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 Made it sound like it was no longer applicable.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!

Key West cold does not require snow. The temperature alone does it.

Yesterday’s high was 64. Comparable to 10 degrees above zero and 10 inches of newly fallen snow in upstate New York. Even my butt was cold yesterday and early into the night. I have a small heater which only minimally helps. Wore a sweatshirt all day and night. Slept under a heavy quilt during the evening.

The temperature will rise today. Will reach 70 degrees at 1 p.m. The high today at 3 when it will hit 74. Understand how this affects me. I am cold up to and including 74 degrees. As are other Key Westers. Warm begins kicking in at 75. Only those who live in the lower Keys can understand. Those further north laugh. They understand not. You have to experience Key West cold to comprehend.

This afternoon at 2 will find me at the bar at Brady’s Irish Pub. I am going to try watching the Syracuse/Boston College game from the bar. Spoke with Carolla yesterday to set things up for me.

Hope my ankle can handle it.

I have missed Syracuse’s last three games because of the ankle. Syracuse on a roll. Won all three. Hope they win today.

Trump a sensitive person. Thin skinned. Like crepe paper. Easily offended. 

Trump threatening tariffs on Nations that “don’t go along” with his Greenland plans. A first class asshole!

I suspect Trump is at the point where he is most unpopular. He may know it, though I suspect he tries to hide it with his false bravado.

Trump more recently giving the finger and fucking this and that. Great conduct by a U.S. President! He has regurgitated back 50 years to a construction site. 

Trump is making it difficult for the U.S. to negotiate with other countries. His personality and disposition make him the worst to discuss matters with. It is all him in any negotiation.

I spoke of grocery  and restaurant prices yesterday. Another super market item where the consumer is silently screwed involves cereals. Boxed cereals. Rather than reduce the size of the box or merely raise the price, the cereal producer leaves box size as it was. However reduces the contents inside. Consumers can’t tell if the volume is 20 percent less when the purchase is made.

The manufacturer/producer and grocery store come out ahead. The buyer loses. Less product and no recompense in his paycheck or from anyone to make up for the loss in product and monies. The only ones to come out ahead are the producer and super market.

We can’t win!

Many years ago the “weekend” consisted of one day. Sunday. Workers took Mondays off on their own and with no pay. Mondays were generally used to continue “imbibing” or to recover from Sunday’s drinking. Mondays were in effect an unofficial holiday. Referred to as “Saint Monday.” The Saint reference never understood.

Thieves pulled off the famous Brink’s robbery in Boston this day in 1950. I remember the notoriety associated with the theft. $2 million. $29 million in today’s money. The thieves were caught in January 1956 just days before the Statute of Limitations expired.

Benjamin Franklin was born this day in 1706.

I repeat my choice for President in 2028. Mike Kelly. Can’t beat a U.S. Senator, former astronaut and 25 year Navy captain. Donald never any of the three.

Enjoy your day!

I ran into an interesting situation re the cost of food the past few days. The sneaky way we consumers are being had.

Lets begin with Publix. A great super market. Nevertheless putting it to consumers. I shopped yesterday. Generally purchase fresh cut cake at the bakery department. Yesterday, I opted for sliced banana walnut loaf cake. Price appeared to be the same $6.99. When I got home, I noticed the slices were smaller. Considerably. By 25-30 percent.

Smart but deceptive move. Keep the price the same, but the size smaller.

Another deception occurred at Denny’s. Denny’s serves good food at reasonable prices. 

For some time they have been providing what they describe as “$5 Slammin’ Meals.” I particularly enjoyed the egg meal. Two eggs, potatoes and toast. This week I noticed the cost was up $.99. The $5 meal now $5.99. A 20 percent increase. No notice. Window advertising still $5 as was the menu.

I politely asked if there was a mistake. No mistake. The price was up almost $1. A few days later a new menu with the increased cost. Yesterday the massive $5 window advertising gone.

I might add that even at $5.99 the egg meal still a bargain from my perspective.

My problem is Publix and Denny’s can raise prices and get away with it. The consumer is stuck with the increase. The consumer can’t go to his employer or Social Security and say hey, the store increased its price. The consumer has to eat the increase, yet big Publix and Denny’s do not.

Not fair, not right. On the other hand, I am not aware of a solution.

Trump promised a manufacturing boom. We are still waiting for it.

Last year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner was Venezuela’s Maria Corina Machado. She was at the White House yesterday. Gave her medal to Trump. His desire for the medal desperate. It did not matter he got it second hand.

Machado trying to help her country by giving the medal to Trump. Trump not understanding not the way to receive such a medal. The Nobel Prize Committee said they do not recognize the transfer.

Donald does not care. He got the medal. What he wanted. Such is all that concerns him. He wants what he wants and does not care how he gets things as long as he gets them.

Syracuse has won its last three basketball games. On a run! Playing Boston College tomorrow at 2. I hope to watch the game. Where I watch it from depends on my ankle.

Trump so anti-black. It oozes out of his pores. He claims white people have been treated “very badly” because of civil rights legislation among other things. I do not agree. Trump speaking words of hatred. He is not really President of all the people. I sometimes wonder if he is President of anyone other than himself.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”

On this day in 1919, a sufficient number of States ratified Prohibition which then became law. Ultimately a failure. Caused more problems than it cured.

I flew commercially for the first time in 1960. Back then people dressed. Men wore suits and ties. Women dresses and stockings. No one dressed as they do today. The ultimate in casualness. Even down to pajamas. Flyers dress the ultimate in sloppiness.

Last year, the Transportation Department decided to bring “courtesy and class to air travel” again. No sign of success so far.

Hiram Revels a name few if any Americans know. He was the first African-American to serve in Congress. The year 1901.

The last two Key West evenings cold. I have turned on the heat.

Forget not Mike Kelly. Presently a U.S. Senator, former astronaut and 25 year Navy veteran. Ultimately captained a carrier. The man for President in 2028. Trump already trying to destroy him.

Enjoy your day!

Washington Post News picture this morning shows a a security militant firing directly into a crowd in an American city. The article reports such shootings going on in at least six cities,

America? Disgraceful! 

Trump is encouraging a revolutionary uprising as well as an international war. Is he seeking to destroy us? The man is mad. He must be deposed.

Trump seems to love the cold north. First, it was Iceland. Now, Greenland. A meeting was held. Vance and Rubio represented the U.S. No agreement was reached. All that came out of it was a “high end working group.” Four persons. Vance, Rubio and two representing Greenland.

Trump wants, wants and continues to want. Countries in Central and South America. The far north. Europe.

Claims he will fight to gain control of some. How many wars can the U.S. wage at one time! NATO will become involved. Trump sounds like Hitler in the mid to late 1930s. He will end up as Hitler did in 1945. The problem is he will take America down as Hitler took Germany.

And if there is a war, our young will be drafted. Such must include Barron. No bullshit bone spurs letter for him.

Close vote in the Senate re the Venezuela war powers bill. Required Vance’s vote to pass the bill. The bill provides Trump with power to militarily engage further in Venezuela. Two Senators who initially opposed the bill changed their votes following pressure from Trump’s people.

Trump supports protesters, EXCEPT for those protesting him. A growing number!

Despite Trump’s claims, grocery prices are rising. Terrible! American families getting destroyed in the process. Many forced to cut back on quality and volume in order to be able to afford food.

Makes me wonder if Trump is cutting back. I suspect his meals have remained the same. His body appearance supports such an observation.

There are cheap days to visit Disney World. Better phrased, cheaper days. Two fold. Mid January to early February and the month of August.

On this day in 1953, Harry Truman was the first President to use radio and TV for his Farewell Address.

Dolores O’Riordan: “I’ve come to the conclusion that life is for the taking and just too short to dwell on the negative.”

I agree.

Visited with Dr. Blass yesterday. Cancer surgery continues to mend. Probably another two months to go.

I looked at the wound. Appeared a wee bit larger than a quarter. Looked good to my layman’s eye. Dr. Blass pleased with the progress. 

He remediated and bandaged. I see him next week. One problem is I hurt after he does his thing. All night and still this morning. The cause primarily involves the final bandage on the wound. It is medicated. Sticks to the wound. One week later when removed, hurts like hell!

Mike Kelly standing up for his rights as Trump attacks him. Go Mike! You are my man for President in 2028.

Enjoy your day!