The best people! Mom and Dads! Today Father’s Day! Congratulations to Dads everywhere. Hope each of you is being remembered.

George Washington was a good father! What else could have been expected of him. One problem, however. He never fathered a child of his own. He had no biological descendants.  Yet he raised a number of children.

Martha had been married before. She brought into her marriage with George two young daughters. George raised them as if they were his own. Other children found their way into his life and he raised them all as if his own blood. He even raised the children of the children, who became his grandchildren.

George was especially helpful to the young ladies as they matured. His best advice came regarding their romantic involvements. He directed their attention to finding a suitable husband. Education was not important for the ladies. Marriage was.

His major disappointment were his “sons.” He pushed the necessity of obtaining an education. As hard as he tried, he could not get even one to finish college.

Washington had a second family. The American people. Governeur Morris eulogized Washington. Part of his remarks included the fact Washington was childless in the biological sense. He went on to say he was none the less a father. A father to all Americans.

I live and learn. Two things being reported today. One that Washington was biologically childless. The other a comment I never heard before concerning the Taj Mahal.

Recall I wrote about the Taj Mahal yesterday. Bess e-mailed a comment to the article. Her statement included: The Taj Mahal was “man’s greatest erection ever for the love of a woman.” I instantly thought….. Oops, a sex connotation! Checked it out to be sure. I was wrong. The statement has been said and written tons of times over the years. The “erection” specifically directed to the Taj Mahal building itself. It is in fact, the “greatest erection for love.”

The structure is located in northern India in the community of Agra. A popular visiting place. In 2019 alone, 6.5 million people visited the Taj Mahal.

Yesterday, an easy one. No tests. Enjoyed Lori’s company at noon. It was haircut time. Late by a week. Three weeks since my last. Lori was vacationing in Arkansas.

Lunch afterwards at Harpoon Harry’s. Ribs. Delicious!

Peter came over to say hello. I did not recognize him at first. He bartends at Don’s Place. We had an enjoyable conversation. It has been several years since I have been to Don’s.

The U.S. Open is being played in Los Angeles/Hollywood. Ergo play on TV was late. I was up late watching. 

Three players are in position to win. Fowler and Clark at at -10, McIlroy -9. They don’t tee off till around 5:30. I doubt play will finish till 10 our time.

Should be an exciting final round.

Blog being published late today. Sloan and I had some work to do. Ate up a couple of hours.

Enjoy your Sunday!

It took 17 years to build the Taj Mahal. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 1648.

It is recognized as the world’s grandest symbol of love and devotion.

On this day in 1631, Mumtaz died during childbirth. Her husband was Mughal, Emperor Shah Jahan I. Mughal immediately had construction commenced for her tomb. The edifice known throughout history as the Taj Mahal.

Wisdom is sometimes nothing more than a simple solution to what appears an intricate problem. Key West and the Keys are having water problems. Both areas receive their water from the mainland.

Recent problems and comments which followed clearly indicate new piping for water transmission is required. Long overdue.

Someone has the answer, the simple one. It appeared in comment form in today’s Citizens’ Voice: “Why not start laying in a new Keys main water line parallel to the existing 40 year old one?”

Beginning now would be proactive rather than waiting to the last minute with all attendant problems and being reactive. Also called the smart way of doing business.

The last month I have had all kinds of medical tests. Most at the Key West hospital the Lower Keys Medical Center. I am having heart problems.

Yesterday was an MRI. Next week, the last. A nuclear stress test. Then a recommendation will be made wjhether I should have aortic valve replacement surgery. I am not a happy camper.

I have learned much about the inner workings of the hospital over this testing period of time. What goers on behind the doors. Note I have been one type patient or another over 30 years. I will say things have significantly improved re in house patient care during that time.

I have observed a testing problem that concerns me, however. The medical staff performing the tests are overworked. They move their asses even for the most routine tests. It was obvious during a series of x-rays I had and the MRI yesterday. Haste makes waste. Not a could it happen situation. Something has to be happening on a frequent basis with the rushing imposed on the technician staff.

Management should investigate the situation and take corrective measures. 

My MRI was at 3:15. Afterwards, I went to Grady’s for something to eat. I was required to fast for four hours prior to the test so I was hungry.

I enjoyed pierogis. Watched the U.S. Open while eating.

Ran into Santa Claus. The gentleman who visited Robert and Ally for years on Christmas Eve. Good to see him. Still looks like Santa. Beard and all!

The U.S. Open played as I thought it would yesterday. Normally. The first round the day before made the course look extremely easy. Some announcers were suggesting the course was not that hard. It was yesterday.

Rickie Fowler hanging in there. Still in first place at -10. Rory McIlroy 2 strokes back at -8.

The rough is horrible. The worst I have seen. A lot of the pros found the rough yesterday. Dustin Johnson found the rough on one of his drives yesterday and ended up taking a quadruple bogey 8 on the hole. From one patch of rough to another.

Mar-a-Lago Judge Cannon must be replaced at some point. The sooner the better. Yesterday I advised that in her 2 1/2 years as a federal judge, she has only sat on 4 cases. Found out the four cases trial time totaled 14 days.

As I wrote yesterday, Trump, the government and the American people deserve better.

I received Maggie Haberman’s Confidence Man as a Christmas gift. Great reading. Except it’s too long! Five hundred eleven pages. Like reading War and Peace. I only have so much time a day for personal reading. Blog research eats up a lot of my reading time. Ergo, six months later I am still reading Haberman’s story about Donald Trump.

Yesterday I was on page 437. “Divide and conquer” was the issue.

Haberman refers to Trump as being the first U.S. President who did not try to unite the American people. He tried and continues to try to “divide us.” She refers to Hitler playing the same game of divide and conquer. It is actually a policy of destroying a people. Hitler succeeded in convincing the German people to follow him using the practice. Trump playing the same game.

In spite of being too long, interesting reading. One cannot argue with her observation.

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday was my day. A Louis day.

A manicure and pedicure. The hedonism within me enjoys both. Especially, the pedicure.

Then to Hogfish for a late lunch.

The bartender Julia came over immediately to tell me Brian and Jane had been in the day before and left instructions to buy me a drink when I came in. How nice! Especially after they and another couple bought my dinner two nights earlier at La Te Da.

On the infrequent occasion I now drink, it is after 5. Too early for the drink yesterday. I passed.

I’ve already e-mailed to thank them. Nice people.

Following lunch, sat at the bar awhile reading a local newspaper.

Spent the balance of the afternoon and early evening watching the opening round of the U.S. Open. Great golf!

Richie Fowler tied for first at -8. Rory McIlroy 2 strokes behind at -6.

I’m going to miss much of this afternoon session. Hospital tests. One an MRI of my heart.

Seated at the bar next to me was Joshua Fredrick and another gent. “Josh” also or Dave. Not sure.

Joshua seated next to me explained his parents had purchased and just moved into their “retirement home” on Summerland Key. I wished them well.

Joshua a recently retired executive officer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Attended our local college for one year years ago and then moved on to complete his degree elsewhere. He is seeking to resettle here in the Keys if he is able to secure a position requiring his talents. Diving and other oceanic matters, especially ocean related contamination problems.

We chatted briefly. I found him most enjoyable and knowledgeable. My environmental background made me familiar with his talents and their value to our area.

I am compelled to return to Toni Tarracino. One of the loveliest persons I have known.

I reported her death yesterday. She had moved to Tarpon Springs to live with her daughter. I was unaware the reason for the move was because she had cancer. Required big city treatment. Tampa and its nearby hospitals.

One or two days before her death, one of her cancer doctors advised Toni’s numbers “were good.” Whether in remission or cured, I am not sure. However, good enough that Toni and her family were thrilled. Toni was making plans to return to Key West in the Fall. One or two nights later, Toni died. In her sleep. Nothing to do with the cancer.

A heavy! Especially since it had nothing to do with the cancer and almost immediately following the numbers were good report from her physician.

I am told her ashes are being returned for burial in Key West and a social gathering will be held in her honor. I shall keep you advised as I learn more.

On June 6, 1858, Abraham Lincoln accepted the Illinois Republican Party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate. Lincoln said the slavery issue had to be resolved, declaring “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

Lincoln lost the election.

Two years later, he was elected President of the United states.

A bad day in American history: This day in 2015. Donald Trump launched his successful campaign to become President with a speech at Trump Tower in Manhattan. Recall he and Melanie coming down the escalator.

Judge Cannon does not belong sitting in judgment on the Trump Mar-a-Lago prosecution. Her criminal case experience in her 2 1/2 years on the bench is 4 trials.

Trump, the government, and the people of the U.S. deserve better.

Trump apparently never heard of the admonition: If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.

One of Poland’s beautiful beach and forest trail areas is Hel (spelled correctly). It is reached by bus route 666, which from religious perspectives is also the number of the beast.

For ten years, religious groups have been pressing the transport operator to change the route’s number. A Catholic group referred to it as  “Satanic stupidity.” He “buckled” under the weight of the complaints and changed it to 669. The new route number 669 has its own built in sexual connotation. Wonder if any of the religious complainers had anything to say about it?

A Citizens’ Voice comment today: “Between Pride Month and Fantasy Fest, Key West is Sodom and Gomorrah.”

A sick comment by an obviously sick person. Most likely a religious fanatic.

Live and let live. Those who are opposed need not attend or participate. It’s a big country. Many other cities they can visit.

Congratulations in order for Al Pacino. His “friend” Noor Alfallah gave birth to their son.

Pacino is 83, Noor 29.

For Pacino, an ego booster. For the new born, could be a calamity in his later yeas. There is a good chance his formative years will be spent without the guidance of a father. Eighty three is no age to make babies!

The U.S. Open began yesterday. What a day!

Not only birdies galore, holes in one and eagles. It was nice to once again watch pro golfers do what they train to do. Put the ball in the hole in few shots.

Though a pleasure to watch, I can’t believe the golfers will have the same success over the next 3 days.

Enjoy your day!

Captain Tony Tarracino fathered 13 children. One was named after him. A daughter, Toni. A legend and icon in her own right. She died last week in Tarpon Springs where she had been residing in recent years with her daughter. She died in her sleep.

She loved her dad Captain Tony deeply. It was obvious. Her goal in life seemed to be to keep his memory alive and loved. She spoke and wrote frequently of him. For many years following his death threw a birthday party in his honor at Captain Tony’s. I was one of the invited guests. Honored to have been invited.

Toni grew up in a bar and a boat. With her dad by her side. The stories she could tell and did tell.

I wrote several blogs re Toni. One 11/15/18 titled Toni Tarracino Shares Her Legacy. I share with you the portion applicable to her today.

Captain Tony is a Key West legend. An icon. Remembered. Revered.

His former bar on Greene Street still bears his name. The bar inside and out as it was in his day.

Toni one of his children. Today, a concierge at the Marriott Beachside. Plus involved in a multitude of other things like marrying people, planning weddings, painting and blog writing.

Her blog is titled Sharing My Key West Legacy. http://tonitarracino.com. One of the best I have read. She has her hands on everything Key West.

I told Toni her material was so good I would be plagiarizing her recollections on occasion.

She wrote of the West Martello Fort. Its history. Today home of the Garden Club and a wedding venue. She mentions the Autograph Tree. Never heard of it. Yet, she knew.

The tree stands at the entrance to the Fort. People have scratched and otherwise written their names and initials on the leaves over the years.

Another story involves the fish sitting on the outside of Capt. Tony’s bar.  Second floor level. People always turning their backs to the fish and trying to throw quarters into its open mouth.

Toni shared the origin of the custom.

As a girl, she helped out at the bar. There actually was a slow season then. The summer. The bar was hot. She and other staff would take benches outside and sit on them. The heat inside too much.

One of those sitting with Toni was a rabid Larry Bird fan. He used to stand, yell “top of the key” and try to throw quarters in the fish’s mouth.

Toni and friends thought it too hot for him to do it as he was. They convinced him to stand on the curb on his toes with his back to the fish. And then try to successfully throw quarters into the fish’s mouth.

A tradition was born. You know the story. A continuing event born out of heat, boredom, and today a bit of alcohol.

May Toni rest in peace. A better daughter no man could have had.

The title resounds of Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, the  humorous and enjoyable movie of yesteryear. Without the sex.

I experienced a most enjoyable evening last night. Dinner with Jane, Brian, Linda and Rick at La Te Da. Jack Baron brought us together. Jane and Brian are avid blog readers. Linda and Rick may be also. However, I did not pick up on it in the varied topics we discussed. Some serious, many funny.

Jane and Brian are Baron collectors. Many pieces. 

Jane had most on her cell phone and showed them to me. Acrylics, prints and figurines. She and Brian are into retirement and now live in a large RV. Their new home is filled with Jack’s works. Brian is into the dealers and costs. He appeared adept at negotiating price.

All live in northern Florida. They are spending a few days in Marathon. Swam on Sombrero Beach yesterday. A lovely place. Never put my toe in the water there. However, I have always been impressed with the beach when I drove by on US 1.

Brian and Rick are brothers who operated a building construction business. Now retired. Jane a retired nurse, Linda retired as a safety inspector from the insurance business.

There was much to discuss. Trump, of course. We are birds of a feather in that regard.

I mentioned how I have missed the last 3 major holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. These people are great! I have an open invitation to spend any I wish with them. We were not new fiends, we were old friends who got together for an evening of fun.

I shall be talking with Rick later in the week. He had his aortic valve replaced in his 50’s. He is well versed with the problem. I cannot wait to spend some time with him on the phone.

We shared experiences all night. We were one of the first tables to be occupied. Drank a bit before ordering. Sat and chatted long after finishing dinner. We were the next to last table to leave.

My new friends forever: Jane, Brian, Linda and Rick.

Trump made history yesterday. First President to be federally indicted. Quite  distinction. He should be proud. In due course, he will be twice as proud when he is indicted for January 6.

The Guardian described Trump’s arrest and arraignment as “ugly,” but also “democracy in action.”

Trial proceedings should be televised. I appreciate it is against present rules. The media should apply for an exception. The trial will be the most important in American history. The people need to see it to help heal the division that separates us.

Not many appeared outside the Miami Courthouse. The rants to come, carry guns, etc. never achieved. I suspect the results and articles concerning January 6 put the fear of God in many who did not want to recreate the scene. Not worthy of a jail term.

It happens! Fortunately, only 3-4 times a year worldwide.

The dead wake.

The most recent involves an Ecuadorian woman. Bella Montoya. Declared dead. At her wake, she surprised family members when she showed signs of life from her coffin. Bella began hitting on the side of the coffin and breathing heavy.

Just 2 weeks ago in the India railroad wreck, a father refused to accept his 24 year old son’s death. He went looking for his son’s body in a makeshift morgue. A hand hanging from under a body cover was seen twitching. It was his son’s. He was alive.

Davie, Florida is moving to a 4 day work week.

Instead of a 5 day 8 hour schedule, municipal employees will now work a 4 day 10 hour shift.

I see nothing wrong with it. The public is not cheated. Employees still working a 40 hour week. The employees themselves will enjoy a 3 day weekend.

Today’s Citizens’ Voice: “My opinion is the streets of Key West should be paved before we spend any more on bike paths.”

I agree!

Not because I am anti-bike, rather because our streets are a mess.

Such a pleasure now to drive Bertha Street. Repaved. A delight!

Time to look at other long and busy Key West streets like Eaton. A bumpy ride throughout.

I had such a good time dining out last night that I am going to follow it up with lunch today at Harpoon Harry’s. Thanksgiving turkey dinner special.

Enjoy your day!

One of the many comments made by Trump the past few days was: “See you in Miami on Tuesday!” 

The invitation to his followers similar to those made prior to January 6.

An invitation to violence? Perhaps. 

Trump made a similar one for his Manhattan indictment. Few showed. Those that did were not violent.

Is  the Miami court appearance today to be different? Rhetoric is running hot. Some calling for blood. Some calling for a civil war.

It is claimed mass protests are planned for this afternoon. Some persons promise to come well armed.

Some of the comments.

“MAGA will make Waco look like a tea party.” Written by 1776take2 re the planned protest to The Donald.

GOP Representative Andy Briggs tweeted his 730,000 Twitter followers: “We have now reached a war phase. Eye for an eye.”

Another Donald member wrote: “Who’s coming with me on Tuesday? I will be the one in the (fuck around and find out) armor, easy to find, KEK on the back collar…..I will be there peacefully to speak up about this injustice, legally I will also be armed, well armed.”

Another Donald member: “Revolution now.”

Another: “I want blood. I want fucking blood.”

The Proud Boys are making noise, also.

On Twitter, GOP Representative Clay Higgins posted what “appeared to be a battlefield command” that featured militia talk, referenced military grade maps, and told Trump supporters to “know your bridge.”

Even religious groups are involved. The Christian conservative Florida Republican Assembly advised they have chartered 4 buses from all corners of the State to bring Trump fans to Miami Tuesday for what they describe as the “America First Freedom Road Trip.”

Recall Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake. She organized a rally in Palm Beach for last night and said she planned to be in Miami today. She made it clear that Trump supporters should come armed. She spoke at a Georgia Republican Conference Saturday where she said, “We’re at war, people – we’re at war.”

Over the weekend, Trump shared a meme about his indictment with a caption declaring: “THIS IS NOT A GAME, THIS IS WAR.”

War being suggested from the top down.

What will happen? Quite frankly, I don’t know. I am not sure. I suspect and hope no more than what showed up in New York City. A small group of relatively silent protesters. My concern is that a small spark can set off a conflagration of some size.

Time will tell.

What a Sunday! And I never left the house!

My day began at 5 am. Ended at 11 pm. 

My usual rise and shine time is 5 to 6. I immediately go to work on the blog. Takes till 11 am to finish. Sometimes to noon.

I went to work on the blog and had it completed around 11. Immediately went to the TV. The Canadian Open Final Round! Sloan interrupted me around 1. We had work to do. Lost an hour from the golf. She left and I glued myself to the TV through early evening. The tournament took longer than normal. A two way tie that took 4 holes to determine the winner.

Canadian Nick Taylor and Englishman Tommy Fleetwood pitted against each other.

Taylor won it on the 4th playoff hole by sinking a 72 foot putt for an eagle. Wow! There was a special joy involved. The huge crowd went wild. It was the first time since 1954 that a Canadian had won the Canadian Open. Even I was excited!

The Tony Awards went on the air at 8. Great show! Unusually so. One of the best theatrical awards shows I have seen in my lifetime.  

Two “cast” members brought age to mind. My age, though I sensed I was in better shape than the two men involved. 

Joel Grey received a life time award, Barry Manilow was an award presenter. Their ages obvious. Not only face wise, but also in their walk. Both stiff legged and slow. Whatever, I was pleased to see them both. Grey brought back memories of Cabaret for which he had received years ago the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Manilow for the many songs he sang that I enjoyed.

At this stage of my life, age plays a part in everything. There was an award for Best Musical Revival.

I discovered Broadway in 1960. It captured me. I could not see enough Broadway musicals. Plays did not move me.

My second Broadway show was Camelot. It has returned to Broadway as a revival and was up for an award. I saw it when Robert Goulet was still in the cast playing Lancelot.

In 1979, I saw Sweeney Todd in its first season on Broadway. I was not particularly impressed. A female barber slicing the customers throat with a razor and then turning his body into hamburger meat. As I today enjoy manicures and pedicures, back then I occasionally enjoyed a barber shave. Smooth and close. The next time I sat in a barber’s chair for a shave, I was very uncomfortable. All I could think of was Sweeney Todd.

It was the last time I ever had a barber’s shave.

Silvio Berlusconi died. The former three time Prime Minister who led three different governments was 86.

He was loved and hated. Yet, respected by all – even his opponents. One commented following his death: “A void that can never be filled.”

Berlusconi had several homes. His main one was in Portofino. I visited Portofino several times. My father thought it was the most beautiful place he had ever seen.

From my favorite drinking spot on the water, I could clearly see Berlusconi’s home and yacht. The man lived well. The house monstrous and gorgeous. The greenery surrounding it had to cost a ton to maintain. Trimmed to perfection all the time. The yacht one of those 150 footers.

The man was a close friend of Putin. Putin visited him frequently. They were close. Putin’s daughter spent a whole summer residing with the Berlusconi family in Portofino. Some time later, Putin had a home built for himself near Berlusconi’s.

Berlusconi’s career was a checkered one. Sex scandals were commonplace. He particularly liked young ladies. Underaged ones. Was arrested, tried and subsequently acquitted for one such dalliance. Corruption scandals of all sorts followed him. He was finally convicted for tax fraud and spent one year in home confinement in his Milan residence.

I’m curious what type of persons and crowd size will appear in Miami for Trump’s arraignment tomorrow. Recall, in New York extremely few appeared for Trump’s arraignment there.

Everyone wants to sun at the beach in this hot weather. Even a bear.

Yesterday, a bear walked out of the ocean and ran through bathers at a crowded beach in Destin, Florida.

The bear appeared scared,  ran away and has not been found.

Bears are not uncommon in the area. A veteran charter boat captain  said, “They swim around the bay. Sometimes they go for a joy swim.”

A Citizens’ Voice comment. One which makes sense: “Any anti-drag legislation is absurd. The responsibility lies on the parents and not on the state. Any sane adult who goes to a drag show knows what to expect. Any sane adult who goes to a drag show with children knows what to expect. Responsibility starts at home.”

In my 30 years in Key West, I’ve generally attended a drag show with visiting guests who wanted to see one. Never saw any kids, except for grown up ones, who attended.

Enjoy your day!

Key West and lower Keys heat has been “extreme.” Some feel they are suffocating.

The temperature is in the high 80’s every day. Hit 90 one day this past week. Humidity the problem. Heavy.

Yesterday a big sports day! The Belmont Stakes and Round 3 of the Canadian Open.

Arcangelo won the Belmont Stakes. Great race! Arcangelo came out of the pack in fifth place and went on to win.

I was fortunate to have seen two Belmont races. From one of the best seats in the house. My client had a private box at the finish line. 

Terrific golf! The Canadian Open.

At the end of Round 3, Pan has a 2 stroke lead at -14. Six players are second at -12. Rory McIlroy in that group.

Today’s final round will be a wild one!

The World Bank Group has a new President. Ajay Banga is that person. He took office June 2.

He is the former CEO of Mastercard. He was the U.S. nominee for the position.

I heard him speak this morning on one of the TV talk shows. Never heard of him before nor heard him speak. I was impressed! Try to hear him when he speaks and try to read what is said concerning him in the newspapers. The man is a winner. One needed by today’s world with its many problems.

General Philip Schuyler was a Revolutionary War hero. He resided in Albany, N.Y., New York’s capital.

He served as a Major General in the Continental Army, was a U.S. Senator representing New York, and was Alexander Hamilton’s father in law.

Schuyler’s statue has stood over Albany’s City Hall for nearly a century. It was removed Saturday morning. The reason: Schuyler owned slaves.

Too much! The man is an integral part of American history. He was a significant influence in the winning of the Revolutionary War.

One of Albany’s main streets is Washington Avenue. Albany also has a Washington Park. Washington owned slaves. Why not remove Washington’s name from the street and park?

Good, bad, or indifferent, such factors as slave owning were part of a person’s wealth back then. Removal of Schuyler’s statue represents a form of rewriting history. Again, I say wrong!

On this day in 1979, John Wayne died a age 72. An iconic film actor. Everyone’s hero!

Trump stares down criminal jeopardy with bluff and bluster.

Why not? “His people” expect it. He received a hero’s welcome at a Georgia GOP Convention yesterday afternoon and another at a rally in North Carolina in the evening. In Georgia, Trump’s comments were typical of his past presentations. Full of falsehoods.

His position the same as in the past: He is blameless, framed and persecuted.

Why do his followers buy it? How stupid can they be?

Trump’s North Carolina speech can best be described as “defiant.” “Witch hunt” part of his address. He claimed his indictment constituted “election interference.”

All I could watch was part of his Georgia comments on a news broadcast. He was far from the former Donald Trump. He lacked the power and thrust in his delivery. Appeared the indictments are getting to him. His words the same. However, the tone and volume nowhere what they used to be.

I suspect the pressure is beginning to get to him.

Enjoy your Sunday! If you are in Key West, watch the Pride Parade at 5. Exciting!

Four children were found alive in the Amazon Jungle after 40 days.

They survived a plane crash and spent 40 days fending for themselves in Columbia’s Amazon Jungle.

The children’s ages even more amazing: 1, 4, 9 and 13.

Their mother and 2 pilots were killed when their light aircraft crashed in the jungle on May 1.

Their grandmother explained the oldest was accustomed to looking after the 3 younger ones and helped them to survive. The 13 year old fed the younger ones flour, cassava bread and fruit from various bushes.

An amazing story!

Great bathroom reading! Damning evidence! Trump knew!

An impressive indictment. Trump ultimately is going to prison. No question about it. He will be going to prison because he lacks principles.

The indictment brings back to memory two 2016 comments by Trump. One, “In my administration I’m going to enforce all laws concerning the protection of classified information. No one will be above the law.” The other, re Hillary’s 30,000 e-mails: “Jail Hillary!” and “Jail her!”

Trump failed to protect/enforce classified laws himself. Query: Will they be yelling “Jail Trump!” as he encouraged people to yell re Hillary?

Bess Levin wrote an article June 8 re Trump’s probable indictment. The article followed the “target” letter, but prior to indictment.

Nevertheless Levin called it right. The article’s title said it all: “Donald Trump Is Completely F–ked.”

The Belmont Stakes this evening. At 7:05 on FOX TV.

Another Ernest Hemingway observation. One held by many: “All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn.”

Enjoy Pride Weekend! Tons of events!

Donald Trump has been indicted. By a federal grand jury. Charged with seven counts of wrongdoing. Each of the counts could involve one or more charges within the count.

Information limited. Clearly appears the indictment concerns itself solely with the documents portion of the investigation. More information will be available tuesday afternoon when Trump is arrested and arraigned. His appearance is scheduled for Miami. The trial will take place in Miami.

Of the seven counts, the most serious could be violations of the Espionage Act. Could involve something I have feared since day one. That Trump sold, showed, discussed, etc. contents of a classified document involving the defense, war with or some type of conflict information with a nation considered our enemy. Even worse would be if Trump received money for sharing the information.

Time will tell.

Trump responded to the indictment on Truth Social: “I am an innocent man…..I always put America first….We’re going to make America great again.”

Trump is in a precarious position. Hanging by his fingernails on the edge of a cliff. If he doesn’t realize it, he better soon. Otherwise his most senior years will be spent behind bars.

Back in the early 1960’s when Kennedy was President, Russia was planting missiles on Cuba aimed at the U.S. Key West became the first line of defense. The beaches were covered with artillery guns facing south.

A major confrontation ensued. Russia blinked first and the matter ended short of a shooting war.

A similar problem has arisen. China and Cuba are reportedly nearing a deal to allow China to establish an electronic surveillance base on Cuba. Cuba would be paid billions of dollars.

Such a base would allow China to eavesdrop on communications across the southeastern United States.

Can’t be permitted to happen! Biden’s problem similar to the one which confronted Kennedy.

Roman Emperor Nero died this day 68 A.D. by suicide. He was 30 years old.

An infamous ruler. Notorious for his cruelty and debauchery.

Famous for fiddling while Rome burned (a falsehood) and his persecution of Christians. He was intimate with the wives of Senators. He had 40 Senators put to death, some of which were killed to aid in his sexual conquests. A nice guy he was not.

Nero’s behavior was becoming increasingly erratic. The Senate condemned him to death by crucifixion. His household guard abandoned him. He fled Rome and committed suicide by stabbing himself in the throat with a dagger.

On this day in 1973, Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes making him the first horse since Citation in 1948 to win the Triple Crown.

Only in the Keys. The northern extremity in this case.

A 10 foot alligator blocked traffic monday evening on US 1. On the 18 mile stretch at mile marker 126. The alligator blocked both northbound lanes for more than an hour.

The alligator was reported to have been very angry during the capture procedure.

Three area restaurants failed State inspections during the last 2 weeks in May. The three were issued warnings and scheduled for reinspections.

The three included The Southernmost Beach Cafe at 1405 Duval, Willie T’s on Duval, and the Mexican Chico’s Cantina on Stock Island. All had multiple violations.

I reported yesterday only 2 medical tests left. Good luck! Another has been scheduled. The new one for June 16.

I am not a happy camper!

Enjoy your day!