per hour.

I apologize to my friends up north, but that is cold here!

I will dress appropriately for the weather today. Long pants. A sweat shirt.

Jean Thornton never made it out yesterday. The weather cancelled her flight leaving Key West. I will be surprised if she makes it out today. Key West benefits. We all love Jean and want to keep her here.

This is Clayton’s big day! His new tee shirt company’s web site opens. http://www.dirtydogtees.com/. Take a peek.

Every one is not perfect. Many have yet to complete their Christmas shopping. The weather is not cooperating, no matter where one lives. The solution: Lisa’s Key West internet department store Via Key West. Convenient. Easy. Reasonable. Give the different gift this year. Something funky and fabulous from Key West. http://www.viakeywest.com/.

I am going back to bed for a while. I am chilly. It’s 71 degrees. That is cold here in Key West!

Enjoy your day!

Rained big time during the night! The storm woke me at 2 in the morning. Rain over the ocean is different from rain coming down any where else.

It is now 7 am and it is gray, windy and raining lightly. TV says 80 per cent chance of rain today. Looks like it.

The radio show went well yesterday. I am pleased.

KONK 1680 AM radio is fun for me and good for the community!

The station is just over 6 months old. It is in a state of continual progression. Yesterday morning I was writing and telling everyone to go to the u stream internet site to see and listen to the show.

When I got to the station to do my show, I was advised that the u stream site address was no longer required. Simply go to www.konkam.com. You read it here! The broadcasts have returned to a simple internet address.

One of the call ins was from local icon Larry Smith. A professional entertainer with radio and television experience, I was pleased with his comments. He thought the show was going well. He also expressed himself regarding the school district problems. His wife Christine is a school teacher and so they are both closer to the isssue than most.

Thank you for listening in and your comments, Larry.

I had a quiet afternoon after the radio show. Went to the Coffee House on Duval, drank water and read the local newspapers and New York Times. I spent a couple of hours just sitting there in a large comfortable wing back and reading.

Last night I was off to the Chart Room.

No Marty. He is home in Hallendale for Christmas.

Che was at his corner of the bar holding court. At the other end were Jean, Sheila, Frank and several others. I talked with them for a while. Long enough to have 2 diet cokes.

Jean leaves this morning for her home up north for Christmas. She will be missed. Jean is the Golden Girl who discovered gold and emeralds while diving on a Mel Fisher outing and her life changed.

I went to La Trattoria for dinner. For what I consider dinner. I am still dieting.

Beecha hosting. An absolutely beautiful woman! Got my usual hug and kiss.

Kathy bartending. A charming personality! Lovely also! Originally from Albany, N.Y. We consider ourselves transplanted neighbors.

Eating out is a problem. All I wanted again was a double shrimp appetizer order. Would you believe that I have sought the shrimp appetizer 2 nights in a row and could not find it!

As with Antonia’s the night before, there was no shrimp appetizer on the menu at La Trattoria. A shame! The primary industry in Key West 50 years ago was shrimping. It still is a big industry here. There are shrimping boats all over the place. It is not uncommon to see 20-30 going out or coming in while driving along the ocean.

But no one sells them as an appetizer. At least two of my favorite restauants. I did have them the other night at Hot Tin Roof.

So I ended up ordering the hogfish francasis special. I ate two thirds of the fish. Which was about a third too much! Did not touch the rice or other veggies.

Tasted so good!

I took a walk on Duval after dinner. The holiday season is obvious. Christmas decorations all over the place. Very pretty. Very comforting.

Although this is a quiet week in Key West, there were people on the street holidaying and partying.

I stopped at Lisa’s to see their Christmas tree on the way home. A beautiful tree! Warm!

Corey was in the living room reading. Lisa was in bed working on her lap top. Robert and Ally had fallen asleep in bed with Lisa. They looked like angels!

I instantly remembered when Lisa was my angel. Lisa is now 45 and Robert and Ally have replaced her.

Not really. Lisa will always be my angel! Robert and Ally have joined her.

Only 7 days to Christmas! Is your shopping done? If not, go to Lisa’s Key West internet department store to shop. Many funky and fabulous gifts. Convenient and reasonable. www.viakeywest.com.

Enjoy your day!

This is the day!

Radio show at 1 pm!

The Key West Lou Legal Hour!

Listen in! On radio at KONK 1680 AM. On internet world wide at www.ustream.tv/channel/konk-am. You can see as well as hear on the u stream internet site. See me live!

If it moves you, call in with a question or comment. 305-294-2769. Or text me at the u stream internet site.

Golf yesterday!

I played pretty good. Did not score. But had some great holes and some great shots.

Sunk 2 long putts of about 15-20 feet. Chipped in once from the rough off the green from about 12 feet.

I felt good!

I did not win.I did not lose. Ended up tying with Tom for the winner position. Yankee lost. It was close, however. Yankee only had to pay Tom and I $2 each.

When I lose, it is $20. When I win, $2. I cannot win!

It was fun, however.

Don, David and Larry played also. In another 3 some.

David has 3 weeks off from work so he is taking advantage of the time to play golf. It was good to see you on the golf course, David! Larry returned to golf a few weeks ago after shoulder replacement surgery. He could not play for several months. His mental stimulation was missed at the 19th hole during his absence. I did not realize it till yesterday. Welcome back, Larry!

I had to run some errands after golf.

One was to Mendy’s office for copies of some paperwork. Mendy is a lovely lady. Preppy. Martha’s Vineyard in appearance. Warm. Interesting. She has been partnered with Tonto for many years. What a name for a woman, Tonto. Different. Tonto is just as nice. Tonto works as the outside bartender at La Te Da.

Good people both. I am happy to call them friends.

Then to Walgreens. To pick up some drug prescription renewals.

Walgreens just instituted a new system. You do not have to call in for renewals if the prescription calls for renewals. Just show up on the appointed date and the prescription will be waiting for you.

I hope the new system expedites things. The line is always long and slow at Walgreens. Yet they have a lot of people working behind the drug counter. People hate the wait. I do, also. It does not seem necessary.

The delay was reaching the point where people were talking about it. It happens in a small town! CVS is Walreens competitior. No wait. Some were changing over to CVS. A problem existed and perhaps Walgreen’s became aware. We shall see.

I am back to normal. Diet seems to have locked in. So I am going out in the evening.

Bobby Nesbitt is back at Aqua on Wednesday nights at cocktail time. I have not seen him yet at the Aqua gig. Always good. Primarily locals. Gives me a chance to see many people I have come to like very much.

I got there about 6:30. No Bobby! Some crazy party going on with crazy people in attendance. Mark Watson bartending. Where is Bobby, I asked. Next week, he said. Private party tonight.

I felt bad. I enjoy Bobby Nesbitt. A talent!

I had a 7:30 reservation at Antonia’s. Marty was to meet me for dinner. So I walked over. Figured I would kill the time having a drink. A diet coke.

I had reserved the 2 seats at the end of the bar. The two that give you a full view of the rest of the bar and restaurant.

The Christmas decorations at Antonia’s were absolutely beautiful! Warm! Different! Such beauty! Stop in and take a look. Truly a wonderful and imaginative assemblage of things Christmas.

TK bartending. He was his usual jovial self. Explained how he and other staff did the decorating. What an effort! What a result!

This is a quiet week in Key West. The restaurant was basically empty. The bar full. In fact, some were standing waiting for a seat at the bar. The bar people were dining as well as drinking.

Barbara Grob showed up. Love Barbara. She is owner and operator of the Art Bar. Sells everything artish. Also has a couple of drinking bars at her establishment that sell saki martinis. A differnet type place. Very enjoyable.

Barbara looked outstanding last night. But then again, she looks that way all the time. At least every time I see her. She was dressed for Christmas. A bright red dress, great heels and dynamite black hair.

She hurried over when she saw me and gave me a hug and kiss. We chatted a bit. Then she was off to the other end of the bar to join friends for dinner.

Barbara made it big here in Key West. I remember when she started. A little store on Truman. She sold some art and beads. Did metal geckos herself at the back of the building.

Then she moved to a big store on White Street. Made it big there! Sold the same things, but on a larger scale in a better venue.

Barbara is a marketeer supreme! On White, she designed a tee shirt for women. Black with 2 white words. Art Slut.

A winner! Big time! Still sells them big time! And now for men also!

I am still on the diet. I intend to remain on it. I will. I am into it.

This morning is the end of the first week of the diet. I have lost 11 pounds. Yes, 11 pounds in one week. To be expected from 1,000 calories a day. Interestingly, my doctor told me I would lose 10 pounds the first week. I thought she was exaggerating. Apparently not. She further said I would lose 5 pounds a week thereafer. We shall see.

Eating out is a bit tricky on the diet. I intended to have a double shrimp cocktail last night. Antonia’s had no shrimp cocktail on the menu. I almost left.

I ended up ordering the Mahi Mahi special. It was just enough fish. A few vegetables. The problem was the butter sauce. I picked around it as well as I could. Yes, I enjoyed the meal. And yes, I took in too many calories I fear. But was it good!!!

I am getting sick of the Tiger stories. This morning’s news says his wife is headed to divorce court. Whatever. Leave these two alone to deal with their problem, not ours.

The weather continues to be outstanding. Close to summer weather. Low to mid 80s by day. Low to mid 70s by night. Unusual for this time of year.

However all good things come to an end. A cold front is on its way. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The high is projected in the high 60s. With evening lows in the 50s. It will be cold!

Donna telephoned last night. She was with Terri in Terri’s dressing room in New York. Terri was putting on her make up for her starring role in Finian’s Rainbow.

Donna’s daughter is getting married January 2 here in Key West. Donna will be back for the wedding. Terri cannot return. She has to stay for the show.

Donna asked me to be her escort at the wedding. An honor. Of course. However I first told her I don’t go out with married women. You will recall that she and Terri recently married.

I am honored. I look forward to seeing Donna and escorting the mother of the bride.

Eight days to Christmas. Much shopping yet to be done. Do some of it conveniently and reasonably at Lisa’s internet department store Via Key West. http://www.viakeywest.com/.

Enjoy your day!

Up early. Still dark outside. Black out the window. That’s the way it is when you live on the ocean.

The radio show is tomorrow. Key West Lou Radio Hour.

I spent yesterday morning getting it together. I will tweak it a bit tomorrow morning before the show.

Interesting things to be discussed during the radio show. On going school district problems, Florida Medicaid trial, Pet Lemon Law, Harris School restoration and for a touch of history, Lincoln the Lawyer. Plus more.

Listen in!

1 pm. KONK 1680 AM radio. The intertnet world wide at www.ustream.tv/channel/konk-am. Remember, you can see as well as hear me at the u stream internet site!

I am trying to develop the radio show into a call in. So call me! 305-294-2769. Ask a question, make a comment, tell me you disagree with me, whatever.

You can also text in a question on the u stream internet site. I keep an eye on the screen to see if there are any questions. I suspect Ms. Mack from Connecticut will be back texting me.

Lisa took the day off from work yesterday. To clean the house. A necessary task. She did a good job. I was impressed! And she also had to Christmas shop for Robert and Ally. Or Santa would not be visiting.

Lisa told me that Terri White’s new CD was out. She and Terri talk. The new CD has been added to Lisa’s internet department store for sale. http://www.viakeywest.com/.

Then to Borders and Sarah Palin. I continue reading her Rogue book. I am at her Governor’s race where she defeats the sitting Governor Murkowsi.

I still have not developed an opinion as to her.

I finally went out last night. Figured I was into the diet and could handle it. Also, I was beginning to go stir crazy from staying in.

The Chart Room was my first stop. I felt like I was returning home after having been away for years.

Marty was there. And Che. And Jean. And Frank. And Michael bartending.

Good time! Good conversation! Especially betwen Che and I.

Then Marty, Jean, Frank and I were off to the Hot Tin Roof for dinner.

Hot Tin Roof was quiet. This is the quiet time in Key West.

We ate at the bar. Valerie bartending. General Manager John with us. A Duke basketball game on TV.

Valerie is wife to Clayton. Clayton is into a new business. Tee shirts. He goes on line Saturday. http://www.dirtydogtees.com/.

I had 4 medium sized shrimp and a small side order of greens. Plus 7 green olives stuffed with pimentos. I stuck to the diet! What a good boy was I!

This is day 51 of no alcohol and smoking. The smoking is still difficult. I desire. No, I crave!

It was good to be out and with people! I had spent 5 or 6 straight evenings staying home adjusting to the diet.

There was an old goodie movie on TV when I returned home. A make you feel good film. Lost Horizon. A 1937 movie starring Ronald Colman. Shangrila!

There was a news report on the internet this morning. About a guy who found an overdue library book his long gone mother had forgotten to return to the library. The book was to have been returned May 10, 1910. Ninety nine years overdue!

The fine was a penny a day. It came to $361.35. It was waived, of course.

It brought to mind when I returned some books late to the Utica Public Library.

It was sometime in the l960s. I was a young lawyer. A Monday night. The Library stayed open late on Mondays.

There was a large semi circle desk in the center of the first floor. Books were checked in and out there.

A little old lady, excuse how I describe her, thin and matronly was in charge. White hair bundled tightly behind her head. Spectacles perched on her nose.

Being monday night, the Library was packed. I waited in line sevral minutes to get to her to make my returns.

The books were overdue. About 3 weeks. In today’s vernacular, she ripped me a new asshole.

Where was my sense of responsibility? Didn’t I know books had to be returned on time? What about others who might want to read them? And on and on. I thought she would never finish.

I was embarassed! Every one could hear her.

I never returned to the library again.

Golf today!

Enjoy your day!

I hope to enjoy mine.

It’s a new day!

Another great Key West day in the making!

While my friends up north are freezing, Key West is basking in 80 degree plus weather. Terrific! Keys weather, that is. Not that my friends up north are cold.

I screwed up yesterday. I told you about the turtle release from Higgs Beach on Sunday. I referred to the turtle as a “he”. A he he ain’t! He’s a she!

There was a picture of the turtle and an article in the Key West Citizen yesterday. The turtle’s name is Cassandra.

You can’t tell one turtle from another these days! At least I can’t. They all look alike!

Spent some time at Borders. Still into Sarah Palin’s Rogue book. She continues to be every woman, every person. Just your basic every day all American girl.

Just wonderful! No mountain too high to climb. No task too difficult to take on.

Can’t be. Too good to be true. But I don’t know. Judgment still reserved. I wish to read more.

I played delivery boy for Lisa again yesterday. To the Post Office. The sub station in the Winn Dixie Shopping Center. I had to wait in line 50 minutes to mail my packages. Too long! The time and line!

The waiting did not really bother me. I had no where to go.

I ran into Clayton while I was waiting. He was in line also.

Clayton used to bartend at Antonia’s. Then he went over to Bagatelle’s to become Alcohol and Beverage Manager. His wife is the charming Valerie who bartends at Hot Tin Roof. Key West is a small town!

Clayton recently left Bagatelle’s to open his own business. He is going to sell tee shirts world wide. His new business goes live on the internet Friday. http://www.dirtydogtees.com/. A terrific name!

Clayton is originally from New Zealand. Discovered Key West years ago and settled here. Discovered Valerie also and married her. He is a world traveler. Recently it was Ecquador or Peru. He owns property in Dubai. An interesting guy. A nice guy.

I also got to chat a bit with one of the waiters from Hogfish and several other people. The 50 minutes in line was not wasted.

Speaking of Lisa, her Key West internet department store does a bit more business each day. Novels about Key West are becoming a big seller.

Only 10 days left to Christmas. Let Lisa be your guide to Christmas shopping. View her store for a funky and fabulous Christmas gift for a friend. http://www.viakeywest.com/.

I am still on the diet. Just completing day 5. Is it getting easier? A bit. I have not cheated one iota. I am proud of myself.

The diet is keeping me in at night. I need to avoid the near occasions of sin. Other people eating! Soon, however, I will be out again on the town in the evening!

Radio show Thursday at 1 pm! Have to start preparing today. Listen at KONK 1680 AM radio. Listen and watch on the internet at www.ustream.tv/channel/konk-am. Call in with a question or comment to 305-294-2769.

Enjoy your day!

The weather continues to be spectacular! Almost like summer!

Generally by this time each year, it starts to cool down. Not this year in Key West! We even are getting some humidity each day.

May it continue!

Yesterday was an unusual Sunday for me. I did none of the usual things. But I still had a good time.

The morning blew swiftly by. TV Sunday talk shows.

Then Lisa called. Join us for the Christmas party at the County Jail and the turtle return to the ocean ceremony at Higgs Beach afterwards.

Why not! I would be with the grandkids Robert and Ally. I had never been to the County Jail zoo. Also, the papers had been replete recently with news of the turtle’s return to his ocean home. A different Sunday for me.

The County Jail is located on Stock Island. It is on the other side of the golf course. Next door to the capped landfill.

The inmates have for many years maintained a zoo on the jail grounds. Every one speaks well of the zoo. I just never made it there.

I was impressed!

All kinds of animals. Animals more common to the keys. Little key deer. Like 2-3 feet tall. Some snakes. And others.

Robert thought the little key deer were the best. He was excited. They are common to Little Deer Key a few miles up U.S. 1.

This was a Christmas party at the zoo. No charge for admission. A donation, if you cared.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus were there! Both of them!

This blew Ally out. She really is into Santa Claus! She exhibits mild tremors when she sees him.

Of course, both Robert and Ally sat on Santa’s lap.

Then it was off to the ocean. To Higgs Beach in front of Salute Restaurant.

The much proclaimed turtle release.

A few months ago a 150 pound turtle was found in bad shape. A line wrapped tightly around his neck with a hook holding it. The turtle had also ingested several fish hooks. Not good for the inards.

The turtle was captured and taken to the turtle hospital in Marathon. Yes, we have a hospital specifically dedicated to turtles in the keys.

The stomach hooks were removed. The fishing line and hook around the neck removed also. The turtle was nursed back to health.

Yesterday it was time for the turtle to return home. The ocean. He was all better.

The event and location had been announced. About 150 people showed up. Including, Lisa, Corey, the grandkids and me.

Interesting!

We all stood on the beach and watched. And cheered as the turtle swam out! Like a fish takes to water! The only way to describe it.

Corey is into turtles. Part of his natural interest. Part of his job responsibility at the Mel Fisher Museum. The Museum recently opened a turtle museum on the docks.

Corey videoed the event. I attach it here for your viewing.

It is short. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKFe3H6H-fY.

Then we returned to my home. Robert and Ally had something to eat. They pulled out their toys and coloring books. Everything got spread on the living room floor.

They enjoyed. It was a pleasure watching them. Both can print sentences. At 5 and 4. So I was telling them what to write and they did it. When a word came up that was difficult, Lisa would tell them to pronounce it. They did and were able to then spell it out.

They left. I stayed home. All night. It was easier diet wise.

Enjoy your day!

I am still on the diet. Starting day 4.

I decided to walk yesterday. Parked the car at Square One. My intent was to walk Duval to the Pier House and back again. Twenty minutes each way.

I had to walk by Square One to get to Duval. There they were! Cheryl and Roger from the night before! It took them 2 weeks to hook up with me and then we run into each other 2 times in 12 hours.

Cheryl and Roger were having breakfast outside on the terrace at Square One. I sat for a bit and chatted with them.

Nice people. Nothing had changed in that regard from the night before.

It was 10 am. They were having breakfasat. Steak and eggs. And potatoes. It killed me! It all looked so good! I hated them!

The diet is Medifast. My doctor recommneded it. So I am not doing anything foolish by being on such a low calorie diet. 1,000 per day.

Medifast says do not exercise for 2 weeks. But I knew better. I always pick up on exercise when I am dieting.

By the time I reached the Pier House, I was exhausted. Just from a slightly fast walk! The walk diminished in intensity the closer I got to the Pier House.

I decided I needed a rest. Stopped at the Pier House beach bar. Read the papers and had a couple of diet cokes.

The rest did not help. The return trip was horrendous! I had to stop and sit inside the door way at Fast Buck Freddies.

Food is fuel. I did not have enough. And was feeling it!

I finally made it back to my car. It was like being lost in the desert and discovering an oasis with water!

I drove to Lisa’s. Collapsed in her easy chair. Spent a couple of hours with her and the family. I was not in the mood to do much talking. The grandkids realized it and ignorred me.

It was lunch time. I had brought my lunch with me. A 3 inch thin candy bar provided by Medifast. 100 calories.

Now mid afternoon. I went home and crawled in bed. And basically stayed there till this morning!

The annual Christmas boat parade was last night. I usuually go and have always been lucky to have been invited on a boat. No one invited me for last night. Fortunately! Because I would not have been able to go.

Jean Thornton e mailed me expressing concern re my 1,000 calorie diet and inviting me to join her and others on the Hot Tin Roof balcony to watch the boat parade. No way, Jose, could I make it!

Alabama’s Mark Ingram won the Heisman. Good for him! Good for Alabama!

Alabama is on a streak. Beat Florida and Tebow last week. Which is probably what it took to push Ingram over the finish line first. And last night almost beat ranked Purdue in basketball. Purdue had to come from 16 points behind to win.

Staying in bed watching TV is not bad. Look at all I know this morning.

Jean Thornton is a proud Alabama graduate. She had a big night last night!

Tiger Woods.

A tragedy?

Personally yes for Tiger and his wife.

Professionally, another story.

I question his decision to take a break from his work to deal with a family problem. That is what golf is to him. His job. Many say that his so doing is good. His values are properly placed.

Judge not lest ye be judged. But where were his values when he was screwing around?

How many could take a break from work to save the family? Few, if any. It just does not work that way. But I guess it does for Tiger who has already earned $1 billion by age 34. No one else could afford to do it.

My perception is that Tiger should have worked it out as every one else would have. By juggling his work and wife at the same time.

Tiger has an obligation to the fans as well as his wife. True, the wife relationship appears initially more important than his golfing career. But on reflection it is the golfing career that makes it possible for him to live as he does and do what he does.

He is a great golfer! The greatest ever! I don’t know if he will continue to be if the marital sabbatical lasts too long. That sharpness that makes him the champion he is erodes without constant attention.

Today is Sunday! My day! I doubt it will be a usual one because of the diet. I will be lucky to make it to Don’s Place.

The diet is tough. But I have finished 3 days on it. This is the start of day 4. The scale says I have lost 6 pounds so far. It makes it worth it!

Enjoy your day!

When you go to bed early, you get up early!

It’s 4 am.

Obviously dark outside. Wind blowing big time. I can hear the water roaring by and the palm trees blowing.

The diet is screwing my life up. I am required to eat every 2-3 hours. Pre prepared foods. So I hang around the house. Additionally, I am still hungry all the time. Only 1,000 calories a day.

Yesterday was day 2 of the diet. Difficult yet. The food tastes like cardboard.

Since I spent most of the day in, I caught up on a lot of paper work.

I did go out for a while. Had a Fed Ex package to send. And also to the Post Office for Lisa with a bunch of packages.

You will recall that last Sunday a couple from Kankakee, Illinois was looking for Key West Lou at Don’s Place. However I had left early. Fortunately Don, David and Tino made them feel at home.

The couple e mailed me over Facebook yesterday. They are Cheryl and Roger Keast. Cheryl advised they were loyal Key West Lou blog readers. Every morning on rising. Wanted to know if and where we could meet up. They had been in Key West for 2 weeks. Visited some of my haunts like Don’s Place, the Hot Tin Roof and La Trattoria hoping to run into me.

I felt bad. We were just not at the same place at the same time. I told them I would be at the Chart Room at 7.

We finally met.

What great people!

But strangers to Key West they are not. This is their fourth year here. They came down 2 weeks ago and will be staying here till April. Snowbirds!

They have an RV and park it at Boyd’s on Stock Island. A lovely RV park.

Both are in their early 60s. Retired. Roger was an electrical engineer who owned his own business. Charming people. Cheryl is a beauty. Some women look terrific coifed in white hair. Chreyl is one of them.

We talked and drank for quite a while. Me, diet Pepsi.

I started to get uncomfortable. I usually munch on popcorn at the Chart Room. It’s the best! My diet prohibits it. I also used to smoke at the bar. My heart says no.

I could not handle it. So I said my good byes and left.

I thought I might stop at the Keys Piano Bar for a Broadway music fix. As I was driving over, I realized that I better get home. I was having a bad night food and cigarette wise.

So it was was home in bed before 9.

Oh, the sacrifices made in the interests of good health. I have to remember the sinfully bad things that brought me to this point. Time heals all. Soon I will be able to enjoy again without over indulging, smoking and drinking.

What a boring life I have to look forward to!

Only kidding.

I am going back to bed.

Enjoy your day!