I was to bed early last night. So I am up early this morning.

It is about 5 am. Black outside. No apparent breeze . I cannot hear the water running through the open window.

I had dinner last night at Lisa’s. My grandkids Robert and Ally are terrific. Pure motion! They never stop!

Lunched at Paradise Cafe. Cuban toast with tomato and melted cheese. Always good! It was so humid, I ate inside. First time in a long time!

Brooke was barteneding Saturday night at the Keys Piano Bar. Brooke is a lovely young lady. In her mid to late 20s..

She was sporting a new hair cut/style. A short crew cut. Like mine.

I asked Brooke why. She said she needed a change. I looked at her like I did not believe her. There was a pause. Then she said, “My grandmother has cancer.”

Good girl, Brooke! You have done more for your grandmother than all the medicine in the world!

The iguanas are back in the news.

One of the local papers suggests we put them to good use.

Iguanas are not common to this area. Their natural habitat is Central America and South America. It is thought that they found their way here via the several hurricanes we suffered in recent years.

In Central and South America they are a food stuff. A staple. Iguanas are purported to taste like chicken. And are eaten by the populace of those areas.

Their skins are used to make leather shoes and bags.

The moral of the story was lets start putting iguanas to good use. Instead of thinking of ways to random kill them merely for elimination purposes.

One thing about Key West, it accepts everyone! We are unquestionably a diverse people. And we have chickens and iguanas all over the place to boot!

Yesterday was Captain Tony Day!

Captain Tony died last year. A Key West icon! Many claims to fame. Several marriages, many children, Mayor, bar keep, developer, and on and on.

Ran a first class Key West bar, he did. On Green Street, just off Duval. In the home of the original Sloppy Joe’s.

Yesterday was a big time musical event in Captain Tony’s honor. Music all day at the bar.

Last night at 8 my dear friend Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 played. Unquestionably drew a huge crowd! Howard has a groupie following like you would not believe! I can visualize them bursting out the doors of CaptainTony’s and standing outside in the street 300 feet to each side of the bar.

I did not go. Love Howard! But I knew how big the crowd would have been last night. I was not in the mood. I opted instead for an early to home and bed.

I can hear water now. It is raining. Actually, it is pouring! I was awakened several times during the night by heavy rain. No problem. I prefer it fall by night rather than day!

Do some thing nice for some one today!

Several days ago Jean Thornton introduced me to a young lady named Stephanie.

Stephanie and I talked briefly. She seemed quite nice. Also, concerned. She exuded a genuine concern about people and their lives.

Stephanie works with the homeless here in Key West. That in and of it itself evidences concern.

Stephanie also likes shoes. An understatement! She loves shoes! She has hundreds of pairs!

Some women are like that! Marie Antoinette, the Marco woman from the Phillippines and the today female portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker in the Sex in the City series.

Stephanie wites a blog which ties in her love of shoes with world/personal problems. She publishes it weekly.

The blog is deep and touching. Thoughtful and introspective. Provocative. And right on!

It is extremely well written. Stephanie has style.

I strongly recommend that you read her blog. www.theislandshoegirl.com. It will capture you as it has me.

Stephanie is a philosopher at heart. A commenatator on world problems and her fellow human beings.

Read Stephanie’s blog and let it impact you as it has me.

A pleasant day yesterday!

I went to Fort Zachrey Taylor beach. The night before at the Chart Room, Marty and Captain Peter said they would be there and asked me to join them. By the fence on the left side.

I was there. Marty and Captain Peter were not.

No loss. I opened my sand chair and book and enjoyed the afternoon!

The young ladies were hot. The water cool.

I got hungry. Bought a hot dog! Delicious!

After a much needed shower (I hate all the sand that sticks to you when you leave the beach), I took a nap. The sun had knocked me out.

Then to Lisa’s for dinner.

Ally is 4. We play a game every time I arrive. She hides. I have to find her. I make believe I cannot. She gets excited!

Last night I really could not find her! She genuinely fooled me!

She hid her small body under the crumpled blanket on her brother’s bed. “I fooled you, Poppa,” she exclaimed!

After dinner, to the Chart Room. I can only take the grandkids so long.

The Chart Room was very busy. Five couples were in from the Tampa area to celebrate someone’s 40th birthday.

And they were doing it up big time! The night before was the roof top at the Bull and Bare Assets. Ho ho ho!

Marty still had to eat. So we went to the Hot Tin Roof.

I had a couple of drinks while he dined.

Jean and Joe Thornton showed up. Jean is one of the Mel Fisher’s Golden Girls.

And then Chris arrived.

I have not seen Chris since bocci season ended. He is around 40. A superior athlete. A scratch golfer. Probably the best bocci player on Don’s 3 teams. He works in the health food store on Simington. As you would guess, his body is slim and tight. Oh, for discipline and good health!

We had great conversation for a very long time. Then Marty mentioned that he and I were going to the Keys Piano Bar. Jean and Joe had never been there. So they joined us. Chris was off to a party somewhere.

The Keys was as good as the night before! Jean and Joe enjoyed it immensely. I have a feeling they are going to become regular customers there.

How can one not enjoy great voices belting out Broadway tunes!

That was my day! A very good day!

And now it is Sunday. My favorite day! Meet the Press, the Sunday papers, the grandkids, the Gardens in the early evening and every thing else in between!

Larry Smith is featuring Kate Miano at his Sunday Showcase at 9 tonight in the Wine Galley. Kate has one terrific voice. I plan on being there to hear her. Hope some of you can also.

Live a little! Enjoy your day!

Lori is back!

Lori cuts my hair. And every one elses.

Her beauty shop Blown Away is on Southard, just off Duval.

Lori took a month’s vacation. Visited family in Maine and Long Island.

Lori is a petite lovely blond. Always pale. Works long hours and has little time for beach and boating. She was not pale yesterday! What a tan! She got in a lot of beach time on her vacation!

I had a craving for eggs benedict for lunch. So I went to the Pier House. The Pier House’s eggs benedict are absolutely delicious! Figured I would eat on the out door deck by the ocean.

No eggs benedict!

I got there after 11. They stop serving eggs benedict at 11. A stupid rule! They had all other egg preparations on the menu. Anyhow…..no problem. I had ham and eggs. Which were good! But did not satisfy my need for an eggs benedict fix!

Met Marty and Captain Peter at the Chart Room last night. Had a couple of drinks with them. Captain Peter has not been feeling well lately. However, last night he appeared to be on the mend. In fact, he was drinking. The first time in about a week.

Marty and I had dinner at La Trattoria. The retaurant was busy. Good for this time of the year.

There was a time when Key West was dead in the summer. No more. Over the years, business has been picking up. Especially on the weekends.

Beecha of course was her usual lovely self. What a nice person! Her hugs make me happy!

I said good night to Marty after dinner with the intention of going directly home. On my way to the car, I changed my mind. It was still early.

I decided to stop at the Keys Piano Bar. Had not been there in a while.

Glad I went! The singing was spectacular!

The concept of bringing in New York professional singers has proved successful! The Keys Piano Bar adds another dimension to Key West.

Today is Lobsterfest!

Duval will be closed off at the tourist end. Stands erected. Lobster will be prepared and cooked in a variety of ways. People will gather and walk up and down the street. And eat different preparations of lobster. Generally with their fingers!

A Key West experience!

Have a good day!

I am back in Key West!

And happy to be!

As I drove home from the airport, the palm trees looked terrific! And the humidity felt good!

Yesterday was a long day. It started at 8:3o when I left Utica for the Syracuse airport. My ride was late and we had to speed the 50 miles to Syracuse.

I got there about 20 minutes prior to flight time. Not good in these days of security, long lines and the like.

The first two legs of my trip were on Northwestern. I rushed to the Northwestern counter to check my bag and me. The young lady checking me in was terrific. I think her name was Jenna. If I am incorrect, I apologize.

She got all excited when she saw I was traveling to Key West. She was even more excited when she learned I lived there full time.

I am confident she will join in reading the blog this morning.

I made the plane just in time. My bag did not. More regarding the bag later.

Yesterday was a day of lovely young ladies.

I was seated on the first plane next to another beautiful young lady! A real beauty! Tall, blond and statuesque!

I was impressed how cool she appeared. I snuck a peek over a few times while I was reading my book. Sun glasses cover an old man’s sneaky eye!

When we landed in Detroit, we were stuck on the runway a while. I initiated a conversation.

Her name was Charlene. This was the first time she had ever flown! So much for the cool!

I felt bad I had not spoken with her earlier and perhaps have taken her mind off the anxiety.

Charlene is 22. A senior at Buffalo State. An education major. Does not think she will be able to get a job in this economy when she graduates. So probably will get a Masters.

She was flying to Kansas City. Her roomate lives there. They were going to drive back to Buffalo together.

Seemed strange. Buffalo is a 3 hour drive from her home. Kansas is in the middle of the country.

While we were walking to our next planes, she admitted she was also sort of in love. I suspect Charlene’s roommate was the boyfried. Now the plane flight and long drive made sense!

Charlene is from Chittenango. A small community about 15 miles from Syracuse.

Before the New York Thruway was built, my father used to drive us to Syracuse over route 5. It went right though Chittenango. I recall Chittenago being known as the ham town. It even had a restaurant with a sign outside…the Ham that Am. Dad always made a big deal out of the ham factor. We would even occasionally stop to have ham and eggs. A treat!

I mentioned the ham thing to Charlene. I told her about the Ham that Am. She looked at me with a blank stare. She did not know what I was talking about. Never heard of the ham thing!

I told her to ask her father the next time she spoke with him.

I have not been through or in Chittenango in over 50 years. Things must have changed!

I had a 3 hour lay over in Fort Myers. It was dinner time. So I sat down at one of those airport eateries for a drink and burger.

I asked the waitress for a Beefeater on the rocks. She asked me for ID. I said you’re kidding! I’m 74! She said no, she had to have it. I said, OK. And thank you. You just made my day!

The third and last flight was with Cape Air. An 8 seater twin engine plane.

It was painted in jungle like colors. Had a picture of Captain Tony on the side. And a shark head painted on the nose! Like those World War II fighter planes in the Pacific. Shades of John Wayne in Flying Tigers!

I wanted to sit in the back. My concern was leg room. The pilot insisted I sit in the co pilot’s seat. I was the biggest passenger and he needed the weight up front.

You have to be an accordian to crawl into the co pilot’s seat! But I did it!

Surprisingly, I had a lot of leg room! More than I would have had in any passenger seat.

A pleasant flight!

We were up around 2,000 feet for a while. Then when we were out over the open Gulf, we dropped considerably. I thought once we might skim the water top!

The sun set as we were arriving in Key West. What could be better!

Before we left Fort Myers, I was told my bag was not on the plane. Northwestern could not find it.

When I arrived in Key West, I went to the counter to advise my bag was lost, etc. The woman asked my name. I told her. She said we have your bag!

Back to Syracuse! I was late to the airport. I just made the plane. My bag did not. Some how it got on flights and arrived in Key West before me. Why could I not have been booked on those flights? It took me 12 hours to get to Key West!

Marty telephoned just as I walked in the house. He was at the bar at Kelley’s enjoying a Maine lobster. He wanted to know if I made it back safely and if I wanted to join him for dinner.

I was dead! I said, thank you. No. I am going to bed.

Which is what I did and enjoyed a good night’s sleep.

Have yourself one great day! I plan to! It will be a return to Key West normalcy. A hair cut with Lori, lunch at Paradise Cafe, coffee at the Coffee House, the Chart room tonight and on and on!

It’s cold in Utica, New York!

It was 68 degrees at noon yesterday. Hit the low 70s in the afternoon.

It is around 3 in the morning now. And cold it is! The temperature has to be somewhere in the 60s.

No need for air conditioning here!

Summers are short in upstate New York. Pool weather is genrally from July 4th thru Labor Day. I used to close my pool the day after Labor Day.

The leaves start to change color around August 15th. I noticed yesterday that some were already changing. A week early! The cold July here must have contributed to the acceleration.

Leaves are starting to fall also. Not many. But enough to be noticable.

I leave for the airport at 8:30 to return to Key West. It will be a long day. I do not get into Key West till 8:30 tomorrow night.

I will be doing a lot of book reading on the way back.

Talk with you tomorrow…..

I am in upstate New York.

Flew up yesterday.

This was the first time I was able to use the new departure portion of the Key West airport. Huge! Impressive!

Only one negative. The seats are very uncomfortable. Can’t have everything, I guess!

I flew Delta. Two flights. Key West to Atlanta. Atlanta to Syracuse. 5 1/2 hours. Even stayed on the same plane. A bonus.

The plane was full for both flights.

I think the seats have gotten smaller. Or pushed closer. My knees were in my throat on both flights.

I had dinner with my 95 year old father last night. It was good to see him, to spend some time with him.

He recently sold his home of 68 years. Moved into some sort of new senior facility. Nice! His condo is large. Situated out in the country. We sat on his patio for a while and talked.

Many of his neighbors walked by. Every one friendly. Many in wheelchairs or using walkers. And who had taken a fall! Every one had a story. Even my father. He is wearing a cast for a broken wrist suffered when he fell a couple of weeks ago.

The weather has finally turned here. July was cold. It was warm last night. About 80 degrees.

We were situated in a heavily wooded area. No palm trees. I missed Key West.

A simple day. The highlight of course being my visit with Dad.

What awaits me today?

I am up very early. Like around 4:30 in the morning. I have to catch an early plane north. Visiting my 95 year old father and taking care of some business. I will return Thursday. The trip is a quickie.

Last night was fun!

Marty was back! Always a joy!

We met at the Chart Room. Chatted with Captain Peter and Che and Michael the bartender.

I suggested dinner at the bar at the new Brazilian restaurant. We had a drink. Rather, I had a drink. Marty did not like the bar menu and left almost immediately for La Trattoria. I stayed to finish my drink.

In came Brain and Amy. I had met them a month ago at Hot Tin Roof. It was Brian’s 35th birthday last night. They were celebrating.

Amy works at the Conch House on Truman. She told me again they have the best home made banana bread for breakfast. And invited me again to stop in for some!

Chris and Rebecca were also sitting at the bar. They are visiting from St. Augustine. Said they come here often. Chris is an archeologist and Rebecca works for Estee Lauder.

I mentioned to Chris that my son in law was an archeologist at Mel Fisher Museum. I did not mention his name. Chris said…Corey Malcom. He knew of him. He did not know him. However, he made the point that he intended to meet him this week. And then he proceeded to tell me how big Corey was in their field.

I was impressed. I should not have been. I knew.

Corey is well respected in his area of expertise. He is a guest lecturer all over the country and is featured on the History Channel every 3-4 months.

I finally got away and hurried to La Trattoria.

Marty was just being served. So much for waiting for me!

He was seated next to a lovely young lady. Turns out it was my friend Lee Ann. The last time I had seen her was about 2 months ago when my daughter Lori was visiting. And at La Trattoria at that time, also!

So I sat on the other side of Lee Ann. And had a wonderful evening conversing with her!

Enough for now. I have to move fast. My next blog will be from upstate New York.

I hope my flights are all on time!

Strange day yesterday.

I spent the day in bed watching TV. Never got up till around 6 in the evening.

Started with Meet the Press. Nothing spectacular. Larry Sommers was boring. Did ruffle things a bit by not rulling out a tax increase for the middle class. If one did occur, it would cause a major public relations problem for the President. Shades of Bush 1 and read my lips.

Then I got hooked on 3 successive reruns of the Sopranos. I never saw the show the first time around.

Finally, golf! The Buick open. Tiger Woods won! I am an addict when it comes to watching golf on TV.

I finally got up, showered and shaved.

The Gardens was my first stop. Again, Kate Miano is to be complimented on the fine job she has done with the resort. And Sunday night jazz is fun time, big time!

Dinner was at the bar at La Trattoria.

The Golden Girls showed up and sat next to me. Jean and Debbie were enjoying their Sunday. I spoke at length with Debbie and got first hand her Mel Fisher experience. Changed both Debbie and Jean’s lives! How exciting!

Bill and Lynda Freschettte were having dinner at La Trattoria also. Lynda properly chastised me. She recently had knee surgery and she and her husband celebrated their anniversary. I had failed to aknowledge either. I told her I did not know. She said she wrote about both events in her news letter. I thought I read it every day. Perhaps not. A screw up.

So Lynda, I apologize. Glad you are up and walking about. And to both you and Bob, belated anniversary greetings!

Now stop beating me up!

I was home early to bed. Slept well. I am up early. There must be something to the adage…early to bed and early to rise, etc.

Still black outside. Probably going to be another great day weather wise. Once you become accustomed to it, the Key West summer is spectacular!

Enjoy your day!

I had a good time yesterday! A very good time!

Don decided to have a pool party. A last minute thing.

Don’s wife Stephanie is still up at their lake home in Indiana. So Don played host. He did a good job!

Nancy and Mike showed up. So did Dan and Cindy. David. Larry and Christine. And me!

The pool party was a good idea. We used to take turns having them several years ago. Then they stopped. People seemed to have tired of them.

Not yesterday. The pool party was great!

Picture it. Several adults floating around a pool. Drinking, of course. And conversing.

It was a heavy humid day. The pool water was cool and refreshing. After leaving it, your body had cooled down sufficiently so that the humidity was no longer an issue. Terrific!

Interesting people floating around. Crazy conversations. Almost as good as the Chart Room.

Nancy and Michael are from the upstate New York Batavia area. Nancy was a college hippy in days gone boy. Particpated in the demonstrations of the 1960s. And proud of it! She helped to change the national thinking of those days.

Nancy used to be general mangaer at Fast Buck Freddies. Don became aware of her talents. Now she is general manager at Don’s Place. Runs it all! The indoor bar, the outdoor bar and the liquor store!

Michael has been invovlved in the restaurant business one way or another since his early school days. Even while in the military. He was a mess sergeant. Now he tends bar at Don’s Place. He does the early morning shift. Starts at 7 am. Actually unlocks the door.

Michael says they are waiting in line to get in. Some even take cabs. It is a breakfast club!

Don says he does his best business is from 7 am to 11 am each morning. Breaskfast club memebrs are good customers!

David impressed me! He is son in law to Michael and Nancy. He is the general manager of Fat Tuesdays. That place where you get those fancy cool thick mixed drinks. Like pina colodas.

I was absolutely impressed to hear David speak of what goes into running a place like Fat Tuesdays. A smart young man. He has a great business future ahead of him!

Dan works at Don’s liquor store. Cindy is his wife. The two of them should be a stand up comedy act. They reminded me of George Burns and Gracie Allen. Except that the rolls were reversed. Cindy is George and Dan is Gracie. Great one liners back and forth!

Larry is Larry! Of Pier house and Wine Galley fame.

He was showing us the large bruise/cut on the top of his head.

Larry and Christine have a lovely home. It has a very small pool in the back. I would describe it as just a bit larger than a dip pool. It does have depth. Six feet at one end.

Larry decided to suddenly swim. A swimming pool it is not. He projected himself into the wall of the pool. And got a bloody head as a result thereof.

Christine is a charming person. A school teacher for many years. She was Teacher of the Year several years ago. I always enjoy Christine’s company. A sincere good woman! Lovely, also!

Christine is a woman of many talents. She sings professionally around town. She also paints. Watercolors. And they are starting to sell! Good for you, Christine!

Don is Don. We all know and love Don.

The pool party was to include a cookout. Steaks. It was hot! No one really wanted to work in any fashion. So we did Chinese take out. The meal was delicious. There was no preparation and the clean up was easy.

That was my Saturday.

I was home in bed around 7. Watched TV. Fell asleep early. And slept well!

It is Sunday morning. A terrific day! Meet the Press, the Sunday papers, the Gardens tonight and the grand children in between.

Life is good!

Hope it is good for you also today!