The morning after the night before.

Last night was spectacular!

The Key West Christmas Boat Parade!

An annual event. The parade takes place on the gulf side of the island. Schooners Wharf sponsors the event. It is also headquarters for the event.

The gulf side of the island was covered with people. A mass of humanity. I am surprised the island did not tilt into the ocean on that side.

The parade consists of 50 to 70 boats. All are decorated as one would decorate the outside of their home at Christmas. Sparkling bright lights.

Without the lighted boats, it would be pitch black over the water. The lighted boats provided a new dimension for a brief period of time.

No matter how you cut it, it is always cold on the night of the Christmas Boat Parade. Especially out on a boat. I have done it three times on a boat. A fun time! But cold!!!

Last night I did it from the shore. A first time for me.

I started off at the back of the Pier House. Just behind the Wline Galley. It was crowded. Primarily tourists. I knew no one. So I decided to move on.

My intent was to go to the Hot Tin Roof. I knew Jean Thornton would be there. However the mass of humanity on the balcony of the Hot Tin Roof made it impossible for me to get up there. So I continued walking and went directly to Mallory Square. The place where tourists and locals alike go to watch the sunset. The place where entertainers swallow flaming sticks and swords, where cats jump through hoops of fire.

Mallory Square was packed, also. But the Square is sufficiently large that there was room to stand and watch. I enjoyed my time there.

The boat decorations are always unique. Last night was no different. Besides Santa Claus’ and Christmas trees, there were huge crabs, stone crabs and lobsters. Even an octopus or two. Some crosses. Every year there is one tiny boat to celebrate Hanukkah. Everyone participates!

My intent was to get home as early as possible. I wanted to watch the Republican debate at nine. I arrived home a little after nine, in time to catch most of the debate.

My opinion has not changed. The array of candidates for the Republican nomination are disappointing. Persons of  inadequate stature. Our country is in trouble. Some believe Obama has not done as well as he should or could have. We need a vigorous debate on the economy and other issues. Such a debate can only take place if a  Republican candidate with intelligence and understanding is selected. I did not see one in the group last night.

Poor Cat Lady. She is a kind and gentle woman. Loves animals. Especially cats and dogs. She is always picking up stray and sick animals and caring for them. She has something like 13 cats and a dog at her home and brought four to Key West with her.

In the past 48 hours, two of her cats died. One in Key West and another back home. She is in pain. As she wrote me, she has many little graves everywhere and a part of her is in each one.

World War II and the buses!

This is another in the ongoing list of recollections from when I was a young boy during World War II.

Everyone took the bus!

You have to understand. Prior to World War II, there was a depression. The big depression. Very few people working. No money. Then came World War II. World War II reopened old factories and opened new ones.. Factories were retooled. All to make machinery for war. Jobs became abundant. Everyone was working.

Before World War II, few could buy new cars. They did not have the money. After the war began and there was full employment, everyone had money. Except there were no cars to buy. The automobile industry had retooled to make guns, planes and ships.

American society traveled by bus. That was the only mode of transportation, if one was without a car. My recollection is that it cost either five cents or dime to travel all over the city of Utica. One got on a bus, paid the fare and asked for a transfer. The transfer permitted a person to get on another bus when you got off of the first one. This could go on  indefinitely. You could take several buses in one day for the price of the first bus.

Since everyone traveled by bus, everyone on the buses knew each other. It was a place for socialization. People were warm and welcoming to each other. Conversations were plenty. Most people smiling. Men got up to give women their seats if the bus was crowded.

It was a happy time riding the bus. Not like today when people rarely talk to each other or smile.

World War II came to an end in 1945. Everyone had money. Four years of working in the defense plants had made for large bank accounts. There was no place to spend money during the war. People were forced to save. Returning soldiers had fat bank accounts, also.

The first thing everyone wanted after the war was a new car. Detroit had to retool first back to making automobiles. When that was accomplished, Detroit could only produce so many cars a day. The demand far outweighed what could be produced. Dealer lots for new cars did not exist. They were not required.

I recall my father wanting to buy a new car. He put his order in immediately in 1945 at the end of World War II. Everyone ordered new car from several different dealers. They purchased whatever one came in first.
My father’s car finally arrived in 1947, two years after he had placed the order. It was a Nash Ambassador.

My father was all excited. The dealer called him. My father drove the car home for us to see  with the paper still on. In those days, a new car was delivered to the dealer with something that resembled butcher paper stuck to the entire automobile. My dad’s new car was two tone green. I could see very little of the green. All I could see was butcher paper.

Air conditioning for automobiles had not been invented. In fact, I am not sure whether air conditioning of any type was even available at that time. However, the Nash had three vents on the car. One in the middle of the hood in front of the front window. The other two on the side of  the front fenders. If it was a hot day, you closed the windows and open these three vents. The hot air from the outside blew in. No different than driving with the windows open. My father thought this was terrific. He could not stop talking about this new feature.

I found it all strange.

Such is the tale of buses during World War II. A place for transportation, socialization, warm greetings and communication. Lest I forget, the bus business was never that good again. Even to this day.

It is Sunday. I have to complete this blog with a bit of rapidity. I want to watch Meet the Press this morning. I am anxious to see what the media thinks of last night’s Republican debate.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Did I oversleep this morning! It is after nine as I start this blog.

My Internet show, The Key West Lou Legal Hour, went over big yesterday. Post show comments suggest the most interesting topic to have been the one involving the pervert of the week. As I so described the individual involved.

An 81-year-old man decided to go door to door in Fort Lauderdale. He carried a black bag. He portrayed himself as a doctor. He was not. He knocked on apartment doors and told the women who answered that he was a physician offering free breast examinations. Many took him up on the offer. If he was successful with the breast examination, he indicated that free internals were being provided also. Many of the ladies permitted access and allowed his fingers inside.

Finally, one of the women thought this whole scenario was strange. She called the police. Our 81-year-old friend was arrested. He was charged with sexual battery and practicing medicine without a license. He was sentenced to 13 months in jail, three years of community service and 15 years probation. If you add it all up, he will be 100 years old by the completion of his sentencing.

I reported the matter because it was different. I was shocked not so much by the 81 year old and his offer, but rather the fact that so many women believed him and permitted his intrusions upon their bodies. I also felt sorry for him. An old man driven to this sort of illicit activity.

I stopped at Lisa’s after the show. She is helping me with some of my projects. We became so involved that our work time ran through the lunch time. Ergo, I never made the businessmen’s luncheon.

First time at the gym with a new trainer yesterday! Wow!

Courtney Aman put me through my paces. My time with Courtney yesterday was the most strenuous experience I have ever had with a trainer. He was good. I was able to get up and walk out of the building on my own, so I assumed he was more than good. I have to be honest. I could not wait for the session to end. The last few minutes were difficult.

I immediately went over to Don ‘s Place. Don’s Place is next door to the gym. I needed water. I was like a man lost in the desert

Don, David and Keith were there. Puff bartending. We chatted a bit. The topic? What else? Bocci. Even though the season is ended.

Turns out the team that we almost beat in the first round of the playoffs went on to win the entire playoff. Wow! It makes the way we played even sweeter.

Last night was a surprise birthday party. At Vinos on Duval. It was Stephanie Kaple’s 30th birthday. Jean Thornton  made me promise I would not mention on the blog prior to the party that the party was for Stephanie. It was to be a surprise. I was a good boy and did not.

The party was terrific! Many many people. Among them dear Jean Thornton, Frankie, Pat, Gail, and David. I have noticed that whenever Stephanie is involved in a party, large number of young ladies show up.All beautiful. She has a significant female following. In addition to her personality, it has to do with her stiletto club.

I really like Vinos. I am embarassed that I do not go there more often. The owners Clayton and Valerie are dear friends. I admire what they have accomplished with the place. It is a winner.

The primary reason I do not go is that it is a wine bar. Only serves wine and beer. I drink neither. I am strictly a gin person. I dislike sitting in a place where everyone else is drinking and I am not. Since I opt not to switch, I stay away from Vinos. A shame.

Tonight is a big evening in Key West! The Christmas boat parade!

Every year 50 to 70 boats decorate themselves up like Christmas trees and go out on the water. Big and small boats alike. All kinds of decorations. Even a Hanukkah bow. Many Santa Clauses.

I have done the parade three times. I’ve actually been out on a decorated boat each time. The entire evening takes about four hours. It gets cold out on the water. Even gin is not enough to warm a person. I have opted not to do the boat routine tonight.

If I do anything at all, it will probably be to watch the boat parade from the Hot Tin Roof. The Hot Tin Roof is on the second floor of the Ocean Key House and  has a tremendous view of the bay.
Syracuse plays basketball tonight. George Washington. I am irritated to discover that the game will not be televised. Not a big time game. The game will be shown via YouTube on the Internet. I do not enjoy watching a basketball game on my computer screen. So no Syracuse basketball for me tonight.

The topic for today involving World War II was to be buses. I am talking about ordinary buses that people take to get from one place to another. However, this blog is too long already. No World War II bus story this morning. Tomorrow! You will find the World War II bus experience most interesting!

Enjoy your day!

A new morning! A new day!

The cold front is gone. The temperature today will be in the high 70s.

Yesterday morning was busy for me. Sloan was here. We had much work to do. She is a find!

I walked Duval for awhile. Was thirsty. Stopped at Caroline’s.

I had never been to Caroline’s before. It is the outside restaurant next door to the live python. We have everything in Key West!

I happened upon good company. A fellow sitting nearby Was a retired editor/publisher. The conversation was exciting for me. He knew what he was talking about. I am a novice in the area. Working on several books at one time which I hope to publish. The gent is a seasonal visitor to Key West. He lives on his own boat in one of the marinas. A good-sized catamaran. He showed me a picture of it.

After our talk, I continued my walk along Duval. My course took me past the Bull. There inside was my good friend Yankee Jack singing. I had to stop in and say hello.

Love Yankee Jack! Everyone loves Yankee Jack! He is hard to dislike.

Yankee stopped playing and singing for a while to chat with me. He recently finished writing a book. I recall advising you about this a few days ago. The book is entitled “Was It Something I Said.”. It is for sale on the Internet.

Yankee gave me a free copy. I insisted on paying. He refused to take any money. He even autographed the book for me.

The title of his book is appropriate. Yankee’s songs are about personal experiences. One of the first songs he wrote, and a song which evidences what I just said, is “I Can’t Get Over You Till You Get Out From Under Him.”  Yankee wrote the song at a time when his first wife had left him for another man.
When I returned home, I fine tuned today’s Internet show. Don’t miss it! It really is terrific! 10 AM my time. Worldwide. http://www.konkbroadcasting.com/.
 I decided to stay in last night. I made a light supper and watched TV. Fell asleep early.

My World War II recollection for the day involves railroad stations.

Everything must be placed in perspective. There were no major commercial airlines during World War II. People did not fly to get from one city to another. Trains were the thing. The only thing, except for long distance buses.

Prior to World War II, most cities of size had constructed very large railroad stations. Utica’s was fantastic. Inside it had to be 3 stories  high of open space. From a heating perspective, a disaster. Air-conditioning was no problem. It had not been invented yet.

The entire building was marble. Italian marble. Gigantic round pillars running from floor to ceiling. Very impressive!

Military personnel came and went. They obviously used trains. The railroad station was always packed.

My most distinct recollection of the time were soldiers and sailors coming and going at the railroad station. The station was always standing room only. Families. Everyone crying. Embracing. Whether the soldiers and sailors were coming  home or were leaving.  It was a sad and happy time. The vision remains with me to this day. The emotions touched me.

Busy day today. The Internet show it 10. Then my businessman’s luncheon at Salutes at noon.. At two this afternoon, I have my first gym experience with my new trainer. And tonight, a party.

Enjoy your day!

The weather took a dramatic change overnight. It is cold! The temperature this morning is 66°. The wind is harsh. 25 mph and biting cold.

The high today will only be 71. Rather than the high 70s we have been accustomed to. I checked out the weather report. This is merely a 24-hour problem. Tomorrow will be sunny and in the high 70s once again.

I paid for Tuesday night’s sins yesterday. I felt sort of beat up. I spent the day at home. Much of it in bed.

I did spend some time completing my topic research for Friday’s Internet show. Some additional items include dumping US soldier remains in a landfill, snow cone machines to fight terrorism, China and Bill Gates, the Republican political circus, a Bernie Fine update, Erin Andrews/ESPN sports reporter sues for $10 million for videos taken of her nude in a hotel room through the keyhole, Blagojevich sentenced to 14 years, an Australian Muslim on a religious pilgrimage to Medina is arrested and sentenced to 500 lashes plus one year in jail for blasphemy, a naked bodybuilder attack, and US foreign aid to promote gay rights.

It is going to be a great program! Join me, if you can. www.konkbroadcasting.com. 10 AM my time. Worldwide.

Yesterday was December 7. Pearl Harbor. I wrote a bit about World War II and its impact upon me as a young boy yesterday. I was between six and 10 years of age at the time. I advised that for a while I was going to pick one item per day that I recalled and share the recollection with you.

Moms working. Prior to World War II, mothers generally stayed home, raised the family and took care of the house. Fathers work outside the home. With the advent of World War II, the men were needed to fight. Most went into the military service. Our fighting men needed guns, planes, tanks, etc. The only part of the population left to work in the plants making these war products were the women. During the war, mothers went to work and fathers went off to war.
My dad was not accepted by the military. He had a ruptured eardrum. He was classified 4F. Ergo, he was available to work in a defense plant home side.

My dad worked evenings making guns at Savage Arms. My mother worked days at Savage Arms inspecting the guns made. My parents’ married life became a bit strange. They used to say, and it was true, that the only time they saw each other during the week was when they passed each other in the driveway. One going to work and the other returning home from work.

Working women became known on an individual basis as Rosie the Riveter. They were proud of the title.

Harry Morgan died yesterday. Ninety six years old. God bless him. May he rest in peace.

Morgan was in many movies. Most recently however you will recall his television roles. He was Sgt. Joe Friday’s partner Bill Gannon in Dragnet. He was Col. Potter in Mash.

I have met many people over the years. It amazes me when I think back and recall how many. One was Harry Morgan. We met inadvertently and only for a couple of hours.

It was 1963 or 1964. I was in New York City on police business. My evening was free. I was wandering around. Came upon what appeared to be an attractive bar/restaurant.

There was only one person in the bar. Seated alone in the corner. It was Harry Morgan. I recognized him.

I sat a couple of seats away.

He initiated a conversation. We talked for about two hours. About this and that. I found him to be a very warm and engaging person.

This is a long pants day. I have to go to the back of the closet and find a pair of khakis.

Enjoy your day!

I just got out of bed. It is 8:30 in the morning. I was out late, got to bed late, slept late!

Ergo, the late blog this morning.

Yesterday was simple. I walked a bit. The rest of the day was spent researching and writing. I did next week’s column for Konk Life. An interesting column. It has to do with the Scottsdale Gun Club. Last year and this year  the Gun Club is sponsoring a Santa Claus. People are coming in droves to have their children sit on Santa’s lap and have pictures taken of the child, the family and Santa Claus together.

The oddball twist is that the Gun Club advertises that the pictures will be taken with the child holding a heavy duty gun and guns on display behind Santa Claus. Not too wise from my perspective. I wrote it was not a proper scenario.

Kurt telephoned me just as I was leaving last night. He is back. He has been gone for a couple of weeks. Did Thanksgiving up north with the family. It was good to hear from him again.

Kurt asked what are you doing tonight? I said I am heading to the Chart Room for about an hour. Then I’m going over the Sports Page Bar to watch Syracuse play. The basketball game did not turn Kurt on. He declined joining me.

The Chart Room was empty when I arrived. It was just JJ and me. Then one of the brightest lights in Key West appeared. Jean Thornton! Always good to see Jean. Love her. We had a drink and an interesting conversation.

I made it to the Sports Page Bar just in time for the start of the game. Syracuse was playing Marshall. Marshall is a non-entity. However, my recollection is that Marshall had only lost one game prior to last night. They were supposed to be a test for Syracuse. They were not.

Syracuse was generally 15 points ahead most of the game. There was sloppy play on the part of both teams. Syracuse realized early on they did not have to extend themselves much to beat Marshall. So there was a lot of lethargy on the court. Syracuse won by 8 points. It should have been a 30 point blowout.

Kristin was bartending. We have missed each other in my recent visits. It was good to see Kristin again.

I like Kristin. We get along well. Though our initial meeting a couple of years ago was a stormy one. I came rushing into the Sports Page Bar . Kristin was the first Sports Page employee I saw. I ran up to her and  in a demanding fashion asked what TV set was showing the Syracuse game. She looked  me sternly in the eye and said slow down buddy! We have been friends ever since.

I finally had company to watch a Syracuse game. Scott Brainerd was back in town. Scott is a Chicago attorney who owns property in Key West. He is here several months in year. He was a Syracuse undergraduate. Thereafter, he went to Northwestern for his law degree. It was nice to have Scott sitting next to me. There was constant dialogue involving the game.

I stopped at Don’s Place on the way home. I should not have. I stayed long. That is why I got to bed late. I am damaged goods this morning.

Initially, I spent  time chatting at the bar with the Bebe and Rod.

After they left, I noticed a lovely young lady sitting further down the bar. We started talking. She moved over and sat next to me. The balance of the evening turned out to be most enjoyable. Her name is Steffany.

Turns out Kurt and Steffany live together! A small world! Not the way you think, however. Kurt rents a home near me in Key Haven. He rents with two or three other people. Sometimes it is all male. Other times one of the house mates is is a female. Michelle shared the house with Kurt and some other guys for a couple of years.

Steffany is the new boarder in effect.

Steffany is well educated. She has two degrees. Her most recent occupation was as a dental hygienist of sorts. She knew all about implants! Even down to the diseased bone that had to be removed!

That was my evening. A good one. However, I cannot stay up as late as I did too often. Nor drink as much as I did. Yet….

Today is December 7. A noteworthy day in American history. The day of infamy. Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese in a sneak attack on December 7, 1941. 70 years ago.

I remember so many things about World War II. I was young. However old enough to pick up on what was going on around me. The war covered ages 6-11 for me.

Every family and every person had someone in the service. As soon as Pearl Harbor was bombed, the male population rushed to join a service. Army, Navy or Marines. My father tried. However, he had a punctured eardrum and was classified 4F. My Uncle Maurice finally got into the Army near the end of the war. He was older, married and had a child. His wife had to sign for him. She would not sign till the war was almost over. My Uncle Gee Gee spent most of the war in New Guinea. My uncle Mario walked from France into Germany with the infantry. My cousin Silvio was on the USS Missoula.

The war was everything for those five years. It consumed everyones’ lives.

I have decided to share one World War II event  with you every day from this point forward. Today’s recollection  offering was that everyone tried to join up and what happened with my family members. Tomorrow will be another tidbit. And so forth each day until I run out of recollection.

I’m supposed to play golf this morning. I am not. I am going to give it one more week.

Enjoy your day!

I spent yesterday morning outside again. Sat under the Tiki hut. The weather was magnificent. I did some research for Friday’s Internet show, The Key West Lou Legal Hour.

Let me share with you some of the things I came up with, some of the topics that will be discussed Friday.

Pervert of the week. An 81-year-old Fort Lauderdale man who went door to door advising women he was a physician. He was giving free breast exams. Finally arrested, of course.

The recent Egyptian elections. I stated on the show and in writing several months ago to beware of the Egyptian protests and revolution. My point was that we knew what we had in our Mubarak. We did not know what we would be getting with any one or group new. Egyptian elections were recently held for the first time since the revolution. The Islamic faction received the largest number of votes. They will lead to a coalition government which is being formed. Mubarak kept the Islamic faction down while he held office. He was fearful of a religious state.The Islamic faction claims they will not enforce a religious state. Good luck!

A Pakistani model posed nude in an Indian magazine. Upset the Islamists in Pakistan. The religious group claimed it was an insult to their religion and an insult to their nationality. Remember, there have been three wars between Pakistan and India in recent history up. The model has a problem.
Saudi Arabia is trying to come into the 21st century. I sometimes think they are trying to make it to the 19th century. Be that as it may, a report came out this past week from Saudi Arabia that female driving continues to be a problem for the male population. The Islamic nation prohibits females from driving. The government is trying to modernize and provide rights to the female population. However the religious faction, which is THE faction, claims that permitting women to drive will encourage premarital sex. To such a degree that the male population will not have virgin brides available to them.

A couple at a water park somewhere in Poland had sex. They removed their clothes and commenced their sexual activity on top of the water slide. They continued the sexual encounter as they rode down the slide in a small  boat. Security cameras caught it all. The couple were arrested when they reached the bottom of the slide. They were ejected from the park without their clothes. A shade of the mile high club. The scenerio was reported as the water slide high club.

Examples of what I look for when I research for the Internet show. I look for oddball things that have happened or are happening around the world and comment on them. Fridays at 10 AM, my time. Worldwide. http://www.konkbroadcasting.com/.

I did a good thing yesterday afternoon. I went to the gym. Did not work out. I wanted to make arrangements for a trainer.

I went to the Old Town Fitness Center on Truman. The same gym where I was boxing and doing the treadmill last year. I spoke with Courtney Aman. The workout guru. He is going to train me Tuesday and Friday afternoons at 2 PM. He says all I need is two times a week. We shall see.

Dinner was at Hogfish. Alone. I do not  mind being alone on some occasions. Especially at Hogfish. It is peaceful. I sit for a couple of hours, have a drink or two, a fish sandwich and read the local papers.

Tonight is Syracuse basketball! Syracuse is playing Marshall. Normally, I would expect this to be an easy  warm up preseason game for Syracuse. However, Marshall has a good team this year. The sports broadcasters suggest it is going to be a test for Syracuse.

I will definitely be at the Sports Page Bar at seven to watch the game. I plan on heading to the Chart Room about an hour before to prepare myself in mind and body for the game.
I misspelled the email address for Papa Flamethrower’s blog yesterday. Sorry. The correct address is http://www.papaflamethrower.wordpress.com/.
Enjoy your day!

I am sitting outside this morning as I write the blog. It is about eight o’clock. Today is a mixed bag. Sky cloudy and blue. There is a minimal breeze. The water is moving along slowly. The temperature comfortable.

The cold front left Key West yesterday. It was warm again. Even last night. I was able to sleep with the windows open.

Yesterday was Sunday morning. I was up bright and early working. Sloan arrived at nine. We worked a couple of hours together.

In the afternoon, it was Don’s Place. Pro football time. Chatted with Don and David. Bocce. What else?

The three of us were still on a high from Saturday’s playoffs.

Cheryl and Roger were at Don’s Place. Snowbirds from Kankakee, Illinois. Good friends with all and to all. They both were at the playoffs Saturday afternoon. They sat in the boiling sun to watch us play. Good people.

Dinner was at Lisa’s last night. I enjoy Sunday dinner with Lisa and the family. Lisa has improved as a cook with time. Worthy of the title of Chef. I told her such. She beamed with pride.

Lisa told me her Internet department store Via Key West is doing a big business this Christmas time. Her best season ever! You may wish to check her department store site to see if there any Key West type Christmas gifts you might want to purchase. http://www.viakeywest.com/.

It is a small world! There was an article on the front page of the Key West Citizen yesterday about Jack Scorby. He was stationed in Key West many years ago as a Naval lieutenant and aviator. He returned this week as a Rear Admiral in charge of the Navy South East Region which includes Key West and runs from Texas to Guantanamo.

What makes it an even smaller world, is that Scorby’s home town is Manlius, New York. Manlius is just outside Syracuse. About 35 miles from Utica. I know the area well.

I have to say that I have saved the best to last.

A fellow by the name of Flamethrower commented on yesterday’s blog. It was a nice comment. Congratulatory regarding our bocce ssuccess.

I googled Flamethrower. Turns out he is known as Papa Flamethrower. He and his wife are apparently Key West fans. My sense is they live in the St. Louis area. Flamethrower and his wife were in the process of working on a 1000 piece puzzle which was a giant Key West cartoon.

Flamethrower also writes a blog! A daily one as I do. I found the  blog interesting and plan to read it from now on. I recommend it to you. http://www.flamethrower.wordpress.com/.

Flamethrower commented in his blog on my blog and our team’s bocce success. He suggested that his followers read my blog also.

A new friend has been made! I hope Flamethrower lets me know when next he will be visiting Key West. I want to meet he and his wife.

Enjoy your day!

The drums roared. The band played. The sun shone. God looked down favorably upon us.

We did good in the bocce playoffs yesterday!

We won one of three games. Lost two. That means we were eliminated from the playoffs. However, each game was competitive. We could have won all three.

Let me put everything in perspective.

Three years ago, we were last in the Thursday night league. Last year we were fourth. We made the playoffs. We went into the playoffs and lost the first two games. We did not score even one point in either game. 16-0 was the score of each game.

This year we finished third in our league. We won the first game in the playoffs. We lost the last two by a close margin. We were competitive. The team we played last night was # 2 in the Monday night league. They  lost only two games all year.

What does this prove? That we can play. Finally! We can play anyone! Whether in the Thursday night league or the playoffs.

Next year we will be back and do better!

We were excited and on a high after the match. Especially our Captain, David. He puts his heart and soul  into his responsibilities with the team. I was especially glad for him that we did well.

As for the Christmas parade, I never made it. Bocce finished too late for me. By the time I would have driven  home, changed my clothes and returned, found a parking spot, etc., the parade would have almost been over. The parade was not to be for me last night.

Have a terrific Sunday!

Good morning world!

It is Santa Claus time of the year. Sherrel Hinde Kirkland wrote a letter to Santa Claus which she shared with everyone on her Facebook site this morning. Sherrel is formerly from Key West. She now lives in Tavares.

Sherrell wrote in part :” Friends are the fruitcake of life — some nutty, some soaked in alcohol, some sweet, but mix them together and they’re my friends.”

Sherrel’s letter has the makings of a traditional Christmas epistle. You can find the letter on Facebook.
Terrific Internet show yesterday! It’s easy. The world is full of crazy people. I merely comment on what they do and say.

Post show reaction strongly indicated that my dissertation on pedophilia garnered the most interest. It was a bit different from that which is running in the media in general. The thrust of my comments were that we should not make these University investigations turn in to a Salem witch hunt.

Think about it.

I wanted to take Cat Lady out last night. Syracuse was playing Florida. My thought was the Sports Page Bar to watch the game.
Cat Lady was not so inclined. She declined. She pleasantly advised she would rather do Christmas things than spend time in a sports bar watching basketball.

I was dumfounded…..and crushed. Not want to watch a Syracuse basketball game!
In the end, I stayed home and watched the game from my bed. Good basketball! Syracuse won by four points. Both teams were top 10.

Big day today! Bocce playoffs begin. Three this afternoon. We play the # 2 team from the Monday night league.

Exciting!

This is a huge deal! There will be bright tents to keep the sun off the players. Food and drink. A crowd watching. A very festive occasion.

Then tonight there is the Christmas parade. I am not sure I will be able to make the parade. This disappoints me. Bocci will probably take to six o’clock. The parade is at 7. There are logistical problems such as parking. Also the need for a shower before the parade. I suspect I will not be viewing the Christmas parade this year.  Disappoints me. I love watching Robert and Allie get excited. There he is! Santa Claus!

Enjoy your day!

Big night last night!

Santa Claus and bocce!

Both equally important.

Let’s start with bocce. I am still excited. It is several hours since the last game and the sensation of victory has not left me.

I got to bocce late because of the children’s Christmas party at the Yacht Clubl. The team was already playing its second game. We had won the first game. We ultimately lost the second.

The third game took on an aura of extreme importance. Not for the victory alone, but also because making the play offs depended on it.. The team we were playing and our team were basically in the same position. Whoever won two out of three games last night, would be in the play offs. For the other team, it was good bye. The end of the season.
The final game was fantastic! We were getting killed! We were down 13-6. We won 16-13. Wild!

The play offs are Saturday. We play the # 2 team from the Monday night league at three in the afternoon.
As a result of last night’s victories, we ended up solidly alone in third place in the  Thursday night league. Not bad for a team that two seasons ago finished the season in last place.

Santa Claus was terrific! As usual! Robert and Allie were excited and delighted! Everyone dressed. Adults as well as children. The start of Christmas time.

My good friend Howard Livingston  was there with his wife Cindy and their family. Howard and I have been friends since before he became the public Howard Livingston. We go back many years. I had not seen him in some time. We enjoyed each other’s company for quite a while last night.
A humble man, Howard is deserving of the success he is experiencing.
Lunch yesterday was at Harpoon Harry’s. I grabbed the newspapers and sat alone at the end of the counter. Enjoyed a Reuben. I know, not healthy. But it was good! Spent a couple of hours reading.

Afterwards, took a walk along the pier and boardwalk.

I continue to be impressed by the number of people in Key West. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is generally a dead spot for tourism. This year it is not.

Last night at the Yacht Club, I spoke with the owner a prominent Key West restaurant. She told me this was the best year they have had since 2007. 2007 was their best year previously. Things appear to be on the upswing. An indication the economy is improving. Except other than this tourism upswing, I do not see it. Nor do many other people.

This morning my Internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. 10 am Key West time. www.konkbroadcasting.com.

Join me! Great show!

Topics range from pedophilia to the Catholic Church, to Newt Gingrich, to lottery winners, to foods to beware of, to China and universal health care, to Key West and bicycle statistics, to Occupy Wall Street, to drug ingestion and bowel movements.

I cover it all!

Tonight, Syracuse basketball! Still love Syracuse! I bleed orange for what is happening.

Putting that all aside, # 3 Syracuse plays # 9 Florida. It will be a real test for both teams. I will probably watch the game at the Sports Page Bar.

Enjoy your day!