Hello world!

I am back again. Though a bit late. Received a telephone call around 7 this morning from Lisa. Ally upchucking. Can you sit? Of course!

So her I am.

Ally looks good. Talked to me quietly. Told me of he stomach pains. She is now sleeping on the couch. I hope the worse is behind her.

Yesterday was a busy one!

Golf in the morning! I am back! Felt good playing. Did not tire. Shot 20 strokes better than normal. Was hitting the ball long. If it were not for two eights on the front and two sevens on the back, I would have broken a 100.

After golf, I sat with the crew on the porch of the club house for a while. Twelve of us. World problems were resolved.

When I returned home, I did my Amazon Kindle legal blog. Each day is a different topic. I opted to write about suicide yesterday. The selection was precipitated by a news release concerning a 33 year old Buenos Aires woman who jumped from the twenty third floor of a Buenos Aires hotel. She landed on top of an empty cab. The roof and windows caved in. She did not. She survived.

Then it was off to Bayview. Robert and Ally are taking tennis lessons. This was my first time to observe them. I was impressed!

Both are hitting the ball. Robert is aggressive. Ally a little girl. She prances.

Back home again. For my third shower of the day! It was hot! Mid 80s yesterday.

Last night started with Syracuse basketball. We won! Casey was brought up to Class A ball!

Syracuse beat Connecticut by 8 points. A significant win. On the road for Syracuse. Also, Connecticut ranked #7 and Syracuse #17. How the mighty fall! I am referring to Syracuse.

Where is the Syracuse delegation? It was only me and Marty again for the game. Marty is from Oneonta, New York. Dan and Lisa! Where were you? I know you are in Key West! Two games in a row I have watched without you! What gives?

I hurried over to the Bottle Cap after the game. The Larry and Jenna show had already started. A good show, as usual. Next week the show moves to a new venue. Upstairs at Hogs Breath. See you there next week!

Today is a busy one, also. Besides baby sitting, I still have to do the Amazon kindle legal blog. Tonight is our bocce banquet at Don’s Place at 6. Good food and good people! In between, I have to fine tune tomorrow’s radio show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. Ten in the morning on KONK 1500 radio. World wide on the internet for viewing at www.konkam.com.

My plate is full with topics to be discussed tomorrow. It has been a busy week. Issues like the American Embassy employee in Pakistan still being held on murder charges, the Polish traveler who booked a trip to Africa to hunt elephants and found no elephants, New York City subway riders who shed their pants and skirts on the subway trains on January 10 in honor of the tenth anniversary of the No Pants Subway Ride, the 75 year old Idaho woman who got pissed off at the librarian and was dumping things like ketchup and mayonnaise in the night return deposit box, suicide, no smoking anywhere in a particular country, the first to break the law a Buddhist monk, New York City and no smoking in public parks or on public beaches, free parking for pregnant women in NYC, walrus endangered, rhinos being poached, Borders may file bankruptcy, and more.

The more includes Egypt, Republican efforts to redefine rape under the abortion law, Bush 2’s daughter coming out in support of same sex marriage, bad child discipline in Alaska, Muslim growth projected over the next 20 years, Russian spy Anna Chapman a big hit in Russia, Super Bowl child sex trafficking and a Florida federal judge declaring all of Obama’s health care package unconstitutional.

Speaking of Konk, the radio station is publishing a weekly newspaper. Starting today! KONK Life! And guess what? I have agreed to write a weekly law column. Fun!

The girls have returned. Donna and Terri. Terri had a big night Sunday at Feinstein’s in New York City. Packed house. Now she has a month of local engagements. A number at La Te Da. Terri will be singing tonight, tomorrow night and Saturday night in the Crystal Room. Broadway songs for all to enjoy!

You enjoy your day!

Another perfect Key West day yesterday!

Temperature pushed 80 degrees. Sunny. A touch of humidity. A bit of wind.

Heaven on earth.

I walked. Duval. From the Atlantic to the Gulf and back. Plus up and down a few side streets. Tons of tourists. The season is upon us.

Then the Coffee House. Coffee and the New York Times.

Some days are best spent home alone. Yesterday was one of them.

I took my computer and went outside. Sat under the tiki hut and wrote. Writing has become a significant part of my life of late. I hope people are reading some of it. Otherwise I am a voice in the wilderness.

The Amazon Kindle legal blog yesterday was interesting. I have talked and written about the topic in the past. Enjoyed it then. Enjoyed it yesterday.

Amazing Grace.

I started the blog with Article I, section 9, of the United States Constitution. The section prohibted the importation of slaves to American shores beginning 20 years after the adoption of the Constitution. A fact generally unknown. In 1808 Thomas Jefferson signed a law to that effect.

That beginning evolved into John Newton and his transformation. First the poem Amazing Grace. Years later set to music. The civil rights movement. And finally, the likes of Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Tennesee Enie Ford, Althea Franklin and Judy Collins recording the piece.

Layed by the pool a bit. Needed color. Pale I was becoming.

Today is going to be a busy one.

Golf this morning. Bobby Nesbitt early in the evening. Then Syracuse basketball. Followed by the Larry and Jenna show.

Syracuse plays Connecticut. A tough game. I hope Syracuse does a turn around.

Enjoy your day!

I’m losing it!

I was laying in bed about 10 yesterday morning when the phone rang. Dr. Lefferts’ office. I had an appointment at 9:30. It had to be rescheduled.

At 4, I had an appoinment with my heart doctor. I went. Sat down in the reception area. Was taken into an examining room promptly at 4. After I was done, I was at the reception desk talking with Brenda who was scheduling me for my next appointment. She said, “You know Louis, your appointment was for tomorrow. However our 4 for today cancelled, so I sent you in.”

Definitely losing it!

My heart problems are coming under control. I am down to a fluid problem. I retain water. Ankles get big. I am taking water pills. No problem if I do. The problem is we are trying to wean me off the water pills. Not easy.

In between, Lisa telephoned. Ally was being sent home from school. Purportedly sick. Can you babysit? Yes.

Ally was fine. I do not know why they sent her home. She ate good. No temperature. Playing.

I had things to do. I called Lisa and told her I wanted to take Ally out. Explained Dr. Louis’ findings. She said OK.

The first stop was the radio station. I had some business with Guy. Ally sat quietly while I conducted my business.

There was no one broadcasting from 2 to 3 while we were there. Ally was in the broadcasting studio on a previous occasion with her brother. I put the earphones on them and the mikes in front of them. She wanted to do it again yesterday.

I perched her on a stool, put the earphones on her and bent the mike to her level. Away we went! First, I interviewed her. She insisted she wanted to ask the questions. Away she went. Did a good job! A Katie Couric in the making!

Then to Walgreens. I had to pick up a prescription. We had to wait 15 minutes in line. Ally was good. She held my hand and just kept looking around.

Walgreens has a program I was not aware of. If you are there with a child, they give the child a coloring book. Added to Ally’s day!

I needed a few things at Publix. Ally was having a ball! So was I!

She said she wanted a cookie. At first I did not understand. She claimed that if we went over to the baked goods counter, they would give her a free cookie. A chocolate chip. Unless they were out. Then a sugar cookie.

We went. She walked right up to the counter. The baker asked what he could do for her. She said may I please have a cookie? With a huge smile, he gave her one. A chocolate chip!

I had promised to buy Ally cookies or candy because she had been so good. We did the cookie aisle. Did not turn her on. She was not into good health. So it as over to the candy aisle. She zeroed in on the M & Ms. We had to go through each kind. Pretzel ones, nut ones, etc. She finally decided on plain old fashioned chocolate ones.

I generally enjoy a Tic Tac. I was out. As we were checking out, I had Ally get me a pack. She likes them too. I have shared them with her in the past. After she put the Tic Tacs in the basket, she looked up at me and said, ” Poppa, you’re fun!” Made my day!

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday was the circus!

Wowie!

I enjoyed it immensely.

Went with Lisa, Corey and the grandkids. Being with Robert and Ally made the event exceptionally special.

The circus was by the water behind Truman Annex. I think its name was Warner Brothers Circus. Not a big one. Not Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey. Small and intimate might best describe it. From the tent to the acts.

Before we even went inside, Robert and Ally had to ride the ponies. Three of them were working. I felt sorry for the ponies. They looked like they had been at it for years.

Anyhow, Robert and Ally were excited. They rode like pros. Robert looked a bit big for the pony ride. His first words after his ride was over were to the effect that he was too old to pony ride. He lived and learned.

We had great seats. Right in the middle.

The value of the event were the faces of the children and adults. Everyone into the show. Laughing away! Robert and Ally overjoyed. Every part of the show excited them.

Of course, there were eats! Like cotton candy, nachos and pop corn. We did it all!

I must admit I really enjoyed myself. Perhaps there is truth to the adage that old age is a second childhood.

Enjoy your day!

It started when mighty Casey struck out. Every one in Mudville was unhappy. Then he struck out again. The third time up he also struck out. So Casey was sent to the minors. Class A ball.

Casey struck out again yesterday! He’s headed for Class D.

Syracuse lost again! Four in a row! To Marquette 76-70.

I have no comment. Just sadness.

I should have known it was going to be a bad day basketballwise. I went to the Sports Page Bar to watch the game. I go to the Sports Page Bar because they have that extra TV package that allows them to get all college games. At least I thought all. It was not carryuing the Syreacuse/Marquette game yesterday. That is how unimportant Syracuse had become even before yesterday’s game.

I had a diet Pepsi and left.

Babysitting worked out alright last night.

I took Robert and Ally out to dinner to start the evening. Matthesson’s. An ice cream/sandwich type place. A family owned fixture in Key West. The grandkids love it!

They had their usual hot dogs and fries. I a salad.

We conversed the whole time. They are becoming young adults already at 6 and 5 years of age.

Matthesson’s is big on ice cream! Their display is awesome! Heaping buckets of colorful ice cream!

I had them go up to the display to select what they wanted. Robert with his hands on the glass. Ally with her nose pressed up against it.

Robert selected peppermint ice cream with chocolate chips. Ally likes pink. She went for the raspberry ice cream that was loaded with real raspberries.

Matthesson’s provides toppings for the kid’s ice cream. There ae several to choose from. Robert and Ally selected gummy worms. Ugh! Looked like worms!

Afterwards, it was home.

Robert took a bath, put on his pajamas and went to bed. He was soon asleep.

Ally told me she would shower in the morning. She put on her pajamas and we played. All night! She never tires.

I am teaching Ally how to tie her shoe laces. Tough! We are about 2/3s the way there. It is the final looping and pulling step that is a problem. We practiced a while. Suddenly Ally piped up, I don’t want to do it anymore. I am tired. It had to be mind boggling for her.

She did not sleep, however. I did. Twice. Each time she woke me up with Mommy said you can’t sleep Poppa!

Today is Sunday. I am doing a different Sunday. I am going to the circus with Robert and Ally and the rest of the family! The last time I was to a circus was at least 16 years ago when I attended with my 3 year old twin grandsons. They are now sophmores in college.

Enjoy your day!

Blog late! Slept late! Sorry!

Yesterday’s radio show went well. I enjoy doing it. Actually, I love doing it!

Based on post show comments, two topics affected listeners the most. Crime and Social Security.

Crimes involved the Philadelphia abortionist who killed seven fetus’s born alive by snipping their spines with a scissor and the Oakland, California second graders having oral sex in the classroom. These disgusting events were reported this past week. Just when you think you have heard it all, something new and more shocking pops up.

I hit Social Security hard. The American people are getting a crock of improper information from the right. Social Security is not insolvent. It will be either 8 years or 24 years before there is a problem. Deal with the other issues at this time which are critical at the moment. Deal with Social Security later in a precautionary fashion to make sure no problems occur down the road.

After the show, I was off to the Coffee House. Packed! Tourists and locals. I was lucky to get my favorite chair. Sipped coffee and read the New York papers.

Saw Jane. My Coffee House friend. It has been months since we have run into each other. She is truly a beautiful person. I love her personality, smile and clothes. She is a matronly woman. I suspect older than I. She dresses in long flowing white garments. Glides through a room.

Walked a bit on Duval. A lot of tourists. The sidewalks were crowded. It was cold. Too cold for the beach. So they were walking around.

I spent the afternoon writing. I enjoy the experience.

Last night was a big one! I stayed out till one in the morning! Have not done that in so long I cannot remembr when. I am generally in bed by 10.

Started my evening at the Chart Room. Michael bartending. He was his usual pleasant self. I told Michael I had talked with Marty. Marty has been under the weather a bit of late. Hopefully he will return to Key West soon.

Saw Sean at the Chart Room. Katherine was working. Sean is Key West’s premier reporter.

I was in the mood to see a movie. Walked over to the Tropic Cinema and saw The King’s Speech. Terrific! A winner! Had a slight degree of tenseness to it which was constant through out the movie. My recollectgion is it received 12 Academy Award nominations. Colin Firth was superior in the lead role.

Donna and Terri spent several nights a week at the Monkey Bar while they were here. They told me I should try it. It is a karaoke place. Don and Chris accidently stopped there the last time they were in Key West. A fun place, they reported.

Last night, I tried the Monkey Bar for the first time. I did not sing. I am a coward. A fun place! Marylou and Charlie were there. I met Jordan. An early 20s Conch. Her boy friend runs the karaoke operation. She walks around the bar encouraging people to sing.

On the way home, I decided to stop at Don’s Place. Overflowing with people! Kurt bartending. Don and David there. I had not seen seen David since he and Karen returned from their three week trip to France. A wonderful time, he reported.

I stayed at Don’s Place a while. The three of us talked bocce. Our party is next thursday. similar to a bowling banquet. Except in Key West time and style. The new season starts in two weeks.

What a night! I had a wonderful time! Perhaps I should do it more often. There is no question this new burst of energy I am experiencing made last night possible. People are telling me I am more animated, more alive.

About time!

Today is a big one! My day is already scheduled. Syracuse basketball at 3. At the Sports Page Bar. I will probably watch the game with Dan and Lisa from Skaneateles. Afterwards, I must hurry over to Lisa’s. She and Corey have some banquet to go to. Poppa is babysitting!

Enjoy your day!

Friday!

In less than two hours, I will be doing my radio show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. Join me, if you can. KONK 1500 AM on the radio in the Florida keys and Cuba. View the show on the internet world wide at http://www.konkam.com/.

All interesting topics to be discussed. It was a big week! We know Iran is anti American, anti Christian. Now anti Semetic! Another Afghan stoning of a couple in love. A quadrapelegic who is suing a strip club under the Americans With Disabilities Act. The Rahm Emanuel residency problem resolved. Three horrendous crimes committed this past week. The worst! And more!

I am alone once again. My girls left. Donna and Terri flew back to New York yesterday. Terri has an engagement at Feinstein’s Sunday night.

I started my day with a visit to the heart doctor. Blood work. We discussed my water retention problem. Still to be resolved.

I spent the day writing.

Jenna showed up by prearrangement at 3. We worked on polishing today’s radio show for two hours.

Lisa and the grandkids showed up while we were working. They were driving back from Big Pine. Robert and Ally got a snack from the refrigerator. They then left.

The grandkids are angels! I shall be sorry to see them grow. They are perfect at 5 and 6.

I stayed in last night.

Enjoy your day! Remember to hear/watch my radio show!

Crazy Key West weather!

That time of the year!

Eighties one day. Sixties the next.

Yesterday no golf. Too much rain the night before. I did not waste the day, however. Treated myself to a manicure and pedicure with Tammy at Lee Nails. The pedicure was especially relaxing.

Tammy said I looked better. She was concerned. The previous week when I was in for a manicure, I did not look well she said. Tired appearing.

I was out with Kurt last night. He basically said the same thing. He said I had energy.

Jenna mentioned the same thing while we were working the day before. She noticed a big change in me. She described it as energized.

I attribute it to the cut back in my meds by the heart doctor a few days ago. Two pills were cut in half. One eliminated. I think the two cut in half are responsible. I was over medicated.

The one eliminated may be a problem. A water pill. Yesterday was only my second day off of it. My lower legs and ankles were gigantic last night!

I see the doctor at 9. Blood giving time. A fasting blood test. I can see me popping a water pill afterwards.

I do feel better! Energized! I am thrilled. It has been a long time since I felt this good!

Watch, I’ll get hit by a bus or something today.

After Tammy, I headed to Publix. Did some minor shopping.

Then home to write. Did yesterday’s Amazon Kindle Key West Lou Law blog. I revisited Rahm Emanual’s residency case in Illinois. Commented on what I perceive as possible politics playing a part in the decision making. What else to expect? It’s Illinois!

Kurt and I were out and about last night.

The evening began at Aqua with Bobby Nesbitt. Donna and Terri were there. Terri sang a few songs solo and as a duo with Bobby. Terrific entertainment!

My Syracuse buddies Dan and Lisa were there also. As well as Lynda, Bob, Tom, Kathy, Mark and every one else. A good time!

Dinner at Michael’s. I am sad to advise that after 14 glorious years, Emmettt is no longer bartending. He’s gone.

One of Michaels’ feature meals is the veal chop. Stuffed with all type goodies. I had never had one. I did last night based on Kurt’s recommendation. Wow! Can’t wait to have the next one! That good! Tasty!

Then to the Bottle Cap for Larry and Jenna’s show.

What a crowd. The biggest ever.

Michael Thomas was the star attraction. A velvet voice.

Pat used to live in Key West. A couple of years ago she moved to Arizona. She recently returned to live again in Key West.

I never knew Pat before. While she was in Arizona, we bacame Facebook friends. We met at the bar at Bottle Cap for the first time last night. It was a quick hello and hug. I look forward to getting to know her better.

I left before the show was over. Too crowded for me. I was sitting in the back and could not see. People ended up standing in front of me. Too many people to move around. I went home.

One of my dear Facebook friends in Jakarta, Indonesia had her picture on Facebook this morning. Angie. A lovely lady. The picture was of her and her jewelry. She earns a living by creating jewelry.

I had a date to go to the movies toinight. Got a call late yesterday. I am being stood up. Can’t win. This being single is a pain!

Enjoy your day!

Casey is being sent down to the minors!

Syracuse lost again last night!

Three defeats in a row!

Syracuse lost at home. Against Seton Hall who came into the game with an 8-12 record. Syracuse was 18-2.

Not even close. Seton Hall destroyed Syracuse 90-68. Thirty seconds into the game, I announced to those watching with me: This is Villanova all over again! The threes were falling against us.

Offensively, Syracuse stunk. Shot only 36 per cent. Seton Hall has the worst shooting percentage in the Big East. Not last night. They hit on 54 per cent of their shots.

Defensively, Syracuse humiliated themselves. The zone failed again. Seton Hall was dropping the 3s from the outside and driving up the middle almost at will.

Unquestionably, Syrcause is now screwed up mentally. Boeheim has his hands full.

They say January is the best time to lose games. It is a learning process. A get ready for peaking just when its time for the big tournament. Perhaps this will be Syracuse’s destiny. I hope!

I watched the game at the Sports Page Bar with Jenna. Dan and Lisa Riordan showed up. I have not seen them since last season. They had just arrived in Key West. First thing on their agenda was the Syracuse game at the Sports Page Bar.

Dan and Lisa are from Skaneateles, New York. A small town about 20 miles outside Syracuse. They have owned a restaurant for years in Skaneateles. Called the Blue Water Grill. A Skaneateles mainstay.

We watched the game together. It was good to see them again and share their company.

My day yesterday started with a haircut. Lori was especially happy. She could not wait to share with me her great accomplishment. I said, you’re pregnant! She said, no. She ran a half marathon over the weekend! First time!

Good for her!

I asked if she would now try for a full marathon. No was her response. The training would take too much time and be too difficult. She was satisfied with having completed the half marathon.

Afterwards, I went over to the Coffee House. Sipped a bit and browsed through the New York Times.

I then spent some time at home writing. Yesterday’s Amazon Kindle legal blog. About Rahm Emanuel’s problems with residency in Illinois.

This is Wednesday. Golf time! Not today!

Major rain all night. Thunder and lightning. One time I was awaken by a flash coming through the windows. Lightning! There is no fooling around when there is a thunderstorm over the ocean!

Although not raining at the moment, showers are predicted for this morning.

I called Don to tell him I was not playing. The ground would be too wet. It takes time for the earth to absorb rain water here. Especially a heavy storm. Key West is at ground level.

Don said no problem. He was getting ready to call me to say none of us were going to play because the course would be too wet.

Tonight will be Bobby Nesbitt at Aqua at cocktail time. Donna and Terri are planning on going, also. That means Terri will get up and sing a few tunes. She and Bopbby sang a duet at the Pops the other night. One of Richard Rodgers tunes. I am sure they will repeat it this evening.

At 9 , I plan to be at the Bottle Cap for the Larry Smith Variety Show starring Larry and Jenna.

With no golf, I have a huge hole in my day. Think I will replace golf with a manicure and pedicure. A be good to Louis occasion!

Enjoy your day!

It is amazing how Key West weather can change like the flip of a coin. The cold wave is gone. It is a beautiful morning. 73 degrees already. Sun shining. A few gray clouds in the sky. A comfortable breeze.

I am sitting outside at the tiki hut writing this morning’s blog. The ocean is all of ten feet away from me.

God is good!

Babysat all day yesterday. Ally not well.

We had a good time. Played games. She taught me something called Boogle. Played cards. Putted golf balls on the carpet.

I am teaching her to tie her shoe laces. Tough for a five year old! I have broken the process down into 4 steps. She has mastered the first two steps. She will get there!

It was nap time. I fell asleep. She woke me. Poppa, you are sleeping too long!

Later in the day, I had a doctor visit. What old people do. My heart doctor. He had good things to tell me. Maybe now I will feel better.

We had a shark visit.

Around 4, Donna and Terri were sitting on the deck overlooking the dock. Very close to the water. A big one swam by! About 10 feet long. Two feet wide. Fin and all.

They were excited. And also swore they would never swim off the dock again!

I have seen these big ones in the past. They generally come up late in the afternoon. Feeding time! I stopped going in the ocean off the dock years ago for that reason! A born coward am I!

Terri’s birthday yesterdsay! We celebrated! It was Terri’s call. She wanted dinner at home with just the three of us. The menu was to be stone crabs and brownies.

We pigged out on the stone crabs. They pigged out on the brownies. Not on my diet.

We needed a candle to place on the brownies to sing Happy Birthday! Finally found a votive candle. The kind in church. Why I had it, I don’t know. One votive candle on the brownies and we sang away!

Tonight is Syracuse basketball again! I will be at the Sports Page bar at 7 for the game.

Two defeats in a row, even though against top ten teams, dropped Syracuse to 9 and 10 in the rankings. Pitt moved up to second. But lost last night to Notre Dame. So Pitt will move down next week. A tough Big East!

Enjoy your day!