AQUA / MICHAEL’S LAST NIGHT

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Aqua and Michael’s last night.

Stopped at Aqua first. Intended to spend time with Mark at the outside Back Bar. David was sitting at the inside bar. Stopped and chatted with him a while.

Then to the Back Bar. Mark always good company.

Where to eat? Decided on Michael’s.

A fair crowd for off season. I was disappointed Suzette was not bartending. I was also looking for Kim who I had met two weeks earlier at Tavern ‘n Town. Kim’s night off also apparently.

Tried the beef boneless ribs. Good. A bone sticking meal. Though no bones. The meat off the ribs buried in a good tasting sauce covering mashed potatoes and some other vegetables.

I have been thinking of getting off gin after 40 years. Wine has been in my mind. I have never been crazy about wine.

The daily special menu showed a special red. The name I do not recall. The composition on the menu took several lines to describe. All kinds of fruit tastes. I ordered a glass. My discerning tongue tasted no fruit.

I was bored at Michael’s bar. Never got a conversation going with anyone. Unusual in Key West to fail to becoming engaged in conversation at a bar.

My yesterday started with the anti-gravity treadmill. Went well. Still going at a slow speed and half time.

I was hungry at lunch hour. Opted for a cheeseburger and fries at 5 Guys.

The afternoon was spent reading and napping. Napping always the best time of the day.

Received two interesting communications yesterday.

Anna telephoned from Milan. All excited. Told me Italy had just passed same sex marriage. While we were talking, I went online to see the story. Anna did not have it quite correct.

Italy approved same sex civil unions. Everything short off same sex marriage. I was not surprised. What did surprise me was that Italy even went as far as it did in approving civil unions. The Catholic Church in Italy has a strong influence regarding same sex anything.

Nevertheless, the approval of civil unions an historical event.

Argos e-mailed me from Athens. I have never met nor communicated with Argos. However, he advised he has been reading my blog since my first Greece trip several years ago.

I have never addressed how Greek’s economic crisis has affected medial care. Argos brought the situation to my attention.

Things are bad! Don’t get sick! Especially seriously ill. Something like cancer.

Government medical plans are paying nothing or close to nothing. Government employees no longer working have no insurance plans.

Hospitals are short in every area. Painkillers and scissors in short supply. Bring your own blankets and sheets when entering a hospital. Cancer operations delayed four months or longer. Regardless of seriousness of the cancer. Many die before time for the operation arrives.

Five thousand doctors and 15,000 nurses have left Greece because they cannot get paid.

If no insurance, the person is put on a waiting list. Months to wait for hospital admission. If one wants surgery earlier, a bribe is required.

I never gave thought to this area of Greek life. Horrible!

Trump/Ryan meeting this morning. I am anxious to listen to the post meeting comments by both. I am a political junkie at heart.

Hillary has to start hitting back. At least through a surrogate. Trump’s charges are building up. Hillary’s quaint smile is not sufficient response.

My Syracuse University is screwed up athletically. Everything seems to go wrong.

Mike Doyle was hired less than a year ago to be Athletic director. Was on the job 310 days. He is taking the AD job at the University of Minnesota.

I blame central administration for the athletic department’s problems. SU is run like a major corporation. Decisions are made by the higher ups and those below are compelled to accept already made decisions.

One example. Boeheim never knew Syracuse was going to the ACC till after it was a fait accompli.

Read a recent article that said municipalities have received $2 billion in surplus military equipment over the past 10 years. State of Florida the most. $300 million.

We all have a general knowledge of that which makes up the military equipment. One item surprised me, however. Bayonets. 5, 638 of them. To use against demonstrators?

Enjoy your day!

 

RUDENESS REIGNS

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Whatever I might say about bicyclists, etc., tourists generally have always been congenial, happy, easy to get along folk. Key West is kumbaya time. Tourists and locals alike enjoying.

This season is developing into an exception. Or, it might be a few rotten apples in the basket at the same time.

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that the conversation among locals at the Chart Room one evening suggested tourists this year were rude. Not my experience as yet at the time.

Last week, I was at the round table with Sheila, Jean and several other friends. There was one empty seat. Sheila was saving it for a friend who was coming. An acceptable custom at the Chart Room.

A “gentleman” came over and asked if the chair was in use. He wanted to take it. Sheila told him she was saving it for a friend who was coming. He got mad and said something nasty. Sheila was immediately in his face. You don’t screw with Sheila!

Last night was my experience with rude impolite tourists.

Three in one night.

It started at the outside bar at La Te Da. I was having dinner. Tonto bartending. Some fellow walked up and stood near me. Before you knew it, he was berating me for being a Jew. Me and my people were the cause of world problems. Especially in the Middle East and Europe. Told me my kind did not belong in Key West.

He would not stop mouthing off.

Tonto looked at me as if to say do you want me to handle it. I nodded my head no. Figuring he would go away. He did. Too many minutes later. I had to put up with him for 15 minutes.

Ran into Kate Miano. She was having dinner at La Te Da in the outdoor dining area. Kate owns the Gardens Hotel. Always a pleasure to see her. One of the nicest and most charming persons in Key West.

After dinner, I went into the inside bar. Music playing. Someone singing. People dancing.

There were no seats available. No problem. Bar stools all taken. As were the tables.

Standing room only.

The only place to stand was between the bar and tables. An area that easily holds a dozen people standing.

One problem. If you are seated at the bar, the standers block your view of the dancers.

I did not design the room.

I stood in the standing area. Watching the dancers. Suddenly, I felt someone slap me on the back. Neither soft nor hard. In between. I turned around expecting it to be someone I knew. It was not. A bar seated lady asked me to move. She could not see. I did the best I could. However, there really was no place to move. I probably was able to move a foot to the side.

In seconds, I feel a finger in my back. It was the woman’s lady friend. She could not see. Arrogantly told me to move.

Enough was enough. I said if you wish to watch the dancing, I will gladly surrender my standing spot to you if you will give me your bar stool. And please, do not touch me again.

I got a dirty look. However, no more plodding, pushing and complaining by them.

I cannot recall in my 26 years of Key West ever running into any rude tourists. Some locals, yes. Last night it had to be three. Hope that is it for the season!

This week’s KONK Life hit the stands yesterday. My column titled Things That Concern Me. I wrote the column last sunday. One of the topics was wasteful military spending.

Read an article on the internet this morning covering the same issue. It was published yesterday. Titled: A Golden Age for Pentagon Waste. Perhaps military spending is on the verge of becoming an up front concern. I doubt it, however. Too much money involved and too many politicians getting fat.

Enjoy your day!

FISH AND MUDDY WATERS

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I live and learn.

This morning’s Key West Citizen has an interesting front page article re the weather. The cold a given. Significant waves. Waves outside the reef this weekend will be 11-14 feet. Winds 25-30 miles per hour.

Few fishing boats going out. Water too rough. Fishing questionable.

This is what I learned. Weather makes water muddy. Fish cannot see the bait.

I am not a fisherman. Many of you are. Many, not. The information is for non-fisherman.

The weather still cold. The cold front will continue. Through the weekend. The weekend to be colder and windier. Temperature at the moment 63 degrees. High however will be 73.

I am recovered. Went out yesterday. Felt fine. It was good to return to the world. My everyday world.

Decided on lunch at Harpoon Harry’s. Wednesday lunch is their turkey special.

The block on Caroline where Harpoon Harry’s is located blocked off. Big time road construction. Just what I would expect during the tourist season. The busiest street in the waterfront area blocked off.

The parking lot across the street full.

Went to 5 Guys instead. A healthy cheeseburger awaiting me. With fries.

Then to Publix. Spent some money. Not only was I out of food, I was out of paper products. Ran into Stan and Clare.

Last night Don’s Place. Felt good to be there. Chatted with Don and David. The three  of us to VFW for dinner. VFW is becoming a wednesday thing for Don and me.

Sounds like a big night. it was not. I was home at 8:30.

Some things I do not understand.

Pope Francis is getting a hard time from the Vatican hierarchy. The Cardinals who elected him Pope are now fighting him at every turn. The Cardinals are traditionalists. They do not agree with the changes the Pope wants to bring about.

Sometimes it is hard to breath fresh air.

I was listening to a radio talk show yesterday. The issue was gun violence. It was mentioned that Wal-Mart is the largest seller of guns in the United States. I did not know. It was further mentioned that Hillary Clinton sat on Wal-Mart’s board for eight years. I did not know this either.

Sarah Palin should go home. Her family needs her.

Soon after getting the VP nomination, we learned she had a pregnant unmarried daughter. Trump brings her out recently to support him. Soon after, we learn her son was  more recently arrested for hitting his wife in the face.

Her recent speeches contain many incoherent comments.

She brings baggage.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

SECOND PLACE!!!

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What a night!

It was the last night of the regular bocce season. We thought we would end up third for the season. If we played badly, fourth. If we played well and the number two team screwed up, we had a chance at second place.

We did good. Won all three games. The number two team lost two. All of a sudden, we were in second place!

Exciting!

Never been there before. We have had a couple of fourth and fifth place finishes. This season, the best ever.

The playoffs start tomorrow. Top five teams from all four leagues. Twenty teams competing. Because of our high finish, we draw a bye for the first round.

We play at 3 tomorrow. If we win, we then play at 5. Have to win both matches tomorrow to go on to the sunday games.

We won decisively last night. 16-7, 16-7, and 16-8.

I played terrible. Worse than that. Only one good shot. The last one I threw. Interestingly, it was the one that won the game. My partner Keith carried me the whole way.

New pictures for AlterG yesterday when I went to do the anti-gravity treadmill. Much better. My gut does not show.

5 Guys for lunch. Stayed a couple of hours reading the newspapers.

I will be on the radio today. Interview time 12:15-12-30. I will be answering questions about this week’s KONK Life column Sex Tales of Old. 104.9. I am becoming the Dr. Kinsey of Key West. Not really. My stories are from older times and not of a personal nature.

My Sex Tales of Old column appears in this morning’s KONK News. It also was linked to my Key West Lou website this morning. keywestlou.com.

College Road power poles down all day yesterday. More work today.

There was much discussion at bocce last night about the poles being down. One of the players works for Keys Electic. We all thought the poles were cement. Looked cement in the newspaper yesterday. We were all wrong. They were wood.

WordPress continues to be a problem. I believe you are all receiving this blog. However commenting might not be doable. One of the sections fouled up. Someone please write me a Hello Louis comment so I will know whether the blog is receiving.

Sloan still working on the problem. I suspect it will be late saturday or sunday before it is corrected. Sorry.

Enjoy your day!

I FELL AGAIN

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I fell again. Last night. At bocce.

A step involved again.

I had just made a great bocce shot. I was excited. I turned around swiftly and stepped up out of the court. A six inch rise. Moved too fast. Did not lift my right foot enough. Stubbed my right foot on the rise/step.

Little damage. A one inch in diameter scrape. Bit of bleeding. Washed it off and someone gave me a large band aid.

Why do I mention these falls?

This blog is, amongst other things, my Life in Key West. Falling has become a part of that life.

We won all three bocce games. Wowie! Next week we play the #1 team. The best of the best! They are miles ahead of every other team in the league. Including ours. Not a negative observation. A factual one. We will be up for the match, however.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Impossible to fall on it. I am locked in from the waist down.

Then to 5 Guys for a cheeseburger. I have tried to avoid meat for a week. I had a sudden desire for beef. Enjoyed the cheeseburger!

Not many people in 5 Guys. Strange. Three when I entered at 12:30. Three more came in while I was there.

The Parrot Heads Convention this week. The Parrot Heads are holding their convention at Casa Marina. They were joined last night by Jimmy Buffett! The Parrot Heads have been Jimmy Buffett followers for 24 years.

Buffett announced he will be playing in Havana saturday night. Wonderful! An example the US/Cuba reconciliation is working.

I will be on the radio today. KONK News. 104.9. Sometime between noon and one o’clock. I will be interviewed concerning this week’s KONK Life column The Looting of Social Security.

Democrat debate tonight. Rachel Maddow the moderator. Her questions will be right on in comparison to what the Republican candidates have been subjected to.

I will be watching. Friday night home in Key West watching a political debate! Love it!

Power Boat Races start this weekend. Exciting and dangerous! US 1 will be crowded today with boats being towed in for the races.

Syracuse plays Louisville tomorrow. Louisville a two touchdown favorite. Does not bother me. I hope we win. Not important at this point in the season, however. Next year we will be much better. The following year in the mix. Syracuse is heavy with freshmen  and sophomore players. Most of whom are starting this season.

Ben Carson is starting to worry me. Joseph built the pyramids to store wheat? If so, where did all the jewelry and mummies come from that I have spent years viewing in various museums? Why does the Old Testament fail to mention Joseph’s feat? The answer simple. It did not happen as Carson portrays.

Carson wanted to or did hit his mother in the head and wanted to stab or did stab a friend in his early years. Tied in with the Joseph belief, I am beginning to question his state of mind to be President.

Enjoy your day!

 

POPE FRANCIS ARRIVES

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Pope Francis’ plane lands late this afternoon in Washington. He meets tomorrow morning with President Obama.

As a Catholic, I am pleased the head of my Church is meeting with the head of my country. Note however that I am a fallen away Catholic. Once a Catholic always a Catholic, however. The nuns drove Catholicism into our heads!

Francis is impressive. He stands for change. Matters such as a welcoming approach to gays, cohabiting couples and divorced Catholics. He believes in global warming and the need to do something about it.

Many in the Catholic Church oppose the changes he recommends. The division is obvious.

A synod is a meeting of Bishops to deal with Church affairs. The last Synod was in October 2014. The next October 4-25 in Rome. Many bishops opposed him at the last Synod. It is expected they will again at the October one. They consider the changes the Pope wishes to implement heresy.

There also are lay persons in the United States who oppose the Pope’s recommended changes. Many sit in the U.S. Congress. They view the Pope as a politician and feel he is fair game to take on. Perhaps exhibiting disrespect, also. I hope not. However, respect has become a waning virtue in the U.S.

My day started on the anti-gravity treadmill yesterday. Then a stop at the Marriott Beachside to read the newspapers. Followed by a too heavy lunch at 5 Guys.

I need a new pair of sneaks. My recollection was there was a sneak store at the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center. No more. Still need sneaks.

Spent the afternoon researching for tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou. Join me for a fast moving interesting half hour of political and social commentary.

Topics tonight include a recent study indicating 75 percent of Americans consider their government corrupt, Afghan sex slaves, generic drug rip offs, an imminent Saudi Arabia crucifixion, comment re this week’s KONK Life column U.S. War Ready?, Pope Francis and U.S. Representatives, Trump immortalized in a painting done with unusual type paint, and more.

I mentioned yesterday that Poker Run appeared to be highly successful. Since that time I have heard rumblings to the contrary. I am interested in what the Citizen will report.

Had dinner last night at Salute’s. A long time since I dined there. Sat outside. Devoured a tasty piece of grouper.

My companion was Nancy Miracle. First time I met her. She authored a biography of Marilyn Monroe a couple of years ago titled From Sardi’s To Sicily. She gave me a copy. It is on my reading list.

Ran into old friends at Salute’s. Bob from Sugarloaf. At least three years since we last saw each other. Bob was a successful television producer in his other life. Ran into John. John has hosted at most of the upscale restaurants in Key West.

Key West loves Harry Truman. Truman loved Key West. He vacationed in Key West 175 days over 11 visits.

Truman visited Great Britain  in 1956. The London Daily Telegraph wrote following Truman’s visit re Truman: “The Living and kicking symbol of everything everyone likes best about America.”

Enjoy your day!

PUBLIX NEW TANKS

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This is what you do when retired in Key West. Go to Publix, talk about Publix. Maybe because I never grocery shopped back home. What can I say, I enjoy Publix.

Publix has two stores in Key West. Must be money makers. I shop at the new Publix. Opened 2-3 years ago. Remodeled at the time. Being remodeled again.

Amazing. The renovations appear significant. Things being moved around. Confusion awaits.

What really impressed me yesterday were the new carts. Yes, new carts. Not metal and chrome. Black ones. Appear to be made from heavy duty plastic. Thick wheels. The carts larger than the old ones.

Easy to drive. Weighty. I can envision a major accident as two come around a corner and crash into each other.

How is that for a sense of humor this morning!

Publix remodeling proves one point. The supermarket chains are gouging us. The price of food creeps up a bit at a time. You don’t feel it till you realize your bill is now $10-20 a week more.

My day yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. It helps.

Followed by a stop at the bank.

Time for new tee shirts. Holes appearing. Went to Sears. Grabbed a few on sale at $9 and $14. Two lines at the check out counter. Both checking someone out. No one in line behind one. Two behind the other.

I stood in the no people waiting line. The man closing out had bought a pair of sneaks. Ten minutes later he was still checking out. Sears has too many special deals going and their check out staff too many things they are trained to say.

The sneak guy was finally checked out. The clerk says to me…..She’ll take care of you. And walks away. The other clerk was still working on the same check out she was when I got there. The line behind had grown to four persons. I have to stand in that line? No way! I placed the tee shirts on the counter and walked out.

It was lunch time. I wanted something bad. Turned out to be a Cheeseburger and fries at 5 Guys. I always feel too full when done and ask myself why I did it.

Spent most of the afternoon preparing for tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk With Key West Lou. Nine o’clock my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Interesting topics. Black Lives Matter, George Soros, Oath Keepers, police shooting numbers, cost of military transgenders, Margaret Sanger’s anti-black position and her participation in Klu Klux Klan events, Clintons renting a home in the Hamptons for two weeks at a reported cost of $100,000, and more.

The Chart Room first last night. Opened the door and closed it without entering. Two inebriated guys at the bar.

Walked over to Hot Tin Roof for a drink. Entrance chained barring entry. Did not make sense to me. Stepped over the chain. The door was open. Went it. It was 5:50. Learned they do not open till 6. I was an early customer.

One drink later, I was on my way home. Only got to the bottom of the steps to Hot Tin Roof. Decided to sit at the round Sunset bar for a drink. Tourists coming in like crazy. For the sunset.

A good place to sit. Much to see. Tourists and whatever else was going on. The atmosphere pleasant. The roof blocking the sun.

Big day today! On this date in 1920, women got the right to vote. The 19th amendment was ratified. Ladies, you have come a long way since then!

Enjoy your day!

CRAZY TEXANS

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Maybe its the smoke from the weed drifting over the border from Mexico to Texas. Whatever, our southern brethren are afflicted with the crazies.

The place,  Bastrop, Texas. They believe Obama is going to invade Texas. On July 15. There is a U.S. Army field maneuver planned for that day. Near Bastrop. One of the biggest military training exercises ever.

Bastrop believes the maneuver is really a plot to spy on Texans, confiscate their guns, and establish martial law.

Crazy!!!!!

I am not surprised. After all, former Texas Governor Perry said three years ago that Texas was considering seceding from the Union. The same Perry seeking the Republican Presidential nomination today.

I am going to address this Texas craziness in more detail on my blog talk radio show tonight. Join me. Guaranteed interesting. The details shocking.

My yesterday went as I thought, with one addition.

Started with the anti-gravity treadmill. Love it! My new friend!

Then Tammy for a manicure and pedicure. Tammy looked tired. Very. Asked her if she got to bed late last night. Yes. The family drove to Sea World in Orlando for the weekend. Left friday night after work, returned late sunday night.

They had fun! I could see it in Tammy’s eyes as she told me. The 6.5 hour drive each way was worth it. The one negative were the fireworks on the Fourth. Did not begin till 11. The parents tired. The children not.

The most interesting item re the trip is that Tammy and her husband took two days off for the trip. They generally only close on sunday. They closed saturday and sunday. First time ever. An example of success be falling Tammy and family. Good for them!

It was 1:30. I was heading to Publix. My stomach growling. Was I hungry! I decided I would stop somewhere for lunch first. The somewhere turned out to be 5 Guys. I figured what the hell, it was my birthday and I was entitled. A large cheeseburger with lots of extras on it and fries. Filling. Better described as bloating. Felt good, however.

Then to Publix. Glad I was delayed in arriving because of lunch. Saw a wonder of wonders! Maybe a special present?

Walking down the aisle before me was what had to be a lovely lady. I could not tell initially. Her back was to me. She was wearing pink shorts. Could have been undies. Did little to cover her butt. Only about the top two thirds. Forgive me friends, but I have to say it. Lovely cheeks hanging out!

I stayed behind her a couple of aisles. Why give up a good thing! Eventually, I was not the only one. The line behind me got long.

Got to see all of her. Clothed, of course. A lovely young lady. Late 20s perhaps. Very little food in her basket. All I could think was she had to be a performer at Bare Assets or one of the other Key West gentlemen’s clubs.

My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Spent the balance of yesterday afternoon fine tuning the show.

Topics include the crazy Texans story described briefly before, Eric Holder and the banks, a Greece update, Congress and GMOs, and a further example of China not sitting on its ass.

Should be a good show. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Last night was Happy Birthday dinner with Lisa and the family. Always fun. Robert and Ally gave me home made cards. Ally wrote on hers….You are the best Poppa ever! Anything better?

I thank one and all for the many birthday greetings received. From four continents. Amazing!

Tropic Cinema announced it is not going to be part of the 2015 Key West Film Festival. Too bad. The Festival was getting off the ground. Primarily due to the efforts of the many who support Tropic Cinema. Apparently a money issue. A contract could not be agreed to with the outside organizers.

Anna reports. Greeks happy with the vote. Though the moneyed ones still concerned. Anna is on Santorini. Town of Oia. Oia top of the line. She says most of the cave hotels redone. As was the one she normally stays in. And is staying at this season also. Tons of money spent over the winter remodeling hotel lodgings. Her cave apartment cost 220 euro a night last year. Five hundred fifty euros this summer. What a jump! Restaurant prices way up also.

She reports many Japanese visiting. Younger. 20s-40s. Spending money.

Anna needed money. She brought several hundred euros with her. She went to an ATM yesterday. Took out 500 euros. No problem. She was using a foreign credit card.

Greece is winning the battle with the Eurounion. The Eurounion will blink first. Perhaps today when they meet. If Greece were to depart the Eurounion, all of Europe could face a deep recession. Including the prosperous Germany.

Enjoy your day!

NEW CELL PHONE AND I PAD SEARCH / 5 GUYS

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Education time yesterday.

I am in the market for a new cell phone and I Pad. My present phone AT&T. I visited AT&T and Verizon. Left both places with a gigantic headache. Confusing stuff to a person of my age.

It seems Verizon might be the best deal. The I Pad would be a v something. Not Apple.

I would appreciate any suggestions. All greek to me.

Speaking of Greek, I bought some new shirts at Orvis yesterday for my Greece trip. I will be leaving in about 10 days.

Then spent some time shopping for Robert’s birthday gift. Went to the to the toy store on Mallory Square. I am not sharing what I bought Robert with you. I knew his mother would be upset. She was. You would probably be upset, also.

Lunch was exciting. We have a new place in Key West. 5 Guys.

I have heard of 5 Guys in recent years. Everyone speaks well of the operation. Key West’s is located in the little L shaped shopping mall behind the ice cream and water sports booths on the corner of Truman and Duval. It has been open about a week.

I was absolutely impressed. The best cheeseburger I have ever had.

It was assembly line preparation. One employee put mayonaise on the roll. The next mustard and ketchup. The next tomatoes. And so on. It reminded me of my former wife. She helped out at the Rescue Mission on Flagler at lunch time for a couple of years. Her job: buttering the bread.

The place was packed. A winner.

Birthday party time last night. Great cake baked by Lisa! Chocolate with a white frosting. Just what Robert ordered. Robert was pleased with his gifts and his day. He was excited by my gift. I was correct. Lisa’s eyes went up when she saw it.

Ally still sick. Low grade fever and not eating. She is beginning to look emaciated.

I watched the Miami/Indiana game last night. It looked like the start of World War  III.

Dentist visit at 9 this morning. I have to hustle.

Enjoy your day!