A BUSY SATURDAY

 

Happy Sunday!

Saturday was busy. Very busy.

I started with my purchase of a new cell phone and I Pad. Went Android and Verizon. Thank you all for your advice.

Then it was Larry Harvey’s memorial service at St. Paul’s. A respectful crowd for a much loved man. The minister eulogized him. There was a celebration of his life later at the Hemingway House where his friends spoke about him. I was not able to make the Hemingway event.

I was out shopping for my trip. Odd ball things. Underwear, socks and the like. I leave for Italy next Saturday. Speaking of Italy, it is providential that I am going next week instead of being there this week. I fly into Milan. Northern italy. The area had a major earthquake last night. 6.0. Much damage. Old churches and buildings brought down. Four killed.

I have experienced several earthquakes in my lifetime. Two while I was away from home. One in Acapulco. The other in San Diego. Both scared me. They were on the severe side. In Acapulco, the street opened wide and deep and a car fell in.

I had an art sale to attend. A mandatory appearance. Ally was selling her art!

I have created a monster. When Ally was sick this past week, I suggested she color and paint. She did a bit. To keep her entertained, I suggested she sell her art work. I explained the process to her. Told her she was becoming an entrepeneur. It cost me a dollar that day for one painting. Ally appeared to enjoy having earned the dollar.

Ally had an art sale scheduled for yesterday. I was invited. I was the only one. When I arrived, I discovered Robert had joined the game. Both had arranged their art work in a very orderly fashion.

Ally immediately announced that her lowest price was $2 and some were higher. Whoa, I said. No way. You do not have an established reputation yet. All $1 each or I will not play. She agreed. Robert said nothing. He was along for the ride.

Cost me $4. I ended up buying four pieces. Two by each. They were excited and pleased. I told them we cannot have these art shows often. Too expensive for me and not a good habit for them. The whole scenario is an educational thing. I do not want them to think money is easy to make.

Ally is really into this. I promised to take her to an art gallery and show her how the pros show and sell their paintings.

I stopped art the Plantation Coffee House for a bagel and cup of coffee. The lovely Diane working. A restful place.

Instead of the bagel, I opted for the quiche. Outstanding! Diane is one of the owners and makes the quiche herself.

A different evening last night. I decided to hit several of the Duval Street bars. After the Chart Room, of course.

Sheila and JJ at the Chart Room. Interesting conversation.

I walked over to Sloppy Joe’s. A long time since I had been there. Too many people and too much noise. I stayed a while and had a drink.

Then to the Smokin’ Tuna. Fewer people. Better music.

Hunger was upon me. It was to Kelley’s for wings. Always good! The best in Key West. Perhaps the best any where.

One last stop was on the agenda. Don’s Place. No Don. However there was Kurt, Phuff, Lori, Boomer and Todd. I stayed quite a while. Had a few drinks. Enjoyed my time there.

As I was driving out, I heard Lou! and saw a moped climbing up my back. It was Don. He wanted to say hello.

A busy day ahead of me. I still have a ton of things to do to prepare for my trip. I will be away seven weeks. Italy and Greece. I cannot wait!

Enjoy your Sunday!

LUNCHED WITH A MOVIE STAR

 

Saturday morning!

Rain! It has been raining for a week. Only a few breaks for sun. We needed the rain. Enough is enough, however.

Terrific Key West Lou Legal Hour show yesterday morning. Post show comment indicated the story of courage told was the most popular. It concerned Claire Lomas who recently ran the London Marathon. All 26.2 miles of it. Took her 16 days. She is a paraplegic. Ran the race with the aid of robotic legs.

After the show, shopped Duval and Sears for sandals. Found none I liked. I will be looking again today.

I had a date for lunch. Granddaughter Ally! I was babysitting all afternoon. Lisa was busy with meetings.

Ally decided we should have lunch at Hogfish. Fun. Then we went to my home. She swam most of the afternoon. She is obviously feeling better.

Ally wanted to drive with the top down. I did on the way to Hogfish. There Ally was seated in back on her child’s seat with huge sunglasses on and her hair blowing in the wind. A movie star!

I stopped at the Town N’ Country last night for a bite. Congenial Robert bartending. I enjoyed salmon and fried calamari.

Seated nearby at the bar was a couple. The man said hello. Turns out we had met last year. I enjoyed their company. Especially his. He is a fireman who is also actively engaged in many civic community activities. It was a great conversation regarding the various problems confronting Key West. He was extremely knowledgeable.

Services for Larry Harvey today. A most beloved Key West resident! Larry passed away earlier this week at 92. His mass will be at St. Paul’s on Duval. There will be a celebration of his life later at the Hemingway House. Larry worked at the Hemingway House for thirty years. His spirit will be felt at both events.

I have yet make  my cell phone and tablet decision. Thank you for the many suggestions and recommendations. Apple or Google? I have to make up my mind this morning. I have a 10 o’clock appointment to buy.

Came across an interesting news release on Yahoo this morning. There is a 33 year old man in Knoxville, Tennessee who has fathered 14 children. He recently applied to the court to reduce his child support payments. He claims he cannot afford what he is paying as he only earns minimum wage.

The man lacks any sense of responsibility. The government should pay for his birth control. It would be cheaper than helping to support the 14 children.

It is not against the law to father children. Even outside of wedlock. How does society get this guy to stop? I can think of a solution, but society would consider it barbaric.

What bothers me most is not that society will support these children. Rather it is that they will grow up without a responsible father figure. Or any type father figure in all likelyhood.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHOPPING AT SEARS / DINING AT BIG TEN SPORTS BAR

 

Ten this morning! The Key West Lou Legal Hour!

Broadcast world wide on the internet. www.konkbroadcasting.com.

Join me. Fast moving and interesting.

My trip to Italy and Greece is just around the corner. About ten days away. I picked up some things for the trip. Like new shorts and bathing suits. Shopped at Key West’s store of choice for men. For women, also. Sears! There is nothing else of consequence in Key West.

Ally was still sick. I was scheduled to babysit in the afternoon. Lisa telephoned and said Ally wanted bagels. So I stopped at Publix and picked up six.

Ally looked a lot better. She had returned to the world of the living. It is amazing how young children look so beat up when they are ill. Ally was talking and coloring. The anti biotics were working.

Ate at John Lucas’ Big Ten Sports Bar. Watched Miami/Indiana. Miami obviously misses Bosh. Miami better get its game together. Or they are going to lose. They are already down 2-1. Miami was beaten by roughly 20 points last night. The difference in the score was not in any one’s contemplation.

John stopped by. Several times actually. It was his night off, but he came in any how. I like John. A good person. We have become friends.

Valerie and Clayton were at the bar talking with John as I was leaving. John gave me a hug, Valerie a kiss, and Clayton a hug. A big night for me!

Valerie and Clayton own Vino’s on Duval. A good place to stop. Enjoy a glass of wine, some good company, and watch the world go by.

I have to move this morning. Need to be at the studio one hour before the show to review my notes.

Enjoy your day!

FELL AGAIN / GREEK PEDOPHILES PENSIONED

 

My day yesterday started with an early morning dentist visit. I followed the dentist up with Blossoms. Enjoyed Cuban cheese toast with tomato and Cuban coffee. Both to die for!

Then I headed over to Lisa’s. Ally still sick. I wanted to visit with her.

I did it again! I fell! Going up the one step to Lisa’s home. Stubbed my toe. Fell flat forward on hard tile. My chin, both knees and right elbow took the brunt of the fall. Right knee a bloody mess.

Lisa ran out. Would not let me get up. Little did she know,  I could not. Finally, I made it. Straight to the easy chair and ottoman in her living room. There we were. Ally and me. Ally on the couch. Poppa in the chair next to her. For five hours!

Lisa cleaned and bandaged my right knee. I hurt all day and all night. Feel better this morning. Surprisingly, no bruises. I ache all over this morning, but no where as bad as yesterday.

Ally finally got to the doctor late in the afternoon. She has some sort of infection. She is being treated with an anti biotic. Hopefully she will be on the mend today.

I do not know why I fall. This is the fourth time in two months. Each time it occurs, it is because I stub my toe or miss a stair. I fear an aging infirmity is upon me.

Last night I spent in bed. With the computer on my lap. I published to Amazon Kindle an article I wrote about a couple of months ago for KONK Life. Titled: Greece and Pedophilia. The thrust of the column involved Greece developing a new code. It was expected to become law soon. In the code, pedophilia is one of the listed disabilities entitling a person to a government pension.

It is a crazy world! These things cannot be made up!

My concern was and is twofold. First, something is wrong wherein a government rewards a heinous crime such as pedophilia. Second, Greece is broke. On the verge of total economic collapse. Greece cannot afford this type pension. And along these lines, such is an example of why Greece is going down the tubes. Government pensions to pedophiles!

I was comparing Apple and Google yesterday. I am in the market for a new cell phone and I Pad. I was talking about some v thing. I could not recall the word. I am losing it. It was not a v thing. It was android.

Bocce tonight. I do not know if I am going to make it. My right knee is bandaged and does not bend well.

Enjoy your day!

NEW CELL PHONE AND I PAD SEARCH / 5 GUYS

Education time yesterday.

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

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

I would appreciate any suggestions. All greek to me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The place was packed. A winner.

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your day!

LAURIE FINE PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW

 

I stayed up late last night. Ergo, slept late this morning. That is why the blog is being posted so late. Sorry.

It has been announced…..Bernie Fine’s wife Laurie is holding a press conference tomorrow morning. Part of the ongoing Syracuse University  pedophile scandal.  It has been reported she will be addressing the “…false accusations and scandalous lies” spread by certain persons.

I cannot believe her press conference will add anything of substance to the matter.

Walked Key Haven yesterday morning. Up and down the streets. A picturesque walk. Some lovely homes.

Babysat later in the afternoon. Ally is now sick with what her brother had. She seems to be recovering faster than Robert did.

I began at the Chart Room last night. Mary bartending. Chatted with Jean and Frankie.

Then across the street to the Hot Tin Roof. Very, very few people. A monday night. In addition, this is a quiet time for tourists. About three weeks from now the streets and restaurants will be jammed again. School will be out. Families will be driving to Key West for their vacations. Prices for everything are generally cheaper. Merchants recognize it is a slow time. They attract families with their cheaper than ever prices. Motels/hotels can be as much as fifty percent cheaper. Dinners in many restaurants half price. You can’t beat it!

Big day to day. Robert’s birthday! He is 8 years old. I remember when he was born. We were fearful he would not live eight days. Robert was born with cancer of the liver. He had two major surgeries the first eight days of his life. Thank God he is A-OK since.

We are eating dinner at Lisa’s tonight. Lisa baking a cake. Robert’s choice as to take out. He picked Wendy’s. I do not know why. We rarely go to Wendy’s. Robert is having a cheeseburger. I am having two.

Happy birthday my beloved grandson!

Enjoy your day!

J P MORGAN CHASE, TURTLES AND THE AIRPORT

 

It was Sunday. It was Mothers Day. I said hello to my Mom up above. Told her to take care of Dad.

Then I settled in to watch Meet The Press.

This J P Morgan Chase thing is an abomination! Losing $2 billion. This morning’s news says it may reach $3 billion.

The guest was Jamie Dimon. CEO of J P Morgan Chase. What a cavalier attitude! A few mistakes had been made, he said.

This morning’s news also reports that three heads will roll this week. All top people. All earning multimillion dollars a year. One is a woman by the name of Drew. She reportedly is earning $15 million a year. None of them worth their money if they lose $2 billion.

No word yet as to whether Jamie Dimon is on his way out. He should be. He was captain of the ship when everything occurred.

No one has faith in banks any more. And properly so. First they screwed Main street. Now they are screwing Wall Street, themselves.

Later in the morning, I had an airport run. A neighbor flying out who needed a ride. This task/help is a big thing in Key West. I am always happy to do it when asked.

The airport has changed. Key West is changing. Instead of a half dozen cabs, there are close to a dozen and a half. Instead of small planes, most are jets. They arrive three at a time. The arriving area is bursting with people waiting for their bags.

I was up and out. Might as well go to breakfast.  I ended up at Harpoon Harry’s. Eggs benedict crab meat and the Sunday papers.

Mothers Day dinner was at Lisa’s. Last year we went to the Yacht Club. This year we celebrated at home. Ally was sick. It was a pleasant family dinner, except for poor Ally. She looked terrible. Face flushed, eyes half closed, quiet, eating nothing.

It is turtle birthing time again. Smathers Beach has many places where the eggs have been buried. The hatching process takes 55 days. Once hatched, there are no mothers to take care of the little ones. The mothers are long gone. The baby turtles head for the ocean. They are directed to the water by the moon light. Such is their instinct.

A few years ago, the turtles became confused. They saw the street lights. The lights are located on the opposite side of the beach. The turtles assumed the street lights were the moon. They headed for them and the street. Obviously, many were run over.

Since then, all street lights along Smathers Beach are not turned on for a three month period so the baby turtles will not be confused.

We take care of our own in Key West.

Enjoy your day!

 

MOTHER’S DAY

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

My mother died almost 25 years ago. My father this past week. I guess that makes me an orphan of sorts.

Many thoughts have run through my mind this past week. Like I am now the patriarch of the family. A position I  would gladly have forsaken if it meant keeping Dad alive. A position that means I am probably the next one to go.

Strange how children think of their parents after they are gone. Mom is gone a long time and she is still in my thoughts every day. Yes, every day. She is in my mind now more than when she was alive.

I know it will be the same with my father.

I apologize for the morbidity in my recent blogs. I am sure you understand. Life goes on, however. Commencing tomorrow my blogs will be as they were.

My Mother’s Day will be with Lisa. A good mother!

By the way, Robert finally got better after being sick for six days. Ally came down with whatever he had yesterday. That is the way it goes.

Enjoy Mother’s Day!

FAST BUCK FREDDIE’S CLOSING

 

The pending demise of Fast Buck Freddie’s was announced yesterday. Shortly, the most magnificent tiny department store will be no more.

Fast Buck’s owner Tony Falcone made the announcement to staff and the world yesterday.

He is closing for economic reasons. He claims the cruise business hurt. Cruise ship people generally did not buy in his store. Falcone says the cruise boat people also kept the locals from coming downtown. Another reason for the closing he claimed was internet purchasing. Customers would come in to the store, see an item they liked, copy the numbers down, and then buy over the internet.

I like Tony Falcone. He has been a mainstay in Key West for many years. I do not however agree with his reasons. From my perspective, Fast Buck Freddie’s is going down because it was a bit too pricey. People either do not have money or are not spending it in this down economy. Fast Buck’s had to sell a cheaper item or lower its prices to stay in business. It did neither.

Whatever the reason, there will be a huge gap in the middle of Duval Street where Fast Buck Freddie’s has sat these many years. A sad reflection  of the times.

Follies opened in Los Angeles last night! Terri White was a hit as usual.

Los Angeles critic Paul Hodgins wrote that “…Terri White tears up the stage as a larger-than-life Stella in Who’s That Woman.”

Go Terri!

This morning my Internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. Ten o’clock in the morning my time. Join me for what I promise will be a most interesting show.

Enjoy your day!