I was proud of myself. I had gone 11 weeks without falling. The streak ended yesterday. The worst fall of my life. It did not occur because I was wobbly or sick. It happened because I was stupid.

It was about 10 a.m. I was going to Denny’s for breakfast. Cars crowding the entrance. I had to park several cars up along side of the walk to Denny’s. I opted to take a short cut. Instead of walking behind the row of cars to Denny’s entrance, I went to the front of my car which was facing on the 3 foot shrubbery running along Denny’s walkway. The shrubbery bordered on each side by curbs.

For whatever reason, I did not make it across. Denny’s walkway has periodic square posts. One to two feet wide.

The left side of my head hit the post first. Then the sidewalk. My left ribs and left knee also hit the walkway hard.

I could not get up. My cane had scooted beyond my reach. 

Three people had seen me fall from inside Denny’s. Two elderly and one young. They came running out to help.

I was a bloody mess. Blood running down my head over my leather jacket and onto my pants. My left knee bleeding through the pants also. The pain everywhere horrendous. My head and ribs the worst.

The woman got me some napkins to clean the blood. They helped me up. Prior to helping me up, the man prayed over. A long prayer. For whatever reason, I was happy he prayed. I thought I needed it.

They got me into my car and I headed for the emergency room at the hospital. Called Dr. Norris on the way. I felt I was badly hurt and wanted immediate care. He told me not to worry.

I learned more than not to take shortcuts yesterday. I learned that if you have to go to the emergency room, go early. I was the only one in the waiting room. So there was no wait. Within 10 minutes I was in a bed, stripped down and being examined. I learned early morning the best time to need the emergency room.

Four cat scans and one x-ray were prescribed. X-ray of knee done in bed. Then I was transported wherever for the cat scan. On the way, the cat scan technician met us. He said 4 cat scans are big time. Thought you might be dying. 

The hospital has a new cat scan. Less than 10 minutes and the 4 scans were complete. It was back to the emergency room for me. Within a short time, the results were in. No fractures. I was being discharged to return home.

Big time pain the rest of the day. Less this morning, but still major. The ribs the worst. My head a close second. Have a 1 1/2 inch cut on the side of the eye. Area going black and blue. Knee still hurts, but not as badly.

There is a moral to this story. Something that never fails.

I had my annual physical with Dr. Norris Thursday. He said I was in great shape. Finally told me he did not think I was going to make it last summer when I was in the hospital. I was in lousy shape, my color was bad, etc. His physical Thursday indicated I was in terrific shape and my color good. My complexion was reddish.

He dwelled on how good I had recovered and again how he thought I was going to die last summer. It was the same time two doctors at two different hospitals discharged me with the advice to get my affairs in order as I would be dead in a week.

Their advice pissed me of no end. No way was I going to die!

I told Norris to stop dwelling on how healthy I looked, etc. I am a bit superstitious. Reptation of good health a sign of bad things to come. Give the advice one time and be quiet. Bad luck can follow good.

In yesterday’s blog I wrote of the Norris conversation and my concern about bad luck following. I wrote: “I am a bit superstitious. I believe do not speak of good things. Could turn the circumstances into bad ones.”

I was correct based on the fall that occurred yesterday.

Enough said.

Enjoy your day! Mine will be spent in bed.

A tough January so far weatherwise. Do not expect it to get better. The imminent weekend will be the worst.

The cold spell will continue today. Will warm a bit. The high will hit 69 degrees. Though the low will be 62. Winners we are not!

Seventy and eighty degree weather. What are they? Where did those days go?

Sunday and Monday are predicted to be terrible! Temperatures both days will not even hit the 60s. High will be in the 50s both days.

What did we do to deserve this cold spell? This January is turning out to be the coldest I have experienced in my 30 years in Key West.

There is a Hurricane Raphael out there affecting things. At best it supposedly will result in only glancing blows against Florida. The blows will skirt Key West.

Visited with Dr. Norris for my annual physical yesterday. Thinks I am healthy. A major improvement from last year. Recall two doctors thought I was going to die.

Norris mentioned my color had even improved. My face was reddish compared to last year. He even quietly thought I was not going to make it he told me for the first time. My paleness last year concerned him.

Corey visited last night.  Told me the same thing. He brought up how healthy I looked and the redness in my complexion. Two such unsolicited comments on the same day! Such give me concern. I am a bit superstitious. I believe do not speak of good things. Could turn the circumstances to bad ones.

Still have to do blood and urine work with Norris. Scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday.

My butt nurse Sara was to visit late afternoon. She never made it. Her office called her in sick.

Early this afternoon nurse Valerie visits. She is one of my physiotherapists. I am presently under the care of two doctors and three nurses. At my age, I do not argue!

Today a significant government funding day. The U.S. is facing a midnight funding deadline.

Rumor has it Trump and the Democrats have reached a deal. I will believe it when I see it. The purported “deal” would fund a large part of the government till February 13. Query: Why always such short time frames? Really nothing more than a small band aid fix. If you and I ran our businesses on such time frames we would be out of business in a short time.

The deal has to pass in the Senate. It would separate Department of Homeland Security funds from the broad spending package.

Everything happening indicative of a screwed up government. Going to remain that way – screwed up – as long as Trump is President.

States have been ranked healthy and unhealthy. New Hampshire the healthiest. Louisiana the unhealthiest. Surprisingly and sadly, out of the 50 states Florida was ranked 30th with an overall negative score of minus .05.

Why do Americans fail to dress better on airplanes? For comfort. Flying today is considered “a bus ride in the sky.” People understand this and dress as they wish. It’s their nickel paying for the ride.

I recall my first commercial plane trip in 1960. Everyone dressed! It was a suit and tie for me and other men.  The ladies looked spectacular. Then “dressing” began eroding till it became what it is today.

American flag maker and historical figure Betsy Ross died this day in 1836.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born this day in 1882.

The Beatles gave their last public performance this day in 1969.

Is there a measles problem in Key West?

Syracuse plays Notre Dame tomorrow at 6. Followed on Monday against #16 ranked North Carolina.

This past week Syracuse lost to North Carolina State 88-68.

A lousy basketball season for the ‘Cuse. I bleed for my alma mater.

It’s a great time for menswear. Especially for women. I said it and you read it correctly. Proof is the best look from Men’s Fashion Week in Milan and Paris where women dressed many times in men’s attire. 

A transition in the making?

Forget not Mike Kelly for President in 2028.

Enjoy your day!

My weekly visit with Dr. Blass yesterday. My ankle cancer surgery is progressing well. Faster than he expected.

Still about 7 weeks more till total recovery achieved. Taking forever! However I was advised prior to the surgery that post surgery recovery time would be 3 months. So patient I am.

More doctoring today. My annual physical with Dr. Norris at 3:30. Then Sara visits me at 5:45. Her responsibility my butt. Bed sores from all the bed time I accrued between the abdominal bleeding problem and  the ankle cancer.

Speaking of Sara, ran into her, her husband and lovely two children around 5 yesterday at Publix. We chatted a bit. Sara was not pleased with my grocery choices. I thought I made it to 90. Could not be that bad!

A bit of Trump.

Did you ever think how cruel his press conferences are? The man is insulting!

Donald lies. Yesterday he was insisting there were paid agitators in Minneapolis.

The Pretti shooting has resulted in arrests. Properly so. Pretti had no gun whereas the federal agents many. A number of bullets were shot into the unarmed Pretti. Death was inevitable.

The rule of law in America is disappearing. Minneapolis the perfect example.

Trump a retaliatory creature. Sixteen “polluters” were arrested yesterday for their actions over the past two weeks. The arrests Trump’s way of saying “don’t fuck with me.” Not very Presidential. Not proper. 

Another government shutdown possible tomorrow. Trump and Schumer negotiating. The problem as I see it is Trump wants too many add ons before he will permit his Republican following Senators to vote for a bill.

Prominent musicians are getting into the act. Two have come out with anti-Trump songs. I believe they will help make a difference. Amy Grant has come out with “The 6th of January.” Bruce Springsteen with “Streets of Minneapolis.”

Both powerful.

Key West weather an abomination. It was 55 degrees when I was driving to Dr. Blass’ office yesterday at 3. Colder than had been predicted.

I am writing this morning at 6:30 a.m. Temperature 59 degrees. High today will be 66.

This crazy cold weather now reportedly will continue into next Wednesday.

Some 50 years ago, I purchased a leather zip up jacket from Joseph A. Bank. Brought it with me to Key West for “the cold days.” This week only the second time I have had to use it. Heavy and warm. Because of its age, worn all over. Brown has turned tan in many places. Does the job, however. Glad I have it!

Sometimes it is difficult to recognize a good thing. The English translation of Anne Frank’s famous book. Sixteen publishers turned it down before one had the wisdom to go for it.

There were house features that existed many years ago. No more.

Included laundry chutes, intercom systems, milk doors, razor blade disposals, popcorn ceilings, phone nooks and foldout ironing boards.

I distinctly recall each. I am old enough to recall. Especially the milk door. I spent 1 1/2 years as a milk man while in law school. Everyone had a milk door on the exterior of the house or in the garage. Milk was left inside. Homeowner opened a door on the other side to get the milk. No going outside.

On this day in 1936, the U.S. Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown elected its first members: Ty cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Cristy Matthewson and Walter Johnson.

I was fortunate to visit the Hall of Fame many times. For the annual game and inductions, other times with my grandchildren. Cooperstown was a mere 50 miles from Utica.

On this day in 2002, President George W. Bush declared Iraq, Iran and North Korea as the “Axis of Evil.”

Robert Frost: “In three words I can sum up everything I learned about life. It goes on.”

Mike Kelly time again! The best of the best. The present U.S. Senator, former astronaut and 25 year Navy veteran would make an excellent President in 2028. Not an ounce of Donald Trump in him.

Enjoy your day!

I had the strangest dream ever the other evening. I dreamt of my Father.

My Dad has been dead some 25 years. My dream seemed real. It was the middle of the night. In the dream, I had to go to the bathroom. Fell on the way. As I was laying on the floor trying to get up, I felt a hand rubbing the shoulder I had injured in the fall and speaking to me. It was my Father.

It immediately dawned on me. I must have died! Otherwise, how could my Dad be talking to me and I responding to him. Not bad, I thought. There was an after life and I was there sharing it with my Father and hopefully other family members.

Wow! Great!

Then my Father was gone. I woke in bed. The scenario had been a dream. I must admit I was sad.

Trump spoke in Iowa. The recipient of many boos and adverse comments. Note Iowa voted for Trump in all recent previous elections. Generously each time which Trump brought to everyone’s attention between boos.

Trump raised the term “affordability.” Made it sound like it was no longer applicable. He knew not of what he spoke. He should buy groceries!

A special federal investigation has revealed the Minneapolis killing of protester Alex Pretti was by federal agents. The report made no mention of Pretti having a gun.

Proof Trump and his people lied. Donald finds it hard to speak the truth. He generally speaks of things in a fashion of supportability to the position he wants. Which means many times he and his staff lie.

Yale announced a new tuition program. Where family incomes are below $200,000, free tuition will be provided. If under $100,000, other freebies will also be added.

Penn, Harvard and MIT have somewhat similar programs.

I wish such programs existed 1953-1957 when I attended college. The numbers were obviously cheaper. Nevertheless difficult to pay if one’s family was relatively poor. I paid my own way. Actually it did not seem that difficult at the time. It had to be done and I did it. And there were many others similarly situated as I was. Working and going to school at the same time. Working so they could acquire a college education.

The U.S.’s oldest triplets were the Cardwells. The three lived a combined total of 288 years 247 days.

It took 6 months to name them. Finally, President Grover Cleveland’s wife did the naming: Faith, Hope and Charity.

Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” was published this day in 1813.

The Modern U.S. Coast Guard was founded this day in 1915.

Experimentation invites danger no matter how safety conscious the preparation is. Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated following launch this day in 1986. All seven astronauts on board were killed.

Camel information. The most humps on a camel number four. A camel’s median life expectancy is 17.8 years.

George Washington had a nickname. A strange one: “The American Cincinnatus” after the Roman stateman who protected the well being of the republic over personal gain. Trump neither Washington nor Cincinnatus.

Cold wave continues to affect Key West. High today 63. Cold!!!!!

I made it to The Grand last night for Happy Hour. Glad I went. Enjoyed myself.

Shared company with Steve and Cindy. Jean and Joe arrived. Good to have seen both. Jean lovely as usual. She had what I considered a great new hairdo, though she said it was the same. She and Joe return to Birmingham in a few days.

I enjoyed tomato soup and a salmon appetizer. Excellent. Cost half price for appetizers during Happy Hour. My total bill $16!

The magnificent Audubon House on Whitehead Street saved from destruction and fully restored by Key West native Michael Wolfson.

Pain on tap for me this afternoon. I have a visit with Dr. Blass. He is doing a great job with the cancer removal on my left ankle. A little less than 2 months more to total recovery. I was advised prior to surgery that recovery would be 3 months. It has kept on track.

There is a bit of pain involved with these weekly visits. Leaves my ankle hurting through the night following the treatment.

I hate it!

I have to do a bit of grocery shopping today also. The cupboard is bare.

Forget not Mike Kelly. My candidate for President in 2028.

Enjoy your day!

The Fourth Annual Boy’s Night Out was held last night at .Five. Upstairs in a private dining room. Seven of us: Fred  Klein retired New York attorney , Richard Peck retired dental floss manufacturer, Thomas Peacock active Key West hematologist, Nate Gubin author, David Berger retired anesthesiologist, Lou Celi once editor of the Economist, presently a well respected freelance adviser and former employer of Obama, and me.

The event was upstairs at .Five. Met Heather Gately the manager. Did a great job. She was designated Best Bartender in Key West 2025.

Reilly unfortunately was missing. He had 46 horses to deal with. I spoke to him on the phone. When he returns to Key West, he, Fred Klein and I will meet for lunch.

Must not forget Joanne Celi. Driver for some of us. Picked us up and returned us home later. Thank you Joanne.

The sins discussed were many. Some stories from personal life. The discussions always interesting. WOW in nature!

The weather cold last night. I foolishly only wore a shirt. I was unaware of the weather when I went out.

The weather today will be frightful also. Around 8 a.m. at the moment. The temperature 57 degrees. High today will be 63. The day time temperature will remain in the 60s till next Tuesday. It’s one of those Januarys!

Canada’s coldest day once was minus 81.4 degrees. Cold!!!

Trump with his ICE troops and other federal employees is slowly destroying America. Minneapolis being killed. Now Maine is under Trump attack. Pray tell, where next?

Maine concerns me. Trump’s “next” step underway. He is slowly destroying America. A civil war could be down the road. 

ICE is playing soldier. Masked and dressed militarily. Playing soldier without discipline. ICE is “not military, not policing.” It is an “undisciplined militia.”

The soul of our country is at stake. Trump is unlashing evil on our streets. A deep spiritual crisis is underway in parts of our country..

There have been 16 killings by ICE and other Trump followers since July.

Kareen Abdul-Jabbar re the most recent death in Minneapolis: “Is there no end to this?”

Silence not wise at the moment. Silence under present circumstances means a large number of Americans are afraid. Not correct. Americans must speak up. Act, if necessary. A civil war down the road probable more. The American people are becoming sufficiently divided. Words could possibly turn into action. Blame Trump!

On this day in 1945, Auschwitz was liberated. Today the U.S. engaged militarily in Minneapolis. Maine the past week. Where next in the U.S? Will the U.S. end up with an Auschwitz on its shores? Trump and his people must be stopped! Now before blood flows in our streets big time!

World War II moved forward dramatically this day in 1943. The U.S. bombed Germany for the first time.

Russia is larger than Canada in land area.

Florida news! Alexander Vindman has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. A retired U.S. Lt. Colonel, he was one of the top witnesses against Trump in Trump’s first impeachment trial.

An uphill battle for Vindman. For any Democrat. Florida has increasingly gone Republican in recent years.

Keep in mind my suggested candidate for President in 2028. Mike Kelly. Great credentials! A U.S. Senator, an astronaut and 25 year Navy veteran.

Tonight, The Grand. Hope I make it.

Enjoy your day!

Tonight is Boy’s Night Out. Held once a year. Fourth year in a row. I made the first two. Missed the third because of illness.

The event the brainchild of New York attorney Fred Klein. He has brought roughly a dozen men together to eat, drink and talk. All geniuses in their own right. Great conversations!

I have been looking forward to the evening. That good!

One of Trump’s favorite phrases: “When they come at me, they’re coming at you.” The Evangelicals buy it. That is why they support him. They love Trump’s lies. Makes them feel special.

Trump announced he will not be attending the Super Bowl this year. 

Two excuses.

One is he does not like Bad Bunny and Green Day as performers. Second, the game is being played in the San Francisco area. Trump claims the location is too far to travel. An amusing excuse. Trump is a man who is constantly flying all over the world for meetings, conferences, etc. he schedules which shortly thereafter turn into failures.

Who is he kidding! Trump does not want to face the boos and other abuses he receives from the public at sporting events. It is obviously getting to him.

A lawsuit has been brought to stop the ballroom construction. Trump says it is too late to do so. A federal judge will hold a hearing Thursday to determine if a temporary federal injunction should be imposed on the construction.

Trump has made and is continuing to make too many changes to White House property. He is turning the White House to something of his liking and not what America basically wants left alone.

The snow storm thus far bad. It has left more than one foot of snow in 17 States. Not simply snow. The storm includes ice, sleet and freezing rain. The storm will continue into this evening.

Pedro is a 2 year old boy lying in a New York hospital awaiting a new heart. The surgery cannot be done till the nurse strike ends. The nurses required for such surgery are part of the striking group. The temporary replacement nurses are not qualified. Pedro may die if the wait continues too long.

A national problem exists re school teachers having babies. They apparently cannot afford it. They are complaining and seeking assistance to help resolve the problem.

The insufficiency of pay funds is basically twofold, One a lack of parental leave. Only 18 percent of U.S. school districts have paid parental leave. The second low salaries.

My sympathy does not lie with the teachers. They should have been aware before becoming a school teacher of the economic problems. If it makes their lives difficult, they should quietly put up with the economic problems. It was a choice knowingly made.

My wife and I had two children before we had hospitalization or sufficient cash flow to handle a family of four. It was the late 1950s and early 1960s. But we made do and made it. It was no birth control time. My wife was an avid Catholic and refused to practice birth control. We were not the only couple facing the problem. Catholic women back then mostly did and nevertheless enjoyed unprotected sex which led to five pregnancies in our case. We lost the last one.

Teachers today will make it if pregnancies occur. They merely will have to do without some of the extra niceties they would enjoy having in their married lives. We did it. They can do it. Everything works out ok in due course.

On this day in 2005, Condoleezza Rice was sworn in as the first Black Secretary of State.

Actor Paul Newman was born this day in 1925.

Mike Kelly out there campaigning for the Democratic nomination to run for President. Keep him in mind. A first class citizen and person. Not a Donald Trump. 

Enjoy your day!

Another federal shooting in Minneapolis. A protester killed. The shooting appears questionable. Like maybe federal agents lying how it occurred.

Minneapolis part of U.S. Shootings wrong. Must be stopped. Trump has to go. He continues to downgrade our country. He  does not understand how Americans live nor the Constitution that protects them.

Minneapolis today can be Key West tomorrow.

Trump tells one history of Greenland, the facts another. He is as knowledgeable about Greenland’s history as he is the U.S. Constitution.

Trump was embarrassed at the West Point graduation. Deservedly so. He should be embarrassed everywhere.

The military students at West Point understand what is going on. Trump does not. So they failed to properly acknowledge him as they normally would a President.

Snow storm horrible. Nature at its worst.

One benefit, however. Kids supposedly remain home. Schools closed. However where possible, and so in many places, kids can sled down hills. And they do big time!

I recall the “bad winter days of my youth.” Utica in a bad snow belt in upstate New York. Remaining home meant sledding down nearby hills. Fun time! Followed by hot chocolate. Those were the days.

There was another benefit to Utica snow days. I threw a shovel over my shoulder and went door to door offering to shovel walks. Money was good. Even in grammar school, I was earning a good buck.

Americans killed by Americans in Minneapolis while Melania’s $75 million dollar documentary in which she stars debuted in the White House. We have become a screwed up country.

Oh Syracuse, my Syracuse. Lost another basketball game yesterday. Miami beat Syracuse 85-76.

An interesting fact. Shoe laces are older than most civilizations. Go back to 3500 BCE. Wow!

Grapes are delicious. Most everyone enjoys them. Now being discouraged. The reason being their sugar content.

Abraham Lincoln a man of many surprises. One the size of his foot. He was a size 14.

The first Winter Olympics was held this day in 1924. The place Chamonix, France in the French Alps. 

I have been fortunate to have visited Chamonix several times. Summers only, however. A great place!

John Kennedy was the first President to do televised news broadcasts.

The U.S. won the Battle of the Bulge this day in 1945. A significant battle. The U.S. went on to win the war against Germany. I was 10 at the time. Amazing how I recall certain World War II events. Maybe not so. The War was everything. News all day every day. The War all people talked about.

I remind you again. Keep in mind Mike Kelly as your Presidential candidate for 2028.

Enjoy your Sunday!

The two sickest most evil men on the face of the Earth today are Trump and Putin. 

Trump connected himself with God this past week while bragging about his alleged first year successes. One statement was “God is very proud of me.” Proud of the work Trump believes he has accomplished in his first year in office.

Another statement was “We’re bringing back God.” Where I ask. In Minneapolis?

The man is mentally and physically sick. Demented. He has to go. He has disrupted not only the United States, but also most of the world. He has made enemies of our friends while seeking to make the United States friends of those previously our enemies.

He is the 1930’s Hitler reincarnated. God help us, not him, if he becomes the Hitler of the 1940s.

Trump is killing Minneapolis. ICE and federal authorities arresting people by the hundreds. This past week went into a private home with no authority and also took into custody a 5 year old. For stealing chewing gum? I don’t know nor do I understand.

Trump may perhaps also have confused the 100 clergy in Minneapolis who protested ICE at the Minneapolis airport. Thought they were on his side. His warped mind could come to such a conclusion.

Mike Kelly announced his Presidential candidacy yesterday. Finally! Trump forced him into it by violently attacking him recently.

I listened to Kelly’s announcement on TV. Short, but excellent. Pointed. No bullshit. Not a Trump speech.

Kelly described Trump as a “bully.” Can’t argue with  the description. It is right on. He pointed out how Trump blew the casinos years ago.

Kelly was clear Trump had come after him. He was not going to stand and take it. He is a fighter and will fight Trump at his every move.

Kelly also stated he was a straight talker. Not a bullshitter. He pointed out Trump and Hegseth were trying to “intimidate him.” He had to laugh. A U.S. Senator, former astronaut and 25 year Navy veteran. Neither’s experience can match Kelly’s.

The Chinese have always been a bit different from the rest of the world. Do things as they see fit that will benefit them.

For years, Chinese billionaires have been renting American female wombs to bear children for them. Becoming more pronounced in recent years. Some of the billionaires have fathered in excess of 100 children.

Their purpose sound. They want their children to be American as well as Chinee citizens. Remember, anyone born on U.S. soil automatically is a U.S. citizen. Understand also that since the end of World War II and up to Trump’s present Presidency there were benefits to being an American citizen.

A storm of storms is on its way. Will be hitting Texas today and  east. An unbelievable amount of snow and ice expected. One foot of snow will not be uncommon. Twelve major cities expected to be buried, including New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Memphis, and Jacksonville. Key West will experience cold weather, but no snow. 

Syracuse continues losing close basketball games. Wednesday night Virginia Tech beat Syracuse by 2 points 76-74. Today Miami and Syracuse will meet at 2. I normally would watch the game at Brady’s Irish Pub. Watched Syracuse lose one in overtime last Saturday. The problem is my healing cancer wound can’t take sitting at the bar for 3-4 hours. So I will not be watching the game today.

Frankly, I am sick of watching Syracuse lose the basketball games they have. My Syracuse enthusiasm is waning. I am from the Boeheim generation. We were basketball winners! Went to the Final Four several times. Won once. Times have changed.

Gold was discovered at Sutter’s Creek in California this day in 1848. The California Gold Rush was on!

The best and worst airlines for 2025 were announced. Southwest Airlines was the best. A tie for worst. American and Frontier.

Another reminder. Mike Kelly for President in 2028.

Enjoy your day!

Busy day yesterday. More than planned.

I have not been sleeping well. I was up at 4 a.m. to do the blog. Took till 10.

It was my haircut/manicure day. Began at noon.

Lori her usual pleasant self. We have known each other at least 25 years. First met when she came to Key West as a young lady who wanted to be a hair dresser. She was employed at the Casa Marina at the time. Now owns her own business with several employees on White Street. And she still cuts my hair! Even cleans up my beard trim. I do it before I see her. She professionalizes it.

Following which I hurried over to Lee Nails on Flagler so Tammy could give me a manicure. Tammy a 25 year friend also. Met her and her husband when they were first employed at a nail shop in Duval Square. Ultimately, she and the husband bought the place. Moved it to Flagler years ago where they have expanded the business big time.

I get a manicure every two weeks. Generally immediately after my haircut with Lori. A pedicure every three. Tammy a doctor of sorts when it comes to the hands and feet. Three years ago, she started telling me about the growth on my left ankle. It was getting bigger. See a doctor, she said. I saw 2 or 3. All said don’t worry about it. I didn’t. Tammy did. Continued bugging me. Again I listened to the doctors, not her. A mistake. In 3 years it became large and a problem. Now the doctors were saying it had to come off.

“Doctor Tammy” reminds me of the scenario and progress every time I see her now.

Then to Denny’s for a late lunch. Their $5.99 breakfast cheap, large and tasty. 

Needed a prescription filled. It was next to Publix. Purchased some groceries while there.

By the time I arrived home, I was exhausted. I am still recapturing my energy. Not all better yet.

I cannot carry heavy grocery bags from the car to my apartment. Corey comes by to help. Sometimes it is Steve.

Corey came by last night to carry in the Diet Pepsi. Four six packs. One to a bag. Very heavy. Steve had helped me earlier in the day with the other groceries.

Corey did not come alone. He had Jake with him. He normally walks Jake to Bayview Park. I am only 3 short blocks away.

Jake’s first visit to my abode. He swiftly moved around sniffing everything. Corey said the heart pills are helping. Jake seems to have more energy.

A bit of the Donald.

While he was telling the world how successful the Davos meeting had been, you will recall I criticized his comment. Everything he does is a success till a few days later we learn it was not.

Trump wants to begin another United Nations. One he would control. One which would replace the present United Nations. He calls “his” U.N. the Board of Peace. A new U.N. would need most nations as members. Especially the larger and more influential ones. Already France and Canada have refused to join.

Good luck, Donald! Your Board will die in the wind. More will stand with France and Canada. You will have blown another one!

A federal judge questions Trump’s power to expand the White House ballroom. Trump probably feels it is none of the judge’s business or anyone else. We must forget not from Trump’s perspective. He is President and as President can do anything he wants.

Excuse my reference, but Donald has big balls! Banks are always turning people down from loans and other banking privileges. Poor credit generally the reason. The borrower may not be able to pay back the loan when due.

It is obvious Donald has big money problems. J.P. Morgan and its CEO Jamie Dimon have been sued by Trump for $5 billion for refusing to do banking business with him.

From whence was the “teddy bear” named? Who else but our 26th President Theodore Roosevelt. Called Teddy. He developed national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests. An animal friendly person. When the time to came to name the tiny bear, most immediately came up withe name Teddy Bear to honor the President.

Thomas Jefferson was a man of words. Best known for the Declaration of Independence which he authored. He also continues to be known for other writings. One I learned in grammar school and still recall at 90: “All tyranny needs to  gain a foothold is for people of good conscience  to remain silent.”

The U.S./Vietnam settlement was entered into this day in 1973.

Salvador Dali died this day in 1989. I recalled watching him painting one day long ago. An art museum in Tampa or St. Petersburg. My mind fails me as to the exact city. It was exciting to watch a master at his work.

Great review in KONK Life about Red Barn’s At the Wedding. The review written by Ennid Berger.

The weather is crazy.

Key West was to have a high yesterday of 73. Instead had to be in the high 70s. It was warm yesterday afternoon. The sun burning hot.

The Nation itself awaits what has been described one of the biggest winter storms ever. Begins in Texas today. Ends on the eastern coast Sunday. Will even hit portions of Florida. Not Key West, however. Will bring  a new cold with it. Key West projected at some point to be in the 60s.

One foot of snow or more will not be uncommon in many cities.

Mike Kelly is finally coming out of the woodwork. I doubt however because of me and my daily writings that he should be our winning candidate in 2028. Kelly announced yesterday he was considering running. 

I am not surprised. Trump has been beating the hell out of him lately. If any doubt existed in Kelly’s mind as to whether he should run, Trump’s rants have forced him to retaliate and wage battle on the most prominent stage in the world!

Good luck, Mike! Go for it! We need you!

Enjoy your day!

I’m back! Was under the weather for a few days. Did nothing, including my beloved blog.

I begin with a highlight which occurred just before I slowed down. I had brunch with some friends. Good people all! Joanne and Lou. At their home. Joanne a CFO and a cook exemplary! Lou an adviser of sorts. An AI expert. Then there was Ennid and David. Ennid writes for KONK Life. Does reviews of Red Barn shows. David a retired anesthesiologist. The group concluded with my dear friend Fred and his wife Joanne. 

Two Joanne’s. How lucky could I be!

Fred a retired New York City attorney. A retired labor lawyer who represented the management side of the table. Joanne  an artist. Shows at Harrison Gallery.       .

The food and company were excellent. 

Almost forgot…..Joanne and Lou’s dogs. Two. Part of the family. All over us in a nice way.

Trump! Tons of Trump to write about. Frankly, I am sick of writing and hearing about him. The worst President in our history.

The big story during my absence was the Davos meeting re Greenland. From Donald’s perspective a victory. How I know not. The tariffs were removed. Greenland remains as it was. So how the Trump victory?

Trump always wants to get even. No way to make friends. There was a USA House in Davos. California Governor Newson was blocked from entry. Childish bullshit on Trump’s part.

Trump has a burning desire to destroy or sell everything. Nothing is sacred.

His newest gambit is his attempt to sell the “Sistine Chapel of the New Deal.” Contained in the Wilbur J. Cohn Federal Building. Contains art created from 1940-1942 by unemployed artists. A piece of America.

The man has no respect for American history.

Women won a big time right this day in 1973. The Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade guaranteeing American women the right to an abortion.

A major day in Key West history! Gathered the largest crowd up to that day in Key West. It was January 22, 1912. Henry Flagler rode on the first railroad trip all the way to Key West. It was on the Overseas Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad.

Americans are finding it cheaper and more convenient to have one home rather than two. The southern warm winter home is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Why have two homes when one will do it! Cheaper and generally in a cheaper state to live. Referred to as “permanent relocation.”

The five best jobs in 2026. Surprise! All in the medical field: Anesthesiologist, psychiatrist, orthodontist, obstetrician/gynecologist, and radiologist.

Hank Aaron: “Guessing what the pitcher is going to throw is 80 percent of being a successful hitter. The other 20 percent is just execution.”

Love Fran Dixon! I mentioned on the phone a few days ago how much I enjoyed her home made fudge which she periodically sends me. Yesterday, I received a small heavy box in the mail. Fran’s fudge! Made my day!  

Some Januarys are warm. The weather does not change. Others are cold. very cold. We appear to be in a cold one this year. 

I hate it! I am a warm weather freak. I have been wearing long kakis, a sweatshirt and leather jacket. I hate those who walk around in shorts and a shirt uttering how much they love the present weather.

High 50s and mid to high 60s have been common the past few days. Will warmup a bit today. High will be 73. Still cold for me! Low 68.

A busy day ahead. Renew some prescriptions, a haircut with Lori, followed by a manicure with Tammy. Then a light lunch somewhere.

I am consistent. My man for President in 2028 remains Mike Kelly. Presently a U.S. Senator, former astronaut and 25 year Navy veteran where he at one time captained an aircraft carrier.

Evidence that he might be right for the job is Trump has been on his ass recently. Coming up with bullshit things to attack him with.

Enjoy your day!