CROCODILES

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The Keynoter reported this morning a crocodile was discovered in a canal behind a Marathon home. Georgiana Hosek’s home. Georgiana was attempting to launch her kayak off a ramp into the canal. Surprise! The crocodile! The kayak will remain unused till the croc moves on or is removed.

Crocodiles are rare in the Florida keys. Wildlife experts belief that the crocodile might have layed eggs near the ramp. They are investigating the situation.

The crocodile is 6 feet 7 inches long.

I did a little research into crocodiles after reading the Keynoter article. Came across Nile crocodiles.

Nile crocodiles have healthy appetites. For humans! Very dangerous to our species. Florida never worried about  Nile crocodiles till the past year. The reason simple. The Nile crocodile was native to Africa. Florida is not a Nile crocodile habitat.

Recently three Nile crocodiles have been observed in Florida.

For once the government acted properly and immediately. The Nile croc is an endangered species. As such cannot be killed. The federal government decided better the Nile crocodiles die rather than humans. In August of last year, the federal authorities issued a shoot to kill order. Highly unusual. Evidences the concern the government has regarding this predator.

I suspect Florida and the federal government are worried that the Nile crocodile will become a problem similar to the python one.

I did my blog talk radio show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. An informative half hour.

Yesterday in and of itself was an interesting day. It was reported there will be a Senate vote thursday on some phase of the gun bill. Then there was the Texas community college stabbings.

I additionally had time to chat a bit about the drug company game which screws purchasers and a recent example of why we do not want Sharia law in the United States.

The half hour went by fast.

Today is April 10. My father would have been 99 today. He died last year at 98. Happy birthday Dad, where ever you are!

Which brings up my grandfather. My dad’s father. Grandfather Louis died at the age of 94. May I be so lucky!

I wrote about Annette Funicello yesterday. A former Mouseketeer and 1960s movie star. She was originally from my home town Utica. Several people have contacted me since the blog was published yesterday to tell me my grandfather and Annette’s were best friends/pals. I never knew. They arrived in Utica from the old country at the same time.

Key West weather continues to be summer like. I can feel the humidity as I write this blog. It feels good. Not too heavy yet.

Enjoy your day!

THE EGGS AND I

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I did not get home till one this morning. I was at Don’s Place watching the Louisville/Michigan game. I was hungry. Opened the refrigerator door to see what I could pick on.

A dozen eggs fell on the floor! I had them sitting in the carton on a shelf in the door. Opened the door too fast and they went flying.

What a mess! Eleven broke. One survived. The floor for a 10 foot radius had yolk and egg white splattered all over. The carton had a couple of broken eggs in it. When I went to move the carton to the sink, it dripped all over the cupboard. Another mess.

What did I learn?

Take the eggs out of the carton when you get home from the market. Place each egg in those little round egg holders in the door.

Egg whites are sloppier than yolks. Much. Most of the yolks remained intact. It was the slimy clear stuff that got all over.

Egg whites do not easily clean off the floor. It took several attempts with paper towels before the job was properly done.

Bottom line…..I should not have been eating at one in the morning!

The game was fantastic! One of the best I have seen! Both teams are to be congratulated.

I watched the match at Don’s Place. With Don, David and Angus. I do not know how, but Don and David ended up with Louisville and Michigan in the pool. Don, Michigan. David, Louisville. David had to spot Don the 4 point line. $800 at stake. The two guys were very much into the game. David was thrilled to be the winner. Louisville came out on top by 6 points.

Angus is a die hard Michigan fan. Like I am with Syracuse. He was very unhappy at the end of the game. Got up immediately and walked out of the bar.

A little known story about Pitino and Boeheim. They are best buddies. Have stood up for each other at marrying time. Godfathers to each others children. Pitino spent his first two years coaching as an assistant to Boeheim at Syracuse.

Gas has been hovering at $4.05 a gallon for a couple of weeks. Last night, $3.95. The first time in a long time it has been under $4 in Key West.

Today is tuesday. Tuesday is blog talk radio time. Join me this evening at 9 on your computer. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Subjects that may be discussed include the banks again, how the pharmacy houses are screwing the American public, the beauty of Sharia law, the Final Four, and whatever turns you on. Your topic does not have to be one I have under consideration.

David surprised me last night. David ia a working man. He is unable to watch my tv/internet show friday mornings. He could not wait to tell me he caught the show sunday afternoon. He was flipping the dial and came upon me pontificating.

The Key West Lou Legal Hour is being rerun saturdays at 4:30, sundays at 3, and wednesdays at 6. If you cannot watch friday morning, perhaps you might watch one of those times.

Annette Funicello. Her passing away is a sad moment. For many of us. She was part of our lives back when.

Annette was a Mouseketeer in the 1950s. I was in college four of those years. Every week day at 5, my dorm floor would gather in the wreck room. To watch the Mickey Mouse Club on TV. We all sang in unison…..M I C K E Y  M O U S E! Mickey Mouse!

Annette was there with the other mouseketeers. For whatever reason, she stood out from the rest. We all knew her back then. And into the 1960s when she starred in beach movies.

There is a connection with Annette. She was born in my home town of Utica, NY. Most stories about her always add on…..of Italian parents. Why, I do not know. Funicello is as Italian as you can get. Annette’s name was never changed. It might be because anti-Italian prejudice still existed in those days big time.

I never met Annette. Did not know her personally. She left Utica for Los Angeles with her family when she was 4.

Enjoy your day!

MTV HOUSE A BEAUTY

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A glorious Key West morning!

I decided to walk early this morning.  I walked the neighborhood. My neighborhood. Key Haven.

I can see any time of the day the MTV house across the water from me. Beautiful! My neighbor Andrew recently had it painted. A bright yellow with purple and green pastel trim. A beauty! Especially in the morning when the rising sun shines upon it.

Andrew is rarely in Key West to enjoy it. He has a live on the property caretaker who watches things. Andrew spends most of his time in Sweden, with occasional side trips to Thailand and Key West.

Andrew’s youngest son is 2 year old Kai. He refers to me as Kai’s grandfather. Sometimes godfather. Andrew is Italian.

It has suddenly become summer in Key West. Low 80s by day. Humidity now during the day. In a couple of weeks, the evening also. Air conditioning will be required.

I noticed the last two days that the heat has become so heavy you can see it sitting on the roadways in the distance.

Sequestration is being felt in Key West. Surprisingly, early.

Recall the Key West revolution against the U.S. back in 1982. As a result, the Conch Republic was born. Passports and all. Each year the Great Sea Battle is replayed to remind all of that memorable day. The Coast Guard has a cutter participate. The Navy a couple of jet planes. The Conch Republic 2-3 pirate ships and a World War I bi-plane. Interaction occurs.

The Coast Guard cutter sprays sea water on the pirate ships with hoses. The pirate ships return fire in the same fashion and also throw cabbages, tomatoes and eggs at the Coast Guard.  The bi-plane skirmishes with the jets. The bi-plane also bombs the Coast Guard cutter with rolls of toilet paper.

Not this year.

It was announced that due to sequestration, the Coast Guard cutter Sawfish would not be participating. The event is scheduled for April 26. The reason given was budget cuts because of sequestration.

The Conch Republic has not heard from the Navy yet. I hope they do not withhold the jets.

Dion’s is a famous small chain of gas stations and attached grocery marts in Florida. I believe 12. Two are located here. One on Truman Ave. in Key West and the other on Stock Island.

Dion’s is best known for its fried chicken. A weekly staple in many diets. Absolutely delicious! Deep fried in oil, tender, and smells good! Great for the cholesterol.

Dion’s founder died recently. He was 91. He started Dion’s back in 1948. Called it Dion’s Oil Company. Dion will be forever known as the creator of Dion’s fried chicken! The popularity of his chicken will never diminish.

The morning news advises England’s former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died. The first woman Prime Minister of Great Britain. Hers was a distinguished career in the 1980s. She and President Reagan were best pals. Thatcher is being compared this morning to Winston Churchill. I am not sure. Good, but perhaps not that good.

May she rest in peace.

Spent a lot of time at Lisa’s yesterday. It was Jake time. Before I arrived, the family had taken Jake to the beach for the first time. Fort Zach beach.

He was good. I am surprised. Did not get excited or chase after any one. No barking.

Jake went in the water. Corey said Jake was able to swim. Jake however did not appear to enjoy the water and beach that much. He will have to. Lisa’s family is a beach family. Every week. One of the benefits of living in Key West.

Jake and I were playing. I suddenly lunged at him. Never again. He was up and barking at me big time. It took a while to calm him down.

Mad Men returned last night. Two hours. I really enjoy the show. Probably because the show is set in the 1960s. I was a young lawyer back then. The clothes, both male and female, the hair of both, words used, the smoking and drinking, were all very familiar. That’s the way it was!

Tomorrow is tuesday. Tuesday is Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My blog talk radio show. Nine in the evening. Join me for a quick half hour chat concerning current world problems. Topics tomorrow night will include banks again and how they have title to our money once it is deposited, how brand name and generic drug companies work together to screw the American public, and a bit about the Egyptian Muslims attacking Christians. A little Final Four talk, also. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

 

REQUIEM AETEMAM DONA EIS, DOMINE

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Requiem aetemam dona eis, Domine. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

Syracuse.

It is all over. Syracuse lost to Michigan last night in the Final Four 61-56. It was Michigan all the way. Syracuse was down 11-12 points at one time. Came back. Could not win. The last two minutes were bad for Syracuse.

Syracuse’s fabled defense was good. The offense not so good. Especially where 3 pointers were involved. Michigan made 8 to Syracuse’s 3.

Overall, Syracuse went far. This has been a season of ups and downs. The team crested well at the end. Made it to the Final Four. A never give up team all the way. Coached well once again by Jim Boeheim. Congrats to team and coach.

Michigan fans were less than pleasant. A bunch of arrogant asses from my perspective. There were many Michigan fans at the Sports Pub. Few Syracuse fans. I had to move around because of the crowd. Sat near two different groups. The Michigan fans were out for blood. They were in your face with their lack of friendliness during and when the game was over. Not nice at all. I attribute their attitude to the fact that Michigan has not gone this far in the Big Tournament in 20 years. They did not know how a winner behaves.

I am glad the Syracuse basketball season is over. It was not good for my heart!

Louisville looked good in the second half of their game. Their full court press hurt Wichita State. Wichita played poorly the last five minutes. Stupid turnovers. I attribute Wichita’s poor playing at the end to a lack of experience, also. They had not been that far in the Big Tournament since the 1960s. There is something to be said for having been there. The next time a team generally is smarter and does not make the mistakes that cost them an earlier game.

Friday’s USA Today had a listing of the top ten donut places in America. Key West was #1. The place is called Glazed Donuts of Key West. I have never heard of it. The shop is purported to be located at 420 Eaton street. I cannot see it mentally. I intend to search it out.

Key West is handicapped for 2-3 years with big time boulevard construction. It takes me 15 minutes longer to get into town and 20 minutes longer to get home. A mess! Now a year old. We have learned to live with it and make do.

Key West City fathers do not always make the right moves. I sometimes think they have their heads up their asses. An example is Duck Ave. Duck Ave. is a collateral route when traveling Flagler. Flagler is generally the way out of town. Some have discovered Duck Ave. It goes the same direction as Flagler, runs parallel to Flagler. Some of us use Duck Ave. to avoid for a part of the way the heavy Flagler traffic.

It was announced front page in the Key West Citizen that a major renovation was soon to to be done to Duck Ave. Terrific! The city fathers must think this is the right time. Get it done before the boulevard construction is completed!

Enjoy your day!

A WET DAY IN KEY WEST

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When it rains in Key West, it rains! Yesterday was that kind of day. A blustery rainy day all day.

Key West is at sea level. Which means not much room under the island for pipes. There are two systems. One for sewage and one for drainage. The sewer system always works. The drainage water run off pipes are another story.

The sewers cannot handle a heavy rain. Certainly not one that lasts all day. The streets flood. Deep enough for a canoe or row boat in some places. Perfect for swimming in others. I have actually seen people swim at the Eaton and White Street intersection when flooded.

The flooding screws up traffic. Front Street adjoining the Pier House is impossible to drive through. The Boulevard is under a 2-3 year construction. Only two lanes open. Both going the same way. Into town. Yesterday only one lane. The driving lane was impossible to drive through.

The rain and flooded streets did nothing to dampen spirits. Never do. Tourists move into the bars in mass. Everyone still has a good time.

The Key West Lou Legal Hour was at 10 yesterday morning. Viewed on TV and the internet. Love doing the show!

People I heard from after the show seem to have especially enjoyed two topics. One having to do with title to money passing to the bank once it is deposited. The other concerning the rip off being perpetrated on the public by the pharmaceutical industry.

I spent a bit of time after the show working with Jenna and Krystal. Spoke with owner Rich. He likes the show. People are talking about it. My friday show is being recorded and will be shown three additional times during the week. Saturday at 4:30, sunday at 3 and wednesday 6 in the evening.

Spent some time in the afternoon writing next week’s column for KONK Life. My deadline is 5 friday afternoon. The article is entitled Screwed Again. The story of brand name and generic drug companies working together to the economic detriment of the purchasing public.

Saw the heart doctor late in the afternoon. I keep laughing. My internest told me after my annual physical concluded monday that I was in the best shape since she started caring for me 6 years ago.  I mentioned it in tuesday’s blog which I did in the morning. I also said I hoped I was not jinxing myself by sharing the information.

That evening my ankles were swollen big time with fluid. First time in a very long time. Took me two days to get them down. Concerned me. Ergo, the visit to the heart doctor.

I took my blood and urine results from my annual physical with me. He was impressed! Cut back on two of my heart medications. However, he did not know why the swelling occurred. He has scheduled me for a battery of tests.

Next time I will keep my mouth shut!

My ankles were down and I felt good so I went out last night.

Started at Don’s Place. Spent some time with Hershel and Don. Our bocce team lost 2 out of 3 thursday night. I missed the game. I stayed home because I did not feel right.

Then to the Chart Room. The tourists were in out of the rain. So also were Sheila, Peter, Sean, and Katherine. Jean Thornton came in. She is back. Chatted with them all off and on. Lest I forget, the ever charming Emily was bartending.

I heard some sad news while at the Chart Room. The kids’ toy store on the second floor of the white custom house building is closing down. Sad! A great store for children’s toys. Reasonably priced and  quality.

It was raining. I did not want to walk far. Went to the Wine Galley and ate at the bar. Larry was playing. As usual. He introduced me to his brother. Larry’s father died two weeks ago. His brother drove their mother down to Key West from Dansville, Pennsylvannia. She will be living with Larry and Christine for a while.

Sloan has already been in today. 8:30. Our work for the day is done.

Tonight big! Very big! The Final Four!

I will be watching the Syracuse/Michigan game at 8:30 at the Big Ten Sports Pub. May Syracuse win! I believe they will this evening.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

KEY WEST LOU LEGAL HOUR TODAY

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Show time! Nine this morning. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. Television and internet.

Topics to include the most northern point in the United States, Andrew Cuomo, the cruelty of Sharia law, and Ho Chi Minh. Plus other goodies. One of the most revealing will be how brand name pharmaceutical houses and generics get together to screw the American public.

The show is available via television from Key West through Miami-Dade County on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. Via the internet world wide. Note there is a new site address for the internet portion. www.weyw19.com.

Join me for a most interesting show.

I was in a lazy mood yesterday. Fine tuned today’s show and otherwise laid around doing nothing.

My ankle water problem continued. I was to see the heart doctor at 4:30. While driving to his office at 4, I received a cell call. His office was running behind…..could I come in at 6? No. Bocce at 6. So it is this afternoon at 3.

I returned home. All of a sudden, I felt lousy. Telephoned Captain David and told him I could not make bocce. Immediately went to bed and slept whatever it was off.

I feel fine this morning.

A short blog. I did little yesterday so I have little to report today. That is the way it goes.

Enjoy your day!

NO COUSIN FOR JAKE

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You will recall last thursday night when a stray dog joined me at Sandy’s. We shared my sandwich. He was a large beautiful boxer type. White with tan and black spots. Large sympathetic eyes.

A police officer stopped to eat. He saw the dog was untagged. Told me he was going to take him to the pound.

I left.

I could not get the dog out of my mind. I decided yesterday to stop at the pound to see if his owner had claimed him. I did not want euthanasia in his life.

I drove them crazy at the pound. I was told by the first staff person that the police had brought no such dog in thursday night. In fact, no dogs. Two others joined us. They assured me they had no dog as I described in the pound. I wanted to be sure. I asked if they would let me see the dogs. They took me through the building housing the strays. My dog was not there.

Good! He apparently walked away from the police officer or his owners showed up at Sandy’s. Whatever, my friend was not on the execution block.

I was a bit disappointed that I did not find him. I had visions of me saving his life by adopting him. Jake could use a cousin. I could use a friend. Living alone for eight years is starting to wear on me.

I saw my internest monday. Under went a total physical. Best condition I have ever seen you in, she told me. I reported the news to you in tuesday’s blog. I also mentioned I should not have. I might be jinxing myself.

Yesterday morning my ankles started swelling, By bed time, they were swollen big. I have a 4:30 appointment this afternoon with the heart doctor.

Next time I will keep my mouth shut!

Had to stop by the hospital in the afternoon. No big deal. Needed a bone density test to complete my annual physical. Heather works the bone density department. A very charming person.

I spent the afternoon and evening working on friday’s TV/internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. The show is almost complete. Topics include how brand name drug makers buy off the generic companies to the detriment of you and me, how when we deposit money in the bank title to the money automatically passes to the bank–not ours anymore,  Ho Chi Minh, FOX News, the extremes of Sharia law as practiced in Saudi Arabia, some Final Four chatter, and more.

Join me. I guarantee you will enjoy.

The show airs on television from Key West through Miami-Dade County on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. On the internet world wide. www.weyw19.com. Note that the internet address has changed. Please make note of the new weyw one.

Show time is 9 in the morning my time.

Finally…..You Tube! Assumedly all problems are worked out. My friday show will be available on You tube  forever. To find it, merely go to www.youtube.com. When the screen appears, enter Key West Lou Legal Hour.

The shows are being differentiated by date. The date initially televised.

One hangup. Why, I do not know. The You Tube show will not appear on You Tube till one week after the show is aired. So you will always be one week behind in watching the show if you watch solely on You Tube. Right now last friday’s show is not on You tube. The one the week before is. Last friday’s show airs tomorrow.

All too much for my ancient brain!

Bocce tonight! I need a couple of drinks and a few laughs.

Enjoy your day!

A NEW WORLD

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I read yesterday that of the fifty largest cities in the world, only ten are located in the United States and Europe.

The world has changed and continues to change. Are we really aware?

I spent the day yesterday researching and writing. Always an enjoyable experience.

Sloan arrived late in the afternoon . We worked together for two hours.

Since I had my blog talk radio show to do at 9, I did not wish to travel far from home for dinner. I made a quick trip over to Hogfish. Enjoyed a small bowel of lobster bisque and a lobster roll.

It never ceases to amaze me how busy Hogfish has become. Standing room only. A gold mine! Deservedly so!

Did my blog talk radio show at 9. Tuesday Talk With Key West Lou. Chatted about the huge difference between the salaries of the rich and the rest of us, banks that no longer care for their customers, explained the Boston College birth control problem, and rattled a bit about the Final Four. Syracuse, my Syracuse! Go ‘Cuse!

I quoted my friend Dee when speaking of banks and disparity in income. Dee had a recent experience with a local bank. She raised hell. In the end won. However, Dee left the bank unhappy. She wrote a comment born of the situationt on Facebook yesterday…..If you have a gun, you can rob a bank….. if you have a bank, you can rob EVERYBODY.

Key West weather for this time of year has returned. 81 degrees yesterday.

My friday morning television/internet show is called the Key West Lou Legal Hour. There is a site change for those of you who watch via the internet. No more www.tvchannel19.com. Now www.weyw19.com. For a while, the tvchannel19 one will kick over to the new wey19w. I suggest you start  using weyw19 now.

Finally……You Tube! I hope. I think. It takes forever to get everything straightened out and moving properly with these shows. You Tube supposedly locked in as of yesterday.

The friday Key West Lou Legal Hour will be available on You Tube. Easy to find. www.youtube.com. Enter in the name of the show: Key West Lou Legal Hour. Up will pop a listing of the shows. The shows will be listed by date.

One thing you must be aware of. The show will not You Tube immediately the day it is done. Each show is You Tubed one week later. In other words, last friday’s March 29 show will be available one week later on April 5.

Right now the March 22 show is running on You tube.

Simply stated, the You Tube show will always run one week late.

Confusing? Not really. A pain, yes. If you have any problems, let me know.

Enjoy your day!

QUEEN ELIZABETH VISITS KEY WEST

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Yesterday I made mention of the Key West Citizen’s joke/make believe newspaper published each April Fools Day. I reflected on the total smoking ban instituted for Key West 20 years ago. A joke at the time.

Yesterday was April Fools Day and the Key West Citizen did it again! Published a newspaper replete with bogus yet humourous stories. The best one from my perspective was the front page article that British Airways had instituted a direct flight London to Key West three times a week.

The first British Airways jet had landed the day before to fanfare, water streaming, etc. Queen Elizabeth was on the flight. She intended to spend a few days in Key West to encourage tourism between London and Key West.

Convincing! Great imagination! The Key West Citizen is to be complimented.

My afternoon was busy. Not a minute to spare. I was on the go from one to five.

Started with Dr. Jackie Lefferts at 1. The second half of my annual physical. The pushing and prodding portion. A review of my blood results, etc. from the week before.

Two whole hours!

The good doctor said I was in the best shape she had seen in the six years I have been her patient. I hope her observation does not jinx me. I worry about these things.

Then to Lee Nails for a manicure with Tammy. A charmer!

Needed food. Publix was my next stop. The new Publix. We have two Publix stores in Key West at the present time.

The new Publix was too big for me. I could not find anyting. Ergo, I continued shopping at the old one. Till yesterday.

The past few weeks at the old store have been a pain. Too few check out counters open, too few baggers, only one person working the cold cut counter where three had been stationed, the employees less than friendly. I noticed the change. I asked around. Turns out the old store has a new manager. He is tough. Trying to shake things up. Many have quit. Those remaining do not care.

I care about the service I get. So it was off to the new store yesterday where things are normal. The manager there is apparently more tolerant. I will learn where everything is and how to make my way around the place.

There is a lesson to be learned by the new manager. Key West and its people dance to their own tune. Different from anywhere else. Key Westers have to be handled with kid gloves. They are a proud and hard working people. At the same time, a sensitive group. Step on them and they will leave you. That is the way it is.

The Chart Room last night. Me and Peter. We again solved many of the world’s problems. Banks were a major part of the conversation.

I was in the mood for wings. Headed over to Kelley’s. The best wings on the island.

I had not been to Kelley’s in a while. I ordered wings. They were different. Smaller and not as good. Not bad, but no where entitled to the title of best in Key West. I will have to find another wing place. This does not mean I am not deserting Kelley’s. Their food and personnel are still top quality. I merely do not like the new wings and shall order something else the next time I am there.

My blog talk radio show tonight at 9. Join me. I guarantee you will enjoy the show. A quick half hour of interesting chatter.

Tuesday Talk With Key West Lou this evening will include thoughts on wealth disparity, Boston College and birth control, and the Final Four. Plus anything you might wish to discuss. I take telephone calls.

The show can be found at www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

 

APRIL FOOLS DAY / LITTLE EASTER

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April 1. April Fools Day.

I recall being fooled big time some 20 years ago.

I was in Key West reading the Key West Citizen. There was a major article on the front page. The City Commission had voted to ban smoking in all restaurants, bars, and public places. Public places included beaches and sidewalks.

I was shocked! Not only was the new law stupid, it was illegal!

Then it hit me. This was April Fools Day. The Citizen got me!

The interesting thing is what was a joke back then has become reality in most instances today. You never know!

Today, the nations of Europe celebrate Little Easter. It is a legal holiday just as Easter Sunday is. I do not know why there is the extra day to celebrate Easter. But there is and the holiday is celebrated with its own traditions and customs. The food item for today is eggs. Prepared in  omelette fashion.

In Italy, they will also be eating the Easter cassata left over from yesterday. What a dish! My grandmother, mother, and former wife made it every Easter. A big deep round pie. Thick crust all around, including the top. Baked crisp. Inside a ricotta filling. Ricotta with cherries, chocolate, and other small pieces of fruit. As good as the cassata tasted, it was equally heavy. It sat inside you for two days.

I miss the cassata. It has been at least 8 years since I last tasted one. Cassata is not in Lisa’s cook book.

A great Easter dinner. Lisa out did herself. Manicotti and baked ham. The manicotti was especially tasty. Ricotta again, covered in a light dough. Baked in the oven in a red sauce.

It was Cameron’s 18th birthday. Cheesecake covered with fresh fruits. Ally gets excited for birthdays. Gets everyone around the table, directs the lights be turned off, starts the singing, etc. May she always so enjoy!

After dinner, we all sat around watching the Duke/ Louisville game. Everybody includes Corey’s  parents Karen and Curtis who were in for the holiday.

Louisville is a great team. If Syracuse defeats Michigan and Louisville Wichita state, Syracuse will have a tough time handling Louisville. Syracuse met Louisville twice this past season in Big East play. Syracuse lost each time. The last time, badly.

Kevin Ware’s injury put a hot blanket on everything. It may have inspired Louisville. Who knows. In any event, I wish Ware well and hope he will be back on the court soon.

I finished the Ulysses Grant book I have been reading for ages yesterday afternoon. It is titled The Man Who Saved The Union. The author is H. W. Brands. I recommend the book. Long, but excellent. Around 700 pages.

I did not realize before reading the book what a great president Grant was. He seems to have been buried in history.

I spent a little time researching for my tuesday blog talk radio show and friday television/internet show. Came across an interesting historical item.

The surviving Lincoln child was his son Robert Todd Lincoln. He was present at the death of three Presidents.

Robert was at his father’s beside when his father died in 1865. Lincoln did not die at the Ford Theatre where he was shot.

In 1881, Robert was Secretary of War. James Garfield was President. Robert was at the train station to see Garfield off when Garfield was shot.

President William McKinley was shot also. 1901. Robert was at his bedside during the one week following the shooting before McKinley died.

You will recall my advising several weeks ago that Key West had a lottery winner. A $17 million one. The identity of the person has been revealed. It is Debra Jackson. She is a school teacher aged 60 who was planning on retiring at the end of this school year. She opted to take the money in a lump sum. $11 million. Publix gets a bonus for having sold her the ticket. $70,000.

What a country! I wish Ms. Jackson well.

Like Porky Pig of old would close out his movie shorts…..That’s all folks!

Enjoy your day!