HEMINGWAY HOUSE

Posted on by

The last time I visited the Hemingway House was 15 years ago. I decided to give it another shot yesterday. I am a fan and admirer of one of the world’s great writers. Imagine, he lived in Key West for ten years!

I did the touristy thing. Stood in line for a short while to purchase my admission. I think, $13. I thought the amount a bit steep. Did not recall paying that much 15 years ago. But then, it was 15 years ago!

The thing that impressed me the most was the same that did 15 years ago. The room where Hemingway wrote. It was over the garage. The garage was not attached to the house. No stairs to the room. Entrance was gained by sliding a board from a second floor window in the house to a window in the top floor room of the garage. Hemingway’s intent was to isolate himself. Not to be disturbed while he was writing.

The six toed cats intrigued me once again. Unusual.

There are a couple of urinals sitting on the lawn. By urinals, I mean those things men step up to and relieve themselves in. About five feet in length. Made of ceramic tiles. Bright tiny tiles.

The urinals have been hooked up to water lines and now serve as the cats’ drinking fountain.

The urinals are from the original Sloppy Joe’s on Green Street. Now, Captain Tony’s. When Joe was moving from Green Street to his present location on Duval, his friend Hemingway helped him. A bunch of guys literally carried the bar furniture from one place to another sometime after midnight one evening. A bit tipsy, I am sure.

Joe was not taking the urinals. Hemingway thought they were too attractive to leave. He disengaged them from the wall and had them removed to his house. The story is Hemingway carried them. I doubt it. Two or three together would be too heavy and cumbersome. On the other hand, Hemingway was a big man.

Then to the gym. One hour with Albert. Tough! I could get to dislike Albert.

Spent the rest of the day researching next week’s KONK Life column. It will involve the House of Representative threat to shut down the government again. This time over the EPA. The column will be revealing. I spent the last 25 years of my career in the environmental field. I know the motivations of the players first hand.

I find it interesting that this Congress that has passed little legislation has the time once again for a government shut down. And as of yesterday, Speaker Boehner announced the House intends to sue the President for purportedly over extending his Constitutional powers. Better the House do what they were elected to do. Pass legislation. Not be involved in political ploys.

The Supreme cCurt decided yesterday that cell phones are free from police seizure and inspection without a search warrant. Strange that the conservative portion of the Court supported the decision. Chief Justice Roberts even wrote it.

There is an Op-Ed column in this morning’s New York Times by Linda Greenfield. The title explains it…..Supreme Court Justices Have Cell Phones, Too.

Enjoy your day!

LUNCHED WITH A MOVIE STAR

Posted on by

 

Saturday morning!

Rain! It has been raining for a week. Only a few breaks for sun. We needed the rain. Enough is enough, however.

Terrific Key West Lou Legal Hour show yesterday morning. Post show comment indicated the story of courage told was the most popular. It concerned Claire Lomas who recently ran the London Marathon. All 26.2 miles of it. Took her 16 days. She is a paraplegic. Ran the race with the aid of robotic legs.

After the show, shopped Duval and Sears for sandals. Found none I liked. I will be looking again today.

I had a date for lunch. Granddaughter Ally! I was babysitting all afternoon. Lisa was busy with meetings.

Ally decided we should have lunch at Hogfish. Fun. Then we went to my home. She swam most of the afternoon. She is obviously feeling better.

Ally wanted to drive with the top down. I did on the way to Hogfish. There Ally was seated in back on her child’s seat with huge sunglasses on and her hair blowing in the wind. A movie star!

I stopped at the Town N’ Country last night for a bite. Congenial Robert bartending. I enjoyed salmon and fried calamari.

Seated nearby at the bar was a couple. The man said hello. Turns out we had met last year. I enjoyed their company. Especially his. He is a fireman who is also actively engaged in many civic community activities. It was a great conversation regarding the various problems confronting Key West. He was extremely knowledgeable.

Services for Larry Harvey today. A most beloved Key West resident! Larry passed away earlier this week at 92. His mass will be at St. Paul’s on Duval. There will be a celebration of his life later at the Hemingway House. Larry worked at the Hemingway House for thirty years. His spirit will be felt at both events.

I have yet make  my cell phone and tablet decision. Thank you for the many suggestions and recommendations. Apple or Google? I have to make up my mind this morning. I have a 10 o’clock appointment to buy.

Came across an interesting news release on Yahoo this morning. There is a 33 year old man in Knoxville, Tennessee who has fathered 14 children. He recently applied to the court to reduce his child support payments. He claims he cannot afford what he is paying as he only earns minimum wage.

The man lacks any sense of responsibility. The government should pay for his birth control. It would be cheaper than helping to support the 14 children.

It is not against the law to father children. Even outside of wedlock. How does society get this guy to stop? I can think of a solution, but society would consider it barbaric.

What bothers me most is not that society will support these children. Rather it is that they will grow up without a responsible father figure. Or any type father figure in all likelyhood.

Enjoy your day!