Yesterday was a bad one for me physically.

I finally had my blood pressure down to normal for two consecutive days. However, yesterday I was totally exhausted. Wiped out! I had to stay in bed all day! No golf either this morning. I don’t think I could finish 3 holes, let alone 9.

My blood pressure initially screwed up because I was feeling tired. It was a consistent 100/60. Too low. The doctor started adjusting my pills. That is when the trouble started. The blood pressure took long to adjust. A lot of pills. I am tired again. And to make it even worse, my pressure is up again this morning!

I want to talk about domesticity. I live alone. I have had to learn to care for myself. In my other life, everything was done for me.

My new life is a constant learning experience.

This week I was made aware of two things.

First, do not press the steam button on the iron when your hand is in the way. I was ironing a shirt and forgot to remove my hand. I have steamed fingers!

The next lesson learned concerns cooking. Another thing I did not do in my other life.

I enjoy perogis. Have not had them in years. Saw some in a frozen locker at Publix. Bought a box. Read the directions as to how to cook. Thought they involved too many steps and took too long. I wanted to boil them. Placed four frozen rock hard perogis in the pan. Boiled them. They came out almost as rock hard as they went in. Lesson learned: Defrost first!

I keep the house relatively clean. I am a clean and neat freak.

Very tiny ants show up every Summer in the keys. Tiny means tiny! Extremely small. Arrive in droves.

I have never had ants. Lisa had them for the first time last Summer. A terrible invasion! They did not go away till Winter. The ants did not return to Lisa’s this year.

I have lived in my Key West home for fourteen yeas. Never ants. Till this Summer. I can’t get rid of them.

The ants fortunately have confined themselves to one area. The countertops and sink in the kitchen.

I keep the counter clean. Before and now. Do not keep any food out. I even refrigerate bananas. I only buy  three at a time because the regfrigeration adversely affects them.

I bought ant traps at Home Depot. Placed them in appropriate places on the counterrtops. Probably  more than I needed. Did not work!

I read in the Sunday newspaper a couple of weeks ago a column devoted to these ants.Front page! That is how serious this ant problem is in Key West. The writer’s solution was 409. I bought 409. A huge spray bottle. Washed the counter and sink down. Sprayed. Cleaned it up. No help.

I figured maybe I removed too much of the 409 when I wiped over it with a damp paper towel. The solution was simple. Why not spray everything with 409 and leave it on the counters and sink! I did. I knew I had the ants beat now.

No way! They walked across the 409 like it was nothing!

I still have the ants. Today is the start of Autumn. I am waiting for the start of Winter so they will leave.

The ants have won. Louis lost.

My friend Jim Brown from Crete, Greece had an interesting comment on Facebook this morning. I would be remiss if I did not share it with you. It applies to us in the United States, also. Keep in mind while reading his comment, that Greece is in worse financial shape than the United States.

Jim Brown said that “…due to the current financial crisis in Greece, I’m looking for a car that runs on fresh air, a star trek food replicator machine, a naquada generator for power and a machine that turns piss into beer and drinin water.”

Our desire/need concisely stated.

Keep them coming, Jim!

Enjoy your day!

Oh, what a beautiful day already!

Nothing like a Key West morning. It makes you feel alive!

I was bummed yesterday morning when the computer was down. Still down. Comcast due in the early afternoon.

I did yesterday’s blog at Lisa’s. Provided a chance to talk with her. She is busy busy with her new business. The Social Suite. Involves internet marketing. Lisa is good at it!

Spent the afternoon home writing.

I had no where to go last night. So I went to the Chart Room. JJ bartending. Met a very interesting couple from Australia.

 Jack and Nadine.

Last night was their first evening in Key West and their last in the United States. They leave out of Miami this morning to return to Australia. They have been on a whirlwind one week trip along the eastern seabord. They started in New York. Then to Vermont. To Washington, DC. Then Miami. And last night, Key West.

Not much time in any one place place. However, they enjoyed seeing what they did.

They appeared dead tired! I felt bad for them. They can sleep on the flight back today. Twenty hours.

Both are young. Jack 25, Nadine 22. Jack already owns his oswn  business. PVCS. He manufactures and installs them. Nadine is a school teacher.

They tell me Australia is not hurting. Not the same as the United States economically. People working, making money. They believe the prosperity will last at least another 15 years. One reason for Australia’s economic stability are underground ores. Australia has many metals and minerals. The mining of their own raw product contributes significantly to the Australian economy.

Jack and Nadine both live some where near Melbourne.

Hope they return some day to Key West!

Stopped at Don’s Place afterwards. No one I really knew. I did not stay.

Drove to Lisa’s. Robert was just stepping into the tub. A kiss and a hug from Robert. Lisa and Ally in Lisa’s bed. Playing fish. More hugs and kisses. Corey in the living room reading. It was so quiet. Very unusual. Normally, the grandkids are hooting and hollering.

I had not eaten. I was driving home to make myself a sandwich. Decided on impulse to stop at the Marriott’s Town ‘n Tavern. Glad I did.

Robert bartending. Always a gentleman.

Two ladies sitting half way down the bar from me. Hello, Louis. Hi, I said. She introduced me to her friend. We chatted a bit. I apologized and asked where we knew each other from. Linda. Linda Schrufer. One of the nicest people in my life. She is now gone. Linda threw great parties. I used to refer to her as the Pearl Mesta of Key West

The ladies told me they stop in mondays after work. Why don’t you join us next week?  I will try, I said.

My first stop this morning will be a haircut with Lori. Then, I do not know.

Enjoy your day!

I am late with my blog this morning.

Sorry. Not my fault. A screw up at Comcast’s end. Not even worth discussing. However, I have to wait till tomorrow afternoon to get it fixed. I am writing from Lisa’s.

The real question is: How am I going to live/get along without my computer? How will I research? How will I communicate with  friends everywhere?

Life has changed. We are all dependent on a little screen.

My blood pressure seems to have stabilized. It has been 48 hours A- 0K . Hope it stays that way.

Yesterday was Sunday. Watched Meet the Press.Then started writing. Wrote till 2.

Writing has become my obsessive pass time. I get completely absorbed and forget time. That is what happened yesterday. By 2, it was too late for me to go to Don’s Place. It would have been after 3 before I got there.

I recall back in the mid 1960s, I painted for three years. Took lessons. Started with oils. Too slow for me. Graduated to acrylics. I enjoyed painting then as I enjoy writing now. Became immersed in painting, also. And as with writing, the time flew.

I stopped painting because I reached a point where I had no time for it. My practise had become busy.

I put the paints, brushes and easel away.

I tried to return to painting here in Key West a couple of years ago. Fifty years later. It did not work for me. My interest and absorption were not as before. So the paints, brushes and easel were put away again. This time forever, I suspect.

Lisa and the family visited with me after dinner.

I had eaten alone at home. Screwed up my meal completely. Not even going into it. Some people cannot even boil an egg. Though it was not eggs I was trying to prepare last night.

 Fortunately, Lisa brought me leftovers from her dinner.

I watched the Emmys from my bed. Kept awake for the whole show!

A great show. Fast moving and entertaining. Glad I watched it.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Sunday!

Another great Key West day in the making!

Yesterday started with a maritime conference at the Weston. It was sponsored locally by Mel Fisher Museum, together with other maritme organizatons. Son in law Corey chaired the five person presentation.

Very intertesting! Glad I went! In spite of the fact that I had to get up early to be in downtown Key West by 9 am.

Corey’s lecture on the sunken slave ship Guerrero was outstanding! Not just because he is married to Lisa. Corey knows all about sunken slave and pirate ships in the Caribbean.

One of the lecturers spoke of the shipwreck trail along the Atlantic side of the Florida keys. Nine sunken ships have been identified and located. They are a part of a 100 mile underwater trail. Not all of the ships are of 200 year vintage. Some are as recent as World War II.

After the lecture, I headed to Duval. Poker Run Weekend. I was not disappointed.

There were motorcyles parked in a perfect line up and down both sides of Duval. There are so many in attendance this year, that the sides streets were also being used for bike parking.

The street stands and tents struck me as unusual. Most street sellers generally peddle the same wares one festival to another. Not yesterday. There was a decidedly more upscale product being offered. Quality stuff. Prices reasonable. However, still more expensive than normal. Which proves my point that most of the bikers are an affluent group consisting of doctors, lawyers and accountants.

The tent with the bigges and happiest crowd was the one selling some sort sex enhancement/better feeling drink. It was doing a big business!. Young lovelies in bikini type attire and cowboy hats doing the selling You bought a can and drank it on the spot. If it worked, a lot of peole had to be running back to their rooms for a short respite!

One tent featured leather clothes products. Some good stuff. Other than a leather jacket, I have no leather attire.

These were biker designed clothes. One was a black leather vest. Cool! I was tempted to purchase one for our Winter/January season when a sweater is required. Thought the vest would look good with jeans.

I did not buy the vest. Decided it was not me.

My car was parked in the Pier House lot. As I walked down Front Street to the exit gate, I observed this small lady sitting on an artist’s stool, painting. A wide brimmed straw hat hiding her face from the crowds and the sun.

I walked over to see what she was doing. A water color of the buildings running from where she was sitting upwards to Duval.

I recognized the artist. It was Christine Cordone. We kissed and chatted for a few months. I told her she looked the part of an artist. Why not! She is  a recognized Key West artist. Her works are selling big time. Soon her husband, Larry Smith, can retire and live off her efforts.

Christine has blossomed as an artist in her senior years. She puttered around at it for years. All of a sudden a coupe of years ago, she began devoting more time to it. Voila! In short time, she has become well known for her work.

Interestingly, This is Christine’s third career. All are running concurrently. She is also a kindergarten teacher and a well known island singer.

My blood pressure yesterday morning was out of whack again! Too high! And I was on adjusted medication. Also, my ankles were starting to swell. Bad. Meant I was retaining fluid.

I had a call into the doctor’s office. His nurse Susan returned the call while I was in the pasta section of Publix. She is becoming as concerned with my blood pressure as I am.

Susan upped my pill dosage and told me to go home and take a water pill. I was instructed to go to bed. Not directly for the blood pressure problem. Rather lying prone makes the diuretic work better.

It was home to bed. Spent the afternoon and evening watching football. As I did, the additional pill volume and the water pill did their work. By evening, my blood pressure was on the low side on top and normal on the bottom. My blood pressure this morning is good.

Syracuse football last night. We took a hit! Killed!

The exact score escapes me. Not important, however. Southern California ran all over Syracuse.

Except for Syracuse’s initial series of downs in the first quarter. I thought…..just maybe this team can do it.

It was not to be.

I have a new internet friend. T. J. Brown. He hails from northern Indiana. TJ, as he refers to himself, is hopeful that in ten years, he and his wife can retire to the keys. He wrote me the other day that he has three idols. One is his wife for putting up with him. The other two Howard Livingston and me. Thank you, TJ. I am going to have to start going to Church now to maintain my image!

TJ writes a blog. It is called the Life of TJ Brown. No punctuation after the T and J.

In today’s blog, he makes mention of wanting coconut palm trees. No TJ, you do not want coconut palm trees. Once you have spent some time in the Florida keys, you will understand why.

They are a pain and expensive to upkeep. The coconuts fall. On the heads of those sitting in the shade of the tree. The branches have a tendency fall more than other palm trees, also. There is clean up.

At least once a year, coconut palm trees have to be trimmed of their coconuts. Each tree has many. There are specific rules involved as to their removel.

Garbage cans can only be filled half way for removal purposes. Other wise, the garbage men cannot lift them. Weight is further involved. If the total weight of the removal exceeds a certain weight, the garbage men will not take the coconuts. It becomes your headache and expense to get them to the dump. Where, of course, there is a dumping fee.

We all make the same mistake when we come to Key West. We want coconut palm trees. My landscaper warned me. I knew better than him. I did not care. I wanted coconuts.

There is a palm tree that looks exactly like a coconut one. But, no coconuts! Between hurricanes and old age, I have been replacing my palm trees with the denutted ones.

Sunday afternoons in the Fall means pro football at Don’s Place. That is where I shall be this afternoon.

Enjoy your day!

Busy day yesterday.

In the morning, my internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. Wild! Great topics! Seems to have been well  received world wide.

Based on post show comments, the lead story provoked the most interest. The Mile High Club. The tale engaged viewers. Why not. It had 9/1, airplanes and sex! And was true! Truth is stranger than fiction.

The topic also was educational. Many learned what the Mile High Club was. Mostly women. Interesting in itself.

After the show I visited with Lisa for a while. She was busy as a beaver working on social media tasks for her customers. In fact, she finally said…..go…..I have too much work to do and you are bothering me!

Lunch was at Salute’s. The friday men’s lunch group. Only five of us. Normally about ten. The number in attendance had nothing to do with the quality of the conversation. The most stimulating yet!

Met two new people. Patrick Gossweiler and Roman Gastesi.

Gossweiler owns the Frenmch Croissant on Duval. A great little restaurant and bakery. I am ashamed to admit I have not been there in years. Parking is a problem.

Gossweilewr has been in Key West 14 years. The rest of the time, all over the world.

A nice guy. Knew about many things.

Gastesi is the County Administrator. He runs things! A smart relatively young man. The information he contributed was enlighening. He is a detail person. I thought I was back practising enviromental law.

One of the other men, whose name escapes me, brought his dog with him. A golden retriever who needed a diet. The dog was quiet and attentive to his master. He responded to oral directions immediately. Stop, sit and the like.

We were all amazed how well trained the dog was. We asked how long he had him, etc. Four weeks was the response. He was an abused dog and the new owner acquired him fron an animal abuse shelter in Miami.

Soon after, he was taken by his new owner to a professional trainer. Turned out the dog needed no training. He was comp;letrely trained regarding commands in every respect. Only his new owner needed training. As to the commands and how to handle his new pet.

My first stop last night was the Chart Room.

I had to compete with motorcycles galore on my way into Key West. This is Poker Run weekend. Twenty and 30 bikes at a time roared by me. When I arrived at the Pier House parking lot, half the lot was lined with mortorcycles. Big, shiny ones. Expensive. Between the cost of the bikes and the fact that many were staying at the not too cheap Pier House, it was obvious that these bikers are well heeled.

Sheila, Sean and Katherine were at the bar when I arrived. I was glad to see them. Emily bartending. When I ordered a drink drink, she gave me a bit of a hard time. She was not sure she should serve me.

Emily reads this blog daily. She is aware of my blood pressure problem. She did not want to read in today’s blog that she contrinuted to my health problem in any fashion. Thank you Emily, but the doctor said I could have a drink or two last night.

I now have a new mother in Key West. Emily. Lisa is the other. Some think as you get older that you can neither think nor care for yourself. On occasion, I find this helpful attitude aggravating. Not last night. I was glad that Emily thought enough of me to be concerned.

Dinner was at the Hot Tin Roof. Always good to see John. John had a friend visiting. Another John. Interesting conversation and a great meal.

Then home to bed.

Syracuse plays Southern California tonight at 8 my time. Plan on watching the game from my bed. Syracuse  is a 16 point underdog. I expect we will lose. But…..who knows! Hope springs eternal!

Have to hustle. Corey is speaking at 9 at the Weston. There is a three hour historical panel scheduled about pirate and slave ships in the Caribbean back when. Corey is THE world recognized expert in the field. He writes for National Geographic 2-3 times a year. He also appears frequently on the History Channel.

Enjoy your day!

Dark outside. Black as coal.

 How many of you remember coal? I do. I had to shovel it into the furnace during the day when my father was at work. I was in grammar school. It was hard work. Even harder was taking the barrels of ashes out to the curb for pickup. I had to carry the ashes up the cellar steps and then down a long driveway. I disliked the ash removal part of the job. Heavy lifting for an adult. Even worse for a very young man.

The northeast is cold. Fall definitely has arruived. Like 50 degrees in New York. It will stay cold for a week or two. Then Indian summer will arrive with renewed warm weather and vibrant colors.

My internet show this morning. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. 10 am. http://www.konkbroadcasting.com/.

Join me. The topics continue to be stimulating.

Like the Mile High Club and 9/11, a Taiwanese man declared innocent of rape and murder 14 years after he was executed, Egyptian thugs breaking into the no no land of the Israeli Embassy in Cairo, Terri’s Broadway opening this past week, observations on the Republican Tea Party debate monday night, the U.S. poverty rate, a 101 year old Detroit woman evicted from her home for failure to make mortgage payments, the purported religious Goddess Temple in Phoenix a whore house, and more.

Lunch yesterday was with my neighbor Andrew and his family. His wife and son from Switzerland recently joined him.

I let Andrew pick th place. He had the baby. Salute’s was the choice.

Andrew is a lucky man. A wonderful family!

His wife is Jazz. Nickname for Jasmine. Charming and thin. Blond hair. Hair and body colored tan by the sun. A Swiss cirtizen. She worked  in risk managmengt at a Zurich bank prior to Andrew, being married and having a child. Articulate and well spoken. Excellent personality. I am going to enjoy her.

The baby! Becoming a big boy. Fourteen months old. Walks, runs, has teeth, beautiful blond hair and is on the go all the time. His name is Kai.

I wanted to greet the new arrivals each with a gift. Key West limits one’s choices. I ended up making two stops. The first to Publix. Purchased a potted plant for Jazz. Cost $5. Then K Mart for Kai. Bought him one of those small poled things with donut shaped plastic rings of varying size. For 6 to 18 months the box said. The child is suppoosed to place the circular donuts rings on the pole. An educational toy. Cost $7.

I am the last of the big spenders.

I told Jazz my gift was from Publix and she was to water it every day.  I further advised Jazz that when I visit her home, I will be looking for plant. All in jest of course. As to Kai’s toy, it was unwrapped almost immediately and he played with it during lunch. In his mouth and banging away on the table.

Afterward, I headed over to Tammy at Lee Nails. It was time for my weekly manicure.

Tammy is a very lovely Vietnamese. Thirty four she looks sixteen. About 4’10”. For the past month, she has commented on my appearance each time I sat down…..you look terrible….you sick?….you not look good. Yesterday she said….you look good!

It had to be the blood pressure pills working.

Bocce last night. We won 2 out of 3 games. Should have won all three. Won the first two games 16-13. Lost the last game 16-15. A tough tense night.

We should have killed the opposing team. The fun of the game is being dissipated by the desire to win. This happened to us once before a few years ago. Our motivation is skewed. The tension has to go. Otherwise this our best team ever will not prevail  to the extent desired.

Again, please join me at 10 for The Key West Lou Legal Hour.

Enjoy your day!

I feel good this morning!  Better than I have felt in about three weeks.

My blood pressure has been out of whack. After being under control for about 10 years, it took off again! Yesterday morning, it was 186/117. Bad!

I have been medicating with my heart doctor. As you know, it is a mix and match situation getting blood pressure under control. Requires the correct combinatin of pills.

The high numbers have been giving me a constant headache (I never get headaches), inability to sleep, and deep concern. I worry about a stroke.

Yesterday morning, I was at the doctor’s office. When I telephoned, I was told to come right in.

I was advised the most recent new pill I was taking required 7 1/2 days or treatments to kick in. I was told it was not scheduled to kick in till the next morning. Today. I was a bit of a wreck. Expressing all kinds of concern. Two new pills were added to the mix. I took the new pills twice yesterday. Plus, the old of course.

My blood pressure this morning is 109/89. Would you believe it! Terrific! I slept like a baby all night. First time in more than a week. No headache. I feel fantastic. Normal.

I hope the blood pressure problem is resolved. I was getting worried.

After my morning doctor visit, I went to Lisa’s. I did not want to be alone. Had lunch with Lisa.

Some one gave me the new Cheney book as a gift this week. I decided I would spend the afternoon on the couch at Lisa’s reading it. I did not last one page. I slept for three hours!

Dinner last night was fun! I almost cancelled because of my blood pressure. Glad I did not.

I entertained Sean and Katherine, Sheila and Stephanie, at the Yacht Club. Good people all! Intelligent and entertaining!

I noticed as the evening wore on that the women were monopolizing the conversation. I had forgotten. It is a woman’s world. Sean and I listened quietly.

Towards the end of the meal, I fell asleep. Sheila gently woke me with her voice from across the table. Remember, I had not slept an hour the past three evenings. I also wrongly decided to have a couple of drinks last night. After taking my blood pressure medicine 1/2 hour before. Not smart!

I have an interesting day ahead. Lunch at one at Salute with my neighbor Andrew and his family. Andrew lives in the MTV house across the water. He recently remarried. To a Swiss girl. Jazz. They have a one year old son, Andrew. I will be meeting Jazz and the baby for the first time. I am looking forward to it.

Tonight, bocce!

I will be there! I skipped golf yesterday because of the blood pressure problem. I was planning on skipping bocce tonight. I get excited when I play. No need to now.

Enjoy your day!

Another lovely Key West day in the making!

The weather could not be more perfect. Just a touch of breeze. Everything bright yellow, reflecting the sun.

It will rain a bit. Rains a little every day during September. No big deal!

This morning normally would be golf. Not today. My blood pressure continues to be out of whack big time. I will probably be at the doctor’s this morning. I do not understand. I am not abusing myself. Have been staying in most evenings. Probably need a different medication. The doctor has been increasing my present medication. As the dosage is increased, so does my blood pressure. It is like a competition. An unhealthy one!

Terri White and Follies opened monday night on Broadway. Terrific reviews! For the show and Terri!

As to the show, “…picked up a pulse.” Changes incorporated in the 3-4 months since Washington did it. The “…principals are all tremendously talented.” The director Eric Schaeffer “…worked hard to address numerous shortcomings of the Kennedy Center production.”

Apparently the show was good, but not great coming out of Washington. Good enough though to be headed to Broadway. Terri kept telling me how hard everyone was working with changes for the Broadway opening. I could not understand. Now I do .Improvement was required. They did it!

As to Terri herself, she received some glowing reviews. Like “…a first rate Terri White.”  She “…did some great hoofing.” “Terri White is…terrific.”

With regard to Terri’s singing, “…Terri White’s crooning of Who’s That woman is like butterscotch trickling over ice cream.” “…White is downright terrific and stops the show cold with her Who’s That Woman.”

Cliff Robertson died this past week. A great actor with Key West connections.

It should be mentioned that he won an Academy Award for Best Actor back in the 1960s for Charly.

I had the rare privilege of meeting Robertson about 10 years ago here in Key West. Robertson had made a movie depicting the life of Mel Fisher. The Mel Fisher Museum years later was initiating an international fund raiser to support its not for profit activities. Robertson agreed to serve as the National Chair. He was at the Museum for an event kicking off the drive. He was older than I had ever seen him on the screen. Ever the distinguished gentleman. Well dressed, even to an ascot.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with him for a few minutes.

Robertson had another and perhaps more popular connection to Key West. It involved Kennedy and PT 109.

During the Cuban missile crisis, President Kennedy was in Key West inspecting U.S. defenses. Picture Smathers Beach with huge military equipment. Artillery weapons, guns, cannons and the like. And troops.

While Kennedy was touring the installations, he was accompanied by Monroe County Sheriff John Spottswood.

At one point, the conversation hit on the pending PT 109 movie. The site to film the movie had not yet been decided. Spottswood suggested an island he owned about 30 miles up the keys. The island was subsequently selected. Today, that island is known as Little Palm Island. Site of a world famous hotel and restaurant.

The Spottswood family remain prominent to this day. The Sheriff’s children are leaders in all walks of Key West life. Good people. I consider the Sheriff’s son Robert and his wife Elena special friends.

The tie to Cliff Robertson. He played young Kennedy in PT 109!

Sheriff John Spottswood also use to fish with President Truman off Little Palm Island. Back in Truman and Kennedy’s time,  Little Palm Island was known as Munson Island.

Enjoy your day!

This past weekend and this coming weekend anchor two major Key West events. Womanfest and Poker Run.

Womanfest is concluding. Poker Run about to begin.

Womanfest has become a world recognized annual event for lesbians and their friends. Lesbians arrive from every corner of the earth to enjoy this special time together in Key West. The event has been on going for twenty years.

You always know when the ladies are in town! Beauities all, they crowd the streets, restaurants and bars. Party time, big time!

Poker Run brings motorcycles galore to Key West. The noise can be horrendous! The bikes come roaring down US 1 into Key West on friday. They leave with an equal amount of noise on sunday and monday.

The number is overwhelming. They drive into town in groups of 20 and 30 bikes at a time!

Once here, it is party time for the bikers, also. Eight blocks of Duval are closed off. Only the bikes are permitted. And not to be driven. To be parked for viewing. These mototrcycles are the best money can buy. Mucho expensive!

The drivers and their passengers look tough. They are not. Most are docotrs, lawyers and accountants here for a playful weekend. Most have their wives or girl friends riding on the back attired like bike girls.

Poker Run is a fund raising event. It is a 50/50 sponsorship between Harley Davidson and the Key West Sunset Rotary. The monies generated go to diabetes research, scholarships and other charitable needs.

I find it amusing that  a Rotary would sponsor a bike event. Rotarys consisit of a community’s leading business citizens. Generally reserved and staid. Bikers render a dinstinctly different and opposite impression. But it works! And it works here in Key West!

Alex Okinczyc, better known as Island Alex, is going to be on Miami Channel 10 this friday.

Two months ago, Channel 10’s news anchor Kacey Burch gave Alex a call. She was aware he had a significant bottle collection acquired from diving the ocean floor for many years. She told Alex that Channel 10 was doing a special diving show involving Mel Fisher Museum and would like to feature his bottle collection, also.

John Ferracane is Channel 10’s executive producer. He was in Key West last thursday organizing the show. He met with Alex for two hours. He also visited Alex’s home the nex tmorning to view first hand Alex’s bottle collection.

Alex also writes music, sings and blows a horn. He is often a side kick to Larry Smith.

The televison show is this friday evening at 9:30. Channel 10 out of Miami is a ABC affiliate. This is a big deal! Tune in, if you can.

I watched the Republican debate last night. Is this the best the party of Lincoln can offer? What happened to the political statesmen of yesteryear? Are they no more?

I have to hurry. Dentist appointment early this morning.

Enjoy your day!

Good morning!

Lovely morning! With one exception. Absolutely no breeze. It is going to be another humid day. I can feel the hunidity already.

Yesterday was strange weather wise. It rained more than normal. Off and on all day. Sometimes heavy.

NFL football started yesterday! That means Don’s Place sunday afternoons.

The place was packed. Inside and out. Everyone jovial.

I stayed about an hour. Ate a bit. Chatted with friends.

Then headed over to Lisa’s. Robert and Ally going crazy. They had a friend over for a play date. I sat quietly and read the sunday Key West Citizen.

I needed my shot of the Sunday New York Times. Visited the Coffee House. Sipped coffee and browsed through the Times.

I noticed in driving around Key West yesterday that many homes were flying the American flag. Obviously in honor of 9/11. A welcome contribution to the feeling of patrotism permeating all of us yesterday.

My game plan was to visit the Chart Room last night. I showered, shaved and dressed. The TV was on during these preparatory activities. All of a sudden Casablanca came on! The great 1940 flick starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. So much for going out! I stayed in and watched the film. One of my all time favorites! I was even dressed for the occasion!

Tonight is big! Terri White opens on Broadway in Follies. Another year, another show! Follies marks Terri’s ninth Broadway opening. Wow! What a life!

Break a leg, Terri!

Yesterday’s tenth anniversary of the dreaded 9/11 affected all of us. I cannot believe there was one American who did not feel something. The day also brought additional cautions and warnings. We were placed on alert that some sort of terrorist activity might occur.

It was a day to be better safe than sorry.

As I move into the twilght of my years, there is little I have not experinced. I would also say I have done/accomplished pretty much what I wanted to in life. But, not everything!

I never became a member of the Mile High Club!

I am a man. What less would you expect of me.

Yesterday, there was a Mile High Club experience that intertwined with 9/11. Actually, two. Both involved airplane flights. One to New York and the other to Detroit.

On both flights, it was observed that there was unusual bathroom use by more than one person at a time. Interestingly, three persons were involved on both flights. Passanger(s) became suspicious, crew warned, air traffic notified, two F-16 jet fighters sent to escort each plane and authorities boarding the planes upon landing. One plane was boarded by a swat team.

The three persons involved on each flight were taken into custody. Handcuffed. Later in the day these same persons were all released from custody without being charged. It turns out Mile High Club activity was involved. Nothing more.

The authorities felt justified in using “…an abundance of caution.” Some one commented that the F-16 fighters and other cautionary activity was a misuse of tax dollars. One person commented that if Mile High Club activity were to be barred, Osama Bin Laden would have won.The authorities also said that the activity had “…no nexus to terrorism.”

Apparently play on an airplane of the type that occurred in these two instances is not against the law.

Good, I say. Let’s not get too uptight!

I suspect my conclusion also contains a bit of the jealousy factor. Hope springs eternal!

Enjoy your day!