Only 365 days to Christmas!

Ho ho!

Great day yesterday! Especially Christmas morning.

I was supposed to be at Lisa’s for gift opening at 8. I was late. So the grandkids and others did their thing without me. No problem. I understood.

After the hugs and kisses and Merry Christmases, Robert and Ally showed me what Santa Claus had brought them. They were excited and pleased. They got everything they wanted plus. As it should be.

Toys have changed since Santa used to visit my children. I remember Santa Claus bringing bicycles, sleighs and the like. I know. What good are sleighs in Key West!

The toys are different though. Robert received a wolverine claw. Press a button and five fingers shoot out about 2 feet. Scary. Dangerous. And guns that shot ping pong balls and darts. Ally was more conservative. Barbie dolls and a small computer.

Breakfast was big time. Lisa did herself proud. The table was a picture of beauty. Eggs, ham, bacon, raisin toast, english muffins, granola, yogurt, fresh fruit all cut up and everything else!

I did not eat. Lisa understood. I was back on my diet. Christmas eve was enough for me.

I stayed a couple of hours. Chatted. Played with the grandkids. But not much. They were very into their new toys.

Then I headed over to the Coffee House on Duval. I wanted to sit and enjoy the New York Times.

The Coffee House was crowded. Packed. No where to sit. I was lucky to be standing in the right spot when some one got up to leave.

I have never seen so many people in the Coffee House.

The first person I saw when I entered was Jackie Grimm. Jackie from the night before at Lisa’s. We hugged and kissed. Jackie looked beautiful. Her Key West reputation has always been that she dresses in total black. With her long flowing white hair, she looks terrific! And so she was dressed yesterday morning. Topped off with a black hat.

I sat quietly for about an hour, read the Times and sipped coffee.

Yesterday was day 15 of my diet. 15 pounds gone. Time to start exercising. That meant walking. So I walked Duval and back. Handled it well till almost the end when I tired a bit. I will be ok.

What stood out as I walked Duval was the number of people in town. I can never remember Key West this crowded at Christmas time. So crowded that every restaurant serving breakfast had a long line waiting outside to get in. I had never seen people standing outside before to get into any restaurant.

The crowds consisted of two types. Families and older people. Interesting. Not the usual type and mix.

Last night started with the Chart Room. I figured many of my local friends would be there and I could celebrate the holiday further with them.

The Chart Room was empty! Only Mark the bartender.

Mark told me I was only the third customer all night. Strange since the town was full. Whatever. We talked a bit and I decided it was time to eat.

My plan was the Hot Tin Roof.

The bar was packed. Two empty seats. A gentleman moved over one seat so I could get a good view of the TV and the basketball game.

I was looking forward to some snapper or mahi mahi and a bit of spinach on the side. Wanted to stay on my diet. Hot Tin Roof was not cooperating. They had a special Christmas menu that was one huge meal. About 18 items and you got it all.

Sheila the bartender laughed. She knew what my reaction would be as soon as I saw the menu.

No way!

I had a cup of coffee instead. And chatted with the fellow sitting next to me who had moved over for me.

His name was Kerry McNally. He is a theartical producer of sorts. He had just arrived in Key West. He would be here a few days filming a documentary on Key West.

We chatted a long time.

Kerry is presently associated with the CBS Minneapolis affiliate. He has been actor, comedian, TV host and movie producer in his lifetime. An interesting guy.

Tennessee Williams is big every where! Especially in Key West! He lived here for a number of years. Wrote many of his most well known works while residing here. Our community college’s theater is named after him.

The restaurant Kerry and I were sitting in is called Hot Tin Roof. Tennessee Williams wrote it. Paul Newman starred in the movie.

Kerry spent several years with the prestigous Hamptons Theater Company. While so involved, he played the Paul Newman role. He also had his own radio show in the Hamptons.

An actor is an actor. Capable of performing multiple roles. Kerry also was/is a comedian. He has opened for Ray Romano, Chris Rock and Geraldo.

He already has one significant documentary under his belt. He did one a few years ago about some lakes up north. I viewed it when I got home. A good job. http://www.lakesaloveaffair.com/.

He is in Key West to do a similar documentary. Key West A Love Affair.

Kerry had already shot the setting sun last night. He has hired a plane and pilot to fly him over the lower keys so he can film the keys from the air. And he has a sunset cruise booked to do some similar filming.

An interesting guy.

He left me after dinner to hurry over to the Green Parrot to do some drinking. Apparently whoever owns the Green Parrot also owns the garge where he parks his car in Minneapolis.

We agreed to meet again Monday night and have dinner together. At a time when I can eat.

It was then home for me. I still had not eaten. I was not in the mood to stop somewhere on the way home. Instead I decided to have a double dose of my diet food when I arrived home.

Prior to bed, I consumed 4 ounces of water with a chocolate powder mixed in it. And a 3 inch long 1/4 inch thick candy bar. Both loaded with grams of protein.

What a good life I lead!

Enjoy your day!

Merry Christmas!

Peace to all!

I am up early. I went to bed early. I wanted to be sure Santa Claus would come.

It is pitch black outside over the ocean. There must be a breeze. I can hear the water running by.

Last night was a warm family Christmas. We were at Lisa’s.

Lisa had her home decorated sprectacularly for the occasion. Not just the tree. I am speaking of the table coverings, napkins and the like. Reddish/maroon in keeping with the holiday.

Robert and Ally were dressed for the occcasion. Beautifully!

Robert’s shorts just happened to be the same color as mine. So he was thrilled. Additionally he had a lion on his shirt pocket. I was wearing Polo. So we compared the animals on our shirts.

Ally was so lovely! A red plaid dress. Little black heels and white ankle socks. An angel!

Ally’s dress had a built in slip underneath. Some sort of rayon. She showed it to me when I arrived and told me how good it felt against her leg. Four years old! A typical woman in the making!

Lisa and Corey had guests. Betsy and Jackie. Betsy had spent last Christmas with us. Jackie is of Jackie Grimm fame. She just returned to Key West after having been away for a year. A bright light has returned. A good friend, also. I am happy to see her back.

We were a gathering. Lisa, Corey and the little grandkids. Cameron, the bigger grandkid. Corey’s parents. Betsy and Jackie. And Louis.

With Christmas carols playing in the background, we proceeded to have an enjoyable Christmas eve.

We were sitting in the living room picking on shrimp and various cheeses. And singing carols. The grandkids were leading us. When who should arrive, but Santa!

Robert and Ally had been excited all night in anticipation that he might stop by. The question was whether Santa had the time in his busy schedule.

When Santa did make it and was seated in the easy chair, Robert and Ally were quiet as mice. Not a peep out of them. And they initially kept their distance.

Typical.

Santa Claus was dressed magnificently! He had new custom made attire this year. He was wearing a robe of old. His beard and mustache were curled. He looked terrific!

Robert and Ally eventually sat on his lap and talked with him. The women each at one time or another sat on his lap for a conference of sorts. This included Betsy and Jackie. Good sports!

Then Santa was on his way and we sat down to Christmas eve dinner.

Yesterday was day 14 of my diet. I lost 15 pounds in 14 days. For real! I said I was going to cheat on Christmas eve and I did! My diet is high protein, low carb. My body only wanted carbs. I devoured bread and cookies. Especially the bread.

Lisa had antipasto. Good! Linguini with 3 differnet sauces. You got your choice. Mix and match sort of thing. Mussels in red sauce, clams in oil and shrimp in butter. And fresh Cuban bread. I ended up dunking the bread in the clam oil sauce and shrimp butter sauce.

It is amazing how the body wants that which it has been deprived.

Lisa’s dishwasher broke. Just at the right time. So the women all washed dishes afterwards. It reminded me of days of old when I was young. Before dishwashers. The women all collected in the kitchen after dinner to clean up. Voices happy. The work was done quickly. As it was last night.

We sat and had coffee and cookies. Terrific cookies! Lisa had baked 5 separate Italian cookies. Normally good, they were even better last night because of the diet.

Some stimulating conversation accompanied the coffee. I interjected Sarah Palin. I was curious as to the ladies’ response. It surprised me. They were all adamantly opposed to her. Not a kind word from any of them. I was shocked. I thought most women admired her and were for her. No way. And at least 2 of the ladies were black hearted Republicans.

And then the night was over. Everyone was full. We said our good nights and went home.

I was in bed early and had a good night’s sleep.

This morning I have to be at Lisa’s by 8. We are opening presents and then doing a big breakfast.

My cheating is over. I am back on my diet. I will not be doing the bacon and eggs and any of that sort of stuff.

May each of you have a most happy Christmas day. May God be good to you this day.

What a lovely day!

Weatherwise and otherwise!

I love Christmas eve day. The hustle and bustle. The merry xmas exchanges. The excited grandchildren.

Tonight is big in my tradition. Religiously and otherwise. Santa Claus. Family.

We eat good tonight! I will be cheating on my diet.

Yesterday was exciting in more ways than one.

Golf early in the day.

A difficult round. Took over 5 hours. The tourists were crowding the course and slowing play down.

I did not eat my usual diet breakfast before golf. Just had a cup of coffee. I was dead on the first hole. No fuel to burn.

My swing sucked. I almost quit after 9 holes. I was so tired. Glad I did not.

My moments of glory came on the 17th and 18th holes. Two of them!

I chipped in from off the green on 17th to win. Then did the same thing on 18! Wow!

Played with Tom, Yankee Jack and Tino. Tom was my partner in my moments of glory.

Dollarwise, I neither won nor lost. I broke even. Tom was the big winner. Tino the big loser. Had I not sunk those two chip ins on 17 and 18, I would have been the big loser. A lot of money turned around on those two chip ins.

Took a nap in the late afternoon. Although 17 and 18 rejuvenated my spirit, I was still tired. Ate a bit. From my diet foods, of course.

Last night began at Aqua. Bobby Nesbitt time. Enjoy his singing tremendously! He sang many xmas tunes which placed all in a mellow mood. We sang along a bit with him.

I had called for a reservation at the bar at Antonia’s for 7:30. Spoke with Michael the host. When I arrived, the bar was full. No seat for me.

Michael blamed the mishap on TK the bartender. Christopher the owner was standing nearby. I doubt he knew I had a reservation. I made no issue. I merely said I would eat elsewhere and left.

I was pissed off, however. Extemely. This happened to me two times on two consecutive weeks last year. I do not complain. I just take my business elsewhere. This is what I did for 6 months this past year. Antonia’s saw me not.

Obviously I forgave and forgot. I had returned to Antonia’s.

I am a customer at Antonia’s 1 or 2 times a week for years. Going back 3 differenet owners. I have also thrown large private parties at Antonia’s, taken many guests there and recommend it to people. The food is outstanding.

I did a slow boil all night over the situation. A reservation is a reservation. Especially in a tourist town. And I can tell you based on years of experience that reservations are respected in Key West. Every where. But apparently not at the bar at Antonia’s.

When I was returning to my car later in the evening, I had to pass by Antonia’s. Michael the host was standing outside smoking a cigarette. I could not hold it in. I stopped and told him how upset I was and that I would never eat in Antonia’s again. He asked why. Can you imagine! So I told him about last year, my absence and the failure to honor my reservation last night.

He could have cared less. He said in effect so don’t come.

Up his! I walked away.

I wonder what Christopher the owner would have said?

The Antonia misfortune worked to my benefit, however. I walked over to La Trattoria. Where there were available seats at the bar. I might also mention that I generally telephone La Trattoria for a reserved seat at the bar and am always accomodated. Not just me. Everyone. Key West is a reservation town.

Erin was bartending. As soon as I walked in, she said we were just talking about you. She came from behind the bar to take me into the dining room. Friends Cheryl and Roger were in and had asked for Key West Lou.

Everytime I run into them, they are eating. We joked about it. Especially since I am on a diet and they are not.

Debbie Reynolds was at the bar. Not the movie star of old. The youthful exuberant Debbie Reynolds of Key West. A friend for years. She is concierge at Grand Key. Her husband Tim was the chef at the Square One Restaurant for years. Now he is in the computer business.

Debbie was with her mother.

Debbie and I had not run into each other for a while. It was good to see her and chat with her. A nice person.

Beecha came in with friends. It was Beecha’s night off. She had been out on a boat with friends doing a sunset cruise.

I received my usual hug and kiss, of course. Hugs and kisses I never got at Antonia’s. Come to think of it, another reason for boycotting Antonia’s from now on.

Beecha introduced me to Johnny and Peggy Newberry. They own a guest house in Key West. The Mango Tree Inn on Southard. For 11 years. We had some interesting conversation.

Johnny told me that the singer James Slater stays at the Mango Tree Inn when he is in town. He was in Key West a few nights ago. Johnny and Peggy threw him a party. Slater was with his friend and composer Jeff Cohen.

Slater is presently up for a Grammy award.

Interesting the people who visit KeyWest!

I had scallops. Just scallops. Five of them. Stayed on the diet.

I was sitting at the bar with my back to the window and Duval Street. All of a sudden I heard banging on the window. I turned around. There were Nancy and Michael. Bright smiles. Arms around each other. Mouthing a Merry Christmas to me.

I love Nancy. She was in college during the turbulent 1960s and propably blew up a building or two. Only kidding! But by her own admission she participated in the demonstrations of that day. She and Michael work at Don’s Place. Nancy is the genral mangar. Michael the morning bartender. Michael opens the doors to Don’s Place at 7 am so the members of the breakfast club may enter.

The Antonia/La Trattoria situation last night was a tale of two restaurants. Antonia’s a total screw up that I must confess did bother me. On the other hand, La Trattoria turned out to be a warm happy event.

It’s how the cookie crumbles.

Enjoy this Christmas eve day. Be good! Otherwise you will be buried in coal as Antonia’s is. La Trattoria is going to get all the goodies this evening.

Only 2 shopping days left to Christmas!

If ever there was a time to utilize Lisa’s Key West internet department store Via Key West, it is now!

For those who may not have completed their Christmas shopping.

Quick and convenient. A funky fabulous Key West type gift. http://www.viakeywest.com/.

And send me to the Post Office again on one of the busiest days of the year!

Speaking of the Post Office, my system proved true yesterday. The Post Office opens at 8:30. I was there. Only 3 persons in line waiting ahead of me. I was in and out. From now on, all deliveries will be at 8:30!

It was early. I was up. What to do?

Over to the Coffee House on Duval. Read the local Citizen and all the New York papers while sipping coffee. Tourists and locals galore. Key West continues to fill up for the holiday season. And everyone in an obvious jolly mood.

I am not the only one was cold and who turned on the heat this past week. Good friend Howard Livingston did also. Howard lives up on Summerland Key. He reported in Facebook that he turned on the “furnace.” A northern term from the past.

Snow. I don’t think the keys have ever seen snow. But they will Christmas day. On Summerland Key. Guaranteed.

Howard entered a national contest. Had to write a letter saying why he should have snow on Christmas day. Over 600 entries. Howard wrote and entered the contest. Sent a picture of him and his 6 year old grandson in with the entry. Said he wanted snow in front of his home located on the open water in Summerland Key.

Howard won!

His prize. Snow Christmas day!

Snow making machines will be on his property. And Howard and family will have a white Christmas!

Wild!

You can see it happening on the Weather Channel from 8 am to 2 pm Christmas day.

Saw the grandkids in the afternoon. They are getting a work out. Corey’s parents are visiting for the holiday. They play with Roblert and Ally constantly.

I spent most of the afternoon doing some necessary paper work.

I was getting ready to go out for the evening when I noticed My Fair Lady would be on TV shortly. I was pulled between Key West at night and My Fair Lady.

My Fair Lady won! I am getting old.

What a movie! Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. 1964. Beautiful! Fantastic!

There is a sentimental touch associated with My Fair Lady. It was my first Broadway show.

It was 1960. I had just graduated from law school and was in New York City taking a 6 week cram course for the bar exam. My wife was not with me. We had not seen each other in 4 weeks.
I had one night off in those 4 weeks. We went to class till 10 in the evening.

The night was July 4.

My wife came to visit for that one night. We both saw our first Broadway show. My Fair Lady. And went to bed. We were famished for each other after a 4 week separation.

Our first daughter Beth was born 9 months later.

No radio talk show tomorrow. Christmas eve. KONK 1680 AM radio will be playing music all day.

Golf this morning. The high is projected at 74. Warm weather returning! I will bring a sweatshirt just in case.

Enjoy your day!

Key West’s cold wave continues.

58 degrees during the night. 63 at 7 this morning. High today projected at 71. Borderline.

Tomorrow it warms. It will be 74! Just in time for golf.

I gave in yesterday. I was too cold. I turned the heat on. I rarely use it. Some years not at all. But the cold was getting to me yesterday. No matter how I dressed, I was cold!

People have been writing in response to my complaints. Someone wrote from Florida’s Panhandle to tell me it was 34 up there. Another wrote from Milan, Italy to tell me it was below 0 degrees centigrade. A couple of people wrote from upstate New York where the temperature was in the teens.

The message from all was basically the same. Complain not. You don’t know what cold is!

I spent yesterday morning doing paper work.

Then I was off to the Post Office for Lisa. An exercise in futility. The line was outside the door.

I have become experienced at the waiting time. I have made enough runs for Lisa. It would have been at least 2 hours. No way was I going to stay that long.

I went over to Borders for a while. Continued reading Sarah Palin’s Rogue book. She is absolutely the greatest woman ever or a gigantic fraud in the making. Everything she does is wonderful! From her perspective. She continues to be every woman, every person.

No opinion formulated on her as yet.

Then it was back to the Post Office. The line was even longer. I did not stay.

When I got home, I telephoned Santa Claus. My Santa Claus is Reggie Jenkins. He has been Santa to my grandkids for 3 years.

I had to update Reggie/Santa on what Robert and Ally had been up to. He will personally relate to them Christmas eve when he visits their home and they are sitting on his lap.

Reggie is an interesting man. A prep school and Yale graduate, he ultimately settled here in Key West where he has been successful in several business ventures.

Reggie looks like Santa Claus. For real! White beard, tummy and all!

I dressed for the cold last night. Jeans, shirt and sweater. And a leather jacket. Needed all of it!

Hit the Chart Room first. Chatted with Michael the bartender and some tourists. An interesting couple from Columbus, Ohio were enjoying themselves and complaining not about the cold. They just did other things by day besides sun bathing.

Complaining about the weather is left to locals such as me.

I then headed for La Trattoria.

The streets were crowded. La Trattoria was crowded. There is a holiday crowd in town. My hotel friends tell me they will be full for the long weeked.

Everyone appeared happy and in a festive mood. It is Christmas time!

Kathy was bartending and Beecha hosting. A kiss from Kathy. A hug and kiss from Beecha. Both looked terific in their holiday dress. Kathy wearing a white lace blouse. Beecha attired in a dramatic red and black dress.

I stuck with the diet. I had the mussel appetizer. A bowl of boiled mussels in a light butter sauce. That’s all!

This morning is back to the Post Office for Lisa. I am going at 8:30 when it opens. I hope I will have better luck.

Enjoy your day!

It is cold!!!

63 degrees!!!

I know. It is freezing or low teens up north. But it is that time of the year for you northeners and you are accustomed to it. We are not. It has been low 80s for weeks. We are suffering, yes, suffering, a 20 degree drop in temperature in a matter of days.

However, this too shall pass. Wednesday is projected to be 77.

I spent yesterday morning watching the TV talk shows. Health reform the big issue. Most commentators believe the insurance companies have won. If so, sad. One thing is clear in my mind, however. I am sick of our political leaders. Enough said.

I dressed warmly to go to Don’s place. Or so I thought.

Wore shorts. A sweat shirt on top. Not enough.

Just as I got to Don’s, I ran into Gary and Tecia. They are my friends from Oswego, N.Y. They were leaving Don’s as I arrived. Hope I hook up with them soon this week. Good people. I am glad they are back.

The crowd was sparse at Don’s. I think the cold kept people at home. The smart ones.

I did not stay long. The chill was too much for me.

I was off to Lisa’s.

The grandkids were crazy! Their other grandparents, Corey’s parents, had arrived for the holiday. Gifts galore. Some for now.

The house was in a state of disruption.

I grabbed the Sunday papers and sat in my favorite easy chair. And read them. Ignorring everything that was going on around me.

It worked.

Stayed a couple of hours. Things quieted down. I socialized a while.

Then home.

I decided to stay home. Too cold to go out. The Gardens would be a refrigerator.

I prepared a great diet meal. Three eggs scrambled with 1 cup of mushrooms and 5 green olives thinly sliced. Yes, I am into this diet!

Early to bed. Watched a couple of movies. Enjoyed a good night’s sleep.

It was cold in bed. The wind blasts down on us from the northwest. My home is on open water. The bedroom faces the northwest. The cold comes right through the walls. I was crunched under the quilt all night.

Enjoy your day! Stay warm!

I slept late. The blog is late. Sorry.

It’s Sunday. Maybe that’s why.

Cold. Not bad, though. It was 63 during the night. Threw the thick quilt on the bed. Needed it. A warm body would have been better.

High today projected at 68. Tonight it will be 57. I may need more than the quilt!

This is our cold spell. It will last till Wednesday.

I know I should not complain. People up north are really suffering. Big time snow and cold! Someone e mailed me yesterday that it was so cold up north that they were eating ice cream to keep warm!

I started my day yesterday with a walk. Along the waterfront on the gulf side of Key West. By Dante’s, Turtle Kral, the Turtle Museum, Schooner’s Wharf, Alonzo’s, the Galleon and back. It was only a bit cool. I wore a sweatshirt. There were times when I thought I did not need it.

Then it was over to Lisa’s. Spent a couple of hours there.

I got hooked on the North Carolina basketball game. Watched the first half. Played with the grandkids in between. Chatted with Lisa and Corey. Lisa was baking Christmas cookies. Ally helping.

Afterwards, I headed over to the Coffee House on Duval. Read the New York papers and drank coffee. It was later in the afternoon and quiet. Dead quiet. Only me and another guy. And he was sound asleep. In my wing back chair!

I had intended to wait till Monday to get a manicure. However my nails were beginning to look nasty. So late in the afternoon I headed to Lee Nails.

Lee Nails is now located in the Habana Plaza on Flagler. It used to be located for several years in Duval Square across from Square One Restaurant. Rent was heavy in the Square. So the owner moved to the Flagler location a couple of years ago.

He took all his employees with him.

My manicurist and her husband were two of those employees. Six months ago they bought the business. Good for them! The American way! They are both immigrants from Vietnam.

The new place is beautiful and larger. And they work hard! Harder since they bought the place!

They are adding things to enhance the business. Yesterday when I walked in, all the staff were wearing lime colored collared tee shirts with the name Lee Nails imprinted in yellow over the heart. A nice touch!

I was not in the mood to go out last night. Once I had thrown the quilt on the bed, it looked inviting. So I stayed in and watched TV from my bed.

I am glad I did!

Caught two great movies! Both musicials!

Meet me in St. Louis and West Side Story! To die for! A movie gourmet’s bonanza!

Meet Me in St. Louis is a 1944 romantic musical starring Judy Garland. Great songs! The Trolley Song and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

The movie was directed by Vincent Minnelli. He and Judy Garland met and fell in love during the movie. They subsequently married. A child was born. Lisa Minnelli. That Lisa Minnelli!

West Side Story was a modern day remake of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. 1961. Natalie Wood starred. Jerome Robbins directed. The movie won 10 Academy Awards.

Robbins was running over budget. The studio fired him during the movie. Just after the gang rumbling scene had been completed. The movie ended up being the second biggest grossing musical of all time!

I was glad I stayed in and did not go out! The two movie musicals made for a comforting evening! Especially under the warm quilt!

Sunday is here! Wowie! Love the day! The TV talk shows, Sunday papers, Don’s Place, the Gardens and Larry Smith’s Showcase! Hope I get to do them all!

Enjoy your day!

Crazy weather!

Big snowstorm hitting the northeast.

Key West buried in rain yesterday.

It rained all day. Poured. Buckets. Wind. Sometimes the rain seemed to be blowing side ways. It was!

Parts of Key West flooded. Trees down.

It was like the rain that immediately precedes a hurricane.

Let me put the rain storm in proper perspective. It was a big time snow storm without snow!

I did the smart thing. I stayed home. All day. All night.

Read, watched TV and napped.

An exciting life. The correct thing to do yesterday.

The cold wave hits today. High 72. Going to drop to 63 tonight. And into the 50s tomorrow night. Wind gusts today. 27 miles per hour.

I apologize to my friends up north, but that is cold here!

I will dress appropriately for the weather today. Long pants. A sweat shirt.

Jean Thornton never made it out yesterday. The weather cancelled her flight leaving Key West. I will be surprised if she makes it out today. Key West benefits. We all love Jean and want to keep her here.

This is Clayton’s big day! His new tee shirt company’s web site opens. http://www.dirtydogtees.com/. Take a peek.

Every one is not perfect. Many have yet to complete their Christmas shopping. The weather is not cooperating, no matter where one lives. The solution: Lisa’s Key West internet department store Via Key West. Convenient. Easy. Reasonable. Give the different gift this year. Something funky and fabulous from Key West. http://www.viakeywest.com/.

I am going back to bed for a while. I am chilly. It’s 71 degrees. That is cold here in Key West!

Enjoy your day!

Rained big time during the night! The storm woke me at 2 in the morning. Rain over the ocean is different from rain coming down any where else.

It is now 7 am and it is gray, windy and raining lightly. TV says 80 per cent chance of rain today. Looks like it.

The radio show went well yesterday. I am pleased.

KONK 1680 AM radio is fun for me and good for the community!

The station is just over 6 months old. It is in a state of continual progression. Yesterday morning I was writing and telling everyone to go to the u stream internet site to see and listen to the show.

When I got to the station to do my show, I was advised that the u stream site address was no longer required. Simply go to www.konkam.com. You read it here! The broadcasts have returned to a simple internet address.

One of the call ins was from local icon Larry Smith. A professional entertainer with radio and television experience, I was pleased with his comments. He thought the show was going well. He also expressed himself regarding the school district problems. His wife Christine is a school teacher and so they are both closer to the isssue than most.

Thank you for listening in and your comments, Larry.

I had a quiet afternoon after the radio show. Went to the Coffee House on Duval, drank water and read the local newspapers and New York Times. I spent a couple of hours just sitting there in a large comfortable wing back and reading.

Last night I was off to the Chart Room.

No Marty. He is home in Hallendale for Christmas.

Che was at his corner of the bar holding court. At the other end were Jean, Sheila, Frank and several others. I talked with them for a while. Long enough to have 2 diet cokes.

Jean leaves this morning for her home up north for Christmas. She will be missed. Jean is the Golden Girl who discovered gold and emeralds while diving on a Mel Fisher outing and her life changed.

I went to La Trattoria for dinner. For what I consider dinner. I am still dieting.

Beecha hosting. An absolutely beautiful woman! Got my usual hug and kiss.

Kathy bartending. A charming personality! Lovely also! Originally from Albany, N.Y. We consider ourselves transplanted neighbors.

Eating out is a problem. All I wanted again was a double shrimp appetizer order. Would you believe that I have sought the shrimp appetizer 2 nights in a row and could not find it!

As with Antonia’s the night before, there was no shrimp appetizer on the menu at La Trattoria. A shame! The primary industry in Key West 50 years ago was shrimping. It still is a big industry here. There are shrimping boats all over the place. It is not uncommon to see 20-30 going out or coming in while driving along the ocean.

But no one sells them as an appetizer. At least two of my favorite restauants. I did have them the other night at Hot Tin Roof.

So I ended up ordering the hogfish francasis special. I ate two thirds of the fish. Which was about a third too much! Did not touch the rice or other veggies.

Tasted so good!

I took a walk on Duval after dinner. The holiday season is obvious. Christmas decorations all over the place. Very pretty. Very comforting.

Although this is a quiet week in Key West, there were people on the street holidaying and partying.

I stopped at Lisa’s to see their Christmas tree on the way home. A beautiful tree! Warm!

Corey was in the living room reading. Lisa was in bed working on her lap top. Robert and Ally had fallen asleep in bed with Lisa. They looked like angels!

I instantly remembered when Lisa was my angel. Lisa is now 45 and Robert and Ally have replaced her.

Not really. Lisa will always be my angel! Robert and Ally have joined her.

Only 7 days to Christmas! Is your shopping done? If not, go to Lisa’s Key West internet department store to shop. Many funky and fabulous gifts. Convenient and reasonable. www.viakeywest.com.

Enjoy your day!

This is the day!

Radio show at 1 pm!

The Key West Lou Legal Hour!

Listen in! On radio at KONK 1680 AM. On internet world wide at www.ustream.tv/channel/konk-am. You can see as well as hear on the u stream internet site. See me live!

If it moves you, call in with a question or comment. 305-294-2769. Or text me at the u stream internet site.

Golf yesterday!

I played pretty good. Did not score. But had some great holes and some great shots.

Sunk 2 long putts of about 15-20 feet. Chipped in once from the rough off the green from about 12 feet.

I felt good!

I did not win.I did not lose. Ended up tying with Tom for the winner position. Yankee lost. It was close, however. Yankee only had to pay Tom and I $2 each.

When I lose, it is $20. When I win, $2. I cannot win!

It was fun, however.

Don, David and Larry played also. In another 3 some.

David has 3 weeks off from work so he is taking advantage of the time to play golf. It was good to see you on the golf course, David! Larry returned to golf a few weeks ago after shoulder replacement surgery. He could not play for several months. His mental stimulation was missed at the 19th hole during his absence. I did not realize it till yesterday. Welcome back, Larry!

I had to run some errands after golf.

One was to Mendy’s office for copies of some paperwork. Mendy is a lovely lady. Preppy. Martha’s Vineyard in appearance. Warm. Interesting. She has been partnered with Tonto for many years. What a name for a woman, Tonto. Different. Tonto is just as nice. Tonto works as the outside bartender at La Te Da.

Good people both. I am happy to call them friends.

Then to Walgreens. To pick up some drug prescription renewals.

Walgreens just instituted a new system. You do not have to call in for renewals if the prescription calls for renewals. Just show up on the appointed date and the prescription will be waiting for you.

I hope the new system expedites things. The line is always long and slow at Walgreens. Yet they have a lot of people working behind the drug counter. People hate the wait. I do, also. It does not seem necessary.

The delay was reaching the point where people were talking about it. It happens in a small town! CVS is Walreens competitior. No wait. Some were changing over to CVS. A problem existed and perhaps Walgreen’s became aware. We shall see.

I am back to normal. Diet seems to have locked in. So I am going out in the evening.

Bobby Nesbitt is back at Aqua on Wednesday nights at cocktail time. I have not seen him yet at the Aqua gig. Always good. Primarily locals. Gives me a chance to see many people I have come to like very much.

I got there about 6:30. No Bobby! Some crazy party going on with crazy people in attendance. Mark Watson bartending. Where is Bobby, I asked. Next week, he said. Private party tonight.

I felt bad. I enjoy Bobby Nesbitt. A talent!

I had a 7:30 reservation at Antonia’s. Marty was to meet me for dinner. So I walked over. Figured I would kill the time having a drink. A diet coke.

I had reserved the 2 seats at the end of the bar. The two that give you a full view of the rest of the bar and restaurant.

The Christmas decorations at Antonia’s were absolutely beautiful! Warm! Different! Such beauty! Stop in and take a look. Truly a wonderful and imaginative assemblage of things Christmas.

TK bartending. He was his usual jovial self. Explained how he and other staff did the decorating. What an effort! What a result!

This is a quiet week in Key West. The restaurant was basically empty. The bar full. In fact, some were standing waiting for a seat at the bar. The bar people were dining as well as drinking.

Barbara Grob showed up. Love Barbara. She is owner and operator of the Art Bar. Sells everything artish. Also has a couple of drinking bars at her establishment that sell saki martinis. A differnet type place. Very enjoyable.

Barbara looked outstanding last night. But then again, she looks that way all the time. At least every time I see her. She was dressed for Christmas. A bright red dress, great heels and dynamite black hair.

She hurried over when she saw me and gave me a hug and kiss. We chatted a bit. Then she was off to the other end of the bar to join friends for dinner.

Barbara made it big here in Key West. I remember when she started. A little store on Truman. She sold some art and beads. Did metal geckos herself at the back of the building.

Then she moved to a big store on White Street. Made it big there! Sold the same things, but on a larger scale in a better venue.

Barbara is a marketeer supreme! On White, she designed a tee shirt for women. Black with 2 white words. Art Slut.

A winner! Big time! Still sells them big time! And now for men also!

I am still on the diet. I intend to remain on it. I will. I am into it.

This morning is the end of the first week of the diet. I have lost 11 pounds. Yes, 11 pounds in one week. To be expected from 1,000 calories a day. Interestingly, my doctor told me I would lose 10 pounds the first week. I thought she was exaggerating. Apparently not. She further said I would lose 5 pounds a week thereafer. We shall see.

Eating out is a bit tricky on the diet. I intended to have a double shrimp cocktail last night. Antonia’s had no shrimp cocktail on the menu. I almost left.

I ended up ordering the Mahi Mahi special. It was just enough fish. A few vegetables. The problem was the butter sauce. I picked around it as well as I could. Yes, I enjoyed the meal. And yes, I took in too many calories I fear. But was it good!!!

I am getting sick of the Tiger stories. This morning’s news says his wife is headed to divorce court. Whatever. Leave these two alone to deal with their problem, not ours.

The weather continues to be outstanding. Close to summer weather. Low to mid 80s by day. Low to mid 70s by night. Unusual for this time of year.

However all good things come to an end. A cold front is on its way. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The high is projected in the high 60s. With evening lows in the 50s. It will be cold!

Donna telephoned last night. She was with Terri in Terri’s dressing room in New York. Terri was putting on her make up for her starring role in Finian’s Rainbow.

Donna’s daughter is getting married January 2 here in Key West. Donna will be back for the wedding. Terri cannot return. She has to stay for the show.

Donna asked me to be her escort at the wedding. An honor. Of course. However I first told her I don’t go out with married women. You will recall that she and Terri recently married.

I am honored. I look forward to seeing Donna and escorting the mother of the bride.

Eight days to Christmas. Much shopping yet to be done. Do some of it conveniently and reasonably at Lisa’s internet department store Via Key West. http://www.viakeywest.com/.

Enjoy your day!