Dan Riordan arrived in Key West yesterday for a two month stay. Fred Klein arrives today for 6 months. Two die hard Syracuse fans to join me at the Syracuse games.

The weather outside is frightful. Inside, also. Still do not have the heater working. Freezing my ass off during the night. The temperature at 6:30 this morning when I woke was 56 degrees. The high today will reach 70 at 4 pm. The low during the evening will be 64. Warm weather expected to return saturday. Will I make it?

The new heater’s working instructions difficult. My seven years of higher education no help. I discovered the real problem may be the electrical outlet. Hopefully will be able to get it checked out today.

Today marks a return to normalcy. Holidays have passed. Next “holiday” is Valentine’s Day February 14.

Collegiate football close to an end.

Michigan defeated Alabama in the Rose Bowl yesterday 27-20. Last night, Washington beat Texas 37-31. The Championship Game remains. Michigan and Washington facing off against each other. Should be great football.

Syracuse meets Duke in basketball at 9 tonight. I will not be watching the game at Jack Flats. Too late for me. My eyes and a couple of drinks prevent me from driving home at midnight. Better safe than sorry.

I will be at the Grand Cafe earlier for happy hour with Steve and Cindy and Jean and Joe.

The U.S. has gotten queasy and political about continuing to allocate money for Ukraine. Some NATO nations likewise.

What both fail to realize is much of the money allocated goes to making military weapons. The estimate is 90 percent. The weapons made in the country allocating the money. Which means more jobs at excellent salaries in such nations.

The other important consideration is the war being waged in Ukraine prevents such a war being fought with Russia in a NATO nation which would automatically involve the U.S. Could also mean a war fought on U.S. soil.

Two important considerations not even discussed nor is most of America aware of.

Today’s podcast some 6 years old. Titled: My Grandfather. Thought provoking.

Trump’s newest lie is that Joe Biden and his group of “radical left misfits and thugs” are permitting millions of illegals to the U.S. and signing them up to vote illegally. Trump wrote, “They can VOTE, VOTE, VOTE…..IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 2024.”

What bullshit! A pack of gross lies! What bothers me is Trump will repeat and repeat it and many will buy it. The man is sick and so are the many who believe and follow him.

Two days ago, I wrote the FSU players who opted not to play in the Orange Bowl should be ashamed. I have received some comments and backlash. Those responding break down into two groups. Age the distinguishing factor. The young believe the players did the correct thing in refusing to participate. The older that it was wrong.

Interesting. Am I missing something? 

Enjoy your day!

Happy New Year friends! May joy, happiness and good health accompany you during 2024.

I missed midnight. Fell asleep at 9:30. Thought I would wake at midnight. Did not. Missed the ball dropping on Times Square. It was 1:30 when I woke. Wished myself a Happy New Year and went back to sleep till 6 am.

It is now 6:30 and I am working on the first blog of the New Year. Hope the weather at the moment is not reflective of the year. It is COLD! Terrible COLD! Fifty seven degrees. Lower than had been projected. The high today will only be 68. I am not yet equipped in my new abode for cold weather. Finally received the new heating system. Need a new electrical outlet to use it. Hopefully in the next few days.

Today is celebrated from a popular perspective as the day Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, thereby freeing the slaves. Not accurate.

On September 22, 1862, Lincoln had signed what historians describe as a “preliminary proclamation.” He freed those enslaved in Confederate states. The wording intentionally vague so that it would include portions/areas of Confederate states occupied by the Union after the signing of the preliminary proclamation.

The preliminary proclamation was “affirmed” by Lincoln on January 1, 1863. As a result, January 1 historically became the day Lincoln freed the slaves.

One year later in 1864 on this “special day,” the “freed men” of Key West marked the Emancipation with a celebration at the Key West Baptist Church.

A successful to be musical group was difficult to identify early on. Not everyone recognizes “talent” when it slaps them in the face.

On this day in 1962, an unknown group called the Beatles traveled to London for a recording contract audition with a major record label. They were rejected.

Today’s podcast is seven years old. I titled it For Shame…..Donald Trump. Nothing special about it. It refers to Trump’s early off base remarks as President.

I have more than 1,000 saved podcasts. I rummage through them and pick some out for particular reasons. Others because I like the color of the shirt I am wearing or how I looked on that particular day.

The actual reason I selected today’s podcast is my appearance. I look terrible! Seven years ago I was 50 pounds heavier than I am today. Thank God I lost the 50 pounds! I was fat as you will easily be able to observe! I still have the tee shirt. A few holes and worn spots. Still wear it on occasion. It’s baggy and loose. Love the feeling!

We have all heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I always thought it was the only one. Recently, I discovered there are at least 10 leaning towers in Italy. Architects back then were not able to build a tall tower that failed to eventually lean. Nevertheless, they continued building them.

Recall about a month ago, I wrote of the leaning tower of Bologna. Bologna – Pisa confused me. I have since done some digging: Two in Pisa, three in Venice. Others in Bologna, Carole, Burano, and Rome.

Amazing how I continue to learn as I age. What is more amazing is that I have never seen one of the leaning towers though I have spent significant time in Italy. One whole month in the Rome area and neither saw nor knew there was a leaning tower in Rome. Even more time spent in Milan and northern Italy without discovering the existence of more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Would love to return and visit all 10 during one trip.

Key West was buried with visitors over the holidays. Long lines obvious the past few days outside restaurants for breakfast and waiting for dinner accommodations in the evening. It ends after today. January will be slow. Business will increase at hair and nail salons, however. I hear it every year from my friends who own the shops. Key West restaurant workers will have made a ton of money and will have the time and where with all to get their hair and nails done.

One thing I wish at the moment. That this cold weather leaves. I hate it! I want a return to warm weather. We never know how cold, if cold at all, it will be in January. Sometimes never cold. Generally when it does occur, it is only for 2-3 weeks. I’m not sure if we are in the cold phase now, whether it will last longer, etc.

Enjoy the new first day of the year!

FSU should be ashamed…..for failing to show up to do battle, for failing to show the world it had the capacity to be in the College Football Playoff, for failing to evidence to the world its capacity to beat Georgia as decisively as Georgia beat them last night. The FSU players who opted out failed to handle the situation in a manly fashion. Instead, behaved like spoiled children.

Life is not easy. Many negatives are involved in life. When you get screwed, you hold your head high and do the best you can under the circumstances. Manliness is determined by how one handles adversity, not succumbs to it.

I was one of the many who thought FSU got screwed when Alabama was permitted to slip in ahead of them in the #4 spot. I continue to believe something bad, if not illegal, may have been involved. Perhaps money. Time will tell. The FSU players who opted out should have held their heads high and gone out and whipped Georgia’s ass. Instead FSU with its second and third stringers took a shocking beating from Georgia in losing 63-3.

As a prospective employer for any of them, I would think twice before hiring them. Whether in a corporate capacity or sports wise. I would want those who strand tall and fight, not pick up their football and walk away saying screw you I won’t play.

Again, life is not easy. Those who opted out have much to learn. They are not ready for life in life’s big leagues.

Syracuse just may have a good basketball team this season. They beat Pitt yesterday 81-73.

I watched the game at Jack Flats. Mark, one of the bartenders, had the screen set up with the game and my seat waiting for me. I thank him. Especially since I seem to be the only Syracuse fan showing up for Syracuse games.

Syracuse and Pitt played within 4 points of each other till 2 minutes remained in the first half. Then Pitt went on a run and Syracuse was left 8 points behind at half time. 

The second half began with Pitt making a 3 pointer. My stomach churned. Too soon, however. Syracuse went on a 17 point run and it was Syracuse’s game the rest of the way. Syracuse out scored Pitt 51-35 in the second half.

Syracuse’s defense was nothing less than outstanding. Caused 15 Pitt turnovers which resulted in 16 Syracuse points.

Syracuse’s 3 point shooting sucked in the first half. Made only 1 of 10 shots. A bit better in the second half, but nothing spectacular. Syracuse will have to improve in this regard.

Syracuse’s next game is tuesday at 9 against Duke. Has all the makings of being a close tough battle. One of Duke’s stars is its center at 7 foot. Syracuse’s is 7 feet 4 inches tall. I doubt the 4 inches will make much of a difference.

I met Kyle. He was sitting next to me watching the Penn State game. Most of the spectators yesterday were watching the Penn State game. Kyle played sports in college. Presently works at Sarabeth’s. Plays golf with Mark the bartender.

I published today’s podcast five years ago. Deals with Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

I am late with today’s blog. More hospital tests. I was scheduled for 8 am. Had to wait till 9 for an emergency case that came up. My test an ultra sound of my abdomen. All of it. Finished at 11. The technician Debbie. We had a nice long conversation as she performed the test. She spent a lot of time on my right kidney. I finally said the pain I am experiencing is in my left groin and above area. No one is looking at it. I had a CAT scan wednesday that was only of my lungs. So Debbie took it upon herself to do my left groin area and said she would put in an order for it.

I still have the pain. Only 3 weeks. However, severe when it hits. The next step is a meeting with Dr. Norris to get the results.

Recall yesterday’s 12 grapes tradition. I heard from a Sarasota blog reader whose family is from Calabria. Calabria is in the southwest section of Italy. The toe of Italy’s boot shaped peninsula. She says her family do the 12 grapes New Years Eve. Do not sit under a table when so doing, however. Another reader advised the grape eating was a Cuban tradition also. All new to me.

I will be spending the rest of the day at home. My New Years Eve will consist of watching the ball drop in Times Square. Assuming I am still awake. My days of raising hell on this holiday long gone.

The blog is short because of the hospital test. Now close to 2 in the afternoon.

Happy New Year my friends!

Six years ago, I did a podcast where I discussed Archie Bunker sitting in Washington as Donald Trump. Today, Trump continues to be an Archie Bunker. Does America really want him as President again?

A proud time for Key West High School. The school’s band is in London today. Prepared to march in London’s New Year’s Day Parade. An experience these young adults will never forget.

The new La Concha Hotel on Duval Street opened to the public this week in 1925. The grand opening was set for January 22, 1926. La Concha has stood proudly for almost a century on one of the most prominent corners in Key West.

The older I get, the more I discover how little I know. Something new has come to my attention involving New Years. There is a tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight while the clock tolls 12. Properly accomplished while sitting under a table.

The tradition Spanish derived. Also observed in parts of Central America.

The motivation is the hope to find true love in the next 12 months. The “significant other.” The activity is referred to as “uvas de la suerte” which translates into “lucky grapes.”

It is believed the tradition originated in the Spanish city of Alicante in the early 1900’s. Grape farmers conceived the idea to help sell their surplus grapes. The 12 grapes consumed represent one for every month of the New Year as well as one for every bell that chimes at midnight.

Failure to eat all 12 grapes by the ringing of the twelfth bell portends an unlucky year ahead. The grapes must be ingested while sitting under a table to further assure a lucky love life in the coming year. I could not figure out why it had to take place under a table.

Trump’s escalating statements involve claims of divine authority and threatening dictatorship. 

Beware!

Authoritarianism is in ascendency around the world. Democracy in decline. A Trump victory in 2024 will finalize the U.S.’ descendancy. God help us for a number of generations to come if such occurs.

Rasputin. A name that was feared in the years prior to the Russian Revolution. He was a crazy religious sexually oriented man who influenced Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexei. For some inexplainable reasons, he was able to stop the royal couple’s son’s hemophiliac bleeding which gave Rasputin the influence he had over the parents. 

His lechery, especially with the Czarina, added to his influence. He literally screwed his way into power.

On December 29, 1916, a group of Russian royalty began an assassination attempt which took several hours to successfully complete. Rasputin was difficult to kill. Poisoned, shot on two separate occasions, beaten, and finally drowned in a freezing river.

The damage had been done. His assassination too late. Rasputin was a significant contributor to the revolution which eventually took place.

Last night was a typical party evening before New Year’s Eve. Although still two days away. being friday it was the last working day before the holiday. People filled Key West bars with a revelry rarely found on other evenings. Brady’s Irish Pub was packed like I have never seen. Everyone having the best of times!

Ran into several people I knew. One was David from Don’s Place. Don’s best friend and now with Don gone instrumental in operating Don’s Place. I had not seen David for a couple of years. A true warm friendly embrace. It was good to see him and several others from Don’s Place. I should begin stopping in again.

Carola was earning her fare last night. She had to move swiftly to keep up.

Syracuse begins the ACC season today. Plays Pitt at noon. Both teams have a similar 9-3 record coming into the game. Pitt favored because it played more formidable teams up to this point. 

I’ll be at Jack Flats watching the game.

Enjoy your day!

There was no blog yesterday. Sorry. Received a call at the last minute from the hospital that some tests I was having difficulty getting scheduled were set. I had to be there at 11:30. Did not get done till 3. The tests a story for another day. 

Last night, I was scrolling through some blogs I wrote several years ago. Came across an interesting one I published on July 3, 2019. Involved a family trip now some 45 years ago to Italy. I am substituting that blog for a new one today. It has flavor. I trust you will enjoy.

The trip came about due to the intervention of Sister Rose Vincent. A Black Franciscan nun who was Administrator of St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica. We had become good friends. She was concerned I was overworking and not taking care of myself. Secretly with the assistance of my then wife, she had made arrangements for me to take a one month vacation with my family and parents. Plane reservations had been made for the trip and a villa near Rome rented for the month. 

I tried to beg off. She beat me, so to speak. I finally acquiesced and left one week later with my entourage.

The blog I share with you covers the last 3 days of the trip. Involves the Black Franciscan pension in Rome,  a money exchange, the John Keats Museum, a new Blessed Mother statue, by the grace of God and Louis Petrone. a gold cross. again by the grace of God and Louis Petrone, and customs in New York City.

A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER

Forty years ago, I was concluding my first trip to Italy. A month long family trip. My wife, 3 daughters, 1 son and my parents.

A villa had been rented 45 miles south of Rome in a town called Livonia. The villa was on the Mediterranean. Livonia near Anzio where the Allied troops landed during World War II.

Rented 2 cars also. Utilizing the cars and trains, we traveled Italy.

The last three days of our trip found us in Rome. My group a bit smaller. My son and parents had left a week earlier. My son to begin studying for the bar exam, my parents to attend another grandchild’s event.

Left my wife, 3 daughters and me in Rome for three days.

Italy was undergoing terrible inflation at the time. One American dollar was the equivalent of 2,100 lire. A fortune! The American dollar could buy everything dirt cheap.

My wife made a proposal. She said give me $3,000 American money exchanged for lire. I want to buy clothes for the girls and me. Clothes, pocketbooks, shoes, etc. The works. I will not bother you for any money for one year for clothes for us, if you agree.

I agreed.

Took us all to the American Express office. Plopped $3,000 in Travelers Checks down. The man in the cage gave me lire in return. I do not recall the exact amount. I do recall it took 2 large brown paper bags to carry the money out. Remember, $1 was worth 2,100 lire.

I sat on the steps to the American Express office, organized the money and gave it to my wife. There was so much, she and the girls each had to carry a share.

Off they went. I was alone for a whole day. Not certain what to do, I walked around. Rome obviously an interesting place.

I tired and had sat on the Spanish Steps a while. Then up and began walking again.

Immediately next to the Spanish Steps on one side was a 3 story building. A small villa type structure. The bronze plaque next to the front door had emblazoned thereon John Keats Museum.

I had studied Keats in college. An English poet. Wrote romantic sonnets. The line that came to mind was “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

Keats died prematurely at age 25 in Rome.

Turned out the building I was standing in front was the place where he had died. In his rooms on the third floor.

I went up to the third floor. Viewed the tiny room and bed in which he died. Reminded me of the room across from the Ford Theater where Abraham Lincoln died after being shot.

Keats’ writings were all over the place. Covered in glass. I walked around studying many closely. I came upon a a piece of paper that obviously had at one time been crumbled by someone. Written thereon were the words: A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

An emotional moment. The words and how composed.

Lincoln came to mind again. He had written the Gettysburg Address on a ripped off portion of a paper bag.

When I hooked up with my wife and daughters later in the day, I became extremely upset. The overabundance of lire had purchased an overabundance of goods. My ladies would dress themselves a lifetime on them!

What actually bothered me was there were so many boxes and packages. My immediate thought was it will take forever to get through customs.

Purchasing was not done. Bought several large suitcases. In the end, the number of suitcases and boxes going through customs with us would total 19.

Being anal, I took all the receipts, placed them in order, outlined them on a piece of paper.

There was an additional problem.

The three nights we spent in Rome were at a pension. Run my an American order of nuns, commonly known as Black Franciscans. Their attire was black.

My cousin Rose who I wrote about several years ago when she died had been a Black Franciscan. So too was Sister Rose Vincent. Sister Rose (a different Rose from my cousin) was the Administrator of St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica.  A big shot in the Black Franciscan order. She had become a family friend over the years.

Black Franciscan nuns actually worked/operated the pension. Since we were friends with Cousin Rose and Sister Rose, we were treated like royalty.

Due to the lire situation, I spent much less than I had anticipated during our month long stay in Italy. A donation was in order. I gave the nun who was in charge of the pension $1,000. She refused to take it. Said she could not. We talked. She finally agreed to take the $1,000 if I agreed to let her use it to buy a new Blessed Mother. Their chapel needed one. So I helped in acquiring the new Blessed Mother.

A side story for a moment. A year later, a Utica friend and doctor’s wife visited Rome and stayed at the pension. She was shown the Blessed Mother. She told me that at the foot of the statue were the words: By the grace of God and Louis Petrone.

Maybe the statue will be my ticket to getting into Heaven.

The tale not yet finished.

During the $1,000 conversation with the head nun another issue arose. The pension had a solid gold cross which belonged to the mother house in the U.S. The mother house was located in Syracuse. The cross was heavy. About a foot tall and 6 inches wide. She wanted me to take it to Sister Rose who would see it got to the mother house.

The good nun wrapped the cross in a box in front of me. I became curious and nervous. How was I going to get the cross through customs? She said no problem. She wrote on the box the same words that ended up at the feet of the Blessed Virgin: By the grace of God and Louis Petrone.

I said no way! She said don’t worry. Customs will not be a problem.

Who was I to argue with an emissary of God.

Our 19 suitcases and boxes now became 20.

We were standing in line in New York waiting to go through customs. The woman in front of us had just been taken away. She had hidden an expensive watch in the lining of her fur coat.

I would be joining her soon with the gold cross.

The customs man looked at us and our 20 items. Our eyes met. I smiled and held up the list of receipts. He looked at me expressionless a few seconds and then put the x’s on our bags and boxes and waved us through.

The good nun at the pension had been correct!

You may wonder why I write about Keats, our Rome experiences, etc. today.

I had several other items assembled to write about when I came upon a small article indicating that on this date in 1820, John Keats had his first bout of lung hemorrhaging which subsequently led to his death several months later. It bought to mind “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Today’s blog the result.

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday was one of those days. Interesting people and places.

The experience began in the morning at Date & Thyme. I was there for a Monkey Smoothie fix. Ran into an Asian woman I had met a few days earlier. From Korea, she has resided in Key West for years. Her name Leila. Forty years old. Engaged twice, never married. A health food fanatic. Her two brothers and nephews are visiting her for the holidays. 

Her companion is Gracie. A small dog. Don’t know the breed. Unusually fat. A round ball with a head and tail. Passive. As well as Leila feeds herself, she feeds Gracie all the wrong foods. Admittedly so.

Good company. I am sure we will run into each other more mornings.

Happy Hour was at The Garden Cafe with Steve. We both enjoyed fried calamari.

The two seats next to me were empty at the bar. A lovely lady sat in the seat farthest from me. An absolute beauty! Steve and I looked at each other with that knowing glance WOW! Her fellow showed up and sat next to her. Can’t win them all.

Soon however, we were talking to the couple. Very interesting visitors from the Columbus, Ohio area. The “male interloper” Jarret Barnes from Huron, Ohio. The young lady Courtney Bergman from Huron also. The two are frequent visitors to Key West. They try to make it one weekend per month. Generally stay at the Pier House or Marquesa. 

Jarret and a sister now run the family business in Huron. A business started by their grandfather, continued by their father and now run by them. It is a landscaping garden business. Their work is within a 100 mile radius of Huron. They employ 120 people. It is no small deal. 

Janet is a salon owner and hair stylist. Her business is located in Sandusky. She rents out chairs.

They will miss their January Key West visit. Have a trip to Costa Rica planned. Will return to Key West in February.

Being inquisitive, I asked if they were ever going to marry. Courtney said probably in the new year. Jarret was reluctant to commit. Amusing!

No question, we will discover each other again when they return.

I was ready to return home. Steve said let’s try the roof at The Studios. Neither of us had ever been there. Steve had run into the bartender the night before and he suggested Steve might enjoy it.

A short walk later, we were at The Studios and took the elevator to the roof. Fourth floor button took us to Hugh’s View, the name of the rooftop outdoor bar.

What a choice! Glad we went! Go my friends. An experience.

The view of Key West spectacular. Especially the Christmas decorated homes.

We sat and enjoyed a drink, assuring each other we would return.

Hugh’s View is open only Mondays and tuesdays.

The first floor of The Studios contains Judy Blume’s Books and Books. You can’t miss it. The corner of Eaton and Simonton.

A good day, an excellent evening!

Tonight is Brady’s Irish Pub for me. Love their wednesday specials. Carola the bartender, also.

Syracuse basketball begins its “serious season” saturday. Plays Pitt at noon. I will be watching from Jack Flats.

Serious basketball because it is the beginning of the ACC season. The quality of the Syracuse team this season will soon be evident.

On this day in 1932, New York City’s Radio City Music Hall opened. My first visit was as a little boy when my father took me. I visited many times over the years into older adulthood. Each visit left me on a high. The musical reviews were outstanding.

Trump is throwing “gasoline on the fire” as judges face death threats. Threats which are on the rise. Especially involving federal judges.

There are 2,700 federal judges. Last year, there were 4,500 threats that were serious enough to merit investigation by U.S. Marshalls. Most Trump inspired. God help us if he is elected. He brings out the worst in people.

White supremacist Nick Fuentes claims there is “an occult element at the high levels of society, specifically among Jews….when we take power, they need to be given the death penalty.”

Fuentes is only 25, yet he receives national attention. Many eat up his declarations that Jews be killed.

As a nation, we are falling apart at the seams. Our only salvation is to vote Democrat across the board in 2024. Otherwise Auschwitz facilities will appear in the U.S. I kid you not.

Trump is not just evoking Hitler, he’s talking like him. Beware!

I held off posting today’s podcast to the end. The appropriate place for it based on the political portion of today’s blog. In it I mention an old friend similar in age to me. The podcast was done 4-5 years ago when Trump was President.  Patricia Tedesco’s comments were made at that time. She has since passed on. A true loss.

The podcast title is Politicians Are Asses.

I am off to Date & Thyme for my Monkey Smoothie fix.

Enjoy your day!

Only 364 days till Christmas. It will be here tomorrow for those who are elderly. I find as I have gotten older the years speed by with increased frequency. Everything has become just yesterday. 

Such is life.

Christmas 1862 in Key West. Henry Hornbeck, stationed with the Pennsylvania 47th, wrote: “Went to Catholic Church, it was a grand sight the Church being decorated with Spruce and with Coconut leaves, and a great number of lights burning…..The day here is celebrated like the 4th of July in the North, firing Squibs, etc.”

On Christmas Day 1952, Key Wester and musician Edward Weech surprised everyone at the V.F.W. Hall by playing a Christmas night saxophone solo. Weech had suffered service injuries to both hands in the Korean War, and it was thought he would never be able to play music again.

A man of extreme holiday sensitivity. Donald Trump. In his Christmas message on Truth Social he called various people he views as “looking to destroy” the Nation to “rot in Hell.” Included were Joe Biden, special prosecutor Jack Smith and a large number of political opponents. Also certain world leaders and those in favor of electric cars.

Trump’s closing words were repetitious. He described all named as “looking to destroy our once great USA, MAY THEY ROT IN HELL, AGAIN, MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

Today’s podcast some 6 years old. Discusses Trump’s quick move to remove U.S. troops from Syria claiming “We won!” I did not look fondly on his actions at the time.

Pope Francis spoke words yesterday similar to those President Eisenhower spoke as he left the White House: “Beware of the military industrial complex.” Pope Francis delivered his thoughts as part of his Christmas address wherein he blasted the weapons industry and its “instruments of death” claiming the weapons industry fuel wars. Francis appeal was part of his cry for peace in the world, especially between Israel and the Palestinians.

Francis’ words: “How can we speak of peace, when arms production, sales and trade are on the rise?” His words are consistent with those he has uttered in the past. The weapons industry are “merchants of death.”

The world has spoken before. Francis, then and now. Yet the words fall on deaf ears Words spoken for naught. Though inspiring, I doubt they will change the situation.

America continues to discover the danger House Speaker Mike Johnson brings to the Nation. He is being described as the “fresh face of Christofascism in America.”

Harry S Truman was one of our great Presidents. Suddenly thrust into the Presidency with the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, he immediately became a global leader at an extraordinary time in human history. He performed well.

On this day in 1972 at the age of 88, he died.

I had “three connections” with Truman. One as a young 8th grader. One while being seated directly next to him on his right at a luncheon when a senior in law school. Finally, involving a “color photo” of the man.

History will never forget him!

“White Christmas.” Performed by Bing Crosby this day in 1941 for the first time.

The Florida Statistical Abstract for 1975 was issued this day in 1975. It showed that in 1974, Monroe County had the highest cost of living of any county in Florida. I assume the same is true today. If not, damn close!

Citizens’ Voice this morning: “The Empire State Building was built in just 12 months and 40 days and completed in 1931. In the Keys, two miles of roadway or any street project takes at least two years with every major development in technology and manpower available. What is wrong with this picture?”

Happy Hour at 4 today at The Grand Cafe. I look forward to it. It will represent a return to normalcy.

Enjoy your day!

Merry Christmas!

May all of you in one fashion or another feel the spirit of the day.

I want to give something to each of you. It is one of my favorite musical renditions. A song that touches me as I hope will touch you. It is the way the song is offered by the Three Tenors. Especially with their frivolity thrown in. Enjoy!

Christmas Eve dinner last night was with Lisa and family. I was met at the door by Ally and Robert. Huge hugs and kisses. Love these two! 

Exchanged greetings with Jake next. He insists on being acknowledged. Then Corey, Corey’s parents and Lisa. A little while later Myra and Cameron arrived.

The dinner was excellent. Unfortunately, I shall never have one consisting of the seven fishes again. Nevertheless, the fishes provided were prepared well. Lisa’s culinary talents were best exhibited in the salmon as prepared by her. Absolutely delicious! I enjoyed two servings.

Lisa’s Italian Christmas cookies were the best she has ever prepared. I went for two helpings of each also. Over did it, but I had no choice. My desire for them overwhelmed me.

We chatted away as families do at such gatherings during and after dinner. I left at 9. My bed time. The others were still going strong. Normally, I automatically wake at midnight to watch Midnight Mass from St. Peter’s. Missed it last night for the first time in years. Woke at 2:30.

An update re Ally and Robert. They have received their grades for the past semester.

Ally got 2 As and 2 Bs. She admits with a little extra effort, the 2 Bs could have been As. I suspect she will do better this coming semester.

Robert fell from last year’s performance. He had 1 A and 4 B’s. Did not compare with the onslaught of As he received last year. Nevertheless, he advised his overall index is 3.65. He is aware of the reason for the Bs instead of As. The writing and work he is doing for Nole Gamesday. He gave too much to the Nole operation at the expense of his studies. He plans on balancing it out next semester. He will. He has a good head on his shoulders.

Both are responsible for their room and board and pocket money while at school. They are very conscious of this responsibility. Both had contacted their previous Key West employers and within two hours of returning last week were at work. Robert waits tables at the restaurant next to the Green Parrot. Great cash flow. He is earning in excess of $200 a night. He needs $2,200 to cover everything for the next semester and believes he will easily reach that goal working before he returns to school in mid January.

Ally is more conservative in her spending. Her concern is the $84 dollars she still needs to cover her rent.

Cameron is 28. He has a Bachelor and Masters degree from FSU. He is working for the State Department in Washington on an annual study involving sex trafficking worldwide. A mandated study by Congress that the State Department does each year. Loves Washington. Hopes to get into environmental work. He and I discussed it a bit.

My intent was to avoid politics on this holiest of days. However, I cannot. Something struck me yesterday I feel compelled to share.

There was a photo in yesterday’s New York Times of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his former clerks. Some 60-70 of them. Not one was black.

Strange. On the other hand, perhaps not.

Thomas is in a position to do great things for anyone who clerks for him. Former Supreme Court clerks go on to great positions with universities, law firms and the highest rungs of government. He has in his 25 years plus as a Supreme Court Justice had the power to make his clerks achieve great positions and futures having worked for him. Why do no blacks appear in the photo? Am I to assume he has never extended a helping hand to members of his own race? He should have been bending over backwards to help them. Speaks to the very essence of the man. He is totally off base in every regard.

Enjoy Christmas Day!

Last night a fortuitous one. Special. Dinner at Antonia’s. Not TK or the food. It was a lady I met at the bar. Joyce.

My reserved seat at the bar was next to Joyce. Next to her, her friend Emily.

Joyce shared she was on in her years. I interjected I was sure I was older. She doubted it. I am 88. Joyce only 4 years younger. Did not look it!
Her appearance at least 20 years younger. Smooth facial skin. Lovely. Possessed of a subtle charm. Brilliant besides! She is an emeritus professor. Affiliated with the University of Virginia Medical School. A heavy hitter! Her specialty Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. 

She now resides in Key West. She has been a visitor and resident for many years.

Her friend Emily is visiting. Much younger. My sense was she is somehow affiliated with the University of Virginia Medical School, also.

Joyce asked me to join her and Emily this evening. They are going somewhere with friends for dinner. I agreed. Reluctantly because I miss the “family” Christmas Eve and the seven fish meal. I was not scheduled for dinner with Lisa. We have become dysfunctional. However a call was waiting for me to join Lisa and her family for dinner this evening. So I left a message early this morning with Joyce I would not be joining her. I trust she will understand.

So many Christmas cards received. I thank one and all. One was unique. The best I have ever received/seen in my lifetime. From dear friends Fran and Tom Dixon in Buffalo. Can’t wait for their return in the next few months. Love them both!

Dan Reardon telephoned yesterday from Skaneateles, New York. He will be here January 1 for a two month stay. Will enjoy his company. He also provides a steady friend to watch Syracuse basketball games.

Merry Christmas one and all! Enjoy your evening!

Tallahassee rarely hear Floridians speak. Especially those residing in the Keys. Finally, the voice of the people has been heard. Including the strong loud voices of those residing in the Keys. The issue court consolidation. An asinine proposal which would have stripped the Keys of many of its courts.

At each step in the approval process, the consolidation plan was rejected. The final step, the one that counted the most, was Florida’s Supreme Court. It heard the message of rejection loud and clear. It said NO to the proposal.

How a part of a Christmas meal was once sold in Key West. On this day in 1890, Christmas turkeys were shipped from Galveston, Texas, to Key West. Auctioned in Key West were 1,400 birds which sold at prices ranging from $1.75 to $3.00.

Good people in all aspects of life are under attack for exercising their goodness. Some to the extent of being accused of being involved with the Devil.

There is none better than Pope Francis. Yet even one of his own, a leading archbishop in the Catholic Church, is utilizing Satan to attack Francis re the Pope’s recent approval of blessings for same sex couples. Archbishop Vigano claims the Pope’s blessing proves Francis is a “servant of Satan.”

Sick!

Today’s podcast goes back 6-7 years. Involves Newt Gingrich and his time in the Vatican.

A strange double birth. Not twins. Carried in the same Mom’s womb for 9 months and delivered 10 hours apart. However in separate uteruses. The Mom also had two cervixes.

A double uterus is referred to as uteri. Uncommon. Three in one thousand women are born with uteri. One in a million chance a double birth can occur.

The mother in this instance knew from age 17 she was so equipped. She previously had given birth to singular children 3 times. She rang the bell on the fourth pregnancy. Should I say pregnancies?

Mother and children doing well. No problems. The girls were born on separate days 10 hours apart. Mom labored 30 hours.

The mother believes her recent offspring should have separate birthdays one day apart. Her reasoning is they had their own “houses” for 9 months. Can’t argue with that!

Enjoyed pierogis last night at Brady’s Irish Pub. Watched a basketball game at the same time. Carola decked out in Christmas finery.

Carola gave me a Christmas gift. A bright red bag filled with Irish sconces that she made and different type chocolates from Ireland. I enjoyed some of the candies when I got home last night. Devoured two sconces this morning for breakfast. 

Following my Irish breakfast, I drove to Date & Thyme for my monkey smoothie fix. Love ’em. Dr. Norris thinks they are healthy and is happy I have become addicted to them.

The game plan for tonight is Antonia’s. My cravings are two different appetizers. Escargot and burrata. I plan to have one as an appetizer and the other as my entre.

Sloan due shortly. My cell phone is screwed up. Has me baffled. She has to work on it (and me) and some other things involving the computer itself.

Enjoy your day!