Pope Francis is now with God. Actually, most of his life has been spent with God in one fashion or another. It would be difficult to find one person more God like.

He died. At the age of 88. A common man who placed the common people of the world first. I believe it was President Biden who described him as The People’s Pope.

Francis a commoner himself. As a young Argentinian worked as a bouncer in a night club. In due course, became a Jesuit priest. In later years, the first Jesuit to become Pope. Also the first individual from the Americas to become Pope.

He might be described as one who was a strange Pope. He rejected/refused the pomposity and regalia that went with the position. Refused to live in the Pope’s Chambers. Instead opted for a small bed in a room in another building. Refused also to to replete himself in the robes and finery the Papacy called for. Instead, wore white robes and black shoes.

In death, he could lie in St. Peter’s. This too he has rejected. He has directed he be buried in the ground of a nearby Church. Not in the special coffin of Popes. Rather in a simple wooden coffin. No special name or print on his tombstone. Merely “Franciscus.”

His Papal life relegated by the name Frances which he took when he became Pope. He named himself after St. Frances, the Saint of the Poor who lived a relatively poor life.

In about two weeks, Cardinals will begin the voting process to select a new Pope. Recognize for years, Popes were of European extraction. They controlled the Catholic Church. Frances I suspect may have made such a process impossible in the election of his successor. Frances went out of his way to nominate Cardinals from Africa, Asia and small places that never had one in previous years.

Africa has become a garden spot for the Catholic Church in recent years. A blooming area for Catholicism. Two or three black Cardinals were made by Francis. The next Pope could be an African.

Trump announced he and Melania will attend the Pope’s funeral service in St. Peter’s saturday. A disgrace, a shame. Not only because he lacks the moral qualities to sit at such an event, but because he was decidedly anti-Francis during his first term. Trump appointed Newt Gingrich’s wife Callista as U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican. She so served from 2017-2021. This gave Gingrich, who was was radical right, a position of influence and power in the Vatican. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were rightist and many MAGA thinking in their midst. The organization and Gingrich gave Francis a very hard time. Their game plan to overthrow Francis.

Trump should be given a seat in the last row of St. Peter’s.

Word is Elon Musk may soon cut dramatically back on the number of hours he is helping Trump. Musk’s businesses are suffering. Tesla’s first quarter earnings were down 71 percent for the first quarter of this year.

Musk has been screwing the American public. The American public are not fools. They are getting back at hm.

Our government is sticking its nose again where it does not belong. The government is considering paying the public not to use Google Search.

We are all aware how measles has gotten out of hand. Now joined by whooping cough.

The reason for the increase in both is the failure of parents to make sure their children have been vaccinated against the diseases. A thank you to RFK Jr. and others. Two diseases almost totally eradicated in the U.S. have returned and are on the rise.

An example of Trump’s “brilliance.” On this day in 2020, then President Trump suggested studying if COVID-19 could be treated by introducing disinfectant or UV lights into a human body.

Some baseball highlights.

The New York Yankees were first known as the New York Highlanders. The Highlanders won their first game this day in 1903 by beating the Washington Senators 7-2.

Baseball great Ted Williams hit his first home run for Boston this day in 1939. He was an expert fisherman also. He owned for many years a home on Islamorada.

Hank Aaron hit his first home run this day in 1954. The first of 755.

William Shakespeare was born this day in 1564.

A big day in Florida Keys history. On this day in 1982, the Florida Keys seceded from the Union. Quickly capitulated and surrendered. However has continued as the Conch Republic through the years.

I close with a wine disaster. An expensive one.

On this day in 1989, wine merchant William Sokolin broke a bottle of 1787 Chateau Margauy, possibly having belonged to Thomas Jefferson, worth $500,000, at the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City.

Enjoy your day!

“He has risen! He is not here!” Mark 16:6.

The Easter egg became popular following Christ having risen from the dead. The hard boiled egg came to symbolize Jesus’ empty tomb. Cracking the egg represented Christ leaving the tomb. The egg at the time was stained bright red. So colored in memory of the blood Christ shed at the time of His crucifixion.

May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand.

Happy Easter!

My good Greek friends Theos and Dina have returned. They are visiting Key West this week. Both are regular Key West visitors. Twice a year. I have known them some 15 years.

We had lunch together thursday. Maine lobster pizza while sitting on the Atlantic. The three of us devoured two of them!

I remained in last night as I will explain in a moment. Received a telephone call from Jean Thornton. She had been somewhere in Bahama Village to hear Larry Smith perform. While enjoying Larry, Theos and Dina came in. Larry announced here are Lou Petrone’s friends from Greece. They got to meet Jean. 

Jean called to let me know and how wonderful they were.

 I am celebrating Easter Sunday with Theos and Dina at Antonia’s. All the years they have been coming to Key West, they have never dined at Antonia’s. They are in for a treat!

The mass shooting at Florida State University a tragedy. Will we ever learn? I mentioned a few days ago prior to the FSU shooting how we still have not done the necessary to reduce shooting deaths.

I panicked when I received the call re the shootings. Robert and Ally are both students at FSU. I called Corey immediately and was told they were ok. Then called Robert and Ally. The shootings were just before noon. Fortunately and typically of college students, both were just getting up. Neither had classes till the afternoon. They were aware of the details involved, however.

Both were visibly upset. Grandfather Louis was also. I cried as I was talking with them. 

As those of you on in your years, you will recall fire drills while attending school. From grammar school all the way up. Today, these kids have shooting drills. Ergo all were prepared as what to do and what had to be done. Interesting to hear what Robert and Ally had to say. Even more interesting, what the media has conveyed how the students and police handled the situation. Everyone had it down to a science.

Another medical situation, another doctor. Yesterday it was Dr. Frank Don, a dermatologist.

I have not seen a dermatologist since before COVID. It was time. Over time. I have some growths, etc. The good doctor did the things dermatologists normally do. Swiftly took care of the minor problems. Two of some significance. He clipped a growth I have had behind one of my ears. It is still bleeding this morning. My bed pillow was a mess when I woke.

The other might be serious. A growth on my left ankle. He cut away. Being tested. The area still hurts this morning.

Excellent doctor and staff. I was impressed.

The 43rd annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration began yesterday and runs for 10 consecutive days. Fun every day all day. Craziness will bound! Like a pajama party at Sloppy Joe’s.

Trump continues trying to rewrite American history. He should not. What is is. Good, bad or indifferent. Truth is truth.

The 250th Anniversary of the United States is soon to be. Trump is all excited. He is either blind to the truth of American history or does not care. He will portray it as what he “wants it to be.” His actions an assault on history itself, an effort to sideline critical inquiry and purge the past of uncomfortable facts.

He is way off base in many instances. Especially where he is concerned. He once claimed he would have “crushed” a combined ticket of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Will we survive him?

Mae West is one of America’s famous actresses. Successful! Though her success was rooted in sex.

She was once jailed for obscenity. Made no difference. She became one of the world’s most successful sex symbols. Fans could not resist the offer: “Come up and see me some time.”

The American Revolution began the 18th day of April in 1775 at Lexington. Seven hundred British troops and seventy seven American Colonials. Later that day, the “shot heard around the world” was fired at Concord.

I close with might be described as “truth vs. literary license.”

Today historically relevant. Purportedly Paul Revere made his famous ride. The distinguished American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow made Paul Revere famous when he penned his famous poetical line “Listen my children, / And you shall hear / Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.”

One problem, however. It was not Paul Revere who was the hero in 1775 at the time the first shots were to be fired at Lexington. It was Israel Bissell. Historians suspect Longfellow took a bit of literary license. Bissell did not rhyme as well as Revere.

Paul Revere did ride, as well as several other men. Historians conclude Revere only rode between 1.5 and 20 miles shouting…..To arms, to arms the British are coming.

Israel Bissell rode 345 miles. The trip took 4 days 6 hours. He rode from Watertown, Massachusetts to Philadelphia. The trip was over the Old Post Road.

Enjoy your day!

Jimmy Buffett wrote about the Key West he discovered in the 1970’s. The people, streets, Mulberry Square.

He wrote and sang “I Have Found Me A Home.” Key words: “The days drift by, they don’t have names; / And none of the streets here look the same / And there are so many quiet places / And smilin’ eyes match their smilin’ faces…../ You can have everything else I own ’cause I have found me a home.”

Key West is into night turtle nesting time. Be careful when walking on the beaches. Also try to keep condo, etc. lights out near the beaches so turtles can lay their eggs safely and hatchings can find their way safely to the water. Turtles look to the moon to direct them to the ocean. Man made light from the condos and street lights screw them up. They believe the man made lights are the moon over the water and end up under car wheels and people’s feet.

Never made it to The Grand last night. A water pipe broke near the house and we were without water for several hours. Meant no shower or shaving for me if I were to go out without. Smelled “too good” for that so remained home. The water got hooked back up to close to the 4 pm time I was to be at The Grand. Required my canceling with my Greek friends Theos and Dina. We are having lunch instead tomorrow. Maine lobster pizza at Theos’ specific request!

Tonight, I will be at Brady’s Irish Pub. Lasagna the specialty. Excellent! Amazing how an Irish restaurant can prepare an excellent Italian dish! The cook probably a Cuban. That’s the way it is in Key West.

Key West City Attorney Ronald Ramsingh, Code Compliance Director James Young, and Building Department Director Rajindhar Ramsingh were indicted yesterday charged with attempting “to obstruct an ongoing law enforcement investigation.” The investigation of the three was conducted by the State Attorney and FBI.

Further details sparse at the moment.

The Garcia matter ongoing. Trump not bending. A Constitutional confrontation with the Courts in the making. Trump could not be more wrong. A Court resolution may not be possible. American people upset. Also upset with the many problems arising out of the tariffs. A coup in the making? 

The situation stinks! 

Joe Biden finally speaking up. Time for him to be heard. He spoke yesterday in defense of Social Security and to make people aware of what could occur with the program if Trump has his way.

Welcome back President Biden!

You have to admire Harvard University. Trump has attacked Harvard. They have refused to bend the knee even though Trump is taking away Harvard’s tax exempt status and is freezing $2.2 billion in federal funding.

Donald, get your ass out of college and university education. There are some things you cannot control. Higher education one. Harvard is not “stupid” as you have charged. You are if you think a President should control what colleges and universities teach.

Pennsylvania’s Gov. Shapiro’s home was fire bombed. The Governor, his family and guests were asleep at the time. The Jewish holiday was being celebrated.

The culprit has been caught and charged with arson and attempted murder. The house damaged big time. Fortunate the State Police got everyone out safely.

This crap has to stop! These things are not supposed to happen in the U.S. 

On this day in 2007, 32 persons were gunned down at Virginia Tech.  The sadness the event itself. Even worse, that gun control not that much better since 2007.

Today is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s birthday. He is 78.

“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Henry Stanley’s famous words when he finally located the missionary, doctor and explorer in Africa in 1871.

Dr. Livingstone died 3 years later. His body arrived home this day in 1874 in Southampton for burial.

Turkey is the home to the largest underground city. Now called Derinkuyu. Eighteen levels deep. Constructed in 1200 BCE. At one time housed 20,000 people.

I close with our “good friend” Russia.

Russia was difficult to trust even in the early days of World War II. 

On this day in 1939, Stalin proposed an alliance with Britain and France to counter Nazi Germany. The Soviets later signed a secret agreement with the Nazis.

Roosevelt and Churchill had their hands full in dealing with Stalin during World war II.

Enjoy your day!

It was a day of days for Rory McIlroy yesterday. He finally won the Masters Golf tournament after 17 tries. The last 11 the most important. Eleven years ago, Rory had won three of the four major golf tournaments. Great in golf is winning all four. The Masters is one of the four. Only 5 golfers prior to yesterday had won all four. Referred to in golf parlance as the Grand Slam. The five Sarazan, Hogan, Player, Nicklaus and Woods.

Yesterday, Mc Ilroy’s name was placed next to the five. He achieved recognized greatness.

Mc Ilroy’s path to the fourth win  in the Masters was not easy. He just never seemed to make it in the many Masters he played. It was emotional for him.

At one point yesterday, he had a four stroke lead. Victory obviously was to be his. Turned out not to be so. He had two double bogeys and a bogey. Began yesterday with a double bogey also before going on an exemplary run which made it appear he was the obvious winner. DeChambeau faded. Others crept up towards number one. Near the end, Justin Morgan sat there. In the end, McIlroy had to struggle to tie Morgan for the number one spot.

McIlroy won the match on the first playoff hole with a birdie.

It was at this point, McIlroy’s emotions erupted. Like no golfer before him. The win was important to him. He wanted the Grand Slam and to be recognized with the previous five greats named. He fell to his knees and cried like a baby. His emotions continued to be obvious as he made the long walk to receive the Green Jacket.

You cried with him. Felt his emotion. Were happy for his achievement.

His victory brought to mind Greg Norman’s loss in the Masters in 1996. Norman had a 6 shot lead in the final round. He fell apart and lost. Nick Faldo beat him by 5 strokes.

One loses, one wins. The way the game is. Golf is extremely difficult. A player no matter how good never knows if he will screw up his next shot. And in some instances, several thereafter.

Well deserved congratulations to McIlroy!

Things we do not hear till a calamity is final.

Dominos is hurting. Closed 800 stores last year. More expected to be closed this year.

TGI Fridays in similar trouble. TGI has already closed 125 facilities this year.

Tomatoes have a strange history. Once considered a “stinking poison apple.” It was claimed tomatoes caused vomiting. The fear of eating tomatoes lasted 200 years.

In the mid 1500s, tomatoes were viewed as an aphrodisiac. Led to them being considered evil – a source of temptation.

The leaves were toxic. The tomato itself acquired the reputation and people began avoiding them. Fear grew rampant.

Obviously not true today. One of man’s favorite foods.

Bathrooms relatively modern facilities.

Bathrooms began appearing in the late 1800s. Chamber pots and outhouses were used prior thereto.

The waste product alone not the sole problem. The smell was.

Though the “complete” bathroom was found in most upper class homes by the late 1800s, they were not common in working class households till the middle 1900s. The cost of piping and construction were prohibitive.

I know. You have to be my age to recall. My first bathroom/toilet in my early years was an outhouse.

On this day in 1865, John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln in the head at Ford’s Theatre. Lincoln died the next day.

Another early event on this day. The year 1912. The Titanic hit the iceberg.

Political Playbook makes reference to “The Trump tariff tango.” An apt description.

Some Key West items.

Square Grouper has a “Sunday Brunch” on saturdays and sundays.

Key West had a Hands Off protest on April 5 together with the rest of the country. Key West’s took place on the 1300 block of White Street in front of the National Weather Service building. Six hundred participated.

I close with mention of my good friends Theos and Dina.

Theos and Dina are residents of Greece. They visit Key West 2-3 times a year.

Their first trip this year finds them arriving later today. 

I have known them for years. They are good friends. I look forward to the time I will be spending with them.

Enjoy your day!

The anticipated increase cost factor hit me right in the face yesterday. An example of how things are going to work. I describe it as “a penny here, a dollar there.”

I was at Publix to pick up a few things. Yogurt one of the items. The same yogurt I have been purchasing for some time. Publix brand. The kind where the fruit is in the bottom and has to be mixed. Cost has been $.56. Yesterday, $.57. Only a penny. Nevertheless, an increase. I went to the bakery department to pick up a container of sliced loaf cake. A once a week purchase for me. I buy the sliced. Cost has been $5.99. Yesterday, $6.99. Up one dollar.

A penny here, a dollar there. That is the way it is going to happen. The way it is going to be.

Sucks!

Numbers count. Better if accurate. Trump keeps talking about the number of countries that want to talk. If I recall correctly, the most recent number 70. For real? The administration’s numbers re a number of things are not always correct. We are told these countries want to talk. Tell us about results, not the alleged number and a 90 day delay. Give us something to rely on.

I mentioned yesterday Garcia might be dead. Such was why no information was forthcoming to the Court. Later yesterday, the Court was advised he was in jail in El Salvador. Thank you. Something we all suspected.

He may still be dead and the information false. Give us something firmer.

Nayib Bukele is El Salvador’s Presidnet. He will be in Washington tomorrow for talks with Trump. Perhaps my cynical lawyer training is at work. Could it be that Bukele will bring Garcia with him or announce with Trump that he will be released this week? Then Trump can take, per his usual custom, credit for Garcia’s return. He succeeded where the Courts failed!

Would not surprise me. A typical Trump ploy.

Whatever, let’s get Garcia home!

I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon yesterday watching the Masters. Today will be even more exciting. McIlroy and DeChambeau will go at it for the Championship, though others have a shot at winning also. McIlroy leads the tournament by two strokes.

One of my pleasures in life was traveling to watch major golf tournaments. I have seen many.

One specially came to mind Thursday when the Masters began. Tradition plays a huge role in the Masters. Certain former Masters winners tee off to begin the tournament. Old timers who no longer play. One of those Thursday was Jack Nicklaus. I have not seen him personally or on TV in years. As I have, he got old. Walked a bit wobbly, his physique a bit on the heavier side, his face wrinkled. His humor still there, however.

The greats merely hit a drive to begin the tournament.

Nicklaus quipped as he went to tee up to the effect he hoped he could get the ball on the tee, etc. 

He did and drove the ball well. 

Brought to mind a tournament I saw many years ago in which Nicklaus played. I forget which tournament and which hole. However, I was there on a particular hole standing off to the side when Nicklaus hit again. The ball landed about 10 feet on the fairway from me. Nicklaus next shot was a toughie. The hole was about 70 yards away. However between Nicklaus and the hole was a tree. Not the tallest nor the shortest. High enough however to make it impossible to hit the ball over and onto the green.

The distance between the ball and the tree was about 10 yards. An impossible shot.

Nicklaus stood behind the ball like forever and seemed in deep thought. He then walked up to the tree and looked directly up for a few seconds. Again, in deep thought. Returned to his ball and stood behind it again merely starring.

Nicklaus was meditating. He was thinking his shot.

He hit the ball up and over the tree and it landed one foot from the pin. The man had thought the shot through. He mentally made a hell of a shot. An impossible one.

A thrill to have watched!

Never made Mamma Mia at the Key West High School last night. Went to buy a ticket in advance at noon. Door locked. No one selling tickets at the time. The show scheduled to begin at 7. That meant the door to seats would open at 6. Ticket sales beginning at 5 or 5:30. The last thing I wanted was to have to stand to buy a ticket and then stand to get a seat. I am back to the cane.

So I spent a pleasant evening at home. Enjoyed two movies.

The first was The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit. A 1956 winner starring Gregory Peck and Jennifer Jones. Excellent! It had been years since I saw the movie. I recall having read the book before the movie. The book by Sloan Wilson had been published a year before in 1955 and was an instant hit. I could not wait to see the movie when it came out.

It was early so I decided there was still time to do a Mamma Mia night. I watched Mamma Mia starring Meryl Streep. I probably have seen the movie a dozen times. Love it! Great story base surrounded by outstanding music.

Enjoy your Sunday!

The courts should stop screwing with the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case.  No more! Call federal officials as witnesses. Put them under oath.

My fear is Garcia is dead. Has been dead and the federal government does not know how to explain it.

The District Court Judge has been tough. Could have been tougher. Call witnesses to the stand!

The Supreme Court sounded as if it sided with Garcia. Could have been tougher. Its meager statement (not a decision) weak. Should have pounded the nails in where they belonged. Trump is making a fool of the Supreme Court.

June 14th may turn out to be a day of days. It is a day of national celebration. Flag Day as always. Also the birthday of the U.S. Army. This year of special significance as it is the Army’s 250th anniversary.

Turns out it is also Donald Trump’s birthday. His 79th. He was born June 14, 1946.

Rumor has it Donald wants a big European military parade. The type the U.S. does not do. Not part of our nature. The type Hitler did. The type that Russia, North Korea and China do today. As well as France. Europeans love military show off events.

Trump has frequently commented how he likes them also. He went crazy once during his first term while in France and seated next to Macron at one. Returned home and in due course suggested one for his birthday which also fell on Flag Day. His idea went over like a lead balloon when it was discovered the event would cost $91 million.

Things must have changed since Trump’s first term. Money must abound, be all over the place. Can waste what would probably cost more than $100 million today. At a time when Medicaid is being cut and Social Security is under attack. At a time when Trump’s Tariff War is increasing prices and inflation.

Trump denies he wants or is pushing such a military parade. Should we believe him? In his present autocratic nature, anything is possible. The military parade probable.

Trump loves to threaten war. Now, it’s Iran. Iranian nuclear weapons the issue. Negotiations beginning. Trump says if negotiations fail, war possible. Some day someone is going to take Donald seriously and such will occur. This could be the time. Or, perhaps China.

Appreciate a war would involve destruction on our shores also. Missiles, bombs and ground troops. The ocean a meaningless barrier today. If it is Iran, such a war would involve other Middle East nations also.

Trump will not have to worry about Donald Jr. and Eric going off to war as they are too old. However, Barron is not. He is at the exact age to fight.

This time there will be no bone spurs. Americans will accept no excuses. Melania will suffer the pain all mothers do.

Two giants in a tariff war. Crazy. One money. The other an actual shooting war.

What is Trump up to? You don’t fuck with China. It looks like Trump wants a shooting war. God forbid!

We are pushing towards a recession. Prices and inflation will be up.

Thank you, Donald. Me thinks you have made an error in judgment.

The bond market a fearful sign. The strength of the U.S. economy measured by it. Now in a crisis mode. The U.S. will have to pay buyers a higher interest rate on a shorter term bond.

Credit always a concern. Governments no different than people when it comes to credit. Napoleon worried about credit even as he was conquering Europe. Lincoln tracked the price of Union bonds as intensely as the movement of Union troops. Even in 1939 as World War II was beginning, the bond markets signaled that the U.S., Britain and France were stronger than Germany, Japan and the Soviet Union. Which proved true in the final analysis.

As expected, RFK Jr. is going to make a mess of things. Beware!

I am ashamed of the major law firms that are capitulating to Trump. They are bending the knee for economic reasons. Sad because they are one of the two last U.S. bastions of freedom. Lawyers always stood firm in defending rights and respecting people. The trend is contrary now.

The other guardian of our rights are the people themselves. The protests speak well that a growing number of Americans do not support Trump’s tactics in general.

Education is under attack. Getting rid of federal oversight of public education is one thing. Even worse is Trump’s attack on colleges and universities. Thinking minds mut be left free to think. Simply stated. My college years did more to develop my mind than anything else. Many bugs of thought planted during college and university years become the ways our society will live tomorrow. Education at the highest levels must not be managed, controlled or dictated.

I was contemplating a European trip in a few months. No more. The world too uncertain.

Would you believe, the U.S. once banned sliced bread? Yes, during World War II.

We banned it January 18, 1943. The reason was to preserve the nation’s supply of alloyed steel which was used to build slicing machines and wax paper which was required in a thicker wrapper in order to preserve bread.

American mothers, who had given up their sons and everything else to help the war effort, said “No way!”

God bless mothers!

The Civil War began this day in 1861 when the Confederates opened fire on Union held Fort Sumter in South Carolina’s Charleston Harbor. The bombing lasted 34 hours, involved 50 Confederate guns and mortars which launched more than  4,000 rounds on the Fort.

At the end, the American flag remained flying. However, the Civil War had begun.

I close with my last night.

Enjoyed Corolla, dinner and watching the Masters at Brady’s Irish Pub. Plus a number of friends I had not seen in a while.

Tonight, I plan on watching Mamma Mia at the Key West High School. Hope I make it!

Enjoy your day!

Missed a few days of blogs. Sorry. My age continues to catch up with me. One problem after another.

Anyhow, said screw it and went out last night. It was Boys’ Night Out. Last one of the season. Did not want to miss it. Had a ball!

Boys’ Night Out is the brain child of Fred Klein. He put it together about 4 years ago and has kept it going. The men meet once a month during season. All successful in their respective fields. Some retired, some still going. At 89, I was the oldest. The youngest 44. Most in their mid 60s to 70s.

Topics covered…..Everything! Sports, sex, politics, Truman, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, among others last night. 

We met at the restaurant 915. Had a private room upstairs. Heather the manager and Anna our waitress took good care of us. The food was outstanding. We enjoyed appetizers for the table and each a main course. I had the fish special. Not sure what it was, but can attest it was delicious.

The booze flowed. Wine by the bottle. Hard liquor otherwise. I have had to stop drinking because of my heart and liver. Went for it last night, however. First drink in more than a year. Enjoyed two gins on the rocks. 

The men involved each a success in their respective fields. Contributed to the quality of the discussions. Each dinner meeting the best I have ever been a part of.

Fred Klein is in his early 80s. A retired New York labor lawyer.

Dave Berger a retired anesthesiologist who also can write. I published a few of his works three years ago. I continue motivating him to write more. The man has talent.

Lou Celi. I had coffee at his home a couple of weeks ago. An economist and publisher. His Trump observations professional.

Mike Keenan. A major professional sports figure. Hockey his game. Coached the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994. The team’s first in 50 years. A successful author in his senior years. The book “Iron Mike.” He has also coached in Russia and China. A Putin acquaintance.

Scott Beauprie. Hope I spelled his name correctly. Retired. He was a first time visitor to Boys’ Night Our. I’m confident he will return.

Nate Gubin. The youngster in the group at 44. A carpenter for 20 years. Now a successful author.

Reiley McDonald. The horse man’s person. The professional’s professional in horse racing.. Advises, buys and sells, and assists in developing racing horses. He maintains offices in many locations. Maintains a large farm in Louisville, also. His horses have successfully won in all of the Triple Crown races. 

Last but not least, me.

A special night. A night of nights. Most snowbirds and returning home. We will not meet again till next January. I hope I am still around.

Enjoy your day!

Amazing! It is turning into 1929 again. Many experts feel a recession may be imminent. No one suggesting a depression yet.

The last two days have been amazing. Actually, the past two weeks the way the market has dropped. Thursday was 1,679 points. Friday could not be worse. It was. The stock market closed 2,231 points down.

What will monday hold? More of the bad I suspect.

Yesterday marked the first time ever that the stock market closed down more than 1,500 points on back to back days.

Congratulations Donald! You are doing one hell of a job. You warned there would be some pain. Sounded like a little pain. This pain is horrendous. Will be horrible if it continues for very long.

Americans are concerned. No, worried! Your Liberation Day is turning rapidly into a disaster. Take it back! We want no more of this type gift.

Even those who supported you in the last election are starting to shit their pants! Donald, you have wrought an Apocalypse on them!

While most Americans were cringing watching the market drop yesterday, our esteemed President could be seen riding a golf cart in Florida. He is trying to work a deal where the two major golf leagues merge and play many, if not most of their tournaments, on his golf courses world wide. Donald was in Florida trying to maneuver things favorably for himself and his Saudi Arabian friends.

Son Eric announced this week that he had moved much of the Trump business into crypto some time ago. Makes me even more uncomfortable.

Donald says no deals. The tariff numbers will stick. Yet this morning’s news announces Trump and Great Britain are talking. a deal may be around the corner. Of course, the Great Britain tariff was a mere 10 percent.

One of the Trump males, Eric or Donald Jr., said this week those who pursued negotiations first would get the best deals. Those who wait till the end will be hurt. How does this tie in with the President’s words of no deals for anyone?

Millionaires don’t count anymore. One has to be a billionaire to be of concern.  What the President is attempting economically will help billionaires. How many even have 401(k)s? Many millionaires still do. The name of the game is to make it possible for the government to cut a huge tax cut for the very rich. Screw everyone else!

There is presently pending a bill before Congress to give the very rich that tax cut Donald promised. One that sounds like it will benefit everyone, but in reality only the very rich. The people got bullshitted again.

At my age and with diminishing funds and who knows what is going to happen to Social Security, I have to consider going into a business again. History a great teacher. I am going to arrange to obtain bushels of apples on a regular basis. Then began selling them on street corners. Like back in the 1930s. A nickel, dime, or quarter a piece? Probably a quarter. I have to eat, to survive.

In a few weeks, Donald has destroyed 80 years of good will and economic success. Other countries must stand up to the U.S. and say no more. They will make deals of all kinds with other nations. It will take years, if at  all, for the U.S. to return to the position of power it experienced since the end of World War II.

Is there still time to salvage things? I don’t know. 

I will not close with my usual “Enjoy your day!” Rather, it is with TRY to enjoy your day! Significant worry now a part of our everyday mentality.

And yet there are still things to celebrate.

My beloved friends from Buffalo and frequent Key West visitors Fran and Tom Dixon. Today one of major celebration for them. A big party!

It is their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations!

They are having a major party to celebrate some other significant happenings in their lives. Like their daughter Frances Jo’s promotion to full bird Colonel in the USAF. A biggie! And Grandson William’s birthday.

Enjoy! Sorry I will not be with you.

Yesterday’s 1600 plus stock market drop speaks for itself. Trump said his plan was going to be a “boom.” It was.

Trump’s tariff plan took on most of the world. Appeared to be all, but was not. He even took into account an island or two only inhabited by penguins. However his plan failed to include Russia and North Korea. Why?

What will today bring? I suspect another negative stock market reading. Hopefully no where as bad as yesterday’s.

To the good things in life.

My MRI came out good. A relief! Still don’t know why my liver reading is off. Another blood test monday morning.

An enjoyable wednesday evening. Brady’s Irish Pub. Two biggies. Carolla and lasagna.

Carolla takes good care of me. Brought me Irish scones she had baked that day. With the add ons this time. Irish butter, English double cream and jelly. Took them home to enjoy. Two wednesday night and two yesterday. Delicious!

It has been more than a year since Brady’s served lasagna. It used to be a wednesday special. Am Irish pub specializing in an Italian dish! 

The lasagna was outstanding!  Try it. A winner. Even the Caesar salad and bread that accompanied it.

Ran into Bob Cerkleski that I had met the week before. He owns the art and and antique store on Fleming Street next to Fausto’s.

Met Bill and Hanna from Cape May, New Jersey. We were sitting next to each other at the bar. Retired folks, they own a condo in Key West. They were returning home yesterday as Hanna had grandmother duties to perform on monday.

Bill is retired from law enforcement. He was a prison chief. Hanna a retired administrator from the Department of Corrections. She and Bill met years ago when both were involved in police work.

They have been doing Key West for 13 years. Now their retirement home. They have two grown children and three grandchildren.

I am confident I will run into them when they return in the Fall. At Brady’s, of course.

The market opens in less than an hour. I expect my 401(k) to take another beating. Is my Social Security next? These are uncomfortable times. The loss already pisses me off. I, as all of you, worked hard to accumulate a savings. Bugs me that a third party is screwing it up. The person who supposedly is there to protect us and ours.

Enjoy your day!