Key West weather continues to be perfect. It has been so since December. A long run!

We are presently into the rainy season. A few times a day it will rain. The rain comes and goes swiftly. A storm lasts about 5 minutes. Then the sun returns as fast as it left. Sometimes it pours and the sun shines through it. An unusual sight!

The weather has been so good that I worry. I am concerned that we are going to have to pay. In the form of a hurricane. This is hurricane season and will remain so till the end of November.

I am a bit of a wet blanket at heart.

There is a new hurricane out there as I write this morning. Irene. It is heading our way. At present, it is a tropical storm. If it does hit the Florida keys, it is projected as a #1 in intensity. Nothing.

People are already talking about Irene. Even Lisa. Will it hit us? Will it be a problem?

You will recall Wilma was a disaster for Lisa and her family. And for most of Key West. The tidal wave covered most of Key West with 6 1/2 feet of water. In homes and cars. Mucho damage. Lisa and family had to move out. They lived in my home for a year while their home was being repaired.

Irene’s projected track will bring her right over us.

But, it is too early to tell anything with certainty. Hurricanes are fickle. Change speeds, change direction. At whim. So we will not really know till 24-48 hours before the storm arrives, if it will hit the Florida keys.

No one in Key West is worried.Though Irene has become a topic of conversation.

Lunch yesterday was at Harpoon Harry’s. Just me and the grandkids. A treat for Robert and Ally. A treat for me.

We drove over in the convertible with the top down. They loved it! They rode in  the back entrenched in car seats.

Ally wore big movie star type sun glasses. She loves to play the role!

Most of our lunch conversation concerned school. Both of them start tomorrow at Montessori. Robert in second grade and Ally in first. Ally was zeroing in on homework. Something which will be new to her.

They also got into divorce. That was a bit tricky. It was like having to explain sex to a child for the first time.

After lunch, we walked over to the water front. To visit the Turtle Museum. The Turtle Museum is operated by Mel Fisher Museum where Corey works. The grandkids have been there before. They knew Rick who is the museum host. They were familiar with a child’s game involving fish. They hurried over to it to play. I even joined them. They recognized their Dad’s several pictures on the walls and pointed them out to me.

The Turtle Museum is located in the old Key West turtle factory. Until the early 1970s, turtle soup and turtle steaks were produced there.

I visited with Lisa when I retuned Robert and Ally home. Then home for me.

I spent the first hour watching golf on TV. Then a nap.

I felt good yesterday. First time in a week.

Stayed in last night. Picked at some things from the refrigerator. Spent the balance of the evening writing.

Ally wakened me this morning with a telephone call. At 6:30. Would I have dinner with them tonight? I told her I did not know yet. She wanted to talk about school. So we talked. Rather, she talked and I listened.

Today is Sunday. Meet the Press and Chris Matthews. Then, I do not know. I promised myself I would start walking today. Lets hope I keep the promise.

My primary motivation obviously is good health. My grandfather walked every day 2-4 miles. He lived to 94. My father walked every day also till an aortic valve problem stopped it a couple of years ago. He is presntly 97.

Louis, walk!!!

Have a good Sunday!

Welcome to the center of the universe. Key West.

I think of Key West as such. It has and is everything…..to me. And some others.

Remember Charles Kuralt? He was the world famous CBS broadcaster. His life work was primarily dedicated to two successful TV shows.

First, On the Road. Kuralt traveled to out of the way places. Secluded places searching for odd ball stories. On the Road was aired as part of The Walter Cronkite Show for years.

Then there was Sunday Morning which Kuralt alone did for many more years.

Along the way, Kuralt discovered Key West. He visited here frequently. For more than his show. Key West became one of his places to hide, rekindle and refresh himself. When I first started visiting Key West regularly, I would frequently see Kuralt at the newspaper shop at the quiet end of Duval. The store now long gone. He would drop in to buy the morning papers as every one else. He would politely nod to every one. I always wanted to talk with him. But I dared not. It would have been an intrusion of his privacy.

Which brings me back around to Key West being the center of the universe.

I think it is. Kuralt refined it even more. He frequently was quoted as saying that Key West’s Schooner’s Wharf was the center of the universe. Schooner’s Wharf was a favorite Key West haunt of his.

I did The Key West Lou Legal hour world wide over the internet yesterday. The show received a surprisingly large number of post show comments. Three  topics attracted the most attention. The President and his vacation, Qantas and its orgastic video for late night flyers, and the woman who was shaving her privates while driving which resulted in an accident.

Every one agreed with my observation that the President should not be knocked for being on vacation. It is a working one. It could be no other for any President.

The Qantas thing was commneted on from a humorous perspective.

The woman shaving her privates was old hat. Caused some controversey. Several thought it was disgusting/tasteless to even talk about. All were women.

After the show, I hurried over to my doctor’s office. Flu shot time.

The flu shot is being given early this year. The reason is that there are two new strains and they will hit over a broader time span. So my friends, get your flu shots and get them early!

I skipped my usual friday men’s luncheon. I have felt sluggish all week. It was not in me to sit and banter yesterday. I felt a need for quiet. I went to Hogfish and had lunch alone. Just me and my newspaper. I sat on the water side. It was cool and beautiful. Enjoyed a lobster roll. The setting and meal were heavenly!

Last night was big! Dinner with Lisa and the family at TGIF. I ate what Robert and Ally had. A cheeseburger and fries. I arrived late. Robert and Ally spotted me coming in. They ran over and jumped on me showering me with hugs and kisses. What could be better!

Ally visited her new teacher yesterday. She starts first grade Monday. She was all excited and talkative about the visit. The biggest thing was she now has a locker. Her own one!

I periodically take the grandkids to breakfast or lunch alone. No parents. Today is one of those days. We are lunching. I asked them where and they said almost in unison, Harpoon Harry’s. So it shall be.

I slept extremely well last night. First time in a week. I feel like I could conquer the world this morning. I hope the tired sluggish feeling is behind me.

Enjoy your day!

Good morning!

Still dark outside. I promise to press the correct keys this morning when I publish this blog. Yesterday was a disaster. Took me seven hours to find my lost blog so I could repost it correctly. The sadness of it all was that I wrote the blog at 4:30 in the morning. Its proper publication would have surprised and pleased those who enjoy reading it earlier than later.

Remember Megan Barnes? She was the lady in March 2010 who was driving down US 1 shaving her privates when she had an accident. She was on the way to a date. Her ex husband was a passanger and steering for her when the accident occurred. The incident received world wide attention.

I wrote about Megan Barnes at the time. Everyone in the keys talked about her.

Megan became lost some where back in my mind till yesterday. I was reading USA TODAY. Its Books section was devoted to Celia Rivenbark and her newest book, You Don’t Sweat Much for a Fat Girl. Celia responded in answer to a question as to whether she had ever written something that went viral. She said, yes. “Driving While Shaving.” She devoted a newspaper column to it back in March 2010. Celia claims it was her “…hugest hit.” She described the shaving incident as Megan “…grooming her hoohah.”

Celia has included a version of the shaving incident in her new book.

Good show, Celia! The incident was the talk of Key West for many days after its happening.

Jean and Valerie did it again! They went diving yesterday with the Mel Fisher group looking for gold and jewels. Jean is popularly known as the Golden Girl. She did discover gold years ago in a Mel Fisher dive. And has again on later dives.

Not yesterday, however. No gold nor other artifacts were found. Jean aptly described yesrterday’s dive on Facebook this morning: “Valerie and I faced treacherous seas and cheated death yet again.”

Thank God! Love you, Jean!

I had an early morning dental appointment. We are getting there! Soon I am going to have teeth like Howard Livingston!

Visited with Lisa a bit. Then home to bed for a few hours. I had not slept the night before.

I wanted a quiet evening. I opted for dinner at Outbacks. Needed to get out after staying in most of the day. Bought the USA TODAY to read at the bar. That is how I came across the review of Celia Rivenbark’s new book.

Outbacks was crowded. Too crowded. I was lucky to get a seat at the bar. The last one. On a corner.

Three people were seated around the corner next to me. A woman and two men. 50 ish. They were loud. Spoke like know it all big shots. Mentioned things even my ears were not comfortable hearing. The woman ate. It appeared the men did not. The three drank. One man was billed separately for his drinks. Not too many. Perhaps a couple of beers and a shot.

When his bill came, he was obviously upset for some reason and went over it while mumbling with a fine tooth comb. Took a pen out and computed it.

And then paid.

Some big shot, I thought.

I ran into a couple at Outbacks I have not seen in at least 5 years. I am ashamed to say I did not recall their names. Though they knew mine. He is a retired contractor from New York. We used to run into each other often at Square One.

Fourteen years ago when I purchased and remodeled my Key West home, this couple bought a dilapidated small house just off Duval. They remodeled it brilliantly! One would expect nothing less. The husband built skyscrapers in New York City. He certainly could build a home in Key West.

The home was Roman in design. Pillars and all. Fountains. And the marble! The finest from Italy! The entire residence a work of beauty.

Today is Friday. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. 10 am my time. Join me. I will be commenting a bit on our President, a new Missouri law and Facebook, Rick Perry’s position on Social Security, circumsicion, Viagara, sex in the sky, Hitler and dogs, a dog that can do math, demonstrations in Europe, and more. http://www.konkbroadcasting.com/.

As Porky Pig of old was wont to say…..”That’s all folks!”

Enjoy your Friday!

It is 4:30 in the morning.

I tossed and turned all night. Could not sleep. So out of bed I am and writing away.

One of the problems is Comcast. I sleep with the TV on in my bedroom. No TV last night all night. Comcast says it’s sorry. They are fixing something.

No sleep last night, no golf yesterday. I am doing good! I felt sort of off in the morning so skipped my weekly round.

Wrote all day. My Friday show The Key West Lou Legal Hour is ready one day early this week. So some good came out of the day.

Watch me on the internet Friday morning at 10 am my time. The show is beamed world wide on the internet. http://www.konkbroadcasting.com/.

I have a lot of interesting things to share this Friday. Like Missouri and its new Facebook law, Rick Perry and Social Security (Perry ain’t no friend), circumsicion, Viagara and competition, flying the friendly skies, a dead man who woke up 24 hours later in a morgue refrigerator, banks denying customers the right to sue, a Chinese mother and government ordered sterilization, North Carolina’s sterilization shame, and more.

I felt better later in the afternoon.

Visited with Lisa and the grandkids. I was at Lisa’s when Robert and Ally came home from summer camp. A joy these two!

After hugs and kisses, Robert threw himself on the couch to rest. Typical of him. Ally headed for her mother’s room to watch TV. Typical of her.

Ally starts school next week. First grade. She will have home work. A new experience. It is going to interfere with her TV watching. I am curious how she will handle it.

Then to Don’s Place. Don is back! Welcome home! He has been on vacation for a month up north at his camp on a lake.

The plan was to meet Kurt for dinner. Don subsequnetly joined us. I chatted with Don, Kurt, Herschel, Boomer, Lori, Skip, Angus and others before heading out to eat.

Like three musketeers, Don, Kurt and I headed out to dinner. Sweet Tea was the place. We had huge meals for about $10 a piece. Good value place! I had turkey with all the fixings. Loved it! Especially the gravy!

I also had a side of macaroni and cheese. Don’t ask why. I was just in the mood for it. Satisfying it was!

Ran into Sean and Katherine at Sweet Tea. We chatted a bit. Terrific couple! Sean recently did a story for his news paper about Cameron’s trip to Mongolia.

Dentist again this morning. When will it end? I started this process January 7th. It was to take 4 months. We are now into month seven. I am not complaining. I am well beyond the pain portion now.

The new blood pressure medication seems to be working. The numbers are coming down the past two days. Not where they should be yet. But I am encouraged.

Hope the TV is working. I want to watch Morning Joe.

Enjoy your day!

The friends I have made because of Key west and this blog!

I heard from two this morning via email. Both I would describe as very close and dear friends.

The first is Cindy. Iowa Cindy. Annual visitor to Key West with her husband Tom. Cindy is my cancer survivor friend. Something like 7 surgeries for 5 different cancers. One leg and one breast short, she continues to enjoy life to the fullest.

Cindy wrote of President Obama’s mobile visit through parts of Iowa yesterday.

Cindy was excited. The President had breakfast at Rauch’s Cafe in Guttenberg. Cindy and Tom breakfast there Saturday mornings.

Cindy shared her first hand observations of the parts of Obama’s trek which she saw. She said there were lots of protestors on the route. She added that the Iowa news stations were surprisingly biiting towards him. She noted that the news stations are usually neutral and non political…..gushing and smiling in their reports.

Cindy provided me with a newspaper report and a video of a TV news report.
 
TV described Obama’s trip as an economic tour, not political in nature. The broadcaster futher stated it was “exciting” that the President was there.

The newspaper story stated the Presient had spent the night at historic Hotel Winneshiek in Decorah, that he was having breakfast later with five local businmessmen in Guttenberg, that as the President’s cavalcade moved along people were waving and holding signs. Others were cheering and waving flags. A few held signs opposing abortion.

It appears the President’s Iowa visit held interest for Iowans. Whether you like Obama, whether you agree with him, it still had to be a big day. The President was in town!

My second friend to already write me this morning was Rita from Calitzdorp, South Africa. She sent me pictures. She was wearing a Key West Lou tee shirt!

Go Rita!

Lots of feed back re the old seven mile bridge. Some have it open, others closed. One message said it was closed and that Pigeon Key could only be reached by ferry now. I am still not sure as to the status of the old bridge.

Got a manicure yesterday. From Tammy, of course. What a nice person! She and her husband continue to bust their behinds in their business. They remind me of the immigrants of old. My family were such. Tammy and her husband will achieve the American dream! For them, it will still exist. They work hard seven days a week clipping nails from 10 in the morning to late in the evening. They save their money. They are presently looking to buy a home.

Lunch was at the Southernmost Beach Cafe. A terrific view and excellent food.

I spent the afternoon writing. Outside under the table umbrella. The umbrella is wide enough that the few times it sprinkled a bit, I was protected and did not have to move.

Visited the Chart Room last night. JJ bartending.

Jean Thornton was there. It was good to see her. We do not see each other enough. She is special. I enjoyed our conversation. I invited her to dinner, but she was already committed to Captain Frankie for whom she was waiting.

I ate at the bar at La Trarttoria. Not too many customers. Chatted a bit with Erin.

Then home to bed.

Today is Wednesday. Golf day. I have decided not to play. I don’t feel right this morning.

I left a message on Larry Smith’s cell phone just before 8 advising him I would not be playing. He probably will not see it. I expect a call from him in about a half hour asking where I am, don’t I know this is Wednesday, we are supposed to be playing golf, etc.

Enjoy your day!

Presidential politics is upon us again. I am a political junkie by heart. Ergo, I enjoy these wars. Generally. Especially the last one. The Obama/Hillary engagement was history making!

However…..it has been my thought for years that Presidential clashes are much too long and in most instances boring. The day to day skirmishes have the media drawing on the mundane to create a news release.

My solution. Lets pass a law (1) setting the time frame for a Presicdential campaign and (2) have the government finance the campaign.

Sixty days would seem appropriate for the candidates to duke it out. A limited dollar budget would work, also. Say $1,000,000 a piece. TV would be required to provide free time as a public service.

The money part of the above would significantly help in reducing money’s influence in and on government.

Some what similar provisions with different time and money frames would be be provided for primaries.

My plan is not set in stone as to the details. It is the concept I am suggesting.

The concept is offered more as food for thought. Chew on it. Think about it. Discuss it with friends and associates. A small start. Recall however that big trees from little acorns grow!

Yesterday was soft and easy.

Time with Lisa in the morning. Her new business is becoming an old business. As of September 1, it will be three months old. The marketing business is doing well. I am impressed. I take fatherly pride in her accomplishment to date. She is already helping several businesses to move ahead with their social media marketing activities.

Lisa’s business is called The Social Suite and can be found at TheSocialSuite.com.

I enjoyed my own company at lunch. Sat alone by the pool. Made a sandwich. Wrote a bit. Floated in the pool with a noodle and thought a bit.

I had a mid afternoon visit with my heart doctor. We are working on my blood pressure. The numbers are out of whack. I last saw the doctor two weeks ago.

The new numbers were down a bit, but not by much. He doubled one of my blood pressure medications. I am to see him again in two weeks.

Dinner was with Lisa and the family.

The grandkids overwhelmed me all evening. They wanted to know when we were going out alone again for lunch. That means their parents stay home. I assured them soon. We visit places like Harpoon Harry’s, Camille’s, and No Name Pub for lunch.

Robert and Ally acquired a new card game while on vacation. They insisted on teaching me how to play. Fish!

We spent a couple of hours playing. I won each game. Tried to lose. It was impossible. I wanted them to have the joy of winning!

Robert plays seriously. Ally is all over the place. She makes up her own rules, tries to sneak a look at your cards and so forth.

It was fun!

Corey and I spoke regarding the old seven mile bridge. He said it was open Saturday when they drove by. In fact, he had pictures he took of people walking on the bridge. Lisa was driving at the time.

Either Saturday was the last day the bridge was open or no one was on the bridge in mid afternoon Sunday because it was too hot. I do not know. But will find out.

Today is a I don’t know day. Nothing planned. May get a manicure. May write. Whatever, I will enjoy it.

You enjoy your day, also!

Beware!

Be warned!

There is an e.coli bacteria warning for the southeast United States. Includes Florida. The warning appeared on the internet this morning.

The problem involves ground beef and ground beef products. Three chains are named. Publix, Winn-Dixie and Kroger. I do not know Kroger, but we have a Publix and Winn-Dixie in Key West.

Do not eat such beef products. Return them to the stores from whence they were purchased.

I know of e.coli personally. I suffered from e.coli infections twice in my life. Once from a prostrate biopsy that was conducted through the colon wall. The other time from food. E.coli is caused by human or animal defecation getting into the human blood stream.

It is a no fun illness. Death can result. A big time sickness definitely.

I recall my first experience. I was in the emergency room sick as hell. Could not pee. My body ached, especially from the waist down. Freezing cold.

The blood work results came back swiftly. The diagnosis was e.coli. I knew nothing of e.coli at the time.

The doctor said this is day one. You are going to get sicker. You will get more sick each day for the first four days. On the fourth day, you will be so sick you will think you are going to die. Then the tide will turn and you will walk out of here on the seventh day feeling fine.

He was correct. But I must tell you, that fourth day was the absolute worst. Fortunately, modern medicine has the antibiotic or whatever that cures. They start pumping it into you day one. E.coli is so bad however that it takes four days for the cure to start winning the battle in your body.

Yesterday was Sunday.

I started with a visit to Lisa and the family. Had not seen them in  a week. They were on vacation. It was especially good to be with the grandkids again. Robert and Ally each gave me big hugs and kisses. It is amazing. Every time I do not see them for a few days, they look like they have grown. They did again yesterday.

I wanted to do something different. I decided to take a ride up US 1 to the old seven mile bridge. Recent media accounts said the old bridge was being closed to pedestrian traffic because it was in need of repairs. No money was available to make the repairs. A fall out due to our present economic condition.

I checked the internet to see if the old bridge had already been closed. Saw no mention of it. Checked with Corey. He had driven by the day before on the family’s return trip home. Corfey said yes, the old bridge was still open.

The old bridge runs parallel to the new seven mile bridge. The old bridge is what remains of the railroad bridge Henry Flagler built way back when to connect Key West to the rest of the United States. The bridge was destroyed for railroad use during the horrendous 1935 hurricane. Never repaired, a portion which remained standing was converted to pedestrian use.

As a side note, that was also the end of railroad travel to Key West. To this day, there is no railroad travel available. People drive or fly to get here.

The drive north to the bridge was enjoyable. I had the top down on the convertible. As I drove the new bridge, I did not observe any one on the old bridge. The old bridge was closed!

I was not upset. There was value to the fifty mile drive. It was a good drive. Especially with the top down. I was sad however that the old bridge was closed. Normally on a Sunday afternoon it would have been crowded with walkers, roller bladers and bicycle riders. I felt even worse when I realized it probably would never be open to the public again. An example of a pleasure lost because of money problems.

The day was ok in spite of the bridge being closed. Besides the drive being good, I stopped at No Name Pub on the way back. Treated myself to a Philly cheese steak sandwich.

I was home in time to catch the last few holes of the PGA. Apparently the best holes.

Keegan Bradley is to be congratulated. A 25 year old nobody winning in his first major appearance. Even better was his winning after taking a triple bogey on hole 15. What a come back!

I felt sorry for Jason Dufner. He was 4 up with four holes to go. He lost/blew it. He will live to fight another day, I am sure.

This morning Lisa and I are meeting. She is helping me with a project. Then at 2 this afternoon, I see my heart doctor. My blood pressure is still out of whack. Better, but still too high. I suspect I will be on a new blood pressure pill following the visit.

This blood pressure thing irritates me. My blood pressure was under control for years. The last 2-3 it was running 100/60. Low! Too low it was thought. I was feeling sluggish and listless. So my pills were changed. Actually, the dosages were rearranged. Now my blood pressure is too high! And we are having difficulty getting it down.

Enjoy your day!

Another beautiful morning! Absolute calm once again. No breeze. Everything still. The water like a mirror.

Busy day yesterday.

I joined the lobsterfest celebration. Marks the opening of the Florida lobster season. Did the Duval crawl. Instead of booze, I sampled a couple of lobster delicacies. The best was a broiled lobster tail covered with hot butter.

Protein and cholesterol in one shot!

The highlight of my time on Duval was Howard Livingston and his band Mile Marker 24. When ever and where ever he performs, Howard makes everyone happy.

A stand was erected at the corner of Duval and Green Streets. Right in front of Sloppy Joe’s. Howard was one of the performers. Love Howard! We have been friends for almost 15 years. From  Chicago industrialist to singer and composer of Key West songs. Two successful careers in one life time. And a nice guy to boot!

I stopped at Home Depot afterwards. Not to walk. To shop. Finally, Home Depot may make some money on me!

My master bedroom is 14 years old. Needs some updating. The carpet is so old it does not come clean when washed. Has to go. I did not want carpet again. The choice is tile or wood. I am zeroing in on wood, though I have not made a final decision. May even have the walls painted a different color from the present white.

Looking to change lamps, get a new mattress, spread, etc.

A new project being undertaken!

Then a stop at Publix. I have food. Lisa did not. Lisa and family have been on vacation for a week up north visiting Corey’s parents. Lisa telephoned to say they were coming in last night and would I shop for some groceries so the kids would have fresh food in the house. My pleasure!

I spent a couple of hours watching the PGA. Anyone’s tournament. I felt sorry for Jim Furyk. He was about 2 strokes off the lead, when he put a ball in the water on two consecutive holes. Tough!

The course appears tough, also. The greens seem to be extremely difficult to putt on.

I went to the movies last night! I do the movies in streaks. Don’t go for months and then do 2 or 3 in a week.

Last night it was The Help. Based on the 2009 best seller by the same name. A story of black domestic help in the south in the early 1960s. My friend Jackie had given me the book to read before she left Key West. The movie was as good as the book! I recommend it. Although heavy in parts, it has some off the wall humor to balance the emotions.

I stopped at Tavern ‘n Town on the way home. Convenient. Located in the Marriott at the corner of the Boulevard and US 1. Enjoyed calamari and a couple of drinks. Chatted with some tourists.

Big morning!

First, Meet the Press. Michele Bachmann is the sole guest. She won the Iowa straw poll yesterday. I think Bachmann is a nut case. The only way I can describe her. One of my Iowa friends is a staunch die in the wool conservative Republican. He says the straw poll is a waste. It is too early in the process. Additionally, he does not believe Bachmann will be a contender long. She will fade as the process moves forward and not be the nominee. Interesting perspective.

The other reason that this morning is a big one is that I shall see the grandkids! It has been a long week without them. Lisa is a good daughter. She made sure they telephoned me each day.

That is it for today!

Enjoy your Sunday! 

I am up late this morning. Almost 9:30.

I got hooked on a 1935 James Stewart movie. Stayed in bed watching it. It was compelling. I had to know how it ended. The movie concerned a World War I love story.

Lunch yesterday was at Salute’s The friday luncheon group. Interesting banter. One of the members just returned from a fishing trip to Alaska. His name is John. He is obviously a for real fisherman to have traveled that far to enjoy the sport. Especially when our waters are filled with all kinds of fish.

John took his 87 year old Dad with him. Lucky John, lucky Dad to have been able to share the trip together. They fished the southern Alaskan waters. The fjords. Salmon were plentiful. Some halibut.

I spent the afternoon watching the PGA. Tiger did not even make the cut. Sad. I have been saying he probably has lost whatever he had forever. I always felt his mental concentration was key to his success. Once the marital problems surfaced, his concentration was side tracked to other things. I doubt the degree of concentration he had can ever be recaptured by him.

It is ironic. Tiger’s great play inspired the next generation of golfers to higher levels of performance. Which translates into lower scores. The younger players now beating him would never have been this good had Tiger not raised the performance level as he did.

Tiger may win again. But never will he achieve the degree of excellence he had in the past. His time is behind him. He should not be ashamed. It was a hell of a ride!

I stopped at the Chart Room last night. Ed Little’s party. Stayed a short bit and left. The place was packed. Many had to stand outside. A tribute to a Key West icon.

I was heading to Louie’s Backyard for a drink. My cell phone rang. It was David of David and Karen. I had seen them gassing up in Key Haven earlier. They wanted me to join them. They were heading for Sweet Tea to eat. I said I was not interested in eating yet. Needed a couple of drinks.

The next time David and I talked I was home in bed and they were at Captain Tony’s. I never got to eat. I enjoyed a few drinks and went home to bed. I also never got to hook up with two of the nicest people in Key West.

My internet show was not run live yesterday. As I explained a couple of days ago, the studio would be closed on friday due to vacations/trips. One of my old shows was rerun. Apparently many watched it. I heard from a ton of people how good it was. Those who wrote included Rita from Calitzdorp, South Africa, Anna from Milan, Italy and Angie from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Modern communication continues to astound me!

The weather outside is beautiful. Another great Key West day in the making.

This is lobsterfest weekend. I may walk down Duval. The street will be closed off and there will be tons of stands selling fresh Florida lobster cooked in all different ways. You eat from a paper plate while standing in the street. There will be music and all sort of things going on. Except for the food, the atmosphere reminds me of the Feast of Saints Cosmo and Damien in the old days back in Utica.

Enjoy your day!

NOTE: This post script is being added one hour after the above blog was published. Jean Thornton  telephoned me. That was not Ed Little’s party last night at the Chart Room. It was in honor of Captain Tony. How embarassing. After a while, one party is like another!

Good morning world!

What a morning! Absolute calm. Not one iota of breeze. The water a mirror. It does not appear to be moving. Tide out. Some sun. Some gray clouds. Some black clouds.

The calm before the storm. It is going to rain at some point. No great prognostication! It rains a bit every day this time of year.

I recall hurricane Georges several years ago and the calm before the storm. I had a party planned the evening before it hit. The party had been planned for several weeks. A big one. 200 invitees. Catered.

About 150 showed up. The other 50 had left town in anticipation of Georges. I decided to stay and go thru with the party.

A great party! And, oh so calm! Nothing was moving that night. No breeze. Water still. A perfecrt evening.

It was the calm before the storm.

My family and I decided the next morning to get out of Dodge. We drove 12-15 hours to Miami. Got a plane out to Utica the next morning.

Georges hit Key West and did much damage the evening of the day we left.

Yesterday was screwed up.

I spent the entire day at home writing. If I ever finish, I hope some one reads one of the books I am writing. I am far from completion, however. Sat outside under the unbrella and sometimes under the tiki hut. When I got hot and the sweat unbearable, I jumped in the pool.

Stayed in last night. I was anxious to watch the Republican debate from Iowa. Somehow I/it got screwed up. I was watching CNN, MSNBC and FOX. I arrived at the conclusion that the debate was not till 11 because of Iowa’s difference in time.

I stayed awake till 11. Which is difficult for me since I am asleep much earlier. When I went to the TV at 11, I realized there was a screw up. All that was on were the post debate reviews by the various channels.

It has to be my old age!

I have a gecko friend.

Geckos are those tiny creatures that look like little lizards. Small and thin. About two inches long. Bother no one.

Geckos are common in the keys.

About two months ago, I noticed one in my bedroom. I normally catch them and take them outside. They are harmless and I see no reason to kill them. They are also swift. I was not able to gently apprehend this one.

I am not sure if it is a he or she. Whatever, it has taken up permanent residence in my bedroom. I have a four poster bed. Every evening without fail, it is hanging sideways on one of the posts on the headboard. Fortunately, the one farthest from me.

I do not bother the gecko. The gecko does not bother me.

I read some where recently that geckos are territorial. I can attest to that fact.

Enjoy your day!