TALENTED DEVON

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Devon is a woman of many talents, attributes and skills. One of Key West’s leading bartenders. Works her trade at Don’s place. Absolutely beautiful!

Turned out Devon is also expertise in handwriting. Penmanship. A talented calligrapher. I did not know. Doubt many were aware. Don was, however.

The reception area at the wedding was rather large. Don asked Devon to create a yellow brick road. She turned to calligraphy. Prepared small signs of various sizes directing guests to food, drink, dessert, guest book, etc.

The final product lovely. Blended with everything. Without question, helpful.

Before writing about Devon, I googled handwriting. There is a whole section on “girly handwriting.” The name must have been born generations ago. It would not fly as politically correct today. Hillary Clinton might refer to it as sexist.

Wednesday is my screw off day. It is my friday. I write steadily and do radio shows from friday through tuesday night.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I know I am redundant. However, I love the machine! The machine is the only one in the lower Keys. It was a wise moment when Heather, who owns Body Builders, decided to buy it.

Rushed home after the machine to be interviewed on the KONK News Radio Show by Don Riggs. Riggs and I generally chat for about 30 seconds before I am on air. Don does his part of the show from Phoenix.

Don mentioned how impressed he was with the column. Especially the civil war aspect. I said, Don you have the wrong column. What you have is this week’s column which is not yet even published. It hits the stands tonight at 5. The column Stay Out Of Civil Wars/Fight Wars To Win.

We are talking about the article Political Sexcapades.

I told Don say hello and turn it over to me. No problem. The show ran well. Don got involved towards the end after he heard me expound for a while.

This week’s column is now available throughout the Keys. Stay Out Of Civil Wars/Fight Wars To Win. It also was linked this morning to my Key West Lou website.

Last night began at Don’s Place. First day he felt recovered from the wedding. Besides the wedding, Don had a ton of out of town guests that stayed on a few days after the wedding. He was constantly the good host.

It was Don, Stan, Clare, and Mickey. Mickey was part of the Don’s Place group till several yeas ago when he moved to Phoenix to work. He is vacationing this week in Key West.

We all went to the VFW afterwards for a bite to eat.

Syracuse has a new football coach. Dino Baber. He spent last season as head coach at Bowling Green. He is originally from Hawaii. I wish him well.

The weather broke yesterday afternoon. The sun came out. We had not seen it for 3-4 days. The high today will be 75. Warm weather through sunday.

I wore long pants only one time.

The Key West Citizen editorial this morning is right on. It talks about the dangers regarding how large Key West is becoming tourist wise.

I occasionally make a mistake which some readers call me on. Properly so. The best of the best err, also. The editorial mentions Tennessee Williams’ Night of the Iguana movie starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Taylor was not in the movie. The female stars were Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr,  and Sue Lyon.

Germany is suffering from its own wrong move. Taking in a million plus immigrants last year. Rapes and sexual abuse were predicted. Such occurred New Year’s eve.

What is to be done re this immigration problem. It affects us all. It is not an easy problem to resolve. My position remains the same. I  do not want them in the United States. They are unhealthy for me, you and the rest of our country.

Enjoy your day!

KRISTI WINGER SZUDLO

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Another great Key West evening last night! At Tavern ‘n Town.

The place was packed. I was surprised. The week before Christmas is normally quiet in Key West. Not last night. Tourists and locals whooping it up.

Ran into Frankie and Sandy. Sandy her usual charming self. Frankie told me he has taken up golf. Played yesterday.

Frankie is a top bocce player. One of the best. He was unhappy re his golf score. 135. I told him not to feel bad. I played 25 years before I gave golf up. I was shooting 135 at the time.

The best part of the evening was meeting Kristi. From Columbus, Ohio. She is in neurological medical sales.

Her 6 year old daughter was with her. The daughter was engrossed playing tic, tac, toe and drawing while her mother and I chatted.

Twelve years ago, mother Kristi was Mrs. Ohio International and Mrs. Ohio March of Dimes.

Did I mention, Kristi is lovely.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill at Body Owners. Dave there ahead of me on the machine.

By the time I finished, I was sweating big time. Water running down from my forehead. My tee shirt soaking wet.

I asked Jenny why my work out caused such a sweat. It was unusual. I am always concerned when my body does not react normally. Two reasons. It was humid. And, an unusal number of people working out at the same time.

Had to rush home. My friday KONK News interview. Don Riggs interviewed me re this week’s KONK Life column The President Could Not Spell. Theodore Roosevelt provided much to talk about.

The claimed data miss use scenario sounds like a lot of nothing. Clinton should beware. She may be leading, but everyone loves Bernie Sanders. He has always come across as an honest sincere person. The situation could backfire on Clinton.

It is despicable how the Democratic Party representative keeps trying to bury Sanders. He should be fired! Debbie Wasserman is reacting improperly also. It gives the appearance the party is all for Clinton. Which it is. However, the process should be fairly played.

Sanders getting screwed here.

The issue will come up in the debate tonight. Clinton would be wise to say immediately to Sanders, all nothing! I love you and never thought you and your group were involved in any type chicanery.

Otherwise, it will be the pot calling the kettle black.

Recall in the first debate when the issue of Clinton’s e-mails came up. Sanders interrupted and said he was sick of hearing it. Thus giving Clinton a bye. She should be equally generous this evening. Sanders’ sin, if any, is no where as grievous as Clinton’s re the e-mails.

I erred in yesterday’s blog. Last night was not Jenna. Tonight is at Sq. 1.

Syracuse plays Cornell at noon. A David/Goliath battle. Syracuse an 18.5 point favorite. However with the way Syracuse’s season is going, anything can happen.

Skaneateles’ Dan Riordan telephoned yesterday. We lamented re the Syracuse team.

Enjoy your day!

NORML

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Title spelled correctly. Did not intend to type Normal.

NORML is an organization whose mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana. Its further mission is to serve as a consumer advocate for access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable.

The organization is not a Johnny come lately. It is 45 years old. Its membership consists primarily of marijuana defense lawyers.

NORMAL has a one week seminar each year. Attorneys attend from all over the U.S. It traditionally has been meeting in Key West for many years. Most often at the Pier House. The actual title of the meeting is the NORML Key West Legal Seminar.

This is their week. The Chart Room was packed last night with seminar attendees. Drinking, not smoking.

My yesterdays generally begin the same way. With the anti-gravity treadmill at Body Owners. Yesterday morning was quiet. Unusual. I went at it again with 30 seconds of high speed and two minutes slow. Supposed to strengthen my heart.

Had to rush home afterwards. Every friday at 12:30, I am interviewed on the KONK News Radio Show. The topic is the subject matter of that week’s KONK Life column. Yesterday, The Eiffel Tower.

The Chart Room first last night. Searching for Jean Thornton. She had telephoned earlier and we agreed to meet at the Chart Room for a drink. We ended up a foursome. Sheila and Stephanie were part of the group. Us in the middle of the pot lawyers.

Cheryl and Roger were at the Chart Room also. Sitting at the round table with some friends.

Decided to go straight home afterwards. About half way there, my stomach started to growl. I was hungry. Stopped at Outback for lamb chops. Outback a locals place. Good value for the money. Always packed.

We have had two consecutive days of heavy rain. More predicted for later this morning. Whoever is responsible for the rain apparently is not aware this is not Key West’s rainy season.

The Christmas Parade is tonight. Hope it is not rained out. A terrific event! Especially for kids.

I mentioned some strange nature happenings yesterday. Forgot one.

Each morning on rising, I look out my bedroom window. About a hundred yards distant at the entrance to Cypress Lake sits a buoy of sorts. A warning post. It marks low water. Boats are warned to avoid the area.

I have lived in my Key West home 16 years. Look out the window each morning when I rise. Always see the thing bouncing in the water. A couple of days ago, it was different. I could actually see the ground holding it. The tide must have been out. However, the water level lower than normal for low tide. There was a circle of land exposed around the warning buoy. Ten feet in diameter.

Which raises the question. Sea levels have been rising for years. Why was this the first time I saw land exposed?

I mentioned several weeks ago La Trattoria was closed and would be reopening after Fantasy Fest. It finally opened last night at 5. Remodeling the reason for the closing and delay. There was a sinking problem in part of the first floor not anticipated which required more time for the project to be completed.

Syracuse/Georgetown at 1. On FOX. Georgetown a 5 1/2 point favorite.

This will be the first of 9 games Boeheim will be sitting out. Hopkins will be coaching. Hopkins perfect to assume the responsibility. He has been waiting years. When the time comes that Boeheim retires, the head coaching job is his. It has already been agreed in writing that Hopkins will succeed Boeheim.

OPEC crying about oil prices being dramatically low. Too bad. Let them cry. They got fat off the rest of the world for decades. Never forget, they gave us $4 a gallon gasoline.

The couple who did the shooting in San Bernardino. Something I do not understand. Traditionally, children always come first. One’s own children especially. The couple had a six month daughter who they left with the grandmother when they went out to terrorize.

The couple had to know they would die. Or be jailed for years. Where was their concern for the child? How could their Islamic beliefs outweigh that responsibility?

Enjoy your day!

 

 

ANUSH

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Anush. Lovely. Charming. An interesting dinner companion.

We dined at Latitudes last night. A long leisurely meal. Great conversation.

Anush is 38. Born and raised in Armenia, she now resides in London. She has lived in Moscow. Well traveled. Vacations often. Typical of Europeans.

Taught for 12 years at Westminster College. Now a cyber security consultant.

She is on holiday. Miami, Key West and Atlanta. Has previously visited Washington. Several trips to the Bahamas. A trip to Buenos Aries.

Other places world wide. Cosmopolitan.

She is making good use of her time in Key West. Arrived wednesday night. Staying at the Marriott. A bite to eat at the bar that night where we met. Then to an early bed. Jet lag still affecting her.

Since thursday morning, she has visited the Little White House, attended the boat races, flew in a two seat open cockpit bi-plane for a half hour, and consumed oysters for the first time at Island Dogs. Last night (friday), dinner with Louis. Today to be spent scuba diving. All day.

She was excited by her time in Key West. Loved the laid back feeling.

Anush leaves Key West tomorrow to spend a couple of days in Atlanta. Then back to London.

I have discovered European women in my old age. Anna being an example. I like them. They are different. Different because from different cultures. The situation probably works in reverse, also. European men who visit the U.S. probably find american women different from those back home.

Whatever, a very pleasant evening.

My weekly interview to discuss this week’s KONK Life column yesterday. Dracula in the Operating Room. On 104.9. Don Riggs interviewed me from Phoenix.

Spent the afternoon researching what I thought would be this week’s KONK Life column. Women Priests. I could not put it together. I was not comfortable with what I came up with. Ergo, no Women Priests this week.

What, I am not sure. It is saturday morning and I have no idea what I am going to write. The article must be to the publisher by 5 tomorrow afternoon.

Divine inspiration will befall me. It always does.

Donald Trump. Will the American people ever tire of him?

He did not do himself much good thursday evening.  Asked, “How stupid are the people of Iowa?” He compared Carson’s childhood temper to that of a pedophile (without using the word). Told us how he would handle ISIS. Bomb the “shit” out of their oilfields.

There is a saying. Vine veritas. In wine, truth. Alcohol loosens the tongue. Being extremely tired does also. It was obvious Trump was dead tired. No excuse. The man’s inner self was exposed.

A Presidential election is like a marathon. Participants must pace themselves.

Poor Syracuse! Today, Syracuse plays Clemson. Number 1 in the nation. Undefeated. Syracuse somewhere around #68 with a 3-5 or 3-6 record. Syracuse a 29 point underdog.

Orange blood will flow today.

Never say never, however. It was September 29, 1984. A day never to be forgotten by Syracuse fans. Syracuse was playing Nebraska. Nebraska #1 in the nation. Syracuse a 25 point underdog. Syracuse beat Nebraska 17-9.

It happens.

The game is at 3:30. On ABC. Only because Clemson is playing. I plan to watch the game from the comfort of my home.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

FANTASY FEST PARADE

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Tonight is the big night as far as Fantasy Fest is concerned. The Parade! Fifty to seventy floats. Seventy thousand people. Duval jam packed with people yelling and screaming for beads.

Two observations.

I did the parade once on a float. Howard Livingston’s. I think it was the first time he had a float. The parade begins down Whitehead. Then a couple of blocks of Front Street. Followed by the turn onto Duval.

There is nothing to compare to the thrill involved as you hit Duval. Thousands of people. As far as the eye can see. Yelling and screaming. A high!

Seventy thousand people. No joke. No exaggeration. I have always wondered where they sleep? Not enough rooms in Key West. Actually, not enough rooms in all of the Keys.

Some sleep on the beach. If you rise early tomorrow morning, drive down along Smathers Beach. You will see.

I will not be there to watch the festivities. I live three islands up from Key West in Key Haven. I have to drive into Key West. Where to park? No where to be found. People, including me,  stick there cars anywhere. And then walk a great distance to the place from which they will watch the parade.

Twice my car has been towed. $200 plus to get it back in the middle of the night. In addition to which you have to find a friend to get out of bed and drive you to Stock Island where the car has been delivered.

Today is Halloween, also. Robert and Ally attend Montessori. Yesterday, the students were required to dress as a recent historical figure. Robert went as Walt Disney, Ally as Susan B. Anthony. Ally even carried a sign…..Let Women Vote.

Halloween night is another reason I will be staying home this year. A tradition has developed. Key West parents drive their children to Key Haven to trick or treat. Some come in the back of pick up trucks. Parking will be at a premium the first half mile into Key Haven.

The kids come to Key Haven to trick or treat because the goodies are better and the homes are waiting for them. Key West for some strange reason does not work that way. Most homes are darkened for the evening. I suspect because the residents are working or playing. Key Haven residents are waiting for the ghosts and goblins. Their homes are all lite. Many sit on their front lawns with tables of candy for the visitors.

This continues down Key Haven Road to Cypress. It ends about half way down Cypress. The streets are overflowing with young ones. I live at the very end of Cypress. They never get down to me.

My concern is driving home. I have done it at various hours. It is difficult to weave through the mass of children covering the streets. An accident waiting to happen some year. I do not want to be the one. Ergo, better I stay home.

Did my bit on KONK News radio yesterday. Interviewing me was Don Riggs who was talking with me from Phoenix. A great interview. Don a hell of a guy. Once lived and worked in Key West. Worked for KONK Life radio while here.

Syracuse/Florida State at noon. Syracuse 3-4. Florida State 6-1 and ranked 17th nationally. We are going to get killed! However there is always next year and the year after. Not wishful thinking. Many Syracuse players are freshmen, including our terrific quarterback Eric Dungey.

Don and Chris coming in Sunday night. After Fantasy Fest. They prefer the island quiet and to themselves.

Enjoy your day! Drive carefully! Watch out for the kids!