Key West weather continues to be a bit nippy. Though I sense a warming trend. The cold front is supposed to lift today or tomorrow.

Bocce playoffs started yesterday at noon.

My team was not good enough to qualify. Every team I have played on has failed to qualify. Perhaps it is me.

Larry Smith’s team did qualify. Second time.

I went over to the bocce courts to watch Larry’s team in the playoffs. It was not their time. They lost the first two games and were immediately eliminated.

Bocce is a sport like any other. In order to win a championsip at the end, you must have been there a few times before.

Perhaps next year, Larry.

The Key West Christmas Parade last night was a winner! Always is!

I have concluded that small town parades are always better. They may not have the sophistication of a Macy Day Parade, but they are more intimate and personally fun. People on the floats and street know each other and aknowledge each other. Every one genuinely happy.

I have found this to be the case with the Key West Christmas Parade. Also with the July 4th Parade in Chatham on Cape Cod. I vacationed in Chatham for many years. Always enjoyed the Fourth of July Parade for the same reason I enjoy the Key West Christmas Parade.

It was a kids’ parade/party last night! As always!

My grandkids Robert and Ally sat on the curb. As the floats went by, candy was thrown. They darted to pick up the goodies. Ally was crawling around on the street on her belly reaching out for everything she could get.

All the kids were.

It was a joyous sight to behold!

There was too much, however! Too much candy! More than Halloween!

After a while, Robert and Ally’s bags were full. They were too heavy for them to hold. And they were tired. They spent the last half of the parade just sitting and watching the parade. Ignorring the candy thrown.

The best was saved for last!

Santa Claus!

My grandkids are still into Santa. They were wide eyed and in awe. Especially Robert.

God is good!

Afterwards, I headed for Don’s Place. Everyone had watched the parade. Everyone was in a Christmas mood.

Don runs a good place. Homey. It was a pleasure sharing some time with friends there last night. Many are like family.

Today is pro football. At Don’s Place. Then the gym. And hopefuilly tonight, Kate Miano’s Gardens.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Saturday!

Sushining here in Key West. Not a cloud in the sky. But…..cold! 65 degrees. I appreciate that those of you up north living in under 30 degree weather and already covered in snow laugh when I say it is cold. I ask you to understand however that one week ago it was in the mid 80s. The drop is sudden. The impact felt.

I know. Stop being a cry baby, Louis!

Yesterday’s radio show went well. The most popular issues based on post show comments were the Somali pirate trial and the Oklahoma/Sharia Law issue.

I am concerned about the Oklahoma/Sharia Law issue. It is presently in the hands of a federal judge. I am fearful of an ill advised decision.

The lovely Stephanie Kaple guested on the show during the last segment. Love her! We did a bit on airport security and safe clothes to wear. Stephanie was knowledgable. It was a pleasure sharing the time with her.

I went over to Lisa’s after the show. Had lunch with her. Corey was home. He was packing his diving gear. Wet suit included.

I asked him how he could dive when it was so cold. Both the air and water. He pointed to the wet suit. Told me however that he would still feel the cold.

Corey had lectured at the college in the morning. In the afternoon, the students were joining him on a diving exploration of a Spanish galleon sunk in Key West harbor.

I talked with Corey on the telephone afterwards. He said they were into a school of dolphins during the dive. Awesome, he advised.

I spent most of the afternoon home. Inside! Too cold for me out on the deck. Not Terri. She was in her usual place on the deck under the tiki hut. The woman is indestructable!

Later in the afternoon, I headed over to the gym. A little boxing. The black bag and I have become good friends. Followed the boxing with 15 minutes on the treadmill.

Last night was a most enjoyable evening! Dinner at Michael’s with Jenna. A long slow meal with much conversation.

Today is a big day! No question.

At noon the bocce playoffs. Larry Smith’s team made the playoffs. We are all going over to lend moral support to Larry’s team.

This season end tournament is the best of the best! Some teams have played together for years. They are extremely experienced. Their every roll true.

I wish Larry and his team well.

Tonight the xmas parade! 7 pm. I will be watching it with Lisa, Corey and the grandkids from a curb on Truman. Robert and Ally are all excited. Besides great floats and Santa Claus, the candy thrown to the kids from the floats is overwhelming. Each child will walk away from the parade with a smile and a large bag full of goodies.

Enjoy your day!

It’s cold in Key West!

I had to throw the quilt over me last night. Low 60s.

The cold does not seem to affect Terri. She sat outside all day rehearsing. She says if you are in the sun, it is ok. I do not agree. She also says the reason she spends so much time outside is because it is impossible to do so in New York City.

To top it off, she does not even dress for the weather. Merely shorts and a tee shirt.

One tough lady! Or perhaps…..one sensitive woman!

My yesterday was quiet.

It started with the gym. No problem in getting the boxing gloves on. My hands were not sweating. In fact, I did not sweat at all. It was impossible. The cool air prevented it.

Afterwards I joined my new found friends from the breakfast club at Don’s Place. For my usual glass of water.

For the uninformed, a Key West breakfast club is a bar where those who need a drink or two early in the morning go. Many are there when the doors open at 7.

My reputation may be on the line. Those who see me may think I need a morning pop or two.

I spent the afternoon writing and preparing for today’s radio show. But not outside. I am not built of the same stuff as Terri. Too cold for me!

Dinner was an event last night!

At Outback with Lisa and the grandkids. Corey had to work.

Robert and Ally are old enough now where we can converse. I enjoy them!

And can they eat! They devoured their meals! I do not know where their little bodies put all that food!

I stopped at Publix on the way home. I was out of everything.

As I moved around Publix, I saw a young man I thought had guested on Larry Smith’s show the evening before. Ruben. As I passed him, I told him how much I enjoyed his singing at the Bottle Cap. He looked at me quietly and said, “It was not me.”

I apologized and walked away thinking he probably thought I was trying to pick him up!

Oh, well!

A drunk and a gay in the making all in one day!

This morning the Key West Lou Legal Hour. 10 am. Listen on the radio in the Florida Keys and Havana, Cuba at KONK 1500 AM on the dial. Better yet, watch and listen world wide on the internet at http://www.konkam.com/. Timely and interesting material to be discussed. Controversial thoughts shared.

Love my daughter Lisa! As you know, she has an internet department store Via Key West. http://www.viakeywest.com/. Yesterday she received her largest order ever! For 24 Key West bunt cakes. All at one time from one person. Big!

Enjoy your day!

Where do I begin…..

Happy Hannukah!

Yesterday was Day One. A candle lighted.

The weather!

I reported yesterday morning how great the weather was. Calm. No breeze.

Then in the late morning it got windy. I was on the golf course. The wind was a relief. It was hot! The wind was so striong that I had to go 3 extra clubs when hitting into it. Still, the sun was shining. Enough that my face was red at the end of the round.

By the time I got home, the weather had turned. It was cold! The wind was about 40-50 miles per hour. The water had 2-3 foot waves. Whitecaps all over the place.

A cold front had come in. It was sufficiently cooler that I wore long pants last night and a leather jacket.

The temperature at 8 this morning is 62 degrees. The high today will be 70. Cold for us!

The cold front will be upon Key West till at least Sunday. I know. I should not complain. People up north have freezing temperatures and in some areas like Buffalo are getting buried in snow. Nevertheless, it is still cold here in Key West! I feel cold!

Golf yesterday morning was fun. I played good and bad. A bit worse than I have been playing recently.

Played with Tom, Tino and Yankee Jack. Tom was the big winner. Yankee the big loser. I am happy. I won $4. Better to win than lose!

Big night last night!

Kurt was with me.

The evening started with the lighting of the Christmas tree at La Te Da. Big tree! Had to leave it outside. It would not fit inside. It was set up between the pool and outside dining room.

Every one there. Terri and Donna were asked to lead the crowd in the singing of Silent Night. Terri has all the Christmas caroles down to a science. I should know. I hear her rehearsing every day on the deck.

Yesterday was World Aids Day. Prior to the tree lighting at La Te Da, the group went over to the White Street Pier to honor those who have passed on because of this horrendous disease. More than 1,000 Key Westers have died over the years. The name of each decesased was read aloud.

I am ashamed to say I did not attend the White Street Pier memorial. It was too early for me. I could not make it. Everyone reported how moving it was.

Kurt and I had dinner at the Yacht Club. Good conversation and good food.

Then we hustled over to the Bottle Cap. It was time for the Larry Smith Variety Hour on KONK radio and the internet. Terrific show! Love Jenna! Alec was unusually good. The whole show was outstanding!

Lisa’s internet department store Via Key West is starting to do a big Christmas business. My tee shirts continue to lead the sales. Love it! In two days she has received orders for 29 Key West Lou tee shirts.

Take a quick peek at Lisa’s internet store. www.viakeywest.com.

Radio show time tomorrow morning at 10. The Key West Lou Legal Hour.

I am going to have a guest for one segment. Stephanie Kaple. Better known as the Island Shoe Girl. We are going to talk about airport security and how it impacts males and females, attire that might be worn, etc.

Interesting and timesly topics also. Like Willie Nelson’s pot bust, the Portland attempted bombing of a xmas tree lighting, the Mexico to San Diego drug tunnel, Pledge of Allegiance on beer cans, Congresswoman Rankin, hypocracy, Obama citizenship court case issue, Chicago taxicab king Symon Garber, the Pentagon and repeal of Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell, Louisiana weird dumb laes, Bank of America revelations, tax cut for the rich versus unemployment benefits for the poor and middle class, Sharia Law in court in Oklahoma, Assange, Dream Act, Cavs owner probing James’ hiring by the Heat, Charlie Rangel, and more.

Lots of material! Lots to listen to! A fast moving and informative program!

Again, the time is 10 am Friday. On the radio, KONK 1500 AM. On the internet world wide for viewing and listening www.konkam.com.

Last weeks show is available on demand 24 hours a day on video on the internet at www.tikilive.com/video/28754.

Tonight…..Terri White! At La Te Da’s Crystal Room. A spectacular show! Live From Broadway! With a couple of Christmas caroles thrown in!

Enjoy your day!

Last friday’s radio show is now available for viewing on the internet. Enjoy The Key West Lou Legal Hour 11/24/10. www.tikilive.com/video/28754. The first few minutes are set up and no voice. And then the show! I hope you find it interesting!

Yesterday morning started with the gym. Woke lazy. Did not want to get out of bed. Forced myself!

I felt good after finishing my work out. I especially enjoy the boxing.

It was lunch time. Bought a New York Times and headed over to Hogfish.

I enjoyed lunch and the Times. About two hours worth.

My early afternoon was spent on the deck writing. Shared the place and time with Terri. My in house Broadway entertainer!

Late afternoon was spent at the doctor’s. More tests. I’m ok! I thought the doctors thought I was ok! We are at a point where we are repeating tests!

Dinner with Lisa and the family. Robert and Ally are excited about the Christmas parade saturday. Kept seeking my assurance that I would be with them. Try to keep me away!

The final match of the bocce season was last night.

It has not been a noteworthy season for us. We are not fighting to get into the playoffs. Not even close.

On every team there are those that play a lot and the rest who stand by waiting for an opportunity to play. We opted to let those who played less during the season play last night.

I never played. Nor did David and Don.

We should have let the second team play ahead of us all season. They were spectacular! Won the first game 16-11 and the second 16-5. I left early so I do not know what happened in the third game.

I mentioned Lisa’s internet department store Via Key West in yesterday’s blog. www.viakeywest.com. I suggested the purchase of a Key West Lou tee shirt. By the time I left for bocce at 6, she already had orders for 14!

Howard Livingston is one great guy! The best! I notice his comment on Facebook today. He is leaving this morning with a bunch of little ones for a trip to the North Pole. They are flying out of Key West airport I assume to Orlando and Seaworld. Seaworld calls its North Pole the Polar Express. Howard is joining the group which includes his grandson Michael.

I am up early this morning. Gray outside. Calm. No breeze at all. Neither the water nor palm trees are moving. Going to be a hot one!

Golf this morning. Good! I love playing golf. Someday I might get good at it. Hope springs eternal!

Tonight is the Larry Smith Variety Show. 9 pm. The Bottle Cap. Hosted by Larry and Jenna. Live on KONK 1500 AM radio. Can be seen and heard world wide at www.konkam.com.

Larry has a mime on the show now. She is lovely and talented. Watch for her!

Enjoy your day!

I was wrong when I suggested a couple of days ago that winter was upon us here in Key West. It is still warm! Yesterday the temperature hit 84! The only difference in recent weeks is that air conditioning is no longer required. The breeze off the ocean is sufficient cooling.

Yesterday was doctor day!

I started with my internest in the morning.

Afterwards, it was off to the gym. I am committed. Boxed and did the treadmill. I increase the frequency of both a bit each day. I am impressed with the treadmill activity. Up to 3.5 miles per hour with an elevation of 3.5-4.0. Not bad!

I am always thirsty after working out. Don’s Place fortunately is next door.

I seem to have joined the breakfast club. But I only drink water!

Rob was bartending. He gave me water without my even having to ask.

Herschel was sitting at the bar. I joined him. Herschel plays on my bocce team. He fell at bocce last week. Hurt his ankle. It still hurts!

He had his leg propped up on a bar stool. The toes were all black and blue as was the bottom part of his heel. I said you have a fracture. He said no. He takes blood thinners and that is why there is so much blood pooling. He went to a chiropractor. Did not see a doctor. I think he should see a doctor and get it x-rayed.

I spent the early part of the afternoon under the tiki hut. Writing. Terri was with me. She was practicing Christmas caroles for her thursday night show at La Te Da’s Crystal Room. I am lucky to have her company and be able to listen to her sing so much.

Then it was 3 o’clock. Time to see the heart doctor. That visit ate up 1 1/2 hours. Part of it spent waiting.

I spent the evening in. Made myself a light dinner. Then sat outside on the deck by the water. In the dark. Quiet. The only sound was the moving water. And an occasional fish breaking the surface. Meditative time. Good for thinking.

The Christmas season is upon us. Homes and stores decorated. Key Westers decorate their homes more brilliantly than up north. Maybe it is the lack of snow. Something compels them to go all out.

The grandkids are into it, also. Robert and Ally started telephoning me yesterday. Key West’s Christmas parade is Saturday night. Poppa, are you going with us? Of course! I attend with them every year!

It is a terrific parade! Long. Santa at the end. The best part and the reason the grandkids love it so much is the candy. A ton of candy is thrown off the floats to the kids. A Fantasy Fest parade for the little ones! Beads replaced by candy!

Speaking of Christmas, Lisa’s internet Key West department store has many goodies for sale. Reasonably priced Christmas gifts. www.viakeywest.com.

Lisa has a new batch of Key West Lou tee shirts. Her biggest seller!

We have been lucky this year. No hurricanes!

Today is the last day of November. The official end of hurricane season. It is nice to have gotten a break!

Enjoy your day!

Sunday started slowly.

A quiet relaxing day.

And then the night!

I was out on the town!

Finally made it to the Gardens again. Glad I did. The place was packed. Many old friends. Many new faces. Kate Miano has done a tremendous job!

Met Reed. He was in town for a short visit. He was performing with the ensemble.

Reed presently lives in New Hampshire. The last time he was in Key West was the early 1980s. Key West has changed, he said.

He told me any activity on Duval Street ended at Petronia. Now Duval is loaded with action all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Terri sang. Her reception was amazing! Always the same! A standing ovation at the end!

What a talent!

Then to LaTrattoria for dinner.

Ate at the bar. Charming Kathy bartending. Her Thanksgiving went well. She entertained at her home for dinner. She had been nervous. However everything turned out perfectly!

Becha gave me a hug and kiss. She had just returned from Las Vegas. Spent Thanksgiving there. Had a terrific time!

Mick Barnes said hello. One of Key West’s premier attorneys. We lamented that Marty was not spending more time in Key West.

Nine o’clock was the Larry Smith Sunday Showcase at the Pier House. His special guest was his wife, Christine Cardone. A Key West star in her own right.

It was Christine’s birthday. The Wine Galley was packed. Inside and out. Everyone there to pay tribute to Christine. One of Key West’s most loved people!

Christine sang. The marvelous Kathleen Peace backed her up.

Kathleen is a new woman! She has been on a diet. It was obvious.

John and Ellie were in the audience. They are from England. Visit Key West every year about this time. Spend a month here.

John and Ellie read this blog every day. Gives them their nip of Key West while away.

Since it was Christine’s birthday, there had to be a cake. A huge one!

We all gathered round the cake to sing Happy Birthday! As Christine went to blow out the candles, a male body leaped up out of the cake! Stripped to the waist. Wild!

It was Adair. Adair is a local trainer and body builder. So he has the body to leap out of a cake.

No one expected it. It was a fun thing and added to the hilarity of the evening.

How Adair got under the table and was hidden from all, I do not understand. I was seated by the door and watched Alex and Tino carry the table out. Obviously, Alex and Tino were instrumental in planning and arranging the Adair bit.

Journey was in attendanced also. Journey is Christine’s daughter. She is an entertainer in the Woodstock area. She was here for her Mother’s birthday. Journey added flavor to the event.

It was a very good evening!

Today, I have two doctor visits. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. I have learned that that is what one does in his old age. Visit doctors!

Enjoy your day!

Sunday!

Always a good day!

Much to do in Key West. My choices are the gym, Don’s Place for pro football watching and socializing, the Gardens with Kate Miano, and tonight Lary Smith’s Sunday Showcase. Today is Larry’s wife Christine’s birthday! Christine and Kathleen Peace will sing. There will be a huge crowd. Christine is a loved woman.

Yesterday started with the gym for me. A little boxing and some treadmill. A work out!

Afterwards, I walked next door to Don’s Place for a drink of water. Boomer bartending. I asked for water. He looked at me strangely. I repeated myself. Water. Still no reaction. Finally, he knew I was serious. He gave me water. I don’t think he realized I drink no more. No one orders water in Don’s Place. Especially in the morning. His breakfast club is Don’s busiest time of the day!

Then to Publix to shop. Cupboard bare again. Must be mine was the only one empty. Publix was deserted. People must have done all their shopping earlier in the week for Thanksgiving.

The early part of the afternoon was spent writing. With music in the background. Terri was polishing Joy to the World for next Thursday’s show at La Te Da.

Lisa, Corey and the grandkids arrived. Robert and Ally wanted to swim. I tried to dissuade them. The water is cold. There was a cool breeze. No one listened. They swam. The cold did not seem to affect them.

Key West weather has been perfect up to the last few days. Unusually warm. We should be entering winter here. We might be. It is starting to get a bit cool. Temperatures still hovering around 80. But the cool breeze off the ocean negates the temperature a bit. I think we are heading into cooler weather on a permanent basis. Means the low 70s.

It’s a tough life here in Key West!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Fantastic weather!

A good time to be in Key West!

The radio show went well yesterday. Comments after the show indicated a great interest in airport security. Makes sense. Just about all of us fly.

“Don’t touch my junk!” is becoming famous. I suspect it will be with us for many years to come.

I have no problem with what is being done. I would rather be felt up, than blown up! Simple. To those who find these new methods offensive, I say don’t fly! I would rather be safe than sorry. Sorry means I am no more.

I stopped at Lee Nails for a manicure after the show. Tammy was there. I enjoy Tammy. A mid 20s Vietnamese who has been in the U.S. for eight years. She and her husband own the business.

I asked her about her Thanksgiving. Did she have turkey? No. She does not know how to cook one. She and her friends did get together to celebrate the holiday, however. They cooked Vietnamese food.

Terri’s Thanksgiving opening at La Te Da’s Crystal Room was a gigantic success! A packed house! Terri was thrilled. As was Donna.

Terri’s next show at the Crystal Room is thursday. She is adding a couple of Christmas tunes to the program. It is Christmas time around my house! We have gone from Broadway tunes to Christmas caroles.

The ladies and I went out last night. To the Tennessee Williams Lobby for a new Key West show. Michael McCabe and Traci Reynolds plus several others have put together a show called Cabaret Key West. All kinds of music! Great singing! Terrific humor! A winner!

The show will be running two nights a week at La Te Da. Sundays after tea dance and tuesday evenings. Try it on for size one evening.

Jenna joined Donna, Terri and I for the evening. We had a good time at our table during the performance.

I am off to the gym this morning. Missed two consecutive days. Time to work off the Thanksgiving meal!

Enjoy your day!

Thanksgiving great yesterday!