I have not done a Morning stew since early December. My aching body has caused me to miss a day or two. This blog is catch up time. I am going to spell out items in the order they appear in my notes.

Enjoy.

The IRS will begin forwarding the $1,400 stimulus checks this weekend. Some already have arrived. Direct deposit will be first to receive.

Question: If culture wars are over, why is Dr. Seuss all over FOX News.

Most Republican Congressional persons are complaining the stimulus is too big. They forget the crisis is big too!

I have had one vaccine shot. My second the 27th. Vaccine distribution has been a problem in Florida. In addition to availability overall.

Spoke with a person yesterday who said he was in a chain drug store locally to pick up a few things. An employee asked him if he would like a vaccine shot saying that the vaccine would “spoil” if not used. The man got his shot. In fact, he has already had both.

Interestingly, he is not close yet to qualifying off an eligibility list. Including age limits.

I was unaware the vaccine could spoil. Did a little home work. They can.

Pfizer advises its vaccine has a life of 120 hours (5 days). If vaccine is older, Pfizer recommends the manufacturer be called for guidance.

The CDC maintains a COVID-19 Expiration Date Tracking Pool to follow the age of the vaccine at different levels.

What continues to bother me is that we have insufficient vaccine supply in various parts of Florida. Never the less, vaccine is apparently getting old/stale and may have to be disposed of without use. A disgrace.

The entire vaccine situation is in disarray. Not just in Florida. All over the U.S.

Harry Truman loved Key West and Key west loves Harry Truman.

Truman arrived in Key West on 3/12/1950 for a one month vacation.

Biden has ordered the deployment of 4,000 active duty military to help reach vaccine targets. Biden is handling the problem well. It is a war!

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reveals a “near obsession” with abortion in its opposition to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Spring Breakers are arriving. Key West beaches filling up. Many more expected.

The largest influx of college students is expected to hit Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Many believe a significant number will be unhappy with those two cities and move down to Key West.

Miami and Fort Lauderdale still have restrictions in place. The kids will not be happy.

For example, Miami has a midnight to 6 am curfew. Alcohol is prohibited on beaches.

Key West has been touted as an “open town.” Hordes will arrive.

Key West police are ready. Even horseback police officers will be involved.

St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner. The problem will be the same.

The virus will be around longer than it should because many deviate from the restrictions. Merchants as well as college guests and other visitors.

It is proper to disrespect someone who does not perform properly. Even those who lack the capacity to do good.

I speak of Florida’s Governor DeSantis. A horses ass no mater how you view him. You can’t make good out of bad.

This past week DeSantis issued an order for fines persons and businesses have paid or might have to pay for charges already made be withdrawn. Included are mask violations.

Query: How are safety rules to be enforced during Spring Break?

The “ass” is considered Pesidential timber for 2024. Amazing!

Note this is the same individual who “arranged” for vaccine to be provided to  two affluent communities in Florida because they represented some of his heavy financial supporters.

Trump has said many times that DeSantis is the best governor in the U.S. Understandable. Trump was DeSantis’ Pied Piper. He did everything Trump wanted. Bad guys. Sinful under the skin.

While everyone has suspected Trump’s financial problems n New York City would bring him down, it now appears Georgia may do it first. He is being examined down to his underwear for issues involving ballot counting durnig the Presidential election.

If such occurs, and I suspect it will, Donald’s own recorded words will do him in.

A new restaurant in Key West. The Southernmost Fish Company Restaurant. Recently opened where Michael’s did business for many years. I wish Southernmost good luck! Can’t wait for my quarantine time to be over so I can try it.

Syracuse, my Syracuse! What a lousy basketball season!

One week ago, Syracuse was off the bubble. Then Syracuse beat North Carolina State 89-68. Back on the bubble!

Two days later, Syracuse played Virginia. A better team. The game was tied. Virginia dropped in a 3 pointer at the buzzer.

Syracuse now off the bubble? Maybe not. Virginia a much better team and yet Syracuse almost defeated them. The word now is that Syracuse is an if.”

If Syracuse makes it, it is anticipated it will be as #68, the last team invited to play in the big tournament.

We will know tomorrow when the tournament choices and rankings are announced.

Merrick Garland was confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee this past week for the post of Attorney General. The Senate will confirm him, if it has not already done so.

Garland has been touted as “best” for the job for two reasons.

First, he headed the Oklahoma investigation 25 years ago. Second, he has been a respected federal judge for more than 20 years.

Both experiences qualifying on their face. However, I question such.

Twenty five years is a long time ago. No one can tell whether he is as good investigatory wise today as he was then. A good judge does not necessarily make a good prosecutor. Especially after 20 years as a judge. The mind changes. In some instances, the drive also.

I hope Garland does well and I wish him well. However, he causes me concern.

What does Joe Manchin really want? I think he wants his ass kissed. He wants to be considered a big guy in Washington circles. He  fortuitously has been placed in that position.

It bothers me.

Biden has a tremendous opportunity to accomplish much. The stimulus bill evidence of the ability he has. To move on, Biden needs Manchin’s support. More succinctly, his Senate vote.

He is the fly in the ointment.

The vaccine. Demand exceeds supply in many parts of the country. Florida, especially.

DeSantis this past week dropped the eligibility age from 65 to 60. He could drop it to 40. Would make no difference. There is not enough vaccine for the people already eligible.

Proof of the pudding are Miami, Florida City and Tampa. Lines long waiting for shots. Get to the head of the line and told there is no more vaccine. All out!

Many of these people waited hours.

“Promises made, promises kept” was a joke when it came to Trump. The only “promise” he ever kept was the tax cut for the wealthy which kept millions of dollars in their pockets.

DeSantis no better. Makes a promise. Cannot deliver. Not because he is devious. Rather he does not check facts out before he speaks.

Anyone recall Katherine Houghton? She was the lovely young daughter who planned to marry Sidney Poitier in Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn played her parents.

A terrific movie. I can’t see it enough.

Katherine is now 75 years old. Hard to believe!

An interesting fact which many may not be aware. Katherine Hepburn was Katherine Houghton’s aunt. Hepburn was instrumental in helping Houghton launch her career.

Done!

Enjoy your day!

Sorry, no blog today. Doctor visits beginning early morning.

As an authoritarian figure, Trump wanted a quasi-military force he could rely on. Such would be his first line of defense if personally endangered. A group of this nature would also exist for intimidation purposes.

Trump selected ICE to be that baby, his baby.

ICE is short for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It is part of the Department of Homeland Security. It is the largest investigative  group within the DHS.

Ice was born in 2003. One of its duties to deal with border/immigration issues. They were a so so federal agency till Trump’s election in 2016.

Trump had a concern. Loyalty was most important to him. He needed a small band of marauders he could rely on to do as he dictated. To be his personal enforcement group.

He selected ICE. Made sure budget funds in significant amounts ended up in ICE. Selected a certain brand of persons to work as ICE agents.

Recall Trump’s first wife Ivana. She has mentioned several times over the years that Trump kept in  a drawer at his beside Hitler authored and other Nazi books.

Such was his bed time reading most evenings.

Trump wanted ICE to be his Gestapo unit. Loyal first and solely to him. To do that he wished as he wished

Trump succeeded.

I have written and discussed many times my fear of ICE. That it constituted an increasing danger.

If there was any question n my mind, it was put to rest the first time I saw ICE agents. Their mere appearance was enough to strike fear in a person.

Following some natural disaster (not Irma), many Key Westers were without living accommodations, water, food, etc. FEMA came in to provide such items to those in need. Persons deprived because of the disaster. What FEMA delivered was good, needed, and appreciated.

I am a curious animal. I wanted to see the operation. To understand first hand how the disaster was being handled. In the large parking lot behind the Fire Station on Simonton, huge tents had been erected. Chairs available. Social areas also available also under tents.

People were assassinated with paperwork, provided helpful information, etc.

All went well. I was impressed. My government was there and helping!

I enjoy walking around to see what is going on. I did so on 2 occasions at the FEMA site.

What failed to impress me were the ICE agents who I assume were there to make sure trouble did not erupt.

They scared me! All I could think of was Hitler’s Gestapo.

The agents were all the same. Tight muscle bound bodies.  Fair skinned/white. Primarily blonds. Each agent’s hair a crew cut. Not in recent day fashion. Rather the crew cut of many years ago. Roughly one inch tall. Stood straight up.

The men were dressed in dark green uniforms. Each carrying a side arm that was intimidating in itself. I know nothing about guns. These were big pistols for want of another description. One sitting on each agent’s hip.

It was obvious I did not belong. I was not signing up for anything. Knew no one. No one talked with me nor did I try to engage in conversation with anyone. I merely walked around looking.

The ICE agents apparently became concerned. Who is this guy? They started following me each time I was there. Never got close enough to engage me in conversation. I had no desire to speak with them.

Recall that point in the Trump era when he had immigration people going to major cities to weed out illegal immigrants. ICE accompanied the agents. The up front guys were not ICE. ICE’s function was to stand in the streets looking up at the building the immigration people were in. Intimidation time.

Immediately prior to Trump leaving office, he had the DHS enter into an agreement with ICE’s union (would you believe) giving the union the ability/power to indefinitely delay the implementation of any new policies affecting ICE.

The  agreement provided in effect the union ran ICE and not the DHS or Biden. Changes had to be made.

Trump’s purpose was to give him himself control over ICE after he was out of office. Sort of controlling things from the gave.

Got to give Biden credit. He recognized what Trump had set up. He was not going to tolerate it.

Biden almost immediately upon taking office had the DHS nullify the agreement with the Union. The grounds were that the agreement was not negotiated in the interests of the DHS nor was it in alignment with existing law.

And that is where it stands.

There are other problems as a practical matter. DHS has to transfer, terminate or in some fashion get rid of the ICE agents whose boots stomped in step with Trump. Replace them with agents who understand what democratic immigration and any other type enforcement calls for.

In short, get the Trump inspired bullies out!

Speaking of Trump. his stock seems to be going down every day. He lost the fraudulent election ballot cases, is threatening to sue the National Republican Party if they use his picture or name for fund raising, and the reception Trump received sunday night as he arrived at Trump Towers. Trump Towers was a what goes around comes around situation.

Key West and the lower Keys have been a U.S. Navy base for various purposes since well before World War II. Sometimes a bomb or other type explosive is found from days long gone by.

Such was the case on Fleming Key.

Yesterday, a 250 pound World War II era bomb was disposed of  by U.S. Navy Ordinate Disposal. They blew it up.

Safety not a problem. The U.S. Coast Guard maintained a safety perimeter around the area.

A job well done. Not the first rodeo so to speak for our professional military persons. This bomb discovery thing is somewhat of a frequent occurrence.

Enjoy your day!

The itch has begun. To leave/escape my home. Now that I have my first shot, I know the end of quarantine is near.

This morning Willie Nelson has been running through my head. Probably his most famous it: On The Road Again.

The first two lines fit my mental state perfectly: On the road again / I just can’t wait to get on the road again.

Three to four weeks from now.

COVID-19. Problems continue in Miami-Dade County.  Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami has expanded vaccine eligibility to those “at risk”  16 and up. No note from a doctor will be required to state the “at risk” condition. The note was causing too much confusion. Ergo, eliminated.

Chaos continues in Miami. Jackson Memorial Hospital an example again. Too many people showing up for shots. They are “eligible residents.” However being turned away because insufficient vaccine shots are available.

The problem for Miami ineligibles is that they are not  as the rich who live on Ocean Reef. Political contributions talk with the DeSantis administration.

The vaccine shot problem continues throughout Florida. The right hand does not appear to know what the left is doing.

I had to wait 2 months. Signed up twice at 2 different places. Still took an eternity to be called. I qualified with the first batch of eligibles at 85.

I received my first shot 2/27. My second is scheduled for 3/27. I waited roughly 2 months for the first shot on 2/27.

A process involved finally caught up with me today. I received a telephone call. From a pleasant lady who was calling on behalf of the State to schedule my first appointment.

Computers make information and data easy to keep up with. Obviously Florida is doing things half assed backwards and the process is not working effectively.

We are taught from day 1 in school that Columbus discovered America. The year also, 1492. Both facts never forgotten.

We learned a few years later in school that America is named after Amerigo Vespucci. Though I have wondered occasionally why not Christopher Columbus since he was the first to discover the New World.

The matter arises this day because it was on this day in 1512 Vespucci died. A bit of research was in order.

No question, it is from Vespucci’s first name Amerigo that America is derived.

There is also no question Columbus discovered the New World before Vespucci.

Vespucci made several trips to the New World. The first questionable and always referred to as “alleged.” That trip was 1497-1498. His further voyages 1499-1500, 1501-1502 and 1503-1504.

On his next to last trip in 1501, Vespucci landed in Brazil. He realized that Brazil and all the other New World lands he had visited were not islands. They were continents.

Which brings us to “why” America instead of Columbia for the hemispheres and the U.S.

In 1507, 2 men published An Introduction to Cosmography together with an accompanying map.

The Introduction was written in Latin. One of its authors was Ringman. He wrote that the name of the New World should be derived from that of Amerigo, discoverer and sagacious genius. The suitable name should be Land of Amerigo, or America, since Europe and Asia had received women’s names.

The Introduction was a great success. Four printings almost immediately. Considered as the Bible for New World voyages. The name America stuck.

Donald Trump has always been a popular figure in New York City. It does not appear any longer.

Trump returned to New York City sunday night at 9. Alone. I assume Melania in Florida.

When he arrived at Trump Tower, only one supporter was present. The sole supporter had company, however. A significant number of protesters who “attacked” the building. The protesters called for Thump’s arrest monday morning. Signs were carried stating “Florida Man Go home,” “Indict Trump,” and “Arrest Trump.”

Oh, how his popularity has waned. What goes around comes around. The best Thomas Wolfe’s adage,  “You can’t go home again.”

Trump was to leave today to return to Florida.

Today a big day in American history! On this day in 1959, the Barbie Doll made its debut. Still going strong in 2021.

A woman was behind the Barbie Doll. Ruth Handler. She had co-founded Mattel, Inc. together with her husband in 1945.

How did Ruth get involved? Note, Ruth purchased the rights to Barbie Doll. It had been in existence before. The first doll was named Lilli. created by another person. Lilli was modeled after a German comic strip character.

Lille was first marketed as a racy gag gift to adult men in tobacco shops. Lilli became more popular with children than adult men.

Ruth noticed that her young daughter ignored her baby dolls to play make believe with paper dolls of adult women.

Mattel began sponsoring  the Mickey Mouse Club TV program in 1955. After acquiring the rights to Lilli, Mattel began advertising Barbie directly to children via the Mickey Mouse Club.

By 1961, Barbie Doll had become so popular that a boy friend Ken was added.

Barbie Doll and the other members of her family have been accepted world wide. In excess of 1 billion Barbie dolls have been.

Barbie dolls are not cheap. Most family members sell for excessive amounts. A few are cheap. Overall however, many dolls sell today in the $60 range, new or used.

As I was printing this piece, a question arose in my mind. Why did Ruth notice her daughter was attracted to an adult looking doll rather than the normal baby doll? Could it have been that young kids are daily exposed to adults rather than babies? Ergo that would be what they wanted to play with. My observation. I could be wrong.

A border crisis is developing. In the 48 days Biden has been President. It was to be expected. Biden promised the immigrants would be let in. They believed him. He also said give me time, we are not ready for you yet. They have not given him time. Ergo, the problem.

No one is perfect. He is not a Donald Trump (said with tongue in cheek). He requires more time to get a handle on the problem. In January of this year, 78,000 immigrants tried to get into the U.S. illegally. Seventy eight thousand is double the numbs that tried to enter one year earlier in January 2020.

At this time, 4 thousand a day are trying to gain entry to the U.S. illegally. Many child en. Some of the youngest are not accompanied by an adult.

The White House presently in a quandary as how to deal with the problem expeditiously and fairly. It is expected that the number of immigrants overall will increase by 45 percent since Trump’s last year in office.

Biden’s people deny there is a “crisis.” Refer to the problem as a “challenge.” Three to four thousand a day is not a challenge. Definitely a crisis.

A possible solution is to react to the problem as was done in some areas when coronavirus became overwhelming. Get the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to “overnight” build proper living facilities which also should be operated by sensitive persons rather than the buffoons Trump relied on.

Not as an excuse, but rather a fact of life. Biden has only been in office 47 days. Give him time and your support.

Tonight, tonight my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time.

Interesting and fun. Join me for a quick moving half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

This morning a first. I am back to doing a normal blog. My first Greece trip has ended.

I enjoyed sharing the trip with you. Hopefully you enjoyed reading it. I received many favorable comments, except for one. A snowbird good friend. He was unhappy. He had followed it day by day 9 years ago and was bored with the repetition.

I returned to Greece the next year. I plan later this year in doing that trip. If any of you think you would not enjoy it, speak now or forever hold your peace.

I took about 600 photos of the trip. Never posted them. Sloan and I have been working on how to set them up, etc. In a week or two I will begin posting. Once a week. Eight to ten pics with some brief identifying information below. And not all 600. Not even close.

The reason I opted to run the first Greece trip again was because there was little to write about. Before coronavirus, I was out and about most evenings. There was much to report.

However, the virus has kept me self quarantined for more than a year now. Key West residents and visitors not available to me. Nor the Chart Room or any other bar.

Prior to the virus, I rarely wrote about politics and world happenings. Without Key West available, I was forced to write about those 2 areas.

An interesting observation. My readers have doubled with the changeover primarily to politics. I plan on mixing Key West and politics as soon as I am out again. I hope the new readers stay with me.

My second shot is March 27. I am told I should remain in self quarantine for another 2-3 weeks. Then ok to go out. However must wear a mask.

I can live with it.

An article in Newsmax 3/7 reported death row murderers would receive stimulus checks. Doesn’t sound right. However politics being what it is, you never know.

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark) was interviewed by Newsmax and shared the information.

Before my sharing it with you, let me make one thing clear. I fear Cotton and those of his breed. He is a far righter. Even worse a favorite of the moneyed Republicans we never hear about. He and his friends want him to run for Presidnet in 2024.

He is of the same ilk of Senator Hawley. Birds of a feather.

One thing that has been bothering me the past couple of years is that many of the new Republican faces are Harvard or Yale law graduates. These people receive the finest legal educations which for some reason I cannot fathom sets them off on a path even beyond Trump.

Cotton provided the following examples of death row murderers to receive stimulus checks.

Dylan Roof murdered 9 people. He is on federal death row.

The Boston Bomber Dzhokhor Tsarnaev who murdered 3 people and terrorized a city.

Aaron Shamo was sentenced to life for selling 1 million fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills to unsuspecting buyers.

What is the justification for providing death row murderers and those sentenced to life with the stimulus? For commissary use buying cigarettes, soda pop, and candy?

Florida COVID-19 vaccine shots chaos. Distribution still sucks in Florida.

A woman in Florida City stood in line for 5 hours with her 6 month baby and when reached was turned away on some technical reason. That same day, the Florida City sites were allowing people without appointments to be vaccinated.

Eligibility requirements were screwed up. Those providing the shots were not aware who could get a shot. Eligibility practiced in an uncertain fashion, and not properly so in most instances.

The Washington Post 3/4 reported living in Texas right now feels like an exercise in survival. Citizens are caught between the power failure and Governor Abbott opening Texas 100 percent beginning wednesday.

My adult life has been governed by the philosophy that every one must have a seat at the economic table. Not just the rich. Rich, middle class, and poor alike. Each must receive the benefits of the American economy. Not however must each earn an equal amount of money.

People must be able to afford to buy things like food, clothing, and shelter.

The U.S. minimum wage for years has been $7.25 an hour. Whether rich or poor, an insufficient amount to live on. I wonder what Senators and Representatives would do if they and their families had to live on $7.25 an hour.

NBC News recently said: “The world has changed.”

In addition to every one having a seat at the table, I have also believed that if not all are and some struggle, there will be revolt in order for people to survive economically. It is the story of history.

Today is International Woman’s Day. Biden will be signing an Executive Order establishing a Gender Policy Council within the White House. Its purpose to support gender equity and Title XI policies.

Equality wise women have risen dramatically over the years. What I have observed in my lifetime alone supports the premise.

The birth control pill had something to do with it. Gave women a sense of equality and protection. The feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s likewise.

Recall around 1970, the new cigarette Virginia Slims came out directed primarily at female purchasers. Its advertising slogan: You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby!

While I was in law school in the late 1950s, there were only 2 women in my class. Today ladies make up more than half. The same is applicable to medical school graduates.

Female judges abound. Women gradually becoming CEOs of major corporations.

They may have come a long way, the ladies are going to go even further. It’s a new world!

International Woman’s day is not a new event. It was established by Clara Zetkio at an International Woman’s Conference in 1910 in Copenhagen.

My thought process has reached the point where I believe women should basically run the world. Men have for centuries and screwed it up. Let the ladies have a chance. They could not do worse and probably do better.

On this day in 1917, the Russian Revolution began.

International Woman’s Day had something to do with it.

The “February Revolution” as it is called, began over protests celebrating International Woman’s Day and riots in St. Petersburg over food rations and Russia’s involvement in World War I.

I have always found Russian history prior to, during and since 1917 interesting and exciting. Russian movies and novels have contributed to that interest and excitement.

I was fortunate while in college in the mid 1950s to take 2 courses taught by Alexander Kerensky. Kerensky was there in Russia as a prominent figure during the Russian Revolution.

At the beginning, there were 2 Russian factions. The Whites and Reds. The Whites first controlled the government. Not for long. Several months at the most.

Kerensky was the President of the White Bolsheviks. Lenin was a leader of the Red Bolsheviks. Lenin toppled Kerensky. Kerensky had to escape to save his life. He eventually ended up in the U.S.

The contrast between Lenin and Kerensky is interesting also. Probably why Lenin succeeded where Kerensky failed. Lenin came to power promising “peace, land and bread.” At a time Kerensky’s people were selling more efficient government and continued participation in World War I.

What a time in world history!

I live and learn. I seem to make that statement more frequently in recent years.

We all have heard the word misogynist. Represents men strongly prejudicial against women.

How many have heard the word misandrist. Represents hatred of men by women. The word rare. Its meaning I suspect prevalent.

Enjoy your day!

Hope you enjoyed the George Clooney video. Lynda Frechette sent it to me. Thank you, Lynda.This portion of the blog will share some interesting items involving Stanley Tucci, Ernest Hemingway and George Clooney.

The three simply are interrelated by Italy.

I begin with Stanley Tucci.

An interesting movie actor. I thought his best performance was in Pravda.

Tucci spent a good portion of the past year filming a TV series involving Italian food. Food prepared and served as only Italy can. He traveled all over Italy enjoying the culinary artistry of the country’s various regions.

The show is titled Searching for Italy. I watched it for the first time last night.

A winner!

Tucci ended the show by having dinner on Lake Maggiore. A special place to enjoy for a vacation, a drink and/or dinner. I did all three more than once.

The Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees sits on the lake’s southern side facing the tiny Borromees islands and the Alps. Everything is the Alps in this part of Italy.

I was fortunate in my travels to visit the area 3-4 times.

In Tucci’s Italian food show last night, he was pictured visiting the Grand. Walking through the first floor itself and outside the back area of the Hotel where he was shown sitting at a small table enjoying a drink.

I was immediately excited. The Hotel was never referred to as the “world famous” Grand. It was, however. I could never forget.

The first time I stopped in for a drink, I initiated a conversation with the bartender. Probably 50. We got into Hemingway. He could see my interest. He called over a thin old man with white hair. The man moved slowly. Another 5 years and I will look like him.

He served Hemingway and Hemingway’s love at the time Agnes Kurwosky. He gave me the “Grand” Hemingway history. He was the bartender back in 1918 when Hemingway visited.

He advised the present bar was not the location of the bar Hemingway sat at. He took me to a small room in the back of he hotel. No bigger than 15′ by 15′. A storage room when I visited. Full of boxes and extra furniture.

The bar itself was gone. The room had only one window. He showed me where Hemingway sat so he could look directly out the window. As we walked he shared some Hemingway stories.

I was in all my glory!

He took me outside in teh back. A huge rolling lawn with an item of greenery here and there. Small white tables and chairs hee and there.

I had 2 drinks the first time. One at theh inside bar, the other outside in the back at a small white table. I imbibed whee Hemingway had done so. In the backyard where for sure, Hemingway first sat. Then Louis. Then Tucci.

It was World War I. Hemingway had joined the Italian ambulance service. The U.S. was not yet in the war. He joined when he was 18. He was seriously injured when 19 by a mortar shell which exploded next to him.

His injuries kept him confined to a hospital for 6 months. His nurse was an American. Agnes von Kurowsky. They fell in love while she cared for him.

Near the end of his convalescence, Hemingway was given a 10 day pass. He and Agnes spent 7 of those days at the Grand Hotel.

Hemingway fictionalized Agnes as Nurse Catherine Barkley inA Farewell to Arms.

Hemingway was 19 at the time. Agnes, 26. Hemingway was desperately in love with Agnes. He thought she with him. He received a Dear John letter when he was back in the States from Agnes who still was in Italy.

The only way to say it was he way it happened. Agnes dumped Hemingway for an Italian Duke or Count who was also a Lieutenant.

History casts Agnes as a status seeker.

The two never met again.

However, they were both in Key West at the same time on several occasions. Historians tell us Agnes knew Hemingway was in town each time. Hemingway did not know Agnes was living in Key West.

Agnes and her husband had moved to Key West in 1951. She worked at the public library for years. Even inadvertently, their paths did not cross.

After Hemingway’s death, his wife Mary came to Key West. She had been advised that a room in Sloppy Joe’s was stored with boxes of Hemingway’s writings, etc. when he left for Cuba.

Mary found many things. Some that turned out to be of significant value.

Among the items she found were Agnes’ letters to Hemingway.

Mary was aware Agnes was living in Key West. She visited Agnes and gave the letters to her. The two became friends and continued to visit.

Agnes left Key West in the 1960s. She told people she left because of the Conch Train. It became too much to hear “Ernie’s girl” lives here as it went by.

George Clooney never had anything to do with Hemingway. Their connection is both lived in Italy a portion of their lives. Hemingway during World War I. Clooney has lived in Italy for many years in a home near Lake Como.

I assume Tucci and Clooney know each other as both are actors.

I live and learn. Today, an impressive fact. More than half of the coastline of the entire U.S. is in Alaska.

Next another day on my First Time in Greece. Camogli again. The Italian Riviera was not hard to take.

DAY 42…..Greece the First Time

Posted on July 8, 2012 by Key West Lou

The honeymoon is over!

I return to Key West tomorrow. Monday, not Tuesday as I thought. Fortunately, Lisa picked up on my error. She Skyped me yesterday to tell me I was going to have missed my plane if I left Tuesday.

On a trip as I have experienced, days of the week and dates get screwed up. Intermingle. Are not important.

As a result of which, a person can miss a return flight home!

My today – Sunday – now changes. No Milan. No Leonardo Da Vinci. Instead rest and packing.

I am in Novara. Drove here from Camogli yesterday afternoon. A two hour drive. Thruways all the way.

Strange traffic for a summer Saturday afternoon. None. Just me and a few other cars.

It is the cost of gas and high road tolls here in Italy.

The other vehicles on the road all passed me at 125 miles per hour. Crazy!

The clothesline saga continues. Eevry town and hamlet I drove by…..there they were! Clothes hanging ouside windows and on front porches. Even here in Novara, a classy city.

Lisa Skyped me in the afterfnoon. Fortunately. Otherwise, I would have missed my plane tomorrow. Got to see and chat with the grandkids and son in law Corey. I could tell I am really missed. A nice feeling.

Last night was another birthday dinner. My Morrocan friend Miriam cooked for me. And several others as well. A dinner party.

We started with a good champagne. During dinner, Beefeater was substituted for me. A thoughtful gesture.

Pickies to begin. Too many to describe. All good.

Then humus. Not the kind you buy in the supermarket and scoop onto a plate. Miriam made the humus from scratrch. Ground the checi beans herself.

The entre was spiedini. Small pieces of beef on a stick. Miriam also prepared some sort of wheat dish mixed with very tiny pieces of tomato and covered with just enough oil.

There was a touch of Lebanese to the meal.

Miriam exceeded herself with the birthday cake. Made by her from scratch, also. A cheesecake covered with blueberries and gelato. Of course on top 77 candles. One big 70 years old one and 7 tiny one year ones.

Everyone sang Happy Birthday! Just like in the U.S.

I was pleased with it all. My special thanks to Miriam.

Today I have to get ready for tomorrow. I will leave Novara about 6 in the morning. I have a one hour drive to the Milan airport. Then many hours in the air till I set down in Key West just after 9 in the evening.

Enjoy your Sunday!

DAY 40…..Greece the First Time

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Key West Lou

Today is special.

It is my birthday.

Seventy seven years.

A long time. Who would have thought. I still remember my young years like yesterday.

My father recently passed on at 98. His father at 94. It appears the genes may be good. I hope.

The weather. I have not spoken of it in ages. Here in mid Italy, it is reported in the following fashion. There is a heat wave coming up from Africa. When the heat wave hits the Mediterranean, the humidity will increase. Rain is also expected coming down from the Alps.

I share the weather report so you can compare it with those in the U.S. Generally the same description wise. Only the names are different.

Yesterday, I finally made Portofino. It is as good as they say, if not better. Magnificent. Beautiful.

You can feel the wealth. Huge yachts. Smart people. High end clothing shops. Everything perfect. The buildings, boats and cafes neat and orderly.

Portofino appeared to me as if it were a finely mowed lawn. Perfection!

The private homes on the hillside equally magnificent. Obviously equally expensive. Terrific shrubbery. All neatly manicured.

The negative with Portofino is that it is too expensive. Outrageous price wise. I had a gin and tonic. Seventeen euros. Roughly $20 American money.

An ordinary millionaire could not afford to live in Portofino. It is only for the very very rich.

I took a cab to Portofino. Decided to treat myself well. The thought of a train and bus really did not excite me.

The cab cost 40 euro. Not bad for a 15-20 minute drive from one town to another. We had to go up one side of Mount Portofino and down the other.

The return trip was not as easy.

I figured I would take a cab back to Camogli. I went to the cab stand. Four cabs. All beautiful. BMWs and Mercedes.

I asked the fare back to Camogli. One hundred euros. I explained I had only paid 40 euros to get there. They did not care. The cab drivers were polite, but adamant. One hundred euros or stay in Portofino.

I sat down on a bench beneath a nearby tree. What to do? I really would have been pissed off if I had to go 100 euros.

Then I saw a sign. Bus stop. At that instance, the bus came. I got on and made sure it would take me to the metro railway station in St. Margery. I probably spelled the name wrong.

I was assured it would. The cost: 1.5 euros. A deal!

I enjoyed the ride. A large comfortable air conditioned bus. Many lovelies in the their bikinis.

The bus dropped me off in front of the metro station. I went in to the counter. A ticket to Camogli, please. Three euro. I bought it. So far I had spent a measly 4.5 euros to return to Camogli.

The person behind the counter told me to hurry. The train was just arriving. I ran out and got on. One stop later I was in Camogli.

The train dropped me off at the internet store I have been using each morning to do the blog. The streets beyond are blocked off. Only pedestrian traffic permitted. A shot walk and I was at my apartment.

On rising this morning, I watched a little TV. No English speaking channels. I came upon the Wizard of Oz. In Italian. However, the songs/singing were in English with Italian sub titles. The movie was easy to follow. I must have seen it a 100 times already.

I have been enjoying breakfast at a little cafe by the sea. Tiny inside. Three small tables outside. Rosalie, sometimes Rosalia, has been taking care of me. A short thin woman in her mid 50s.

I told her today was my birthday. I was 77 years old. She started pulling on my left ear lobe. Seventy seven times. For good luck. She said that was the Italian way.

I explained how we spank in the U.S. She thought that was strange. I did not tell her that pulling on my ear lobe 77 times was strange to me.

How will I spend the rest of my birthday? Anything special? I do not know. I will take today like every day. As it comes.

An observation. Middle aged and older women dress well in this area. Nice dresses, suits and hats. Looking at them is like viewing a fashion show. This is the Italian Riviera.

Enjoy your day!

—

The veneer is wearing off. With the Democrats in control, new faces are coming to the forefront. One obviously Joe Manchin.

I called it right! The man is on a power trip. Well aware how valuable one vote is to Senate Democrats.

He beat up his party and Biden. Finally got what he wanted. Which was minuscule in comparison to what he had been talking about and everyone anticipated him holding out for.

Then having succeeded in his power grab, he wasted another 10 hours of everyone’s time. No one, Democrat or Republican, understood what he was looking for. Even his cohort in the power game Arizona Senator Sinema.

Whatever, the game should be over today or tomorrow. The Senate will vote today. The Democrats will win what will be a party line vote. Then to Biden’s desk for signing.

Biden did well in this battle. He succeeded with what will be one of the most important new laws over the next 4 years. Imagine, a stimulus bill roughly $1.9 trillion. Worth it. Needed. It will take every dollar to help the unemployed and put this country back on its feet economically.

I view Biden’s success with the stimulus bill as significant as with Obama’s passage of Obama Care.

If you live in Key West. what I am about to relate will interest you. Elsewhere, I am not sure.

Termites and cockroaches are a Key West problem. We try to live in harmony with them.

Termites are expensive. A house tenting to get rid of them costs $4,000 to $5,000. For many homes, required every 10 years. Cockroaches handled by a person’s monthly bug control company.

I learned today that termites evolved from cockroaches 150 million years ago.

Difficult to believe, though I accept it as truth. The size of a termite compared to a cockroach is a thousands times different. Termites so tony in comparison to the 1-2 inch cockroach.

When it rains, it pours! Boeing can’t seem to get out of trouble.

Thursday, a 737 Boeing made an emergency landing after an engine shut down. The flight was Miami-Newark when the pilot shut down one engine over a possible mechanical issue.

The flight landed safely in Newark.

Enjoy your day!

I have said it before, I say it again. January 6 was another Pearl Harbor. The insurgent opposition must be destroyed. Sounds strong. It is!

The insurgents would have done more if they could have on January 6. Imagine Pence hanging from the gallow. Pelosi killed.

Hundreds are being arrested. Whatever the number, it will be minuscule when compared to the number actually attacking the Capitol. Hundreds in no way equates to the 8,000 estimated to have participated in the attack.

Each insurgent group must be sought out. Their camps, offices destroyed. Their members arrested and tried. Total destruction of the enemy is required.

The insurgents are the “enemy.” January 6 has emboldened them. We must get them before they get us. It is like the Civil War as well as Pearl Harbor.

The enemy has fired the first shot. Retribution and destruction in order.

Not the time to sit and wait for the enemy’s next move. It is time to be active, not reactive.

Religion can be carried to extremes. Nonsensical ones.

Coronavirus has come in conflict with abortion.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has instructed U.S. bishops to advise Catholic health systems not to use the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. It has something to do with what has been described as a “remote” connection between abortion and the vaccine. Something to do with “cells.” Specifically what, I could not ascertain. When I can, I will let you know.

The health systems are in a quandary. What do they do with the John and Johnson vaccines already received? Should they listen to the Bishops Conference and follow its dictates re use of the vaccine?

To listen to the Bishops Conference places health systems and others at risk.

Some Bishops do not accept the dictates of the Bishops Conference. They believe being anti the Johnson and Johnson vaccine requires Bishops to take an anti-life position.

Both positions anti-life.

Anti-abortion has become a theoretical moral purity. Must it become a position that places the lives of Catholics, the lives of others, and the common good at risk?

The Bishops Conference promoting avoidance of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is another example of why Catholic Churches have fewer and fewer active members. Note as my past writings indicate, the Bishops Conference and Pope Francis are not on the same page with many issues. Francis has taken no position with regard to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

U.S. citizens along the way have become more and more independent. Even the government cannot tell them what to do. They will make their own judgments. The face mask issue an example.

State legislatures are expressing what they perceive as their right to avoid obeying federal laws and orders.

Georgia and Albama with their pending legislation to change voting laws an example.

Some states are going even farther. The North Dakota and South Dakota legislatures are in the process of invalidating all of what they perceive are unconstitutional Biden orders. The two states are heavy Republican. The legislatures overwhelming Republican. As are their governors. The proposed law in each state will without question become law in each state.

The “orders” involved include: Executive orders relating to the use of land, regulations on agriculture, regulations on natural resources such as oil and coal, regulations on pandemics or other health emergencies, the Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

States do have the right to reject unconstitutional laws coming from the federal government. Normally done through court proceedings. Not unilaterally without the courts being involved.

North and South Dakota want to go their owns way, however.

The Constitution’s Supremacy Clause enjoins each state to follow laws that are Constitutionally sound and only on issues that the Constitution granted purview to the federal government to determine.

Years of litigation will follow the new laws.

The problem again is no one wants to listen to “authority.” People and some states consider themselves “the authority.”

Over a half million Americans have died because of COVID-19, Russia, the Middle East and China re threatening problems. To mention just a few of the heavy matters confronting the U.S.

The Republican mouthpiece FOX News and some Congressional Republicans have recently been expressing their positions re what has become labeled as “Cancel Cultural Wars.” The title in itself confusing.

Involved are children’s shows and books like Dr. Seuss, The Muppet Show, M. Potato Head, and Sesame Street.

Why?

I suspect because the base of the Republican Party has dramatically changed. It is no longer the “establishment” party. Educated serious minded persons. Rather it has become the party of “blue collar” persons.

Issues are sought which new found Republican voters can understand and follow.

—

DAY 39…..Greece the First Time

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Key West  Lou

I got lost!

Only to me would it happen.

Comogli runs upwards from the Mediterranean. My apartment is directly on the ocean. Each block ascends in parallel fashion behind me.

The horizontal/parallel streets are ok. They run normal in a straight line. It is the vertical streets that are the problem. There are streets and alleys running up and down. The alleys, though narrow, are as much a thoroughfare as the streets. The vertical streets and alleys bend and twist all over the place.

I was at an internet shop several blocks up. Took a large number of steps and one long street to get to the internet store. When I left the internet store, I got confused, screwed up. I missed the first set of stairs. Tried several others. No good. Then tried the alleys. Even worse.

I knew I would eventually get out. I could see the Mediterranean below me. I just needed to find the correct opening to get down to it.

I finally did. It was a major accomplishment!

There is a palazzo a few steps from the internet store. Note, palazzo. I am starting to speak like a native Italian.

I sat on a bench. There was a nearby street fair. I wanted to watch the world go by.

I lit a cigarette. Bad, I know. So did some one else. There was an elderly man (like me) sitting on the next bench. Italian. He came over and started speaking to me in Italian. Though I could not understand him, I knew what he was talking about. The evils of smoking.

I let him finish. Then I let him know I did not understand Italian, only spoke English.

His face lit up. He started the tirade again. This time in English. He was proud to show off his ability to speak English.

He sat with me for a while. We talked of his experiences back in 1960 in the United States. He had been in Cuba on business. Flew to Philadelphia and then to California where he spent some time. He congratulated me on the Fourth of July. He knew our history intimately.

I was ashamed. I had forgotten it was July 4, Independence Day. Other than my new found friend, there was no other person or thing to remind me. Additionally, days and dates run into each other when you are bouncing around as I am. I rarely am sure of the day of the week let alone a date.

My friend’s wife came along. He introduced me and they were on their way.

There was a large statue in the palazzo. It was a memorial to Nato A. Camogli. I tried to look him up on the internet. He is there. All over the place. However, every article is in Italian so I never got his background.

I swam a bit in the Mediterranean and sun bathe in the afternoon. To swim, you have to pay. Just like the Jersey Shore and Cape Cod. The beaches were unique. No sand. Stones. Each about 3-4 inches in diameter. Hurt the feet. The water was not clear as it had been in Greece. Murky like Key West used to be.

Then a nap. The sun was hot and tiring. My apartment for some reason cool. No air conditioning. I think it is the three foot walls.

Clotheslines come into play again. I raised the issue with my new friend in the palazzo. He, too, said it was because sun dried is better. I think he is wrong, also. These people have never known the joy of an electric dryer so they cannot compare.

He also told me many of the buildings were built with special pipes to hold the clothesline between windows or buildings. He assured me my apartment had one.

When I returned to the apartment, I checked. Sure enough, there below the window ledge in the living room was a clothesline. It ran from one living room window to the other. There were pipes at each end firmly affixed to the walls. A roller on each.

I had my own clothesline and never knew it!

Dinner was at another sea side cafe. Another excellent meal!

I had a local dish. Whereas the polenta was bad from my perspective, the pasta special dish was not. Oh, so good!

It is called trofie. A small curly thin macaroni. It was served with a pesto sauce. If I ate no more, I had dined like a king!

Broiled fish was my entree. I was taken into the kitchen. There were several glass vats with fish swimming around in them. I picked my own fish for dinner. I could not help thinking I was also passing a death sentence on the fish selected.

The cooked fish was a winner!

I took a walk along the sea side after dinner. The area is like a huge boardwalk. Except that it is about 40 feet wide and constructed with brick and stone from a thousand years ago or better.

Speaking of bricks, there are many in arches under buildings and walk ways. Some one told me the bricks were from medieval times. He showed me how they were half the size of today’s brick. He was proud to explain how they had held up over the ages.

I desired ice cream. It is gelato here. You buy it at a galateria.
I enjoyed a soft chocolate on a cone.

Gelato back home in Utica is different. It is hard. Great taste. Better than present day gelato.

I figured out years ago when I visited Rome why there was a difference between Utica’s gelato and that of Italy. It is the time factor. My people came to the new world between 1880 and 1920. They brought with them the cooking and food of that time in Italy. Gelato was hard back then.

Time changes everything. From the hard delicacy of yesteryear to the softer one of today. Both good. Again however, I prefer the older.

Never made Portofino yesterday. I get comfortable and say another day. I am running out of days. This afternoon Portofino is on my schedule. A car is not the way to get there. No parking. I have been told to take the train. For one stop only. Then a boat for a short ride to Portofino. Not easy. But I will get there.

Enjoy your day!

Violence today, tomorrow, when?

A threat was made. the gauntlet thrown. Another Capitol invasion today. If not, perhaps the 6th. If not, when?

The U.S. is at war. Plain and simple. The opposition may be U.S. citizens. However, unhappy ones. As the South was prior to the Civil War.

January 6 was Fort Sumter.

Violence must be net with violence. Otherwise the opposition will continue.

The insurgents threaten in the extreme. This time to take prisoners. Democrats in the Capitol. Then harm them. To what extent, who knows.

I do not believe the government is sitting idly by. I am confident they know the location of most training camps, headquarters, persons in charge, etc. My advice: Get them now before they get us. Including any elected officials that have been silently aiding them.

Delay invites defeat.

China is moving “asses” to further protect against COVID-19.

China has made anal COVID-19 swabs mandatory for all foreign airline travelers arriving in China.

China claims such tests provide a higher degree of accuracy than other screening methods.

Anal testing presently being done at Beijing and Singapore Airports.

Apparently anal testing works better because virus traces stay longer in fecal samples than they do in the nose or throat.

Assume China is correct. Its anal testing will spread throughout China. Spread world wide also. Which raises a degree of concern in my mind.

The U.S. is a society that does not like to do certain things. Wearing face masks, an example. If we cannot get our people to wear face masks, how are we going to convince them to accept anal swabbing?

The Senate has narrowed income eligibility in order to qualify for the full $1,400 check, some portion thereof, or none at all.

I love it! Most if not all Senators are millionaires. Most have become so since arriving in the Senate. They are quick to take from those who have not. At the same time that the Senators and their families are living the good life.

Pigs!

Breaking news. Elaine Chao is the recently resigned Secretary of Transportation. She is Senator McConnell’s wife. She is recognized as a power figure in Washington.

She is of Chinese extraction. Her family also of course. Her parents reside in China. Do an extensive amount of shipping business in the U.S.

It has just come out that in December, while she still was Secretary of Transportation, the Department’s Inspector General referred her China related activities to the Department of Justice for possible criminal investigation. Justice refused to prosecute.

The Inspector General’s charge involved Chao’s “use of public office for private gain.”

Chao was Secretary of Transportation under George W. Bush also.

She and her husband’s personal worth has largely grown over the years.  They are part of those who have become exceptionally wealthy while holding public office.

Senator Ron Johnson is a fanatic. He behaves most times in a fanatical fashion. He is pro-Trump and pro-far right. He buys it all.

Anything to disrupt Democrats, of course.

The stimulus bill will becoming up before the Senate in a matter of days. It is more than 600 pages long. As is his right, Johnson has advised that he wants the Clerk of the Senate to read the bill before the Senate. It is anticipated it will take 10 hours.

The action of a youngster. A mature adult playing the game of government as a child would.

One thing I cannot understand. It is coming to my attention daily that more and more Floridians like DeSantis. They think he is doing a wonderful job. One item pleasing them is that he did not succumb to coronavirus warnings. He generally kept businesses open.

God help us if he ever becomes President. He will be as bad if not worse than Trump.

Texas Governor Abbott announced tuesday he is opening Texas 100 percent as of next wednesday. All businesses. Rescinding his mask mandate,also.

Last year, Abbott created a “strike force.” It consisted of business leaders and 4 medical experts. Their function was to advise the Governor on a safe plan with all things coronavirus affected. Including  restaurant openings and mask wearing.

It was revealed yesterday that Abbott did not consult 3 of his 4 medical advisers on lifting the mask order.

The Chairman of the Strike Force announced when the strike force was established the following: “Every recommendation, every action by the Governor, will be informed and based on hard data and the expertise of our chief medical advisers…..we will rely on their knowledge and expertise every step of the way.”

Does any one speak the truth anymore? People should be able to rely on the word of a Governor, for example. Perhaps not. We have learned we cannot depend on the word of a President.

Three U.S. Presidents were inaugurated on this day March 4. In different years, of course. All 3 regarded as “greats.” Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Syracuse beat Clemson this week 64-54. Made for 2 consecutive victories. Created a situation where Syracuse is back on the NCAA bubble.

Many Key West businesses survived the pandemic so far. Some even made money.

The reason therefore is Key West’s local Chamber of Commerce, the Key West Lodging Bureau, and Trip Adviser.

Money made. People got sick along the way, however.

Today’s Citizens’ Voice contained 2 interesting comments re Keys business.

The first, “Trip Adviser: After seeing the commercials, we assumed the Keys would be safe. Imagine our shock at the packed restaurants, lack of masks, horrible traffic and crowds. So much for truth in advertising, showing deserted beaches and calm streets instead of the zoo the Florida Keys really are. Shameful.”

The second, “No need for cruise ships. The City is packed without them.”

Enjoy your day!

—

DAY 38…..Greece the First Time

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Key West  Lou

Good bye Courmayeur and Chamonix!

Hello Camogli!

I had a three hour drive to get to Camogli yesterday. It took four. Construction. Two of three lanes closed. For 20 miles.

I have been vacationing too long. It seems I have acquired patience. It did not bother me. Plus, I had the Alps on each side of me. Great viewing at all times.

Castles accompanied me the whole way. Even as I got close to Camogli. Whereas I said yesterday they were about a mile apart, they seemed even closer during the drive. The castles are exciting to see. All different. Except for location. Each on top of a steep hill. Churches also, of course.

After viewing so many castles and being aware of the fighting that went on between them over the years, I do not know how Garibaldi got the various Kings to join in and create one nation in 1861. An accomplishment!

Clotheslines were with me also the whole trip. Even now in Camogli. Greece and Italy are loaded with them. It seems to be the only way to dry clothes in these countries. Clotheslines between windows and on balconies and terraces. Sometimes merely a rope between two windows.

I have been of the impression that there are no dryers because of the electrical problem. I have been asking the natives. They tell me no. It is because they prefer their clothes to be sun dried. I do not buy it. But…

Even million euro/dollar apartments hang their wet clothes out.

I suspect that if someone could invest a dryer that needed little or no electricity, Italians would run to buy them.

An interesting experience occurred on one of the thruways I was driving. Italian gas stops have restaurants and stores just as in the U.S. Not McDonald types. Better wholesome food. And anything else you can consider buying.

I had an ice cream. I was waiting in line to pay for it. A middle aged woman in a black dress was in front of me. She had made a 51 euro buy. A big buy for such a store. She told the girl behind the counter she had just became aware she had to feed the whole family in the evening.

The woman paid the 51 euros with three 20s. The girl checked out the bills. They use a machine to do it in Italy. No crossing with a marker.

The girl said the bills were no good. The woman got upset. I just got them from the bank, she said. She pulled out a large bunch of 20s. Tried to pay two more times. None of the bills good. Finally the woman paid with genuine Italian money.

Outside were two tough devious looking men watching the whole proceeding. She went out to them and the whole three got in a car and drove away.

The girl behind the counter spoke English. That is the reason I am able to relate this story. She explained it all to me afterwards. Apparently passing counterfeit bills a common problem in Italy.

Parking sucks in Camogli. The condominium I am using is located on the water. There is no parking on the water. Nor for a couple of blocks behind the rows of waterfront buildings. I had to park far far away. Then drag and roll my suitcase up and down little hills. Additionally Camogli is all steps. Reminded me of Rome. I had to carry the bag up the steps.

I find it amazing. Each time I am confronted by steps, they go up. Never down.

I am getting stronger. Six weeks ago I would have died. After all the hilly walking I have done this trip, my body is getting accustomed to it.

Every place I have visited has had a different flavor. As does Camogli. It is the Italy as I thought it would be. Old medieval buildings, steps, people chattering incessantly and loudly.

The buildings are medieval. Each more than a thousand years old. Along the waterfront, which by the way is the Mediterranean, they are six stories high. The first floor consists of stores and restaurants. Second through sixth floors apartments. No elevators in any of the buildings. Steep narrow staircases in each.

In the U.S. the higher the floor, generally the more expensive. Not in Camogli. Because of the lack of elevators the higher up you go, the cheaper the apartment.

Of course, no air conditioning in any of these buildings. Open windows and fans instead.

Camogli is on the western side of Italy. Significantly above Rome. Immediately next to Portofino. There is a mountain on the sea shore separating Camogli and Portofino. It is called Mount Portofino.

Last night, I ate in Camogli rather than run over to Portofino. I was tired from the drive. From what I am told, Camogli and Portofino are the same. Perhaps Portofino later today.

I had dinner at a sea side cafe around 11. Too late, I know. However, I was hungry.

I selected the cafe because there were white tablecloths and what turned out to be real silver and china glasses.

I was not disappointed. I had one terrific meal! The entree was lamb encased in ground pecan nuts . It was served on top of a bevy of cooked fruits and vegetables mixed. The key was the taste. There was an oil which appeared to keep the pecans attached to the lamb. Whatever, it was delicious. One of the finest meals I have ever enjoyed.

Greece was cheap dollar wise. Italy is expensive. Like 3-4 times.

I was tired after dinner. A bit bloated. It was after midnight. The area was still bustling. I went immediately to bed.

Enjoy your day!

DAYS 36 and 37…..Greece the First Time