BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVER

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I have celebrated many New Year’s eves. Some out. Most at house parties at either my home or that of a friend. I learned early in life that New Year’s eve was amateur night and so avoided public places.

My best New Year’s eve was one I spent alone with my father. We were at my Utica home. Earlier we had enjoyed a huge meal with the family. Everyone was out partying after dinner.

That year had not been a good one health wise for my father. This was 15 plus years ago. He would have been around 83. I suspected it would be Dad’s last New Year’s eve. He would not make it through the new year.

He surprised us all! He passed on two years ago at the age of 98.

I wanted to be with him. I wanted to be alone with him.

Everyone had left by 10. I suggested we sit and enjoy a drink before he went home. We were there till one in the morning.

We sat in front of the fire in two wing backs facing each other. Dad rarely drank. I convinced him to have one. He sipped it for three hours.

We talked about everything. My mother, of course. She had been gone a number of years by then. The conversation moved pleasantly along. At midnight, we hugged and kissed and said I love you to each other.

The memory of the evening has never left me. The time with Dad an intimacy difficult to repeat any time with any one.

My plans for last night were flexible. Stay home or go out for a couple of drinks.

Syracuse was playing Cornell at 6. I wanted to watch the game. I did, from home. I intended to go out afterwards. I was alone. Don’s Place and the Chart Room for a drink or two with friends. Then home and in bed well before midnight.

Syracuse won handily. The team is developing. It has developed big time in the past three weeks. Tournament play begins saturday. What will be, will be.

The game was over at 8. Time to shower again, get dressed and be on my way. Too much work, I thought. I ended up staying home. Poured myself a drink and watched a bit more of TV. At 9, I went to bed. Was asleep soon thereafter. Woke just before one. In time to catch the reruns of New Year’s eve all over the world.

Such an exciting life!

Enjoy this New Year’s day!

BICYCLISTS AND THE BOULEVARD

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The new North Roosevelt Boulevard is terrific! A pleasure to travel!

There are a few problems. Some in the process of correction. Others, not.

One is that the driving lanes on both sides are open to bicycle traffic. Bicycles are actually painted on the road way signifying A-OK. Envision it. Bicycles driving down the middle of a Boulevard lane.

A disaster in the making! Not yet, however.

Yesterday, the wrong of permitting the bikes was evident. Traffic is exceptionally heavy this week. A holiday week. Many tourists. Families.

Traffic was unusually slow on the Boulevard going into town. I thought there might be an accident. There was not. It was a family riding their bicycles.

Each helmeted. The only safety feature taken into consideration.

The father in the lead bike. A small child sitting in the basket in front. This is going to sound like the Three Bears story. Mama bicyclist on the second bike. Then three smaller bikes with three children riding them. The oldest could not have been ten. All in a straight line, one behind the other. Oblivious to the traffic hold up they were causing and the danger the family was in.

Publix’s parking lot was a no parking zone. I had to go around the lot three times to find a spot.

I had a noon appointment with Tammy for a manicure. Lee Nails was packed! Locals and tourists. I was the only male. The ladies obviously getting ready for New Year’s Eve. A lot of chatter and laughing.

I wrote one more chapter to Growing Up Italian. Concrete Sidewalks Grass Backyards. Who had a backyard?

Then spent considerable time preparing for tonight’s blog talk radio show. A good one. Some things are in my craw. Bothering me. Tonight,  I will vent. Tomorrow, some will write and tell me I’m crazy.

Some of the topics of note include my analysis of the New York City Police Department  problem, a lawsuit being filed against the New York City Police Department every 2 1/2 hours, Greece on a collision course with Germany which perhaps could result in war, some consider Ukraine the prelude to World War III, and the U.S. purportedly being out of Afghanistan.

My analysis of the NYPD situation and Obama’s comments re finally being out of Afghanistan are guaranteed to stir the pot.

Join me for an interesting and challenging half hour. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine this evening. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

I CANNOT TELL A LIE

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George Washington has nothing on me! He could not lie about chopping down the cherry tree. I cannot lie about last night. I stayed home. In bed. Never went out.

My plan was to do 801 and watch Sushi come down in the red slipper. The eleventh time that I would have seen it. When it was time to shower and dress, I thought why go? Parking will be a problem. I have already been towed twice on special occasions. The crowd will cover several blocks. I will not be that close to 801. During all of this time, I would not even have been able to buy a drink because of the crowd size.

Screw it! I am going to bed was my thought. I poured myself a healthy Beefeater on the rocks and climbed into bed. I fell asleep. A phone call wakened me. Only 11 o’clock. Fell back to sleep. Another phone call woke me at 11:30. Otherwise, I would have slept through midnight.

I flipped between NBC and CNN. NBC had class. I thought CNN sucked. Kathy Griffin does nothing for me. I did not consider her funny. She detracted from Anderson Cooper, also.

I stayed mostly with CNN. Wanted to see 801 and Sushi in the shoe drop. I did. At 12:15. Exciting, as usual. The crowd several blocks deep.

John Zarrella is an old time CNN reporter. He has done 801 and Sushi for 11 years. Last night was his last. He retires tomorrow after 20 years with CNN. I wish him well.

One observation. We who live in Key West are lucky. Every evening is New Year’s Eve!

I was content. Wished myself a Happy New Year, closed the light and went back to sleep.

I wish each of you a very Happy New Year!

A complaint. Probably caused by old age. Perhaps not. My complaint is one every person probably has. The cost of drugs. I went to Walgreen to pick up my new prescription for Effient. A blood thinner. I get the pills in a 90 day supply. The cost to me was around $340. The fine print told me my insurance company saved me around $650. If no insurance, roughly $1,000 for a three month supply. $330 for a one month supply. Legalized thievery! An abuse of the American public. Think of the people who do not have insurance and/or cannot afford even the discounted price. They go without. Obamacare is not going to solve the drug problem any time soon. It is a weak spot in the Affordable Care Act.

I decided to walk Duval in the afternoon from the Atlantic to the Gulf and back. Only made it half way. Had to turn around. Too many people on Duval. It was impossible to walk at a normal or fast clip. The holiday week has turned out to be a good one for the merchants. A lot of families, a lot of children. Contrary to Bill O’Reilly’s comment that Key West was not a good place for children.

Yesterday was the anniversary of John Denver’s birth. Most of you will remember him. A great singer and entertainer. He died in 1997.

Many years ago when Lisa was small, I was in New York with her mother, sister Lori and Lisa. It was a hot summer day. You could fry eggs on the sidewalk! I took the family for lunch to the Brasserie. One of my favorite N ew York City spots. Lisa was somewhere around the sixth to eighth grade. She did not want to go! Made an issue out of it. Her conduct cemented that we were going.

I told Lisa that many movie stars went to the Brasserie. She looked at me as it to say oh, ya.

Dad was correct! John Denver sat at the table next to us. He started  chatting with us. Especially Lisa who was closest to him. He even asked if he could have some of her French fries which she gladly shared with him. When his order arrived, he shared something off his plate with her.

A lesson to be learned. Always trust father!

I learned something new. Yesterday’s Key West Citizen had a note as to how West Virginia was formed. Turns out that when the Civil War began, not all counties in Virginia wanted to secede. The ones that wished to remain with the Union formed a new State. It ultimately became known as West Virginia.

A new year, a new league for Syracuse basketball. The league is the ACC. Syracuse at this point is ranked #2 nationally and is 13-0. ACC play starts this week. Syracuse opens against Miami on saturday. Now we will see if Syracuse is as good as the numbers reflect and as good as I think they are this year.

Enjoy your New Year’s Day!

 

 

 

A LITTLE NEW YEAR’S EVE / A LITTLE EVERYTHING

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It is already New Year’s Day in New Zealand and Australia. Auckland was the first major city to welcome 2014 in with a fireworks display. Then Sydney. In both places, people were dancing in the streets. Much like Key West and New York City will be this evening.

I have a blog follower in Papua, New Guinea. Since Papua is close to Australia, I assume Papua has likewise welcomed the New Year.

An historic event occurred yesterday/Monday. The first flight from Key West to Havana took place. The first in more than 50 years. It will not be a regular flight. At least not yet. This one took two years to arrange. The rules limited the size of the plane to a ten seater.

Castro screwed the Cubans when he took over. Especially the affluent ones who lost everything and had to escape to the United States. I would hate Castro if I were one of them or one of their families. However, all that took place was three generations ago. The Cubans who came to the United States have as a whole done extremely well for themselves. Especially in South Florida. I believe the time has come to lift the travel and trade ban.

I walked yesterday. Not long. A half hour at Home Depot. It was a bit humid and rainy. Michael was working. Michael was on our bocce team several years ago. A good player. We exchanged New Year greetings. Michael told me about the home he and his wife are in the process of purchasing in Mexico. They close on it next month. Good for you, Michael!

I needed a few things from Publix. Yesterday was the wrong time to shop. Everyone was. The aisles were two way traffic. I only needed bread, Weight Watcher cakes, bananas and yogurt. Took forever!

I now have three books in the works. The newest one concerns the parents of today  who are a forgotten generation when it comes to their adult children. I have to settle into one book and go for it!

It was the Chart Room first last night. I was all alone. The place was packed. However none of my usual acquaintances were to be found. I chatted with Gary who works a rescue boat when a boat breaks down on the high seas.

There was an interesting occurrence. I am not trying to be gross as I share the experience with you. There was a lovely young lady in the Chart Room with exceptionally large breasts. Had to be man made. She was wearing what appeared to be a very strong halter which she occasionally pulled down to exhibit her good fortune to admirers. She was proud of what she had. Rightfully so.

I had a similar experience earlier in the day when I was walking in Home Depot. Another young and beautiful woman. Her breasts huge! Too big! My initial thought after WOW! was how can she balance herself as she walks. Obviously man made, also. Had to be.

I walked over to Hot Tin Roof hoping to run into friends. None to be found. Asked Sheila where everyone was. She found it strange also.

Even without my local friends, the place was packed! A good business night!

Met Matis. He is a new bartender. Recently arrived from Rhode Island. We talked a bit about Block Island.

Traffic  was a pain yesterday. My evening trip into Key west took 45 minutes. Normally, 15. I figured let me get home and avoid the people and traffic later in the evening. Home I went. It still took me 40 minutes to get home. The traffic was a combination of the boulevard construction and the exceptionally large number of tourists.

When I finish this blog, I will be off to Home Depot again. Walking two days in a row will be a major accomplishment.

This afternoon I will either watch the Syracuse game or work on Friday’s TV/internet show. I am not sure who Syracuse is playing. The game is this afternoon. If it is not on local television, I will not be seeing it. I do not wish to handle the traffic to get to John Lukas’ Sports Bar.

Tonight, I am not sure. I have a couple of parties to attend. I might watch Sushi drop in the red shoe at 801. I may stay home. At the moment, home is attractive to me. I am lucky. Every night is New Year’s Eve in Key West.

This day reminds me of a special one I had about fifteen years ago. I thought it might be my father’s last New Year’s eve. I decided he and I should spend it together. We did. Quietly alone in my living room in front of a roaring fire. We spoke of many things. Mostly from the past. His past. Our past together. His wife, my mother. I treasure the evening.

I was wrong that it might be our last together. My father did not pass away till last year. He was 98.

Happy New Year. Chat with you in the morning. The first morning of the New Year.

KEY WEST NEW YEAR’S EVE HIGHLIGHTS

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The big night is tomorrow. New Year’s Eve. It has a flavor all its own in Key West.

The bars and restaurants will be full. Not just on Duval, everywhere. Duval cordoned off in certain spots. People mobbing the streets.

The biggies are Key West’s own rendition of the ball falling on Time’s  Square. Three places for sure. Perhaps one more.

The Bourbon Street Pub drop will be crazy. Probably the best drop on the island. Sushi comes down in a red shoe. People yelling in the street.

Sloppy Joe’s has its own drop. A conch shell from the top of its building. For a couple of hours prior to midnight, a band plays on Sloppy’s roof. People in the street watching, dancing and raising a bit of hell.

Schooner Wharf is an exciting place to be, also. Schooner’s party is known as New Year’s Eve Madness. There will be a schooner docked nearby. A pirate ship for the evening. A wench will be dropped from the mast.

I understand the Ocean Key House Pier will also have a drop of some sort. I believe this year will be the first. Bound to be good.

What I enjoy most New Year’s Eve are the fireworks at the White Street Pier. Magnificent! The whole community comes out to watch. Many families. The fireworks can be seen as far away as Duval Street.

Yesterday was Sunday. A good day. However, things were not as anticipated. I was lazy once again.

I did my blog early morning. Then back to bed to watch Meet the Press. I had completed my research for next week’s KONK Life column the day before. Tax Bicycles? I wrote the article. When finished, I felt tired. Back to bed, this time for a nap.

I planned on going out in the evening. Hogfish. I did not want to battle the tourists downtown. My plans changed when I saw that Lawrence of Arabia was going to be shown on the Turner Classic Channel at 8. A great movie! Four hours long. I fell asleep four times during the movie. Probably viewed less than half of it. Such is life!

Since tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, I will not be airing my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I doubt very many would be listening. I suspect I will be out also.

Enjoy your day!

STARTED NEW YEAR RIGHT

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I am off to less than a good start this New Year’s Day.

My blog talk radio show was scheduled for 7. About five minutes ago. I could not get into it. At my end, there are several steps to set up the show. The last two would not connect. I apologize to those of you that were up and waiting to hear pearls of wisdom fall from my lips. They would have included the fiscal cliff fiasco and Hillary Clinton, off course.

Again, my apologies. This was only week 3 of the show. Obviously still some rough edges to be worked out.

I partied last night as planned!

My goal was Duval somewhere near the Bourbon Street Pub. I wanted to see Sushi come down in the red heeled shoe.

I made it. With some difficulty. Parking was a problem. Seems like I had to park ten miles away. It was a long walk to Duval Street.

People crowded like sardines in a can. All happy. No one out of hand. The pre midnight entertainment excellent. Drag ladies performing on a stage set up in front of the Bourbon Street Pub.

I enjoyed a couple of drinks. I was able to push my way into 801 for some gin.

Several years ago, I did the midnight drop at Sloppy Joe’s. Immediately following the drop, the crowd dissipated, Sloppy’s emptied out. The night was over.

It was the same last night. Once Sushi made it down, every one left. The evening was concluded. It was ok by me as I was tired.

Sloan just telephoned. I called her earlier to figure out why I could not get into the talk radio show. She does not have it worked out yet.

My government/our government disappointed me yesterday and last night. So little, so late. Deadlines seem to mean nothing to these people. They should work for a living like every one else. If a deadline is not met, you are out of a job!

Government is broke. I am not telling you anything you were not already aware of.

Hillary Clinton’s problem bothers me. I am sure it bothers you, also. We know her. She is like family. How terrible her malady! I hope her recovery is swift.

Enjoy your New year’s Day. I am going back to bed.

WENT OUT LAST NIGHT

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I cannot diet and visit my usual haunts. The near occasions of sin are food and drink. So, I remain home evenings. My recollection is that last night was the second time in the 35 days I have been dieting that I went out.

I was excited. It was exciting.

The Chart Room was the venue selected. It had not changed. JJ bartending. Dave, Sheila, and Captain Peter in attendance.

I was good. Did not drink nor eat pop corn. Two diet Pepsi’s instead.

Captain Peter never ceases to amaze me. I learned last night he was a bird watcher.

The Captain spoke specifically of two birds. I did not know them. I know nothing about birds. He had sighted one species here in Key West. Another flying in mass over Miami recently. Both totally foreign to Florida.

The birds’ habitat is Labrador. They were far from home. Captain Peter attributes their Florida presence to Hurricane Sandy. Interesting.

Duval Street was packed. Jam packed. Traditionally, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest for Key West. Come Wednesday morning, there will be no one. You can throw a bowling ball down Duval from one end to the other without hitting any one.

Tomorrow my blog talk radio show! Seven in the morning my time. You can listen and/or call in. The show is quick moving.

This will be show #3. Help me! Not only listen, telephone me from anywhere with a comment or thought. I am going to lead with the fiscal cliff, France trying a 75 per cent tax on its millionaires, and Silvio Burlosconi having to pay his wife $3 million a month. We are not limited. Can talk about any topic you wish.

Those living outside the United States can listen in/participate via Skype.

It may be radio, but a computer is required to join me. It is a radio internet show. Found easily at www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou. Click on the second box that appears. The one with the date of the show. Voila, you will be in business!

I plan on going out again tonight. I will cheat, however. Plan on drinking. The game plan is to walk Duval a bit and at midnight watch Sushi come down on the red shoe at the Bourbon Street Pub. If I change my mind and stay in, I will still watch Sushi. CNN carries the drop live each year.

Hillary Clinton. How sad! How terrible! Hope her condition clears up swiftly.

Many were critical of Hillary when she announced she could not testify before the Congressional committee looking into Benghazi because  she had fallen and suffered a concussion. Many thought it was a convenient made up excuse. One of this blog’s loyal readers wrote and referred her malady as an “immaculate concussion.” I must concede, I thought ill of the situation as well. A lesson to be learned. Never jump the gun…..give a person the benefit of the doubt. Not all political figures are the same. Some tell the truth.

Enjoy your New Year’s Eve day! Better yet, enjoy this evening!