Great news!

Donna and Terri telephoned me yesterday. Terri has a new show!

She opens in the spring in Washington, D.C, in Follies. A musical about the Broadway musicals of the 1920s. Terri will be a principal in the show. Which means she has a starring role.

With three other ladies of the theater.

Linda Lavin of TV Alice fame. Bernadette Peters, the diva of the American musical theater. And Elaine Paige. Paige is an English singer and actress who was the first Eva Peron in Evita.

What a group to star with!

Terri White’s story is unique and interesting. Three years ago she was down and out. A homeless person in New York city sleeping on a park bench. Then she was rediscovered. Finian’s Rainbow. Followed by a stint on Broadway in Chicago as Mama Morton.

Go Terri! Continued success!

I was tired yesterday. Stayed in bed till 4. Then had to hurry to the dentist for a 4:30 appoinment. I am heading for some heavy dental work after the first of the year. I am not looking forward to it.

I was tired from my vacation. I was on the go every day all day. Not my style. I like to lay in bed awhile each day. Nap a little.

Dinner with Lisa and the family last night. The best!

I brought presents back for the grandkids from Arizona. Crocs and some other goodies. Robert and Ally were thrilled. I showed them the pictures of my ballon ride and the zoo animals. Really excited them!

Robert lost a tooth during dinner. A baby one. His second. He was excited. Robert considers the loss of his teeth as a rite of passage into manhood. Lisa was excited that I was there to share the experience with Robert.

I met Marty at La Trattoria later in the evening. He ate. I merely had an appetizer.

It was good to be back at an old hunting ground. Sometimes even a week away is too long. I received my usual hug and kiss from Becha. Kathy was bartending. She even kissed me.

Marty has the gout. On medication. He could not drink. Depressing for him.

This is Fantasy Fest week in Key West. No question about it last night. The town is packed. The streets full. Many in special attire. Perhaps lack of attire might better state it. Even the men. Unquestionably an adult party. Thongs prevailed. Male and female. Butts out all over the place. Not all that attractive. As Marty observed, a lot of cellulite out there!

Female breasts were particularly prominent. Some with pasties. Others painted over.

Everyone having a good time!

The amazing thing I have discovered over the years is that many Fantasy Fest visitors are conservative Americans. They come from middle America. Would never dress this way back home. Come to Key West to let it all hang out. Which is precisely what they do!

Enjoy your day!

I am back! In Key West!

A joy!

I had a good time in Phoenix. But there is no place like home!

My morning yesterday started at the Phoenix Airport. I was impressed with everything I saw and experienced in Phoenix. Except for the airport! It is a throwback to the 1950s. Old and worn. Needs updating. Actually some new buildings. A perfect place for some stimulus dollars!

I was afraid I would run into the luggage problem on my return trip. I did!

Just as you can fly Delta out of Key West with only one bag, the rule applies in reverse. You can fly Delta into Key West with only one bag.

I had two bags. Large ones. Not for the compartment above my seat.

I had to go through 3 people before I got resolution.

The first was the red cap checking bags at the curb. He said the computer would not permit two bags. I gave him the stand by routine for the bag. I got a blank stare in return. He said go inside and try the kiosk.

I hate the kiosks. I am too old! Not mechanically inclined! The kiosks intimidate me!

Fortunately there was a Delta attendant at the kiosks. I explained my problem. She tried. Kiosk rejected me. One bag too many.

She said go to the Kiosk Assistance desk. This was new one! I had never heard of a kiosk assistance desk before.

It is like going to the counter to check in. Two places are set aside with signs above the counter reading Kiosk Assistance.

There had to be 200 people waiting in long lines to get to the Delta counter. Immediate depressiion set in. Then I noticed the Kiosk Assistance line had only 6 people in it. Redemption!

The guy at the Kisosk Assistance counter was terrific.

I explained my problem to him in detail. He said no go. Only one bag. That is what the computer says. He claimed he had never heard of a bag going stand by. I rspectfully suggested he research the program. It had to be there. I also lied. I told him the counter person in Key West had told me one of my bags could return stand by.

He took a few minutes. Did his homework. And voila! It was there! My bag could go stand by!

I was happy he found the solution. He was happy he learned something new. He repeatedly thanked me as he did the paperwork for my stand by bag.

The tension drained from my body!

I was seated next to a sailor on the Atlanta to Key West leg of the trip. The sailor was into his 22nd year of service. He is presently stationed in Key West.

We chatted a bit.

I asked him what he thought of Obama. He said he preferred a Republican adminisration. The Republicans did more for the military. Democrats were prone to cut.

I got into don’t ask, don’t tell. He was generally opposed to gays in the military. He described it as a “comfort factor.” Especially when at sea. He explained how tight and close the sleeping situations were.

Corey met me at the Key West airport. It was late. The grandkids were in bed. Corey is a good guy! Good to Lisa and the grandkids. Good to me.

I explained the stand by problem. Low and behold, one of the first bags to come through was my stand by bag! I was relieved.

The Key West air hit me as I walked out the airport doors. Warm solft humidity. I had missed it!

Marty, I am back!

Marty telephoned me while I was on route. Caught me in the Atlanta airport. Where are you? When will you be back?

Tonight Marty! We will be out on the town!

Enjoy your day!

Phoenix vacation over!

It was a good week! I am pleased I did this.

The only thing I did not get to do was play golf. It just did not fit in .

I planned on playing yesterday. Troon North was my choice. If you are going to play, you might as well play one of the best!

Troon North is two courses. Monument and Pinnacle. I searched the internet. Both had available tee times for a single around lunch time. Just what I wanted.

I did not bring clubs with me. Only golf shoes. My intention was to rent clubs. I could not get through to a human voice to find out if any were available. I was concerned that because it was Saturday, clubs might not be available.

I telephoned Troon North. It was like calling the power company, a telephone company or a credit card company. All preprogamed responses. Punch 1 for English, 2 for Spanish. Then more numbers to punch.

I finally got frustrated. Said screw it!

I went to a zoo instead. Trust me, a terrific substitute! A winner!

The Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. Minutes away from my hotel. Troon North would have been an hour drive each way.

I was a bit upset with the entrance fee. $27.50. A lot of money I thought!

I was wrong! It was worth every penny.

First, I did the fish. Saw more type fish than ever before.

Then the animals! A WOW!

Giraffes, zebras, deer, rhinoceroses, camels, wart hogs, gazelles, antelopes, ostriches, tigers, jaguars, turtles, parrots and more! An experience! The only sadness was that grandkids Robert and Ally were not with me. They would have enjoyed and remembered it all!

I took pictures with my cell phone of most of the animals. I will share them with Robert and Ally when I return.

I was particularly impressed with the giraffes. Tall creatures! Spectators were permitted up a high stand to be eye level with them. And feed them! Yes, feed them! There were coin machines so food could be purchased. You held your hand out and the giraffes licked the food particles off.
I learned giraffes have long tongues. Easily a foot. Their tongues brushed the palm of your hand as they licked up the food morsels. Their tongues are soft and smooth to the touch.

Last night my pattern remained the same as previous evenings. First a movie and then dinner at a steak house. I am a creature of habit when I like something.

On my way back to the hotel after dinner, I passed the local Margaritaville again. The crowd was so large there was a line outside waiting to get in! Wild!

Howard my friend, you’ve got to get into Mile Marker 24 restaurants at some point. People everywhere seem to want a touch of Key West.

Tomorrow’s blog will be from Key West.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Saturday!

It is my last full day in Phoenix. I leave tomorrow to return to Key West.

The vacation has been good so far. I am not bored or restless. But I will be happy to return home.

Miss Lisa and the family. Miss my Key West friends. Robert and Ally are sick. The bug. Missed some school this week. Lisa missed some work. The babysitter is in Phoenix!

I stayed in bed later than normal yesterday. The Sedona trip left me a bit tired.

When I got up, I needed to find a Walgreen’s. I was running out of one of my pills. I had seen a building 3 stops away on the highway running by my hotel. The Walgreen sign stood out on the side of the hideway. I drove over. It was not easy to find once I got off the highway. It was stuck way back behind a series of buildings.

I finally found it. Went in. Not a normal Walgreen’s. Not a drug store. It was a Walgreen’s that sold what might be described as durable medical goods and supplies. Wheelchairs and the like.

I wanted to ask the sole Walgreens’ employee where a for real Walreen’s drug store was located. However, she was too busy. The store was crowded. With old people. Then I realized I am an old people. Probably older than half the people there.

It was scarry. My Walgreen’s next? I hope not! I am happy to remain a drug prescription customer!

The metropolitan Phoenix area has a great highway system. The infrastructure appears relatively new. Well developed. Many aerial loops. Very impressive! Obviously John McCain has obtained many federal dollars for his state.

I enjoy talking with the natives. Whenever I can, I bring up McCain’s name. A waitress, the car man, people in restaurants. He is revered! McCain is a Diety! They cannot understand how he was not elected President. And everyone calls him John!

I did the Spa in the afternoon. An 80 minute massage. Almost fell asleep on the table. The masseuse left me dozing on the table when she was done.

Then a late lunch at the hotel. In its Zen type court yard. The perfect setting following a massage.

I spent the balance of the afternoon sleeping. I collapsed on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.

The massage had been good for me.

Went to the movies again last night! The fourth movie this week. I rarely get to the movies in Key West. So I have been pigging out.

It was the opening day for Hereafter. A movie about a psychic who can communicate with the dead. The movie starred Matt Damon. He was excellent! It was directed by Clint Eastwood. The pace of the movie can only be described as slow tension. Loved it!

I have always been into the after life. Does it exist? I believe it does. I am confident I will be with my long gone beloved Mother and Grandparents.

John Edward is a psychic of reknown. He wrote a series of several books dealing with Passing Over. I have read all of them. He also had a televsion show for several years. If the subject has any interest for you, read one of his books. You will not be bored.

I had dinner at the bar of a steak house in the commercial piazza afterward. The place was packed! The whole piazza was packed! It was friday night!

I return to Key West tomorrow just in time for Fantasy Fest. It has already started. This weekend is Goombay.

I am rested for the week ahead!

Enjoy your day!

Today is Friday. Friday is radio time. The Key West Lou Legal Hour.

I am still in Phoenix. Not Key West.

There will still be a radio show, however. A rerun. Listen in. It might be one you missed. KONK 1500 AM radio in the Florida keys. World wide via the internet. http://www.konkam.com/. Voice only. No picture with a rerun.

Next week I will be back. In the flesh. Voice and picture.

The weather cleared yesterday morning. So I ventured out. To Sedona and the red rock formations. I reserved a jeep trip by phone before I left.

A two hour drive each way. Not bad.

Phoenix is 1,000 feet above sea level. Contrasted with Key West that is zero sea level. Where I was heading, Sedona, is 4,500 feet above sea level.

The altitude/elevation has been bothering me a bit in Phoenix. Ankle swelling has been a problem. I am winded a bit when walking. Everything seems to take effort

My initial thought was that my heart had suddenly taken a step back. Then I realized it was the altitude.

Sedona was even more difficult at 4,500 feet!

Before that however, let me tell you about the drive. Straight up! From 1,000 feet above sea level to 4,500 feet.

Along the way, there are road side signs telling you that you are at 3,000 feet, 3,500 feet, 4,000 feet, etc.

The vegetation changes. I had been forewarned to observe it.

From vegetation of one sort to almost nothing and finally to a heavy different vegetation at the highest levels.

Nature is amazing and surprising!

I arrived in Sedona just in time to hop in the back of an open air jeep. For a two hour exploration.

A rough ride. Especially when we were driving off highway. I was buckled in with a seat belt. Needed the seat belt. Not in case of an accident. Rather to hold me in so I did not fly out.

I also was covered with a blanklet. It was cold! Cold cold! No one had told me that the weather is chilly at that elevaation. I should have thought of it. The natives were dressed for cold weather. Long pants, heavy shirts, jackets and hats. I could have used all of it! I was wearing shorts and a sweat shirt.

Absolutely enjoyed the rock formations! Red sandstone. What words to describe? Difficult. Magnificent? Perhaps. The formations stand tall and proud. They are overwhelming. Sun shining on them dramatic. The thought crossed my mind at one point that this was truly God’s country!

I mentioned earlier that the vegetation was thick and heavy at the highest levels. Many different trees.

One was a cottonwood. Huge. Thick. Reminded me of Key West’s banyan trees. I was told this particular cottonwood was a couple hundred years old. The bark showed it. The tree was standing near Cold Creek. The roots apparently were rooted into the creek. So the tree was well hydrated which I was told contributed to its longevity and size.

Nearby was another cottonwood tree. A much younger one. Its trunk merely 2 inches in diameter.

What a difference two hundred years makes!

The 4,500 feet elevation got to me on occasion. At one point I had to walk 50 feet up an incline. It was red rock. The incline was about 45 degrees. Nature had provided steps in the incline.

The short trip was an effort! My heart was pounding! I thought it was going to happen there! I was going to die. My heart was going to explode.

I made it the short 50 feet to the top. The trip was worth it. The view spectacular. I felt like I was standing next to God. Perhaps I almost did.

After the jeep exploration, I walked Sedona a bit. Not too much. The elevation was still affecting me.

Sedona is a tourist town. No question about it. Boutique stores everywhere selling tee shirts, souveniers, art, etc. An attractive community. Not garrish. I was told code enforcement is strict. Sedona does not even have street lights. The community believes street lights would detract from the natural ambiance of the community. McDonald’s does not have its usual red arches. No arches. And the red of a McDonald’s is a muted forest green.

I had an early dinner at some restaurant on Sedona’s strip. I selected the restaurant based on its proximity to my car. I wanted to walk no further. My car was parked right next to the restaurant.

The retaurant turned out to be a good choice. Excellent food. Better yet, the setting. Behind the restaurant in the distance sat several of the huge red rock formations. The back wall of the restauant was glass window floor to ceiling. I had a great view to go with the excellent meal.

The best thing about the restaurant was that it was heated! I had finaly come out of the cold!

Then a pleasant two hour drive back to my hotel. And bed! I was shot!

Today, What? Golf? I want to play once. But I think my body has been beaten enough. Maybe a health spa day. My hotel has a great spa. I hurried through it the other day to see. Perhaps a massage. Maybe a pedicure. Some reflexology?

As you can see, I am into this vacation thing!

Enjoy your day!

I am still in Phoenix. And so is the cold front.

It failed to rain yesterday as predicted. However the winds were strong. There are palm trees here as in Key West. They were bending in the wind.

When I purchased my Key West home 12 years ago, I had several large grown palm trees planted. I learned at the time that the palm trees came from Arizona. Yes, Arizona grows palm trees for reasale world wide. It surprised me that Florida did not grow its own palm trees, but rather imported them.

Because of the weather, the Grand Canyon trip did not take place. I am rescheduled for today. It is raining outside. Has rained all night. I am assuming the Grand Canyon will not be again today. Sad. It appears exciting. I have been looking forwad to it. A combination jeep and helicopter exploration.

I toyed with the idea of driving to Tombstone instead yesterday. Wanted to see OK Corral. Decided against it. A 3 hour drive each way.

Mike Yutzy telephoned me. Mike is a former Phoenecian. He now lives in Las Vegas. He reads the blog. Knew I was here at his old stomping grounds. He suggested I visit Old Scottsdale and Fashion Square.

I did.

Wow!

The wow is for Fashion Square.

Fashion Square is a shoppoing mall. A big time one! I thoroughly enjoyed walking its corridors and stores.

Stores like Barneys New York, Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Gucci, Ferragamo and Tiffany’s. Magnificent! The best of the best!

Quite a contrast from Key West where Sears Roebuck and Ross are primary shopping places. But when tee shirts and shorts are the basic dress for the day any day, who needs or wants more!

Nevertheless, it is good periodically to surround yourself with better. Sort of a clothing fantasy fest.

I did a quick study of Fashion Square’s history. It is the largerst mall in Arizona. It is the largest mall in the southwest. Two million square feet of retail space. Rated one of the top ten most profitable malls in the United States.

And no wonder! Everything being sold was expensive. Very expensive! Its clientle equally affluent. Older. Mature. Obviously well heeled. The women dressed elegantly. Even the men. Expensive pants and shirts. Polo and Brooks Bothers.

The ladies were especially sharp. Many in dresses. Regardless of age, above the knee. Well above the knee. Tastefully. And boots! Many above the knee. Stylish indeed! And most were women 60 plus.

Last night I went to the movies again! I am on a movie kick!

Saw the Wall Street sequel with Michael Douglas. It had poor reviews. But I wanted to see it anyhow. I should have paid attention to the reviews. It moved too slowly. I fell asleep at some point and woke just as the movie was ending.

There is a Margaritaville in the piazza near my hotel. A big Margaritaville! Two stories high. And packed each evening. Jimmy Buffet should be proud!

Howard Livingston is my friend. He is in ascendancy. Another musical star coming out of Key West. Soon he will be starring in his own TV show about the keys. On Direct TV. Going into 32 million homes at one time! A big deal!

I thought of Howard as I walked by Margaritaville last night. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if some day this country was covered with Mile Marker 24 restaurants!

It could happen!

Johnny Sheffield died yesterday. Who was Johnny Sheffield? Boy in the early Johnny Weismuller Tarzan films of the late 1930s and early 1940s. Tarzan’s adopted son. Sheffield did not become an adult actor. Instead he went off to college and got a business degree. He ended up a successful realtor and contractor. He was 79.

Enjoy your day!

I was up early yesterday morning. Had to be. Someone was picking me up at 6 am. The start of my hot air ballon adventure.

I sat in the back of a van. It was a 1/2 hour drive to a small airport to meet others in our group. A total of twelve of us.

We were then driven another 1/2 hour to the launching site.

The highway runs through the desert. At some point, the van made a sharp turn into and onto the desert itself. And in we drove!

We met up with the ballon and a crew of workmen. The ballon was deflated and rolled up. It was being taken off the back of a truck. Then spread deflated and flat along the desert floor.

Air was injectd. No, we did not have to blow it up ourselves! It took a while for the ballon to fill. We were told when inflated, it would be 8 stories high. Two hundred feet tall by 100 feet wide.

I thought they were kidding!

They were not!

It was!

Big!

Awesome to look up and see.

We piled into a tiny basket beneath the ballon. All twelve of us and our pilot Captain Bill.

And away we went!

It was nothing like I expected. The uptake was smooth and easy. The whole trip was the same. Whether high or low or sideways, it was as if floating. Softly.

Captan Bill provided a running dialogue. He was terrific! We learned much about the desert, its animals, winds and the geography of the area.

It was cool. Tending towards cold. I had been warned to dress for cold. I did. Long pants and a leather jacket.

The desert was not as I expected. My vison was miles of soft flowing sand. No. It is hard crusted sand. Your feet did not make an indentation. Rocks galore. Every where. Muted red ones. Dull black ones. My thought was a volcano must have once tread here.

A lot of vegetation. Cactus trees galore. Different types. All explained from the air by Captain Bill . Plus other type greenery. Not flush. Here and there erupting from the crusted sand.

Captain Bill explained there are different levels of desert. The area we were flying over minimally qualified to be called a desert. Somewhere else there is that desert of the movies.

We finally landed. The landing area is not pre selected. It depends on the winds. Tracking vehicles followed us below on the desert floor. Our landing was somewhere in the desert.

Now came breakfast!

This air ballon thing was a class act!

Two folded picnic tables were set up near the shade of a lone tree. It was warm now that we were down on the ground. Tableclothes appeared. With clothe napkins to boot. Crystal champagne glasses. China. Silver.

We had champagne and orange juice. Did the air ballonist toast. Ate. Sliced apples. A pastry filled with chocolate pudding. A ham and egg quiche. Cheese.

Do I recommend the air balloning experience? Definitely! And if you are going to do it in the Phoenix aea, I strongly recommend Hot Air Expeditions. http://www.hotairexpeditiomns.com/.

Met some interesting people during the ballon adventure.

There was a whole family from the western Massachusetts area. From grandmother to granddaughter. The step dad was a retired Marine.

The granddaughter, daughter, stepdaughter was Cassandra Tessier. 19.

An obviously much loved person.

Several months ago she had a double lung replacement. Life saving. It was celebration time!

There was a couple from Scotland. Told me their favorite place to vacation was the United States. They visit every year. A different part of the United States.

The husband is a realtor. He rents properties.

We talked briefly of many things.

These Scottish travelers had previously visited Key West! Made the drive down from Miami. Were impressed with the view along the way.

He was a golfer. We talked of how far the ball goes in the Phoenix area. Phoenix is about 4,000 feet above sea level. The air is thinner. The ball has less resistance. He visted a driving range. Claims he hit the ball an extra 50 yards off the tee. I believe him. I recall when I have played here in the past how long my drives were.

We got into Obama. I told them I had the seeds of disillusionment festering in me. He was sad. He told me the rest of the world looks to Obama to bring the world out of this recession. As America goes, so does every other nation! He told me Scotland and England’s future definitely depended on our successfiul recovery.

We were driven back to the airport where we had started our little adventure together. Whereas we were all quiet on the trip to the ballon, we were chatting like lifelong friends on the return trip.

Then we parted. I was sad.

I had worn my Key West Lou tee shirt. Questions were asked. I am sure that several of my new found friends will be reading this morning’s blog. And hopefully forever more!

I was tired. Exhausted. When I got back to the hotel, I went to sleep for 3 hours. It was not the early morning start. Six here is 9 back in KeyWest. I am still on Key West time.

It had to be the air. All that fresh air while gliding along in the ballon. I slept the sleep of the dead.

My evening was the same as the night before. An early movie and dinner. Same theater and same restaurant. I am on vacation. I can do what I want.

Saw Secretariat. About the horse that won the Triple Crown in the early 1970s. Great movie! Touched the emotions! Brought tears to my eyes several times.

Dinner was at the same steak house as the evening before. However before I could eat, I had to return to the hotel to change. A cold front had come in. Just like in Key West. I needed to change from shorts and a shirt to long pants, a long sleeved shirt and my beat up leather jacket.

Then to bed.

This is supposed to be Grand Canyon day. I don’t know. Weather reports are not good. Rain predicted. We shall see.

Enjoy your day!

I am up very early. Phoenix time. 3 am. Don’t feel it, however. I am still on Key West time where it is 6 am.

I have to be up early. I have a 6 am appointment.

I am playing tourist. I am being picked up at 6 for an air ballon ride. Over the desert.

Breakfast was Zen type yesterday morning.

I am staying at a terrific hotel. The Rennissance in Glendale. The hotel has a just right size outdoor inner court. About 300 feet by 100 feet. The hotel is Spanish in style. The inner court shrubbed minimally. Tiny birds fluttering about. An effect achieved. Peaceful!

Then a walk. I wanted to explore the area.

Not much to explore.

My hotel. A Hampton Inn nearby. Two stadiums. Both an 8 iron away. One the home of the Coyotes, the Phoenix hockey time. Called Jobs.com. The other the Phoenix University Stadium. This Stadium will be home to the January 10, 2011 Super Bowl game! Wow!

There is also a commercial area. Perfectly situated for the crowds attending events. Bars, restauants and stores galore. A community unto itself.

Otherwise nothing! Just acres and acres of parking lots and desert. All with a towering mountain range in the background.

I took a ride. About 15 minutes driving away, discovered a terrific shopping mall. Big time! All the best stores. It was a pleasure walking through.

I also found a Fuddrukers! It has been 15 years at least since I was in one. The last time was Coconut Grove.

For the uninitiated, Fuddrukers is a steak/hamburger place. Steak sandwiches to die for! I had two! What the hell, I am on vacation!

Fuddrukers is like Smuckers. With a name like that, it has to be good!

The commercial area adjoining the two stadiums by my hotel also includes a movie house. An AMC. 20 theaters in one building. Each one huge.

The theater is open all day and into the late evening. Cost. Only $5.25! No senior discount at that price.

I saw The Social Network. The Facebook story. Mark Zuckerberg’s tale. He is still in his 20s. He is referred to as the youngest billionaire in the world.

A very good movie. Especially if you participate in Facebook, as I do. I recommend the movie. I suspect it will receive Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor.

I went to the late afternoon show. 4:40. One strange thing. Only 3 of us in the theater watching the movie. Me and a young couple in the back row.

I walked out of the movie house at 7 into a lovely restaurant. A steak house. I had dinner outside. Watched the world walk by as I ate.

Then back to the hotel to bed. It was only 9 in the evening Phoenix time. But it was midnight Key West time. And I am still on Key West time.

I am watching Morning Joe as I write this blog. Strange. It is 3:15 in the morning here. Really 6:15 back East.

Join me tomorrow for a report on the air ballon ride.

Enjoy your day!

I am in Phoenix!

I am on Key West time! It is 7 am in Key West. Three hours behind here. It is 4 in the morning in Phoenix.

I arrived late. Got lost. Had to eat. Ended up going to bed at 1:30 Key West time.

Lisa and the family drove me to the airport. The grandkids yelled I love you Poppa! as I headed into the airport. All of a sudden, the van door slid open. They were still yelling. We did not kiss you! It was back to Robert and Ally. The plane could wait.

Flew Delta. Had 2 bags. Counter lady said you can only take one bag. I said I did not know. Both bags large. I acted confused. I was. I never heard only one bag. She said only in Key West. The take off strip was too short for their larger jet. Weight had to be controlled.

I could not even carry it on.

One will have to go stand by, she said. And the bag was so marked.

The last time I flew a long distance was about 6 years ago. London. It was also the last time I was on a huge jet. Then however I flew first class. Sat in the first row on the aisle.

The Atlanta to Phoenix flight was on a large plane. Carried 275 passengers. Stewardess said it was full.

A cattle car. Seven across. Several sections. I was seated about 10 rows from the rear.

A bit tight. Not bad, though. I read the whole trip.

Rented a car.

The car rental places are not at the airport. Several miles away. A shuttle bus takes you.

I prepare for everything. I am anal. I had googled for driving instructions from the airport to the hotel. The location of the car rental place threw the instructions off. Dramatically. The attendant at the car rental place knew from nothing. Not a highway. Not the hotel. I could not help thinking he had to be one of those guys who snuck over the border.

I got lost. About 30 miles lost. I ended up driving north when I was supposed to be driving west. Finally figured it out. Eventually based on pure instinct and raw luck, corrected my mistake and found the hotel.

I was tired and hungry. My bones ached from sitting in the tight plane seat.

The coffee shop at the hotel did not appeal to me. The bell boy said go out the front door, take a right and walk about 1,000 feet. You will find many restaurants.

He was correct.

The University of Phoenix stadium is next door. A whole eating and drinking area is next to it. Reminded me of an Italian piazza.

I ended up eating at some cowboy beef place. Outside. Watched Donovan McNabb play while eating.

There was a lot of noise coming from the inside of the restaurant. After I ate, I wandered inside to see what was going on. A lovely young lady riding a mechanical bull.

Just like Key West’s Cowboy Bill’s. I have never been to the new Cowboy Bill’s in Key West. I have never seen anyone ride a mechanical bull. I had to come to Phoenix to experience the sight!
It was something! She rode the bull like hell! Stayed on a long time. All I could think of was my testicles would be in my throat if I ever tried it!

I am going back to bed. It is still the middle of the night here.

Oh, my stand by bag made it!

Enjoy your day!

Stone crab season opened this week!

Love stone crabs!

If I were to knowingly have a last meal, it would be stone crabs!

From all indications, the stone crab season should be a good one. The stone crabs are plentiful. The prices right. For the fisherman and the consumer.

Unfortunately, I will not get to enjoy my favorite food until I return from Arizona one week from now. I leave on my trip later this morning. While I am gone, my house guests Dona and Terri will hold down the fort and watch the house. I told them, no rowdy parties!

From stone crabs to pastrami. Yesterday I had a desire for a New York type deli sandwich. It was lunch at Goldman’s. Pastrami on rye with Russian dressing. Hot pastrami. Not as good as the Stage Door Deli, but good!

I spent the better part of the afternoon packing and chatting. Chatting with Donna and Terri. A most interesting couple! Love them both! Who would have known in my conservative other life that two of my best friends in my old age would be lesbians!

Terri was nervous. She had a show last night. I have learned that as professional as she is, she still gets knots in her stomach before a show. A Broadway star!

Terri was singing in an AIDS Help fund raiser last night at the San Carlos. She and several other performers. She was terrific, as usual! And so was the rest of the ensemble!

Before arriving at the San Carlos, I stopped at the Marriott Beachside. It is on the corner of US 1 and the Boulevard. I have to pass it on the way into town so it was an easy stop. I went to listen to Bobby Nesbitt for a bit. He is now singing there Saturday evenings. A talent!

Terri and Bobby in one night! A REAL doubleheader!

I was thrilled to learn when I returned home last night that Wisconsin had defeated #1 ranked Ohio State. Handily. I actually had no favorite. However I was pulling for my friend John. John the manager at Hot Tin Roof. He is a Wisconsin graduate and as avid a Wisconsin fan as I am a Syracuse fan.

Tomorrow I write from somewhere in Phoenix.

Enjoy your day!