BUSINESS IS GOOD

This has obviously been a great week for Key West merchants. The town was packed again last night. Big time! More pedestrians on the streets than cars. Literally on the streets. Traffic a disaster.

My first stop was the Chart Room. Emily is back from vacation. She told me she went skiing in one of the Carolinas while away. Sheila and David in attendance. Offered my condolences to David re the Alabama loss.

Chatted with Sheila a while. A wonderful person!

Met Ellen. Ellen is from the Cayman Islands. She has lived there for 30 years with friend Adrian. She is a travel agent.

Ellen and Adrian visit Key west 3-4 times a year. Amazing! Leave the Cayman Islands for Key West. More fun was the reason. They are always here for Fantasy Fest. Ellen said she wears two costumes a day. One by day and one by night. She is really into it!

A bright vivacious lovely woman. I hope to run into Ellen again.

Met another local. Nick. We had never met before. Nick is in his mid-30s. He is a scuba instructor.

Stopped at Square One next. The new owner has changed the name a bit. It is Sq. 1. Who will know what I am referring to. I shall acquiesce half way. Square 1.

Mandy was not behind the bar. I was disappointed. Liked her. All of a sudden, she was behind me. Dressed, not in bartending attire. She is now the manager. Good for her!

The restaurant was full, inside and out. People waiting for a table. So too with the Italian restaurant and Orgami across the way. Another sign that this has been a hell of a business week!

Patrick Hayes aka Patty Cakes bartended at the old Square One for 20 plus years. No matter how large the crowd, he was always the only bartender. It took two last night to get the job done.

Ran into Scott. A while since I had seen him. He wrote at one time for KONK Life.

A repeat observation. Streets crowded with tourists. Restaurants full. A good sign again that business is booming.

The thought occurred as to whether there really is a 1 percent/99 percent. These were not 99 percenters celebrating. These were people a bit affluent, though nowhere as affluent as the 1 percent. It made me wonder if things just might be getting better.

Syracuse plays Virginia Tech at noon. Syracuse an 8 point favorite. I planned on watching the game from home. My TV went down this morning. I cannot get it back up. I have a call into Tim to help me. Must be fixed before noon. Otherwise, I shall be watching at Don’s Place.

The front page headline in the Key West Citizen this morning reported very good news for Key West. T J Maxx and Gap are coming to Key West! Maxx is going in the Champs store in the Sears Shopping Center. Gap into the Lewinsky Building on Duval. Gap will be a two story factory outlet.

The new stores also a reflection that the economy is recovering. Still not enough however for the downtrodden yet suffering.

Enjoy your day!

DON’S NIGHT

It was Don’s night last night. Even though we were out together, we did not get very far. Don got comfortable talking with people at the Chart Room and we never left.

We were headed for dinner at Hot Tin Roof. I had to satisfy my pangs of hunger with pop corn.

In spite of no food, the evening was good. Ran into a fellow Manhattan graduate. Jack Kelley. He and wife Sabina used to own a home in Key West. Sold it. Still visit. Their full time home is Washington, DC. Jack is retired, Sabina still working.

Che at the bar. Chastised me for not losing weight. He needs new specs. I told him I had just lost 21 pounds and was still working at it.

Mary bartending. She normally works the beach bar. Emily is on vacation. If I recall correctly, somewhere in one of the Carolinas.

Met RD for the first time. Former manager of Cowboy Bill’s. Consults for several bars in town now. Spent a significant part of his life in the meat packing business.

I found his meat packing experience interesting. During college, summers and each vacation that I was home, I worked the midnight shift at a meat packing house in Utica. I did it all!

When I finally was able to drag Don away, it was too late for dinner. I dropped him off at Don’s Place and headed home.

My first evening stop was Don’s Place. That is where I hooked up with Don. When I arrived, he was sitting at the bar chatting with Sam. I had not met Sam before. Nor had Don. This was Sam’s first time at Don’s Place.

Sam has lived in Key West ten years. He is a civilian employee with the Army at Boca Chica. Interesting and good company. The three of us spent a considerable amount of time talking about Cuba.

Obama announced yesterday that the U.S. is reopening relations with Cuba after more than 50 years. Native Key Westers have always thought that when Cuba opened again, Key West would benefit. Key West is only 90 miles from Cuba. I never thought so. I do not think so even today. The best I see coming out of it is a new ferry boat service Key West to Havana and return.

My initial impression is Obama did the right thing in starting the necessary steps to solidify a friendly relationship with Cuba. The Cuban revolution was in 1959. I was a senior in law school at the time. It is 55 years later. Time to lay differences aside and move on. The Germans and Japanese did more to us and other peoples during World War II. It did not take anywhere near 50 years to put our differences aside and move on.

I made a brief visit in the afternoon to Lisa’s. The grandkids are off from school afternoons this week. Spent some time with Robert and Ally. Robert has a cold and sore throat. Nothing bad. Lisa fears Ally is coming down with the same thing.

Friend Jake met me at the door. I continue to be amazed at how we have become friends.

Enjoy your day!

 

FRIENDS NIGHT

Don’s Place was my first stop last night. Chatted with Don, David, Stan and Clare. I will be having dinner with all of them tonight.

Then to the Chart Room. Jean had organized a small informal party for Peter. Old friends all. Good to be with them. We sat at the round table and talked. Enjoyable conversations. Some picture taking. Jean must have posted some on FB. Someone already wrote me this morning asking if I knew how to smile.

Roger and Cheryl were at the bar. I joined them a little later. My Cleveland area friends. Good company! Good people!

While I was with Roger and Cheryl, Tom and Francis from the Buffalo area arrived. I was expecting them. They were due in yesterday. Tom is a Syracuse fanatic as I. They only had time for one drink as they were meeting someone for dinner.

Dinners were scheduled. I am having dinner with Tom and Fran saturday night. With Roger and Cheryl, next wednesday.

Tonight, dinner at Benihana. Don and Jennifer’s birthdays being celebrated. A guaranteed good time!

Some things rub me wrong. I am compelled to speak out.

The Eric Garner grand jury result in NYC. The heavy black man, purportedly in a choke hold by a police officer, who died. He was selling loose cigarettes on the street at the time.

No indictment.

The Chinese say one picture is worth a thousand words. Not in this case. Based on the video alone, this appears to be a case of murder or manslaughter. Another example off those who are able to get away with murder under the guise of protecting and serving. Harsh words, but true.

I consider the grand jury result an American tragedy. One more in a long line. Something is seriously wrong when the people policing us and those who make the laws do not appear to be working for us.

Enjoy your day!

CHART ROOM LAST NIGHT

I spent my Saturday night at the Chart Room. Glad I did. Good company all evening.

I went initially because I was looking for Peter. Known also as Captain Peter and English Peter. I thought perhaps the rest of the locals who frequent the Chart Room might be there. I was disappointed. No one was, including Peter.

Met two interesting couples.

Unfortunately, I did not get the names of the first. The wife had run in the 5K earlier in the day. The husband was from Nebraska. I shared with him I was a Syracuse grad. I brought up way back when Nebraska was #1 in football and Syracuse upset them at the Carrier Dome. I told him I had a box at the Dome and rarely missed a game. However on the day of the Nebraska game, I had a family wedding to attend in Utica.

During the ceremony in Church, I had a small radio pressed against my ear.  I missed little.

Even the bride was interested. A Syracuse graduate also. On the way down the aisle after the ceremony, she leaned over and asked how the team was doing.

The man at the bar last night thought Syracuse won because of the noise in the Dome. He felt it affected the Nebraska players.

The other couple was Dave and Heather. Terrific people!

Dave has been a frequent visitor to Key West. His first wife and her family lived here. He recalled a memorable Thanksgiving back in the 1970s. He was in the Chart Room. Most of those whose ashes lie in the bar rail were there, also. They enjoyed turkey and each other. He described it as a special moment.

Dave is retired. Heather working towards it.

My sense is they definitely will be settling here in Key West some day. They will be welcome additions.

Dave is an accomplished guitarist and sings. He will find a new career in Key West if he desires it.

The Syracuse football season ended yesterday. Syracuse lost to Boston College 28-7. Syracuse’s season record 3-9. No where to go but up!

I worked hard yesterday. Just about all day. On my next book. My publisher wants next another The World Upside Down. It will be #2 in a series. I spent at least 7 hours on the book. Pleasurable time.

Sloan joined my around 5 and we worked together on the book and other things for an hour.

The book will not make it for Christmas. I suspect it will publish in February.

This morning’s Key West Citizen reported hogfish are being overfished. A genuine problem. Hogfish are the best fish eating in the keys! Studies are underway to determine how to rectify the problem. Probably the size permitted to be caught will be increased. It is now 10 inches. Might go to 16-20 inches. No determination has been arrived at as yet.

Most persons outside the keys are unaware how hogfish are caught. Speared! It is said hogfish are difficult to catch with hook and line. Ergo, the spearing. Interestingly, hogfish are a friendly sort and approach spear fisherman. They cannot win!

A lower keys resident by the name of Mary “Dawn” Baker died recently. I did not know her. I wish I had. Her obituary is in this morning’s Citizen. Read it. A warm and loving rendition of her life. From small town girl to airline stewardess to hippie to world traveler to Florida keys resident.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

TAPED A TV SHOW

I taped a TV show yesterday. Jenna interviewed me for her TV show. Good Morning Florida Keys with Jenna Stauffer. I am not sure when it will air.

The show was taped at a lovely private home in the Casa Marine area. Assisting Jenna with the filming, etc. were Iris, Leo Martinez, and Austin Svedjan.

Iris is the Boston University student who interned with Jenna this past summer. She is working on her Masters which she expects to receive early next year.

Leo and Austin are seniors at Key West High School. Impressive young men. They have been getting work time with Jenna. Both enthusiastic media people. Tomorrow’s giants in the industry. Both headed off to name colleges to study various aspects of television and radio.

They functioned as professionals. I was impressed. They obviously had a background in TV. I asked where, how?

Turns out the Key West High School has a TV Production department. Key West teens are exposed to television and radio as part of the curriculum.

There is a significance to the program. It is ranked 4th in the nation. Yes, Key West has an apparently excellent media program which worthy of national recognition. Leo and Austin spoke proudly of the program.

Key Westers should be aware of the program. It is a shining star!

My evening began at the Chart Room. Initially, it was me and Emily. Then Che showed. Che and I went at it for more than an hour. He is argumentative and intelligent. Extremely well read. A good person to have a give and take with.

Che asked that I convey a message to Marty. He says he was born in Philadelphia. However spent most of his life in New York. Even though he lost a $100 bet to Marty at one time as to the location of a New York City hotel.

I was on my way home. It was around 7. Stopped at Don’s Place. Ended up going to dinner with John. John mentioned he wanted a steak. I said let’s go to Michael’s. He agreed.

I do not know why I do not go to Michael’s more often. It is a fine restaurant. The ambiance special. A great outside bar to sit at and have dinner. The food outstanding.

Suzette working the bar as usual. Suzette is reason enough to become more of a regular at Michael’s. A charming person.

Syracuse football at noon. It is like sitting in a war zone and knowing that shortly the bombs will fall. Syracuse plays Florida State. #1 in the nation. The spread is three touchdowns. The actual score could be more.

There is always hope. I can remember sometime in the 1980’s, Syracuse was playing #1 Nebraska. That Syracuse team was not as good as the current one which respectfully is bad. Syracuse beat #1 Nebraska!

I will be watching the game at John Lukas’ Big Ten sports Pub.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARPOON HARRY’S, CHART ROOM & HOT TIN ROOF

Sorry about getting the blog out so late this morning. I had an early morning appointment with Dr. Lefferts re my back. Steroids obviously worked. Everyone happy. My residual continues to be the swollen ankles. They are down about 50 percent. I am to continue on the water pills till completely down.

Yesterday found me in three of my favorite Key West places. Harpoon Harry’s, the Chart Room, and Hot Tin Roof.

Wednesday lunch at Harpoon Harry’s is becoming a habit. A good one. The wednesday special is turkey. A Thanksgiving type meal. I especially enjoy the gravy. I ask for extra.

Visited with Emily for a while in the early evening at the Chart Room. Just me and her. No other customers. Caught her at an in between slow time.

Dinner at the bar at Hot Tin Roof. A terrific meal! Rib eye. Melted in my mouth! Joseph was good company, as usual. He is a fan. Especially of the KONK Life columns. He particularly enjoyed last week’s Al Qaeda…..The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight.

I slowly downed a snifter of Southern Comfort at the end of the meal. I am not a Southern Comfort drinker at all. However, my Mother was. Her birthday was this past week. She would have been 100. Unfortunately, she died at 75. I drank the Southern Comfort and enjoyed thoughts of the first woman I loved.

In between lunch and dinner, I walked the waterfront. Stopped into Turtle Kral. Looking for Peti. No Peti.

Ran into Guy and ML. Both busily working on ML’s race to be Fantasy Fest Queen. Tension showing. A tough haul running for the position. I am confident ML will win. The Coronation is next friday evening. The day Fantasy Fest begins.

Crashed during the afternoon. Lay on the bed. Next thing I knew three hours had passed. A good sleep.

On tuesday’s blog talk radio show, I commented on monday’s Supreme Court decision re same sex marriage. Gays were all excited. The decision a major step from their perspective. I took the position that their joy was premature. Very premature. Primarily because the Supreme Court avoided rendering a decision that would have made same sex marriage Constitutional throughout the United states.

I warned that those opposed to same sex marriage would be coming out of the woodwork. They would gear up to continue their fight even further. I suggested that 20 years from now it would still be a problem as abortion is.

It only took 24 hours for the fight to go to a new level. Supreme Court Justice Kennedy issued an order first continuing the ban in two States and later in the day issued an order making the stay applicable to only one State.

The fight ain’t over yet!

Bocce tonight.

Enjoy your day!

 

BEEN UP SINCE 5 AM

I have been up since 5 this morning. Paying for my sins. Primarily, avoidance.

My KONK Life column for this week was due last Wednesday. I completed research Monday. Never got to writing the column. For whatever reason, I kept putting it off. I should have written the article yesterday afternoon. Forgot it was due. Overdue, rather. Instead I wrote another chapter for what may be my next published book, Growing Up Italian.

When I got home last night, there was a message from Guy de Boer. In effect, where is the column…..you are making my life difficult.

It was too late and I thought perhaps I might have had one drink too many. I went to bed. I would get to he column in the morning.

I did. At 5 in the morning. I woke early and decided to get right to it. Took three hours to compose and refine. At 8, it was on its way to Guy with my mea culpas.

The column is Banks Divorce Porn Stars…..Hypocrisy. Concerns itself with a new bank game called de-risking. A game it is not. The column publishes Wednesday.

Lunch yesterday was at Roostica. I was in the mood for Italian. A hot meatball sandwich. Roostica’s food gets better with every visit. Try the place. Low key and reasonable prices.

Megan waited on me. Lovely Megan. An interesting young lady. If I were 50 years younger, I would court her.

Last night began with the Chart Room. Stopped for a drink. Jean Thornton is back. Returned to Key West only yesterday.  Sheila, also. They introduced me to Linda Grist Cunningham. A Key West visitor for many years. She and her husband finally bought in 2012.

Linda was enjoyable company. She operates a business called KEYWESTWATCH. News, political writings, social media, etc. In her other life, she was an editor and journalist.

She is a liberal at heart. We instantly bonded!

Jean and I had dinner at Hot Tin Roof at the bar. It was catch up time. She and Joe have recently returned from a 15 day river boat cruise through several European countries. It was exciting listening to her describe the trip. She told me English Peter would be returning for a 10 day visit in a month. Good!

I read an interesting article yesterday. Concerned itself with the shrinking middle class. McDonald’s business was down for the year ending in June one percent. Fine dining was up three percent. The thrust…..the poor cannot afford McDonald’s.

I had intended to try Unity Church again today. Too late. Perhaps next week.

This afternoon will be professional football at Don’s Place.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

ML PARTY AT THE GALLEON

I finally made an ML fundraiser. ML is running for Fantasy Queen. The winner is determined by who raises the most money for AIDS Help. There are several candidates and big money involved.

ML’s party was at the Galleon outside bar. The place was packed!

I got to see JJ. My old friend from the Chart Room. He is now bartending at the Galleon.

Howard Livingston and wife Cindy were in attendance. Howard was performing. Howard and I have been friends for 16 years since first we met at the bar at Mangoes when we both were involved with house remodeling and construction. A nicer person does not exist!

Relatively new found friend Susie was busy working. She is one of ML’s co-chairs. Susie bought and brought a number of my books. The World Upside Down was an auction item. I did some book signing before they were put out.

Met Fiona and her brother Johnny. Fiona was a law office administrator for 20 plus years somewhere on the Jersey Shore. She has retired to Key West. Has an apartment somewhere off Duval behind the Grand. Her brother Johnny is from Chicago. Spends some of his Key West days working at Home Depot.

Key West publisher Guy deBoer and I chatted a while. I like Guy. He works hard. It is the only way.

Guy publishes KONK Life where my weekly newspaper column appears. More importantly, Guy and ML are a couple. For several years.

Met a lot of nice people. Unfortunately and apologetically, I cannot remember all their names.

Though it is obvious, I want everyone to be aware. ML is my choice for Fantasy Fest Queen.

My day started with the x-ray I was supposed to have had wednesday. Purpose to determine if I have any disk impingement which is causing my sciatica type pain.

Then to Don’s Place. I had a meeting. Great atmosphere in which to conduct business. My desk is the Truman corner of the bar. Hemingway had his Sloppy Joe’s. I have Don’s Place.

I spent the afternoon working on tuesday evening’s blog talk radio show. Preparation is everything. I came across an interesting item involving bigotry. The New York Times’ David Brooks commented on the topic recently.

First, Louis’s recollection. There was a time in the 1950s and 1960s, and probably before, when Jews and Gentiles rarely married. A religious thing. Primarily from the Jewish side. A parental no no. I had a law school Catholic friend who married a Jewish lady. They were head over heels in love. The marriage lasted three years. The family pressures were too much.

Now comes Brooks’ item. It involves political bigotry. He wrote that in 1960,  5 percent of Republicans and 4 percent of Democrats said they would be “…..displeased if their children married someone of the opposite party…..By 2010…..numbers had jumped to 49 percent and 33 percent.” No wonder the two parties cannot get along! The dislike/hatred runs deep!  So much for the enlightened era we live in.

I had some time to kill before the ML party. I stopped into the Island Dogs Bar for a drink. First time in several years. A cute place on Front Street. The building sits next to the Pier House parking lot. The Bar is primarily frequented by tourists.

Colorful! Pleasant! I sat and watched happy tourists come and go. The Islands Dog Bar provides them with a a perfect space.

Island Dogs Bar is owned by world famous Jim Croce and Dave Thibault. Dave is Michael and Nancy’s son in law. He has made a huge success of the Island Dogs Bar. They are very proud of him.

I like Michael. In another time, we played golf together He bartends for Don. Nancy was Don’s business manager for years. She is now involved in the Fausto operation.

I like Michael. Love Nancy.

Tonight, Syracuse/Notre Dame at the Meadowlands. Syracuse will lose. Unfortunately. However, that is the way it is. I plan on watching the game at Don’s Place.

I am into my last two days of steroids. What happens when I go off?

Enjoy your day!

 

A SANTA CLAUS LIE

Since my first born was able to comprehend Santa Claus, I have lied about Santa Claus. A good lie. The lie has continued to present day. More than fifty years.

Probably to boost my image in their eyes, I have repeated the same lie every year to my children and grandchildren. The grandchildren are now all adults, except for Robert and Ally. The lie is that Santa Claus is my friend. We talk on the phone all the time. I have even arranged for Santa Claus to telephone me while one or two of them were with me. It was  proof that Santa and I were buddies.

Every Christmas, I arrange for Santa Claus to visit where ever I am at dinner time Christmas Eve. The kids knew he was coming. He was my friend! They waited excitedly. When he arrived, he would talk with each of them. Of course he knew all their secrets, whether they had been good or bad, etc.

I prepped Santa Claus each year to greet me as…..Louis, my friend!….. as he embraced me.

I think it may be the end of the line. The lie may not be able to be perpetrated further.

Last night Robert and Ally sat down in front of me and asked…..Poppa, how is Santa Claus your friend? I made up some cock and bull lie. Another one. Oh, the web we weave when first we seek to deceive.

I am not sure they accepted my answer. Both were very serious during the conversation.

I have a feeling that between now and Christmas, Robert and Ally will sit me down to tell me the truth. They are 10 and 9 respectively. It is time.

Friday night in Key West was packed. Bikers in town. Beautiful big expensive bikes all over. Black leathered bikers and their ladies attired in leather. A sight to see!

I had a drink at the Chart Room. Emily told me the Wine Galley had been redone and was open for business. I took a walk over.

The Wine Galley and I go back at least 20 years. When I first went, it was Bobby Nesbitt’s room. Every week without fail. The room was smaller than it is now. However, comfortable and intimate. Then it was Larry Smith’s room. The Wine Galley was redone and made  larger.

Now the Wine Galley is no one’s room. There is neither place nor room for a piano.

The new Wine Galley is stunning. Magnificent. A cocktail lounge. Sexy. The room was packed with biker/tourists last night.

Although spectacular, the new Wine Galley cannot stand up to the room when it was Bobby Nesbitt’s and Larry Smith’s. There was something missing last night.

Stopped at Don’s Place on the way home. Jimmy was there. A different Jimmy from yesterday’s blog. Jimmy I met first years ago at the Southernmost Complex. He was  a handyman/gardener. Lisa worked there six years. They became friends. Jimmy also played bocce thursday nights for years, though no more.

Jimmy is now retired. I had not seen him in several years. He came over and greeted me with …..You’re Lisa’s father!

It was good to see Jimmy again.

At 12:30 today, the Syracuse/Maryland football game. Syracuse back to a 1 1/2 point favorite. Big deal! I have a feeling we have better team this year and we will win this game by more than a couple of points.

I will be watching the game at Don’s Place.

Today is Keith’s birthday. Happy birthday, Keith! There is a small bash as 7 tonight at Don’s Place in his honor.

Enjoy your day!

THOSE WERE THE DAYS…..

Today’s Key West Citizen makes mention in its Key West History section that plane fares Key West/Miami 50 years ago were $8 one way and $15 round trip. Those were the days! Today one is looking at something in the low $200 to has high as something in the $600 range.

In the 1970s, I had a condo at the Jockey Club in Miami. My Shangrila at the time. I spent at least one long weekend a month there. The airfare Syracuse/Miami round trip was $80 tourist and $100 first class. First class included a small tablecloth and cloth napkin, steaming prime rib sliced at your seat, all flavors of ice cream, etc. Again, those were the days!

I spent several hours yesterday writing this week’s KONK Life column. Mob Rule. It publishes wednesday evening. The article took much longer to compose than I had expected. The subject matter has its twists and turns. My view of things definitely controversial. I wrote what I did because I thought it had to be said.

Last night was a fun night. I did nothing but sit and sip with friends at two of my favorite Key West places.

First was Don’s Place.

Jimmy and Joanie have become parents! They adopted a dog. Four years old. His owner wanted to get rid of him. The dog has social/mental problems. He was left alone 20 hours at a time. Jimmy and Joanie had him at the bar and intend to take him to work. They will make great dog parents.

The dog sat quietly the whole time I was there. Neither a peep nor a move.

Lori is a physical therapist. I engaged her in talk re my shoulder. She was helpful. Yanked my shoulder and back around a bit in evaluating me.

Chatted with John.

Frankie was at the bar when I walked in. A king at bocce and Lisa’s neighbor. Their backyards adjoin. I like Frankie and his wife Sandy. Two great people!

Then the Chart Room. A very enjoyable time.

David was holding court at the end of the bar. I had not seen him in a while. We sat together for about two hours and chatted with each other and everyone else.

David is gay. Two lovely young ladies in black cocktail dresses walked by. Tanned, long blond hair. David told me they were ladies of the night. In from Miami for a job. I thought he was kidding at first. They kept walking around. We continued to observe them. David was hooked on the working girl thing. I finally asked how he knew. He had talked with them earlier on the street.

I am the type who could not get laid in a whore house, as the saying goes. David who has no interest in such ladies has no difficulty in engaging them in conversation.

Sheila came in. A kiss and hug. Love her!

Emily bartending and keeping up with our conversation.

Met an interesting couple from the Washington, DC area. Actually, they live in Arlington, Virginia. Shawn and Michele. One L. Shawn is a senior VP for a footwear company. Michele works in the retail field.

We buried them in places to go. Dinner, drinking, and dancing. Shawn was entering the info in his computer as fast as his fingers could move.

It is amazing. I have lived in Key West for years. Think I know everyone. Not the case. Two lovely ladies came into the Chart Room. Both locals. For many years. One is Christy. She is a massage therapist. I am embarrassed to say I cannot recall her friend’s name. I thought the friend unusually attractive. A senior with all white hair. Loved the white hair!

Two days ago, I chastised the Key West Citizen for failing to make mention of 9/11. The day was September 11, 13 years later. The topic is and will always be major in our history.

Yesterday, the Citizen made mention three times. Photos and reporting re memorial services at Mallory Square, the new Fire House on Grinnell, and the 9/11 campus in New York City. Great. However an historical rendition at the very least should have been a major front page article on September 9 itself.

Syracuse football today. Syracuse plays Central Michigan at Central Michigan at noon. I will be watching the game at John Lucas’ Big Ten Sports Pub.

Enjoy your day!